Compare: Sony X85L vs Sony BRAVIA 5 (XR5)

Sony X85L is a model from 2023 that will continue to be available in the 2024 range from the Japanese manufacturer. Its biggest advantage is the Google TV system. It currently provides the greatest access to applications, so we don’t have to worry about missing any of our favourite apps. The intuitive interface and voice control feature using Google Assistant make daily use of the television convenient and modern. As for picture quality, Sony X85L performs well. Thanks to local dimming (albeit with a very mediocre number of zones), black levels look quite decent. Additionally, its fairly high brightness allows for comfortable TV viewing during the day, even in well-lit rooms. Moreover, the television offers a program recording feature from built-in tuners, which is a great convenience for those wanting to control what and when they watch. In terms of motion smoothness, X85L also does not disappoint. The 120 Hz panel and Motionflow system provide smooth display of dynamic scenes, which will satisfy both movie lovers and sports fans. The television is also equipped with a range of features for gamers, including VRR, Game Bar, and G-Sync support, making it an attractive choice for gaming enthusiasts. Of course, the television is not without its flaws. The lack of HGiG support and high input lag in Dolby Vision mode may be disappointing for more demanding gamers. Additionally, the compromise between font readability and smoothness of the image when connected to a PC may not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, Sony X85L is a decent piece of equipment that is particularly worth considering if it can be purchased on sale.

Sony Bravia 5 is the continuation of the iconic X90L model, and it's clear that the manufacturer aimed to take a step forward. A greater number of backlighting zones have been implemented, which makes the contrast seem better in many scenes, with deeper blacks than its predecessor. The 120 Hz panel and MotionFlow system allow you to tailor the fluidity of the image to your own preferences – from a slight cinematic texture to crystal smooth motion in sports and games. This is a device that is unafraid of any content, because regardless of whether we're watching a match, an action film, or a concert, the image maintains clarity and character. However, the true strength of the Bravia 5 remains its XR processor. It's what makes older materials look better than they should – upscaling works like magic here, smoothing out noise, improving gradation, and providing coherence even to content of lower quality. As a result, in everyday use, the Bravia 5 can surprise, because instead of battling with signal imperfections, it extracts the maximum from them. Additionally, there's excellent colour reproduction once calibrated, as well as dynamic tone mapping with Dolby Vision mode, allowing you to enjoy details even in challenging, high-contrast scenes. However, it cannot be hidden that at several moments, the Bravia 5 has let us down significantly. Despite the greater number of zones, brightness and contrast are not always better than in the X90L – sometimes they even perform worse. This raises a sense of wasted potential, as we were hoping for a greater qualitative leap. After all, we are talking about a true MINI-LED television here. Nevertheless, the Bravia 5 remains an excellent TV for those who want to enjoy quality image above all. If you're looking for a model that can impress with smooth motion, extracts details from difficult scenes, and works wonders with older materials, the Bravia 5 will easily meet these expectations. It's a television that sometimes cannot quite match the competition in certain respects, but still defends itself with what Sony does best – cinematic imagery.

The Sony X85L television is equipped with a VA panel, which offers quite decent contrast on its own. Additionally, this model features local dimming technology – in the 55-inch version, it includes 24 zones. Although this number isn’t impressive, it naturally increases with the size of the television. The contrast in the X85L is good, though not the best, especially compared to other televisions also equipped with advanced local dimming technology. Results at a level of 8000:1 are satisfactory, but they average out against the competition. In some cases, such as the third scene from the movie Arrival, the contrast is promising and performs quite well. This is thanks to the very good dimming algorithm that Sony has been using in its televisions for years. Unfortunately, due to the limited number of local dimming zones, the television struggles with noticeable blooming, which can be seen in scenes with the helicopter from the movie Sicario 2.

Bravia 5 is the entry-level TV in Sony's Mini-LED series for 2025, so naturally we start with the most important thing – how it performs with blacks and contrast. After all, the term "Mini-LED" today sounds almost like a magic spell. In theory, this means thousands of tiny diodes arranged in zones that are meant to work in harmony, dimming and brightening the image so that the viewer's eye perceives more depth than with a classic LCD. In practice, in the 65-inch Bravia 5, we counted around 200 backlight zones. Is that a lot? Definitely more than its predecessor, the legendary X90L model, but when you look at Chinese manufacturers who can pack in hundreds, sometimes even thousands of zones – it comes off as rather modest.

