Which TV is better: Sony or Samsung? Sony TVs: which one is better to buy and what reviews from users and experts say Which Sony 32 TV to choose

Choosing a suitable LED TV for home use is quite a difficult task. The fact is that on the modern market there are many different models with completely different characteristics. In addition, not all potential buyers know what to look for when choosing. In order not to buy a “pig in a poke,” a rating of the best Sony TVs for 2017 was compiled. After reading these recommendations, you will be completely confident in the reliability of the device and will not regret the money spent. The Japanese company Sony has been known throughout the world since 1946. Today this corporation is one of the largest suppliers of electronics to the market. Premium LCD TVs from this brand are famous for their high quality, long service life, modern hardware and quite affordable price.

Sony KDL-32WD756

10th place

10th place is occupied by the 32-inch Sony KDL-32WD756. The device can be called a budget TV without unnecessary bells and whistles. The display has 1920x1080 pixels, which is quite enough for decent picture quality for such physical dimensions. The smoothness of dynamic scenes is enhanced due to the refresh rate of 400 Hz. This is a good TV for a medium sized kitchen. There is 24p True Cinema technology and DVB-T2 support. The Smart TV module provides access to the Internet, and DLNA allows you to connect other devices. It has 10 watts of clear sound and all popular connectors: SCART, HDMI x2, USB x2, Ethernet (RJ-45), Wi-Fi.

Sony KDL-40WD653

9th place

9th place is occupied by the inexpensive but good TV Sony KDL40WD653. It allows the viewer to be completely immersed in the world of apps, games and movies. Built-in Wi-fi and Smart TV modules provide access to various online resources, which, together with DLNA support, makes it easy to create your own entertainment center. The image on this Full HD TV is realistic, and the resolution is 1920x1080 pixels. To further improve the picture quality, the manufacturer took care of the presence of a high-power processor (200 Hz). Thanks to the HDMI x2 and USB x2 connectors, you can connect a PC, laptop or game console. For television there is a built-in tuner with 24p True Cinema and TimeShift technology. Sound power 10 W (two speakers). If you are purchasing such a device for your summer residence, support for the DVB-T2 digital signal will be useful.

Sony KD-43XD8305

8th place

In 8th place is a modern 43-inch TV with a very thin frame around the display - Sony KD43XD8305. Its 4K UHD screen is capable of providing a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, which is sure to please every viewer. All this is complemented by HDR support. The refresh rate reaches 800 Hz. The owner will find in this model DLNA support and a smart television module with Wi-fi. You can use voice commands or a regular remote control for control. Electronics experts advise young families. The device has two built-in tuners, 24p True Cinema, TimeShift and a convenient menu. It costs a good 20 W sound. Interface: AV, HDMI x4, USB x3, Ethernet (RJ-45), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11n, Miracast.

Sony KDL-48WD653

7th place

7th place in the ranking of the best Sony TVs for 2017 is occupied by a model with a 48-inch Full HD screen Sony KDL-48WD653. The resolution is 1920x1080 pixels, which is quite enough for watching new films. As a result, the device falls into the middle price category. A high-quality matrix is ​​built on the basis of uniform Direct LED illumination. A good refresh rate of 200 Hz eliminates the flickering effect. For those who like to have fun in front of the screen, there is a Smart TV and DLNA function. Connecting external devices to the TV is carried out using HDMI x2 and USB x2 ports, one of which can be found on the side panel for convenience. For convenient viewing of channels there is a built-in TV tuner with support for the DVB-T2 digital format. 24p True Cinema and TimeShift features are on board. The downside is two 5W speakers.

Sony KD-49XD8099

6th place

6th place in the TOP is occupied by the excellent TV for movies Sony KD-49XD8099. An excellent choice for those who primarily value high picture quality. The thin body allows you to install the model anywhere in a spacious room. 4K UHD resolution delivers incredibly clear images that let you see all the fine details. Proprietary HDR technology guarantees remarkable levels of brightness and contrast. The quality is always amazing thanks to the picture changing at 400 Hz. This is the best TV in terms of price-quality ratio on the Russian market. For those who are accustomed to getting everything possible from such devices, there is a Smart TV module running Android OS, as well as DLNA, which connects all home devices into one network. For comfort, the TV has voice control with a standard set of voice commands. 2 tuners at once receive channels in digital and satellite format without any problems. There is a 24p True Cinema and TimeShift function. All content can be recorded to USB.

Sony KD-50SD8005

5th place

In 5th place is a 50-inch curved screen TV - Sony KD-50SD8005. The manufacturer has implemented a huge number of advanced technologies in it, which ensured excellent sound and picture quality. Increased clarity is provided by the high resolution of the 4K screen at 3840x2160 pixels with HDR support. To keep dynamic scenes as high quality as possible, this model supports a good screen refresh rate of up to 400 Hz. This is a beautiful TV for a large bedroom. It can be installed anywhere using a wall mount or stand. Accessing the World Wide Web and using its large number of resources becomes possible thanks to Smart TV based on Android TV. To view content from the antenna, there are 2 built-in tuners that play video with 24p True Cinema technology. According to customer reviews from forums, the model is a good mid-price TV. It is possible to record everything on media and use TimeShift technology. Creating a home entertainment center is easy with today's popular DLNA feature. The device has HDMI x4 and USB x3 ports.

Sony KD-55XD8577

4th place

In 4th place in the ranking of the best Sony TVs for 2017 is the KD-55XD8577 model - the choice of users who like large screens and high-quality pictures. The resolution of the 4K Ultra HD display reaches 3840×2160 pixels, which, together with HDR support, allows you to achieve the most realistic picture. It is these characteristics of the TV that are decisive when choosing. Natural colors with excellent contrast and brightness are sure to please even the most demanding viewer. The screen refresh rate of 1000 Hz allows you to maintain them at a high level when playing dynamic scenes. The surround sound on the TV was 20 watts. Among all other outputs, the device has HDMI x4 and USB x3 ports. Support for smart Android TV allows you to view any multimedia content on the screen, which is now much easier to find thanks to a convenient menu. Everything that happens on the screen can now be saved by recording it to a USB drive. In the arsenal: 24p True Cinema, TV tuner, support for digital and satellite signals (DVB-T2 and DVB-S2).

