Sony A95K VRR TV

If you’re looking for a new TV that offers a stunning picture quality, amazing gaming performance, and smart features that make your life easier, then you might want to check out the Sony BRAVIA XR MASTER Series A95K. This is a flagship 4k TV from Sony that features a new type of OLED panel called QD-OLED. This technology combines the perfect black levels of OLEDs with the wide range of colors and bright highlights of QLED TVs. In this article, we’ll review everything you need to know about this TV, including its design, features, specifications, price, pros and cons. We’ll also compare it to one of its main competitors, the Samsung QN95B Neo QLED TV. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of whether this TV is right for you or not.

Introduction

The Sony BRAVIA XR MASTER Series A95K is one of the first QD-OLED TVs available at the consumer level in 2022, alongside the Samsung S95B OLED TV. QD-OLED stands for quantum dot OLED, which is a type of OLED panel that uses a blue OLED layer with quantum dot filters to create red and green subpixels. This allows the TV to produce a wider color gamut and brighter highlights than traditional OLED TVs, while still maintaining the deep blacks and infinite contrast ratio that OLEDs are known for. The Sony A95K also features the Cognitive Processor XR™, which is a revolutionary processor that analyzes and optimizes the picture and sound quality of the TV based on how humans perceive reality. The processor uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to cross-analyze every element of the image, such as color, contrast, detail, motion, and sound, and adjust them accordingly to create a natural and realistic viewing experience. The Sony A95K comes in two sizes: 55 inches and 65 inches. It has a 4k resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 ports, variable refresh rate (VRR) support, Google TV as its smart platform, and a Dual Style design that lets you change the look and sound of the TV by flipping its stand.

The main pros of the Sony A95K are:

• It has an excellent picture quality with vivid colors, bright highlights, perfect blacks, and near-perfect tone mapping.
• It has an impressive gaming performance with low input lag, HDMI 2.1 features, VRR support, and smooth motion handling.
• It has a user-friendly smart platform with Google TV that offers access to a wide range of streaming apps and services.
• It has a sleek and modern design with a Dual Style option that lets you customize the appearance and sound of the TV.

The main cons of the Sony A95K are:

• It has a risk of permanent burn-in, which is a common issue with OLED TVs.
• It has a mediocre peak brightness for HDR content, especially compared to some LED TVs.
• It has a narrow viewing angle, which means that the image quality deteriorates when viewed from the sides.
• It has a high price tag, which might be out of reach for some budget-conscious buyers.

Sony A95K Features

The Sony BRAVIA XR MASTER Series A95K has many features that make it stand out from the competition. Here are some of the main features of this TV:

