The market is full of several TV brands that just have satisfactory features and do their job well. Sony is a famous tech company that manufactures various electronic gadgets, including TVs. Recently, the tech giant launched Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4K UHD Smart TV 2023 in two screen sizes: i.e. 55 and 65 inches.
Compared to the predecessor’s Sony 74K and Sony 74L 2023 model, Sony Bravia X74L has some upgrades in terms of display and other things, which we will discuss in a bit. Sony Bravia X74L has exceptional features gamers love – seamless integration with PS5. In this detailed blog, we will deeply review the Sony Bravia X74L and know if it is the best gaming TV available in the Indian market.
Highlights:
Fantastic HDR performance
Deep blacks with great details
Seamless PS5 Integration
Sony Bravia 4k UHD Smart TV
(KD-55X74L)
₹ 64,990
PROS
Amazing HDR capabilities.
It displays more details when compared to its predecessors.
Excellent panel with natural colours and deep blacks.
The colour optimisation is fantastic.
No banding on display.
It has Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and PS5 integration.
CONS
It does not have Dolby Vision.
The 65-inch variant is slightly expensive.
VM-One Rating
1-year warranty
Box Content - Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4k UHD Smart TV 2023
The Sony Bravia X74L comes in a cardboard box with multiple accessories necessary for the setup. Upon opening the package, we found one Sony Bravia X74L TV unit, one remote control, one AC power cord, one tabletop stand, one user manual, and two AAA batteries. You will get all these items nicely packed inside the TV box, and make sure you check the package thoroughly to avoid any future hassles.
\> In The Box
1 LED TV
1 AC Power Cord
1 Remote Control
1 Table-Top Stand
1 User Manual
2 AAA Batteries
Design & Build - Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4k UHD Smart TV 2023
\> Remote
Compared to the predecessors, Sony 74K and Sony 74L, Sony has upgraded the remote of the Sony Bravia X74L. Previously, Sony gave a long and bulky remote with the TV; however, this time, the tech giant has significantly reduced the size of the remote. The design of the remote is minimal; it has all the necessary hotkeys of SonyLiv, Netflix, Disney + Hotstar, Prime Video, YouTube and YouTube Music.
The Sony Bravia X74L TV’s remote also has a dedicated button for Google Assistant. Say no to dust and filth as its remote is simple to clean because it has a flush surface with lower buttons and a special polyurethane coating. All buttons have a unique antimicrobial coating, which keeps the remote tidy.
Remote Control
\> Bezels
The design of the Sony Bravia 74L is kept the same as the previous Sony TVs, Sony 74K and Sony 74L 2023. The bezels of the TV are medium and give the TV a very subtle look. However, the medium bezels of the TV are made from plastic, and Sony hasn’t upgraded the design from the previous models.
Bezels
ALSO READ: Sony X80K TV 55 Inch Review – Dolby Vision TV
\> Body and Back
Like the older televisions, Sony 74K and Sony 74L 2023 models, the Sony Bravia 55-inch 4K smart TV’s body is entirely made from plastic; even the TV stand is made from plastic. Sony TV 55 inch X74L’s back is also made from plastic and has all the connectivity ports distributed in the two sections at the back.
X-Protection PRO shields Sony X74L TV from unfavourable circumstances and unanticipated occurrences, including dust, humidity, power surges, and lightning strikes. We will discuss all the details about the connectivity options in a bit.
Back View
Front View
\> Stands
The Sony Bravia 55-inch 4K smart TV has a tabletop stand already included in the box. On review, we found out that the TV stand is made from plastic and holds the television well.
Stands
Connectivity Options - Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4k UHD Smart TV 2023
The Sony Bravia 55-inch 4K Android TV has an array of connectivity options allowing you to integrate seamlessly with other gadgets. It has three HDMI ports (one of them is eARC), two USB ports, one ethernet port, one AV input port and one antenna port. Furthermore, the Sony Bravia 55-inch 4K Smart TV also has Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band WiFi simplifying your connectivity options.
3X HDMi
2X USB ports
1X ethernet
1X AV input
1X antenna
Bluetooth 5.0
Dual-band WiFi for better connectivity
Connectivity Ports View 1
Connectivity Ports View 2
\> App
The Sony Bravia 55-inch 4K Android TV comes with multiple applications, including Netflix, YouTube, Zee5, Prime Video etc. Furthermore, you can download any app from the Play Store featuring more than 5000 applications.
App Store
Software/ Tech Features & OS - Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4k UHD Smart TV 2023
The Sony Bravia X74L comes with Android 11 Google TV OS out of the box. It has the traditional operating system, which is quite popular and comes with various apps, including Netflix, YouTube, Zee5, Prime Video etc. On the home screen, you have the Google OS with tiles of suggested content, and the Play Store has over 5000 apps which are the greatest in any TV OS. Furthermore, the TV supports Voice Search, Google Play, Chromecast, Apple Homekit, and Alexa.
