Sony OLED 83 inch BRAVIA XR A80L Series 4K TV review for 2023

Description

Immersive Visuals with the Sony OLED XR83A80L

The Sony OLED XR83A80L offers a cinematic experience that genuinely blew me away. Watching movies or gaming on its 83-inch 4K Ultra HD screen brought visuals to life with an almost surreal level of clarity and depth. The Cognitive Processor XR is undoubtedly the star here, ensuring that the colors are not just vivid but feel organic. It’s like the TV understands how our eyes perceive reality and adjusts accordingly. Blacks are inky and deep, while the contrast makes every color pop, especially in HDR content. I’ve watched everything from animated films to fast-paced action scenes, and the detail in both bright and dark scenes is astounding.

Its XR OLED Contrast Pro and XR Triluminos Pro technology elevate the viewing experience to heights I didn’t think possible. Whether it’s the smallest shimmer of light in a night scene or the vibrant hues of a tropical beach, the image quality remains consistently breathtaking.

Acoustic Surface Audio+ – A Unique Sound Experience

One of the standout features for me is the Acoustic Surface Audio+. Instead of relying on traditional speakers, the TV itself becomes the speaker. The screen vibrates to produce sound, and this results in an audio experience that feels incredibly immersive. Watching an intense chase scene, I noticed that the sound seemed to follow the action across the screen. It was as if the audio was choreographed to align perfectly with the visuals.

Dialogue clarity is superb too. Whether it’s soft whispers or booming explosions, the audio doesn’t feel detached from what’s happening on screen. This feature also supports Dolby Atmos, making it perfect for creating a small-scale home theater.

Exclusive Features for Gamers

As someone who enjoys gaming, I was particularly impressed by the exclusive features tailored for PlayStation 5 users. The Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode optimize the visuals for both gaming and streaming. I tested this with an RPG game, and the colors were vibrant without being oversaturated, while the shadows added depth to the environment.

The Game Menu is another thoughtful addition. It consolidates all gaming-related settings into one interface, making adjustments quick and hassle-free. Additionally, the HDMI 2.1 features like 4K/120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) ensure smooth and responsive gameplay. There’s no screen tearing or lag, which is an absolute must for competitive gaming.

Good Points

• Cognitive Processor XR delivers lifelike colors and contrast.
• Acoustic Surface Audio+ creates immersive sound directly from the screen.
• Tailored features for PlayStation 5, including optimized HDR and latency settings.
• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support elevate cinematic experiences.
• Seamless integration with Google TV and voice assistants like Alexa.

Areas for Improvement

• The 25kg weight makes it challenging to set up alone without assistance.
• BRAVIA CORE streaming credits are a nice perk, but the selection of titles could be broader.
• The reflective screen surface can be distracting in brightly lit rooms.
• While the Acoustic Surface Audio+ is excellent, it might not replace a dedicated sound system for audiophiles.

Enhanced Smart Features

This TV isn’t just about visuals and audio; it’s a fully functional smart device. With Google TV built-in, all my streaming apps are in one place. I used the voice assistant feature to search for movies, adjust settings, and even ask random questions about the weather. It’s compatible with Apple AirPlay too, which allowed me to stream content directly from my phone without any hiccups.

I also need to mention the Eco Dashboard, which is a thoughtful addition for environmentally conscious users. It provides a centralized way to manage energy-saving settings, helping reduce power consumption without compromising performance.

Competing Products

Comparing this to other high-end OLED TVs like LG’s C3 series, I’d say the Sony OLED XR83A80L has a slight edge in sound quality. While LG’s OLEDs are known for their vibrant colors, they don’t have the Acoustic Surface Audio+, which makes Sony’s offering feel more immersive in terms of audio-visual synchronization. On the other hand, LG’s interface feels a bit more intuitive, especially for those new to smart TVs. Samsung’s QLED models might offer higher brightness levels, but they fall short in delivering the pure blacks that OLED technology excels in.

True Value

Considering the features packed into this TV, it offers excellent value for its price point. The inclusion of Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode makes it a versatile choice for movie buffs. For gamers, the HDMI 2.1 capabilities alone justify the investment. While it’s undeniably a premium product, the combination of cutting-edge visuals, immersive audio, and smart features ensures that it’s worth every cent.

This TV doesn’t just replace a screen in your living room—it transforms it into an entertainment hub. While there are minor flaws, they pale in comparison to the sheer performance and convenience it offers.

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