• Cognitive Processor XR™: This is a revolutionary processor that analyzes and optimizes the picture and sound quality of the TV based on how humans perceive reality. The processor uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to cross-analyze every element of the image, such as color, contrast, detail, motion, and sound, and adjust them accordingly to create a natural and realistic viewing experience.
• QD-OLED panel: This is a new type of OLED panel that uses a blue OLED layer with quantum dot filters to create red and green subpixels. This allows the TV to produce a wider color gamut and brighter highlights than traditional OLED TVs, while still maintaining the deep blacks and infinite contrast ratio that OLEDs are known for.
• XR Triluminos Pro™: This is a technology that enhances the color accuracy and saturation of the TV by using advanced algorithms and databases to map colors from a wider palette to match every shade and hue.
• XR Contrast Booster™: This is a technology that enhances the contrast ratio and brightness of the TV by using dynamic tone mapping and local dimming to adjust the luminance of each zone according to the content type and scene.
• XR Motion Clarity™: This is a technology that enhances
• the motion handling and smoothness of the TV by using motion interpolation and black frame insertion to reduce blur and judder in fast-moving scenes.
• XR 4K Upscaling™: This is a technology that enhances the resolution and sharpness of the TV by using artificial intelligence and machine learning to upscale lower-resolution content to near-4k quality.
• XR Sound Positioning™: This is a technology that enhances the sound quality and immersion of the TV by using acoustic multi-audio speakers and virtual surround sound to create a 3D sound field that matches the position of the objects on the screen.
• XR Surround™: This is a technology that enhances the sound quality and immersion of the TV by using Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support to create a cinematic sound experience that fills the room with realistic and dynamic audio.
• Google TV: This is the smart platform of the TV that runs on Android TV OS and offers access to a wide range of streaming apps and services, such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and more. You can also use Google Assistant to control the TV with your voice, search for content, get information, and integrate with other smart devices. You can also use Chromecast to cast content from your phone or tablet to the TV.
• BRAVIA CORE: This is an exclusive service for Sony TV owners that offers access to hundreds of movies and content from Sony Pictures Entertainment, including new releases, classics, and IMAX Enhanced titles. You can stream or download these movies in up to 4k HDR quality with no extra cost or subscription required. You can also enjoy behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and documentaries about your favorite movies.
• BRAVIA CAM: This is an optional accessory that you can attach to the TV to add new functionality and interactivity. You can use the BRAVIA CAM to make video calls with your friends and family using Google Duo or Skype. You can also use the BRAVIA CAM to control the TV with your gestures, such as swiping, pointing, or waving. You can also use the BRAVIA CAM to take selfies or record videos with various filters and effects.

Sony A95K vs. Samsung QN95B

One of the main competitors of the Sony A95K is the Samsung QN95B Neo QLED TV. This is another flagship 4k TV from Samsung that features a new type of LED panel called Neo QLED. This technology uses mini-LED backlighting with quantum dot filters to create more precise local dimming zones and higher peak brightness than traditional LED TVs. The Samsung QN95B also features the Neo Quantum Processor 4K, which is an advanced processor that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to upscale and enhance the picture quality of the TV based on the content type and viewing environment. The Samsung QN95B comes in four sizes: 50 inches, 55 inches, 65 inches, and 75 inches. It has a 4k resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR support, Samsung Tizen as its smart platform, and a slim and elegant design with a center stand.

The main pros of the Samsung QN95B are:

• It has an outstanding picture quality with vibrant colors, bright highlights, deep blacks, and accurate tone mapping.
• It has an excellent gaming performance with low input lag, HDMI 2.1 features, VRR support, and smooth motion handling.
• It has a user-friendly smart platform with Samsung Tizen that offers access to a wide range of streaming apps and services.
• It has a slim and elegant design with a center stand that fits well in most settings.

The main cons of the Samsung QN95B are:

• It has some blooming around bright objects in dark scenes, which is a common issue with LED TVs.
• It has a mediocre viewing angle, which means that the image quality deteriorates when viewed from the sides.
• It has some issues with VRR compatibility and stability, especially with some gaming consoles.
• It has a high price tag, which might be out of reach for some budget-conscious buyers.

So how do these two TVs compare? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for in a TV. Both TVs have their strengths and weaknesses, and they’re both suitable for different types of users and scenarios. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between them:

