Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) vs Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D

Direct compare

BRAVIA 9 / XR90

Info

Neo QLED / QN85D / QNX1D

Info

Available screen sizes: 65”75”85”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Panel type: LCD VA (wide viewing angle)

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Tizen

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

8.9

7.4

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    8.4

    6.6

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    8.4

    6.8

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    8.5

    6.7

  • Gaming on console

    9.2

    8.9

  • TV as a computer monitor

    7.6

    7.6

  • Watching in bright light

    9.5

    7.3

  • Utility functions

    9.5

    7.7

  • Apps

    10.0

    9.3

  • Sound quality

    9.4

    7.0

Advantages

  • Amazing HDR material brightness results

  • Very good colour reproduction after calibration

  • Advanced motion smoothing system

  • Noticeable positive impact of the image processor

  • Faithfulness to the source material

  • Versatile GoogleTV operating system

  • Good (for a VA panel) viewing angles

  • Nice contrast - Miniled backlighting

  • Very good for gamers - 120Hz, 4xHDMI 2.1, low input lag

  • Tizen operating system with SmartThings and AirPlay support – wide integration and flexibility

  • Very high brightness 825 cd/m² – good performance in bright rooms

  • Pleasant sound with noticeable bass

Disadvantages

No like
  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports - including one ARC

  • No picture-in-picture (PiP) feature

  • No recording feature

  • Limited support for multimedia formats, no DTS audio format

Our verdict

Sony BRAVIA 9 is undoubtedly a top-tier product, and there’s no "but" about it, as this is a fact, not a thesis. It’s evident everywhere you look how much effort the manufacturer has put into perfecting the dimming algorithms, which undoubtedly perform their role to every possible degree. Thanks to this, we can enjoy an incredibly deep black and an amazingly vivid image. And since we’re talking about the picture and backlighting, one cannot help but mention the quality of HDR effects, which will brighten the room, enveloping us in over 2000 nits of peak brightness. Such a result certainly looks impressive on paper, but you have to trust us that it’s even better in person. The manufacturer, known for its meticulous approach to image quality, has once again endeavoured to ensure that its television faithfully reproduces what the film director intended to convey, and it has succeeded brilliantly. The Sony Bravia 9 also offers an excellent user experience thanks to the Google TV system. The interface is intuitive, and with a rich library of apps, we have access to countless contents that we can tailor to our own preferences. The integration with Google Assistant allows for quick and convenient searching of favourite movies, shows, or music, as well as controlling other smart devices in the home. It’s these kinds of solutions that make using the television not just a pleasure but also simplifies daily life. Unfortunately, not everything is perfect. The Sony Bravia 9 still has room for improvement, particularly regarding the HDMI port configuration. Sony BRAVIA 9 has only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is eARC, that is a port for a soundbar or home theatre system. For such an expensive piece of equipment, one might expect four full HDMI 2.1 ports, and the lack of Picture-in-Picture (PiP) functionality is also a drawback that can be annoying. Despite these shortcomings, it’s hard not to notice just how exceptional this equipment is. It’s the first LCD television that can truly compete with OLEDs. Infinite contrast, fantastic picture quality, zero compromises — Sony BRAVIA 9 is nearly perfect. Excellent picture, modern technologies, attention to detail make every viewing experience one you won’t forget.

Samsung QN85D is the entry-level model in the Neo QLED series for 2024, but it certainly doesn’t come across as a "budget" option. It’s a television that combines modern technology with convenient smart features. During tests, the Tizen system operated smoothly, and integration with the SmartThings ecosystem made it easy to connect other devices in the home. If we use Apple devices, AirPlay works flawlessly, which is convenient, especially for viewing photos or videos from our phone. As for its performance during daily use, it simply works very well. The television handles viewing even in bright rooms – its brightness is sufficient that there’s no need to cover the windows. Additionally, the stable central stand not only looks good but also adds confidence that the device is standing securely and will definitely fit on smaller furniture. There is a lack of recording function, but the solar remote control, which operates decoders (e.g. Canal+) and the PiP function are practical additions that anyone who enjoys spending time watching regular television will appreciate. As for the picture – because that’s the most important thing in a TV – the QN85D makes a great impression. The VA panel provides very good blacks – especially if we watch the television head-on. Thanks to miniLED backlighting, the television better controls the light, resulting in much more detail visible in dark scenes. When it comes to motion fluidity, the television performs excellently thanks to the 120 Hz refresh rate – both games and matches are enjoyable to watch. If we’re gaming, low input lag combined with an excellent motion smoother and game bar will be a significant advantage – gameplay will be a pleasure. Samsung QN85D is a versatile television that will perform well for both everyday television watching and more demanding sessions or gaming on a console. Although it lacks some features, such as recording, its picture quality, motion fluidity, and smart capabilities definitely make up for these shortcomings. If we’re looking for a modern yet affordable Mini LED model, QN85D will be a very good choice.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
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
First remote control Drugi pilot