One might expect that combining a greater number of zones with the refined dimming algorithms that Sony has accustomed us to over the years would result in a qualitative leap compared to the X90L. Meanwhile – and this is where a slight disappointment arises – tests showed that the results are surprisingly similar to last year's model. Don't take this the wrong way: the contrast, for an LCD TV with local dimming, is really solid. In most scenes, bright elements are separated from dark ones with surgical precision, and the effect can be breathtaking. But when more demanding shots appear on screen – those that mercilessly test the capabilities of the backlight – it becomes clear that the hardware has its limitations.

Therefore, one could say that in terms of blacks and contrast, the Bravia 5 doesn't so much disappoint as rather fails to meet the hopes that the initial announcements ignited. We were hoping for at least a slightly better performance than its predecessor, and we got "only" good contrast. And that “only” is the key word here – because good contrast in Sony’s rendition still means a level that most competitors would be proud of.

The Sony X85L TV offers solid HDR performance with a brightness of 750 nits, which is sufficient to enjoy vibrant effects. In scenes of moderate difficulty, such as the first, third, or fifth test scenes, a brightness of around 600 nits allows you to fully experience the HDR effect. Unfortunately, in more demanding segments, like the scene from the film Sicario 2, the TV reveals its limitations. Drops in brightness to 250 nits make the HDR effect lose its impressive quality and resemble ordinary SDR. Nonetheless, it is worth highlighting the very good coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette at 95%, which definitely deserves praise and positively impacts the overall image quality.

Looking at similar results in terms of black levels and contrast, we expected the same stable performance as last year's model when it comes to HDR content. Unfortunately – and this must be said plainly – there has been a regression here that is hard to miss. The paradox is that the peak brightness of the Bravia 5 can be impressive: in our synthetic tests, the TV reached around 1000 nits in HDR. Sounds great, right? The problem is that this power doesn't always have a real impact on all movie scenes. When small, pinpoint elements appear on the screen, something that in Sony's case was usually fine-tuned with surgical precision, this time it clearly falters. The algorithms try to maintain deep blacks around small objects, but the side effect is that details can be dimmed to the point of becoming barely visible. One only needs to bring up the example of the movie Sicario 2 – there, in some scenes, small light sources practically vanished as if someone had covered them with dark film.

Of course, not everything looks so dramatic. In simpler, brighter scenes, where the image is filled with more light, the Bravia 5 shows that it can shine: literally and figuratively. At those times, the TV achieves values in the range of 600–800 nits, which we saw both in synthetic tests and during movie screenings. The impression is really positive; the brightness adds dynamism, and the colours look vibrant and fresh. However, there remains a certain dissonance. We feel a slight confusion because it is evident that something has gone in the wrong direction. Technological progress – more zones, more backlight power – has not been supported by the kind of refined image management that we usually associate with Sony. Fortunately, there are elements that have not been compromised and are actually at a very high level. We are talking about colour reproduction. Thanks to the use of the PFS filter, the colour palette coverage is excellent – about 97% DCI-P3 and 75% BT.2020. These values allow for a truly wide colour reproduction, giving films a natural and cinematic character.

The television Sony X85L has been tested in IMAX Enhanced mode, which, while associated with world-class cinema, does not guarantee an image consistent with the director's intent. The main issue is the white balance – there is a noticeable strong dominance of blue and significant deficiencies in red. As a result, the image becomes unnaturally cool and looks artificial. Errors in colour reproduction were confirmed by the Colour Checker test, which showed significant discrepancies – colours were "scattered" like shots from a rifle, and only a few samples hit the target values. This clearly shows that the precision of colour reproduction leaves much to be desired.

The brightness of the image is one of the positive features of the television. The gamma for HD content is at an acceptable level, although minor errors occur, but generally it is quite good. However, the issue remains the brightness characteristic for 4K materials, controlled by the EOTF curve. It is evident here that very small, bright elements of the image are too dim, which is the result of the limited number of backlight zones due to the design of the television.

Sony Bravia 5 was obviously tested in the best possible mode, which is the Movie mode. Right out of the box, it delivers the most natural colours, definitely better than anything offered by the "eco" or "dynamic" modes, which are more suited for a store display than a living room. However, the Movie mode alone does not guarantee that we can always expect cinematic picture quality. In SDR content, we had no significant complaints – the slightly warmed white balance gave the scenes a golden hue, but it was nothing that was glaring. However, a problem arose with HDR materials. Here, the colour reproduction simply looked bad. The white balance was heavily skewed – with an excess of blue and a clear lack of red. At times, it resembled the store mode of "super vivid picture," where everything is blown out and artificially boosted.

