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Sony-TV and Samsung-TV 2020 : Every Sony Bravia and Master Series TV | And Samsung Smart TV out this year.

Every OLED and LCD-LED Sony TV model we’ve seen in 2020

The Sony TV 2020 lineup certainly hasn’t disappointed. While Sony doesn’t put out quite as many televisions as some of its competitors (cough, Samsung, cough) there’s still a number of LCD and OLED models that are now released and available to buy.

Sony is, as ever, one of the best TV brands to keep a track of, with another 8K TV for 2020 (the Z8H, now reviewed), more high-spec 4K OLED TVs (A8H, A8G), and a mix of LCD sets (i.e. the XH95) for the rest of us. (Which will you choose? Our OLED vs LED guide may be able to help you there.)

Add to that the XH81, XH80 and X70 4K HDR TVs, and there’s already a whole host of Sony TVs for you to peruse, desire, and maybe even purchase in 2020.

Not to mention the new 48-inch OLED model for the Sony A9, which brings one of the best OLED TVs we’ve seen to a more accessible size and price point.

• Check out the best 65-inch and 75-inch 4K TVs

But what’s new for Sony TVs in 2020? Not that much, admittedly. There’s a new 48-inch size for Sony’s A9G OLED from 2019, bringing the high-end set to a more affordable (and compact) model.

Aside from a new size here and there, though, Sony is leaning on largely iterative improvements, and is still sporting some audio technologies we have mixed feelings about (more on that below). Given Sony uses the Android smart TV platform on most of its sets, 2020 has seen an upgrade to the latest Android 9.0 iteration too, as well as the introduction of the Now TV streaming app.
So what exactly has been announced, what’s on the market, and how good are these new Sony TVs, really? Here’s everything you need to know about the Sony TV 2020 lineup.

Sony 2020 TV technology 

What’s new for 2020? Internally, not that much. Sony’s flagship televisions this year use the same X1 Ultimate processor as 2019, meaning that, while there may be some improvements in how Sony deploys and makes use of that processing power, these 2020 TVs don’t actually have any more computing power at their disposal.

One new feature is Ambient Optimization, which Sony describes as “a new technology that optimises picture and sound quality in any customer environment.” It will enable select Sony TVs to adjust the picture brightness automatically depending on the level of light in your living room (or bedroom, cabin, wherever), ensuring you don’t suffer from too much glare or struggle with dim images – say, as some may find with the low brightness of OLED models, of which Sony has several.

It’s quite similar to the new Dolby Vision IQ technology we’re seeing deployed by Panasonic in its new HZ2000 OLED TV, though it won’t be exclusive to only one HDR format, and will also be able to detect the layout of the room (furniture, curtains, etc) and fine-tune the acoustics of the sound being played by its speakers.

Several sets will continue Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which uses motor-driven ‘actuators’ placed around the set’s casing to vibrate sound across the whole panel. It’s a neat concept in theory, though it can serve to muddy the audio somewhat as it spreads it around. The Z8H will use what Sony calls a ‘frame tweeter’ to enhance this, though it seems to be the same underlying concept as in previous years

Acoustic Surface Audio+ vibrates the panel itself to emit sound from across the screen.

Sony TVs are well-known for their TV stand designs – which might be a weird reputation to embrace, especially as the tilted screens of previous years weren’t always received warmly. But the premium models this year will actually have adjustable feet below the television, allowing an element of customization that means you don’t need a counter / table as wide as the panel to prop it up.

We also can’t talk about Sony in 2020 without mentioning the next-gen PS5 console – and Sony has made sure at least some of its new sets will support the console’s advanced capabilities. The Z8H’s panel can display 8K gaming, for starters, while both it and the X900H 4K LED will support 4K play at 120Hz frame rate. (The X900H will need to wait for a software update sometime after launch, though.)

As ever, the new Sony TV range will make use of the Android TV smart TV platform, now in its Android 9.0 (Pie) iteration, with 4K HDR models coming with built-in Google Assistant, Alexa compatability, and Apple AirPlay 2 for casting from iOS devices. Sony also supports Dolby Vision rather than the competing HDR10+ format.

As of September 30, Sony Bravia TVs in the UK (2016 models onward) also support the Now TV app.

New Sony TVs for 2020

Sony Z8H 8K LCD (available in 75, 85 inches):

Sony’s flagship 8K display was one of two new sets shown off at CES this year, with an X1 Ultimate processor, 4K video at 120Hz, Dolby Vision / Atmos, Netflix Calibrated Mode, and even moveable feet for easy placement in your home. Its new ‘frame tweeters’ should enhance Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ tech, too.

US models: XBR-75Z8H, XBR-85Z8H
UK models: KD-75ZH8, KD-85ZH8

Sony A8H 4K OLED (available in 55, 65 inches):

This 4K/HDR display may have lower specs than the Z8H flagship, but it’s still a heavyweight in Sony’s 2020 TV lineup. Its OLED panel will ensure deep blacks and incredible brightness control, with the X1 Ultimate processor, Dolby Vision / Atmos support, and Netflix Calibrated Mode to make it shine. This year’s OLED also gets Sony’s X-Motion Clarity technology for the first time, which should help smooth out fast-moving scenes.

