Buying a new TV can be a difficult task. But as long as you keep yourself well-informed, you will find a model that suits your needs. In this article, we compare Sony X90J vs Samsung Q80A, two 4K models from different manufacturers.
Sony X90J vs Samsung Q80A – Overview
Being the top world manufacturers, both Sony and Samsung offer a wide range of TVs. While Samsung manufactures all, from budget to premium models, Sony is limited to mid-range and premium models.
While they both support 4K resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate, the Sony X90J and Samsung Q80A differ in many aspects. They have different panels, contrast ratios, and operating systems. Let’s dive deeper into this comparison.
| Features | Sony X90J | Samsung Q80A |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Sizes (inches) | 50, 55, 65, and 75 inches | 55, 65, 75, and 85 inches |
| Screen Panel | VA | IPS |
| Processor | Cognitive Processor XR | Quantum Processor 4K |
| Operating System | Google TV 10 | Tizen 2021 |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Variable Refresh Rate | Yes | Yes |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Contrast Ratio | 5,600: 1 | 1,449: 1 |
| HDMI Ports | 4 | 4 |
| USB Ports | 2 | 2 |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | 20 Watts (2.0 Channels) | 60 Watts (2.2.2 Channels) |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Sony X90J
Pros:
- Great native contrast ratio
- Fantastic pre-calibration accuracy
- Plenty of ports
- Vibrant colors
Cons:
- Poor viewing angles
- Weak bass
Samsung Q80A
Pros:
- Good sound quality
- HDR brightness
- Viewing angles
- Great reflection handling
Cons:
- Only one HDMI 2.1 port
- Low native contrast ratio
Features Face to Face
Panel Technology
One of the most important aspects of a TV is its panel. It has a significant impact on contrast, colors, and sharpness. Each TV panel has pros and cons. In our Sony X90J vs Samsung Q80A comparison, the Sony model has a VA panel, whereas the Samsung model comes with an IPS panel. Let’s see how these two panels compare.
Color accuracy and wide color gamuts are great on the IPS panels. However, they struggle to provide true dark colors. VA panels usually have a great contrast ratio, so they don’t have trouble with the darkest blacks.
In general, IPS panels excel in the refresh rates segment. They are capable of reaching 500 Hz, whereas the VA panels can reach a maximum of 240 Hz. Also, IPS panels are better than VA panels when it comes to viewing angles.
Winner: Draw
Image Processor
The Sony X90J comes with the Cognitive Processor XR. This image processor does a great job of improving the contrast ratio and displaying vibrant colors. The upscaling feature improves the resolution making it near-4K.
The Samsung Q80A also has a great image processor. The Quantum Processor 4K excels at enhancing image quality. It achieves better quality by using the algorithms to upscale the image of lower quality up to 4K quality.
Since both of these image processors do a great job, it is a tie in this segment.
Winner: Draw
Motion Technology
Motion handling is crucial if you plan to watch fast-moving scenes and sports or if you want to play video games. There are several factors that determine the motion handling capabilities. The main one is the refresh rate. Different screens come with different refresh rates, such as 60 Hz, 75 Hz, 144 Hz, and 240 Hz.
In general, more is better when it comes to refresh rates. But most TVs on the market are either 60 Hz or 120 Hz. The Sony X90J and Samsung Q80A have 120Hz refresh rates, and both support variable refresh rates.
| Performance Features | Sony X90J | Samsung Q80A |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Variable refresh rate | Yes | Yes |
| Response time | 10.7 ms | 11.3 ms |
| Input lag 1080p at 120 Hz | 10.0 ms | 5.1 ms |
| Input lag 4K at 120 Hz | 11.1 ms | 5.3 ms |
| Input lag 1440p at 60 Hz | 18.1 ms | 9.0 ms |
Response time is relevant when it comes to gaming. There is a lot of impact on the gaming experience when you have a 1 ms or 4 ms, or 5 ms response time. The Sony model is slightly better since it has a 10.7 ms response time.
Even though the Sony model has a low input lag, the Samsung model excels in this segment. It has very low input lag, which stays that way regardless of refresh rate and resolution.
Winner: Draw
Picture Quality
The picture quality depends on the resolution, as well. Even though they don’t support 8K, both TVs in our comparison support 4K resolution at 120 Hz.
| Resolution | Sony X90J | Samsung Q80A |
|---|---|---|
| 8K | No | No |
| 4K/144Hz | No | No |
| 4K/120Hz/4:4:4 | Yes | Yes |
| 4K/120Hz | Yes | Yes |
| 4K/60Hz/4:4:4 | Yes | Yes |
| 4K/60Hz | Yes | Yes |
| 1440p/144Hz | No | No |
| 1440p/120Hz | No | No |
| 1440p/60Hz | Yes (forced resolution required) | Yes |
| 1080p/144Hz | No | No |
| 1080p/120Hz | Yes | Yes |
| 1080p/60Hz/4:4:4 | Yes | Yes |
Contrast Ratio / Black Level
In general, VA panels provide a good contrast ratio. Unlike VA panels, IPS panels are not exactly known for their contrast ratio. So, IPS panels struggle to display the black color. Even the premium models with IPS panels will more likely show dark gray instead of black color.