Contrast and black detail

8.6/10

7.6/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 1920 (60 x 32)

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 120 (12 x 10)

Contrast:

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

184,000:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

98,500:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

120,000:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

9,050:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

5,800:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Contrast and black detail

Result

107,750:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Contrast and black detail

Result

27,100:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Contrast and black detail

Result

62,500:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Contrast and black detail

Result

8,750:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Contrast and black detail

Result

4,950:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Similarly, the Sony Bravia 9 utilises a high-contrast VA panel, supported by a backlight made up of Mini LED diodes. The total number of zones for the 75" size we tested was 1920. Combining such a number with advanced, and one might boldly say — the best zone dimming algorithms delivers excellent results in contrast and black levels. Practically every scene can display an incredibly deep and immersive image. Of course, the last two won't give us blacks akin to OLED televisions, however, it's fair to say that the results are not weak, as a significant portion of competing TVs will not provide such a faithful representation of the director's vision. Looking below at two test scenes from the Sony Bravia 9 from the film Oblivion and Sicario 2, we can observe very mature behaviour of the backlight algorithms, which ensure that blacks are maintained without sacrificing the original image. Of course, the blooming effect still occurs here due to the operation of the TV's zones (it can be observed on the small lights on the helicopter), but it is definitely one of the best LCD TVs we have had the opportunity to test in terms of black levels and contrast.

Samsung QN85D for 2024 is the first model from the NeoQLED series to use a VA panel, offering significantly better blacks than IPS/ADS technologies. The 55-inch version has 160 dimming zones, which may not be an impressive number compared to competing models from China. In larger sizes, the number of zones is greater, which naturally translates to better contrast. The contrast results are good, but certain limitations are evident.

With smaller elements on the screen, the limited number of zones causes issues – the TV either tries to maintain a high brightness level, resulting in a halo effect around objects, or it dims too much, as observed in the test scene from the Pioneer disc. Additionally, in the same scene where the TV showcased its highest capabilities (Oblivion) in contrast, it also has significant problems with light separation. You can see how the TV struggles to maintain the best black at the cost of detail in the whites. You can't have it all. Both of these effects impact the perception of contrast, making the performance weaker in more challenging conditions. However, compared to TVs without local dimming technology, the results are very positive and can be surprising.

HDR effect quality

8.5/10

5.3/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 96.0%, Bt.2020: 77.0%
DCI P3: 94.6%, Bt.2020: 77.5%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

2199 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1700 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1717 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1751 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1741 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Brightness measurement

Result

999 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Brightness measurement

Result

335 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Brightness measurement

Result

562 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Brightness measurement

Result

182 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Brightness measurement

Result

855 nit

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

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: HDR10+

HDR luminance chart:

Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D

Luminancja HDR

Luminance of RGB colors

Sony Bravia 9 (XR90)

Luminancja HDR

Luminance of RGB colors

The brightness measurement results on the Sony Bravia 9 are phenomenal. Each scene achieves well over 1500 nits, and while watching movies, the TV can sometimes shine even brighter. It goes without saying that such brightness allows for unprecedented experiences and engagement with video material at the highest possible quality. With a high coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, the image is full of colours and, combined with such high luminance, it practically breathes. Thanks to the high peak brightness, viewers can enjoy the full spectrum of colours even in the most difficult scenes, such as those based on dynamic lighting changes. The Bravia 9 supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 formats, which further enhances the viewing experience.