This situation made brightness management seem too aggressive as well. The EOTF graph clearly showed that the television has trouble with overexposing many scenes right out of the box. And while we know what Sony televisions are usually capable of, it was hard to remain indifferent here – that’s why we quickly decided to go for calibration.

Thanks to the use of calibration tools offered by Sony X85L, it has been possible to significantly improve the image quality. After calibration, the white balance for HD content is much more stable, making colours look more natural and enhancing the authenticity of the image. Although it's not perfect, these changes allow viewers to enjoy a more realistic representation of colours, eliminating the earlier cool tone. The gamma, which already performed reasonably well, has been adjusted to an even better version. As a result, tonal transitions and brightness are more consistent, positively impacting the depth and detail of the image.

As for 4K content, despite efforts, the white balance still struggles with a lack of red, which can cause overly warm colours in some scenes. Synthetic tests showed that the EOTF curve in HDR is fairly stable, with a slight boost in mid-bright scenes. However, in actual film material, the TV can still be too bright with fine, light details, which is a result of the limitations of large local dimming technology.

Nonetheless, the calibration has brought significant benefits, particularly in terms of colour accuracy, improving overall image quality and providing a more natural and consistent directorial vision.

After calibration, the situation changed dramatically. We managed to tune the white balance so that entire scenes began to look more natural, and the image gained coherence and elegance. In HDR, we finally got rid of that unwanted clipping effect that had previously spoiled some shots. Suddenly, it turned out that the Bravia 5 can extract much more from films than the first contact "straight out of the box" suggested. Indeed, if we look at the graphs and compare them with the standards, we can see that the beginning of the EOTF curve slightly strays beyond the reference line. However, this is not so much a calibration error as it is a natural limitation of the Mini-LED technology that cannot be bypassed. Sony, rather than clinging tightly to perfect black, prefers to prioritise the visibility of details – and in practice, it’s hard to disagree with that. We prefer to see the texture of the material on the screen rather than a pitch-black spot where all nuances disappear.

The calibration itself was really beneficial. After about an hour spent on settings, we felt that the image resembled that of the best cinema halls – of course on a home scale, but with the same sense of quality and refinement. And in such moments, we remember why we love Sony televisions: because once we fine-tune them, they reward us with a picture that captivates for long hours.

The fluidity of tonal transitions in Sony X85L is at a good level – the colour gradation is smooth, even in more demanding areas, making the perception of scenes positive and natural. The biggest issues arise in shadow areas, where subtle colour joins can be visible. Despite this, the television performs well enough that most viewers should not notice these minor imperfections.

Tonality transitions are nothing more than the way a television handles blending colours and shades – from light to dark, from saturated to pastel. If the device struggles with this, you see characteristic "stairs" instead of smooth transitions, and the image loses its naturalness. It's those moments when instead of getting immersed in the film, we start glancing at the screen thinking, "hey, something's off here." Fortunately, in the Sony Bravia 5, such situations are practically non-existent. This is a huge advantage because nothing distracts our attention from the plot or the excitement of sports. The television performs best in bright scenes, where the colour transitions are smooth, and the blending of colours is nearly invisible. The effect is so good that sometimes it can feel like the image was painted in one brush stroke. Of course, there have been a few minor missteps. In darker scenes, certain imperfections can be noticed – slight banding or minimal gradation issues. For that reason, the Bravia 5 received a few negative points from us. Nevertheless, in the vast majority of situations, the television performs excellently and comes through this test with flying colours.

In terms of smoothing tonal transitions, the Sony X85L television doesn’t offer any dedicated enhancement options, which is a bit of a downside. On the other hand, the image scaling performs quite well – the television adds a touch of artificial sharpness, which can make details such as tree branches more pronounced, although sometimes with visible jagged edges. This type of effect may appeal to some viewers who prefer a more detailed image.