The Samsung model in our comparison has a native contrast ratio of 1,449:1. It is not that bad, but it is not that good either. The Sony X90J has a far better native contrast ratio which is 5,600:1.
If you like to watch dark scenes in dark rooms, the Sony X90J is a better choice since it can display deep blacks.
Winner: Sony X90J
Local Dimming
The local dimming feature improves the native contrast ratio. This feature comes on TV models that have backlighting. The feature adapts the lights behind the LCD layer to the picture that is displayed on the screen.
Improving the contrast ratio improves the experience of watching dark scenes in dark rooms. Both TVs in our comparison have backlighting and come with the local dimming feature. However, the results of using this feature are not the same.
The Sony X90J has 24 large dimming zones, and they improve the native contrast ratio to 6,221:1. The Samsung Q80A has more dimming zones, but they are smaller than the ones on the Sony Model. It has 50 medium dimming zones that improve the native contrast ratio to 1,560:1.
Winner: Sony X90J
Peak Brightness
The Sony X90J has a maximum brightness of 840 Nits. The Samsung model has a slightly better max brightness of 960 Nits. Let’s see how these models compare when it comes to SDR and HDR brightness.
SDR brightness is fantastic on both of these models, and they can fight the glare in most rooms. The Sony X90J has good HDR brightness, and highlights stand out well. But Samsung does a far better job in this segment.
Winner: Samsung Q80A
Color
The Sony X90J has outstanding pre-calibration accuracy, which we, unfortunately, can’t say for the Samsung model. Most colors on this model are off, and the colors are colder, which can cause a blue tint. The good news is that accuracy changes after calibration. Actually, both models provide fantastic accuracy after calibration.
Neither model excels when it comes to color volume, but the Sony model does a better job due to the good contrast ratio. As expected, the Samsung model struggles with dark colors. But it is slightly better when it comes to a wide color gamut.
The Sony X90J is better when it comes to gradients. It has some banding in green colors, but it is hardly noticeable. Samsung does a good job, too, even though it has banding in dark green and gray colors.
Winner: Sony X90J
Viewing Angle
Viewing angles are the old weakness of the VA panels. On this particular Sony model, you can expect color washout and color shift at only 25 degrees.
Since it comes with an IPS panel, the Samsung model does a far better job. Although don’t expect it to be as good as on the OLED panels. You can expect the color shift at 60 and color washout at 38 degrees.
Winner: Samsung Q80A
Reflections / Anti-Glare
With a semi-gloss finish, both of these models have decent reflection handling. But the Sony X90J has a few more reflections, generally speaking. Neither of them should be placed opposite direct light sources, such as a window.
Winner: Samsung Q80A
Sound Quality
The Sony X90J comes with 20 Watts speakers on 2.0 channels. You can expect clear dialog, but it has weak bass.
The Samsung Q80A provides far better sound quality. It has 60 Watts speakers with 2.2.2 channels. Even though the bass is not perfect, it is very good for this price range. It also comes with Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound feature.
Remember that you can always achieve a cinematic sound experience if you install a good soundbar and subwoofers.
Winner: Samsung Q80A
Smart TV Platform (Operating System)
The Sony X90J runs on Google TV 10, which is easy to use and very smooth. Expectedly, the Samsung Q80A runs on Tizen 2021. It is also a very smooth platform and is easy to use. Both come with a great app selection. Unfortunately, they both have ads.
Winner: Draw
Connectivity
Inputs
Even though they both have four HDMI ports in total, not all of them support HDMI 2.1. The Sony X90J has two HDMI 2.1 ports, while the Samsung Q80A has only one HDMI 2.1 port. For today’s standard, this is pretty low.
| Inputs | Sony X90J | Samsung Q80A |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
| USB ports | 2 | 2 |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Digital audio output | Yes | Yes |
| 3.5 mm jack | Yes | No |
The Samsung model supports only USB 2.0, whereas the Sony model comes with one port that supports USB 3.0. They both have a digital audio output and an ethernet port. But only the Sony X90J comes with a 3.5 mm jack.
Winner: Sony X90J
Voice Assistants
The Sony X90J comes with integrated Google Assistant, but it is Amazon Alexa-compatible. The Samsung Q80A has integrated Amazon Alexa and is compatible with Google Assistant. Additionally, it comes with a Bixby voice assistant.
Winner: Samsung Q80A
Wireless technologies
Today, we can’t even imagine having a smart TV without the internet. So, having integrated Wi-Fi is a must. Luckily, both TVs in our comparison support Wi-Fi connectivity. If you want to connect external devices, you can do it via Bluetooth connectivity. They both support Bluetooth 4.2.
Winner: Draw
Conclusion
Which TV in our Sony X90J vs Samsung Q80A comparison has better features?
The Sony X90J has a fantastic contrast ratio, making it perfect for watching dark scenes in dark rooms. It also provides vibrant colors and great picture quality thanks to its image processor.
With plenty of ports and Bluetooth support, you can connect any device you want.
The Samsung Q80A has good viewing angles and great reflection handling. With a 120 Hz refresh rate, variable refresh rate support, and low input lag, it is a good choice for gaming. You can also count on good sound quality if you opt for this TV model.
