*We are a reader-supported website. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Home Media Entertainment does not accept money for reviews.*
During CES 2019 that happened in January Sony unveiled their full TV lineup that will keep us company for the rest of the year offering various models in order to be able to have a very diverse lineup enough to satisfy all kind of consumer needs. This year is a bit of a landmark as we see the first 8K model being offered by the Japanese company even if it’s a bit out of reach for most people as it is being offered in 85″ and 98″ with the prices reflecting their monstrous sizes.
Sony as it’s happening with LG is offering both OLED and LCD models even if Sony OLED offerings are not as many or as diverse as LG’s. This year we get two 4K OLED models with A9G/AG9 and A8G/AG8 being the only ones. As for LCD obviously the main attraction was the 8K LED LCD Z9G/ZG9 which is the first and only 8K offering from Sony. The main focus still remains on LCD technology with 7 models available but only three of them being available for the US market with them being the X950G/XG95, XG90, X850G/XG85, XG83, XG81, X800G/XG80 and XG70. The “G” in the naming indicates that it’s a 2019 model so you should pay attention to that when looking for a new TV.
There is also a single Full HD 1080p offering with the WG66 LCD TV being sold only in the UK/Europe so far. Tha main focus is obviously 4K TVs and we believe that this may be the last year we see a new 1080p model being offered.
The key characteristic we find in almost the entire lineup is that Sony uses Google’s Android smart TV platform with only the lowest XG70 and WG66 being stripped of it. All the top LCD models as well as both OLEDs come equipped with Dolby Vision as well as Dolby Atmos and they use Sony’s proprietary Acoustic Surface Audio technology which uses the TV panel to produce sound. In the most premium models that include the A9G/AG9, the Z9G/ZG9 and the Z950G/XG95 we also get new silicone with Sony’s X1 Ultimate processor offering nice advances over the previous X1 Extreme variant.
8K obviously was the main attraction but one thing that also made a few waves was the announcement that certain 2019 models will support Apple’s Airplay 2 and HomeKit. According to Sony the models that will receive a software update to gain access to those two are the A9G/AG9, Z9G/ZG9, X950G/XG95 and X850G/XG85 models. Airplay 2 let you stream content like videos or music from any Apple device to your TV while HomeKit gives you control of your TV through an iPhone/iPad.
What we like with Android TVs is that they are being supported with future updates which can be very crucial when it comes to competition. The 2019 models come with Android 8 Oreo pre-installed and includes Chromecast as well as a wealth of streaming services and apps like Netflix, Amazon, Youtube to name a few. Android has enormous support from developers and it’s certainly one of it’s strong points the last few years.
What we find a bit disappointing is that HDMI 2.1 is missing almost entirely this year with only the Z9G/ZG9 featuring one such port. Every other model comes with HDMI 2.0b but certain top models offer eARC which is HDMI 2.1 tech. Also the entire lineup supports HDR10 and HLG (even the 1080p WG66) which is a great addition mostly for the lower offerings as for the top models this is a pretty standard thing to have.
Below we present you each model separately with their most key characteristics while at the end of the article we provide a comprehensive table with all the models grouped together in order to be able to distinguish their differences easier. And that concludes our presentation of Sony offerings for 2019 which in our opinion is a very solid one and anxiously wait for what further advancements we will see next year.
Before closing this part we should mention that you can check our New Product Lineups section for more reviews and articles which we will update as we manage to get our hands on these new releases.
So without further delay let’s analyze each model separately.
4K OLED TVs
SONY A9G/AG9 OLED TV
Type : Flat
The A9G is Sony’s 2019 OLED flagship. Coming equipped with the X1 Ultimate processor and in combination with it’s OLED panel the A9G can display some breathtaking 4K visuals. It also supports Dolby Vision as well as Dolby Atmos and comes with a full suit of smart TV applications part of the Android OS.
