Sharp FQ8 vs Sony X90L

Direct compare

X90L

Available screen sizes: 50”55”65”75”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”98”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2023

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

6.4

7.8

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.4

    7.5

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.2

    7.5

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.2

    7.4

  • Gaming on console

    7.4

    7.9

  • TV as a computer monitor

    3.0

    7.4

  • Watching in bright light

    5.4

    7.8

  • Utility functions

    6.5

    8.6

  • Apps

    10.0

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    6.0

    7.0

Advantages

  • High native contrast

  • Smooth tonal transitions

  • 120 Hz matrix

  • Advanced features for gamers

  • Low input lag

  • Harman/Kardon branded audio

  • 120 Hz matrix – great for gamers and sports fans

  • Good black and contrast reproduction thanks to advanced local dimming algorithm

  • Supports HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM and Game Bar – ideal gaming features

  • High SDR brightness (785 cd/m²) – performs excellently in well-lit rooms

  • Google TV operating system – intuitive, rich in apps and customisation

  • TV program recording function without the need for an external decoder

  • Natural image scaling – image without excessive sharpness, looks realistic

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor viewing angles

  • Dolby Vision IQ does not work properly

  • Average response time of the panel

  • Poor font readability when connected to a PC

  • No support for HGiG

  • Cannot enable VRR and Dolby Vision at the same time

  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, including 1 e-ARC

  • The TV isn't the slimmest – this may be a downside for those who prefer ultra-thin models

Our verdict

The Sharp FQ8 television offers numerous features that set it apart in its price range. It operates on the Google TV platform, granting access to a wide array of applications and intuitive navigation. A 120 Hz refresh rate panel ensures smooth image rendering, while low input lag makes it an appealing option for gamers. The high native contrast delivers deep, vivid blacks, and the television achieves a respectable brightness of 450 nits, allowing for comfortable HDR content viewing. Additionally, advanced formats like Dolby Vision are supported, and the inclusion of quantum dots (Quantum Dot/QLED) enhances the wide colour gamut coverage.

However, the Sharp FQ8 has its shortcomings. The lack of dynamic tone mapping control in HDR mode may disappoint more demanding users, and despite featuring Dolby Vision IQ, its performance is underwhelming. The panel's average response time can impact the clarity of fast-moving scenes, and limited viewing angles significantly reduce image quality when viewed from the side.

Despite these drawbacks, the Sharp FQ8 stands out as a solid choice, offering a good balance of quality, image fluidity, and an enjoyable audio system, all at a competitive price. While not flawless, it should meet the needs of most users seeking an affordable television with a 120 Hz panel.

Sony X90L is a premium model from the Japanese manufacturer, which premiered in 2023 but will successfully continue into 2024. The Sony brand and the name Bravia are associated with excellent picture quality, and this model confirms that reputation – it offers great brightness and very good blacks. Despite having fewer local dimming zones than the competition, it makes up for it with an advanced algorithm. Additionally, after calibration, the television presents very well-rendered colours, resulting in a natural and cohesive image associated with IMAX cinema. In everyday use, X90L performs excellently, mainly thanks to the picture processor that effectively upscales lower resolution content, as well as the recording function from the built-in tuner, which is becoming increasingly rare in today's televisions. Sony is also strongly linked to the world of PlayStation, and in this regard, X90L Sony does not disappoint. It comes equipped with HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and a convenient Game Bar, making it a good choice for gamers who expect smooth gameplay and quick response times. However, even in such a successful model, there are some drawbacks. Gamers may be disappointed by the lack of support for HGiG, which could improve image quality in HDR games. Furthermore, Sony has yet to release an update that would reduce input lag in Dolby Vision mode – something achieved in the higher-end model, the A95L. Those who prefer slimmer devices should know that although Sony X90L looks elegant with its aluminium frame, it is not among the thinnest televisions on the market. Even though X90L already has a year behind it, it remains a solid piece of equipment that combines good picture parameters with functionality and support for gamers. It’s a successful choice for those looking for a versatile high-end television.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

6.2/10

7.6/10

Local dimming function: No

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 88 (11 x 8)

