Sony Bravia XR A80L OLED TV 2023 review with gaming and cinematic features
Sony Bravia XR A80L OLED TV 2023 review with gaming and cinematic features
- Exceptional picture clarity with vivid, lifelike colors and deep blacks that make every scene captivating.
- The cinematic sound experience is enhanced by the screen acting as the speaker, ensuring audio syncs perfectly with the action.
- Optimized gaming features deliver seamless gameplay, including Auto HDR Tone Mapping and low-latency performance.
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Description
Stunning Design and Build Quality
I’ve tested quite a few TVs in my time, but the Sony OLED 83 inch BRAVIA XR A80L Series 4K Ultra HD TV truly stands out the moment you set eyes on it. The sleek and minimalist design blends effortlessly into any living room, making it a perfect fit for modern home aesthetics. Its ultra-thin bezel almost disappears when the TV is off, leaving just the picture to captivate you when it’s on. The 83-inch screen size is massive, so it’s definitely for those who want an immersive experience, whether for gaming or movie nights.
The build quality feels premium, as you’d expect from a brand like Sony. The stand is sturdy and supports the TV solidly, even on less-than-ideal surfaces. Cable management is well thought out, keeping things clean and preventing the back of the TV from looking cluttered. This is one of those TVs that you don’t just use; you also proudly display it.
Picture Quality That Feels Almost Unreal
The Cognitive Processor XR and OLED technology combine to produce a picture that’s nothing short of breathtaking. Blacks are deep and inky, offering a level of contrast that makes everything from action-packed movies to nature documentaries pop. Colors are incredibly accurate, thanks to XR Triluminos Pro, and the brightness levels are surprisingly high for an OLED panel. Watching content in Dolby Vision was like rediscovering my favorite movies all over again.
What stood out to me most was how natural the images looked, almost like peering through a window rather than watching a screen. Fast-paced scenes in action movies or sports games were handled effortlessly without any noticeable motion blur, which is a huge plus.
Gaming Experience on Another Level
Gaming on this TV is where it truly shines. The Game Menu is a godsend, putting all the settings I needed in one convenient place. It’s a feature you didn’t know you needed until you use it. Compatibility with HDMI 2.1 means you get 4K resolution at 120Hz, along with VRR and ALLM, which made every frame buttery smooth.
As someone who spends a good chunk of time on a PlayStation 5, I was thrilled with the exclusive features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. These automatically optimize the picture for gaming, so you don’t have to fiddle with settings. The responsiveness was fantastic, and the low input lag made even competitive gaming feel fluid.
Sound Quality Worth Mentioning
Usually, TV speakers are an afterthought, but that’s not the case here. The Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology turns the screen itself into a speaker. Dialogue feels like it’s coming directly from the characters, not a speaker buried somewhere below the screen. It’s such a small detail but makes a massive difference when watching movies.
Pair this with Dolby Atmos support, and you’ve got a soundstage that’s both immersive and detailed. For someone who doesn’t want to invest in a soundbar or surround system, this TV is more than capable of delivering an excellent audio experience on its own.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional OLED picture quality with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
- Gaming-specific features like HDMI 2.1, VRR, and exclusive PlayStation 5 settings.
- Immersive sound with Acoustic Surface Audio+ and Dolby Atmos support.
- Premium build quality and sleek design that complements any space.
- Google TV integration makes it easy to access all streaming platforms.
Areas for Improvement
- The 83-inch screen size might be overkill for smaller rooms or apartments.
- No bundled wall mount, which would’ve been a nice addition for those planning to mount it.
- While the picture quality is stunning, OLED panels can be prone to burn-in if static images are displayed for long periods.
Product Rivals
Comparing this to other OLED TVs, such as the LG C3 series, the Sony model has clear advantages in gaming features, especially for PlayStation 5 users. LG TVs, however, tend to offer slightly better brightness in well-lit rooms. On the other hand, Samsung’s QLED range provides excellent brightness and color accuracy, but it doesn’t quite match the deep blacks and natural contrast that OLED panels like this one deliver.
Where this TV excels is in its sound quality and cinematic picture optimization, making it an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts. Competing TVs might offer similar visuals, but few can match the immersive sound that comes directly from the screen.
Bang for the Buck
This TV isn’t cheap, but it feels worth every penny. While you can find more affordable options, they often lack the premium features and build quality found here. The combination of incredible picture, sound, and gaming performance makes it a strong contender for anyone looking to invest in a high-end TV. If you’re serious about your entertainment setup, this is one of the best choices in its class.