Sony KD-55XD9305

3rd place

3rd place is occupied by a new TV from Sony, its popular model KD-55XD9305. The number of pixels on its 4K Ultra HD display is 3840x2160, and the refresh rate reaches 1000 Hz. The very thin body and small frames around the screen make it easy to fit into the interior of any modern room. Features include support for HDR, active 3D, Android-based Smart TV and 30W surround sound. This is a reliable TV for football, which has a built-in TV tuner with DVB-T2 (digital) and DVB-S2 (satellite signal). The presence of an extended range contributes to natural color reproduction and contrast, thanks to which the picture on the screen with deep colors looks very realistic. The DLNA function allows you to further increase the functionality of the TV, which will connect all home devices via Wi-Fi into one network. Interface: AV, component, SCART, HDMI x4, USB x3, Ethernet (RJ-45), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11n, Miracast.

You can watch the model in the video:

Sony KD-65XD9305

2nd place

2nd place on the list is occupied by a cool Android TV TV - Sony KD-65XD9305. 65-inch display with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels and HDR support. Smart TV technology with a Wi-fi module runs on the Android operating system. Active 3D technology is capable of converting regular content into 3D. The refresh rate level reaches 1000 Hz and provides a highly realistic picture that the viewer can easily confuse with the real world. This is a good TV for gaming and you can connect your gaming platform to it via an HDMI cable. 4 speakers at once, with a total power of 30 watts, create surround clear sound. For those who want to turn this device into the central part of a home entertainment center, the DLNA function and all the necessary connectors will come to the rescue: SCART, HDMI x4, USB x3, Miracast and others. To receive and play video analog, digital and satellite signals, there is a built-in TV tuner with support for them. 24p True Cinema serves to improve picture quality. This TOP level TV will not allow you to miss anything interesting and will save your favorite movie to a connected USB drive.

Sony KD-75XD9405

1 place

The new 4k Ultra HD TV Sony KD-75XD9405 takes 1st place in the TOP. The 75-inch screen, whose size in centimeters will be equal to 191, has a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. HDR support and a high content refresh rate of 1200 Hz allow you to immerse yourself in watching a movie in stunning quality. This is a Smart TV for the living room, where the stylish design of the model will delight viewers. Voice control, Wi-Fi adapter and DLNA function open up a completely new level of entertainment for its owner. The original stand and wall mount allow you to install the device anywhere in the room, saving a lot of space. This 3D TV uses shutter technology (active 3D), which increases the quality of 3D content several times. The total sound power was 30 W, and 4 speakers are capable of playing audio tracks in volume. There is a TV tuner with support for a digital DVB-T2 signal. For satellite there is DVB-T2. According to experts, this is the best TV in terms of image quality. Of course, it is the leader among the entire line from the manufacturer Sony. Absolutely any dynamic content, like gaming content, looks stunningly realistic. A sufficient number of main ports (SCART, HDMI x4, USB x3) will only add to comfort.

We invite you to watch a short video review of the Sony KD-75XD9405:

This company has many good and high-quality television devices. The most popular ones are collected in this ranking of the best Sony TVs for 2017. You should not purchase cheap devices from little-known manufacturers that constantly upset their customers. Now you will know exactly which models are worth spending money on. The question of which TV is better to choose and buy is purely individual and requires an understanding of the topic.

In 2017, Sony will primarily use Dolby Vision support in its TVs and will introduce its first OLED TV, the Sony A1. All models with Ultra HD 4K resolution will be with the Android TV platform and Sony will be one of the first companies to introduce the HDR format to Full HD TVs.

3D is almost never used and curved screens are no longer used. Let's present the range of Sony TVs for 2017 with the main characteristics and prices.

Features of the model range

Sony's 2017 TV lineup may at first glance appear to be a continuation of the 2016 lineup, but look closer and you'll find important updates across most TVs. The most significant change is that Sony will introduce its first large OLED TV, dubbed the A1. The LCD Z9D model from 2016 will carry over into 2017, while the rest of the range consists of the updated 80, 85, 90, 93 and 94 series.

The main technology topics are the same as last year. Improvements in image quality revolve around the 4K resolution and HDR (High Dynamic Range) system, which expands the dynamic range and color gamut. The TVs run on Google's Android TV operating system and feature a classic Sony design, with the star of the lineup being the A1 with an OLED screen. Additional information about.

There are some other interesting points to mention here.

3D has been removed from TV sets. Last year's Z9D will still offer active 3D surround TV, but that's only because it's based on the 2016 LCD panel, which had 3D among its core features. The rest of the line has eliminated 3D. Besides, no more curved screens (Curved) on Sony TVs this year.

Let's start with the most important subject, image quality. The Z9D and A1 are both flagship models for 2017. The Z9D has classic LCD advantages such as high brightness and the A1 has the advantages of OLED technology such as true blacks and pixel-level brightness and color control.

From them we move down to the X94E and X93E series, which, like last year, have a full array of local dimming and edge lighting, respectively. It's interesting to note that Sony has added a new X90E series that also features a full array of local dimming for improved image quality and better HDR performance. The X85E will be moving to a VA LCD panel in 2017, which is good news considering how poorly the X85D's IPS LCD performed last year.

OLED TV takes advantage of a unique speaker system, where two sources send vibrations through the oled panel to produce sound, so that the entire screen turns into a sound source. This became possible because the OLED matrix consists of a single layer. In addition, this model has a subwoofer built into the stand. This sound system allows you to create a unique appearance for the TV set, without additional areas for speakers.

OLED Sony A1 will be available in 55, 65 and 77 inches.

Sony still refuses to support the "UHD Premium" certification, probably because the certification is a Samsung initiative. In general, Sony refuses to use specifications, preferring instead to use terms like "Triluminos" and "X-tended Dynamic Range Pro." They indicate an expanded color space and support for the HDR standard.

