Sony X85J Smart TV Review

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So, you’re in the market for a new TV and you’ve stumbled upon the Sony X85J. Excellent choice! This mid-range 4K TV from Sony’s 2021 lineup promises a lot: fantastic dark room performance, great peak brightness for those bright living rooms, and an intuitive Google TV interface. But does it deliver? Let’s dive into this Sony X85J TV review and find out.

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First Impressions: Unboxing the Sony X85J

Unboxing the Sony X85J is like opening a treasure chest. The sleek design immediately grabs your attention. It’s not overly flashy but has a certain understated elegance that says, “I mean business.” The bezels are thin, making the screen look even larger than it is. Setting it up is a breeze, thanks to the clear instructions. Even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, you’ll have it up and running in no time.

Picture Quality: Does It Wow?

Let’s be honest, the most crucial aspect of any TV is its picture quality. And the Sony X85J doesn’t disappoint.

Dark Room Performance

If you love binge-watching shows in a dark room, you’re in for a treat. The Sony X85J boasts excellent dark room performance, thanks to its fantastic contrast ratio and excellent black uniformity. Watching a movie with deep, dark scenes? You’ll be impressed with how the blacks stay black without getting washed out.

Bright Room Performance

But what if your living room is flooded with natural light? No worries! The Sony X85J handles bright environments with aplomb. Its great peak brightness and decent reflection handling ensure that glare isn’t much of an issue. So, whether you’re watching the latest episode of your favorite series in the middle of the day or catching a late-night movie, the X85J has got you covered.

Color Accuracy and Upscaling

One of the standout features is the TRILUMINOS PRO technology. This tech widens the color spectrum, reproducing more colors than a conventional TV. The result? Natural and precise picture quality that’s closer to real life. Plus, the 4K X-Reality PRO technology upscales all the HD content you love to near-4K resolution. Your old favorites will look better than ever!

Sound Quality: Does It Match the Picture?

Now, let’s talk sound. TVs aren’t exactly known for their stellar audio quality, but the Sony X85J is a pleasant surprise. It features the X-Balanced Speaker, which provides clear and balanced sound. While it might not replace your dedicated sound system, for everyday use, it does a commendable job. Dialogues are clear, and the bass is decent enough to add depth to those action scenes.

Gaming: Is It Up to the Challenge?

Gamers, rejoice! The Sony X85J is a solid choice for gaming. It comes with low input lag, which is crucial for those fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. The HDMI 2.1 bandwidth ensures you can enjoy 4K gaming at 120Hz, and with variable refresh rate (VRR) support, your gaming experience is smoother and more immersive. Just make sure to get the firmware update to enable VRR.

Smart Features: Google TV for the Win

If you’ve used Android TV before, you’ll feel right at home with Google TV. It’s similar but a bit more intuitive. The interface is user-friendly, and finding your favorite streaming apps is a breeze. Speaking of apps, the Sony X85J offers a fantastic selection of streaming services. Whether you’re into Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, or good old YouTube, you’re covered.

Voice Control and Smart Home Integration

Voice search is another handy feature. Just ask Google Assistant to find a movie or show, and voila! It’s right there. The Sony X85J also works with Alexa and Apple AirPlay, making it a versatile addition to your smart home setup. Turn on the TV, adjust the volume, or switch channels with simple voice commands. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s always at your service.

What’s Missing? Local Dimming

No TV is perfect, and the Sony X85J is no exception. The most notable omission is the lack of local dimming. Local dimming can enhance the contrast in dark scenes, making them look even better. Its absence is a bit disappointing, especially when compared to some competitors. However, the excellent contrast ratio and black uniformity somewhat make up for this.

Design: Simple Yet Elegant

The Sony X85J may not be a design revolution, but it’s a beauty in its own right. The minimalist design, with slim bezels and a sturdy stand, fits seamlessly into any living room décor. It’s not just about looks, though. The build quality feels solid, giving you confidence that this TV is built to last.

Connectivity: All the Ports You Need

Connectivity is another area where the Sony X85J shines. With four HDMI ports, two USB ports, and built-in Wi-Fi, you have plenty of options for connecting all your devices. Whether it’s a gaming console, Blu-ray player, or sound system, you’ll have no trouble hooking everything up. Plus, the HDMI 2.1 support is a big win for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.

User Experience: Smooth and Intuitive

User experience can make or break a TV, and the Sony X85J nails it. The Google TV interface is smooth and responsive. Navigating through menus, switching between apps, and adjusting settings is a breeze. The remote is well-designed, with a comfortable layout and quick access buttons for popular streaming services. Plus, with Google Assistant built-in, you can control the TV with your voice, making the whole experience even more seamless.

Performance: Real-World Testing

In real-world testing, the Sony X85J consistently impresses. Watching a high-action movie? The Motionflow XR technology ensures that fast-moving sequences are smooth and clear. Catching up on your favorite TV show during the day? The bright display and excellent reflection handling ensure a great viewing experience. And for gamers, the low input lag and 120Hz refresh rate make every game feel responsive and immersive.

The Verdict: Is the Sony X85J Worth It?

So, should you get the Sony X85J? If you’re looking for a mid-range TV that offers excellent picture quality, good sound, and a plethora of smart features, then yes, the Sony X85J is definitely worth considering. Its fantastic dark room performance, great peak brightness, and intuitive Google TV interface make it a solid choice for most users.

The lack of local dimming is a minor drawback, but it’s not a deal-breaker given the TV’s overall performance. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gamer, or someone who just loves binge-watching shows, the Sony X85J has something to offer.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In conclusion, the Sony X85J is a well-rounded TV that delivers on most fronts. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup without breaking the bank. The combination of excellent picture quality, good sound, and smart features make it a versatile and reliable option.

If you’re in the market for a new TV and the Sony X85J fits your budget, go for it. You won’t be disappointed. And who knows, it might just become your favorite piece of tech in the house.

Recommendation

In summary, if you’re seeking a TV that balances performance and features without going overboard on price, the Sony X85J is a solid contender. Its strengths in picture quality, especially in both dark and bright environments, make it suitable for a wide range of viewing preferences. While the absence of local dimming might be a slight letdown, the overall performance and smart features more than make up for it. So, for your next TV upgrade, the Sony X85J is definitely worth putting on your shortlist. Happy watching!

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