You can read our in-depth analysis of the A9G HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- X1 Ultimate Processor
- Acoustic Surface Audio+ / Actuator x2, Subwoofer x2
- Dolby Atmos
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB
- WiFi (ac), Bluetooth 4.2
- Android TV
- Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa
- ARC / eARC
SONY A8G/AG8 OLED TV
Type : Flat
The A8G is a step down from the A9G as it has to settle for a less powerful processor with the X1 Extreme taking processing duties which means a small downgrade in visuals. It also gets a downgraded audio system and as a result it looses Dolby Atmos support. Everything else is similar to the A9G as it features Dolby Vision as well as the complete smart features set with the Android OS.
Check out our full review of the Sony A8G HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- X1 Extreme Processor
- Acoustic Surface Audio / Actuator x2, Woofer x2
- Dolby Audio
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB
- WiFi (ac), Bluetooth 4.1
- Android TV
- Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa
- ARC
8K LED LCD TVs
SONY Z9G/ZG9
Type : Flat
The Z9G is Sony’s 8K monster TV that comes only with LCD technology. Sorry but no OLED here. It uses Sony’s X1 Ultimate processor with a FALD system for better light control that is called “Backlight Master Drive”. It has support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, it has complete smart TV functionality and it’s the only model in 2019 that comes equipped with a single HDMI 2.1 with added eARC support.
Specifications
- 8K UHD resolution
- LED LCD display technology
- Full Array Backlight with Local Dimming
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- X1 Ultimate Processor
- Acoustic Multi-Audio / Tweeter x4, Woofer x8, Subwoofer x4
- Dolby Atmos
- 4 x HDMI (3 x2.0b-1 x 2.1) / 3 x USB
- WiFi (ac), Bluetooth 4.2
- Android TV
- Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa
- ARC / eARC
4K LED LCD TVs
SONY X950G/XG95
Type : Flat
Going down one step we enter 4K territory with the X950G being the top 4K LCD model in Sony’s arsenal. This here comes packed with the X1 Ultimate processor for some serious visuals, has a FALD system for more accurate light control, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos are both present as well as full smart TV functionality. Sound gets a small downgrade from the monstrous Z9G even if they come with the same audio tech while the larger sizes get wide viewing angle technology.
You can read our full review HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LED LCD display technology
- Full Array Backlight with Local Dimming
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- X1 Ultimate Processor
- Acoustic Multi-Audio / Full Range (Bass Reflex) x2, Tweeter x2
- Dolby Atmos
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB
- WiFi (ac), Bluetooth 4.2
- Android TV
- Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa
- ARC / eARC
SONY XG90
Type : Flat
The XG90 is a UK/Europe only model and basically is a downgraded XG95 variant. It gets the X1 Extreme processor instead of the Ultimate variant, audio tech is also downgraded which results in loosing Dolby Atmos support. This model is only available in one size (49″). Also this is the last model that gets a FALD system.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LED LCD display technology
- Full Array Backlight with Local Dimming
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- X1 Extreme Processor
- Bass Reflex Speaker / Full Range x2
- Dolby Audio
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB
- WiFi (ac), Bluetooth 4.1
- Android TV
- Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa
- ARC
SONY X850G/XG85
Type : Flat
Going one more step down the ladder we find the X850G which is the first model with an Edge LED panel with no local dimming which means less accurate light control. Processing is further reduced as we find the simpler X1 processor (No Ultimate or Extreme). At least this model has both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos as well as smart TV functionality.
It’s worth noting that the 85″ model comes with a different panel than the rest of the sizes as it uses a Direct LED panel with no local dimming system which means better and more accurate light control. All the other specs are completely the same.
You can read our full review HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LED LCD display technology
- Edge LED (55″, 65″, 75″) / Direct LED (85″) – No local dimming
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- X1 Processor
- Acoustic Multi-Audio / Full Range (Bass Reflex) x2, Tweeter x2
- Dolby Atmos
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB
- WiFi (ac), Bluetooth 4.2
- Android TV
- Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa
- ARC / eARC
SONY XG83
Type : Flat
The XG83 is another UK/Europe model only and compared to the X850G/XG85 it looses both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, it has a downgraded audio system and looses eARC functionality.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LED LCD display technology
- Edge LED with no local dimming
- HDR10, HLG
- X1 Processor
- Bass Reflex Speaker / Full Range x2
- Dolby Audio
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB
- WiFi (ac), Bluetooth 4.1
- Android TV
- Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa
- ARC
SONY XG81
Type : Flat
Continuing with another UK/Europe only model the XG81 seems to feature exactly the same specs as the XG83 with the only difference being this one uses the even simpler X-Reality Pro Processor.
