Sony XR-65X95J review with cognitive processor

Having reviewed most of Sony’s 2021 LCD models, it’s time to turn our attention to the flagship lineup. These are the Sony X95J series TVs. The manufacturer will have to convince the potential buyer with the right pricing, which will allow this series, remain competitive.

After all, Sony’s flagship LCD TVs occupy an interesting position in the range of this television brand, approaching the entry-level price range of OLED models. Usually, the user will have to choose between an expensive LCD TV or a relatively cheap OLED TV.

Sony X95J review

Given the higher costs of OLED technology, the problem of choosing can be a daunting task. You can recall the pros and cons, as well as the differences between OLED and LED models, to move on to the Sony XR-65X95J 4K LED TV review. Let’s try to figure out if the new X95J series can replace last year’s excellent Sony XH95 / X950H series (for the US market). Or maybe you should not chase the novelty and opt for the 2020 model?

If we consider the new Sony X95J series, there are some details in its specifications that will interest the potential user. Among the main points we can note the size of the diagonals and good gaming features. The emphasis should be placed on HDMI 2.1 interfaces. It is this connection that is a crucial specification for the Sony PS5, which was not sufficiently supported in last year’s series of Sony TVs.

This time the priority is the newest port. But beyond that, there’s the question of the size of the new X95J TVs. In 2021, the flagship lineup starts with a 65-inch screen diagonal – this is the smallest Sony XR-65X95J model. Next are the 75-inch and 85-inch sizes. What a surprise! Recall that the Sony XH95 models are among the best 50-inch TVs (KD-49XH9505) and the best 55-inch options (KD-55XH9505) of 2021.

Design

The Sony X95J series uses an attractive minimalist design called “One Slate” with the panel enclosed inside a thin monolithic unit. The screen is behind a sheet of glass and surrounded by a front panel with a seamless edge. The stand is designed so that you can install it in three ways.

You can mount the legs of the stand as close to the center of the panel as possible, thereby allowing installation in a limited horizontal space. Although the term “limited space” is questionable for the XR-65X95J. The cable management system is well thought out. The premium remote certainly lets you know that you’re looking at an attractive 4K TV.

The back of the XR-65X95J’s TV body has a sort of embossed design. The body stamp is a grid pattern of squares, with a large square with the BRAVIA logo in the center. The bottom left corner of the back of the TV is filled with the interface. Connections are made down and to the left.

Recall that last year’s Sony XH95 series is slightly inferior in design, but as the flagship 4K TV 2020 model it has a great look. It’s in the same “One Slate” design, but with an aluminum finish, a two-variant stand, cable stacking system and a similar remote control.

Image

The Sony X95J series represents the top of the BRAVIA XR lineup with direct full array LED (FALD) backlighting, local dimming, a Triluminos Pro panel and an XR cognitive processor. The result is images with broader colors, increased contrast, superior scaling and improved motion processing. X-Wide Angle panel technologies and the X-Anti Reflection filter ensure that images look good in any room lighting conditions.

The X95J line of TVs supports not only 4K 120fps, but also HDR10 (as a basic standard), HLG (for broadcast), Dolby Vision and even IMAX Enhanced. Therefore, Sony’s new series delivers fantastic 4K HDR images. Thanks to impressive upscaling with artificial intelligence, the screen “squeezes” the most out of lower-resolution images. Finally, the Sony 65X95J TV provides a low 10-ms incursion time.

Sony X95J view

For comparison, let’s look back at last year’s XH95. That series also uses Full Array LED backlighting, local dimming, X-tended Dynamic Range Pro, Triluminos panel and X1 Ultimate 4K HDR processor. The image on the screen is detailed, accurate, colorful and contrasty. The panel with X-Wide Angle technology looks good in any room.

The XH95 uses Dynamic Contrast Enhancer technology and Object-based HDR remaster to create an expanded dynamic range. There is support for HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced. Unlike the X95J, last year’s version doesn’t support HDR10+, but that’s a small loss. The signal input delay is about 15 ms.

 

Thus, last year’s version is a great all-rounder when considering image quality and performance. Although the new Sony X95J has more features in terms of image processing in the specs. But when it comes to the balance of visuals and price, the 2020 models from the XH95 series are very hard to beat.

