The best Sony TVs: reviews

The domestic TV equipment market is flooded with models from South Korean brands. Among others, devices that are especially popular are those that claim the honorary title of No. 1 manufacturer in the world.

But compared to other brands, the Japanese one holds its head proudly. Without any special ambitions, it produces high-quality equipment in all respects and simply collects laurels as the best of the best. Sony knows the price of its products and has long proven its superiority to everyone. The brand has many fans all over the world, including in Russia.

Equipment from this Japanese company is an indicator of the status of the owner and his good taste. And the main qualities, judging by the reviews of Sony TVs, are a solid appearance, exceptional build quality and picture realism. The range of models presented on the domestic market inspires respect. And it’s very easy to get confused in all this diversity.

In the article, read about the best, according to reviews, Sony TVs that can be found in our stores. The notable qualities of the models, key characteristics are considered, and the advantages and disadvantages of each device are indicated. You should start with budget TVs and end with premium ones.

Sony Bravia KDL-32WD756

In addition to a good output picture, the TV boasts an advanced sound reproduction system built using Bass Reflex Speaker technology. This solution allows you to transmit an audio track with proper quality even on small speakers.

Users in their reviews of the Sony 32” TV note that the device feels great in tandem with the Android platform. You can connect any set-top box running this OS to the device and fully reveal all the capabilities of the pair. In addition, some users quite successfully use the model as a computer monitor.

TV advantages:

good image transmission - clear and natural;
adjusting the sound using the equalizer;
attractive appearance;
external power supply (easy to replace);
switchable power indicator;
Quite reasonable price for its qualities.

Flaws:

only a couple of HDMI interfaces;
does not read all files in MKV format;
Smart TV functionality has been reduced.

Price – 30,000 rubles.

The best Sony TVs with a diagonal of 40-49 inches

Sony KDL-49WF805

LCD model with a diagonal of 49 inches. Distinctive features - Smart TV on the platform

Android, TV signal support.

Voice search makes it easier to find video and audio on the Internet.

Excellent functionality at an affordable price.

Characteristics:

screen format - 16:9, resolution - 1920x1080, Full HD and HDR10 1080 p;
readable formats - MP3, WMA, MPEG4, HEVC (H.265), Xvid, DivX, MKV, JPEG;
mounting type - wall, standard - VESA 20x20 cm;
power - 85 W;
dimensions with stand - 110.1x70.5x26.8 cm, without it - 110.1x64.5x5.7 cm;
weight with stand - 12.3 kg, without it - 11.8 kg.

pros

seamless pairing with a smartphone;
high-quality image transmission;
rich functionality;
quick and convenient setup of the necessary functions;
voice search for information.

Minuses

low sound quality.

Sony KDL-40RE353

LCD TV with a diagonal of 40 inches , resolution 1920x1080 . Has a standard set

features - 24p True Cinema, video recording, sleep timer and child lock.

Users appreciated the high quality of transmitted images, good sound and affordable price.

Characteristics:

screen format - 16:9, Full HD resolution - 1080p;
readable formats - MP3, WMA, MPEG4, Xvid, MKV, JPEG;
mounting type: wall-mounted, standard;
dimensions with stand - 92.4x56.8x18.3 cm, without it - 92.4x55x6.5 cm;
weight with stand - 6.9 kg, without it - 6.5 kg.

pros

attractiveness;
excellent color rendition;
simple controls;
safety of the selected settings.

Minuses

no Wi-Fi;
Poor loading of 4K video.

Sony KDL-50WF665

LCD model with a diagonal of 50 inches , resolution 1920x1080 . Distinctive feature -

Smart TV on the Linux platform.

It has high-quality assembly, protection from dust and moisture penetration..

It attracted consumers not only with its excellent color rendition, but also with decent sound.

Characteristics:

screen format - 16:9, resolution Full HD1080p, HDR10;
readable formats - MP3, WMA, MPEG4, HEVC (H.265), Xvid, DivX, MKV, JPEG;
installation type - wall-mounted, standard - VESA 20x20 cm;
power - 128 W;
dimensions with stand - 113x71.7x26.8 cm, without it - 113x66x6.8 cm;
weight with stand - 11.4 kg, without it - 11 kg.

pros

good brightness and contrast;
adjusting image modes;
uninterrupted Internet access;
the ability to run games of any format;
loud noise.