Samsung QN85D leaves us with mixed feelings regarding HDR quality. It can shine in synthetic luminance tests, reaching even 1000 nits – which makes scenes like those from 'The Meg' or the start of 'Life of Pi', where the screen is all bright, look truly impressive. However, in practice, the device has its limitations – especially when smaller bright elements appear on the screen. In such moments, brightness noticeably drops, and the HDR effect loses its punch. At brightness levels around 200-300 nits, the magic of HDR simply fades away, not delivering spectacular effects. However, it’s not that the television completely disappoints – coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut at 95% is quite decent, although it doesn’t stand out against the best competitors. Colours are well-rendered, but it's clear that HDR could make a bigger impression if brightness could be better controlled.

Factory color reproduction

8.1/10

6.3/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode on Sony televisions has remained "IMAX Enhanced" for years. This is what we used throughout the entire testing procedure. Despite being the closest to the reference compared to other predefined options, it has a number of aspects that can be improved to make viewing even more enjoyable. When we look at the gamma in SDR materials, we notice quite a significant boost that is related to over-contrasting the image. It is worth noting that the very beginning of the graph has an even greater spike compared to the reference, which leads to the merging of details in the blacks, creating a uniform blob. The EOTF curve in HDR content looked quite accurate and only showed slight deviations from the reference. However, a common characteristic for both was: a greenish tint in the white balance, issues with greys, and general colour misalignment. The most noticeable issue was related to the uneven distribution of colours in the white balance. Due to the excess of the aforementioned colour, the image was covered with an unpleasant greenish tint.

Samsung QN85D TV has been tested in the best available mode – Filmmaker. While one might expect its name suggests a mode perfectly suited for films, unfortunately, it has several significant issues.

When it comes to white balance for HD content, there is a noticeable dominance of red and blue, which makes the entire image take on pinkish hues – this is also confirmed by Colour Checker tests. This effect disturbs the naturalness of skin tones and many other elements, which is particularly evident in more demanding scenes. Initially, the white balance for 4K HDR content seems correct, but at the end of the graph, there is a significant spike in blue hues, affecting the final image quality and making the colours appear unnatural.

The gamma brightness characteristic is also not ideal – although it generally stays close to the reference value, there is a slight drop below 2.4, which can impact the perceived depth of shadows. The EOTF curve responsible for 4K content does not perform any better. There is a clear boost compared to the reference curve, leading to excessive brightness in some areas, thus losing the cinematic quality that the Filmmaker mode should provide. While it might initially seem that the effect is cinematic, unfortunately, the number of errors in colour and brightness reproduction is too significant to call it flawless.

Color reproduction after calibration

9.3/10

7.9/10

The colour reproduction after the calibration process should be regarded as excellent. Regardless of the signal, whether it's SDR or HDR, we can expect an image incredibly close to what the film director saw. Practically every image flaw has been modelled and maximally improved. This was made possible by the advanced tools used for the calibration process, which Sony has provided in its televisions for years, including 2- and 20-point grey scale adjustment and a very elaborate CMS.

After professional calibration of the Filmmaker mode on the Samsung QN85D television, a significant improvement is noticeable, especially for HD/SDR content. The white balance has been completely free of major errors, and the brightness characteristics for this type of content have been significantly adjusted, allowing for a more natural and realistic image. Television, YouTube films, and other HD materials now look much better, with appropriately balanced colours and without the exaggerated hues that previously marred the experience.

However, the biggest issues arise with 4K HDR content. Despite the calibration, it's hard to speak of significant improvement in white balance here – the differences are cosmetic rather than essential. Brightness, governed by the EOTF curve, seems to be set according to the reference level in synthetic tests at first glance, but has its limitations during actual viewing in films. When analysing the EOTF curve in real film scenes, it becomes clear that the television struggles to maintain consistency in brightness. The effect is that mixed scenes still have their darkest elements boosted, leading to exaggerated contrasts, and completely dark scenes remain too dark, which negatively affects the visibility of details.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7.1/10

7.6/10

The default quality of gentle gradation, i.e. without the enhancement feature activated, is fairly average, considering the price range and class of the device. The issue isn't noticeable with very bright backgrounds, but it's quite prominent on dark ones. This is perfectly illustrated by the last two test scenes, where tonal transitions are apparent and may cause discomfort to image purists.

