Introduction
Sony has long been a leader in the television market, known for their commitment to image quality and innovative features. With the release of the Bravia 9 (XR90) OLED TV in March 2025, Sony aims to redefine the premium TV experience. In this review, we’ll explore the XR90’s cutting-edge technology, design, and performance to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home theater setup.
Design and Build Quality
The Bravia 9 (XR90) showcases Sony’s minimalist design philosophy with a sleek, bezel-less display that seems to float in mid-air. The TV’s ultra-thin profile measures just 6mm at its thinnest point, creating a striking silhouette when viewed from the side. Sony has introduced a new stand design that offers multiple height positions, allowing for easy soundbar placement without obstructing the view.
One of the most notable design features is the inclusion of Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which turns the entire screen into a speaker. This innovative approach not only saves space but also creates a more immersive audio experience by having the sound emanate directly from the image.
Picture Quality and Performance
At the heart of the XR90 is Sony’s new Cognitive Processor XR 2, which takes a significant leap forward in AI-driven picture processing. This advanced chip analyzes and optimizes every element in the scene in real-time, resulting in incredibly lifelike images that closely mimic how our brains process visual information.
The XR90 uses a new OLED panel technology that Sony calls “OLED EX+”. This panel offers increased brightness levels, with peak brightness reaching up to 2,200 nits in our HDR tests. This improvement addresses one of the few remaining criticisms of OLED technology, making the XR90 suitable for both dark room viewing and brightly lit environments.
Color accuracy and volume are exceptional, with the XR90 covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color space and an impressive 85% of the wider BT.2020 gamut. Sony’s Triluminos Pro technology ensures that colors are not only accurate but also richly saturated and lifelike.
Motion Handling and Processing
Sony has always excelled in motion handling, and the XR90 takes this to new heights. The TV features a 165Hz refresh rate and Sony’s XR Motion Clarity Pro technology, which reduces motion blur without introducing the dreaded “soap opera effect”. In our tests, fast-moving content remained crisp and clear, with minimal artifacts.
The XR90’s upscaling capabilities are equally impressive. The Cognitive Processor XR 2 does an excellent job of enhancing lower resolution content, adding detail and reducing noise without making the image look artificial.
Gaming Features
Gamers will appreciate the XR90’s gaming-centric features. With two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K 165Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), the TV is well-equipped for next-gen gaming consoles and high-end PCs. We measured an input lag of just 6.1ms in Game Mode, placing it among the most responsive TVs on the market.
Sony has also introduced a new “Perfect for PlayStation 5” feature set, which includes automatic HDR tone mapping and a new Game Menu that provides quick access to gaming-related settings and information.
Smart TV Features and Connectivity
The XR90 runs on Google TV, offering a clean and intuitive user interface with access to a vast library of apps and streaming services. Sony has enhanced the platform with their own Bravia Core streaming service, which offers a selection of Sony Pictures content in up to 4K HDR quality with IMAX Enhanced certification.
The TV also features Sony’s Ambient Optimization technology, which automatically adjusts picture and sound settings based on the room’s lighting conditions and acoustics. This ensures optimal performance regardless of the viewing environment.
Audio Performance
The Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology is more than just a gimmick. By using the entire screen as a speaker, the XR90 creates a surprisingly immersive soundstage with accurate audio positioning. The addition of two subwoofers improves bass response, resulting in a fuller, more robust sound than you’d expect from a TV this thin.
For those seeking an even more immersive audio experience, the XR90 is compatible with Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, which can create a multi-speaker setup using compatible Sony soundbars and wireless speakers.
Conclusion
The Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) OLED TV represents the pinnacle of Sony’s television technology, offering a compelling combination of stunning picture quality, innovative audio solutions, and advanced smart features. Its increased brightness levels and exceptional color performance make it a versatile choice for any viewing environment, while its gaming features cater to the needs of serious gamers.
While the XR90 comes with a premium price tag, its cutting-edge technology and versatile performance justify the investment for those seeking the ultimate home theater experience. Whether you’re a cinephile, a gamer, or simply someone who appreciates the finest in audio-visual technology, the Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) OLED TV is sure to impress and elevate your home entertainment to new heights.
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