Sony X80J 4K Ultra HD LED Smart Google TV Review

The Sony X80J 4K Ultra HD LED Smart Google TV (X80J) is a tempting proposition for budget-conscious viewers seeking an entry point into the world of 4K resolution. Boasting the familiar Google TV platform and a sleek Sony design, the X80J promises a user-friendly experience at an attractive price point. But before you hit “add to cart,” let’s delve deeper into the X80J’s strengths and weaknesses to see if it aligns with your viewing needs.

Today’s Sony X80J 4K Ultra HD LED Smart Google TV Deals

Picture Quality

The X80J utilizes an LED panel with basic HDR (High Dynamic Range) support. While it delivers a noticeable step up from Full HD in terms of sharpness and detail, it falls short of the picture quality offered by pricier competitors. Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:

• Resolution and Sharpness: The 4K resolution delivers crisp details and clear text, making everything from nature documentaries to the latest blockbusters look sharp. Lower-resolution content is upscaled decently, although artifacts might be noticeable in older shows.

• Color Accuracy: Colors appear acceptable for casual viewing, but videophiles might find them less vibrant or accurate compared to higher-end TVs. Calibration options are limited, making fine-tuning the picture challenging.

• HDR Performance: The X80J supports HDR10 and HLG, but limitations become apparent. Peak brightness isn’t sufficient to deliver the full impact of HDR content, resulting in a somewhat washed-out appearance in highlights. Additionally, the lack of local dimming results in blooming (halo effect) around bright objects in dark scenes.

Overall, the picture quality of the X80J is suitable for casual viewers who prioritize affordability. However, discerning viewers or those seeking a more immersive HDR experience might be better served by looking elsewhere.

Design

The X80J embraces a minimalist aesthetic with thin bezels and a sleek design that complements most living spaces. The included stand provides decent stability, but some users might find it a bit wobbly. While not the most luxurious looking TV, the Sony branding and design language offer a touch of sophistication at this price point.

How Does it Compare? Stacking Up Against the Competition

The X80J faces stiff competition in the budget 4K TV market. Here’s a quick comparison against two key rivals:

• TCL 4-Series (S434): The TCL 4-Series offers a similar price point and boasts a VA panel with potentially deeper blacks. However, viewing angles might be narrower on the TCL, and the smart platform can feel less intuitive compared to Google TV.
• Samsung AU8000: The Samsung AU8000 is another budget contender with a similar feature set. It might offer slightly better contrast, but the motion handling on the Samsung can be choppier than the X80J.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. If deeper blacks are essential, the TCL might be a better fit. If a user-friendly smart platform is a must-have, the X80J remains a strong contender.

Brightness and Contrast

The X80J offers decent brightness, making it suitable for most living room settings. However, it might struggle in very bright rooms where glare can be an issue. The contrast is a point to consider. The lack of local dimming technology limits the panel’s ability to produce deep blacks, resulting in a somewhat washed-out look in dark scenes. This can be particularly noticeable when watching movies or shows with a lot of dark content.

Sound Quality

The built-in speakers on the X80J are adequate for casual viewing but lack the depth and power needed for a truly immersive experience. Dialogue is clear, but bass is lacking, and the overall audio can feel thin for action movies or music.

To elevate your viewing experience, investing in a soundbar or a surround sound system is highly recommended. This will provide a more robust and immersive soundscape, especially for movie nights and big sporting events.

Smart Features

One of the X80J’s biggest strengths is its integration of the Google TV platform. Google TV is known for its user-friendly interface and vast library of streaming apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. Additionally, Google Assistant integration allows you to search content, adjust settings, and even control other smart home devices compatible with Google Assistant. This voice control functionality can be a major plus for users who prefer a hands-free approach.

Motion 

The X80J utilizes motion processing technology to reduce blur in fast-paced scenes. However, motion handling might not be perfect for viewers seeking an ultra-smooth experience. Judder (a stuttery effect) might be noticeable in rapid movements, particularly in action movies or sports. Hardcore gamers seeking the absolute smoothest motion for competitive gaming or fast-paced movies might want to consider a TV with a higher native refresh rate (like 120Hz) or more advanced motion processing.

Gaming Features

The X80J offers basic gaming features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) that reduces input lag for a more responsive gaming experience. This can be a plus for casual gamers who want to minimize the delay between their controller input and what appears on the screen. However, features like HDMI 2.1 with high refresh rates (VRR) are absent. These cutting-edge features are becoming increasingly important for serious gamers who want the most responsive and visually immersive gaming experience possible.

Durability and Build Quality

The X80J prioritizes functionality over luxurious materials. It utilizes a plastic back panel and a basic stand. While not the most glamorous design, the construction feels well-built and should last for years with proper care. Budget-conscious viewers who prioritize functionality over aesthetics will likely find this approach acceptable.

Viewing Angles and Screen Uniformity

The X80J offers decent viewing angles thanks to the LED panel technology. This makes it suitable for rooms with multiple viewers seated at different angles. Everyone can enjoy a clear picture without significant color or brightness shifts, even when not positioned directly in front of the TV. However, some users report issues with dirty screen effect (DSE), which can be more noticeable on larger screens. This can manifest as blotchy patches, especially in dark scenes. It’s important to note that DSE variance can exist from panel to panel, so some users might experience more or less of this effect than others.

Inputs

The X80J offers a good selection of inputs, including:

• 3x HDMI ports (one with eARC for connecting a soundbar)
• 2x USB ports for media playback or connecting external devices
• Digital optical audio output
• Ethernet port for wired internet connection

This selection caters to most viewers’ needs. You can connect various devices like streaming sticks, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and external hard drives without any limitations.

Overall Value

The Sony X80J 4K Ultra HD Smart Google TV strikes a balance between affordability and features. Here’s a quick recap:

• Strengths: Affordable price point, user-friendly Google TV platform with voice control, decent viewing angles, and enough connectivity options for most users.
• Considerations: Limited picture quality compared to higher-end TVs, average motion handling, basic gaming features, and potential for DSE issues.

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Conclusion

The Sony X80J emerges as a compelling option for budget-conscious viewers who prioritize a user-friendly smart TV experience with Google TV integration. The intuitive interface and voice control features make navigating content and controlling your smart home a breeze. While picture quality might not be top-of-the-line, the X80J offers a decent viewing experience for casual viewers. With a good selection of connection options, you can connect all your favorite devices. However, if you prioritize cutting-edge picture quality, ultra-smooth motion handling, or advanced gaming features, you might want to consider a higher-end TV. But for viewers seeking a budget-friendly option with the convenience of Google TV, the Sony X80J is a strong contender.