The Sony A8H and LG CX have a lot in common. When we take into account their key features, we find two very similar products. However, there are some important differences! That is why we have decided to write an in-depth Sony A8H vs LG CX comparison to help you determine which one is better for you. Read the entire article to find out more about these two powerful models.
Sony A8H vs LG CX – Quick Comparison
Sony A8H
Pros:
- Good contrast ratio and great colors
- Reflection handling
- Sound
- Android TV smart system
Cons:
- Slower response time
- Low refresh rate (4K and 1440p)
LG CX
Pros:
- Fast response time
- High refresh rates for all supported resolutions
- Great dark colors
- Inputs
Cons:
- Reflection handling in bright environments
- Color banding
Features Face to Face
Panel Technology
Both models we compare come with the OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diodes) technology. OLED is fundamentally different from LED technology. With OLED screens, each pixel is capable of generating its own light. This means high contrast performance, high refresh rates, and high-quality pictures.
With that in mind, it is difficult to compare Sony A8H vs LG CX. Thanks to this technology, both models offer a high-quality 4K picture.
Winner: Draw
Image Processor
The Sony A8H comes with the Sony X1 Ultimate processor. This powerful processor handles a multitude of tasks such as image processing, real-time upscaling, SDR, and HDR upscaling. For instance, if you choose to watch SDR content, you may notice sharper images and vibrant colors. The processor also perfectly optimizes standard content to HDR content.
On the other hand, the LG CX is equipped with the α9 Gen 3 AI processor. The third generation α9 (Alpha 9) processor optimizes picture details by using deep learning and the surrounding ambient. The machine learning algorithm analyzes content quality, removes noise, and improves contrast.
Winner: Draw
Motion Technology
When discussing motion technology, it is always crucial to pay attention to response time. The response time is the speed at which pixels are transitioned from one color to another. All values below 14 ms are considered good. Simply put, the lower the number, the better.
The Sony A8H has a response time of 2.3 ms, while the LG CX is slightly better with a response time of 1.7 ms.
Both TVs use OLED technology, but the only difference is the response time, where the LG CX has an advantage. However, it is almost impossible to notice the flicker on these TVs. If you are looking for a flicker-free TV, you can choose either of these two models.
Winner: LG CX
Picture Quality
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, you need to pay attention to the picture quality. To determine the true picture quality, you can check supported resolutions and refresh rates. That is what you will find in the table below.
| Resolution | Sony A8H | LG CX |
|---|---|---|
| 4k/120Hz | No | Yes (native support) |
| 4k/60Hz @ 4:4:4 | Yes | Yes |
| 4k/60Hz | Yes | Yes |
| 1440p/120Hz | No | Yes (native support) |
| 1440p/60Hz | Yes | Yes |
| 1080p/120Hz | Yes (native support) | Yes (native support) |
| 1080p/60Hz/4:4:4 | Yes | Yes |
As you can see, both models support an extensive range of resolutions. But there are differences when it comes to refresh rates. Refresh rate determines how many images a TV can display per second. For instance, a 100-hertz TV displays 100 images per second.
When it comes to FullHD resolution, the Sony A8H and LG CX have the same refresh rate. However, the LG model is better at higher resolutions, such as 4K.
Winner: LG CX
Contrast Ratio / Black Level
The contrast ratio is a key component of image quality. It represents the relation between the brightest shade (white) and the darkest shade (black). For instance, a contrast ratio of 1000:1 means that the brightness shade is 1000 times brighter than the black shade.
When comparing Sony A8H vs LG CX, we get an amazing native contrast ratio of inf: 1.
Winner: Draw
Local Dimming
Local Dimming technology makes the dark color darker, especially in dark environments. If you are a true fan of playing games or watching movies in the dark, you should pay attention to this segment.
In general, OLED TVs don’t have a backlight, so they can’t dim pixels individually. Therefore, both TVs display blacks perfectly and there are no problems with blooming.
However, the LG CX TV has a lot to offer regarding transition videos or real content videos. There is a clear line between black and white without mixing colors with each other. Also, bright objects along with subtitles are displayed perfectly.
Winner: LG CX
Peak Brightness
Peak brightness is the maximum brightness of the screen. It is measured in nits. For instance, you can imagine your TV as the Sun, which emits light directly to your eyes. Nits measure how much light (brightness) the TV screen sends to your eyes within an area.
At the technical level, nits are the amount of light output equal to one candela per square meter (cd/m2). When it comes to testing peak brightness, we usually use HDR content. The main goal of HDR is to display images that have similar lighting conditions we experience in the “real world.”
HDR peak brightness is relatively good with both TVs, considering they are OLED TVs. However, you can’t expect the peak brightness to be as good as in premium LED TVs.
On the other hand, SDR peak brightness is pretty much the same for both TVs. They reach about 300 nits when it comes to actual content.
Winner: Draw
Color
The LG CX and Sony A8H have a similar color gamut which is excellent on both TVs. But, the color volume is a little bit better on Sony. Because of their contrast ratios, both TVs offer great dark colors but their ability to produce very bright colors is lacking.
