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After extensively looking at what Samsung and LG had on offer for 2020 it was time to look at the last of the big three as Sony has also released some very interesting new TVs this year. So in this Sony TVs for 2020 consumer guide we will be giving you an extensive look on all new offerings from the Japanese manufacturer along with their most important features and differences.
Their released lineup includes OLED as well as LED LCD TVs but compared to the other manufacturers they seem to be more careful with their 8K releases as there is only one to be found and this is an LCD one. It seems that Sony is not in a hurry to introduce more 8K sets as Samsung has for example and to be honest as there is no real 8K content yet we totally agree with this more slow approach.
As you will see from the list below the vast majority of their TVs come with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support as well as featuring Android 9.0 which includes the full set of smart features including voice control support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant as well as Chromecast, Apple Airplay and Homekit.
HDMI 2.1
Another interesting fact is that Sony is once again very slow at adopting the new HDMI 2.1 standard. Last year they had only one model with the new port, the 8K LCD Z9G while this year we find this in only two of them. The successor to the Z9G called Z8H along with the only 4K TV they have that bears this new port, the X900H. Unlike the competition it seems that it will take Sony more time to incorporate the new ports into more of their models.
And since we are talking about HDMI 2.1 we should mention that while there are two TVs this year that theoretically support HDMI 2.1 only one of them brings along most of the features this has and this is the X900H as it supports not only eARC but also HFR, VRR and ALLM. On the contrary the 8K Z8H gets only eARC and HFR and not the other features. So you have to be paying attention as the manufacturers may claim HDMI 2.1 support but this doesn’t mean that a specific model will get all the features this new standard brings with it.
OLED
For 2020 Sony brings forth two OLED models with both of them being 4K as they still haven’t decided to release an 8K one. The interesting fact here is the new A9S as it is the smallest OLED they have released to this day measuring at just 48″. It seems that manufacturers start to see the need for smaller OLED TVs and we expect this trend to continue from now on.
Both the A9S and the A8H, which is the successor of last year A8G, bring certain updates with them as they both have the X1 Ultimate processor and feature Sony’s X-Motion Clarity which can greatly improve motion performance along with the ability to optimize their image according to the ambient brightness of the room which is a feature we have seen being implementing on many top tier TVs lately.
Both OLEDs come with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision while Sony seems to once again stay away from Samsung’s HDR10+. It’s a pity that none of the new OLEDs get HDMI 2.1 and instead have to settle for the older HDMI 2.0 standard while both of them feature Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio system that uses actuators behind the panel in order to make the whole screen act as a big speaker and up the immersion.
Lastly Android 9.0 with the full set of smart features are included in both of them.
LED LCD TVs
On the LCD front Sony have refreshed their lineup that includes a single 8K unit while the rest are all 4K ones. It seems that 2020 will be the first year that Sony will not have a single Full HD TV on display and thus marks the closure of an era for the 1080p TVs.
Now as far as specs is concerned Sony has tried to scale them across their whole lineup with the Z8H being obviously the cream of the crop as their one and only 8K LCD on offer. But we do find that certain features are included on almost all of them. As such Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos along with Android 9.0 that includes the complete smart TV feature set are included on almost all of their LCDs this year and only the lowest tier X750H is missing them.
The Z8H along with the two top tier 4K LCDs, the X950H and X900H, get the most high specs including FALD lighting and the unique Acoustic Multi-Audio systems along with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and the full Android 9.0 suite. But only the Z8H and X950H are using the X-Wide Angle technology to improve on the viewing angles while also use with the X1 Ultimate processor while the X900H has to settle with the less capable X1 4K HDR Processor which is used in many of their 4K LCDs this year.
Sony has been a little confusing about their two top 4K LCDs. In theory the X950H is the top dog with the X900H being the second but in a rather strange move the X900H is the one that gets a fully working HDMI 2.1 along with features like HFR, VRR and ALLM which the X950H does not. So if you are looking for a new TV to go along with your upcoming PS5 this is the one you should be looking at.
For the rest of the middle tier and lower tier LCD TVs Sony opted to go for a mix of VA and IPS panels along with different lighting systems as some of them use an Edge LED one while others go for a Direct LED variant. From the XH85/XH91 and below all TVs are missing the advanced Acoustic Multi-Audio system and instead use a more traditional 2.0 channels system.
Rest of Features
Certain models will offer auto-calibration via the CalMAN software which is clearly aimed to the enthusiast users but specific equipment is needed for this. There is also a Netflix Calibrated Mode that Netflix has created in order to match the image quality settings to the studio reference while the X900H is the first and only TV from Sony to feature the new ATSC 3.0 tuner.