Sony says its TV supports the required dynamic range to properly play HDR video. And Sony makes sure that numerical parameter values ​​are more meaningful than different words and names to describe known things.

Sony X93E, X94E, A1 and Z9D series support Dolby Vision

So what has changed in image quality compared to 2016? The 93 and 94 series have higher peak brightness (for HDR) and slightly more color volume.

The A1 OLED will deliver picture quality that only OLED displays can deliver. And in 2017, that means peak brightness of up to 1000 nits and a color gamut close to 100% DCI-P3, plus pixel-level precision.

Another significant technical update for 2017 is that Sony will support Dolby Vision HDR on the X93E, X94E, A1 and Z9D.

Sony will also be using a third HDR format, HLG, on all 2017 TVs, and a firmware update will be coming to late 2015 and 2016 models. HLG is an HDR format developed for television broadcasting.

Sony started using Google's Android TV operating system in 2015 and has been using it exclusively ever since. This year's models are expected to use a faster MediaTek SoC than last year's models. At launch, 2017 TVs will run Android TV 6.0, but will later receive a software update to version 7.0 (Nougat). This will create new opportunities for TVs and hopefully make the platform more stable. It's no secret that Sony has had some issues with Android in the past, but the company is hoping its persistence will finally pay off.

The XE85 series and above have a dual tuner, allowing you to record one channel while watching another. You can also schedule a recording if you have an external drive connected.

Android TV will be available in all 4K models, but none of the Full HD models, that is, all models from XE80 and above.

The HD line-up has been significantly reduced and includes only three series. Sony says all three series will be compatible with HDR content, and the W75E models will include a Triluminos backlight system that expands the color gamut. However, these are lower-end series and you shouldn't expect true HDR dynamic range. Sony created these "world's first" HD HDR TVs as an affordable way to experience HDR through the PlayStation 4. But if you want to experience true HDR, you're better off spending more money and buying a higher-end model.

You can also note a set of “minor” functions. A faster version of the "ac" Wi-Fi module is built into most television receivers. All models from the 6 series and above also have Miracast if you prefer it over the built-in Chromecast. All 4K models come with 4 HDMI ports and 3 USB ports, while HD models only have 2 HDMI ports. All models can be mounted to the wall using a VESA bracket. Models XE85 and higher have a built-in DVB-S2 tuner for receiving satellite signals.

Sony 2017 TVs will go on sale in March. A1 OLED will be added to the lineup before this summer. 2017 models have the letter “E” in their names, for example, XE93. Last year, 2016, there was a “D” in the name.

Sony TV lineup 2017

SONY A1 OLED

The A1 will be one of two 2017 flagship TVs from Sony. It's also Sony's first big-screen OLED TV that delivers true blacks and stunning picture quality. A1 has a unique speaker system, as well as Dolby Vision and Android TV.

• OLED technology
• Flat screen
• 4K Ultra HD resolution
• 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme
• Acoustic Surface acoustic system
• Android TV
• Google Cast
• VP9-PROFILE2
• Dual tuner
• 4x HDMI / 3x USB
• Wi-Fi (ac)

Series lineup:

75" Sony 77A1
65" Sony 65A1
55" Sony 55A1

Sony A1 OLED

SONY ZD9

The ZD9 was introduced in 2016 and has also been brought into the 2017 lineup as Sony's flagship LCD TV model. This model is equipped with Sony Backlight Master Drive technology. The ZD9 will also receive a firmware update that will support Dolby Vision.

Sony ZD9 Specifications:

• LCD technology
• Flat screen
• 4K Ultra HD resolution
• LED backlighting with control at the level of LED diodes
• Backlight Master Drive
• XR1200 / XR1440
• 4K Processor X1 Extreme
• Triluminos (extended color space)
• X-tended Dynamic Range Pro (for HDR)
• HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG
• 3D (active)
• Android TV
• Google Cast
• VP9-PROFILE2
• Dual tuner
• 4x HDMI / 3x USB
• Wi-Fi (ac)

Series lineup and approximate prices:

65" 65ZD9 – $4600
75" 75ZD9 – $8300
100" 100ZD9 – $73,000

ZD9

SONY XE94

The XE94 sits just below the ZD9 in the lineup. It has a full array of LEDs for local dimming and this means the TV can control the backlight in zones for better HDR performance. Compared to last year's XD94 model, the XE94 TV receiver has a higher peak brightness. This model will only be available in 75-inch diagonal.

Characteristics of XE94:

• LCD technology
• Flat screen
• 4K Ultra HD resolution
• Backlight Master Drive
• XR1200 / XR1080
• 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme
• Triluminos (extended color space)
• X-tended Dynamic Range Pro
• HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG
• Android TV
• Google Cast
• VP9-PROFILE2
• Dual tuner
• 4x HDMI / 3x USB
• Wi-Fi (ac)

Series lineup and price:

75" 75XE9405 – $6700

XE94

SONY XE93

The XE93 is a continuation of the XE94 model and the main difference is that the XE93 model uses Edge LED backlighting of the LCD matrix. This provides less zone control for local dimming than a full array LED system where the backlight elements are spaced evenly across the back of the screen matrix. Sony says they have increased the number of dimming zones and increased the peak brightness value.

Characteristics of XE93:

• LCD technology
• Flat screen
• 4K Ultra HD resolution
• Edge LED with limited number of zones
• XR1000/XR960
• 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme
• Triluminos (extended color space)
• X-tended Dynamic Range Pro
• HDR: HDR10, HLG (later)
• Android TV
• Google Cast
• VP9-Profile2
• Dual tuner
• 4x HDMI / 3x USB
• Wi-Fi (ac standard)

Series lineup and prices:

65" 65XE9305 – $3900
55" 55XE9305 – $2950

XE93

SONY XE90

Instead of bringing Edge LED backlighting to this model as well, Sony went with a full local dimming array here. This makes the TV thicker, but at the same time, this backlight significantly improves picture quality and HDR video playback.