Minuses

standard remote control;
limited functionality of Smart TV.

Sony KDL-43WF804

LCD TV with a diagonal of 42.5 inches, resolution 1920x1080 . Equipped with features - 24p

True Cinema, TimeShift, sleep timer, child lock, voice control, light sensor.

Has a built-in memory of 16 GB.

Characteristics:

screen format - 16:9, resolution 1080p Full HD, HDR10;
Smart TV on the Android platform;
viewing angle - 178° with progressive scan;
installation - wall, standard VESA 20x10 cm;
dimensions with stand 97×63.1×26.8 cm, without it - 97×57.1×5.7 cm;
weight with stand - 9.9 kg, without it - 9.4 kg.

pros

unique design;
high image quality;
functional platform;
original application for TV control.

Minuses

spontaneous activation is observed;
does not save the selected settings.

Sony KD-49XF9005

LCD model with a diagonal of 48.5 inches, resolution 3840x2160 . Distinctive feature -

DLNA support function. There is 24p True Cinema, the ability to record and stop video, 16 GB of internal memory, sleep timer, child lock, voice control.

Characteristics:

format - 16:9, resolution - 4K UHD, HDR10 (Dolby Vision);
Smart TV on the Android platform;
mounting type - wall, VESA standard 20x20 cm;
power - 199 W;
dimensions with stand - 109.3x69.4x26.8 cm, without it - 109.3x62.9x6.9 cm;
weight with stand - 14.5 kg, without it - 13.6 kg.

pros

high-performance matrix providing excellent color rendition;
good viewing angle;
rich functionality;
rich sound.

Minuses

application interruptions;
inconvenient menu;
Uncomfortable remote control.

Sony Bravia KDL-43WF805

This model with a diagonal of 43 inches is already more interesting, as well as more expensive than the previous one. In its price category it can be called the best. It quite easily beats its Chinese and South Korean competitors both in terms of build quality and picture realism.

Reviews about the Sony KDL-43WF805 TV are entirely positive. Users liked the modern design of the model’s body and its ergonomic qualities. Users especially like the neat, hidden legs and thin frames. The latter, although made of plastic, are of extremely high quality.

I was also pleased with the picture. The matrix, built on VA technology with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, produces an excellent image. It is complemented by intelligent Edge LED lighting. There are also noise reduction systems, color gamut improvements, increased clarity, plus full support for HDR (version 10 + HLG). Judging by the reviews of the Sony 43” TV, this is an excellent choice for viewing content in 720-1080p resolution.

Advantages of the model:

good picture quality;
presence on board of the intelligent Android TV platform;
good sound;
wireless Wi-Fi protocols at 5 kHz;
advanced universal tuner (DVB-T2/S2/C);
full HDR.

Flaws:

sometimes the software freezes;
Not everyone liked the design of the legs.

Price – 45,000 rubles.

TV selection criteria

Diagonal

This characteristic significantly affects watching TV, because based on the dimensions, it is necessary to correctly select the distance to the place from where they will watch it. The parameter should exceed the screen diagonal by 3-5 times. If the device is needed for watching TV shows, then the optimal solution would be a model with a diagonal of 21 inches or more; copies from 29 inches are suitable for watching DVDs; copies over 32 inches are suitable for home cinema.

Choose the diagonal depending on the size of the room

Important! There is no need to overpay a certain amount for the size of the TV. If the area of the room is small, it is better to buy a small device that will succinctly fit into the interior of the room.

Brightness and Contrast

At the moment, it is Sony that produces equipment with the best image quality. This takes into account the best ratio of brightness and contrast. Initially, it was believed that the contrast ratio in plasma units was better than in LCD, but after the advent of LED and OLED displays, the situation changed significantly. To choose the most suitable option, you should check these two characteristics in the store on nearby copies and compare them.

Sony produces equipment with the best image quality

Permission

If technology is necessary for watching DVDs, then a resolution of 600p in the horizontal direction is quite sufficient. To watch high-definition video, you should choose a device with a resolution of 720 pixels or more; for Full HD image quality, 1080p would be the ideal solution.

Screen resolution

Dimensions

When choosing a TV, you should also consider parameters such as screen aspect ratio. The standard parameters are 4:3 - the best solution for broadcasting TV shows. The 16:9 aspect ratio perfectly conveys all the bright colors and clarity of pictures of wide-screen broadcasts and exciting films. It is this relationship between the parties that is most often found in the equipment of this manufacturer. Small TVs are suitable for small rooms and kitchens, while large devices are provided for large rooms.

