Sony Bravia XR 2021 TVs embrace Google TV but not Mini-LED
Like rivals, Sony has announced its range of new TVs for 2021. The Bravia XR models get the new Google TV interface and ‘cognitive intelligence’ but miss out on the latestMini-LEDtechnology found elsewhere.
Sony has long been on the Android TV bandwagon and Google’s recent swap to the new Google TV interface (still powered by Android TV underneath) means that’s what you get on the latest Bravia models. They are the first non-Chromecast devices we’ve seen with Google TV built-in.
The new system brings together content from various streaming services and apps as well as the Google Assistant. You can also connect to Nest devices to do things like check who’s at the front door.
Effectively, you’ll get the experience of theChromecast with Google TVwithout having to buy the HDMI dongle. You can also make use of voice control and search with the included remote or apps like Android TV Remote Control.
Samsung’s latest innovation in the remote area is thesolar-powered Eco Remote. The firm is also, like LG and TCL, moving to Mini-LED on itsNeo QLED rangefor improved contrast and colour accuracy – it’s like upping the resolution of the backlight, with more LEDs packed into the same space.
However, Sony doesn’t have this on the 2021 range, so is focusing on its ‘Cognitive Processor XR’ found inside the new TVs – hence the Bravia XR branding. Sony says this new processing method goes beyond conventional AI and aims to work like the human brain.
It divides up the screen into zones, decides where the focal point of the picture is and then “can cross-analyse an array of elements at once, just as our brains do. By doing so, all elements are adjusted in conjunction with each other for best final outcome, so everything in the scene is synchronised and lifelike,”
It can also handle sound processing so can figure out the correct position of sound so it matches what’s on-screen as well as converting any sound into 3D surround sound.
As you might expect, the Bravia XR range also upgrades to HDMI 2.1, the standard you need to play thePS5at 120Hz (and theXbox Series X). There’s also features like Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and eARC.
The Bravia XR range comes in various sizes offering either LED or OLED in 4K or 8K resolutions.
Things start with the X90J (available in 50, 55, 65 and 75in) which is 4K LED, then moves to the larger X95J with the largely the same technology but in 65, 75 and 85in sizes in a ‘minimalist one slate design’.
The A80J (in 55, 65 and 77in) and Master Series A90J (55, 65 and 83in) take things to 4K OLED. Those wanting 8K LED will have to look to the Master Series Z9J.
Sony is yet to announce pricing or availability for the Bravia XR range in Europe or the UK. WatchSony’s CES 2021 press conference hereas well as ourchart of the best TVs. You can also take a look at the new 4K streaming service for XR TVs,Bravia Core.
You might also be interested in thePanasonic JZ2000.
Author: Chris Martin, Reviews Editor, Tech Advisor
Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been at Tech Advisor for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.
