Sony X90L Series TV: Is 4K Ultra HD and BRAVIA CAM worth the investment, or just another high-priced gimmick?

[WernerThiem]

In a market flooded with high-definition displays, the Sony 65 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X90L Series raises an intriguing question: Is a "lifelike" picture worth the premium price tag? With its Cognitive Processor XR promising a visual experience that mimics human perception and advanced Full Array LED technology, this TV aims to redefine how we consume content. But does it truly deliver a viewing experience that justifies the investment? Or is it just another overhyped gadget in a sea of similar offerings? Today, we’ll dive deep into the features that set the X90L apart—or not—and explore whether this TV is a game changer or simply a beautiful screen with a hefty price attached. Let's find out if the hype surrounding this Sony model holds up under scrutiny.

Spec​

Parameter	Sony X90L Series TV​
Picture​	​
Screen Size​	65 Inches​
Reference Price​	$1146​
Specific Uses​	TV interaction, video chat​
Built-In Media​	Stand, TV​
Highlight​	HANDPICKED BY AMAZON: They did the research so you don’t have to. LIFELIKE PICTURE– The intelligent and powerful Cognitive Processor XR delivers a picture with wide dynamic contrast, detailed blacks, natural colors, and high peak brightness, replicating how we see the real world. FULL ARRAY LED CONTRAST AND COLOR– See enhanced contrast with high peak brightness and billions of accurate colors, all controlled by Full Array LED backlight technology and XR Triluminos Pro. Compatible with select 2023 Sony TVs – A95L, A80L, X95L, X93L, X90L Compatible with select 2022 Sony TVs – Z9K, X95K, A95K, A90K, A80K, X90K, X85K, X80K
Internet Applications​	Browser​
Controller Type​	voice, gesture control​
Control Method​	Voice​
Aspect Ratio​	16:9​
Display Technology​	LED​
Screen Finish​	Flat​
Has Color Screen​	Yes​
Resolution​	4K​
Backlight Technology​	LED​
Backlight Configuration​	Direct-Lit​
Picture Enhancement​	Cognitive Processor XR​
Audio Input​	USB, HDMI​
Speaker Description​	Includes built-in speakers​
Video Encoding​	AVC​
Compatible Devices​	Sony Z9K, Sony A95K, Sony X95K, Sony A90K, Sony A80K, Sony X90K, Sony X85K, Sony X80K, Sony A95L, Sony A80L, Sony X95L, Sony X93L, Sony X90L​
Tuner Type​	ATSC​
Line Voltage​	110 VAC 60 Hz​
Other Features​	Flat​
Connectivity Technology​	Wi-Fi​
Wireless Technology​	Wi-Fi​
Connector Type​	USB, HDMI​
Sharing Direction​	Mobile to TV​

System Experience​

Deciding to invest in a Sony TV was a choice I made after extensive research on gaming and streaming performance, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Setting it up was a breeze; the delivery team was efficient and had it up and running in no time. I loved how the TV basically configured itself and connected effortlessly to my existing devices, making the whole experience feel seamless.

Viewing Experience​

The picture quality is simply breathtaking! The colors are vibrant, and the blacks are incredibly deep, giving everything I watch a cinematic feel. I’ve enjoyed countless hours gaming on my Xbox Series X, and the 4K visuals are stunning. Even standard HD content looks fantastic, thanks to the upscaling capabilities. I find myself captivated by the details, whether I'm watching sports or diving into a gripping movie.

Audio Experience​

I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality. I expected it to be decent, but it far exceeded my expectations. The built-in speakers deliver clear audio, and I found that I didn't immediately need an external sound system. The immersive sound experience enhances everything I watch, making it feel like I'm right in the middle of the action. It’s not going to shake the walls like a full surround system, but it’s more than adequate for everyday use.

Other Experience​

The integration with Google TV has made navigating apps and content incredibly user-friendly. I appreciate the lack of intrusive ads and the smooth interface. However, I did encounter a few quirks during the initial setup process, particularly with the Google account integration, but once I got past that, everything has run smoothly. The remote is intuitive, though I wish it had backlighting for easier use in low-light situations.

Conclusion​

Pros:
The standout advantages of this TV are its impressive picture quality, excellent sound capabilities, and user-friendly interface. The quick setup process was a major plus, and the vibrant colors and crisp details have made every viewing experience enjoyable. It’s also a solid choice for gaming, with features like 4K at 120Hz really making my games pop.

Cons:
While I’m overall thrilled with my purchase, there are a few drawbacks. The remote control could use a backlight for better usability in the dark, and I did experience some initial hiccups with the Google TV setup that required me to reset a few times. Additionally, while the sound is good, it could be enhanced further with a dedicated sound system for a more immersive experience.

Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my choice to go with the Sony X90L. It checks all the boxes for what I was looking for: stunning picture quality, great sound, and a user-friendly experience. For anyone who loves gaming or binge-watching their favorite shows, this TV is a fantastic investment. It feels like a premium product that delivers value for the price, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone on the fence!