The Sony Bravia XR A95K is a 65-inch OLED TV that was released in [insert release date]. This model offers vibrant colors, strong contrast, and impressive features. It comes with the Google TV interface, which supports Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and hands-free Google Assistant. One significant change from previous versions is the inclusion of a quantum dot layer, which enables a wider color range. However, this layer does compromise the perfect black levels that OLEDs are known for.
The A95K features a unique design with a slightly thicker profile compared to other OLED TVs, but it is still comparable in depth. It includes an onboard Bravia Cam that enables video chat and picture optimization based on the room's lighting and sound conditions. The camera has a mechanical shutter and can be fully unplugged and removed from the TV for privacy.
All the necessary ports, including HDMI, USB, and optical audio output, are conveniently located on the left side or bottom of the TV's rear panel. The remote control is simple and elegant, with dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, and Sony's Bravia Core service.
The A95K uses Google TV as its smart TV platform and includes support for Apple AirPlay 2. It also features Google Assistant, allowing users to control the TV and smart home devices, search for content, and provide general information.
In terms of display performance, the A95K can produce perfect black levels thanks to its OLED technology. However, it may not get very bright compared to LCD TVs. The TV has a peak brightness of 179.219cd/m^2 with a full-screen white field in SDR mode and 229.553cd/m^2 in HDR mode.
The A95K offers a wide color range due to its quantum dot layer, resulting in vivid and vibrant colors. However, the colors may not be as accurate as some competing OLED TVs. The TV also has a 120Hz refresh rate and features like auto low-latency mode (ALLM) and variable refresh rate (VRR) for gaming, but it lacks support for AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync.
An extensive breakdown of the hardware specifications
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | Bravia XR A95K |
| Display Type | OLED |
| Screen Size | 65 inches |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Smart TV Platform | Google TV |
| Interface | Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Hands-free Google Assistant |
| Quantum Dot Layer | Yes |
| Perfect Black Levels | No (due to quantum dot layer) |
| Sound System | Actuators behind the panel for powerful and crisp audio |
| Speaker Wire Inputs | Yes |
| Color Accuracy | Falls short compared to some competing OLED TVs |
| Editor's Choice Winner | No (LG C2 is the Editor's Choice winner in this category) |
| Ambient Light Sensitivity | Similar issue as Samsung's S95B model |
| User-Friendly Interface | Yes |
| AMD FreeSync Support | No |
| Nvidia G-Sync Support | No |
| Design | Unique design, slightly thicker than other OLED TVs, screen measures half an inch deep, black plastic casing |
| Bravia Cam | Onboard camera for video chat and picture optimization based on room conditions |
| Ports | HDMI, USB, composite video input, remote sensor input, spring terminals for center channel audio, ethernet port, optical audio output, RS-232C port, antenna/cable connector |
| Remote Control | Simple and elegant with gray metal plate on top, large circular direction pad, microphone, power and input buttons |
| Streaming Services | Supports all major video streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Sony's Bravia Core |
| Display Performance | Perfect black levels, may not get very bright compared to LCD TVs |
| Peak Brightness (SDR) | 179.219cd/m^2 with full-screen white field |
| Peak Brightness (HDR) | 229.553cd/m^2 with full-screen white field |
| Color Range | Wide color range thanks to quantum dots, slightly oversaturated and cool in whites |
| Gaming Features | 120Hz refresh rate, auto low-latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rate (VRR) |
| Gaming Support | No support for AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync |
| Picture Quality | Impressive with vivid colors, clear details in shadows and bright elements, natural skin tones |
| Access to Streaming | Yes, access to various streaming services |
| Price | Higher compared to LG C2 |
An in-depth look at what you can expect from this model
The most important key feature of the Sony Bravia XR A95K is its vibrant colors and strong contrast, thanks to its OLED technology.
- Google TV interface: The TV comes with Google TV interface, which supports Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and hands-free Google Assistant.
- Quantum dot layer: The TV features a quantum dot layer that enables a wide color range, resulting in vibrant and accurate colors.
- Powerful sound system: The A95K uses actuators behind the panel to deliver powerful and crisp audio, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
- Bravia Cam: The onboard camera enables video chat and picture optimization based on the lighting and sound conditions of the room. It can be fully unplugged and removed for privacy.
- Wide color range: The A95K offers a wide color range, providing a vivid and immersive viewing experience.
Overall, the Sony Bravia XR A95K offers vibrant colors, strong contrast, and advanced features like Google TV interface and a powerful sound system, making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize picture quality and audio performance.
A quick shortlist of the cons for Sony Bravia XR A95K OLED TV
The main problem with purchasing the Sony Bravia XR A95K OLED TV is that its quantum dot layer compromises the perfect black levels that OLEDs are known for. Here are the potential downsides of purchasing this TV:
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Color Accuracy: The A95K falls short in color accuracy compared to some competing OLED TVs. While the colors are generally accurate in SDR mode, they can be slightly oversaturated and cool in whites. In HDR mode, there are some discrepancies in certain hues.
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Ambient Light Sensitivity: The A95K has an issue with ambient light due to its quantum dot layer. This can affect the overall picture quality, especially in dark scenes, as it compromises the perfect black levels that OLEDs should provide.
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Lack of AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync: The A95K lacks support for AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync, which can be disappointing for gamers. While it has a 120Hz refresh rate and features like ALLM and VRR, the absence of these technologies can impact the gaming experience.
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Higher Price Point: The A95K is priced higher compared to some competing OLED TVs with similar or even better picture quality. For example, the LG C2 provides fantastic contrast with visually perfect black levels and nearly ideal color at a lower price point.
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Thicker Design: While the A95K's design is unique and advanced, it is slightly thicker than other OLED TVs. This may not be a major concern for most people, but it's worth noting if you prefer a slim and sleek TV design.
Overall, while the Sony Bravia XR A95K OLED TV offers vibrant colors, strong contrast, and impressive features, it has some downsides that potential buyers should consider. If accurate colors and ideal black levels are important to you, the LG C2 might be a better choice at a lower price point.
Final thoughts
The Sony Bravia XR A95K is a powerful OLED TV with impressive features, including Google TV interface and Apple AirPlay 2 support. It offers a wide color range and strong contrast, making it a good choice for those who prioritize picture quality. However, its quantum dot layer compromises the perfect black levels that OLEDs should provide. If accurate colors and ideal black levels are important to you, the LG C2 might be a better choice at a lower price point. Overall, the Sony A95K is a solid option, but there are other OLED TVs on the market that offer better picture quality for the price.