XE90 characteristics:

• LCD technology
• Flat screen
• 4K Ultra HD resolution
• Full array local dimming
• XR1000/XR960
• 4K Processor X1
• Triluminos (extended color space)
• X-tended Dynamic Range Pro
• HDR: HDR10, HLG (later)
• Android TV
• Google Cast
• VP9-Profile2
• Dual tuner
• 4x HDMI / 3x USB
• Wi-Fi (ac standard)

Series Models:

75" 75XE9005
65" 65XE9005 – $3070
55" 55XE9005 – $2100
49" 49XE9005

XE90

SONY XE85

XE85 mid-range series for models with 4K resolution and HDR support. There are no such local backlight dimming systems as in more expensive models, but there is an Android TV operating system. Two design options with the names XE8577 and XE8599 will be available for sale.

Characteristics of XE85:

• LCD technology
• Flat screen
• 4K Ultra HD resolution
• Edge LED
• XR800/XR960
• 4K Processor X1
• Triluminos (extended color space)
• HDR: HDR10, HLG (later)
• Android TV
• Google Cast
• VP9-Profile2
• Dual tuner
• 4x HDMI / 3x USB
• Wi-Fi (ac standard)

Series Models:

75" 75XE8505
65" 65XE8505
55" 55XE8505

XE85

SONY XE80

The XE80 will be the most affordable model in 2017 with a set of features and specifications such as 4K resolution, HDR compatibility and equipped with Android TV.

XE80 characteristics:

• Flat screen
• 4K Ultra HD resolution
• Edge LED
• XR400/XR480
• X-Reality Pro processor
• Triluminos (extended color space)
• HDR: HDR10, HLG (later)
• Android TV
• Google Cast
• VP9-Profile2
• 4x HDMI / 3x USB
• Wi-Fi (ac standard)

Series models and prices:

55" 55XE8005 – $1480
49" 49XE8005 – $1270
43" 43XE8005 – $1050

XE80

SONY WE75

The WE75 will be Sony's most feature-rich HD model in 2017, which means it's compatible with HDR10. But there is no Android TV system here anymore.

WE75 Features:

• Flat screen
• 1080p HD resolution
• Edge LED
• XR400/XR480
• X-Reality Pro processor
• Triluminos (extended color space)
• HDR: HDR10, HLG (later)
• "Smart TV"
• 2x HDMI / 2x USB
• Wi-Fi (n standard)

Series models and prices:

49" 49WE750 – $850
43" 43WE750 – $740

WE75

SONY WE6x

The Series 6 will be available in some regions in 66 and 61 variants. The company says these TVs are also HDR compatible, but the panel does not support a wide color gamut, which significantly limits any HDR effect in the picture.

WE6 characteristics:

• Flat screen
• Edge LED
• XR200/XR240
• X-Reality Pro processor
• HDR: HDR10, HLG (later)
• "Smart TV"
• 2x HDMI / 2x USB
• Wi-Fi (n standard)

Series models and prices:

49" 49WE660 – $740
40" 40WE660 – $680
32" 32WE610 – $450

WE66

SONY RE45

This is the cheapest TV from Sony's lineup in 2017. And although it is again stated that there is support for HDR, you should not expect hardware implementation of HDR work from this TV.

RE45 Features:

• Flat screen
• 1080p HD resolution (except 32")
• Edge LED
• XR200/XR240
• X-Reality Pro processor
• HDR: HDR10, HLG (later)
• 2x HDMI / 2x USB

Series models and prices:

40" 40RE450 – $655
32" 32RE400 – $420

RE45

Additionally

Prices

The prices indicated here are taken from foreign online stores and here they may differ, but for the general picture the price tags given are quite suitable. By autumn, prices usually decrease and for some models they can drop significantly, and by the beginning of next year they become the lowest. After all, then new models will be announced.

WiFi

The specifications for each model indicate the availability of a Wi-Fi model (except for the RE45 model), with its help you can create an Internet connection for your TV through your home router. The Wi-Fi module has an “ac” or “n” standard, this standard indicates the data transfer speed.

Ac has a stated speed of up to 6.77 Gbps, while the n standard has speeds of up to 600 Mbps. You can see that the Wi-Fi module with higher speed is on models with 4K resolution, while Full HD models have n module. This is necessary to transfer more data per second. But your router must also provide this speed; cheap routers will not be able to distribute this speed correctly and there will be interruptions in the video. Providers, of course, will not provide such bandwidth, but a speed of 100 Mbit/s should be enough to broadcast 4K video over the Internet, the main thing is that the router can cope with such speed. The actual data transfer speed will be much lower than, for example, 600 Mbit/s.

Motionflow XR

In the characteristics you will also see the “XR” parameter, which becomes smaller when moving to the lower series.

According to Sony's website: "Motionflow XR ensures smooth action in motion scenes. This innovative technology creates and adds additional frames between the original video frames."

The highest XR with a value of 1200 is the flagship ZD9. It is measured in Hz, analogous to the frame rate. This parameter is used only for LCD matrices.

LCD screen matrix

LCD matrix technology in Sony 2017 models: from ZD9 to XE85 a VA LCD panel is used, in the XE80 model an IPS LCD matrix is ​​used.

Have you decided to buy a brand new TV receiver, but don’t know whether to go for a Sony or Samsung TV? Let's try to change the idea of ​​popular models by analyzing Sony or Samsung - TVs from the world's two most famous brands.

First, let's note a number of positive aspects of Sony TVs:

• good image, uniform illumination of the entire display. Achieved through Direct LED technology;
• high-quality sound;
• 3D function in many models;
• attractive design and decent build quality;
• The Android operating system is used by almost all smartphones.

There are very few negative reviews, but they can also be:

• when switching channels, some slowdowns are possible (5-10 seconds);
• an incomprehensible remote control, but over time the owners adapt and the inconvenience disappears;
• heavy weight compared to competitors;
• high price of improved models.

