Although a bit late to the mini-LED race, the X95K meets most requirements for a 4K HDR TV. Viewing angles are a bit narrow, and port options may seem limited for a set that starts at $2,799 for a 65-inch configuration. But if you're looking for a premium-feeling device with Google TV, this Sony Bravia X95K Mini LED TV review may help you understand if the tradeoffs matter.
The Sony Bravia X95K Mini LED TV we tested is a 65-inch configuration, but the Sony Bravia X95K's sizes extend to 75-inch and 85-inch screens, making it a candidate for turning your living room into a true entertainment center. If you're not sure which size TV to buy, check out our "Which Size TV Should I Buy" guide. If you're shopping based on size, we also have guides to the Best 65-Inch TVs, Best 75-Inch TVs, and Best 85-Inch TVs.
Whichever you choose, expect the experience with the 65-inch configuration to be similar to the experience with the larger model, since the specs are the same between the different sizes.
The Sony Bravia X95K Mini LED TV is one of the more expensive sets released this year. It sits between the Samsung QN90B (65", $2,599) and the LG G2 OLED TV (65", $2,999). Nevertheless, it is common to find significant discounts on the best TV deals.
The design of Sony's Bravia X95K mini LED TV oozes subtlety. It features thoughtful details that aid both setup and general appearance. We're fans of the titanium silver bezel that wraps around the sides of the screen but doesn't encroach on the panel, maintaining a bezel-less look. We also appreciate the checkerboard pattern on the back.
Weighing 71 pounds, it's a heavy unit that requires at least two pairs of hands to remove from the box and install on the wall using one of the best TV mounts (VESA 300mm x 300mm). Sony conveniently offers three ways to stand the Sony Bravia X95K Mini LED TV: narrow, wide, and wide plus high. The latter option creates enough space to place a soundbar directly below the screen.
The area where the legs attach to the back can be hidden by a matching cover. There is also a cover that facilitates cable management, so the port array can be hidden if aesthetics are a concern.
Speaking of ports, the Sony BRAVIA X95K Mini LED TV has four HDMI inputs. Two of them are HDMI 2.1 supporting 4K at 120Hz and one supports HDMI ARC/eARC (Extended Audio Return Channel). if all four HDMI ports are 2.1, as the LG G2 and Samsung QN90B support, you will be able to take full advantage of multiple peripheral would be able to take full advantage of the performance of the If, like us, you have a Blu-ray player, sound bar, and game console, you'll want at least three HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Otherwise, there is one USB Type A port, an RF coax connection, an Ethernet input, and an optical audio output. It also has a built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner. While you can currently find many of the best TVs with ATSC 3.0 tuners for 4K terrestrial broadcasts via NextGen TV, note that all of Sony's 2022 TVs have ATSC 3.0 tuners.
As a Mini LED TV, I wanted to take a closer look at how Sony's Cognitive Processor XR works with the XR Backlight Master Drive to deliver controlled yet balanced HDR performance. This required hours of anecdotal viewing and a series of lab tests. It was tested using an X-Rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer, a SpectraCal VideoForge Pro pattern generator, and Portrait Displays' Calman calibration software.
In its factory standard mode, the Sony BRAVIA X95K Mini LED TV covers 99.89% of the Rec 709 color space, which is a near perfect reach for the average viewer with an LED TV. What is not so perfect is the Delta E score in this mode, which measures the accuracy of the image at 6.36. For reference, closer to zero is better; the X95K's highest Delta E score was an impressive 1.88 in Filmmaker mode. For a TV manufacturer that is also a film studio, this is pretty brand new.
To see how the picture performs in real-world viewing, I watched "007: It's Too Early to Die," and the HDR packs a punch, especially in the colors, without sacrificing realism. The flames engulfing the sinking trawler were so vivid that one could overlook the slight blooming on the edges of the flames. But Bond's emergency yellow raft floating in the middle of the morning sea after surviving the trawler's explosion provided excellent artistic contrast without making the dingy ship look like a cartoon rubber duck. This is not unusual for a mini LED TV, but it is noteworthy.
Another thing that stood out was the ease with which the Sony Bravia X95K Mini LED TV handles motion. There were many opportunities for artifacts and over-processed action in "No Time to Die," but whether it was a helicopter, motorcycle, or car chase, the blades and wheels turned with masterful intent.
Looking back at the numbers, let's talk about brightness: in SDR, the Sony Bravia X95K mini LED TV reached a peak brightness of 485 nits. This is a rather average value, in fact, a result we are used to seeing from the best OLED TVs due to their limited brightness capabilities; the X95K recorded about 1,600 nits at 10% window size and 735 nits at 100% window size.
Finally, the Sony BRAVIA X95K mini LED TV recorded a lag time of 18.3 ms. So-so, but not surprising; the X95K is powered by VRR, ALL, and is from the same company that makes the PS5, but it doesn't make the list of best gaming TVs. No Sony TV has ever been recommended for gaming, but the 42-inch sized A90K OLED Master Series may be the exception.
The Sony Bravia X95K Mini LED TV's audio performance is better than expected, with a total acoustic output of 60 watts, including two tweeters, two front speakers, and two subwoofers. The result is plenty of volume while establishing a full-bodied soundscape; Dolby Atmos is also supported.
In No Time to Die, Sony's Bravia X95K mini LED TVs contributed to the sound-based suspense as Bond, Madeleine Swann, and their daughter try to avoid an attack from Safin's henchmen in a remote Norwegian forest. The sound of motorcycle engines, radio reports, and the rustling of leaves surrounding the protagonists effectively placed our ears in the middle of a tense scene.
During setup, the Sony Bravia X95K Mini LED TV uses a remote control to optimize sound tuning for your space, or where you expect to regularly sit on the couch. If you want the best possible sound performance, you can invest in the best soundbar (or the best Dolby Atmos soundbar). But the beauty of the X95K is that you can use your TV speakers to complement the soundbar through a feature called Acoustic Center Sync.
The Sony Bravia X95K Mini LED TV user experience is provided by Google TV, first found on the best streaming device from Google, which has completely replaced Android TV as Sony's TV OS. It has now been replaced completely by Android TV. Google TV can be easily customized and controlled using your Google account, and the platform will provide recommendations based on your interests. You can also connect multiple accounts to your TV and set up parental control profiles.
Google TV has all the streaming services we're looking for, including HBO Max, so we can watch "House of Dragons," which premieres every Sunday. It can also optionally connect to our Google Home profile, so we can check the TV for the best Google Home devices in the house, such as the Nest Doorbell. The Google Assistant, meanwhile, can be called up using the remote control or by sending voice commands through a nearby Google Home speaker.
Casting is also thorough on the Sony Bravia X95K Mini LED TV, which features Apple AirPlay and Chromecast, so you should be able to cast to the TV screen from most of your everyday devices.
Sony has changed the remote control for the 2022 model year TVs, which is nice to see. While it is indistinguishable from the remotes offered by competing TV manufacturers, it is intuitive, compact, and easy to operate.
The remote features a subtle etched texture with soft-touch buttons, and has familiar controls as well as a Google Assistant launcher and microphone indicator. There are also dedicated launchers for YouTube, Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime Video. If you use these services frequently, you will appreciate the quick access.
Sony's Bravia X95K mini LED TV did not make as strong an impression as Samsung's or LG's top TVs this year. Perhaps it is itching to get its hands on the Sony A95K QD-OLED TV and see how it compares to the Samsung S95B OLED TV. Still, it is easy to recommend this product to anyone looking to buy a non-OLED 4K HDR TV. This TV has the unique Sony flair that justifies its high price.
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