Sony 83 Inch OLED BRAVIA XR A80L Review Stunning 4K Smart Google TV

Description

A Truly Immersive Experience with the Sony OLED 83″ BRAVIA XR A80L Series TV

Testing the Sony XR83A80L was something I had been looking forward to, and it didn’t disappoint. This 83-inch OLED TV, boasting features like Dolby Vision HDR and the Cognitive Processor XR, felt like a piece of tech engineered to redefine home entertainment. I’ve tested a fair number of TVs in the past, but this one had a certain charm—though not without its quirks.

Design and Build Quality

The sheer size of this 83-inch display is, without a doubt, its most striking feature when you first see it. Its sleek, modern design blends seamlessly into a living room setup, making it as much a centerpiece as a functional device. The thin bezels and black finish give it a premium aesthetic that screams luxury. Even the stand, which offers a sturdy base, feels thoughtfully designed to complement its massive size.

That said, maneuvering a 25-kilogram TV wasn’t the easiest task. It took two of us to safely position it on the stand. For anyone planning to mount it on the wall, be prepared for a bit of heavy lifting. The dimensions—16.88 x 74.13 x 42.25 inches—mean it’s not exactly compact, so you’ll need ample space to truly enjoy what it offers.

Picture Quality That Wows

The Cognitive Processor XR delivers an image that’s nothing short of breathtaking. I’ve honestly never seen OLED contrast and color reproduction this lifelike. Watching a nature documentary was mesmerizing—pure blacks, vivid colors, and natural hues made every frame feel alive. The processor’s ability to mimic how the human eye perceives depth and color is genuinely impressive.

One standout feature is the XR OLED Contrast Pro, which enhances detailed blacks and high peak brightness. I tested this by dimming the room lights and playing a sci-fi movie with plenty of dark scenes—it was as though the stars in the galaxy were right in my living room. The XR Triluminos Pro technology, which enables billions of accurate colors, adds an extra layer of realism.

On the downside, I noticed that the bright settings could sometimes cause minor glare in well-lit rooms. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to consider for those with large windows nearby.

Sound That Keeps Up with the Visuals

I’ll admit, I was skeptical when I read that the screen doubles as the speaker with Acoustic Surface Audio+. But it works—really well. The multi-channel speaker system creates a surround sound experience that feels as though the audio is coming directly from the action on the screen. Dialogue clarity was phenomenal, and the sound effects in action scenes had an immersive quality to them.

One minor gripe is that while the sound is rich and dynamic for most use cases, bass-heavy audio could feel a little underwhelming. If you’re a hardcore audiophile, pairing this with a good soundbar or external speaker system might be the way to go.

Exclusive Features for Gamers

If you’re a gamer, this TV seems almost tailor-made. The HDMI 2.1 capabilities allow for 4K/120Hz gaming, and the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) take gaming responsiveness to another level. I tried it with my PS5, and the Auto HDR Tone Mapping was a game-changer, ensuring optimal picture quality without the need for manual adjustments.

What really caught my attention was the Game Menu feature. Having all the gaming settings in one easily accessible place is a small but incredibly thoughtful touch. For anyone serious about console gaming, this TV feels like it was designed with you in mind.

Smart Features and Usability

The Google TV integration makes accessing apps and streaming services a breeze. I found the voice controls, powered by Google Assistant, to be intuitive and responsive. It also works with Alexa, which is a plus for those with a smart home setup. The added bonus of Apple AirPlay support makes it versatile for iOS users.

Another feature that stood out was BRAVIA CORE, which offers high-quality 4K UHD movies. The 5 credits for new releases and 12 months of subscription to classics felt like a thoughtful inclusion. It’s a great way to enjoy the TV’s capabilities right out of the box.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional OLED picture quality with lifelike colors and deep blacks.
• Acoustic Surface Audio+ delivers an immersive audio experience.
• Exclusive features like Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced elevate cinematic content.
• Gaming-focused options optimized for PlayStation 5 users.
• Intuitive Google TV interface and voice control compatibility.

Shortcomings

• Heavy and large, requiring careful planning for setup.
• Bright settings can cause minor glare in well-lit rooms.
• Bass performance in audio could use improvement.

Competing Products

Comparing this TV to other high-end OLED models, such as LG’s C3 series, highlights its strengths and weaknesses. While LG excels in gaming-specific features, the Sony TV’s Cognitive Processor XR and Acoustic Surface Audio+ give it an edge in delivering cinematic experiences. On the other hand, Samsung’s QLED TVs offer brighter displays, which might be better for rooms with a lot of natural light, but they don’t quite match the pure black levels of this OLED.

Cost Efficiency

This product isn’t cheap, but its feature-rich package makes it feel like a worthwhile investment for serious cinephiles and gamers. Compared to competitors, it strikes a balance between premium features and usability, making it a smart choice for those who want top-notch performance without going overboard.

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