Contrast:

Review Sharp FQ8 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,200:1

Review Sharp FQ8 Contrast and black detail

Result

7,200:1

Review Sharp FQ8 Contrast and black detail

Result

7,700:1

Review Sharp FQ8 Contrast and black detail

Result

8,100:1

Review Sharp FQ8 Contrast and black detail

Result

4,800:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

87,500:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

14,400:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

99,250:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

9,550:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

6,300:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The Sharp FQ8, with its VA panel, delivers an exceptionally high native contrast ratio, achieving an impressive 8100:1 in tests using film test patterns. This result significantly surpasses most competitors in its price range and is a rare achievement. The high contrast provides excellent depth to images, especially in scenes with pronounced differences between light and dark elements. This makes it particularly strong in contrast performance and black-level quality, which are critical factors in overall image evaluation.

The television features direct backlighting (Direct LED), which helps maintain consistent brightness levels. However, it lacks local dimming support, a common limitation in this price category. While this does slightly impact the depth and clarity of blacks in darker scenes, the high native contrast ensures the Sharp FQ8 still delivers a strong viewing experience.

The Sony X90L television is equipped with a VA panel and in the tested size of 65', it has 88 backlight zones. It may seem that such a number of zones doesn't make a big impression, but thanks to the local dimming algorithm, the television handles blacks exceptionally well. This is clearly visible on the first and third test screens, where the contrast reaches nearly 100,000:1. In more demanding scenes, the X90L doesn't achieve such spectacular results – a contrast level of 6000:1 is just fine. The light separation performs really well, which is confirmed by a scene from the film "Oblivion". However, the small number of backlight zones means that the halo effect is noticeable, especially in the test footage from "Sicario 2", where the helicopter lights cause quite a significant flare over a large area of the screen. Despite the limited number of backlight zones, the Sony X90L does really well in reproducing blacks. Although it doesn't match the top series of miniLED or OLED televisions in terms of black depth and contrast level, it offers solid results that are sufficient for most demanding users.

HDR effect quality

5.3/10

6.5/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 93.6%, Bt.2020: 74.6%
DCI P3: 96.0%, Bt.2020: 76.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sharp FQ8 Brightness measurement

Result

384 nit

Review Sharp FQ8 Brightness measurement

Result

399 nit

Review Sharp FQ8 Brightness measurement

Result

465 nit

Review Sharp FQ8 Brightness measurement

Result

461 nit

Review Sharp FQ8 Brightness measurement

Result

463 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

912 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

680 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

678 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

640 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

797 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

HDR luminance chart:

Sony X90L

Sharp FQ8

The Sharp FQ8 achieves a maximum brightness of over 450 nits, which is commendable for its price range. While this level might not be groundbreaking, it places the television among the better-performing models in its class. At this brightness, the image appears vivid and detailed, and the HDR metadata functions effectively, offering a more immersive viewing experience compared to dimmer devices.

The television supports the advanced Dolby Vision HDR format, enhancing the depth and richness of the content. It also includes Dolby Vision IQ, which adjusts the image's brightness and colours based on ambient lighting. However, the implementation of this feature on the Sharp FQ8 is suboptimal, introducing artificial brightening and noticeable distortions. For this reason, it is advisable to disable Dolby Vision IQ for the most accurate picture quality.

With quantum dot technology, the television achieves a colour gamut coverage of approximately 94%, resulting in vibrant and realistic colours. This combination of features ensures the Sharp FQ8 delivers an engaging and detailed visual experience, even with some limitations.

HDR on the Sony X90L television looks promising. The luminance chart indicated that the TV has a solid power reserve, achieving a maximum of 1000 nits in synthetic tests. But how does this perform in real-world scenarios? In scenes such as the opening of Life of Pi or the final sequence from The Meg, the TV is capable of delivering that power on HDR content, reaching around 800 nits. Unfortunately, displaying small light elements on a black background, like in the scene from Sicario 2, presents greater challenges for the X90L – here the results reach around 600 nits. Nevertheless, when looking at competitive models with mini-LED technology, the effect looks very good and can shine enough to impress us. The colour gamut coverage is also noteworthy, with a result of 96% for DCI-P3 and 76% for BT.2020, which indicates good colour reproduction in HDR content.