Pros and cons of Samsung TVs

In fact, there are a lot of advantages of Samsung TVs, but let’s highlight the key ones:

• its own OS – Tizen, which has a lot of applications developed specifically for this brand;
• touch remote control provides additional ease of control;
• recognition of voice and gesture commands (in most recent TVs);
• excellent color rendition, high-quality picture and the same sound. The display shows the image without distorting it when viewed from the side or from any angle, even in cheap TVs;
• quick response to commands.

There are practically no downsides, all devices correspond to their price. But among owners there are isolated complaints about:

• lack of instructions for the PU, and since it is very functional, it is difficult for beginners to understand how to work with it;
• lack of a camera in some models (if you plan to make video calls, you will have to purchase this gadget as an additional one);
• Difficulty setting up TV channels.

Comparison of Sony and Samsung TVs

Let's make a small comparison of Sony and Samsung TVs in 2019, based on the advantages that companies have given their devices over the past few years.

Screen resolution

There are no definite differences in this point between both brands. They produce TVs with both high resolution Full HD and equip their new products with more modern 4K technology.

Matrix type

Recently, absolutely all new products are equipped with two types of matrices:

• TFT LCD (liquid crystal matrices);
• OLED.

Both screen types have decent image quality. But OLED is considered better and more modern– the picture is obtained thanks to a thousand LEDs, which create natural colors, intense light transmission and high resolution compared to LCD screens.

In different configurations of Samsung and Sony you can find any of these matrices. It’s worth assessing for yourself which one is more comfortable for the eye. If you don’t understand at first glance, then it’s better to buy a new type - OLED.

Price

Good Samsung TVs have a significantly higher price compared to Sony. But Samsung also has a lot of inexpensive offers.

Additional functionality

Both manufacturers are constantly increasing the variety of functionality of their products. Depending on the cost and configuration, TVs are equipped with the following additional features:

• viewing volumetric video in 3D format;
• curved screen;
• Smart TV – on most TV devices;
• voice and gesture control (for example, adjusting the volume, calling the desired command);
• a high resolution.

operating system

Each company equips TVs with a Smart function defined by the OS:

• Samsung – Tizen;
• Sony - Android.

Initially, it may seem that Android is familiar to everyone, and this makes it more convenient and practical. But that's not true. Most application developers direct them to work on smartphones, and there are significantly fewer programs for TV, which is a disadvantage of such an OS on Smart TV.

In Tizen it's the other way around. Samsun programmers are constantly improving their creation, adding new updates and a large number of programs.

What's better

Based on the analyzed qualities of Samsung and Sony, we can safely say that the two manufacturers produce TVs with identical characteristics and keep up with the times. The difference may be:

• price (Sony is more expensive),
• operating system.

Above we discussed the main parameters that the two best manufacturers – Samsung and Sony – provide their TVs with. When visiting a store, you should pay attention to:

• display size;
• its color rendering, matrix type;
• appearance.

Now you can choose the right new purchase for your home - a Samsung or Sony TV.

In our country, like in many others, there is a huge number of fans of Sony products. If such a person goes to a store, he will certainly choose Sony TVs. We decided to greatly simplify the choice by compiling a selection of the best models in different price segments. After reading this article, you will find out which Sony TVs are better than others.

In 2017, the first Sony TVs began to appear. For now, these are very expensive models - both the traditional markup for the brand and the need to purchase the corresponding matrices from another company have an impact. But we can hope that in 2018 such TVs will become a little cheaper, since they are the ones that cause the greatest delight among the buyer.

Please note that our rating is based solely on user reviews. Therefore, you may not find some completely new models in it - buyers simply did not have time to try them and write their opinion. But the selection turned out to be as honest as possible - in it you will not find those TVs that have the best characteristics, but at the same time work disgustingly.

Inexpensive Sony TVs

The Japanese manufacturer has been making some markup on the brand for a long time. In this regard, you will not find very cheap TVs on store shelves. Or they will have a tiny display and minimal functionality. Let's look at those few devices that are inexpensive and do not cause much disappointment after purchase.

Sony KDL-32WD603

This 32-inch TV from a Japanese manufacturer boasts two HDMI connectors and the same number of USB ports. Direct LED is used as backlighting. However, this does not make the display ideal. The fact is that its resolution is only 1360x768 pixels.

But if you close your eyes to this shortcoming, the picture is unlikely to cause rejection. The scanning frequency here is increased to 200 Hz, so action scenes evoke, if not delight, then very pleasant feelings.

The device supports digital and cable television standards. But for a satellite dish you will have to buy a receiver. The sound is output using two 5 W speakers. Another device that allows you to watch a variety of content online. You can use a cable or wireless method to connect to your router.

Overall, the TV turned out to be very good. Judging by the reviews, it is regularly placed in the children's room. People also note that the included remote control is not best suited for using Smart TV. It can only be replaced with a smartphone, and even then only partially. It is not possible to connect a keyboard and mouse to the TV - there is no Bluetooth here, and USB does not detect such peripherals.

Advantages:

• Not a bad display with a refresh rate of 200 Hz;
• Built-in two USB connectors;
• Smart TV available;
• Small size and weight;
• Relatively low price tag.

Flaws:

• Low screen resolution;
• Not the most convenient remote control;
• Only one TV tuner;
• USB ports belong to the 2.0 standard;
• There is no Bluetooth module.

Sony KDL-32R303C

Another LCD TV with a diagonal of 32 inches (81 cm). It just so happens that the Japanese are not eager to produce smaller TVs. This is partly why the company’s product range does not include very cheap devices. So, what can this model please you with?

Firstly, high-quality Direct LED backlighting. Secondly, the TV screen has maximum viewing angles - only professional photographers or designers will notice image distortion. Thirdly, the device easily understands the DVB-T2 and DVB-C standards, allowing you to connect an indoor antenna or “cable”. There is only no satellite dish support here.

Unfortunately, in all other respects the product is noticeably simplified. There is no Smart TV here. The screen has a refresh rate of 50 Hz, and the HD resolution can cause nothing but sadness. The number of connectors is also small.

