Compare: XIAOMI A PRO 2025 vs Sony X85L

Xiaomi A Pro 2025 is an affordable QLED model that works well as a basic television in the home. The Google TV operating system deserves attention. Thanks to it, one can easily use apps like Netflix and YouTube. The interface is clear and user-friendly, and the ability to search by voice in Polish allows for quick access to content of interest. The picture on the A Pro 2025 is sufficient for everyday television watching or film viewing. Smooth tonal transitions and the enhancement of older materials make even lower resolution content look good. However, the screen brightness may disappoint in very sunny rooms – here the television performs mediocrely, but it fares much better in a dimly lit room. The television is rather suitable for occasional gaming. Low input lag ensures quick response, which is important for dynamic games. However, the 60 Hz panel and lack of more advanced features may not appeal to gamers seeking perfect image fluidity. On the other hand, A Pro 2025 may be sufficient for those who play from time to time. Not everything works perfectly. When connecting the television to a computer, the fonts are difficult to read, which can hinder text work. The Google TV system itself can be a bit slow, which sometimes complicates the quick switching of applications. Xiaomi A Pro 2025 is a simple and functional television that is suitable for daily television viewing and using apps. It has its flaws, such as average brightness and font readability issues, but at this price, it offers quite a lot. It is a good choice for those looking for budget equipment for basic uses.

Sony X85L is a model from 2023 that will be continued in the offering for 2024 by the Japanese manufacturer. Its greatest advantage is the Google TV system. It currently provides the largest access to applications, so we need not worry that one of our favourite applications will be missing. The intuitive interface and voice control feature using Google Assistant make daily use of the television comfortable and modern. As for picture quality, Sony X85L performs well. Thanks to local dimming (albeit with a very average number of zones), black levels look quite decent. Additionally, its fairly high brightness allows for comfortable television viewing during the day, even in well-lit rooms. Furthermore, the television offers a programme recording function with built-in tuners, which is a great convenience for those wanting to control what and when they watch. In terms of motion smoothness, X85L does not disappoint either. The 120 Hz panel and Motionflow system ensure smooth display of dynamic scenes, satisfying both movie enthusiasts 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 faults. The lack of HGiG support and high input lag in Dolby Vision mode can be disappointing for more demanding gamers. Additionally, the compromise between font readability and image smoothness when connected to a PC may not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, Sony X85L is a decent piece of equipment that is particularly worth attention if it can be purchased on promotion.

Xiaomi A Pro is equipped with a VA matrix, which inherently offers significantly better black depth and colour intensity compared to IPS panels, especially in dimly lit conditions. Based on the conducted tests, the contrast measurement tool indicated a maximum value of around 6000:1. This is a solid result, ensuring good separation of image elements in darker scenes. An example can be the film Oblivion, where the television performed excellently in separating light and dark areas, enhancing the visual effects. Unfortunately, the television does not support local dimming technology, which is an obvious fact in this price range. This becomes particularly evident in more challenging scenes, such as those from the film Sicario 2. In such moments, the black loses intensity and starts to resemble a rather navy shade. The lack of dynamic dimming of image segments causes details that should be deeply darkened to remain slightly illuminated.

The Sony X85L television is equipped with a VA panel, which in itself offers quite good contrast. Additionally, this model features local dimming technology – in the 55-inch version, it encompasses 24 zones. Although this number is not impressive, it naturally increases with the size of the television. The contrast in the X85L is good, though not the best, especially in comparison to other televisions also equipped with advanced local dimming technology. Results at a level of 8000:1 are satisfactory, but appear average in the context of competition. In some cases, such as the third scene from the film Arrival, the contrast is promising and performs fairly well. This is thanks to the very good dimming algorithm that Sony has employed in its televisions for years. Unfortunately, due to the limited number of local dimming zones, the television struggles with noticeable blooming, which can be observed, for example, in scenes with the helicopter from the film Sicario 2.

In the HDR category, the television Xiaomi A Pro is, to put it plainly, lacking. Under ideal conditions, it offers brightness at around 250 nits. This is a poor result; however, in this price range, many competing models offer similar or lower values. Such brightness is too low to fully realise the potential of HDR content. In practice, this means that the image does not gain the appropriate depth and intensity expected from high-quality HDR. These values are more characteristic of standard dynamic range (SDR), which means that the true HDR effect remains beyond the reach of this model, and scenes that should stand out with spectacular brightness and contrast seem flat and lacklustre. However, for its price, the television offers good coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut at 92%, thanks to the use of quantum dot technology (specifically PFS LED). This results in vibrant and saturated colours, which will appeal particularly to gamers and film enthusiasts who appreciate richer shades and better colour reproduction compared to traditional televisions without this technology.

