Sony XBR65X900F 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV review with Alexa features

Description

Favorable Attributes

Testing the Sony XBR65X900F 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED Android TV was an experience that truly highlighted the capabilities of modern television technology. The 4K HDR picture quality is a game-changer, offering a level of stunning clarity, vibrant color, and enhanced contrast that feels almost lifelike. I found myself marveling at the TRILUMINOS display, which brings out such a broad range of colors that even mundane scenes become visually striking. Whether I was watching a movie with sweeping landscapes or an intense action sequence, the X-Motion Clarity technology ensured every frame remained smooth and blur-free.

The X1 Extreme Processor deserves a standing ovation. It processes images in real-time to deliver better brightness and contrast, which means even darker scenes come alive. The TV also supports HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, which is a significant plus for any cinephile or gamer. With 4 HDMI ports and multiple USB inputs, connecting external devices like gaming consoles, sound systems, or streaming sticks was effortless.

Key Positive Aspects:

• Breathtaking 4K HDR picture quality with remarkable clarity and color vibrancy.
• X-Motion Clarity ensures fast-action scenes stay smooth and blur-free.
• Wide compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and various HDR formats.
• Ample input options with 4 HDMI and multiple USB ports.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, the Sony XBR65X900F isn’t without its flaws. For one, the TV’s weight—56.2 pounds with the stand—made setup a bit challenging, especially for one person. The tabletop stand assembly also felt more tedious than it should have been. While the Android TV interface offers a robust selection of apps, I noticed occasional sluggishness when navigating the menus.

The TV’s sound quality, while decent, doesn’t quite match the stellar visuals. A separate sound system or soundbar is almost a necessity if you want an audio experience that complements the visuals. Lastly, while the voice control functionality with Alexa and Google Assistant is great in theory, there were times when the voice commands failed to register as expected.

Key Negative Attributes:

• Hefty weight makes setup a two-person job.
• Built-in sound quality doesn’t match the premium visuals.
• Android TV interface can occasionally lag.

Premium Display and Design

The ultra-slim design of this TV is a visual treat in itself. It blends seamlessly into any modern living room setup, and the 65-inch screen size is ideal for immersive viewing. The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures that movies, shows, and games appear proportionate and cinematic. What stood out to me was how even the full-array local dimming technology enhances contrast by optimizing the backlight zones. This makes a night scene in a movie or a dimly lit game environment look as intended, without losing detail.

That said, the TV’s overall dimensions—57 x 35.38 x 11.75 inches with the stand—might be overwhelming for smaller spaces. It’s perfect for a dedicated entertainment room, but it could dominate the aesthetics of a cozier living area.

Voice Control and Smart Features

The integration of Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility is genuinely impressive. I loved being able to control basic functions using voice commands, such as adjusting the volume or switching inputs. The Google Home compatibility also allows for seamless integration with other smart home devices. For instance, I could dim my smart lights and start a movie all while lounging on the couch.

What I found particularly convenient was the ability to cast content directly from my phone using built-in Chromecast. Whether it was YouTube tutorials or vacation photos, sharing content on the big screen was a breeze. However, as mentioned earlier, the voice control occasionally struggled to pick up commands, which could be frustrating during use.

Product Comparisons

In comparison to market rivals like the Samsung QLED series and LG OLED TVs, the Sony XBR65X900F holds its own remarkably well. The TRILUMINOS display offers a wider color range than most QLED models, and the X-Motion Clarity technology feels more refined than Samsung’s Motion Rate system. However, LG’s OLED TVs do have an edge in terms of black levels, thanks to their self-emissive pixels.

The Sony model shines when it comes to input options, offering 4 HDMI and multiple USB ports, which is more than many competitors in this price range. Still, its built-in sound quality lags behind LG’s Dolby Atmos-equipped models, making it less of an all-in-one solution for those who prioritize audio as much as visuals.

True Value

From my perspective, the Sony XBR65X900F strikes a compelling balance between premium features and overall value. The 65-inch screen size, 4K HDR capabilities, and real-time image processing make it a worthy investment for movie enthusiasts and gamers alike. While the price point might be higher than some entry-level competitors, the quality for price ratio feels justified given the advanced technology packed into this TV.

That said, investing in a decent soundbar or audio system would elevate the viewing experience to a whole new level. For those seeking a smart TV with excellent picture quality, versatile input options, and seamless smart home integration, this TV delivers on its promises.

Additional information