Review of Sony TVs 2021 model year - hot new products

The popular Japanese brand continues to occupy one of the leading positions in electronics sales. What are the 2021 Sony TVs? What advantages do they have over their predecessors?

To answer these difficult questions, let’s study in detail the catalog of TV equipment from this manufacturer. There are both budget models and premium-class devices.

You need to choose a TV in accordance with the functionality of the equipment. Also consider your own financial capabilities. To avoid mistakes, study the labeling of this brand’s equipment. Then you can easily distinguish last year's model from the new one.

New technologies from Sony

Like other popular electronics manufacturers, Sony presented new TV models at the CES forum. Fans of equipment from the famous Japanese brand are offered models with an OLED screen and additional features: 4K support, Dolby Vision, Android TV, Google Assistant.

Sony ZF9

The features listed above are extremely important, but they were available in the premium 2021 Sony Bravia models. In the process of creating a new collection of televisions, the developers focused on improving existing technologies.

The main task that was set for the engineers was to improve the transmission of sound from the Triluminos display. An improved version of the old technology received a new name - Acoustic Surface. Now audio transmission is carried out in a 3.1 configuration. Previous TV models had a 2.1 channel configuration.

The manufacturer offers customers OLED TVs of the A8F series with screen diagonals in the range of 55-65 inches. Last year, devices with similar functionality cost about $6,000. Now the price of the previous generation of TVs has dropped by 50%.

Sony BRAVIA KD-75XF9005

The company has not forgotten about the budget segment either. Consumers are offered LCD TVs of the X900F line with diagonals from 49 to 85 inches. New X-Motion Clarity technology has been implemented. It helps reduce image blur in dynamic scenes without losing image saturation.

The latest model range is equipped with powerful matrices - from 120 Hz. Together with X-Reality technology, it is possible to achieve high-quality, rich and realistic images. This is the main distinguishing feature of the 2021 Sony TV.

Sony TV markings

Before you start reviewing new products, you need to study in detail the intricacies of TV labeling. Sony's is clearer and more concise. Especially when compared with LG or Samsung. The marking remains virtually unchanged.

Sony XF85 series TV

The current European version was created back in 2021. From that moment on it remained almost identical. All information about the TV is encrypted in 9 characters (numbers and letters). Let's carefully study the marking features of the TV range from Sony.

Screen diagonal and device type

Marking of TV equipment mainly begins with the following letters:

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

The 2021 Sony TV lineup is mostly represented by devices of the second type. Budget lines are rarely updated.

KDL-32WD756

The next 2 numbers are the screen diagonal. The latest collection starts with a small diagonal – 31.5″ for Full HD models. The minimum diagonal for UHD TVs is 43 inches.

Device class

This is a key characteristic. For competitors, the most important parameter is the series. Sony TV is rated according to class. At the initiative of the brand, the model name is often shortened to a few characters. The first one denotes the device class.

This year, models of three classes appeared on the TV equipment market:

• Z, X (S) – flagship models. The letter X denotes a flat screen, and S is used for curved models;
• W – standard devices, mostly with Full HD screen resolution;
• R – basic HD-ready devices.

Since last year, the letter A has been added to the existing symbols to mark OLED models.

SONY 65XF7596

Year of manufacture and series

The markings are updated according to the model year. It is denoted by the Latin letter:

• F – 2018;
• E – 2017;
• D – 2016;
• C – 2015.

After the year there is a number indicating the TV series (from 4 to 9). Then the model number is listed. These values, which are supplemented by the class, are included in the abbreviated marking: for example, ZD9. This means that we have a 9-series flagship with 4K support. Released in 2016.

The final marking element is design modification. The parameter is encrypted with one digit. However, this mark does not convey truly important information for a potential buyer.

The type of built-in TV tuner is not indicated in the basic labeling. Therefore, to find out how to set up the connection of digital channels, take a look at the technical specifications of the device.

New Sony TVs 2018

A review of new Sony TVs will allow potential buyers to finally make their choice. Consider OLED and UHD models. Let's analyze their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the cost of available devices.

Sony KD-65A1 4K

OLED Series

Among the new TVs, the line of OLED models is predictably of the greatest interest. The 2018 Sony TV A1E is already on sale. The company offers 3 screen diagonals. The price and technical characteristics indicate that this is a flagship.

• 55″ – 2800$;
• 65″ – 4000$;
• 77″ – 15 000$.

Judging by user reviews, the new product from Sony made a positive impression even during the CES exhibition. A screen with intelligent backlighting, HDR support, maximum resolution – this is not a complete list of advantages. Consumers especially liked Acoustic Surface technology. There is no need to spend money on buying a speaker system. Built-in hardware with support for Dolby Digital Plus and DTS is enough for powerful and clear sound.

Sony Bravia A1 77″

The developers surprised even critics with their unconventional approach. However, they didn't like the placement of the subwoofer. It is located on the back of the stand. This decision was made by engineers to maintain the thinness of the screen. Therefore, the acoustics were moved outside the screen.

The design of the TV and the stand deserve special attention. The absence of frames makes the device sophisticated and original. The TV seems to float in the air. The developers moved the stand to the back; competitors still place it at the bottom. All control elements were hidden. They do not interfere with viewing.

Table of 2021 Sony TVs with OLED screen type.

SONY 65AF8

UHD 4K Series

The manufacturer has updated not only expensive OLED devices, but also its line of Ultra HD 4K TVs. New models will be added to the premium class (X), and the following series will also be added: 7,8,9.

The choice of diagonals is wide. Prices correspond to the cost of analogues from Samsung and LG.

