At a glance
If you’re excited about the price drop for 4K, you’re also probably overwhelmed by the options. Once prices dropped, it seemed the competition was poised to explode. Now, they’re not just affordable — they’re almost cheap.
So, you may be wondering whether to buy into a well-known brand, like the Sony XBR-65A9G or take a look at one of the economy models. I’ve been wondering myself, so I took a closer look at what’s on offer.
Before you Upgrade
Before you make the big upgrade, there are a few things you need to think about before buying.
Space
Do you have enough room for a 65-inch television? Consider how the size will affect your living space.
Along with enough wall space to hang a 65-inch TV, you’ll also need to place seating far enough to see it. Some manufacturers recommend a distance of 9 to 10 feet for a 65-inch TV.
Compatibility
Another factor in any TV upgrade is whether it will play nice with your other devices. A 4K TV is only worthwhile when you have a 4K source.
Most cable, broadcast, and satellite networks don’t deliver in 4K. Even cable services that offer a 4K channel rarely offer more than the occasional sporting event in that resolution.
But some streaming service providers might make 4K worth your while, and if you have a collection of 4K Blu-ray disks, you’re on the right track.
The Sony XBR-65A9g in A Nutshell
Sony has a reputation for high-quality electronics, so the XBR-65A9G should be a no-brainer when it comes to your media room upgrade. It offers lifelike sound and video with a 4K OLED screen, along with an advanced picture and audio system.
It’s part of their “MASTER Series,” with a Picture Processor X1 chip that enhances color. The Pixel Contrast Booster works with OLED technology to enhance fine detail.
The Sony XBR-65A9G also boasts superlative sound, with two actuators and two subwoofers for dimensional sound quality. This Acoustic Surface Audio+ delivers sound from multiple locations for increased immersion.
Sony XBR-659G Features & Benefits
Price aside, the Sony XBR-65A9G has unique features that you can’t ignore. There’s a good reason this product has received high praise and top reviews.
Picture Quality
Sony’s Picture Processor X1 promises to intelligently enhance brightness, color, and detail, and it delivers. The X1 Ultimate chip remasters every object on screen for the highest clarity possible. It also provides color mapping and dynamic contrast enhancement.
For those with poor vision, this processing might be the most important feature. It’s also a good choice for busy viewing areas since it reacts to ambient light levels.
Cinematic Quality
The Sony XBR-65A9G renders IMAX quality content accurately for the best home theater experience. You’ll also get Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos picture and sound quality.
Finally, you can enjoy your collection of IMAX Blu-ray disks the way they were meant to be seen.
Home Automation
The BRAVIA home screen lets you browse for content using voice command. This Android TV feature lets you customize with apps for endless entertainment options.
The Sony XBR-65A9G also works with your home automation, including Apple Airplay / Homekit.
It also works with Alexa and Echo to change channels, volume, or applications with voice commands. This feature is priceless for parents trying to track kids’ viewing habits when their hands are full.
Refresh Rate
For gamers, the 120-hertz refresh rate on the Sony XBR-65A9G means virtually no lag when gaming. PCMag logged the refresh rate at 18.9ms in Game Mode, landing it on their Editor’s Choice lists for best gaming TVs.
What others are saying about the Sony XBR-65A9g
The number of positive reviews of the Sony XBR-65A9G from buyers is pretty overwhelming.
Consumer Reports, the most trusted product review portal in the U.S., gives the Sony XBR-65A9G a score of 90 out of 100 for picture quality, sound quality, and versatility.
Buyer ratings across retail sites show a solid rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars for the Sony XBR-65A9G.
“Incredible color and sound. The colors on this set jump out at you. We watch a lot of movies and golf, and it seems like we are IN the picture. Plus with the remote base speaker, it feels like it also.”
“The best TV ever….. I did a great deal of investigation into this television and finally decided that this was the one for me. As soon as I hooked it up I knew it was a remarkable television and I was right. The color and clarity are beautiful and the picture is unbelievable…. I have this hooked up to my Bose surround system and it’s like being in the movie theater. This is a spectacular TV and I highly recommend it. “
The Competition
The Sony XBR-65A9G ticks all the boxes, but you should always check out the competition.
LG OLED65C9PUA C9 Series
LG is known for high-quality OLED TVs, and this 65-inch model is no exception. It offers intelligent processing to enhance detail, picture clarity, and contrast.
The LG OLED65C9PUA also offers voice control through its own LG Thinq app, as well as Alexa and Google Assistant. You can even cast from Apple devices with built-in AirPlay.
It features Wisa wireless audio capability and is less expensive than the Sony model. So, if you’re looking to invest your media room budget toward an amazing sound system, check out the LG model.
TCL 65" Class 6-Series 4K
If OLED isn’t in the budget, TCL is a smart choice for those looking for a big screen. TCL’s 65-inch Class 6 Series offers Dolby Vision and QLED processing for improved clarity and color.
It also offers Roku functionality, which offers a library of over 500,000 movies and shows. The Roku Smart TV platform is easy to use and intuitive. Best of all, you’ll get 4K when you need it, as well as a gaming mode for fast refresh rates.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, low-cost upgrade into 4K, TCL is a brand to consider.
Samsung QN65Q60RAFXZA
The Samsung QN65Q60RAFXZA also offers 4K in its Q60 series QLED TV at a low cost. Samsung uses “Quantum Dots,” a smart processing system that improves contrast, color, and clarity to deliver a 4K viewing experience.
It uses OneRemote for Smart TV viewing, with an onscreen universal guide and Bixby voice command. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Samsung claims that its Quantum HDR processing rivals OLED, and it features a Dynamic Black Equalizer and 120-hertz refresh rate for gaming.
If you’re a gamer on a tighter budget and not tied to Apple devices, check out this Samsung model.
Final Thoughts
There’s no question that the combination of OLED and Sony can deliver a superlative home theater experience. The flexibility for IMAX, gaming, streaming, and hands-free operation makes it an excellent choice.
If you’re looking for your next big media room upgrade with all the bells and whistles, take a look at the Sony XBR-65A9G.