At the same time, they ask for a lot for a TV - about 20 thousand rubles. This allows us to conclude that this device is primarily intended for installation in a children's room. And you should take it only if the previous model reviewed was not available in stores in your city.

Advantages:

• Cute design;
• Maximum viewing angles;
• Not very large in size and weight;
• There is a “photo frame” function;
• Good color rendition.

Flaws:

• One TV tuner;
• Very small number of connectors;
• Low display resolution;
• Standard screen refresh rate;
• Long response time from the remote control.

This TV, as you might have already guessed, also has a 32-inch screen. Its resolution is 1366 x 768 pixels. Unfortunately, among inexpensive Sony TVs there is not a single model whose display could boast of . Also, the scanning frequency, which is equal to the standard 50 Hz, may cause some disappointment to the buyer. Edge LED is used as backlighting - that is, it is lateral.

Fortunately, the TV has a number of advantages. Otherwise, buyers would not be delighted with it, posting negative reviews online, and this would eliminate the likelihood of this model appearing in our rating.

For example, the device has a Smart TV function, although it works and is somewhat unstable (for the sake of economy, the Japanese did not introduce a powerful processor here). The TV also has a fairly large number of connectors - the buyer is provided with two HDMI and USB jacks. The light weight of the TV can also please you - even a young girl can install it in her room.

Advantages:

• Smart TV available;
• Built-in FM radio;
• There is an automatic volume leveling function;
• Acceptable number of connectors;
• Small dimensions and weight.

Flaws:

• Low display resolution;
• Some specimens have noticeable highlights;
• The remote control is too small and light;
• Regular slowdowns.

Mid-budget Sony TVs

Only those LCD TVs from the Japanese company that cost more than 26 thousand rubles have a decent set of capabilities. At the same time, you shouldn’t even expect the maximum from them. Most often, even such devices have limitations in terms of sound and refresh rate. Let's look at peculiar exceptions to the rule, costing no more than 45 thousand rubles.

Sony KDL-40RE353

One of the most inexpensive Japanese TVs, the screen of which has Full HD resolution. For this model, Russian sellers are asking about 30 thousand rubles. Of course, the device could not help but receive a number of simplifications. For example, the refresh rate of the screen installed here is left at 50 Hz.

Also, the manufacturer did not introduce support for the DVB-S2 standard here, and therefore you will have to use a receiver to connect a satellite dish. Some buyers will not like the fact that there is only one USB port on the TV body.

However, you shouldn’t think that the Sony KDL-40RE353 was included in our rating in vain. Reviews of it show that TV rightfully takes its place in the apartments of thousands of Russians. It has a 40-inch diagonal, which allows you to place the device in the living room or bedroom. It is impossible not to note the weight, which even with the stand does not exceed 6.9 kg.

Alas, the savings of the Japanese manufacturer are still noticeable. Firstly, he did not integrate Smart TV here, which is why the functionality of the TV seems limited. Secondly, the engineers decided not to work with sound, introducing traditional 5-watt speakers into the TV. It's a shame that competitors offer more advanced solutions for the same money.

Advantages:

• Modest dimensions and light weight;
• Quite a good display with Direct LED backlighting;
• Stylish design;
• Optimal price tag.

Flaws:

• Minimum number of connectors;
• Standard sweep frequency;
• No Smart TV;
• Not the best sound.

The screen diagonal of this TV is 43 inches (109 cm). The device costs about 45 thousand rubles, so it boasts advanced capabilities. In particular, you can connect many other devices to the TV - there are four HDMI connectors and three USB ports on the body. But most of all, buyers appreciate the acquisition for the increased scanning frequency to 800 Hz. Smooth action scenes are guaranteed!

The TV also deserves positive reviews thanks to the installed acoustics, the total power of which reaches 20 W. However, it does not include a subwoofer, so the sound cannot be called ideal. The device also boasts support for Smart TV, based on the Android TV operating system. Stuttering is practically eliminated, since such an expensive TV is already equipped with a fairly powerful processor.

Advantages:

• Large and colorful screen;
• The screen refresh rate is 800 Hz;
• Loud noise;
• There is a Smart TV function;
• A huge number of connectors;
• Built-in Bluetooth module.

Flaws:

• Only one TV tuner is built in;
• Not everyone will like the price tag;
• There may be some problems with the software.

The cost of this TV has been reduced to a very reasonable 36 thousand rubles. In this regard, the device received a number of restrictions. But they do not concern the design - the device looks very beautiful, not least due to the elegant stand.

Interestingly, the Opera TV operating system is used as a Smart TV, which is rarely found in other devices from the Japanese manufacturer. This model is also equipped with support for all digital TV standards, including satellite - Sony usually saves on this. Another advantage is a couple of TV tuners that allow you to watch channels from different sources.

Well, what about the restrictions, the presence of which is mentioned above? Firstly, the device does not have the largest number of connectors. Two HDMI and USB jacks each - by modern standards this may seem like an insufficient set.

Secondly, the TV did not include a Bluetooth module that would help connect wireless headphones. Thirdly, the screen installed here has a refresh rate of only 50 Hz.

Advantages:

• Smart TV available;
• There is support for all digital TV standards;
• Built-in two TV tuners;
• The TV is complemented by an FM radio;
• Large and colorful screen.

Flaws:

• Low sweep frequency;
• The simplest acoustic system;
• Huge and not the most convenient remote control.

Top Sony TVs

Any TV made by a Japanese manufacturer is quite expensive. But you should expect maximum functionality only from those models that have the highest price tag. It is these devices that can have an OLED display that produces incredibly deep black colors.

Also, such devices can boast a huge number of connectors. In short, let's look at the best models included in the top segment.

This TV is not worth buying for a bedroom or children's room. Its 65-inch screen will only look great in a very large room. The device can be placed on some large cabinet, but it is much easier to hang it on the wall. However, it is not much simpler - you will need the help of two people, because the TV weighs 21.5 kg.

