Sony X85 vs X90 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Sony X90L & Sony X85J share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Sony X90L rather than the Sony X85J.

Why Do I Recommend The Sony X90L?

  • The Sony X90L comes with a Full Array LED backlight for deeper blacks and stronger contrast in dark scenes, while the Sony X85J uses a Direct LED backlight without local dimming.
  • Sony X90L features the Cognitive Processor XR to deliver more accurate upscaling and better scene-based picture optimization, whereas the Sony X85J uses the older 4K HDR Processor X1.
  • It includes XR Contrast Booster for improved highlight control and shadow detail in HDR content, while the Sony X85J comes with no dedicated contrast-boosting technology.
  • The Sony X90L has higher peak brightness to maintain clearer HDR highlights in bright rooms, whereas the Sony X85J has lower peak brightness that limits HDR impact.
  • Sony X90L supports XR Motion Clarity for smoother fast-action scenes with reduced blur, while the Sony X85J uses Motionflow XR with less advanced motion refinement.
  • It comes with better blooming control to reduce halo effects around bright objects on dark backgrounds, whereas the Sony X85J has weaker light control due to the lack of dimming zones.
  • The Sony X90L features XR Triluminos Pro to produce more refined color gradation and depth in HDR scenes, while the Sony X85J uses standard Triluminos Pro color processing.
  • Sony X90L includes a newer Game Menu interface for quicker access to gaming settings and optimizations, whereas the Sony X85J uses a more basic game mode interface.

Maybe the Sony X85J can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Sony X90L. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureSony X90LSony X85J
Video processorCognitive Processor XR4K HDR Processor X1
Backlight typeFull Array LEDDirect LED
Local dimmingYesNo
Contrast control featureXR Contrast BoosterNone
HDR peak brightnessHigherLower
HDR highlight controlBetterLimited
Black level performanceDeeperLighter
Blooming controlBetterWeaker
Color tech brandingXR Triluminos ProTriluminos Pro
Upscaling brandingXR 4K Upscaling4K X-Reality PRO
Motion processing brandingXR Motion ClarityMotionflow XR
Game UIGame MenuBasic Game Mode
Screen size rangeLarger max sizeSmaller max size
Bravia core generationNewer generationOlder generation
PriceCheck Sony X90L PriceCheck Sony X85J Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Resolution: Both televisions use a native 4K resolution, ensuring sharp image clarity with fine detail when watching movies, sports, or streaming high-resolution content. This resolution is ideal for large screen sizes where pixel density matters.
  • Panel Type: Sony X90L and Sony X85J are built on LED LCD panels, which balance brightness, longevity, and energy efficiency. This makes them suitable for a wide range of room lighting conditions.
  • Native Refresh Rate: Each model supports a 120 Hz native refresh rate, allowing smoother motion in fast-moving scenes. This is especially important for sports viewing and high-frame-rate gaming.
  • HDMI 2.1 Support: Both TVs include HDMI 2.1 ports, enabling advanced bandwidth features required for next-generation consoles. This ensures compatibility with modern gaming hardware.
  • 4K @120Hz Input: The two models can accept 4K signals at 120 frames per second, delivering fluid visuals in supported games. This improves responsiveness and motion clarity.
  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): VRR support helps reduce screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay. It allows the TV’s refresh rate to synchronize dynamically with a connected console or PC.
  • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Both TVs automatically switch to a low-latency mode when gaming is detected. This minimizes input lag without requiring manual settings changes.
  • HDR10 Support: HDR10 compatibility ensures improved contrast and brightness over standard dynamic range content. It allows highlights and shadows to appear more detailed.
  • Dolby Vision Support: Dolby Vision support enables dynamic metadata for HDR content, adjusting brightness and contrast scene-by-scene. This enhances realism in compatible movies and shows.
  • HLG Support: Hybrid Log-Gamma support allows both TVs to handle HDR broadcast content effectively. This is useful for live sports and TV broadcasts.
  • Triluminos Color Technology: Both models use Sony’s Triluminos color technology to expand color reproduction. This results in richer, more lifelike colors across different content types.
  • Motion Interpolation: Motion enhancement technology is present on both TVs to reduce blur and judder. This improves clarity during fast action scenes.
  • Smart TV Platform: Sony X90L and Sony X85J run Google TV, offering a unified interface for streaming apps and services. It provides personalized content recommendations.
  • Google Assistant Built-in: Voice control via Google Assistant is supported on both models, enabling hands-free control of TV functions and smart home devices.
  • Chromecast Built-in: Built-in Chromecast allows users to cast content directly from smartphones, tablets, or laptops. This makes content sharing simple and seamless.
  • AirPlay 2 Support: Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility allows easy streaming from Apple devices. This benefits users within the Apple ecosystem.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both televisions support wireless internet connectivity for streaming and online features. This eliminates the need for wired Ethernet in most setups.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth support enables wireless headphones, speakers, and peripherals to be connected. This adds flexibility to audio setups.
  • eARC Support: Enhanced Audio Return Channel support allows high-quality audio formats to pass through to compatible soundbars or receivers. This improves home theater audio performance.
  • PlayStation 5 Compatibility: Both TVs are optimized to work well with the PlayStation 5, supporting key gaming features. This ensures a smooth console gaming experience on either model.