When it comes to tonal transition fluidity on the Samsung QN85D television, it’s generally very good. The tonal transitions are smooth, and there are no significant artifacts. However, more demanding users may notice some issues in certain scenes. For example, when blending darker colours, like in the scene with the red sea, subtle shortcomings can be observed. Similarly, in the case of lighter colours – the scene from the film 'The Martian' shows slight gradation issues, leading to subtle but noticeable transitions between shades. Despite these minor shortcomings, most users should be satisfied. The results are of a high standard and in most cases provide smooth, natural transitions between colours.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8.5/10

7/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Let's take another look at the quality of tonal transitions, but this time we will analyse the quality of image scaling, which will be crucial when watching lower quality materials. We'll start with the function responsible for the quality of tonal transitions. While they are quite average by default, after activating the option, even at the smallest degree, we can confidently say that these are some of the better ones we've seen. You can confidently enable this function, as it does not cause any negative phenomena, such as grain blur.

Sony has been boasting for several years that its "XR" processor is unmatched when it comes to image scaling. And it's not hard for us to believe that, because the image is indeed incredibly sharp, yet very natural.

When checking the fluidity of tonal transitions in low-resolution materials on the Samsung QN85D television, it’s worth noting the noise reduction feature, which significantly improves problematic tonal transitions. On the other hand, this feature also has its downsides – it removes film grain, which is an important element of many productions, giving them authenticity, and it can also soften the image. This may appeal to those who prefer a smoother picture; however, for lovers of the authentic look of films, using this feature should be considered carefully.

Regarding image scaling, the television performs very well. The model's figure is presented correctly, without noticeable distortions, and the branches in the background do not have excessive artificial sharpness, which is often a problem when scaling lower resolution materials. The high capabilities of the image processor are evident here, which can effectively process lower quality materials, ensuring good final quality.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

7.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
120Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
1%
75%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

The maximum refresh rate of the Sony Bravia 9 is 120 Hz. This is the essential minimum for watching primarily sports or content that has a lot of movement dynamics while maintaining a sharp and smooth image. For demanding users, the manufacturer has implemented a very advanced smoothing system, which is divided into three segments: Smoothness (Film), Smoothness (Camera), and Clarity. The first two correspond to: blur degree and smoothing degree, respectively. The third option will be described in more detail below. Additionally, we can adjust all settings to various levels, each of which will have an effect, ensuring that we can find our very own sweet spot. In the photo, we present a setting with slight smoothing, without the soap opera effect.

Samsung QN85D TV is equipped with a 120 Hz refresh rate panel, which should satisfy both gamers and sports enthusiasts by offering a smooth and dynamic image. There are options to enhance fluidity, such as the blur and judder reduction feature, which allows precise motion fluidity adjustments on a 10-point scale. The blur reduction increases the sharpness of fast-moving objects, making action scenes more readable, while judder reduction smooths out motion, eliminating the “judder” effect. Ghosting is generally well controlled, though minor imperfections can be visible in more demanding scenes, especially when an object moves against a dark background. Additionally, the TV offers a BFI (Black Frame Insertion) feature at a 60 Hz refresh rate, which can significantly improve motion fluidity experience, although at the cost of image flicker, which might be bothersome for some users.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.4/10

9.5/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 120Hz
    48 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

The Sony Bravia 9 television is equipped with four HDMI ports. However, somewhat incomprehensibly for this class of device, only two of them operate in the 2.1 standard. Nevertheless, it shouldn't be taken away that almost all features work excellently and do not cause any negative feelings upon being activated. Games operating in either HDR10 or Dolby Vision have a very short input lag, allowing for a very comfortable session with the title. A consolation remains in the good implementation of the HGIG mode, which after proper tuning does not deviate significantly from Dolby Vision.

A year ago, Sony added to its televisions what has been standard for some manufacturers for years. This is, of course, the GameBar, allowing for quick adjustment of settings without the need to exit the game. The implementation of this feature was successful and works very smoothly. We have been provided with conveniences such as: crosshair grid, black level correction, and the ability to reduce the screen to the proportions of gaming monitors.

Sony Bravia 9 will certainly find its group of fans, most likely among PlayStation enthusiasts. Here, we must admit that this will be the most sensible choice, as in practice both the console and the television have exactly the same capabilities. However, looking more broadly, aside from issues with Dolby Vision in games, one cannot deny that the Bravia 9 is a very good television in the context of gaming.