Acoustic Multi-Audio.

The Sony Bravia XR 65X95J TV, like the entire X95J series, boasts the company’s latest in audio technology with the Acoustic Multi-Audio feature. The model in question uses tweeters and built-in subwoofers. This provides a powerful sound that corresponds to what is happening on the screen.

The new XR cognitive processor applies AI-enhanced processing, adding acoustic auto-calibration, XR surround sound and 3D surround sound up-mixing. There is support for immersive object-oriented Dolby Atmos sound.

What was in the XH95 series: lack of the latest XR cognitive processor, although the same acoustic multi-audio scheme is applied. This is true for models with diagonals of 55 inches and up. For larger diagonals, the X-Balanced Speakers system is used.

Voice Zoom and S-Force Front Surround
Complemented by Voice Zoom for clearer dialogue and S-Force Front Surround for surround sound. Dolby Atmos decoder is present. All in all, there is a difference with last year’s series, but both series are a head above what most 4K TVs with built-in sound provide in terms of acoustics.

Smart TV.

Sony’s XR-65X95J TV, which belongs to Sony’s X95J series, uses the new Google TV smart platform, which the company is now rolling out on many of its 2021 TVs. This operating system promises a comprehensive and better organized system with built-in Google Assistant, hands-free voice search and Chromecast.

The X95J TVs also work with Amazon Alexa (for certain markets), support Apple’s HomeKit and include YouView as part of its TV Guide. New this year is BRAVIA Core, a high-quality streaming service in 4K and IMAX Enhanced formats from Sony Pictures, though it’s not free.

How the XH95 differs from the X95J at this point. Last year’s series uses the Android Smart TV platform, which Sony has used in most of its models over the past few years. The implementation of smart features has improved dramatically over that period, with an improved interface and faster response times. There’s also an extensive selection of services available for Android, including streaming resources, built-in Google Assistant, Alexa compatibility, Apple HomeKit and YouView support.

Connections

The Sony 65X95J has an impressive set of connections with four HDMI inputs, two of which are HDMI 2.1 standard. These ports not only support eARC, but also 4K@120Hz in high frame rate gaming mode. On board are three USB ports, terrestrial and satellite tuners, composite / component video inputs and a digital optical output. Wireless interfaces are Bluetooth 4.2, dual-band Wi-Fi. Chromecast and AirPlay 2 support are available.

Last year’s XH95 did not get support for 4K@120Hz or HDMI 2.1. Of the main interfaces, there are four HDMI inputs (one with eARC), three USB ports. The other interfaces are similar to the X95J series under review.

Sony X95J specifications

The X95J Price

As we understand it, the Sony X95J series is the latest flagship 4K HDR LCD TVs. The emphasis in this line is on larger screen sizes. As a result, there is a choice of only three models. The Sony XR-65X95JCEP, Sony XR-75X95JCEP and Sony XR-85X95JCEP will be available in the Russian market. At the time of publication: the end of May 2021, prices have not been announced on the official website.

But for the overseas market the price tag from the manufacturer is already known. The Sony XR 65X95J is priced at $2,300, the Sony XR 75X95J is priced at $3,000 and the huge 85-inch Sony XR 85X95J is priced at $4,500. The X95J series should be on sale by the end of 2021. By the way, Sony’s XH95 prices will be reduced by then, and the 49-inch to 85-inch sizes give a wide range of choices.

X95J review summary

To conclude our review of Sony’s X95J, let’s sum up the traditional bottom line. As Sony’s flagship XR-65X95J is better when it comes to LCD performance for the price. Great images in 4K HDR that benefit from the XR’s new cognitive processor.

A host of other features provide optimal picture quality, as well as superior sound, a comprehensive smart platform, and extensive gaming features. If you have the right budget, the X95J series is certainly one of the best among LED TVs.

But if you’re on a tight budget or just need a great 4K TV with a smaller screen size (49 or 55 inches), last year’s XH95 series is a great alternative. Yes, sure, this option doesn’t have the latest chipset with improved AI, but the X1 Ultimate processor is still impressive. The improved picture quality and sound system are every bit as good as the X95J series. The Android TV platform remains very powerful and smart, but you’ll have to put up with the lack of HDMI 2.1 and gaming limitations.