Bravia 5 carries the genes of Sony, which remain intact – and thank goodness for that, because we're talking about absolutely exceptional digital image processing. It's no coincidence that for years, it's been considered that TVs from this brand set the standard for how a screen should handle lower quality materials. If someone still watches classic television, old films, or YouTube in lower resolutions, here they get equipment that can turn such content into a surprisingly enjoyable experience. On board, we find several tools worth activating. The first of these is "digital noise reduction." Set to a medium level, it works superbly – smoothing out tonal transitions that usually cause the most trouble in low-quality materials while introducing no artificial artifacts. Importantly, it also doesn't remove the cinematic character, which is the natural grain that is intentionally present in many productions. Another advantage of the Bravia 5 is the upscaling capabilities of the XR processor. The image presented after scaling is soft, yet sharp and clear. The outlines of characters are well-defined, and backgrounds maintain their texture without excessive artificial sharpening. It's hard to find a better TV for watching lower quality materials – Bravia 5 only confirms why Sony is considered the benchmark in this area.

Sony X85L, equipped with a 120 Hz panel, will meet the expectations of a wide range of users – from sports and gaming fans to movie enthusiasts. Movie lovers will surely appreciate the presence of one of the best motion smoothing systems, known as Motionflow. This system offers adjustment using smoothness and clarity sliders – smoothness is responsible for fluid motion, eliminating the stuttering effect, while clarity enhances the sharpness of fast scenes, reducing blur.

Bravia 5 has a 120 Hz panel, which in itself sounds like an invitation to watch sports, fast matches or spectacular action films. However, the real magic begins when MotionFlow – Sony's proprietary motion smoother – comes into play. Thanks to this feature, we can adjust the character of the picture to our own preferences. The "smoothness" slider allows us to transition from a cinematic feel with a slight "judder" to a theatrical fluidity, where every ball in the match glides across the screen as if on a string. The higher the value, the smoother and more fluid it is; the lower it is, the more film-like and natural it becomes. In the options, we also find an additional setting that Sony calls "clarity". This is nothing more than the BFI function (which inserts black frames) aimed at improving motion sharpness. It sounds great in theory, but in practice, it must be used with caution. Why? Because all higher settings cause brightness drops of up to half, and in some cases, contour doubling also appears. So if we want to use it, we recommend setting it to the lowest level – "1" out of the available ten. That way, we gain a bit better motion sharpness without risking losing half the brightness of the picture.

Sony X85L offers a fairly solid set of features for gamers, making it an attractive choice for gaming enthusiasts. First and foremost, the television has a 120 Hz panel, which translates to smooth and dynamic image display, ideal for both fast-paced action games and more demanding sports titles. It is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports with full bandwidth of 48 Gb/s, allowing for the full capabilities of next-generation consoles to be utilised. Additionally, Sony X85L supports VRR (variable refresh rate) technology, which helps reduce stuttering and artifacts during gameplay, ensuring a smooth experience. The television also supports G-Sync, which is particularly beneficial for gamers using NVIDIA graphics cards, allowing for screen refresh rate synchronization with GPU performance, eliminating screen tearing. It’s worth mentioning the Game Bar feature, which facilitates quick access to important game-related settings, such as VRR, brightness levels, or display modes, making it convenient and useful during gameplay.

However, there are some limitations. The television does not support HGiG, which may be a downside for some gamers, as HGiG optimises HDR effect rendering in games, providing a more authentic visual experience. Additionally, the Dolby Vision mode, although available, is not practical for gaming due to very high input lag.

In the Bravia 5, there is a significant improvement compared to the X90L model from two years ago. The television offers literally everything its predecessor had, but this time the issues that could frustrate gamers have been addressed. Problems with setting the variable refresh rate (VRR) have disappeared, and there are no longer issues with configuring HDR content in HGiG mode. In short: we get a device that simply works as it should, without any hassles. So, the Bravia 5 has everything you can expect from a modern gaming TV – and it can be confidently advertised with the slogan "ready for PS5." That's something we couldn't say about the X90L model. Well done, Sony!

It's just a shame that this relatively high-priced model lacks a full set of four HDMI 2.1 ports. In everyday use, this won’t be an issue for most people, but if someone has a console, soundbar, and additional equipment connected via HDMI, at some point they'll have to choose or juggle cables.

Generally speaking, the input lag on the Sony X85L is very good, which is crucial for smooth gameplay and quick reactions in games. In standard modes, particularly when using HDMI 2.1 and playing at 4K resolution at 120 Hz, the input lag is minimal.

Unfortunately, the Dolby Vision mode is an exception to this rule. In this case, the input lag reaches as high as 95 ms. Such a high level of latency makes the Dolby Vision mode practically unplayable, as responses to commands are noticeably delayed.