The Samsung QN85D television is an excellent choice for gamers, offering a wide range of features that enhance the gaming experience and make it even more exciting. With a 120 Hz refresh rate panel, the image is incredibly smooth, which is crucial during dynamic scenes in action games. The television also boasts low input lag, allowing for nearly instant reactions to player commands, which translates into better control over characters and events on the screen.

In addition, the QN85D Samsung supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) technologies, which optimise image smoothness and reduce delays by automatically adjusting the television to the needs of gamers. Moreover, the Xbox app allows for cloud gaming without the need for a console, which is a big plus for those who want to enjoy their favourite titles without additional hardware – a feature that sets Samsung televisions apart.

The Auto Motion Plus Game feature is another aspect worth highlighting. This motion smoothing technology creates the illusion of more frames per second – as a result, games at 30 fps appear smoother, resembling gameplay at 45 fps, while games at 60 Hz come closer to 90 Hz. Most importantly, this feature does not introduce significant lag, ensuring that gaming comfort is not compromised. This allows gamers to enjoy a smoother image without compromising responsiveness.

Input lag

9.7/10

9.9/10

SDR

1080p60
20 ms
14 ms
1080p120
10 ms
10 ms
2160p60
19 ms
14 ms
2160p120
10 ms
10 ms

HDR

2160p60
19 ms
14 ms
2160p120
10 ms
10 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
20 ms
2160p120 DV
10 ms

Input lag for Bravia 9 is low in every scenario. Even the most dedicated gamers will certainly appreciate the very low input lag of 10 ms at demanding 4K 120 Hz with HDR settings.

Samsung QN85D impresses when it comes to input lag value. The television achieves outstanding results – below 15 ms for 60 Hz content and around 10 ms for 120 Hz content. This allows gamers to enjoy instantaneous responses to their actions, especially in dynamic games where every millisecond counts. Such low input lag makes gameplay more responsive and natural, enhancing the overall experience while playing.

Compatibility with PC

7.6/10

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Average
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
9ms
10ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

Sony Bravia 9 coupled with a PC performs excellently, thanks to its very low latency of just 9 ms, providing immediate response between the mouse, eye, and screen. An extremely important aspect while working on the screen is the readability of text, which in the case of the tested television is very good. However, it is essential to remember to switch the television to "Game" mode, as this provides the best text readability, while in other scenarios, the font may become unreadable.

The subpixel arrangement is BGR, which does not negatively impact using the television as a monitor. However, since operating systems are not adjusted for such a subpixel format, this may result in slightly less sharp contours. This is practically negligible, and only a handful of people may notice it.

Samsung QN85D could be a good option as a computer monitor. Thanks to support for chroma 4:4:4 (available only in "Game" mode), text on the screen is clear and easy to read, which is crucial for those working with word documents or spreadsheets. A major advantage of this model is its exceptionally low input lag in "PC" mode – just 9 ms, which is really impressive and provides high fluidity and responsiveness, making it suitable for both work and gaming. However, there are some drawbacks. When displaying fonts on a dark background, an issue arises – when zooming in on an image, it can be seen that the horizontal lines are darker than the vertical ones. This is due to the fact that the sub-pixels in those areas do not light up fully, which may be a result of oversight on the manufacturer's part in optimising the algorithm responsible for displaying thin lines. As a result, the quality of text on a dark background is not ideal. Despite this, the television still remains a very good choice as a PC monitor, especially considering the low input lag and support for chroma 4:4:4.

Viewing angles

7.4/10

2.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
54%
84%

Thanks to the use of an angular coating, colour degradation and contrast loss at an angle are not as drastic as in the vast majority of VA matrix televisions. Only after a significant shift off-axis does greater image destabilisation become apparent; however, the overall experience can be rated very positively.

The Samsung QN85D television, due to its VA panel, has quite poor viewing angles. When viewed from the side, colours lose their intensity, and the image becomes noticeably less contrasted. This is a typical drawback of VA panels, which offer significantly worse picture quality when viewed from wider angles. However, directly in front of the television, the situation looks much better – the VA panel then provides deep blacks and better contrast, which is a big plus if the television is mainly watched while sitting directly in front of the screen.

TV efficiency during daytime

9.5/10

7.3/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D: 825 cd/m2

Sony Bravia 9 (XR90): 1609 cd/m2

When watching during the day, we can count on an incredibly high brightness of 1600 nits, which allows for very comfortable viewing even when harsh angled light hits the TV. Even reflections that spill across the screen do not detract from the enjoyment of watching on a sunny day. For this reason, the Sony Bravia receives nearly the highest rating from us in this regard.

