Sony OLED 83 inch BRAVIA XR A80L Series 4K TV review for gamers

Description

Eye-Catching Design and Build Quality

The Sony OLED BRAVIA XR A80L Series truly stands out due to its sleek and modern design. I was immediately impressed with its ultra-slim profile, which looks stunning whether wall-mounted or placed on a stand. The 83-inch display demands attention, but what caught my eye were the tiny bezels that practically disappear, making the screen feel even larger. It’s a statement piece for any living room or home theater setup. The black finish complements any interior, and the overall build feels solid and premium. At 25 kilograms, it’s sturdy yet manageable with some help during setup.

I also appreciated the thoughtful touches like the NEW Eco Dashboard, which not only enhances energy efficiency but also provides an intuitive way to manage power consumption. It’s rare to find such a large TV that considers both aesthetics and sustainability so well.

Picture Quality That Redefines Realism

The picture quality of this OLED display is, simply put, breathtaking. Powered by the Cognitive Processor XR, it delivers a viewing experience that feels almost lifelike. The XR OLED Contrast Pro ensures that blacks are deep and inky while maintaining exceptional brightness in highlights. Watching movies with darker scenes felt like sitting in a professional cinema. The colors, enhanced by XR Triluminos Pro, are vivid and accurate, with billions of shades creating a mesmerizing experience.

I tested HDR content, and the support for Dolby Vision was a game-changer. Every detail, from subtle textures to intricate lighting effects, was crystal clear. Even standard 4K content looked better, thanks to the upscaling capabilities of this smart TV. Whether streaming a big-budget action movie or watching nature documentaries, the visuals had me glued to the screen.

Sound That Matches the Visuals

One feature that truly amazed me was the Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology. Unlike traditional TVs where sound comes from speakers below or around the screen, this TV turns the entire screen into a multi-channel speaker. It’s surreal to hear dialogue and sound effects coming directly from where the action is happening. It made every movie feel immersive, as if I were right in the middle of the scene.

The support for Dolby Atmos adds another layer of depth, creating a three-dimensional soundscape that’s hard to replicate. Whether it was the roar of a car engine in a racing game or the subtle chirping of birds in a serene forest, the audio clarity was impeccable.

However, I noticed that at higher volumes, the bass could feel slightly underwhelming. For audiophiles, pairing this TV with a high-quality soundbar or home theater system might be a good idea.

Exclusive Features for Gamers

As a gaming enthusiast, I couldn’t wait to try the exclusive PlayStation 5 features on this TV, and it did not disappoint. The Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode optimized gaming visuals seamlessly. Playing fast-paced games with HDMI 2.1 features like 4K/120fps, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) was beyond smooth. I didn’t experience any screen tearing or noticeable lag, which is crucial for competitive gaming.

The Game Menu, which consolidates all gaming-related settings into one interface, was incredibly convenient. I didn’t have to dig through multiple menus to tweak settings, which saved time and frustration. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore player, this TV caters to all gaming needs effortlessly.

Smart Features That Simplify Entertainment

Navigating through the Google TV interface felt natural and intuitive. It’s packed with all the popular streaming apps, so I didn’t have to juggle between devices. The voice control feature, compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, made searching for content or adjusting settings a breeze. Saying, “Play my favorite show,” and having it pop up instantly was a small joy I didn’t know I needed.

Another standout feature was the BRAVIA CORE app, which includes 5 credits for new movies and a year-long subscription to classic films. Streaming in 4K UHD from this app felt like a bonus I wasn’t expecting. The integration of Apple AirPlay also meant I could share photos and videos from my iPhone effortlessly.

Key Benefits

• Stunning OLED visuals with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
• Acoustic Surface Audio+ for immersive sound directly from the screen.
• Exclusive PlayStation 5 gaming settings for unparalleled gaming performance.
• Google TV with voice control for seamless navigation.
• BRAVIA CORE app offering high-quality movie streaming.

Drawbacks

• The bass performance could be better at higher volumes.
• Size and weight might require effort during setup in smaller spaces.
• Premium features come with a premium price.

Competing Products

When comparing this TV to others in its category, the LG C3 OLED comes to mind. While LG’s panels are renowned for their picture quality, I found the acoustic capabilities of this Sony model to be more advanced thanks to Acoustic Surface Audio+. The LG C3 offers similar gaming features but lacks the same level of integration with PlayStation 5.

On the other hand, Samsung’s QN90C Neo QLED stands out for its brightness, especially in well-lit rooms. However, it doesn’t deliver the same pure blacks and color accuracy that this Sony OLED achieves. The Sony OLED XR A80L shines in creating a cinematic experience, while competitors might appeal more to those prioritizing brightness or budget.

True Value

For a product loaded with cutting-edge features, the price-to-quality ratio is commendable. While it’s certainly a premium investment, the combination of OLED technology, exclusive gaming features, and advanced audio makes it worth every penny. This isn’t just a TV—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gamer, or someone who appreciates top-notch tech, this product delivers exceptional value for its cost.

In summary, this TV is a beast in the best possible way. It checks nearly all the boxes for anyone looking to elevate their entertainment setup. While it’s not perfect, the overall performance is more than enough to justify its place in a high-end home theater.

Additional information