In the event you’re searching for a mid-range 4K TV that comes with high-end options and large image high quality, two of 2021’s most tempting units would be the Samsung Q80A and the Sony X90J.
The Sony Bravia XR X90J is Sony’s mainstream hero LED TV. Obtainable in 4 display sizes, beginning at 50 inches, it’s a well-equipped 4K HDR flatscreen with full array backlight for glorious distinction, and slim beauty.
The Samsung Q80A is a worthy opponent. It’s additionally a direct-lit full array mannequin, out there in numerous display sizes relying on area. Like its Sony rival, it employs AI processing for sharper, extra naturalistic photographs, and boasts an immersive audio system made from a number of audio system across the display.
Each of those units are designed to be barely greater than price range fashions, however far more reasonably priced than the very costly fashions that prime our information to one of the best TVs. They’re particularly good worth should you’re taking a look at bigger sizes – for instance, these are completely two of one of the best 75-inch TVs, as a result of they’ve high-end picture processing to make issues look nice at a big measurement the place imperfections would change into clear… however they don’t seem to be hideously priced.
They’re each nice in any respect sizes, although, and in each respect they’re carefully matched. Let’s evaluate and distinction so you possibly can see which could swimsuit you higher…
Samsung Q80A vs Sony X90J: Value & sizes
Within the UK, the Samsung takes an early lead with decrease costs than the Sony throughout all display sizes, however the within the US and Australia the tables are turned, and its Sony who takes the pricing lead.
The Q80A is offered within the UK in 50-, 55-, 65-, and 75-inch fashions (QE50Q80A, QE55Q80A, QE65Q80A, QE75Q80A), priced £1,099, £1,099, £1,699 and £2,299 respectively.
Within the US, the Q80A vary is out there in 50-, 55-, 60-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch sizes (QN50Q80A, QN55Q80A, QN565Q80A, QN75Q80A, QN85Q80A,). These promote for $1,149, $1,249, $1,399, $2,699, $2,999.
In Australia, the Q80A is just out there in two sizes: 55- and 65-inches, (QA55Q80A QA65Q80A, priced AU$2,349 and AU$2,749.
The extra expensive Sony Bravia XR X90J vary includes 50-, 55-, 65- and 75-inch fashions (XR-50X90J, XR-55X90J, XR-65X90J, XR-75X90J), priced at £1,249, £1,399, £1,799, and £2,599 respectively.
In Australia the identical display sizes are priced AU$1,795, AU$1,995, AU$2,495, and AU$3,695.
The US X90J can be out there in 50-, 55-, 65- and 75-inch display sizes, priced at $1,099, $1,199, $1,399 and $2,099 respectively, so Sony takes the lear right here.
You’ll find the present lowest costs for all fashions right here, since reductions are already making these costs fluctuate.
Samsung Q80A vs Sony X90J: Design and connectivity
The Sony X90J is a handsome tv, with an ultra-slim fake steel bezel. Oddly, stand choices differ in accordance with display measurement. From 55-inches up, the TV comes with adjustable ft: you possibly can decide to position these centrally or to the sting. Take the smaller 50-inch set dwelling, although, and the ft are fastened huge.
The Samsung is comparably neat, however comes with a extra typical centre pedestal stand.
Sony wins on the subject of connectivity. It has 4 HDMI inputs, certainly one of which is eARC enabled. Crucially, two of this HDMI quartet are 4K 120fps prepared for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Sequence X. There may be additionally help promised for Variable Refresh Price and Auto Low Latency compliance sooner or later, through an replace.
Different connections embrace two USBs, Ethernet, a digital optical output, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
The Samsung Q80A additionally comes with 4 HDMIs, however just one is HDMI 2.1 and helps 4K 120fps. There’s additionally eARC, ALLM and FreeSync VRR available. Different connections embrace a digital optical audio output, and two USB ports, plus Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
The Sony X90J has a single, commonplace concern distant management. The Samsung Q80A ships with a new-style solar-powered distant.
The Sony X90J includes a sharp-looking body.
(Picture credit score: Sony)
Samsung Q80A vs Sony X90J: Image & sound
Each the X90J and Q80A are full-array backlit LED fashions, in a position to ship excessive common brightness and robust HDR efficiency. AI image processing is a key ingredient in each image processors.