Read our full Sony A8H/AH8 4K OLED TV review

US models: XBR-55A8H, XBR-65A8H
UK models: KD-55AH8, KD-65AH8

Sony A9G 4K OLED (new 48-inch size):

Hold on, isn’t this a 2019 model? Correct! But Sony is using the stellar A9G to introduce its first 48-inch OLED display. Other manufacturers such as LG will be doing the same in their TV ranges, but Sony will still be one of the first few doing so. It’s now available to preorder for £1,799 in the UK, with a similar $1,799 pricing expected in the US shortly.

US models: XBR-48A9G
UK models: KD-48AG9

X950H 4K LCD (available in 49, 55, 65, 75, 85 inches):

Another LCD set with the X1 Ultimate processor, Dolby Vision / Atmos, and the Sound-from-Picture Reality tech for pinning audio to its source onscreen. The 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch models have a flush design with minimal bezel, too.

Sony is making a number of improvements this year like the expansion of X-Wide Angle technology to the 55- and 65-inch models and improved Acoustic Multi-Audio, one of the biggest issues we had with last year’s X950G.

Read our full Sony Bravia X950H/XH95 TV review

US models: XBR-49X950H, XBR-55X950H, XBR-65X950H, XBR-75X950H, XBR-85X950H

UK models: KD-49XH9505, KD-55XH9505, KD-65XH9505, KD-75XH9505, KD-85XH9505

• The Sony XH95 is the Sony 4K TV to buy this year (if you’re not sold on OLED)

X900H 4K LCD (available in 55, 65, 75, 85 inches):

A 4K/HDR set that uses the less advanced X1 processor. You won’t get as advanced picture processing, but you still get the same format support and full-array local dimming for detailed brightness control.

US models: XBR-55X900H, XBR-65X900H, XBR-75X900H, XBR-85X900H
UK models: KD-55XH9005, KD-65XH9005, KD-75XH9005, KD-85XH9005

X800H 4K LCD (available in 43, 49, 55, 65, 75, 85 inches):

Same X1 processor as above, but without the full array local dimming – meaning brightness won’t be as consistent. UK shoppers will be able to choose between the XH80, XH81 and XH85, with each varying slightly in the design, feet, and sizing.

The 43-inch version will cost $699 / £649 (around AU$1,150), the 55-inch will come in at $999 / £949 (around AU$1,650) while the 65-inch and 75-inch come in at $1,199 / £1,099 (around AU$1,980) and $1,799 / £1,899 (around AU$2,970), respectively, and the range-topping 85-inch X800H at $2,699 / £2,499 (around AU$4,450). These prices are for the XH80 model, with the XH81 and XH85 varying only slightly.

US models: XBR-43X800H, XBR-49X800H, XBR-55X800H, XBR-65X800H, XBR-75X800H

UK models: KD-43XH8505, KD-49XH8505, KD-43XH8196, KD-49XH8196, KD-55XH8196, KD-65XH8196, KD-43XH8096, KD-49XH8096, KD-55XH8096, KD-65XH8096, KD-75XH8096, KD-85XH8096

X70 4K LCD (available in 49, 55, 65 inches): Likely the cheapest 4K/HDR set in the Sony 2020 TV lineup, this UK-only set ditches the Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support for simpler television offering. Expect lower-spec processing too.

The X70 starts at just £599 (around $740 / AU$1,220) for the 43-inch model, with additional 49-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch sizes available

UK models: KD-49X7052, KD-55X7052, KD-65X7052

Sony Master Series 2019 Models 

Sony Z9G 8K (available in 85, 98 inches): An 8K wonder powered by Sony’s X1 Ultimate processor, with a resurrected Backlight Master Drive from Sony’s 2016 Z Series TVs delivers enhanced contrast and precision controlled brightness – as well as a dedicated viewing mode for watching Netflix. Intrigued? 

The 85-inch model retails at £13,999 (around $17,675), while a monstrously large 98-inch model will jump you up to £84,999 (around $107,330). If the price tag doesn’t puts you off – or even if it does – read more in our five-star Sony Bravia Master Series Z9G 8K HDR TV review.

US models: XBR-85Z9G, XBR-98Z9G 

UK models: KD-85ZG9, KD-98ZG9 

Sony A9G 4K (available in 55, 65, 77 inches): This second-tier Master Series set uses the X1 Ultimate processor to power some serious 4K visuals – as well as the same Netflix Calibrated Mode as the Z9G. 

With an OLED panel, you’ll also be getting some vivid color contrast and deep blacks, even if high-end LED tech is starting to give it a run for its money. Speaking of money, the 55-inch model will start at $2,799 / £2,999 (around AU$3,970). Check out our Sony A9G OLED review for why we gave it a full five stars.

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