The Sony X85L television offers solid HDR performance with a brightness level of 750 nits, which is sufficient to enjoy vivid effects. In scenes of moderate difficulty, such as the first, third, or fifth test scenes, a brightness of around 600 nits allows one to fully experience the HDR effect. Unfortunately, in more demanding segments, like the scene from the film Sicario 2, the television reveals its limitations. Drops in brightness to 250 nits cause the HDR effect to lose its impressive quality, resembling rather ordinary SDR. Nevertheless, 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.

The Xiaomi A Pro 2025 television has been tested in movie mode, which offers the best colour reproduction straight out of the box. However, it is worth noting that it is not free from flaws. Analysing the white balance, it can be observed that the values for green are in the negative. This phenomenon leads to some distortions in the shades of white, and with pure white, the graph shows clear deviations. The over-contrasted image results in inappropriate tonal transitions in red, negatively affecting the quality of colour display. Generally, in the image below, it can be seen that the overall scenery before calibration acquires pink hues. Additionally, when analysing gamma contrast, the graph is significantly below the 2.4 value, suggesting that the television overly emphasises dark tones, and the brighter areas of the image may be less vivid. Furthermore, the EOTF curve shows a strong peak at the beginning, which can lead to a loss of detail in bright scenes and an unpleasant feeling of over-drawing. These aspects indicate a need for further calibration to achieve a more balanced colour reproduction and improve the overall image quality. Users who expect precise colour reproduction may be forced to take measures to adjust the television settings to achieve more realistic and natural visual results. In the xiaomi tv a pro 2025, the factory colour settings in Xiaomi are average and may require calibration. After proper colour adjustment, the image gains a natural and vibrant colour palette, much closer to cinematic standards. It is worth adding that the issue of inaccurate colour reproduction is typical for many televisions in this class, meaning it is not a flaw unique to the Xiaomi A Pro 2025 TV. For those who value perfect colour reproduction, professional calibration will prove to be a key element that enhances the overall image quality.

The television Sony X85L was tested in IMAX Enhanced mode, which, although associated with world-class cinema, does not guarantee an image that aligns with the director's intention. The main problem is the white balance – there is a noticeable strong dominance of blue colour and significant shortcomings in red. As a result, the picture becomes unnaturally cool and looks artificial. Errors in colour reproduction were confirmed by the Colour Checker test, which showed considerable discrepancies – the colours were "scattered" like shots from a rifle, and only a few samples hit the target values. This clearly demonstrates that the accuracy 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 there are minor errors, but generally it is quite good. However, the characteristic of brightness for 4K materials remains a problem, 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 backlighting zones due to the design of the television.

Now it's time to check how the Xiaomi A Pro 2025 television has performed after calibration. The biggest beneficiary of this process is the white balance. After the calibration was conducted, all previous errors were corrected in both HD and 4K content, and most errors no longer fall significantly outside the value of "2". This means a much more balanced and natural colour representation, which certainly affects the viewing comfort. In terms of gamma, the drop was significantly reduced, resulting in a more consistent tonal representation across various scenes. Nevertheless, the EOTF curve has not been significantly improved due to a lack of effective control over dynamic tone mapping. This limitation means that there are still some issues with detail reproduction in bright scenes, which may affect the perception of certain materials. However, despite these minor shortcomings, the overall shape of the image is definitely better after calibration. The television has gained in quality, and the improved white balance along with reduced gamma issues allows users to enjoy a more realistic and pleasant visual experience. Further adjustment of settings may enhance image quality even more, but even now the television demonstrates its capabilities, meeting the expectations of many users.

Thanks to the application of calibration tools offered by Sony X85L, the image quality has been significantly improved. After calibration, the white balance for HD content is much more stable, making colours appear more natural and enhancing the authenticity of the image. Although it is not perfect, these changes allow viewers to enjoy a more realistic colour reproduction, eliminating the previous cool tone. The gamma, which was already decent, has been adjusted to an even better version. As a result, tonal transitions and brightness are more consistent, positively affecting 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 lead to overly warm colours in some scenes. Synthetic tests showed that the EOTF curve in HDR is quite stable, with a slight enhancement in mid-bright scenes. However, in actual film material, the television can still be too bright with fine, light details, which is a result of the limitations of large local dimming technology.

