After almost a year of speculation that QD-OLED TVs were coming in 2022, Sony has introduced its first entry, the model A95K, which is included in its Bravia XR TV line.
What is ironic is that QD-OLED panels are made by the Samsung Display Company, and although their sister company Samsung Electronics is on the way to their own QD-OLED TV model introductions, Samsung Display is more than happy to sell its QD-OLED panels to other brands. It is also important to note that for its OLED-only TVs, Sony buys those panels from LG Display Company.
August 2022 Update: Since its introduction, the Sony A95K series QD-OLED TV was crowned “The King of 4K TV” at the 2022 Value Electronics TV Shootout.
QD-OLED Technology in a Nutshell
Before getting into the details of the Sony A95K Bravia XR TV, here is a short overview of what makes QD-OLED different.
QD-OLED combines Quantum Dots with OLED and eliminates the need for an LCD panel. A layer of OLEDs placed on the back of the TV emits blue light (similar to a backlight). The blue light strikes a layer of quantum dots to produce green and red light, while a portion of the blue light from the OLED layer passes through untouched to the screen.
The result of the combination of the blue OLED and green and red light Quantum Dot light produces the displayed screen images. This eliminates the need to have an LCD screen panel and extra color filters to display images.
QD-OLED TVs can display absolute black just as an OLED TV can, while also displaying a wide color gamut via the use of Quantum Dots. However, blue organic OLEDs are unstable and have a short lifespan. To compensate, three layers of blue OLEDs are used to stabilize the blue light output and extend life.
Sony claims that the QD-OLED panel boosts color brightness by up to 200% compared to non-QD-OLED TVs.
Supporting Features
The A95K has a native 4K display resolution and uses the same XR Cognitive Processor and other capabilities of Sony’s other high-end LED/LCD and OLED TVs. Here are some key features of note:
XR Triluminos Max: Expands the displayed color gamut as wide as possible.
XR OLED Contrast Pro: Adjusts brightness for higher peaks in glare and deeper blacks in shadow areas.
Cinematic Features: Support for Dolby Vision/HDR, Imax Enhanced, and Netflix Calibrated viewing modes.
Gaming Support: 4K/120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Audio Low Latency Mode).
Acoustic Surface Audio+™: Just as with Sony’s OLED TVs, the A895K QD-OLED uses the screen as the TV speaker system. This helps to the sound location with what’s on-screen. The TV includes two large actuators in the screen and two subwoofers in the TV base.
Acoustic Center Sync: Optimizes sound output from the TV and soundbar (when used together) for a better audio experience.
Bravia Core: This is a streaming service that is offered only to owners of select Sony Bravia XR TVs. Content is selected from the extensive Sony Pictures film library and is accessible via credits given to each TV owner. The number of credits varies by Bravia XR TV model.
Bravia Cam and Ambient Optimization: Packaged with the A95K, the Bravia Cam recognizes where you’re sitting and optimizes the picture and sound accordingly. There are also gesture controls, video chat, and other capabilities. For those concerned about privacy, the Bravia Cam can be turned off when not in use or disconnected from the TV.
Google TV: This combines elements of Android TV with several thousand streaming services and Chromecast built-in, so you can cast content directly from compatible smartphones instead of having to use a plug-in chromecast media streamer.
Google Assistant: Use voice search to find content, manage apps, control TV settings, answer questions, and control other google-assistant compatible smart home devices.
Premium Remote: Sony has implemented a new remote control design that uses a simplified button and backlight for easy use in a darkened room. Also, instead of plastic, it has a durable aluminum body.
Dual Style Setup: When placing the TV, you can either use the “front position” which brings the screen forward or a “back position” which allows users to set the TV close to the wall, so it blends seamlessly with the room.
The Sony A95K QD-OLED Product Page (select features near the top of the page for details) and Promotional Video (below) highlight additional features.
Price & Availability
XR-55A95K (55-inch)
- $2,999.99 at Amazon | Sony | Crutchfield
- $3,999.99 at Amazon.ca | Sony.ca
- Amazon.co.uk (out of stock)
XR-65A95K (65-inch)
- $3,999.99 at Amazon | Sony | Crutchfield
- $5,199.99 at Amazon.ca | Sony.ca
- Out of stock at Amazon.co.uk