Aspect ratios of different screen formats

Screen shape

Most models have a rectangular shape, but Sony has developed innovative technology with a curved screen. This display most accurately conveys image clarity and makes colors brighter and more saturated.

Healthy! When choosing, you should pay attention to the ease of use of the model. The menu should be divided into logical items so that the functionality of the device is easily perceived. One of the important factors is the comfortable holding of the remote control in your hand so that the buttons can be pressed clearly.

Sony Bravia KD-49XF7596

The Bravia XF series already has 4K/UHD resolution and a corresponding price tag. An intelligent IPS matrix is responsible for the picture quality. Naturally, there are no problems with viewing angles with this technology - they are maximum - 178° in both planes.

Reviews of the Sony Bravia KD-49XF7596 TV are mostly positive. Users note that the output image is accurate, bright and rich. Some people complain about minor problems with contrast, but everything can be solved with fine adjustments.

The design, judging by the reviews of the Sony Bravia TV, was also pleasing. The body of the device is thin thanks to the use of Edge LED backlighting. Stylish frames made of very high quality plastic successfully imitate aluminum and blend harmoniously into the overall design. The legs are also stylized as metal, plus they have a smart cable management system.

A set of chipsets based on the X-Reality PRO processor, which works closely with Motionflow 400 XR and Live Color technologies, is responsible for image processing. Judging by the reviews of the Sony 49” TV, users also liked the software.

The best display you can find at this price

No bends or marketing flirtations, everything is on point: a flat, ultra-fast, ultra-high-quality 4K display based on a VA matrix.

There are many more fans of the more familiar IPS and OLED matrices than the outlandish VA, but believe me, the Japanese know what they are doing. The point is:

Compared to IPS (which includes, for some reason, the separately advertised QLED, by the way), VA displays have a much higher contrast: where IPS TVs produce 1000:1 or 1200:1, the Bravia XH90 produces a contrast of 4200:1 up to 4800:1! No photographs or videos will convey this, but this is exactly the kind of picture quality that makes you look at the picture of IPS displays as if through a haze.
Compared to OLED/AMOLED displays of the same price category, VA is much more reliable (not subject to fading/fade over time), and is better perceived by people with sensitive eyesight (does not tend to flicker intensely at brightness levels above the minimum - see PWM). And VA is also much brighter - the XH90 produces up to 600 cd/m2 in SDR mode and up to 740 cd/m2 (!) in HDR mode. You won't get brightness over 350 cd/m2 on a similarly priced OLED TV.
And even in terms of gaming potential, everything is cool - 120 Hz, that is, the ability to render games at a frame rate of up to 120 fps without delay. With greater contrast, unlike IPS, and greater brightness, unlike OLED.

Minuses? There is one: viewing angles are slightly lower than IPS or OLED, so if you stand above the TV and look at it vertically, or sit to the side of it at almost a right angle, the picture will appear darker than it actually is. Unlike smartphones and even monitors, TVs are rarely looked at up close at extreme angles, so the benefits outweigh them.

What is remarkable about the model

The Android platform of the Nougat series copes well with the assigned tasks, even without a hint of lag. It is also possible to update the stock firmware to Oreo version 8. In both cases, you can control the main functionality of the TV using voice commands.

Advantages of the model:

excellent picture quality;
full HDR support;
universal receiver (terrestrial, satellite, cable TV);
abundance of interfaces for connecting peripherals;
ChromeCast support;
good sound with ClearAudio+ system.

Disadvantages: panel frequency response – 50 Hz (TV only without connection to a PC).

Price – 65,000 rubles.

Tips for choosing

The ranking of the best Sony TV models includes a wide range of durable and reliable equipment that impresses with its high image quality and its enormous functionality.
When purchasing a unit from a popular manufacturer, you need to pay special attention to the technical characteristics. The entire model range conveys the depth of colors, saturation and brightness of the video.
Most copies have their own characteristics, among which is the built-in Smart TV on the Android platform.
Sony TVs with tuners allow you to catch satellite and digital broadcasts without much effort.
Modern units are controlled by smartphones and voice notifications, which simplifies the user manual.