The display of this model has. HDR support is also implemented here, which will be most appreciated by owners of modern game consoles. You can display content on the screen both from external devices and using the operating system. There are no slowdowns in the browser or other applications. It would be strange to see them on a TV for 100 thousand rubles!

The product can please you with many other characteristics. For example, the scanning frequency here is increased to 800 Hz, which is something that almost no TV created by the two main competitors can please. It is also worth noting the presence of Bluetooth - this allows you to use wireless headphones.

Surprisingly, even such an expensive TV is not without several drawbacks. In particular, who stopped you from building a subwoofer into it? Instead, its output is combined with a headphone jack (you will have to buy the device separately). And why does the Wi-Fi module belong to a standard that is not the fastest? These questions remain unanswered.

Advantages:

• Built-in two independent TV tuners;
• Satellite TV is also supported;
• Bright and large screen with 4K resolution;
• Built-in Smart TV function;
• The display refresh rate has been increased to 800 Hz;
• A very large number of connectors;
• There is a Bluetooth module.

Flaws:

• Modest acoustics with a total power of 20 W;
• belongs to the 802.11n standard;
• Energy consumption reaches 206 W;
• Blacks are not deep enough.

This TV immediately attracts your attention. The fact is that its screen seems to have no frames at all. At least, this is the impression one gets in those moments when some picture is displayed on the display. The resolution here is increased to 3840 x 2160 pixels.

That is, you can comfortably watch 4K content on such a TV. Moreover, support for extended dynamic range has been introduced here, which makes the picture even more colorful. The scanning frequency is 400 Hz, which is also good news.

The device can please you not only with its display. Everything is fine with him and other components. For example, the buyer will use four HDMI connectors and three USB ports to connect external devices. Headphones can be connected wirelessly using Bluetooth.

Finally, there is also Smart TV here. Android TV is used as the operating system. In short, for 62 thousand rubles the buyer will receive a very decent TV. If we were to choose the winner of our selection, it would definitely be the Sony KD-43XD8077, reviews of which are written entirely in a positive way.

Advantages:

• There are two TV tuners;
• Built-in Bluetooth wireless module;
• Maximum number of connectors;
• Voice control possible;
• Relatively light weight - 12.3 kg;
• High sweep frequency;
• The picture is displayed in 4K resolution;
• There is Smart TV.

Flaws:

• The acoustic system cannot be called ideal.

For a large living room. Its screen has 49 inches (124 cm), the picture is displayed on it in 4K resolution. The width of the frame around the display is kept to a minimum. It should be noted that the screen was created using IPS technology, so the viewing angles were maximum.

But this solution also has a downside - black colors can hardly be called very deep. It is also difficult to force an IPS screen to update at a very high frequency. We can only be glad that at least HDR support is here to stay.

What can a TV for 73 thousand rubles please you with, besides a fairly high-quality picture? Most buyers, judging by the reviews, appreciated the built-in set of connectors, which has all the necessary sockets. The device also includes a Bluetooth module that allows you to connect headphones without any cable.

Two independent TV tuners and many supported digital TV standards are also an important part of this model. 16 GB of internal memory can be considered a pleasant bonus (although in fact only half of this volume is available). The TV also has minimal weight - you can hang it on the bracket even without the help of a second person.

Advantages:

• Built-in two TV tuners;
• Voice control possible;
• The weight of the TV without stand is only 12.2 kg;
• There are 8 GB of internal memory;
• Lots of connectors;
• Built-in Bluetooth module;
• All digital TV standards are supported;
• Smart TV available;
• Large 4K display with HDR support.

Flaws:

• Not the fastest Wi-Fi module;
• The acoustics could have been better;
• Some people may find the remote control too complicated.

Conclusion - why it’s worth overpaying for “Japanese”

The Sony brand has been present on the TV market for a very long time. At one time, they produced both kinescope and plasma models. Since then, the situation has not changed - the Japanese company continues to make a significant markup on its products.

At least now you know which Sony LCD TVs are worth spending your money on. Rest assured, the models reviewed in our selection do not disappoint their customers in any way.

The TV has been and remains the central object of attention in many homes. But if earlier they loved him simply because he exists and shows at least something, now the requirements have changed. We no longer want the TV to hum like a locomotive and take up half the room. We want a stylish, thin screen, high-quality images, and lots of extra features. Why not? We can afford it! It’s not for nothing that Sony is trying so hard, inventing new and new models.

Sony rarely pleases us with its new products. But what the Japanese offer is always worth attention, always worth the wait. The company specializes in the production of smartphones, home electronics, game consoles and innovative technological developments for the educational sector.

Today, Sony Corporation is one of the top 5 largest developers of new generation technologies. But it was not always so. Since the distant 1946 (when Akio Morita and Masaru Ibuka founded the company), the Sony team has gone through a difficult path from producing tape recorders to manufacturing powerful 3D cameras and televisions with incredible image quality.

The first black and white TV, Sony TV8-301, was presented in America in the 60s. He weighed only 4 kilograms, was relatively miniature and... terribly distorted the picture. By 1968, the Sony KV-1310 color TV entered the Japanese market. It was many times brighter than similar developments from other companies, for which the manufacturer was even awarded a prize for its significant contribution to the development of television art and science.

In 1985, the company released its first major television, the JumboTron. Its dimensions reached 4.8×7.6 meters. Compared to previous variations, he was a real giant.

Sony now specializes in the production of thin TVs for home use, industrial screens and miniature displays. Sony has an option for everyone!

OLED and UHD from Sony

Despite the fact that the brand's focus has recently been on smartphones and photographic equipment, their TVs meet the most modern requirements: they offer both LED models and high-tech flagships with UHD resolution and ultra-thin OLED screens - the first OLED TV Sony appeared in 2017 and won an honorable first place in the Netflix ratings.

It is worth noting that the company does not have its own production of OLED screens; the Japanese purchase blanks for further use in production from. This decision is completely justified - LG is the clear leader in the OLED world, and Sony's build quality, design and powerful processors have become a worthy cut for the best screens on the market today.