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

During the fluidity tests of tonal transitions on the Xiaomi A Pro 2025, the gradation proved to be close to perfect. In most of the test sequences, there were no noticeable issues. Only in the scene with red water did very cosmetic imperfections appear, which, however, have little impact on the overall image quality. Both colourful and grey gradients were reproduced with almost perfect precision, making this television model a very good choice for those who pay attention to this particular feature of a TV.

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

How does the Xiaomi A Pro 2025 television cope with tonal transitions, especially with lower-quality materials? Thanks to advanced digital processing, the colour contour removal function works surprisingly well. We recommend setting this option to "Medium" – the television significantly improves the fluidity of tonal transitions while avoiding excessive smoothing of other image elements, such as film grain.

In the case of the tested image featuring a model and numerous branches in the background, the Xiaomi A Pro 2025 showcased its capabilities in terms of digital processing. Adding artificial sharpness to this scene made the details of the model more pronounced, and her hair appeared more detailed. However, delicate contours appeared around the branches in the background, which were a result of digital interference. Although this enhances the overall impression of detail, excessive sharpness can make some elements of the image seem unnaturally emphasised.

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

Xiaomi A Pro 2025 offers a motion smoothing feature called "Motion Smoothing," which primarily works in films. It can be adjusted to prefer either a more cinematic, film-like effect with visible frames, or a smoother, theatre-like image. This function should satisfy those who intend to watch mainly films on it. However, gamers and sports fans may feel disappointed. The 60 Hz refresh rate panel, typical in this price range, does not impress. Our "Ufo" test revealed some motion blur. Those expecting better sharpness of moving objects may be slightly let down.

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 buffs will certainly appreciate the presence of one of the best motion smoothing systems, known as Motionflow. This system offers adjustment through sliders for smoothness and clarity – smoothness is responsible for motion fluidity, eliminating judder, while clarity improves the sharpness of fast scenes, reducing blur.

Xiaomi A Pro 2025 offers several features useful for gamers, including Game Bar, which is different from the typical "dashboards" with interfaces found in other manufacturers' products. Thanks to this, users can quickly access game-related settings, which is convenient during intense sessions. The TV also supports Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM), meaning it automatically switches to a mode optimised for gaming, reducing signal latency. Unfortunately, it lacks support for HDMI 2.1, limiting its capabilities for connecting the latest gaming consoles that may require higher bandwidth. Additionally, the TV does not support features such as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) or G-Sync, which are increasingly desired by gamers, as they allow for smoother visuals and eliminate tearing. For these reasons, although Xiaomi A Pro 2025 has some features for gamers, in this price range, better options can be found that offer more advanced solutions dedicated to gamers.

Sony X85L offers a quite 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 utilisation of next-generation consoles. Additionally, Sony X85L supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology, which helps reduce stuttering and artifacts during gameplay, providing a smooth experience. The television also supports G-Sync, which is particularly beneficial for gamers using NVIDIA graphics cards, allowing for the synchronisation of the screen refresh rate with GPU performance, eliminating screen tearing. It is worth mentioning the Game Bar feature, which facilitates quick access to the most important gaming-related settings, such as VRR, brightness levels, and display modes, which is convenient and useful during gameplay.

However, there are certain 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, while the Dolby Vision mode is available, it is not practical for gaming due to the very high input lag.

Xiaomi A Pro 2025 achieves remarkable results, regardless of the resolution or HDR mode. With measurements at just 15 ms, this television ranks among the top in terms of responsiveness.

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, especially when using HDMI 2.1 and playing at a resolution of 4K 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 much as 95 ms. Such a high level of delay makes the Dolby Vision mode virtually unplayable, as the responses to commands are noticeably delayed.

In the category of cooperation with PC, Xiaomi A Pro 2025 performs very poorly. The fonts are of low quality, and their display on the screen is often problematic. Dithering is ubiquitous; when the fonts are enlarged on a dark background, they are displayed in three colours, which is definitely glaring and can significantly hinder comfortable use of the device. Such problems can be a significant downside for users who plan to use the television as a computer monitor.

