Sony has been synonymous with television hardware for as long as we can remember and is often at the forefront of new technologies. That includes 8K, OLED, Mini LED and, what it terms, Full Array LED TVs.
We’re looking at its current line-up to help you choose between them. And, while we’re not covering all available Sony TVs here - just its highlights - this list should help you choose your next set if you want to go Sony.
Here then are the Sony TVs you should consider.
What to look for in a new TV
One of the first considerations when buying a new TV is size. How big do you want your TV to be and what can you fit in your room? Sony has TVs across a range of sizes, starting around 42- and running up to 85-inch.
Sony also offers 8K resolutions for those larger sizes, but with native 8K content being rare, most of what you’re watching is upscaled. Fortunately, Sony also offers a full range of 4K HDR TVs, using both OLED and LED panel technology.
Sony’s OLED models come in a range of positions, but it also offers what it calls Full Array LED and Mini LED TVs. These are both fully backlit, so offer better performance than some cheaper LED TVs on the market. There are also the Master Series TVs, a name given for the flagship products.
We’ve included our highlights from the 2022 range plus the occasional older set that is still worth considering at a discounted price.
Sony 8K televisions
Sony has a couple of 8K televisions to choose from.
- Available now Screen sizes: 75in, 85in Mini LED, 7680 x 4320 pixels, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dolby Atmos, Google TV
2022’s top-of-the-range set is the Master Series 8K TV with a Mini LED backlight, ensuring the best black levels you can get with this kind of resolution.
Mini LED backlighting, which is made of smaller bulbs for more precision, also results in great brightness - so the contrast between the dark and light areas in a scene can be spectacular.
It uses a 120Hz panel for 4K gaming (60Hz at 8K) and supports variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM), so is a perfect match for any console, especially the PlayStation 5.
Is Cognitive Processor XR technology not only ensures an excellent native picture, it upscales HD and 4K content to look their best too. And there are eight speaker units inside, including four woofers, for impactful surround sound.
The smart TV functionality is supplied through Google TV, with support for Alexa and Apple’s AirPlay 2 as well.
- Available now Screen sizes: 75in, 85in Full Array LED, 7680 x 4320 pixels, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dolby Atmos, Google TV
Last year’s flagship model is still available, so could represent a decent option at a “bargain” price.
The Z9J also employs Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR technology with artificial intelligence, although the backlight is Full Array rather than Mini LED.
This Master Series TV also comes with HDMI 2.1 and support for 4K 120Hz - so will work seamlessly with the PS5 (and Xbox Series X) for 120fps gaming at the best resolution possible. Additionally, it is future-proofed for when (if) 8K games come along.
Google TV is on board again, along with Google Assistant for voice control. While Netflix Calibrated and IMAX Enhanced certification mean it is suited for top-end movie viewing.
Sony 4K OLED televisions
Sony has a wide range of 4K OLED TVs to choose from across a range of sizes.
- Available now Screen sizes: 55in, 65in QD-OLED, 3840 x 2160 pixel, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dolby Atmos, Google TV
Coming in at the top of Sony’s 2022 OLED range is the Master Series A95K.
It’s slightly different to other models in the lineup in that it uses a QD-OLED panel, which promises even better colour brightness (up to 200 per cent in comparison with standard TVs).
Other than that, the TV offers everything you could want from a premium set. There is support for Dolby Vision and HDR10, Google TV for smart TV functionality, and the same Cognitive Processor XR tech for AI-based image enhancement.
Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology uses the screen itself as a centre speaker for more directional sound, while hands-free voice and gesture control functionality replace many of the features on the included remote.
The A95K also comes with dual-style to position it where you want, either up against a wall or front and centre.
- Available now Screen sizes: 42in, 48in OLED, 3840 x 2160 pixel, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dolby Atmos, Google TV
If you want a more compact OLED TV, the Sony A90K could be the one for you.
It is exclusively available in 42- or 48-inch screen sizes and is therefore ideal for gamers - especially since it supports 120Hz and has a reduced input lag of just 8.5ms in game mode. ALLM and VRR are also supported.
The A90K also features the same Cognitive Processor XR image and sound tech as the higher-end model above, while XR OLED Contrast Pro technology ensures deep black levels.
As with the A95K, this also comes with Google TV for its smart functionality and apps.
- Available now Screen sizes: 55in, 65in, 77in OLED, 3840 x 2160 pixel, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dolby Atmos, Google TV
The A80K is an excellent alternative to the A95K if you’re looking for a large screen size OLED TV.
It has many of the same specifications, including the Cognitive Processor XR image and sound tech. And it features a similar vibrating front panel that provides the central channel for your sound.
Indeed, the only main difference between the A95K and A80K is the panel itself, although you are still getting XR OLED Contrast Pro technology to ensure deep black levels and great peak brightness.
Like the A90K, it is also endowed with all the features needed for gaming, plus Google TV on board.
- Available now Screen sizes: 55in, 65in, 83in OLED, 3840 x 2160 pixels, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dolby Atmos, Google TV
Still available (often at a healthy discount) is this 2021 model - the Sony A90J.
Available in 55, 65 and a new 83-inch screen size, the Master Series OLED features the same Cognitive Processor XR picture tech as the latest models.
As with some of Sony’s OLED models over the last few years, it features a sound system that vibrates the screen itself, sending central channels directly from the centre of the action.
HDR formats are well-supported, while HDMI 2.1 connectivity means it supports 4K 120Hz for gaming.
Google Assistant and Chromecast are built in. And there are multiple picture certifications, from the likes of Netflix and IMAX.
Sony 4K LED televisions
As well as the 8K models and the OLED, there’s a range of more approachable LED TVs to choose from - some with Mini LED, some Full Array and some with conventional backlighting.
- Available now Screen sizes: 65in, 75in, 85in Mini LED, 3840 x 2160 pixel, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dolby Atmos, Google TV
Mini LED is a technology that can almost match OLED in producing deep black levels, thanks to featuring a locally dimmed backlight with thousands of tiny LEDs that can be switched on and off independently. It even has the benefit of potentially higher brightness.
As with the OLED TVs above, the X95K features the Cognitive Processor XR CPU for wider, involving colours and enhanced shades and saturation. Contrast boosting tech is also on board to present high levels of contrast.
Gamers will be happy by its support for 120Hz refresh rates, while the sound is tweaked through the use of sound positioned tweeters to ensure the action comes from the screen itself when needed. There is also 3D surround upscaling built in.
Google TV provides the smart streaming functionality, with hands-free voice search and Alexa compatibility.
- Available now Screen sizes: 55in, 65in, 75in, 85in Full Array LED, 3840 x 2160 pixel, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dolby Atmos, Google TV
The 2022 X90K series TV is also available in the smaller 55-inch screen size (in comparison with the X95K). However, it is a full array LED TV rather than Mini LED.
This means it still offers a backlight that locally dims and allows for great black levels in zones, but there are fewer LEDs so it isn’t quite as precise.
You still get many of the same technology benefits of the latest flagship LED, including the 120Hz gaming prowess, VRR, ALLM, Cognitive Processor XR AI-led CPU and contrast boosting.
Audio features are similar too, and as a Google TV with built-in microphone, you can also use voice search without needing the remote.