Closing
With the new gaming consoles on the horizon someone would expect Sony to be a little bit more prepared in this front in order to support their own incoming PS5 but in the end we only find that the X900H will come with the full set of features that the HDMI 2.1 standard supports and this is a bit disappointing. The Z8H may in theory come also with HDMI 2.1 but it turns out that it will support only HFR and not VRR or ALLM which is a bit puzzling.
Other than that it seems that Sony will have another solid year with some very good models on the market both on the OLED as well as on the LED LCD front. It is obvious that they still focus mostly on the 4K resolution and only testing the waters on the 8K front which is entirely fine by us as we believe it is still far too early for 8K TVs to have any meaningful impact.
At the end of the article you can find comprehensive tables of all the new TVs with all their most important features in order to easily distinguish their differences.
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 A9S / A9
Type : Flat
The A9S is an intriguing model as with a size of 48″ this is the smallest OLED TV that Sony has released to date. The A9S is based on 2019 A9G but Sony managed to put everything in a smaller factor as manufacturers sense that consumers are asking of OLED technology in smaller sizes and from what we have seen this is a trend that tends to continue from now on.
The A9S is using a central aluminium stand and comes jammed packed with technologies like X-Motion Clarity, IMAX Enhanced and comes equipped with the X1 Ultimate processor. Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision are supported while Sony used Android 9.0 with all its smart features including support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant while we also get Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.
For the audio we find Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio that uses actuators behind the panel and turns the whole screen into a big speaker and thus up the immersion even further.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3840 x 2160)
- OLED display technology
- X1 Ultimate processor
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- 100Hz Refresh Rate
- 2.1CH 25W / Acoustic Surface Audio, Dolby Atmos
- X-Motion Clarity, IMAX Enhanced
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB
- ARC, eARC
- WiFi (802.11ac), Bluetooth v4.2
- Android 9.0
- Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
- Chromecast, AirPlay 2, HomeKit
- ATSC 1.0 / DVB-T2/S2/C (Depending the region)
Sony A8H / A8
Type : Flat
The A8H is the successor of the highly successful A8G but has been upgraded with a few extra notable features. It uses Sony’s X1 Ultimate processor and comes with various image features like X-Motion Clarity and IMAX Enhanced. Once again it supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and comes with the full Android 9.0 smart platform that includes not only Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant but also Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.
This OLED is also using the unique Acoustic Surface Audio technology that uses actuators behind the screen and turns the whole TV into one big speaker. The A8H is the only new OLED that comes in 55″ and 65″ sizes.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3840 x 2160)
- OLED display technology
- X1 Ultimate processor
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- 100Hz Refresh Rate
- 2.2CH 30W / Acoustic Surface Audio, Dolby Atmos
- X-Motion Clarity, IMAX Enhanced
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB
- ARC, eARC
- WiFi (802.11ac), Bluetooth v4.2
- Android 9.0
- Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
- Chromecast, AirPlay 2, HomeKit
- ATSC 1.0 / DVB-T2/S2/C (Depending the region)
8K LCD TVs
Sony Z8H / ZH8
Type : Flat
The Z8H is the only new 8K TV that Sony had on display this year and it’s an LCD one. No 8K OLED from Sony yet. The Z8H can be considered the successor of 2019 Z9G and is using a VA panel with a Full Array with Local Dimming (FALD) lighting system. It also features X-Wide Angle technology in order to improve the viewing angles that all LCD TVs suffer from.
It uses Sony’s X1 Ultimate processor and comes with features like IMAX Enhanced while it can also support High Frame Rate (HFR). Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos are supported and Android 9.0 is present with all its smart features like voice control, Chromecast and Airplay 2.
Acoustic Multi-Audio is also present in order to provide an upgraded audio experience while this is the first TV from Sony this year that also features HDMI 2.1 even though not all of its features.
Specifications
- 8K resolution (7680×4320)
- LED LCD display with VA panel
- Full Array with Local Dimming (FALD)
- X-Wide Angle
- X1 Ultimate processor
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- 100Hz Refresh Rate
- 2.2.2CH 60W / Acoustic Multi-Audio, Dolby Atmos
- IMAX Enhanced, HFR
- 4 x HDMI (1 x 2.1) / 3 x USB
- ARC, eARC
- WiFi (802.11ac), Bluetooth v4.2
- Android 9.0
- Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
- Chromecast, AirPlay 2, HomeKit
- ATSC 1.0 / DVB-T2/S2/C (Depending the region)
4K LCD TVs
Sony X950H / XH95
Type : Flat
The X950H is the flagship 4K LCD Sony has on offer for this year. It comes with a VA panel and a Full Array with Local Dimming (FALD) light system while also uses the X-Wide Angle technology for better viewing angles but only from the 55″ model and above.