When it comes to input lag, the Bravia 5 deserves a round of applause. Results of around 7 ms at 120 Hz content are nothing short of phenomenal – it's hard to imagine a gamer complaining about such responsiveness. Even at 60 Hz, where the lag increases to around 15 ms, we're still talking about values that absolutely don't spoil the fun and are practically unnoticeable. Moreover, Sony has finally tamed the Dolby Vision mode. In the X90L, it was practically unplayable – the delays rose to levels of even 150 ms. Meanwhile, the input lag on the Bravia 5 remains at the same low level as with other content. This is a huge improvement and further proof that this television can truly be called "gamer-friendly."

The collaboration of the television Sony X85L with a PC involves a bit of balancing between image quality and user comfort. If we want to use the TV for work, where clear fonts matter, we need to set the refresh rate to 60 Hz. In this mode, text looks good and doesn't strain the eyes, which is crucial if we plan to spend a longer time in front of the screen.

On the other hand, if the TV is intended for gaming, where we can take full advantage of its capabilities at 120 Hz, we must consider that the readability of the fonts noticeably decreases. The image becomes less sharp and the text harder to read, which can be frustrating. In short – Sony X85L works well for occasional connection to the computer, but if we need it daily for work and gaming, this compromise may not appeal to everyone.

In this category, the Bravia 5 deserves an exemplary rating. The ideal readability of fonts thanks to 4:4:4 chroma support makes working on this TV a pure pleasure. Whether we are opening Excel, browsing documents, or simply surfing the web – the text is sharp, clear, and free from that characteristic “haze” which can effectively take away the joy of use in many TVs. The letters look as they should: distinct, sharp, and readable even up close.

We also have good news for PC gamers. The Bravia 5 has no problems at all with handling 120 Hz, working with both Nvidia and AMD cards, supporting G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro technologies. The result is that the image is not only smooth but also free from tears or micro-cuts that can ruin the experience even in the best-optimised games. You can easily connect a powerful PC and enjoy gaming on the big screen – without compromises, without frustration, and with full comfort. The only thing we could complain about is the lack of additional modes for gamers with higher refresh rates.

Viewing angles on the Sony X85L, as is often the case with VA panels, are not the best. The picture looks great when you’re watching the TV head-on, but all it takes is a slight shift to the side to notice that the colours lose their vibrancy and the contrast noticeably weakens. This could be a problem if the TV is meant for watching in larger groups, where viewers are seated at different angles. For those who typically watch solo or from one central spot, it won't be a major downside, but the picture quality unfortunately drops when watching from the side.

Bravia 5 uses a classic VA panel, and that means one thing – the viewing angles are not one of its strong points. For those with smaller screen sizes, this won’t be a problem, as sitting directly in front, the picture looks fantastic. However, with larger sizes, especially 85 inches, the situation becomes less comfortable. It’s enough to sit slightly off-centre on the couch to notice minor imperfections: the image begins to lose saturation, contrast weakens, and black takes on unwanted greys. It’s a shame that Sony did not opt for additional coatings, which in the case of VA panels can bring their capabilities closer to IPS levels. Such solutions exist, and some competitors make use of them. Here, they are missing, so one has to reckon with the fact that Bravia 5 best showcases its strengths when viewed head-on.

The performance of the television Sony X85L during the day is quite decent. Its satin screen coating handles light reflection moderately well, which means that in bright rooms there may be some glare, but it is not bothersome enough to significantly interfere. The brightness in SDR mode at 570 nits is sufficient for comfortably watching TV during the day, even with natural light coming in through the windows. This ensures that colours remain vibrant and the picture is clearly visible, making the television suitable for everyday use.

Bravia 5 is a piece of equipment that really performs well in challenging lighting conditions. Its high brightness ensures that even in the middle of the day, with the blinds wide open and sunlight streaming through the windows, the picture remains clear and sharp. There’s no feeling that we're watching a "washed-out" screen. The satin finish of the panel also plays a significant role in effectively reducing light reflections. Yes, some reflections do appear, but they are not strong enough to interfere with viewing. They are more like subtle glows that can be noticed when we consciously look for them, rather than a real problem day-to-day. Because of this, the Bravia 5 works well not just in the evening in a dimmed room, but also in bright living areas, where other TVs can falter. One could say that it's a "universally bright" model – suitable for both evening screenings and for watching news or sports in full sunlight.