The X90J makes use of the brand new Sony Cognitive Processor XR processor, stated to carry a human-like interpretation to AI-driven picture evaluation. XR Dynamic Distinction Enhancer and XR HDR Remaster know-how are additionally available to provide common SDR content material a lift in colors and distinction in order that they’re nearer to HDR, and Sony is a frontrunner at this.
Nevertheless, the X90J lacks X-Broad Angle know-how, discovered greater up in Sony’s vary, which suggests it drops color and distinction when not seen fairly straight on – not an issue in some instances, however might be annoying in a household room the place persons are unfold round.
In contrast to the Samsung Q80A, there’s help for Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR (plus common HDR10 and HLG), plus a Netflix Calibrated viewing mode with IMAX Enhanced certification.
The QLED Q80A is built-around Samsung’s Quantum Processor 4K. It makes use of a Quantum Dot color filter for superior color constancy, and employs commonplace native dimming.
Nevertheless, there’s no help for Dolby Imaginative and prescient – a long-standing bugbear with Samsung’s TVs – as an alternative it throws its weight behind HDR10+, which is significantly much less well-supported by precise films and TV reveals.
It does boast Broad Viewing Angle know-how although, enhancing off axis viewing; positioning isn’t as crucial as it’s with the Sony X90J.
In terms of audio, each the Sony and Samsung units go one step past.
The X90J options an Acoustic Multi Audio system which includes two downward going through audio system, plus two sound positioning tweeters. Energy output is rated at 2x10W.
The Q80A counters with OTS (Object Monitoring Sound) Lite. Digital processing is used to provide the impression that the display’s audio system is definitely coming ahead from the panel moderately than down-firing.
Couple the Q80A to soundbar that helps Samsung’s Q Symphony characteristic (you will discover some right here in our information to one of the best soundbars for Samsung TVs) and also you’ll additionally profit from an orchestrated sound system that mixes the audio system within the soundbar with these within the TV for a bigger soundstage.
The Sony X90J is absolutely Dolby Atmos suitable, piping out high-quality audio to a soundbar over HDMI eARC. The Samsung would not decode Dolby Atmos – it may well go Atmos audio over HDMI to a suitable soundbar should you’re watching one thing with an Atmos soundtrack from its built-in apps, although.
The Samsung Q80A is well-made and a little bit of a looker.
(Picture credit score: Samsung)
Samsung Q80A vs Sony X90J: Good platform
Samsung will get a tick within the win column on the subject of good performance, significantly should you’re large into good dwelling devices.
The X90J is extra home-cinema oriented, and runs Google TV, a extra user-friendly replace to the Android TV OS. It has loads of streaming choices, together with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
Sony additionally affords Bravia Core, a high-quality film streaming service. This affords quite a lot of free-to-watch traditional and up to date films from the Sony Photos archive, with the choice to pay for newer titles. Bravia Core makes use of high-bitrate Pure Stream know-how to attain near UHD Blu-ray high quality. Google Chromecast is inbuilt, and there’s Amazon Alexa and Siri on-board, plus Apple AirPlay 2.
The Q80A is constructed on Samsung’s personal Tizen good platform. It’s equally properly served with apps and good options, with a full choice of apps and catch-up companies, together with all the massive names. It additionally throws in management help for Samsung SmartThings good dwelling gadgets, although, which is an effective vary of .
In terms of digital assistants, you have obtained Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant on the Samsung. There’s even a Good Coach characteristic designed to help dwelling exercises and monitor your stats.
Samsung Q80A vs Sony X90J: Verdict
The Samsung Q80A and X90J are carefully matched, however refined variations ought to aid you resolve which is your higher purchase.
House cinema followers will recognize that Sony affords Dolby Imaginative and prescient on the XR X90J, alongside IMAX Enhanced certification. It additionally has a extremely efficient XR Distinction booster, though the dearth of X-Broad Angle know-how is disappointing (however is not a problem should you solely ever watch it straight-on).
Samsung affords higher off axis viewing for a household room, however has to concede on the connectivity entrance, providing just one futureproofed 4K 120Hz HDMI enter, whereas Sony has two.
Film followers and players will in all probability really feel extra at dwelling with the Sony X90J general, although if the Samsung stays cheaper, it actually justifies itself at that value.