Watch the video about Sony Android TV

Sony Bravia KD-49XF8596

Judging by the reviews of the Sony 4K TV, many fans of high-quality equipment consider the model to be the best in the mid-price segment. Thanks to its characteristics, the device can compete even with premium devices.

The model is offered in two colors – black and silver. The matrix may also be different - IPS or VA. Reviews of Sony TVs in this series indicate that the latter option is more preferable both in terms of cost and performance (refresh rate 120 Hz versus 60 for IPS). Both versions have Edge LED backlighting.

Motionflow 1000 XR technology is responsible for dynamic scenes, guaranteeing exceptionally smooth playback. The main advantage over the younger generations of the series is the presence of the X1 processor, which provides excellent implementation of HDR at 4K resolution. Reviews about the Sony smart TV are also positive. The platform is responsive and works without even a hint of errors.

Advantages of the model:

image enhancement systems Object-based HDR, Super Bit Mappin;
10-bit matrix;
fast Android TV platform;
easy integration into Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant services;
attractive appearance;
Comfortable feet and cable management system.

Disadvantages: no support for Dolby Vision.

Price – 85,000 rubles.

How to choose a Sony TV

The line of SONY TVs is very extensive. There are models that support FullHD and newer 4K, with 50 Hertz and 100 Hz. Therefore, if a person has not previously encountered the search for the optimal model of a TV device, he does not know what criteria to pay attention to initially. How not to make a mistake in the process of buying TV equipment? To determine the key parameters for yourself, you first need to study which ones are worthy of buyers’ attention in the first place, and which ones are secondary.

When choosing any equipment, be sure to study owner reviews online. It is best to analyze comments from different sites for an objective assessment. In addition, there are many unboxing videos where you can see how the equipment looks, what its picture quality is, and its design.

Price

One of the basic parameters. The 2021 TV lineup includes both the premium segment and more budget options. You need to understand that the cost depends on the technical characteristics of the TV. The better the matrix, display, larger diagonal, etc., the higher the cost. In particular, it should be noted that Bravia TVs are a trademark of a Japanese company, which was created in 2005 and is aimed at the premium segment in the consumer sector. Accordingly, you need to decide for yourself whether you are willing to overpay for additional options.

Display

There are two options: matte and glossy. Which is the best option for you depends on the place in the apartment where the equipment will be placed. The latest generation comes in a variety of variants. On gloss, the image is clearer and brighter; matte screens create a foggy effect. But if the room is sunny, it is better to go with a matte model.

Smart TV

Smart TV offers additional features and capabilities, but you have to pay extra for them. But it is worth noting that most of the new products from the Japanese brand are equipped with Smart TV, since users more often choose smart TVs from the series. The company works with two OS:

Android - a wide range of applications, lags and freezes are possible, but depends on the OS version;
Linux - high speed, but a small range of software.

Interfaces

When choosing a TV device, the main thing is the presence of basic connectors, including:

HDMI;
USB;
Wi-Fi and internet cable support;
3.5 mm audio jack (present on most of the latest, new Sony TVs).

Take into account the location of the interfaces to make it convenient to connect the equipment to the network.

Control

Here the company has its own shortcomings, since new Sony TVs in 2021 are released with an old version of the remote control. Representatives of the company insist on their own, and do not intend to improve the remote control. Users note that it is inconvenient to operate Smart TV, so additional devices in the form of a wireless keyboard and mouse come to the rescue.

Diagonal and device type

Sony TV in 2021 is available in different sizes - from 32 to 85 inches. This assortment allows the buyer to choose the most suitable size, based on the room where the equipment is planned to be placed. The type of device can be divided into several types depending on the technical characteristics. Sony models use two basic resolutions:

FullHD;
4K - improved picture.

The company is conservative in choosing a matrix, since in most cases it prefers an LCD display in different options - from TFT to IPS. In turn, OLED is used in the premium segment. But, regardless of the type of device, color rendition differs significantly from competitors in clarity and realism.

Sony TV markings

Each manufacturer has a model range marking, Sony is no exception. On the official website of each company, the nuances of labeling are described in detail. Let's go through it in order, consider, as an example, KD-55XG8096:

The first letters are the country for which the TV is intended. KD - Europe.
Size - 55 (diagonal).
The class is written with a letter after the screen size. For example, W is the middle segment, S, X is premium.
The second letter is the year of manufacture of the model.
Series.
Series model.
Design.