This TV is the last to feature the X1 Ultimate processor and also supports IMAX Enhanced. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos are both accounted for while Acoustic Multi-Audio is once again present except from the smaller 49″ size. Again we find the full Android 9.0 smart TV platform with support for voice control along with Chromecast, Airplay 2 and Homekit.
Unfortunately there is no HDMI 2.1 here while another strange fact is that the 55″ and 75″ have 2 USB ports instead of 3 that the rest of the sizes have.
You can read our full tests and analysis of this model in our Sony X950H review.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3840 x 2160)
- LED LCD display with VA panel
- Full Array with Local Dimming (FALD)
- X-Wide Angle (for 55″ and above)
- X1 Ultimate processor
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- 100Hz Refresh Rate
- 2.2CH 30W / Acoustic Multi-Audio (Except 49″), Dolby Atmos
- IMAX Enhanced
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB (2 x USB 55″-75″)
- ARC, eARC
- WiFi (802.11ac), Bluetooth v4.2
- Android 9.0
- Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
- Chromecast, AirPlay 2, HomeKit
- ATSC 1.0 / DVB-T2/S2/C (Depending the region)
Sony X900H / XH90
Type : Flat
Next in line is the X900H and we find this one a bit of a paradox. In theory this is a less capable model compared to the above X950H and certain specs confirm this. The X900H once again uses a VA panel and a Full Array with Local Dimming (FALD) lighting system but here we find the less capable X1 4K HDR processor. Keep in mind that this is the last FALD TV in Sony’s lineup so if you absolute want to go FALD this is the cheapest model to look for.
The strange fact is that on the contrary to the X950H this one actually has HDMI 2.1 and also supports VRR, ALLM and HFR along with IMAX Enhanced making it the only 4K TV in Sony’s lineup this year to offer these HDMI 2.1 features. Once again there is both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support and the included Android 9.0 comes with the full feature list including voice control, Chromecast and Airplay.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3840 x 2160)
- LED LCD display with VA panel
- Full Array with Local Dimming (FALD)
- X1 4K HDR Processor
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- 100Hz Refresh Rate
- 2.0CH 20W / Acoustic Multi-Audio (Except 55″), Dolby Atmos
- IMAX Enhanced, VRR, ALLM, HFR
- 4 x HDMI (2 x 2.1) / 2 x USB
- ARC, eARC
- WiFi (802.11ac), Bluetooth v4.2
- Android 9.0
- Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
- Chromecast, AirPlay 2, HomeKit
- ATSC 3.0 / DVB-T2/S2/C (Depending the region)
Sony XH85 – XH91
Type : Flat
The XH85 – XH91 seems to be Europe/UK only models and come with certain reductions to specs compared to the X900H above. First of all this is the first LCD that uses an IPS panel instead of a VA one but the biggest difference is the use of an Edge LED system instead of a FALD one. The processor used is once again the X1 4K HDR variant while Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos are both present.
These models are also loosing the HDMI 2.1 support and have to settle for the older HDMI 2.0b but at least it comes with the full Android 9.0 experience that includes voice control for both Alexa and Google Assistant while Chromecast, Airplay 2 and Homekit are all supported. Lastly we loose the Acoustic Multi-Audio system complete and have to settle for a standard 2.0 channels audio system.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3840 x 2160)
- LED LCD display with IPS panel
- Edge LED
- X1 4K HDR Processor
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- 50Hz Refresh Rate
- 2.0CH 20W, Dolby Atmos
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 3 x USB
- ARC, eARC
- WiFi (802.11ac), Bluetooth v4.2
- Android 9.0
- Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
- Chromecast, AirPlay 2, HomeKit
- ATSC 1.0 / DVB-T2/S2/C (Depending the region)
Sony XH81
Type : Flat
The XH81 is another Europe/UK model only but spec wise is not very different than the XH85/XH91. Featuring a completely different design and different stand design the XH81 is using an IPS panel while for it’s lighting we get different systems depending the size. For 43″-49″ this model uses and Edge LED system while all the bigger sizes go for a Direct LED system. And this basically is the only difference they have.
