Sony’s latest Bravia TV brings flagship-like performance at a reasonable price
From Rs. 1,09,990
Sony’s flagship TVs deliver one of the best TV viewing experiences, but they cost a fortune. Sony’s latest Bravia X9000H, on the other hand, attempts to bring similar picture quality, if not same, at a more affordable price.
How different can one design a TV? Not much but given Sony’s approach, we are happy with what X9000H has to offer. The TV boasts thin aluminium bezel across the display complemented with an equally svelte stand. The stand, despite its minimalistic design and screwless installation, docks the TV firmly and securely on a tabletop. The TV also supports VESA wall mount.
The X9000H is not the slimmest TV but its neat design keeps the flab at the rear, giving an unobstructed look from the front. At the back is the multitude of connectivity ports, ranging from Ethernet to composite and two USB ports. There are four HDMI ports that support HDMI 2.0 but a future software update will upgrade the last two HDMI ports to HDMI 2.1. Sony hasn’t given any timeline with respect to the update but we hope it comes before the next-gen consoles hit the market, allowing users to enjoy features like 4K at 120fps, Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode and eARC. For now, gamers will have to suffice with the dedicated game mode. It tweaks picture settings but also lowers the input lag to around 16ms.
How’s the video quality on the X9000H? In one word, impressive. Equipped with a full-array LED, local dimming, X-tended Dynamic range and the X1 processor doing the heavy lifting, the TV produces excellent colours and deep contrast. Moreover, the TV supports HDR formats like HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision that covers majority of the content out there, delivering an impressive dynamic range. The X9000H also comes with features like the Object-based HDR remaster that analyses individual object on the screen to produce the perfect contrast; upscaling support; X-Motion Clarity for smooth, blur-free fast action scenes and; Netflix Calibrated mode.
Android TV OS is what makes X9000H smart and Sony keeps it clean. The overall Android TV performance is snappy and responsive. Switching between apps, adjusting settings is instantaneous. The remote control doesn’t match the TV’s modern looks but goes with the conventional design with lots of buttons, including dedicated ones for Google Play and Netflix.
Assisting the topnotch video are two 10W X-Balanced speakers that produce room-filling crisp sound and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Digital Surround. The Acoustic Multi-audio that positions two tweeters at the back of the TV is available only in a 65-inch variant.
The X9000H is a great addition by Sony. For just over Rs. 1,00,000, the TV rivals its competitors with excellent video and audio performance. Add to it, the impending software update, the X9000H has the potential to be the perfect TV for next-generation console and PC gaming.
RATING 4.5/5
WE’RE IMPRESSED Performance
WE’D IMPROVE Remote control design
THE LAST WORD The X9000H is brimming with features that elevate TV viewing experience with a combination of excellent video tech, audio and snappy OS performance.
This review was originally published in the October edition of T3 India. Subscribe here.
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