• If you want the best picture quality possible with perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio, then go for the Sony A95K.
• If you want the brightest picture possible with high peak brightness and minimal blooming in HDR content, then go for the Samsung QN95B.
• If you want the best gaming performance possible with low input lag and stable VRR support, then go for the Sony A95K.
• If you want the best upscaling performance possible with artificial intelligence and machine learning, then go for the Samsung QN95B.
• If you want the best smart
• platform possible with Google TV and voice control, then go for the Sony A95K.
• If you want the best smart platform possible with Samsung Tizen and Bixby voice assistant, then go for the Samsung QN95B.
• If you want the best design possible with a Dual Style option that lets you change the look and sound of the TV, then go for the Sony A95K.
• If you want the best design possible with a slim and elegant profile and a center stand, then go for the Samsung QN95B.
• Sony A95K Price
• The Sony BRAVIA XR MASTER Series A95K is not a cheap TV by any means. It’s a premium TV that comes with a premium price tag. The 55-inch model costs $3,499.99, while the 65-inch model costs $4,499.99. These prices are similar to those of the Samsung QN95B Neo QLED TV, which costs $2,999.99 for the 50-inch model, $3,499.99 for the 55-inch model, $4,499.99 for the 65-inch model, and $5,999.99 for the 75-inch model. You can buy the Sony A95K from various online and offline retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Costco, and Sony’s official website. You can also buy the Samsung QN95B from similar sources.
• Is the Sony A95K worth the price? Well, that depends on how much you value its features and performance. The Sony A95K is undoubtedly one of the best TVs on the market right now, and it offers a unique combination of OLED and QLED technologies that deliver a stunning picture quality. It also has an impressive gaming performance and a user-friendly smart platform that make it a great choice for gamers and streamers alike. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as the risk of burn-in, the mediocre peak brightness for HDR content, and the narrow viewing angle. If you’re willing to overlook these issues and pay a premium price for a premium TV, then you might find the Sony A95K to be worth it. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable TV that still offers a great picture quality and gaming performance, then you might want to consider other options, such as the Samsung QN95B or the LG C2 OLED TV.
• How can you get the best deal on the Sony A95K? Well, there are some ways to save some money on this TV. One way is to wait for seasonal sales and discounts that might lower its price significantly. For example, you might find some good deals on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. Another way is to look for refurbished or open-box models that might be sold at a lower price than brand-new ones. You can find these models on websites like eBay or Amazon Warehouse. However, be careful when buying these models and make sure they are in good condition and have a valid warranty. A third way is to trade in your old TV or use a credit card that offers cashback or rewards points that might reduce your final cost.

Sony A95K Picture Quality

The Sony BRAVIA XR MASTER Series A95K has an excellent picture quality that will impress any viewer. Whether you’re watching movies, TV shows, sports, or documentaries, you’ll enjoy a stunning image quality that is rich in detail, color, contrast, and clarity. Here are some aspects of the picture quality of this TV:

HDR: The Sony A95K supports various HDR formats, such as HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+. HDR stands for high dynamic range, which is a technology that enhances the contrast ratio and brightness of the image by displaying a wider range of colors and luminance levels. The Sony A95K does a great job of tone mapping HDR content, which means that it adjusts the brightness and color of each scene according to its metadata and content type. The Sony A95K also has a wide color gamut that covers most of the DCI-P3 color space, which means that it can display more shades and hues of colors than standard TVs. The Sony A95K also has an excellent color accuracy that delivers natural and realistic colors that match the original source. However, one drawback of the Sony A95K is that it has a mediocre peak brightness for HDR content, especially compared to some LED TVs. The Sony A95K can only reach around 700 nits of peak brightness in HDR mode, which means that it might not be able to display some bright highlights as intended by the creators. This might affect some scenes that have a lot of bright objects in dark backgrounds, such as stars in a night sky or explosions in a dark room.

4K: The Sony A95K has a 4k resolution, which means that it has 3840 x 2160 pixels on its screen. This is four times more than a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This means that the Sony A95K can display more detail and sharpness than lower-resolution TVs. The Sony A95K also has an excellent upscaling performance that can enhance lower-resolution content to near-4k quality. The Sony A95K uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze each pixel and frame of the content and apply various algorithms and databases to improve its resolution, sharpness, noise reduction, edge enhancement, and color correction. The result is a smooth and clear image that looks almost as good as native 4k content.

SDR: The Sony A95K also has an excellent picture quality for SDR content, which stands for standard dynamic range. This is the most common type of content that you’ll find on broadcast TV channels, DVDs, Blu-rays, or older streaming services. SDR content has a lower contrast ratio and brightness than HDR content, which means that it displays a narrower range of colors and luminance levels. The Sony A95K does a great job of displaying SDR content with accurate and vibrant colors, deep blacks, and balanced brightness. The Sony A95K also has an excellent upscaling performance for SDR content, as mentioned above.

Viewing angle: The Sony A95K has a narrow viewing angle, which means that the image quality deteriorates when viewed from the sides. This is a common issue with OLED TVs, as they use self-emissive pixels that lose their brightness and color accuracy when viewed from an angle. This might affect some scenarios where you have a large seating arrangement or a wide room where some viewers might sit on the sides of the TV. The Sony A95K has a viewing angle of around 30 degrees, which means that the image quality starts to degrade when viewed from more than 15 degrees off-center. This might result in some loss of contrast, color, and detail when viewed from the sides.

Sony A95K Gaming Performance

The Sony BRAVIA XR MASTER Series A95K has an impressive gaming performance that will please any gamer. Whether you’re playing video games on consoles, PCs, or streaming services, you’ll enjoy a smooth and responsive gaming experience that is immersive and fun. Here are some aspects of the gaming performance of this TV:

Input lag: The Sony A95K has a low input lag, which means that it has a short delay between the time you press a button on your controller or keyboard and the time the action appears on the screen. Input lag is an important factor for gaming, as it affects how fast and accurate you can react to the game. The Sony A95K has an input lag of around 10 ms in game mode, which is one of the lowest among OLED TVs. This means that the Sony A95K is very responsive and suitable for fast-paced and competitive games, such as FPS, racing, sports, or fighting games.

HDMI 2.1: The Sony A95K has HDMI 2.1 ports, which are the latest version of HDMI ports that offer some advanced features for gaming. HDMI 2.1 ports can support higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI 2.0 ports, such as 4k at 120Hz or 8k at 60Hz. This means that the Sony A95K can display more detail and smoothness than lower-resolution or lower-refresh-rate TVs. HDMI 2.1 ports can also support some gaming features, such as VRR, ALLM, eARC, and QMS.

VRR: VRR stands for variable refresh rate, which is a feature that synchronizes the refresh rate of the TV with the frame rate of the game console or PC. This reduces screen tearing and stuttering, which are visual artifacts that occur when the refresh rate and frame rate are mismatched. Screen tearing happens when the TV displays parts of two different frames at the same time, creating a horizontal line across the screen. Stuttering happens when the TV repeats the same frame multiple times, creating a choppy and uneven motion. VRR eliminates these issues by adjusting the refresh rate of the TV to match the frame rate of the game console or PC, creating a smooth and consistent motion. The Sony A95K supports VRR through HDMI Forum VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro. However, it does not support G-SYNC Compatible or NVIDIA Reflex Latency Analyzer.

ALLM: ALLM stands for auto low latency mode, which is a feature that automatically switches the TV to game mode when it detects a gaming signal from a game console or PC. Game mode is a picture mode that reduces input lag and optimizes picture settings for gaming. ALLM saves you time and hassle by switching to game mode automatically without having to go through menus and settings manually.

eARC: eARC stands for enhanced audio return channel, which is a feature that allows you to send high-quality audio signals from the TV to an external sound system via an HDMI cable. This eliminates the need for multiple cables and simplifies your setup. eARC can support various audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are immersive audio formats that create a 3D sound field that fills the room with realistic and dynamic audio.

QMS: QMS stands for quick media switching, which is a feature that eliminates blank screens or flickering when switching between different media sources or content types on the TV. For example, if you switch from watching a movie to playing a game on your TV, QMS will make sure that there is no delay or interruption in displaying the new content on your screen.

Sony A95K Smart Features

The Sony BRAVIA XR MASTER Series A95K has many smart features that make it easy to stream movies and TV shows, control your TV with your voice, and integrate with other smart devices. Here are some of the main smart features of this TV:

Google TV: This is the smart platform of the TV that runs on Android TV OS and offers access to a wide range of streaming

apps and services, such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and more. You can also download more apps and games from the Google Play Store. Google TV also has a personalized home screen that recommends content based on your preferences and viewing history. You can also browse content by genre, mood, theme, or provider. Google TV also has a watchlist feature that lets you save content that you want to watch later across different apps and devices.