Factory color reproduction

4.2/10

6.2/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The Sharp FQ8 was evaluated for colour reproduction in its movie mode, which provides the best default settings for achieving realistic visuals. While it performs adequately, certain issues impact the overall image quality. Tests on HD content revealed significant white balance problems, with a marked dominance of red. This is evident in the colour graph, where the red line noticeably rises above the others, and in practical tests, such as a movie scene featuring a child, where the image appears overly warm and unnaturally red. Similar issues persist with 4K HDR content, where an excessive red tint detracts from the accuracy of colour reproduction, an important consideration for viewers prioritising faithful visuals.

For SDR contrast, the gamma graph displayed an unusual anomaly at the start, highlighting reproduction issues. The remainder of the gamma curve lies below the reference line, indicating suboptimal brightness and contrast levels for standard content. In 4K HDR, the EOTF curve also deviates significantly, suggesting inconsistencies in brightness reproduction. These fluctuations can result in less enjoyable viewing experiences for HDR content, particularly in scenes requiring precise light and dark balance.

The best mode on Sony televisions is the IMAX Enhanced mode. Although IMAX is mainly associated with the cinema experience, the colour reproduction out of the box is average here. In the case of lower quality materials, such as HD – regular television or YouTube – it's worth paying attention to the white balance. It suffers from a shortfall in red and excessive dominance of blue, which gives the image a pinkish hue. The brightness characteristic, or gamma, for HD content is quite acceptable, but a slight boost can cause the image to appear washed out and look as if it’s behind a light fog.

For 4K HDR content, the situation is somewhat different. The white balance shows a significant boost in blue, which makes the image unnaturally sharp and gives it an artificial feel. Such an exaggeration in colour reproduction may not appeal to everyone, especially if one prefers more realistic tones. Additionally, the EOTF curve in Sony X90L looks quite acceptable at first glance. However, at the end of the graph, there are certain fluctuations that suggest the television is trying to maintain the correct brightness to avoid overexposing larger elements.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.8/10

9.1/10

After calibration, the Sharp FQ8 shows notable improvements in its performance for SDR content. The white balance has been significantly refined, with all lines approaching the reference line. While the lines are not perfectly straight, the results are impressive for a TV in this price range. This adjustment enhances the naturalness and accuracy of colours, contributing to a more enjoyable visual experience. However, the gamma chart still displays the peculiar jump at the start, though the remaining line now aligns much closer to the expected outcome.

For HDR content, the white balance also sees meaningful improvements compared to the pre-calibration state, although it doesn’t perform as well as in SDR mode. This refinement results in more consistent and visually appealing colours, despite some remaining imperfections. On the downside, the EOTF chart reveals limited progress in contrast due to the lack of control over dynamic tone mapping settings, which hampers uniform brightness representation in HDR.

Despite these limitations, the calibration significantly elevates the Sharp FQ8, particularly in SDR mode. The improved white balance and colour reproduction deliver a more natural and pleasant viewing experience. While HDR content still leaves room for improvement, the TV achieves a respectable level of performance, solidifying its position as a strong contender in its price range.

Sony offers many tools for improving picture quality, including two extra picture modes that we decided to use during testing and apply calibration to. This solution greatly simplifies the calibration process and is very effective, provided you have the right tools. In the case of HD content, white balance was almost perfectly aligned – only one shade of grey exceeds an error value of "1", which is a great result. The same can be said for the brightness characteristic (gamma), which presents almost perfectly, with microscopic deviations of around 0.01.

For 4K HDR content, the situation is not as ideal. Although white balance has been significantly improved, it was not possible to completely eliminate the dominance of blue. Nevertheless, errors in the Colour Checker test only occasionally exceed the value of "2", which means that picture distortions are practically unnoticeable. When it comes to the EOTF curve, it's worth activating the filter in the top right corner "EOTF in Films" – the graph looks correct, but the TV struggles with illuminating very small elements, which is due to the limited number of backlight zones. Despite these minor errors, it's thanks to the calibration that the IMAX Enhanced mode in the Sony X90L makes watching movies feel like a true cinema experience.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8.8/10

9.2/10

The Sharp FQ8 excels in the fluidity of tonal transitions, offering smooth and harmonious shifts between colours in all tested movie scenes. This contributes positively to the overall image quality, enhancing the viewing experience. The only slight criticism is the visible gradation towards black, especially noticeable in scenes like a colourful sunset against the mountains. However, these minor imperfections do not detract from the generally impressive and pleasant visual performance.

The smoothness of tonal transitions in Sony X90L is excellent. The gradation is beautiful on high-quality sources such as streaming in 4K. One can only notice slight cuts on more demanding gradients, but the overall effect is very good and should satisfy even the most discerning viewers.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.5/10

8.5/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
Smooth transition function
OK
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The Sharp FQ8 performs adequately with its 10-bit colour reproduction feature, providing smooth transitions between grey shades in the light bulb photo. For optimal results, setting it to medium is recommended, as it avoids issues like grain smoothing or blurring key elements. The "low" setting also yields good results without introducing unwanted visual artefacts.

In terms of upscaling, the Sharp FQ8 TV handles video without overscan, making full use of the screen. The jagged edges of branches are noticeable, but the edges of trousers appear without any clear jaggedness, contributing positively to the overall image quality. Additionally, the TV's AI Super Resolution feature enhances clarity by artificially sharpening jagged elements, further improving the viewing experience.

The Sony X90L television features a smooth tonal transition function known as Gentle Gradation, which is incredibly effective. Even at the "low" setting, the effects are satisfactory, but at the "medium" setting, it works like a dream – we recommend using this option for the best results. The image scaling on the Sony X90L is simply excellent. The image is not overly sharpened, which gives a natural effect and makes everything look cohesive. It's clear that the engineers have really put effort into this aspect, creating a solution that impresses and performs well in everyday use. This means that even when watching content like regular television or YouTube, where the image is by nature not stunning, you can enjoy a smooth, coherent, and visually pleasing experience.

Blur and motion smoothness

7.2/10

8.1/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
120Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Nie
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Yes, 120Hz
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
55%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

The Sharp FQ8 features a 120 Hz panel, able to support playback at 144 Hz when connected to a PC, which should theoretically provide smooth motion rendering. The TV includes features designed to enhance film fluidity and reduce motion blur, crucial for more dynamic content. However, in the absence of Black Frame Insertion (BFI) technology, the panel's average response time leads to less-than-ideal results. This results in slight motion blur, which may be particularly noticeable when watching sports or during intense gaming sessions.

Sony X90L with a 120 Hz display is an excellent choice for both gamers and film enthusiasts. The television is equipped with the Motion Flow smoothing feature, which allows for adjusting motion smoothness using two sliders: "smoothness" and "clarity". The "smoothness" slider controls the level of motion fluidity, which affects the reduction of image stuttering, while "clarity" is used to reduce blurriness and enhance motion sharpness, which is especially useful in dynamic scenes.

Console compatibility and gaming features

7.1/10

7.8/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Warning Tak (wysoki input lag)
    Warning Tak (wysoki input lag)
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    No
    No
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    No
    Yes

The Sharp FQ8 offers several features that cater to gamers, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Firstly, the television is equipped with HDMI 2.1, which brings several advantages. ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) automatically switches the TV to a low-latency mode when a gaming device is detected. VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) helps reduce screen stuttering by adjusting the screen’s refresh rate to match the number of frames generated by the console or PC, providing smoother gameplay, especially in dynamic games. Additionally, the TV supports G-Sync, which synchronises the image with the graphics card, preventing stuttering and screen tearing.

Despite these advantages, the FQ8 has some limitations. The lack of support for HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group) means the TV does not optimise the dynamic range for HDR games. Furthermore, while Dolby Vision mode can improve picture quality in supported games, it suffers from very high input lag.