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

On the other hand, if the television is to be used for gaming, where we can take full advantage of its capabilities at 120 Hz, we must bear in mind that the readability of fonts noticeably decreases. The image becomes less sharp, and the text harder to read, which can be frustrating. In short – Sony X85L will perform well for occasional connections to a computer, but if we need it on a daily basis for work and gaming, this compromise may not appeal to everyone.

In the category of viewing angles, Xiaomi A Pro 2025 with a VA panel performs quite poorly. Although you can enjoy better blacks when viewed head-on, from side perspectives, the image loses quality. Our specialists noticed during the testing of the television that sitting a metre away from the device, the image on the right side appeared brightened and desaturated. However, moving a bit to the side improves everything, which demonstrates the significant difference in image reception depending on the viewing angle. All of this means that the experience of watching in a larger group may be less satisfying.

The viewing angles on the Sony X85L, as is often the case with VA panels, are not the best. The picture looks great when viewed directly, but as soon as you move to the side, you notice that the colours lose intensity and the contrast significantly weakens. This can be an issue if the television is meant for viewing in larger groups, where viewers are seated at different angles. For those who usually watch solo or from one central spot, this won’t be a major downside, but when watching from the side, the picture quality unfortunately declines.

Xiaomi A Pro 2025 presents itself as average. The panel coating is satin, which may help reduce reflections, but the suppression of glare is average. The brightness of the television is only 250 nits, which is a relatively low result compared to other models on the market. As a result, on sunny days or in brightly lit rooms, the picture quality may suffer, and details may be difficult to perceive.

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

In terms of functionality, Xiaomi A Pro 2025 stands out with the Google TV system, which is one of its biggest advantages. This allows users access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, greatly enhancing the convenience of using the television. The Google TV system also offers a voice assistant that simplifies navigation and allows for quick content searches without the need to browse through menus. One of the key benefits of this system is the ability to download virtually unlimited applications from the Google Play Store, enabling users to personalise the television according to their individual needs. Users can install streaming apps, games, and various tools, making the television a multimedia entertainment hub. However, it is worth noting that this model does not have recording functions or AirPlay, which may be disappointing for some users. Additionally, there are quite significant lags in the operating system, affecting user experience. On the plus side, it is also possible to pair other peripheral devices via Bluetooth, and the remote control does not require aiming at the screen, which significantly improves usability. Despite some shortcomings, Xiaomi A Pro 2025 has the potential to satisfy the needs of users looking for a modern television.

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

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

The design of the Sony X85L television, while perhaps not among the thinnest, is solid and elegant. The metal stand with adjustable feet is one of its stronger points, allowing the height and width of the television to be adapted to various furniture and spaces. This practical solution enhances the interior and adds a modern character to it.

Xiaomi A Pro 2025 offers a decent built-in media player that meets basic user expectations. However, the television has its drawbacks and sometimes encounters issues with playing certain file formats, which can be frustrating. Fortunately, with access to the Google Play Store, users can easily download alternative players that better meet their needs. In our test of the Xiaomi TV A Pro 2025, we demonstrated that its compatibility with applications is high, and additional media playback apps work flawlessly. It is also worth noting that the Xiaomi TV A Pro 2025 is equipped with the Android TV platform, allowing access to a wide range of applications and streaming services. Installing alternative media players improves the overall functionality of the device and eliminates compatibility issues with formats. As a result, the Xiaomi A Pro becomes a more versatile television that can meet the diverse expectations of users, even those with higher demands when it comes to media playback.

Sony X85L easily handles playback of most popular file formats from USB, which is a big plus for those who often access external content. However, it should be mentioned that there is a small downside – 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.

When it comes to sound, Xiaomi A Pro 2025 is impressively positive, especially considering its price. The sound quality is truly solid, and the audio does not deviate from what one would expect in this class. Additionally, the television supports DTS audio formats, which are often lacking in much more expensive TVs. It is worth noting that this assessment is subjective and may vary depending on individual preferences.

The sound in Sony X85L is good – it is clear across the entire range, allowing enjoyment of both dialogues 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 find such a sound profile satisfying, while others might need additional audio equipment to fully experience stronger tones and a more spacious sound.

XIAOMI A PRO 2025 vs Sony X85L

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

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound