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.
Philips OLED909 is undoubtedly a highlight of engineering from the Dutch manufacturer for 2024. When it comes to picture quality, the television delivers what you can expect from OLED technology – deep blacks and infinite contrast. Additionally, it is equipped with META technology (MLA microlenses), which significantly enhances its brightness and further improves the already excellent viewing angles of organic matrix televisions. This makes HDR effects look phenomenal, and the television will satisfy most users looking for great picture quality in this class of devices. In terms of motion fluidity, the OLED909 does not disappoint either. The 144 Hz panel, combined with a full set of gaming features like HDMI 2.1, ALLM, and VRR, makes it a perfect choice for gaming enthusiasts. Both fast-paced shooters and spectacular racing games will look smooth and responsive. Regarding usability, the television is equipped with the Google TV operating system, just like the model OLED809. This solution is significantly better than TitanOS, which we find in the lower series OLED 769 from the Dutch manufacturer. It provides access to a massive number of applications, easy operation, and support for a voice assistant. Additionally, there's a four-sided Ambilight system that adds magic to every movie night, creating a unique atmosphere. However, it is not a device without flaws. The biggest issue regarding image quality is the average smoothness of tonal transitions – you can see the colour joins in subtle gradients, which may be bothersome to more demanding viewers. In terms of PC compatibility, while this is phenomenal equipment for gamers, it may not be the best choice for text or graphic work due to the lack of 4:4:4 chroma support. From a usability perspective, it’s worth mentioning a few disappointments. The remote control in this model really impressed us – it’s well designed, and the backlit numeric keypad is a great addition, especially when using the television in the evening. Unfortunately, it mainly operates via infrared, so we found ourselves getting irritated a few times when we had to aim precisely at the screen. This seems a bit odd, considering that in this price range we expected more modern solutions. The lack of recording functions or picture-in-picture (PiP) also surprised us – these are features that are often standard in this segment. Despite these flaws, the Philips OLED909 is a television that delights with its picture quality, gaming features, and unique additions like Ambilight. The biggest question to ask oneself is: is it worth it? It’s great equipment, but its high price raises the question of whether it is the best choice in terms of price to quality.