Sony X90L is a TV that performs well in terms of compatibility with consoles and features for gamers. Its 120 Hz panel and two HDMI 2.1 ports with a bandwidth of 48 Gb/s allow for smooth playback of high-resolution games at high frame rates. Gamers can also take advantage of the ALLM feature, which automatically switches the TV to low latency mode, and VRR, which ensures smooth gameplay without frame tearing. The Game Bar is an added bonus – an intuitive tool that provides quick access to essential settings and gaming features, making it easier to control the gameplay.

Unfortunately, when it comes to HDR in games, the Sony X90L has its limitations. It lacks support for HGiG, a standard that many gamers consider crucial for accurate HDR representation in games. While the TV supports Dolby Vision, which theoretically could enhance image quality in games, the practical implementation of this feature is problematic. Dolby Vision in game mode comes with very high input lag, making gameplay less comfortable and precise movements more difficult. Additionally, Dolby Vision cannot be enabled alongside VRR. This means that despite numerous advantages, gamers seeking the perfect HDR in games may feel unsatisfied.

Input lag

9.1/10

8.7/10

SDR

1080p60
16 ms
25 ms
1080p120
8 ms
12 ms
2160p60
16 ms
25 ms
2160p120
8 ms
12 ms

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
25 ms
2160p120
8 ms
12 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
128 ms
145 ms
2160p120 DV
20 ms

The input lag on the Sharp FQ8 is generally impressive, with a performance below 16 ms at all tested resolutions, making it a solid choice for gaming with smooth and quick response times. However, when Dolby Vision mode is enabled and the refresh rate is set to 60 Hz, the input lag increases significantly. This can negatively impact responsiveness, particularly in fast-paced games where accuracy and reaction time are key.

Input lag in Sony X90L can be rated as decent, although it’s not outstanding. In Dolby Vision mode, the television operates only at 60 Hz, and the high input lag complicates matters because it makes gameplay practically unplayable. For games at the popular 60 Hz frequency, the input lag is around 25 ms – this is an acceptable result, but for more demanding players, it may turn out to be disappointing.

Those more advanced players who have equipment supporting higher refresh rates can expect better results. With a 120 Hz signal, the input lag drops to around 12 ms, which provides significantly better responsiveness and smoother gameplay, meeting the expectations of more demanding users.

Compatibility with PC

3/10

7.4/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
No
Yes
Font clarity
Poor
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
17ms
12ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
144Hz
120Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

The Sharp FQ8 doesn't perform optimally when paired with a PC, despite its low input lag. The key issue is the lack of full support for chroma 4:4:4 at 4K and 120 Hz resolution, which leads to blurry text and a loss of detail in computer graphics. Furthermore, the use of a BGR subpixel arrangement, rather than the standard RGB, reduces font readability, making text appear blurry.

Collaboration with a PC in Sony X90L is at a good level. The X90L television supports chroma 4:4:4, which provides quite good text visibility, essential for work or browsing content on a large screen. Although there are minimal issues with font readability on a dark background, it is not problematic enough to be a significant concern in everyday use.

An additional advantage for PC users is the 120 Hz refresh rate and support for G-Sync. This means gamers can expect smoother gameplay without the effects of stuttering or tearing, which significantly enhances comfort and gaming experience.

Viewing angles

2.1/10

2.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
84%
64%

The Sharp FQ8 has limited viewing angles, typical of a VA panel. When viewed from a wider angle, the TV's brightness diminishes significantly, and colours quickly lose their vibrancy. This results in a washed-out image with less defined details, which could be a concern if you intend to watch with a larger group or from multiple positions in the room.

The viewing angles on the Sony X90L are unfortunately very poor, which is typical for VA panels. The image quality deteriorates when viewed at an angle, which can be problematic when watching from a greater distance or with a larger group of people. It's a shame the manufacturer didn't apply a coating to widen the viewing angles, as this could significantly improve this aspect and make the TV more versatile for different room layouts.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.4/10

7.8/10

Matrix coating
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Good
Black levels during daytime
Good
Very Good

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony X90L: 784 cd/m2

Sharp FQ8: 440 cd/m2

The Sharp FQ8 performs well in daylight conditions, with the panel reaching a brightness of 440 nits. Combined with its satin screen coating, this ensures satisfactory visibility even in bright environments. Notably, the television handles the colour black without issues during the day, allowing darker scenes to remain readable and preserving depth despite the surrounding light.

