Stuff - UK (2020-02)

VERSUS AFFORDABLE TVs

Proof that big names, big screens, big

specs and big resolutions don’t have

to mean a big hit to the bank balance

Safe

sets

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What’s the story?

It’s not quite as cheap as

the two rivals opposite,

but Sony packs a lot into

its middleweight package,

including a design that’s

essentially all-screen. The

dark grey bezel is minimal,

smoothly finished... and so

unobtrusive that when the

screen is off it pretty much

disappears.

The X1 Extreme picture

processor is also a boon,

capable of dealing with

various HDR standards.

If picture quality is your

vice, this could be the telly

to hang with.

Is it any good?

Screening 4K Dolby Vision

content demonstrates just

how well balanced this Sony

Stuff says +++++

Other Sony TVs are bigger

and slimmer, but none can

match this one for value

Sony KD-49XG9005

set is. The colour palette is

impeccably judged, contrasts

are punchy and the detail in

black tones is lavish. It’s a pity

the audio performance can’t

come close to matching its

picture prowess, although

this does present an inviting

vacancy for a soundbar.

Sony’s operating system

is built around Android 8.0

so it’s clean and easy to

use. It may not pack all the

niceties of one of Sony’s

flagships, but this TV has the

bulk of the performance at a

fraction of the price.

Price £799 / stuff.tv/XG9005

BEST

FOR

QUALITY