GamesRadar+ is supported by the audience. When you make a purchase through a link on our website, we may receive affiliate commissions. Learn more
Written by Steve May Posted on December 15th 21
Sony's Perfect for PlayStation mid-range LED TV leads the trend with a smart cognitive intelligent image processor and immersive audio
Sony's Perfect for PlayStation mid-range LED TV leads the trend with a smart cognitive intelligent image processor and immersive audio
The Sony X90J is the best mid-range 4K HDR LED TV we have seen from this brand in years. It combines an innovative feature set, first-class AI-supported image processing, and specifications that should meet the most demanding spec seekers-HDR (high frame rate) 4K support, and novel PS5 automatic game optimization features-firmly integrate it into the most The best PS5 TV and the best gaming TV field-as well as a sound system that rewards full action games.
More importantly, its current price will not bankrupt the bank (just cut the price). There are a few caveats though, so please keep reading...
You would expect the Sony Bravia flat screen to look beautiful on a dinner date, and the X90J will not disappoint. Because it uses a full-array backlight, it is slightly thicker than the competitor's edge-lit model, at 70 mm, but considering the image advantages brought by the FALD backlight, we are happy to accommodate some extra inches.
Useful is that the kit has adjustable feet, can be inserted (no need for cumbersome screws), can be inserted to the edge of the kit or towards the center. Sony describes it as a 2-way Slim Blade stand, which is really helpful when choosing AV furniture; if you want to add a (matching Sony) soundbar, it can also provide space. However, the 50-inch model does not have adjustable feet, you know.
Connectivity includes four HDMI inputs, although only two HDMI supports 4K 120fps, this is still sufficient for those with dual console setups, and certainly enough to make it a powerful guide to shooting our best 120Hz 4K TV competitor. As of this writing, variable refresh rate support is waiting for a firmware update to enable it. Other connections include digital optical output, two USBs, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and if you prefer a wired network, you can also use Ethernet. Quite cleverly, X90J will automatically optimize the picture parameters for PlayStation 5 HDR games, and automatically confirm whether the console is playing video content or games, and exchange presets accordingly.
The basic game performance of the suit is very good, and the input delay is reassuringly low. We measured a delay of 17.2 milliseconds (1080/60) when the game mode was enabled.
X90J uses the new Google TV smart platform, which seems to be a more content-oriented version of the regular Android TV operating system. There are many program recommendations on the homepage.
We have a lot of applications to choose from, including Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+ and Prime Video, but these applications have poor service in terms of catching up with TV. Since there is no Freeview Play tuner for UK buyers, it lacks basic functions such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub and My5. But we did get All4. At least Android staples Chromecast and Google Assistant have already joined.
The X90J is not inferior in terms of image clarity, and its pictures are deep and dramatic. The magic ingredient here is undoubtedly Sony's innovative new Cognitive XR processor. The Japanese giant uses an AI image processing method that is very different from its competitors, allowing its chips to focus on areas that naturally dominate your line of sight. The technology aims to replicate how we view objects in real life by focusing on natural focal points. To this end, it divides the screen into multiple areas to determine the location of the "focus". Then focus on those parts of the picture; competitors' AI technology mainly tries to identify specific picture elements in the entire picture.
Picture modes include: vivid, standard, cinema, graphics, photo, IMAX Enhanced and custom. Standard and Cinema are my preferred presets for most content. The contrast is sharp and the black details are good. As we have determined, the X90J uses full array local dimming, which proves to be accurate enough for deep blacks and subtle shadow details without excessive halo. The suit also has a good overall picture brightness, making it very suitable for rooms with strong ambient light. Sony's XR Contrast Booster technology and XR HDR Remaster technology provide HDR enhancements for regular HD SDR content.
The environment optimization sensor dynamically monitors the available light in your viewing room and adjusts the picture in the background. But please pay attention to the position of the screen, because it will reduce the contrast and lose the color intensity when viewed off-axis.
HDR performance is top-notch. We measured an HDR peak brightness of approximately 900 nits, which is enough to add credibility to the flickering specular highlights, lens flares, and lighting effects. Supports Dolby Vision content, as seen in Netflix and Disney+ shows, but does not support HDR10+, which is favored by Amazon Prime Video. It also has a Netflix-calibrated movie mode and IMAX Enhanced certification, just for good measure.
PlayStation 5 users will also appreciate the set's automatic HDR tone mapping and automatic type picture mode. When triggered by the PS5, the TV will self-optimize the picture balance for maximum detail and color fidelity. Similarly, the automatic type picture mode will automatically switch to the game mode during the game to minimize input delay, but if you are watching a movie from a streaming service or Blu-ray disc, it will return to the standard mode.
X90J's cognitive processor XR is not only suitable for video. It can also process audio and parse the audio signal to better match what's happening on the screen. The TV uses Sony's acoustic multi-audio system, which sounds good. In addition to the downward-firing drivers, there are two additional side tweeters located on the top of the unit. These help to create an amazingly loud sound field, moving the sound waves to the left, right and up. They may be a bit bumpy, emphasizing the high pitch, if the crew's 2x10W power plant is used a bit too enthusiastically, just relax.
If you are pursuing high-performance 4K LEDs with good gaming performance, HFR 4K support, and excellent image quality, then X90J should be regarded as a top contender. I think this is a particularly good screen for bright room games, although being limited to two HFR HDMI inputs is a bit constrained, and its poor display on the front end of Catch-up TV is surprising.
In the end, Sony Bravia XR X90J represents an excellent value, providing a high level of performance for mid-to-high-end 55-inch UHD LED TVs. Its graphics performance driven by the Cognitive XR processor is excellent, it looks beautiful in HDR games and movies, and its audio is higher and wider than many competitors. We also like the new Google TV smart platform and the dedicated PlayStation 5 automatic optimization mode. The package is really insufficient only in terms of basic catch-up TV facilities.
X90J is one of the best PS5 companion technologies-why not browse through other top PS5 devices in the form of our guide to the best PS5 SSD, best PS5 headset, and best PS5 monitor to perfect your settings.
Or, use the best QLED TV and the best OLED TV to view your other TV options.
Sony's Perfect for PlayStation mid-range LED TV leads the trend with a smart cognitive intelligent image processor and immersive audio
Steve May is an expert in home entertainment technology. As the founder of Home Cinema Choice magazine, Steve writes articles about gadgets and gadgets for GamesRadar, T3, Louder Sound, TechRadar, Home Cinema Choice and Yahoo. He is also the editor of The Luxe Review and Pro AV website Inside CI. Steve once wrote a game column for the legendary English comic 2000AD (and had a badge to prove it), and insisted that when it comes to top shooters, Doom is a goat.
Get the best game deals, reviews, product recommendations, competitions, game news not to be missed, and more!
Thank you for registering GamesRadar+. You will receive a verification email shortly.
has a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our company website.
© Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10036.