Google Assistant: This is the voice assistant of the TV that lets you control your TV with your voice. You can use Google Assistant to search for content, get information, adjust settings, launch apps, and more. You can also use Google Assistant to integrate your TV with other smart devices that are compatible with Google Home or Nest, such as smart speakers, lights, cameras, thermostats, and more. You can use Google Assistant by pressing the microphone button on your remote control or by saying “Hey Google” if you have a BRAVIA CAM attached to your TV.

BRAVIA CORE: This is an exclusive service for Sony TV owners that offers access to hundreds of movies and content from Sony Pictures Entertainment, including new releases, classics, and IMAX Enhanced titles. You can stream or download these movies in up to 4k HDR quality with no extra cost or subscription required. You can also enjoy behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and documentaries about your favorite movies. BRAVIA CORE also uses Pure Stream™ technology that delivers a high bitrate of up to 80 Mbps for a near-lossless picture quality.

BRAVIA CAM: This is an optional accessory that you can attach to your TV to add new functionality and interactivity. You can use the BRAVIA CAM to make video calls with your friends and family using Google Duo or Skype. You can also use the BRAVIA CAM to control your TV with your gestures, such as swiping, pointing, or waving. You can also use the BRAVIA CAM to take selfies or record videos with various filters and effects.

Sony A95K Design

The Sony BRAVIA XR MASTER Series A95K has a sleek and modern design that will fit well in any setting. Here are some aspects of the design of this TV:

Dimensions and weight: The Sony A95K has a thin and light profile that makes it easy to place or mount on any wall or surface. The 55-inch model has a dimension of 48.3 x 28 x 1.6 inches (W x H x D) without the stand and weighs 41.9 lbs without the stand. The 65-inch model has a dimension of 57 x 32.9 x 1.6 inches (W x H x D) without the stand and weighs 55.1 lbs without the stand.

Stand options: The Sony A95K has a Dual Style design that lets you change the appearance and sound quality of the TV by flipping its stand. The stand has two sides: one side is flat and flush with the bottom edge of the TV, creating a minimalist look and a downward-firing sound; the other side is angled and protrudes from the bottom edge of the TV, creating a floating look and a forward-firing sound. You can choose which side of the stand you want to use depending on your preference and setup.

Wall-mounting options: The Sony A95K is also compatible with various wall-mounting options that let you hang your TV on any wall or surface. You can use the standard VESA wall-mounting brackets that are sold separately or use the Sony SU-WL855 ultra-slim wall-mount bracket that is specially designed for this TV. The Sony SU-WL855 wall-mount bracket allows you to adjust the angle and position of your TV after mounting it on the wall.

Conclusion

The Sony BRAVIA XR MASTER Series A95K is a remarkable QD-OLED TV that offers a stunning picture quality, amazing gaming performance, and smart features that make it one of the best TVs on the market right now. It combines the best of both OLED and QLED technologies to deliver a wide color gamut, bright highlights, perfect blacks, and infinite contrast ratio. It also features the Cognitive Processor XR™ that analyzes and optimizes every element of the image based on how humans perceive reality. It also has HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR support, Google TV as its smart platform, and a Dual Style design that lets you customize the look and sound of your TV.

However, it also has some drawbacks, such as the risk of burn-in, the mediocre peak brightness for HDR content, and the narrow viewing angle. It also has a high price tag that might be out of reach for some budget-conscious buyers.

So who should buy this TV? Well, if you’re looking for a premium TV that offers a unique combination of OLED and QLED technologies that deliver a stunning picture quality, then you might want to consider the Sony A95K. It’s especially suitable for gamers and streamers who want a smooth and responsive gaming experience and a user-friendly smart platform. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable TV that still offers a great picture quality and gaming performance, then you might want to consider other options, such as the Samsung QN95B or the LG C2 OLED TV.