However, it would be unfair to accuse the Japanese of complete disregard for their own achievements. The manufacturer supplies its UHD TVs not only with a high-quality matrix, but also with a powerful processor - for many brands, even the already outdated 4K HDR X remains unattainable in terms of performance.

There are also original discoveries in the production of LED displays for the model range with 4K support. To compensate for the shortcomings of the diode matrix and get the deepest dark tones, the brand makes the Edge LED backlight multilayer (2 or 4 layers) and reduces the size of the diodes.

Before talking about new products, it would be reasonable to dwell on the mysterious Sony markings. Fortunately, it is much more concise than that of the same LG and undergoes changes less often - the current standard for Europe appeared back in 2016 and has remained virtually unchanged since then. All information about the model is encrypted in just 9 characters. Let's focus on the main parameters.

Diagonal and device type

As a rule, the marking of Sony TVs begins with the following letters:

• KDL – for Full HD or HD-ready models;
• KD – for Ultra HD TVs with 4K support.

Most of the current and last year’s models belong to the second type; the brand updates the younger lines much less willingly.

Then two numbers are indicated - the diagonal size of the TV. The current lineup starts with a relatively modest 31.5 inches for Full HD TVs, and 43 inches for models with ultra-high definition support.

TV class

This characteristic can be called a key one - if among competitors the series plays a dominant role, then the level of a Sony TV is judged mainly by the letter of the class. Even the brand itself often shortens the model name to 2-3 characters, the first of which indicates the class.

In 2020, you can find 3 classes on the market:

• Z, X (S) – premium TVs, X indicates a flat screen, S is used for curved ones;
• W – middle class devices, usually with Full HD resolution;
• R – basic HD-ready models.

Since 2017, the letter A has been added to the existing designations - it is used to mark OLED TVs.

Year of manufacture and series

In the updated labeling, the calendar year of manufacture is indicated by one Latin letter:

• H – 2020;
• G – 2019;
• F – 2018;
• E – 2017;
• D – 2016;
• C – 2015.

The year is followed by the series number (from 4 to 9) and the model number in the series. It is these values, supplemented by the class letter, that we see in the abbreviated labeling: for example, ZD9 indicates that this is the flagship 4K TV of the 9th series, released in 2016. The ZG9 marking directly hints at a very fresh flagship “product” released in 2019, while AG9 says that this is a new product in the budget segment.

The marking is completed by a modification of the design, usually encrypted with one number, but this mark does not carry any important information for the consumer. It is also interesting that the marking does not indicate the type of TV tuner - you will have to refer to the specifications for this information.

From the photo above you can see that this is a premium-class 65-inch TV, but from the distant 2017 model year. However, in this case, age is not always a vice: now these flagships are sold cheaper, so premium solutions and technologies are becoming closer to the “people”.

FullHD – good old classics

Okay, maybe not that old. But today you won’t surprise anyone with FullHD TVs. What should you know about an image of this quality?

1. Image resolution 1920×1080 pixels.
2. The aspect ratio of the picture is 16:9.
3. The image detail is noticeably nicer than in clearly good old HD. A video of such an extension will not allow you to see the wrinkles on the skin of the main character in general plans, but the picture quality is sufficient to notice all the details of the images and fully appreciate the work of the costume designers.
4. The most common formats for Hollywood films on digital media and on the Internet are FullHD or 4K.

Sony KDL-43WG665 is a budget FullHD TV with a 43-inch diagonal screen, glossy anti-glare coating and IPS matrix. This model has Smart TV, Wi-Fi connection, browser and Miracast.

By the way, the name FullHD was coined by Sony in 2007 in connection with the development of a new product in this format.

4K at the peak of popularity

The most common TV resolution now is 4K – 3840x2160 pixels. This image format significantly outperforms FullHD with its clarity and high levels of detail. Sony has several models of such TVs with diagonals from 43 to 85 inches. Among them, you can choose both regular options for home use and flagship versions with the best processor today. The cost of the latter, of course, will be higher than average.

Top 3 4K TVs from Sony in 2020:

1. Sony KD-43XG7005 – 43-inch diagonal screen, with a horizontal and vertical viewing angle of 178°, a high frame rate and a dynamic scene index of 200 fps. This TV perfectly conveys a live picture without any stuttering or stuttering.
2. Sony KD-55XG8596 – 55-inch TV with support This TV can record a fairly large amount of TV shows and store them in the device’s built-in memory. The model has four TV tuners: for cable, terrestrial and two for satellite television.
3. Sony KD-77AG9 - 77-inch screen with options for improving color and brightness, automating image contrast. The model has a decent amount of internal (16 GB) and RAM (4 GB). There are three USB ports, LAN, mini-Jack (3.5 mm).

Super 8K picture

8K is still the best image extension available to mere mortals. TVs of this format are more suitable for arranging a cafe, some kind of educational and entertainment center. 8K quality can only be truly appreciated on large screens. But buying such a colossus for home often simply does not make sense: it takes up a lot of space, is heavy and very expensive.

Sony has prepared two custom models of such TVs:

• Sony KD-85ZG9
• Sony KD-98ZG9

They differ only in diagonal. The first model is 85 inches, the second is 98 inches. Otherwise, their characteristics are similar: Smart TV, anti-glare glossy coating, 4500:1 contrast ratio, automatic brightness and color enhancement, six speakers with a total sound power of 80 W, four digital tuners for connecting various types of television, the ability to record programs, control using gestures and voice. It is worth noting the considerable weight of this pair: the KD-85ZG9 weighs 74.5 kg with a stand, and the KD-98ZG9 weighs 102 kg.

What do we end up with?

Sony's range of TVs is not as wide as that of some other manufacturers, but there is plenty to choose from. Among the presented options there are affordable options for comfortable daily viewing and expensive flagship displays for gourmets in the world of cinema.

The advantages of Sony equipment include: high build quality, long service life, and a large set of optional functions. Among the disadvantages are the high cost of new 8K models and a relatively short warranty period (manufacturer warranty is 1 year, while other manufacturers provide about 3 years of factory service).

Updated: February 2020