The performance of the Sony X90L television during the day is very good. The satin matrix effectively reduces reflections, which minimizes glare and keeps the image clear even in bright rooms. An SDR brightness level of 785 cd/m² allows for comfortable viewing of standard television and lower quality materials regardless of the time of day. This means that the X90L will work great in both well-lit living rooms and in sunnier spaces.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
PFS LED
PFS LED
Software version during testing
v1.17
PKG6.7612.0875EUA
Image processor
mt5889
mt5895 3GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TV features

6.5/10

8.6/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Google TV
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    Yes
  • Recording programming
    No
    Yes
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    No
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    No
    No
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

The Sharp FQ8 is equipped with the modern Google TV system, providing access to a variety of apps including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+. It also supports voice control, making it easier to navigate and access content quickly. The television allows for the connection of multiple devices, such as keyboards, mice, Bluetooth headphones, and other accessories.

However, the TV does have some limitations. The absence of a TV programme recording feature and picture-in-picture (PiP) support could be a downside for those who rely on these options. Additionally, Apple device users may find the lack of AirPlay compatibility frustrating, as it complicates streaming content from an iPhone or iPad to the television.

Sony X90L offers a rich set of features, starting with the Google TV system, which is the heart of entertainment. This solution provides access to a vast array of apps and streaming services, and the interface is intuitive and straightforward. With the support of a voice assistant, using the television becomes even more convenient – just one command is enough to find your favourite movies, series, or music. Google TV operates smoothly and allows for full personalisation, making everyday use pleasant and hassle-free.

The television also offers a range of practical features. It supports AirPlay and Miracast, enabling easy content sharing from mobile devices. Additionally, you can connect other devices via Bluetooth, which enhances versatility and user-friendliness. For those who prefer traditional TV viewing, there’s even a recording feature available without the need for an external decoder, which is a significant advantage for fans of live programs.

In terms of design, Sony X90L may not be the slimmest, but its appearance is impressive thanks to the metal frame that adds elegance. The television comes with a stand that can be set up in three different ways, allowing you to customise its placement to suit various spaces and user preferences.

Playing files from USB

9.4/10

8.7/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
Yes
Yes
PNG
Yes
No
GIF
Yes
No
WebP
Yes
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
Yes
No
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

Thanks to the Google TV system, the Sharp FQ8 offers excellent flexibility when playing files from USB. Users can install various apps for video and audio playback, such as VLC or MX Player, allowing the television to handle the most popular file formats. Whether it’s movies, music, or photos, the support for multiple formats ensures a comfortable and hassle-free multimedia experience from external drives.

Sony X90L easily handles playback of most popular file formats from USB, which is a big plus for those who often reach for external content. However, there is a minor downside – the built-in player does not allow for changing the font colour in subtitles, which may be problematic for some. Fortunately, thanks to the advanced Google TV system, users have a wide range of options. You can easily install alternative media players that offer more personalisation options.

Apps

10/10

10/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi

Sound

6/10

7/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6/10
    7/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    Yes
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    Yes

The sound performance of the Sharp FQ8 is, of course, subjective, but there are a few notable aspects. The television features a Harman/Kardon-branded soundbar aimed directly at the user. While it isn’t a full-fledged soundbar or home theatre system, this speaker arrangement significantly improves the audio experience, providing clearer and more direct sound, which is particularly beneficial for everyday television viewing. It’s also worth mentioning that the television can achieve very high volumes, which will be helpful for individuals with hearing difficulties. The only criticism we encountered was related to sound processing by Dolby, which resulted in noticeable sound distortions and artificial clipping.

The sound on the Sony X90L is pleasant and clear, and the presence of bass makes the audio fuller. The television handles music playback well, offering satisfying audio experiences. An additional advantage is the support for Dolby Atmos and DTS technology, which provide a more spacious and immersive sound. This makes movies, games, and music richer and more realistic, creating better experiences for the user.