Samsung QN85D TV performs very well in bright daylight conditions. Although the satin panel moderately suppresses reflections, the brightness level of 825 cd/m² is truly impressive. Even in direct sunlight, the television handles itself very well, providing a clear and sharp image, and the largest external light sources do not pose a significant problem. This makes this model a good option for rooms with a lot of natural light.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
112.624.140.1EUA
1120
Image processor
mt5897 6gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Sony Bravia 9 (XR90)

Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D

TV features

9.5/10

7.7/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Tizen
  • 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)
    Yes
    No
  • Recording programming
    Yes
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    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
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Bravia 9 runs on the Google TV system, which is a significant advantage compared to TVs equipped with proprietary systems from manufacturers, where installing applications from a USB drive can be difficult, and often downright impossible. With Google TV, we have the ability to install virtually any application, both from the official store and directly from online repositories via an APK file.

This system also offers many conveniences in terms of control. We can connect a keyboard with a touchpad, which significantly makes entering queries much easier. Additionally, thanks to integration with Google, we can use voice control features via the remote, which works very well, although there are occasional minor issues with understanding functions and options. It's worth noting that Google TV receives regular updates that enhance functionality and introduce new options. We can also confirm that, according to reports from users of older models, the software has its off days and sometimes has a “bad day.”

In summary: Google TV is currently one of the most popular systems on the market. Thanks to its efficient CPU, it operates very smoothly, doesn’t freeze and has no issues with lagging for a significant portion of usage. It is definitely the best option for those who want to fully utilise the potential of their TV and value system openness.

Samsung QN85D offers a wide range of smart features, thanks to the Tizen platform. Users have access to applications and features such as SmartThings, allowing management not only of Samsung devices but also equipment from other brands, creating a complete smart home ecosystem. The TV also supports AirPlay, enabling convenient content streaming from Apple devices directly to the screen, enhancing flexibility and comfort in everyday use.

Model QN85D also stands out in terms of unique features. The TV features Daily+, offering a variety of daily content such as fitness exercises or workspace. Additionally, the attractive appearance of the TV, while not as slim as last year's models, still presents well. The central stand provides solid support and adds character to the device, giving the TV a more elegant look.

In terms of user features, the TV is equipped with a remote that controls set-top boxes, such as Canal+, allowing easy control of most home equipment with a single device. The TV also has a PiP (Picture-in-Picture) function, enabling simultaneous viewing of two image sources. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks that can be noticed is the lack of a recording function, which may be a significant downside for some users.

Playing files from USB

8.7/10

8.9/10

Supported photo formats:

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

The built-in player in Sony Bravia 9 is quite good. While it’s not without its flaws, it must be said that it plays a significant portion of files without a hitch. However, among the missing features, the lack of support for subtitles in .sub, .txt formats or selectively working image formats can be bothersome, with only JPEG and HEIC available. This isn’t really a problem considering the ease of installing applications like VLC or KODI.

The built-in player in the Samsung QN85D should satisfy most users. It handles popular video and audio formats without much trouble, offering solid support for the most commonly used codecs. However, more demanding users may notice some shortcomings – it is not possible to play photos in the HEIC format, popular in Apple devices, as well as a few other, less common photo formats.

Apps

10/10

9.3/10

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
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

9.4/10

7/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    9.4/10
    7/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    No

We must admit that the sound coming from the Sony Bravia 9 left us quite astonished. Of course, we knew it was a top-of-the-line product, but we didn’t expect such sound quality. You can easily hear each instrument individually, and the bass adds the right depth to the whole experience. With a clear conscience, we can say that this is the best sounding television we have had the chance to test. Of course, we realise that people opting for such a television already have their own home theatre setup. And here there won't be any major obstacle, as the Bravia 9 supports DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos.

The sound on the Samsung QN85D television is pleasant, with a subtle sense of bass and clarity across the entire volume range. This is thanks to the built-in 2.2 40W speakers. Unfortunately, the lack of support for the DTS audio format may be problematic for users wanting to enjoy a full sound experience. In such cases, it will be necessary to use an external player to get support for this format.