Common Features

FeatureSony X90LSony X85J
Display resolution4K4K
Panel typeLED LCDLED LCD
Native refresh rate120 Hz120 Hz
HDMI 2.1 supportYesYes
4K @120Hz inputYesYes
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)YesYes
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)YesYes
HDR10 supportYesYes
Dolby Vision supportYesYes
HLG supportYesYes
Triluminos color technologyYesYes
Motion interpolationYesYes
Smart TV platformGoogle TVGoogle TV
Google Assistant built-inYesYes
Chromecast built-inYesYes
AirPlay 2 supportYesYes
Wi-Fi connectivityYesYes
Bluetooth connectivityYesYes
eARC supportYesYes
PlayStation 5 compatibilityYesYes
Price Check Sony X90L Price
Check Sony X85J Price

FAQ

Are Sony X90L and Sony X85J both true 4K TVs?
Yes, both Sony X90L and Sony X85J use native 4K (3840 × 2160) panels, allowing them to display true Ultra HD content with full pixel resolution from streaming apps, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles.

Do both Sony X90L and Sony X85J support 120Hz refresh rate?
Yes, both models feature a native 120Hz refresh rate, which enables smoother motion for fast-moving content such as sports, action movies, and high-frame-rate games.

Are Sony X90L and Sony X85J suitable for PlayStation 5 gaming?
Both TVs are well suited for PlayStation 5, as they support HDMI 2.1 features such as 4K at 120Hz, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Variable Refresh Rate, ensuring responsive and smooth gameplay.

Do both TVs support HDMI 2.1 connectivity?
Yes, Sony X90L and Sony X85J include HDMI 2.1 ports, which are required for next-generation gaming features and higher-bandwidth video signals.

Is Variable Refresh Rate available on both models?
Yes, VRR is supported on both Sony X90L and Sony X85J, helping to reduce screen tearing and stuttering during gaming by matching the TV’s refresh rate with the console’s output.

Do both TVs support Dolby Vision HDR?
Both models support Dolby Vision, allowing compatible content to display enhanced contrast and brightness using dynamic metadata for a more cinematic viewing experience.

Are HDR10 and HLG supported on both TVs?
Yes, Sony X90L and Sony X85J support HDR10 and Hybrid Log-Gamma, ensuring compatibility with HDR streaming content as well as HDR broadcast signals.

Do both TVs use Google TV as the smart platform?
Yes, both models run Google TV, providing access to popular streaming apps, personalized content recommendations, and an integrated Google ecosystem experience.

Is Google Assistant built into both Sony X90L and Sony X85J?
Yes, both TVs have Google Assistant built in, enabling voice control for searching content, adjusting settings, and controlling compatible smart home devices.

Do Sony X90L and Sony X85J support Chromecast built-in?
Both models include Chromecast built-in, allowing users to wirelessly cast videos, photos, and apps directly from smartphones, tablets, or computers to the TV.

Is Apple AirPlay 2 available on both TVs?
Yes, both Sony X90L and Sony X85J support Apple AirPlay 2, making it easy to stream content from iPhones, iPads, and Macs directly to the TV.

Do both TVs support eARC for audio systems?
Yes, enhanced Audio Return Channel is supported on both models, allowing high-quality audio formats to be passed to compatible soundbars or AV receivers.

Are Bluetooth headphones supported on both models?
Yes, both TVs support Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless headphones, speakers, and other compatible accessories to be paired directly.

Do both Sony X90L and Sony X85J use Triluminos color technology?
Yes, both models use Sony’s Triluminos color technology, which enhances color reproduction for richer and more natural-looking images.

Are Sony X90L and Sony X85J good for streaming services like Netflix and YouTube?
Yes, both TVs are well suited for streaming, offering 4K resolution, HDR support, and a fast smart TV interface that runs major apps smoothly.