Table of the best Sony TVs 2021 UHD series.

The new products presented in the table come with 4K support. They have an extended range. The most expensive models support all formats: HDR 10, Dolby Vision, HGL (still gaining momentum in popularity).

There is very little ultra-high quality content. Therefore, the developers have added a lot of proprietary functions, the activation of which will bring a regular image closer to 4K.

The main feature of the new collection of TV equipment is X-tended Dynamic Range Pro technology. The essence is a balanced distribution of brightness around the entire perimeter of the screen.

Sony KD-65A1

The X1 graphics processor will provide resolution scaling, as well as frame-by-frame image processing. The processor package has undergone changes. As a result, its power increased by 40%. TVs will operate smoothly, providing a comfortable viewing experience.

The largest premium TVs come with support for Smart TV based on the Android operating system. The manufacturer has worked thoroughly on the interface, navigation and control system. Voice control has been improved. Now the remote control is practically not used.

Gaming capabilities also did not go unnoticed. The basic package of 4K models includes original accessories for video games: joysticks, keyboards.

Sony KDL-55W805C

Already in the middle of this year, the Japanese brand announced the release of new TVs. The model range will be expanded in the near future. Official information about new products is published on the manufacturer’s website.

Sony KDL-32WD756

The 2021 Sony KDL-32WD756 differs from the 32RE303 by using X‑Reality PRO algorithms. They analyze each frame and improve the image by scaling it based on the number of pixels. Motionflow XR 400 Hz is responsible for increasing image smoothness and good detail of moving objects. The technology involves creating additional frames between existing ones in order to smooth out the picture as much as possible during frequent frame changes (quick movement across the screen). Another difference from the 32RE303 is the presence of Smart TV on Linux, which increases the functionality of the TV: it provides access to online cinemas, YouTube and applications. It has a small built-in memory - 4 GB. Equipped with an additional USB and SCART port, which the previous model does not have. A TV with an even thinner matrix – 61 mm. This is achieved through the use of Edge LED backlighting. In this case, the diodes are located on the sides of the screen, which may be accompanied by slight glare, especially when viewing very light or dark scenes.

Advantages:

• Impeccable image quality.
• Deep black color.
• Plays files of different formats.
• Convenient controls.

Flaws:

• Limited Smart TV. Simplified software.
• The kit does not include mounting hardware for wall mounting.
• The sound is weak (although quite deep and clear).

The price is about 30,000 rubles. The model is provided with additional features and technologies, which led to an even more realistic and contrasting image and smooth frame changes, in comparison with the Sony KDL-32RE303. Considering the release date of the TV, you shouldn’t expect anything from Smart TV.

List of 2021 models

Table of TVs released in 2021.

There is no point in reviewing absolutely all new models. After all, it will take a huge amount of time. Let's focus on the best TVs released this year.

SONY 55S8505

Episode seven

This is a new level of TV with 4K support. The main feature is relatively low prices. The sales rating is very high. The choice of users is largely explained by the ratio of cost and functionality of the device. There is no support for the Android TV platform.

The new XF70 series is an updated version of the XE70. Now 4K has become more accessible, because TVs cost much less compared to their predecessors from last year.

Pay attention to this series. This includes models with screen sizes from 43 to 65 inches. These are the most popular sizes.

SONY 75XE8596

Even with a minimal budget, users can buy a device with impressive functionality. The XF70 series is equipped with a 4K X-Reality Pro GPU that supports DCE (Dynamic Contrast Contrast Technology).

Smart TV support. Access to popular streaming services has been implemented: Netflix, Prime Video, etc.

Episode Eight

Models in this series are middle class among TVs with 4K support. All devices have Android TV. The XF85 and XF80 also feature a frame made of aluminum. The basic package includes a special device for laying wires.

The X1 GPU is exclusively available in the XF85 series. These models do not have local dimming. Therefore, the level of HDR support is unsatisfactory.

Episode Nine

There are a lot of differences compared to the two previous series. A key feature is the introduction of proprietary X-Tended technology. The developers assure that both HDR and SDR content will be reproduced. Another innovation is X-Motion Clarity. This technology improves the image in dynamic scenes.

Direct LED backlight is used. It has local dimming. The ninth series is adapted for connecting an acoustic panel capable of reproducing sound in Dolby Atmos. TV models in this series are equipped with the X1 Extreme graphics processor.

Analyzing the expansion of the dynamic range, we note that all models in this series are produced with support for the following standards: HLG, HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

Sony KD-55XG8096

Sony KD-55XG8096 released in 2021. Equipped with all the technologies typical for the model of the previous Sony KD-43XG7096 series. Therefore, the TV does not differ from the latter in sound and image quality. But the KD-55XG8096 uses a different backlight (Direct LED), so the quality of displaying dark scenes is slightly better and deeper. Improvements also affected functionality - voice control became possible, an additional HDMI connector was added. Smart TV is more advanced, because it uses Android OS.

Advantages:

• Realistic, deep and clear images with natural color reproduction.
• No glare.
• Deep black colors. Excellent image when viewing in the dark.
• Clear, realistic sound.
• Smart Smart TV.
• Voice control.

Flaws:

• There are complaints about the quality of the Wi-Fi connection.
• Can't update to Android 9.
• There is no backlight level adjustment.

Sony KD-55XG8096 costs 64,000 rubles. Unlike the 43XG7096, it allows you to search by voice, and also has more features thanks to Smart TV on Android. The KD-49XF8596 is slightly inferior in image quality, but this is invisible to the naked eye (the difference is in the number of technologies for improving color reproduction).