When it comes to the LG CX, you can notice a little bit of banding in almost all colors. And Sony A8H has some banding in gray, red, and green. Banding can be removed when the Smooth Gradation option is enabled. But, in that case, expect to lose some fine details.
Winner: Sony A8H
Viewing Angle
Viewing angles on both TVs are great. They offer pretty much the same quality. You can expect to have the same brightness level at up to 60 degrees. When it comes to black levels, they are maintained at up to 70 degrees off-center.
You can expect color shift at about 30 degrees and color washout at about 50 degrees. Overall, the Sony A8H and LG CX offer great viewing angles, meaning they are great even when more people are watching the TV.
Winner: Draw
Reflections / Anti-Glare
The LG CX has excellent reflection handling as it has no issues when placed in bright rooms. However, it could have a few problems if placed in direct sunlight.
On the other hand, Sony A8H’s reflection handling is fantastic. It has no problems in bright rooms or when it is exposed to more than one light source.
Winner: Sony A8H
Sound Quality
OLED TVs have slim designs and therefore, it’s hard to integrate large speakers into them. But, both these TVs offer relatively good sound quality. The LG CX has 40-Watt speakers with a 20-Watt woofer 2.2 channel sound.
Sony has Acoustic Surface Audio and 2.2 channel sound, as well. It delivers the sound from the TV screen, meaning it uses the panel’s whole surface to produce sound. With the 5-Watt woofers, it provides a good listening experience, slightly better than the LG CX.
Winner: Sony A8H
Smart TV Platform (Operating System)
The LG CX uses the fifth version of WebOS, while Sony A8H uses Android TV, 9.0 version. Both operating systems are smooth and easy to use.
WebOS has a wide selection of apps and a lot of useful smart features. Android TV has access to the Google Play Store, which means you get access to a vast number of apps, as well. Also, the apps run smoothly on Sony A8H.
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are both built into the system. As a result, it is easy to navigate through the Android TV, and it is easy to access the content you want.
The main difference between these two platforms is Google Chromecast. Android TV offers a built-in Chromecast making the casting from any other device much easier. Even though both systems are great and run smoothly, we give a slight advantage to Sony because of easy casting.
Winner: Sony A8H
Connectivity
Inputs
Both brands have four HDMI inputs which are enough for any Smart TV. However, the LG model supports HDMI 2.1, while the Sony supports only 2.0.
The number of ethernet and USB ports is the same. While the LG CX has all USB 2.0 ports, Sony has one USB 3.0. To connect your device to the TV via Composite In connection, you will need an adapter. The LG TV has an adapter included while Sony doesn’t.
We give an advantage to the LG CX since it has all HDMI ports which support HDMI 2.1 and it has an adapter for Composite In included in the package.
Winner: LG CX
| Inputs | Sony A8H | LG CX |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI Ports | 4 (HDMI 2.0) | 4 (HDMI 2.1) |
| USB Ports | 3 | 3 |
| Digital Optical Audio Out | 1 | 1 |
| Analog Audio Out 3.5mm | 1 | 1 |
| Ethernet | 1 | 1 |
| Composite In | 1 (adapter not included) | 1 (adapter included) |
| Tuner (Cable/Ant) | 1 | 1 |
| IR In | 1 | 0 |
Voice Assistants
You can explore a smart TV by using a voice assistant. It can make the TV experience dynamic and more fun. If you haven’t already bought a smart TV, consider doing it now. Instruct the voice assistant to search, watch, or play various functions for you.
Both TVs have a Google Assistant built into the system. You can install Amazon Alexa yourself on the Sony A8H. The LG model has Amazon Alexa pre-installed. You can access Alexa straight from the LG Magic Remote, which is a great shortcut.
Both TVs come with a remote which has a built-in microphone, making the voice interaction easy. Since Alexa is built-in, we give the advantage to LG CX.
Winner: LG CX
Wireless technologies
The main advantage of Smart TVs is Internet access. This access offers a vast selection of TV programs, movies, and music. Also, some smart TVs allow you to browse the web, play games, and access compatible media content stored on your computer.
You can connect your Smart TVs to the Internet by using a cable or Wi-Fi network. Of course, connecting with a cable provides a more stable connection, but if your TV is in another room, Wi-Fi may be a better option.
Both TVs have built-in Wi-Fi. They support Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and 5GHz. What is great about these TVs is that both include built-in Bluetooth. For example, you can connect your devices to the LG CX through Bluetooth 5.0.
Winner: Draw
Conclusion
So, have you decided which TV is better for you, Sony A8H vs LG CX? If you haven’t decided yet, here’s a brief reminder of what you have been able to read throughout the article.
Go with the Sony A8H if you:
- Want to watch the TV in both bright or dark environments
- Like great vibrant colors and great contrast
- Want to have high-quality speakers
- Looking for a great Smart TV with a lot of features
Go with the LG CX if you:
- Like playing games and watching movies in the dark
- Enjoy fast movements such as action movies or extreme sports
- Like great sharp dark colors
- Would like to have several inputs for external devices
