- Sony announced its new line of Bravia 4K and 8K TVs before CES 2021.
- The new smart TVs feature a processor upgrade, HDMI 2.1 ports and the new Google TV UI.
- Sony will announce the price and availability of TVs in the spring.
Every year at CES, Sony announces a new line of TVs that then flows throughout the year to different markets. This is Sony’s best step forward and is the company’s main set of premium TVs that compete face to face with rivals from Samsung and LG.
This year, Sony announced a series of 8K LED, 4K OLED and 4K LED TVs. Below is an analysis of all model numbers and screen sizes:
- Z9J Master Series: 85-inch and 75-inch 8K LED TVs
- Master Series A90J: 83-inch, 65-inch, 55-inch OLED TVs
- A80J: 77 “, 65” and 55 “4K OLED TVs
- X95J: 85 “, 75” and 65 “4K LED TVs
- X92 and X90J: 100-inch, 75-inch, 65-inch, 55-inch and 50-inch 4K LED TVs
In essence, all new Bravias come with the new XR processor. Sony is finally advancing from the X1 Ultimate that propelled its 2019 and 2020 flagships to a new “cognitive processor” that promises to improve image quality in real time, focusing on specific zones in a scene.
As the size of the TV is increasing, Sony says that our brain does not see the entire screen and focuses on parts of it where the action is taking place. So, in a close-up, the new XR processor will endeavor to provide the most realistic skin tones. In broader shots, he focuses on different elements of the scene and refines them to attract viewers.
Unfortunately, we won’t have a chance to really see this in action as this year’s CES is virtual, but Sony TVs are some of the best on the market when it comes to picture quality and we don’t expect these new flagships to disappoint.
Related: The best 65 inch TVs – What are your options?
The next major update comes in the form of HDMI 2.1 features across the board. All five new Bravia XR models feature 4K 120fps inputs, variable refresh rates, an automatic low-latency game mode and e-ARC. Previously, they were only available on last year’s X900H 4K LED model.
Another notable addition is the new Google TV UI. The updated Android TV skin is currently only available on the latest Google Chromecast. Sony’s new Bravia line will be the first in the world to get the Google TV UI, which means you can expect to receive personalized content recommendations, create watchlists and basically have a smarter media hub in your living room. compared to your current Android TV.
Elsewhere, all new Sony TVs feature Google Assistant with speakerphone like last year, compatibility with smart speakers, including Amazon Alexa devices, and a new Bravia Core streaming service that will provide Sony Pictures content and some movies enhanced IMAX.
Sony will announce the price and availability of the new Bravia XR models sometime in the spring.