OLED and UHD from Sony

Sony 2021 TVs include OLED and UHD models. OLED (organic light-emitting diode) is a new HDTV technology that functions similar to plasma screens, but is thinner. This technology also provides a wide viewing angle, better overall color brightness, and faster response. 4K and UHD are popular TVs because they show clearer pictures with smoother edges. In addition, the amount of 4K content is increasing.

Sony Bravia KD-55XF9005

This is already a serious premium-level model with a diagonal of 55 inches. The materials used for the TV are appropriate: no plastic, only aluminum and other metal alloys. Judging by the reviews of Sony TVs in this series, the quality of the models fully corresponds to their high cost.

The device turned out to be really good: a matrix based on VA technology, advanced Direct LED backlighting with local dimming, an impressive reserve of brightness and contrast, and, of course, excellent picture detail, including HDR and Dolby Vision class.

Image processing is handled by a powerful set of chipsets led by the X1 Extreme processor, which supports X-tended Dynamic Range PRO, X-Motion Clarity, and Triluminos Display technologies. The latest version of the intelligent Android TV is used as the main platform. It not only provides a lot of opportunities for managing functionality and content, but also opens a wide door to the world of online entertainment.

Pros and cons of Sony TVs

First, let's note a number of positive aspects of Sony TVs:

good image, uniform illumination of the entire display. Achieved through Direct LED technology;
high-quality sound;
3D function in many models;
attractive design and decent build quality;
Android operating system.

There are very few negative reviews, but they can also be:

when switching channels, some slowdowns are possible (5-10 seconds);
an incomprehensible remote control, but over time the owners adapt and the inconvenience disappears;
heavy weight compared to competitors;
high price of improved models.

Distinctive characteristics of the model

Very warm reviews of Sony TVs in this series are left by gamers, namely owners of fourth-generation Playstation consoles, including the Pro version. The device is ideal for gaming and streaming, perfectly coping with the most complex dynamic scenes.

Advantages of the model:

excellent output picture;
image scaling to UHD level;
Motionflow 1000 XR system at 120 Hz;
universal tuner (cable, satellite, terrestrial TV);
broadcast recording;
attractive appearance;
aluminium case.

Flaws:

Not everyone liked the stand;
local speakers do not realize bass in the best way (they are damp).

Price – 100,000 rubles.

Sony KD-75ZF9

The model is a kind of intermediate flagship of last year in the segment of LED devices. The backlight here is direct, so the body looks a little massive. But the expression “small” is in principle inapplicable to a 75-inch device, so a slightly thicker case does not spoil the appearance of the TV.

The model received a VA matrix with support for a resolution of 3840 by 2160 pixels. Image processing is at the highest level for this type of technology. The latest generation X1 Ultimate processor, which is almost twice as productive as the X1 Extreme, is responsible for this. There is much better upscaling from HD to UHD with dynamic range expansion to HDR.

The output picture is obtained with an exceptional degree of detail and optimal contrast thanks to the X-tended Dynamic Range PRO technology used. The advanced X-Motion Clarity system is responsible for processing dynamic scenes. Also, many owners in their reviews note the ideal color rendition of the image. This was facilitated by the brand’s original development – the Triluminos Display system.

Model features

The software part fell on the shoulders of the Android platform version 8.0 Areo. The latter allows you to control almost all instruments using voice commands. I was also pleased with the abundance of various interfaces for connecting peripherals, including Dolby Atmos sound bars.

Advantages of the model:

excellent output picture;
accurate color reproduction regardless of viewing angle;
support for all HDR and Dolby Vision formats;
latest generation processor;
an abundance of interfaces for connecting almost any peripheral;
attractive appearance;
exceptional build quality and materials used.

No deficiencies identified.

Price – 420,000 rubles.

Sony KD-65AF9

This is last year's flagship OLED model. Judging by the reviews of the owners, this TV is the best that not only the premium sector, but also the premium sector in general, has to offer, taking into account the diagonal size.

The front part of the model is a high-tech panel with self-illuminating dots. Thanks to this solution, the owner receives not only exceptional color reproduction, but also endless contrast, as well as amazingly deep blacks.

The latest generation of chipsets, led by the X1 Ultimate processor, are responsible for image processing. The company has also introduced its innovative Pixel Contrast Booster system to further open up the color gamut and increase detail.