\> Casting
Apple Airplay View 1
Apple Airplay View 2
For screencasting, the Sony Bravia X74L has a built-in Chromecast and Apple Airplay for the easy and smooth casting of your Android and Apple devices to the TV.
ALSO READ: Sony X64L 43 Inch Review 2023(KD-43X64L)
About Panel - Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4k UHD Smart TV 2023
\> Panel
Compared to the predecessor, Sony 74K, Sony hasn’t upgraded the panel of the Sony Bravia X74L. It still has the IPS panel or 8 Bit FRC IPS DLED Panel, to be precise, but the features are totally different from the previous televisions.
\> Brightness Test
We carefully tested the panel brightness from two different methods. After completing the brightness test, we found the peak brightness to be 440 nits. In the Sony 74K, the peak brightness was found to be 470 nits; however, in Sony Bravia X74L, the peak brightness shrunk by 30 nits.
The 440 nits peak brightness might seem less, but in reality, it isn’t. We haven’t noticed any blooming, and the TV gives excellent HDR performance. The panel of the Sony Bravia 55-inch 4K Smart TV is full of features which we will discuss in a bit.
Peak Brightness Test
Picture Quality - Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4k UHD Smart TV 2023
Regarding the picture quality, we tested the Sony Bravia X74L and found out the following things.
\> Color Saturation
The older Sony TVs have oversaturated colours that look good, but you can easily spot the oversaturated colours. Sony has significantly optimised the panel and colours of the Sony Bravia 55-inch 4K Android TV, and the colours look really good.
Colors
Color Gamut of Display
\> Color Optimization
Compared to the previously launched TVs, Sony has brilliantly optimised the colours of the Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4K UHD Smart TV. Red, green and blue colours fall in the colour gamut where you can see the natural colour profile displaying you the actual colours. The Panel has an X1 4K graphic processor and a 60 Hz refresh rate with motion flow XR100 technology that significantly reduces the motion blur on display.
During our analysis, we observed that there was no motion blur in most of the scenes; even if it was there, it couldn’t be detected. Even with the 60 Hz refresh rate, the Sony Bravia KD-55X74L can display the content at 100 frames per second, so the motion blur cannot be spotted.
\> Blacks
Blacks are an essential parameter which must be considered while selecting the TV. The Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4K UHD Smart TV 2023 has better blacks compared to the previous version Sony 74K. Two additional technologies, frame dimming and dynamic contrast enhancer, work simultaneously to optimise the TV’s performance. As stated before, red, green and blue colours fall in the colour gamut where you can see the natural colour profile; it fantastically displays the traditional colours, including blacks.
The blacks on the Sony Bravia are not good enough when compared to a VA panel, but you can optimise it further by using a faux light. It hardly costs 500 bucks but enhances your viewing experience.
Blacks View 1
Blacks View 2
\> HDR Brightness
The HDR performance of the Sony TV is excellent; we do not have any complaints about the picture quality. Even though Sony has reduced the peak brightness by 30 nits, the TV still has excellent HDR capabilities.
As stated before, in the colour gamut, Sony has fantastically optimised the red, green and blue colours, panel performance, and details in the shadows. The Sony TV delivers amazing HDR performance where light and dark scenes appear simultaneously.
OTT Performance - Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4k UHD Smart TV 2023
Talking about the OTT performance of the Sony TV 55-inch X74, we watched a series on Prime Video, and the HDR performance of the TV was fantastic on all the video formats. This TV supports HDR 10 and HLG but lacks Dolby Vision. The Sony Bravia KD-55X74L displays amazing quality while watching HDR 10 content; you can see incredible details in the shadows and excellent colour optimisation, which is only possible due to the fantastic HDR capabilities.
Coming to Dolby Vision content on Netflix, The Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4K UHD Smart TV doesn’t play content in Dolby Vision, it plays the content in 4K HDR, but the television displays amazing clarity, natural colours and brilliant colour optimisation.
ALSO READ: Sony X74K Detailed Review – Best 43 Inch Smart TV
STB Performance - Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4k UHD Smart TV 2023
We have tested the Set Top Box Performance of the KD-55X74L TV and found that it upscales and displays the content nicely. We do not have any complaints with the displaying capabilities of the TV.
\> SD and HD Channels
Most of us watch content on SD and HD channels, and when we evaluated the Set Top Box performance of the Sony TV, we were amazed by the performance. The output from the television was beautiful, and the clarity you will get from the SD channels was best compared to any of the TV in the market. On the other hand, the HD channels look like you are watching 4K content on the TV.
