Sony Bravia XR A95L Series 77 Inch TV Review Best for Gaming and Movies

Description

A Stunning Display of Technology with the Sony QD-OLED 77 inch BRAVIA XR A95L

Testing the Sony QD-OLED 77 inch BRAVIA XR A95L Series 4K Ultra HD TV has been an experience in itself. From the moment I unboxed this sleek masterpiece, it was clear that I was dealing with something extraordinary. The 77-inch QD-OLED screen, powered by the Cognitive Processor XR, is not just a TV; it’s a gateway to unparalleled entertainment.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me was the sleek, premium design of this TV. Its thin bezels and minimalist stand scream elegance. It blended seamlessly into my living room, almost like it was custom-made for the space. Despite its large screen size, the lightweight design at 81.3 pounds made setup surprisingly manageable. The Acoustic Surface Audio+ feature cleverly uses the screen itself to produce sound, eliminating the need for bulky external speakers.

However, I did notice that the stand might feel a bit wobbly if placed on surfaces that aren’t completely stable. For a TV of this caliber, wall mounting feels like the safer option.

Picture Quality That Sets a New Standard

Watching movies on this TV felt like stepping into a new dimension. The QD-OLED panel with XR Triluminos Max delivers a color palette so vivid and lifelike that even the finest details pop. The pure blacks combined with 200% higher brightness compared to previous models create a visual treat that’s hard to match. Whether I was watching a high-octane action scene or a serene nature documentary, the clarity and depth were nothing short of breathtaking.

What stood out was its ability to handle different lighting conditions. Even with sunlight streaming into the room, the anti-reflective coating and high brightness levels ensured the picture remained sharp and visible. That said, in pitch-dark environments, the brightness can feel overwhelming.

Gaming Features Made for the PlayStation 5

If you’re a gamer, this TV is a dream come true. With HDMI 2.1 features like 4K/120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), the gaming experience is buttery smooth. The Game Menu centralizes all gaming settings, making it incredibly convenient to tweak visuals mid-session. I tested it with a PlayStation 5, and the Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode optimized the visuals effortlessly.

While the gaming features are top-notch, I did experience some minor input lag when switching between gaming modes and standard modes, although it didn’t detract from the overall experience.

Smart Features and Interface

This TV truly earns its “smart” label. With Google TV integration, accessing streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ was a breeze. The voice search functionality using Google Assistant worked flawlessly, and the ability to pair it with Alexa for hands-free control was just the cherry on top.

The Multi View feature, allowing me to watch two sources simultaneously, was a game-changer during sports events. I could stream a match on one side of the screen while checking live stats on the other. However, the feature sometimes felt a bit clunky, especially when juggling two high-resolution streams.

Key Benefits

• Picture quality: The combination of QD-OLED technology and the Cognitive Processor XR offers unmatched clarity, color, and contrast.
• Gaming optimization: Exclusive PlayStation 5 features and 4K/120Hz support make it a gamer’s paradise.
• Smart functionality: Integrated Google TV and compatibility with Alexa and Apple AirPlay make navigation seamless.
• Immersive sound: Acoustic Surface Audio+ delivers cinema-quality sound without external speakers.

Critiques

• Stand stability: The included stand feels less secure for a TV of this size and weight.
• Overall brightness: In darkened rooms, the high brightness can feel a bit harsh.
• Multi View functionality: While innovative, this feature could be smoother, especially with dual high-res sources.

Competing Products

Comparing this TV to its OLED rivals, such as the LG C3 or Samsung S95C, highlights its unique strengths and weaknesses. The Sony BRAVIA XR A95L stands out with QD-OLED technology, delivering brighter and more vibrant images than LG’s standard OLEDs. Additionally, the Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology is a clear edge over competitors’ traditional speaker systems.

However, LG’s models often come with a more user-friendly interface, and Samsung offers slightly better HDR performance in certain scenarios. If you prioritize ultimate brightness and color accuracy, Sony takes the crown, but its competitors might provide better value for those not requiring premium gaming features.

True Value

The price of this TV positions it firmly in the premium category, but does it justify the investment? Absolutely, if you’re someone who values cutting-edge technology and immersive entertainment. The inclusion of BRAVIA CORE, offering 10 high-quality 4K UHD movie credits and a 24-month subscription, adds significant value for movie enthusiasts. It’s not budget-friendly by any means, but the quality you get ensures it’s worth every penny.

For anyone who spends a considerable amount of time gaming or binge-watching, this TV delivers a cost-effective package of features and performance. However, casual users might find more affordable alternatives that meet their needs without the bells and whistles.

Additional information