The rest of the specs are similar to above with the X1 4K HDR processor taking up processing duties, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos are both supported and Android 9.0 is fully featured with Chromecast, Airplay 2 and Homekit support. One thing to mention is that the XH81 is the first model that also looses eARC and have to settle with the older ARC feature.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3840 x 2160)
- LED LCD display with IPS panel
- Edge LED (43″-49″) – Direct LED (55″-65″)
- X1 4K HDR Processor
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- 50Hz Refresh Rate
- 2.0CH 20W, Dolby Atmos
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 2 x USB
- ARC
- WiFi (802.11ac), Bluetooth v4.2
- Android 9.0
- Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
- Chromecast, AirPlay 2, HomeKit
- ATSC 1.0 / DVB-T2/S2/C (Depending the region)
Sony X800H / XH80
Type : Flat
We are approaching the bottom of the performance ladder here and the X800H is actually the last Android TV being offered in both the US and European/UK markets. The X800H has a lot of similarities with the XH81 above but also a couple of key differences.
First of all the most obvious change is the design of the stand but also spec wise we find that the X800H while still using an IPS panel, the bigger 85″ size is switching to a VA one. Everything else is exactly the same as this one is still using an Edge LED lighting system for the smaller 43″-49″ sizes while the bigger ones go for a Direct LED one. This is also the last model to get X1 4K HDR processor and also support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
A standard 2.0 channels system is used while we only get the usual HDMI 2.0b ports with ARC support. Also it comes with Android 9.0 along with the full set of features including voice control, Chromecast, Airplay 2 and Homekit. If you absolutely need smart TV functionality this is the cheapest TV from Sony you have to consider.
You can read our full review of the X800H HERE.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3840 x 2160)
- LED LCD display with IPS panel (85″ VA)
- Edge LED (43″-49″) – Direct LED (55″-85″)
- X1 4K HDR Processor
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- 50Hz Refresh Rate
- 2.0CH 20W, Dolby Atmos
- 4 x HDMI 2.0b / 2 x USB
- ARC
- WiFi (802.11ac), Bluetooth v4.2
- Android 9.0
- Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
- Chromecast, AirPlay 2, HomeKit
- ATSC 1.0 / DVB-T2/S2/C (Depending the region)
Sony X750H / X70
Type : Flat
At the bottom of the performance ladder we get the X750H and here we find two major differences compared to the model above. The less capable processor and the absence of Android smart TV.
The X750H is using a VA panel and settles for an Edge LED lighting system for its smaller sizes while the 55″ and 65″ models go for a Direct LED system instead. Under the hood we get the 4K Processor X1 which is the lowest capable processor Sony is offering in 2020 and as such we loose both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos here.
Audio is handled by a simple 2.0 channels system while HDMI 2.0b ports are reduced to only three. At least ARC functionality is preserved. The X750H is using a simplified Android 9.0 version with less features or Sony’s linux system depending on the region you buy it from and thus makes this model the only Sony TV with limited smart TV functionality.
There are no Full HD models in Sony’s lineup and it seems that 1080p TVs are slowly becoming a thing of the past as the 8K era is approaching. So if you are looking for the most cheap Sony TV this year the X750H is the one to look for.
You can read our detailed review on the Sony X750H by clicking on the name link.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3840 x 2160)
- LED LCD display with VA panel
- Edge LED (43″-49″) – Direct LED (55″-65″)
- 4K Processor X1
- HDR10, HLG
- 50Hz Refresh Rate
- 2.0CH 20W
- 3 x HDMI 2.0b / 2 x USB
- ARC
- WiFi (802.11n), Bluetooth v4.2
- Android 9.0 (with less features) / Linux (Depending the region)
- ATSC 1.0 / DVB-T2/S2/C (Depending the region)
OLED TVs
LED LCD TVs
If for one thing, Sony has been known to deliver top quality and top notch digital displays and I have used like two of their TVs in the past and were really really worthy. It’s nice to see here what new releases Sony has in stock for us. What I like is especially the fact that they have a small OLED TV. This can be the perfect accompaniment to the PS5 I am going to buy and I surely consider that right now. thanks
Smaller sized OLEDs were something that many people were asking and we are finally start to see them. Other manufacturers will surely follow.
Thank you for this nice overview, it is good to be able to find out what Sony has for us this year. I had a couple of Sony TVs in the past and they never failed me, I was always very happy with their products so when the time comes for my next TV I will surely keep an eye for them first.
They surely make some good quality TVs. Many people seem to prefer them instead of Samsung or LG.