\> Upscaling Capabilities
The upscaling capabilities of the Sony Bravia X74L are way better than any other TV. We have said multiple times that no other brand has the upscaling capabilities like Sony, and the tech giant has proved it once again. Watch any content in any format, and you will be amazed to see how beautifully this TV displays everything.
USB Playback - Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4k UHD Smart TV 2023
If you are the one who love watching content through USB, then we have good news for you. The Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4K UHD Smart TV 2023 delivers amazing picture quality while watching any content in HD, Full HD or 4K. The Sony TV is capable of adjusting all the settings on its own and displays everything beautifully.
Other Features - Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4k UHD Smart TV 2023
Talking about the additional features, the Sony Bravia KD-55X74L has gaming features we have tested, and the results are as follows –
\> Gaming
Talking about gaming performance, the Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4K UHD Smart TV has HDMI ARC 2.1 port, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and a unique feature. The Sony TV has a special feature that allows you to connect your PS5 easily. Upon integrating, the TV automatically detects the PlayStation and gives you Auto HDR Tone Mapping scene by scene. Now, what is Auto HDR Tone Mapping? The Auto HDR Tone Mapping feature maps the HDR tone scene by scene; it adjusts brightness, darkness, shadows, and contrasts for every scene to ensure the best gaming experience.
Also, the Sony Bravia KD-55X74L is a smart TV that can detect whether you are gaming or watching Netflix using PS5. Based on the detection, it smoothens the TV performance to deliver a fantastic user experience. This unique feature is available in both 55-inch and 65-inch TVs.
Gaming Experience - PS5
Audio Quality - Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4k UHD Smart TV 2023
Audio quality is an essential parameter which should be considered when selecting a television. Like the previously launched TVs, this Sony TV has 20W bottom-firing speakers with Dolby Audio support. However, the Sony Bravia X74L speakers are full-range open baffle speakers.
Compared to the previous versions, Sony has upgraded the speakers’ audio output, which is sufficient for a 200 sq ft. room. The speakers can deliver average audio output; you do not have to purchase a soundbar separately. However, if you want a cinematic audio experience, then you definitely need a soundbar.
ALSO READ: Sony X74K vs X75K – Are They same or not?
Warranty & Guarantee
Like other traditional televisions, the Sony Bravia 55 Inch 4K UHD Smart TV 2023 comes with one year of comprehensive warranty provided by Sony from the date of purchase. You can add additional protection plans offered by third-party companies, but it will cost you an additional amount.
Pros & Cons - (Detailed)
The TV has exceptional HDR capabilities and displays more details when compared to its predecessors.
Excellent panel with natural colours and deep blacks. The colour optimisation is impressive, and the colours are not oversaturated.
The TV displays impressive details even in shadows, and we couldn’t see any banding on display.
For gamers, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and PS5 integration enhance the gaming experience.
The TV further enhances the picture quality as per the scene when you watch anything on Netflix using PS5.
It does not have Dolby Vision, and you cannot get it even using Fire Stick or any other streaming device because it is a panel feature.
The 65-inch variant of the Sony Bravia 4K UHD Smart TV 2023 costs ₹88,990, which was slightly expensive in our opinion.
Key Specs
Design
Medium bezels
Subtle looks
Plastic body
Plastic stands
Resolution
4K Ultra HD |
Panel
8 Bit FRC IPS DLED panel (IPS panel)
440 nits peak HDR brightness
Excellent colour optimisation
Deep blacks with impressive details
HDR 10 and HLG support
Software
- Android 11 Google TV OS
Storage
- 16 GB
Audio
20W bottom-firing speakers
Dolby Audio is Sufficient for a 200 sq. ft. room
Connectivity
3X HDMI
2X USB
1X ethernet
1X AV input
1X antenna
Bluetooth 5.0
Dual-band WiFi for better connectivity
Buy Now
Sony X74L TV Price
₹62,990 (55-inch variant)
₹88,990 (65-inch variant)
Verdict -
The Sony UHD TV KD-55X74L is a featureful TV integrated with the latest technological advancements. With a good IPS panel displaying natural colour, the TV has outstanding HDR capabilities. The highlight feature of the Sony TV includes the detection and seamless integration with PS5.
Furthermore, it has ALLM for gamers, which enhances the gaming experience. Currently, the 55-inch variant of the TV is available at ₹62,990, and the 65-inch variant is priced at ₹88,990. We believe you should purchase the 64-inch variant only on sale with great offers and discounts because the TV is priced slightly more.
That was our honest review of the Sony Bravia X74L. If you have any questions, then please drop them in the comment section and keep reading our reviews!