Samsung Q80B Vs Sony X90K: Comparing Key Features And Performance
If you’re looking for a high-end 4K TV, the Samsung Q80B and Sony X90K are two models worth considering. Both offer QLED and full array local dimming for excellent picture quality. But which is better for features like gaming, screen brightness, and more?
In short, the Samsung Q80B excels in color accuracy and gaming capabilities while the Sony X90K is better for viewing angles and motion handling. The X90K has slightly higher peak brightness but weaker local dimming.
At similar price points, the Q80B is best for mixed usage while the X90K appeals to TV/movie watching.
Picture Quality
Brightness Levels
When it comes to brightness levels, both the Samsung Q80B and Sony X90K offer impressive performance. The Q80B boasts a peak brightness of 1200 nits, providing vibrant and detailed images even in well-lit environments. On the other hand, the X90K offers a slightly higher peak brightness of 1300 nits.
This means that both TVs can deliver stunning visuals with excellent brightness, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.
Contrast and Local Dimming
Contrast and local dimming play a crucial role in enhancing the picture quality of a TV. The Samsung Q80B features Direct Full Array 8X technology, which enables precise control over individual zones of LEDs, resulting in deep blacks and bright whites.
Similarly, the Sony X90K utilizes Full Array Local Dimming technology to achieve exceptional contrast levels. Both TVs excel in this aspect, providing a visually striking image with rich colors and excellent depth.
Viewing Angles
When it comes to viewing angles, the Samsung Q80B and Sony X90K have different approaches. The Q80B utilizes Ultra Viewing Angle technology, which ensures that the picture quality remains consistent even when viewed from off-center angles.
On the other hand, the X90K employs X-Wide Angle technology, which enhances the viewing angles and minimizes color distortion. Both technologies are effective in their own right, allowing viewers to enjoy a clear and vibrant picture, regardless of where they are seated.
Motion Handling
Smooth motion handling is essential, especially for fast-paced action scenes or sports events. The Samsung Q80B features a 240Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and fluid motion without any blur or judder.
The Sony X90K, on the other hand, offers a 120Hz refresh rate, which is also capable of delivering smooth motion. However, it’s worth noting that the higher refresh rate of the Q80B may provide a slight edge in terms of motion handling.
Gaming Performance
Input Lag
When it comes to gaming, input lag is a crucial factor to consider. This refers to the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the corresponding action on your screen. Both the Samsung Q80B and Sony X90K excel in this department, offering incredibly low input lag.
According to tests conducted by gaming enthusiasts, the Q80B boasts an impressive input lag of just 10 milliseconds, while the X90K is not far behind with a lag of 12 milliseconds. These minimal delays ensure a smooth and responsive gaming experience, allowing you to react quickly to in-game events.
Variable Refresh Rate
Another important aspect for gaming is the variable refresh rate (VRR) technology, which helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. The Samsung Q80B and Sony X90K both support VRR, but there is a slight difference in their implementation.
The Q80B utilizes FreeSync, a technology developed by AMD, while the X90K supports NVIDIA’s G-Sync. Both technologies provide similar benefits, but it’s worth noting that FreeSync is generally more accessible and compatible with a wider range of devices.
So, if you own an AMD graphics card or plan to use the TV for gaming on multiple platforms, the Q80B might be the better choice.
HDMI 2.1 Support
In recent years, HDMI 2.1 has become the new standard for high-quality video and audio transmission. Both the Samsung Q80B and Sony X90K come equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing you to take full advantage of the latest gaming consoles and graphics cards.
With HDMI 2.1, you can enjoy features like 4K resolution at higher frame rates, variable refresh rate, and auto low latency mode. This ensures a future-proof gaming experience, as you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues or missing out on cutting-edge gaming technologies.
Smart TV Experience
When it comes to the smart TV experience, both the Samsung Q80B and Sony X90K offer an array of features that enhance your viewing pleasure. Let’s take a closer look at each aspect:
Interface and Apps
Both Samsung Q80B and Sony X90K come with user-friendly interfaces that make navigating through menus and apps a breeze. The Samsung Q80B utilizes the Tizen operating system, which provides a smooth and intuitive interface.
With a wide range of pre-installed apps and access to the Samsung App Store, users have access to a plethora of streaming services, games, and other content.
On the other hand, the Sony X90K employs the Android TV platform, offering a familiar and customizable interface. With Google Play Store integration, users can easily download and install their favorite apps, games, and multimedia content.
The Android TV interface also provides recommendations tailored to your preferences, making it easier to discover new content.
Voice Control
Both the Samsung Q80B and Sony X90K support voice control, allowing users to navigate through menus, search for content, and even control other smart devices using their voice. The Samsung Q80B utilizes its own voice assistant, Bixby, which provides a seamless and responsive experience.
With Bixby, users can easily find their favorite shows, adjust settings, and even ask general knowledge questions.
Meanwhile, the Sony X90K supports Google Assistant, which offers a wide range of functionalities beyond just controlling the TV. With Google Assistant, users can control smart home devices, check the weather, and even get answers to trivia questions, all through voice commands.
The integration with Google’s ecosystem allows for a seamless experience across multiple devices.
Audio Features
Both the Samsung Q80B and Sony X90K offer impressive audio features that enhance the overall viewing experience. The Samsung Q80B features built-in speakers that deliver immersive sound quality with its Object Tracking Sound technology.
This technology creates a three-dimensional audio experience, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
On the other hand, the Sony X90K incorporates Acoustic Multi-Audio technology, which uses additional speakers positioned at the back of the TV to create a more realistic soundstage. This technology enhances the audio by aligning the sound with the on-screen action, creating a more immersive and lifelike experience.
Conclusion
For most well-rounded performance, the Q80B is a slightly better choice over the X90K. But the Sony TV prevails in some areas like viewing angles and motion. Overall, the Q80B is ideal if you play games or watch varied content. The X90K shines for home theater movie nights.
Either is an excellent 4K TV, so choose based on your priorities.