Also it’s worth noting that some sizes use Egde LED panels while others Direct LED. But all of them are missing a local dimming feature.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LED LCD display technology
- Edge LED (43″, 49″) / Direct LED (55″, 65″) – No local dimming
- HDR10, HLG
- X-Reality Pro Processor
- Bass Reflex Speaker / Full Range (Bass Reflex) x2
- Dolby Audio
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB
- WiFi (ac), Bluetooth 4.1
- Android TV
- Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa
- ARC
SONY X800G/XG80
Type : Flat
The X800G/XG80 is the last model you will find in the US market and this one is extremely similar to the XG81 above that we only get in UK/Europe. The only difference here seems to be that this one uses more basic dimming zones which means less accurate light control.
When it comes to what light system this one uses it seems that the 43″ and the 49″ models use Edge LED panels with no local dimming while the 55″, 65″ and 75″ variants use Direct LED panels with no local dimming also.
Everything else remains the same. Read our full review of the X800G HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LED LCD display technology
- Edge LED (43″, 49″) / Direct LED (55″, 65″, 75″) – No local dimming
- HDR10, HLG
- X-Reality Pro Processor
- Bass Reflex Speaker / Full Range (Bass Reflex) x2
- Dolby Audio
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB
- WiFi (ac), Bluetooth 4.1
- Android TV
- Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa
- ARC
SONY XG70
Type : Flat
At the bottom of the 4K ladder we get this UK/Europe only model and compared to the X800G/XG80 this one looses the Android smart TV platform, it has only 3 HDMI ports instead of 4 while it has lower WiFi capabilities.
This one also uses a mix of Edge LED and Direct LED panels depending on the size.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LED LCD display technology
- Edge LED (43″, 49″) / Direct LED (55″, 65″) – No local dimming
- HDR10, HLG
- X-Reality Pro Processor
- Bass Reflex Speaker / Full Range (Bass Reflex) x2
- Dolby Audio
- 3 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB
- WiFi (b/g/n)
- Linux
- ARC
Full HD LCD TVs
SONY WG66
Type : Flat
The Sony WG66 is the only 1080p model from Sony in 2019 and it seems that it will only be released in UK/Europe as it hasn’t been announced for the US market yet. It comes with direct backlight, features the basic X-Reality Pro processor and is missing any kind of smart TV functionality. This is the absolute lowest model you can go with this year.
Specifications
- Full HD resolution 1080p
- LED LCD display technology
- Direct LED
- HDR10, HLG
- X-Reality Pro Processor
- Open Baffle Speaker / Full Range x2
- Dolby Audio
- 2 x HDMI 1.4 / 2 x USB
- WiFi (b/g/n)
- Linux
- ARC
OLED
LED LCD
Wow, you really did give us a thorough look on all the beautiful screens that Sony has lined up this year for us. Were quite in August and I’ve missed out on these 4K beauties. Sony never fails to give top notch TVs every time and I’m so glad to see that this year’s TVs are on top of their game. I am looking to buy one but my fear is the price. All the same, I’ll speak at home so we can choose which best suits us. I’d go for anything android though.
They have produced some pretty stellar models the last few years and this year seems to be the same. As for Android it has vastly improved over it’s first versions and now it is a very solid offering if you consider it’s state when it first appeared on TVs.
We are currently looking into a new main TV for our living room, and this time we are set on going for a more premium brand of set (we want to keep it for at least five years!).
I really like the look of the SONY A9G/AG9 OLED TV series you have covered here, but I am wondering what they are like for value vs. price – are they worth the big brand mark up?
The A9G is an amazing TV Chris. We are actually preparing a review for it that will be online soon so if you are interested be sure to check out our article that will be online in a couple of days.
Hello there,
This is by far the best post I have seen in Sony TVs for 2019. I have had a look at the others but they don’t go as in-depth as yours. I have been planning to upgrade from my 32 inch TV which I’ve used for years now to a bigger and better Sony one that is up to date with the tech.