Sony X85L operates on the Google TV system, which is a significant advantage for many users. The television offers wide access to apps, and using streaming platforms is smooth and user-friendly. The interface is intuitive and easy to master, allowing for quick switching between apps and searching for favourite content. Google TV allows for personalization of the home screen, enabling each user to tailor it to their preferences. Google Assistant further enriches the experience by offering voice control and quick changes to settings or searching for films without using the remote.

In terms of user features, Sony X85L offers many useful options. The television has the capability to record programs, which is a great convenience for those wanting to watch their favourite content at any time. AirPlay support allows seamless streaming of content from Apple devices, which iPhone and iPad owners will appreciate. In addition, with built-in Bluetooth, various devices such as headphones or keyboards can be connected. However, one drawback is the absence of the PiP (picture in picture) function, which may disappoint users who prefer multitasking on the screen.

The design of the Sony X85L TV, while perhaps not the slimmest, is sturdy and elegant. The metal base with adjustable legs is one of its strong points, allowing for the height and width of the television to be adjusted to fit various furniture and spaces. This practical solution enhances the interior and adds a modern character to it.

GoogleTV and SmartTV features

Sony Bravia 5 runs on Google TV, and it must be said that this is one of the best-optimised systems in this brand's offering. The interface works smoothly, with no annoying bugs or bizarre translations, and navigating the menu doesn’t feel like walking through a minefield. Admittedly, there are moments when the whole system catches a slight breath – as if it has its “weaker moments” – but these are rare enough not to spoil the overall impression. We have full AirPlay support, voice search with Google AI assistance, and the ability to download practically any app that comes to mind. The only drawback in tests turned out to be the screen mirroring function, which theoretically should work with laptops and phones, but in practice proved almost useless – there was no stable image on Windows and Android.

User features

From the perspective of classic functionality, the Bravia 5 performs solidly and practically. A big plus is the presence of two remotes – one is a slim, modern smart remote, while the other, although operating via infrared, has a classic numeric keypad. This way, we can always choose which one suits the situation better. The EPG, or electronic programme guide, is clear and allows you to programme recordings to a USB drive – a seemingly simple solution, but incredibly useful. Additionally, the TV supports connecting a variety of devices: from an amplifier or soundbar via HDMI eARC, to headphones and other wireless accessories via Bluetooth. This is a set that makes the TV not just a screen, but a well-thought-out home entertainment centre.

Sony X85L handles playback of most popular file formats from USB without any issues, which is a big plus for those who often access external content. However, it's worth mentioning a minor drawback – the built-in player does not allow for changing the font colour in subtitles, which may be troublesome for some. Fortunately, thanks to the extensive Google TV system, users have a wide range of options. Alternative media players can be easily installed, offering more personalisation options.

Bravia 5 handles multimedia playback from USB quite efficiently. In practice, nearly everything works – movies, music, photos – although of course we encountered some minor issues. Some subtitles can be troublesome, as can exotic photo formats, which were not always correctly recognised. However, this is standard in the world of televisions, and it's hard to take it too seriously. A significant advantage, though, is that thanks to Android, we are not limited to the system player. It's enough to install an external app, like VLC, and all restrictions disappear. This is the strength of this system – the manufacturer does not confine us to their ecosystem, but rather gives us the freedom of choice.

The sound on the Sony X85L is good – it's clear across the entire scale, allowing enjoyment of both dialogue and music. The bass, though light, is noticeable and adds some depth to the overall sound. However, it should be emphasised that this is a subjective assessment – some may be satisfied with this sound profile, while others might require additional audio equipment to fully experience the stronger tones and a more spacious sound.

Bravia 5 positively surprises in terms of audio. The sound is pleasant, with a slightly noticeable bass thanks to the proprietary Bass Reflex speakers. Overall, it plays loudly, clearly, and definitely above average for a television – 40 W power in a 2.2 setup is an impressive result in this class. The placement of the speakers on the sides of the casing also plays a significant role, as it allows the sound to fill the room and creates a sense of space. However, one should not get carried away with optimism. This is still not the level of even the simplest soundbar. The Bravia 5 performs excellently in everyday use, but for those who enjoy strong sound and a cinematic effect, additional audio equipment will be a must – as is the case with nine out of ten televisions available today on the market.

Sony X85L vs Sony BRAVIA 5 (XR5)

Advantages

Disadvantages

Our verdict

TV appearance

Where to buy

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

Daytime performance

Panel details

TV features

Classic features:

Smart features:

GoogleTV and SmartTV features

User features

Apps

Playing files from USB

Sound

Acoustic Measurements