I got hooked in the 8K LED LCD TVs section and I think the first one will do for me, the Z9G will make the perfect fit. I am the kind that likes buying quality tech products that will stay for another few years before I think of upgrading. The features of it seem to be just right for me and my family. Thanks a lot for the in-depth review and thorough analysis. It’s really gone a long way for me.
I am glad you found our article useful Dave. If you need any more help let me know.
Wow! 98″ and 85 “. Those are really huge sizes to have in homes. But why not? If you can afford, then go for it.
The ability of the top models to support Apple’s Airplay 2 and HomeKit is such a great feature. This will ensure that nothing exciting is missed.The pre-installed Android 8 Oreo is such a great plus. Those Apps that come with it will sure give us a lot to watch.
Thank you for all the above suggestions. Your review of each TV set is thorough and will really help a lot of us in making the right decision.
You are welcome Carol. If you ever need any help with your decision don’t hesitate to throw me a message.
These are really nice TVs here I must confess. I’ve used some lower quality TV brands in the recent years and I’ve regretted it a lot. However it’s this time of year that I get to change some of my old appliances at home and my television is due for a change. I’m pretty impressed with the list of TV sets in your article and I’m going for Sony this time. How price fare to the competition?
Hey Dane. You can click on the links I have provided for each model in order to check the price for each size and model. The prices are more or less good compared to the competition so I wouldn’t say the Sony ones have any clear advantage on this regard.
Excellent review of the new TVs from Sony in 2019. You explain everything about each model and specifically with nice images. We all know when it comes to talk about TVs, Sony holds a very special place for many people. Because Sony creates its brand by its quality. I am looking for a Sony TV for my bedroom and I think I will go for the Sony XG90 because it’s more affordable than the top models. Thanks a lot for this review.
There are many avid supporters of Sony over the years and this is a result of some good quality products they have created. The XG90 is a nice one and it seems that it combines good quality in a much more affordable price than the top dogs.
Hello
Sony is always ahead with these new models.
I like that some of the models combine Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos as well as the Android platform.
I’m a fan of video games and would love to buy a model that can support them.
Could I connect my computer with one of these models and play computer games on a TV? And what do you recommend?
Thank you for your information and your enlightening article.
Hey there. Of course you can use a TV to connect with a computer. You can do that through the HDMI port. But why you want to do that? I would recommend buying a computer monitor for that reason just for the fact that computer monitors usually support more resolution options than TVs. Not that you will have any particular problem using a TV as a computer screen so if you must do that any of these screens will do just fine and offer amazing image quality. Go as high as you budget can afford.
Great, good looking and informative article I would say. An 85 inches, 8K TV with alexa+google assistant sounds like a dream!
Yet I would be looking at something a little bit smaller, let’s say 60-70 inches to be optimal for my use. Within the next few years the bigger sizes will be almost as big as projectors image sizes. What do you think?
20-25 years ago having a 21″ TV was more or less the normal and now anything lower than 55″ is considered small so who knows what will happen in the next 25 years. Yes sizes become bigger and bigger but there is a certain limit to it. Don’t forget that average sizes got higher because TVs became lighter but diagonal size will become a limiting factor for many now and not the weight. I think the 55-65″ range will be the average norm for many years from now on.
Worth noting, the X850G in 85″ is a totally different set than the smaller X850G sizes. The 85″ uses a VA panel with full back lit design instead of an IPS panel with edge lit design. The 85″ offers far better contrast, deeper blacks with a slight loss of image quality when viewed at extreme angles as compared to the smaller IPS panel X850G models
You are completely right on your observation John, I really missed that one. The 85″ of the X850G indeed uses a FALD backlight. Thank you for pointing it out, I have corrected this in the article.
You have done a great and well-written overview of all Sony TVs for this year. My primary preference was the A8G, but I am not sure right now as there are so many great choices. I now see the A9G and it is a very tempting offer even if a pricey one. You have given me a lot to think about until I make my decision. Thank You.
With so many nice models I am sure it’s a hard decision to choose one. Let me know if you need anything.