Sony 85 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series Review: Worth The Upgrade?

Dan George

TV
Sony TV

Looking for a giant TV that offers a premium viewing experience? We’ve spent time with the Sony X77L 85-inch TV, and it’s quite impressive for its size and capabilities.

This massive 85-inch 4K Smart TV delivers stunning picture quality thanks to Sony’s 4K Processor X1. We noticed how well it handles colors, making everything from movies to sports look natural and detailed. The TV upscales regular HD content to near-4K quality, which means even older shows look better than you’d expect.

Sony 85-inch X77L 4K TV

Google TV makes finding shows and movies simple. We found the interface easy to navigate, and being able to use voice commands with Google Assistant is a real time-saver. The TV also works with Alexa devices and supports Apple AirPlay, so connecting with your other smart home gear is no problem.

For gamers, the X77L has special features for PlayStation 5 that optimize picture settings automatically. The motion handling is solid too – fast action in sports and movies stays clear without the blurring you might see on lesser TVs.

Click here to purchase the Sony X77L and transform your home entertainment setup today!

Overview of the Sony 85 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series

Watching movies on this massive Sony X77L has been a game changer for our living room setup. The 85-inch screen fills our wall with crisp 4K imagery that looks fantastic even from across the room. We found the 4K Processor X1 does an excellent job upscaling our older HD content, making almost everything look sharper and more colorful.

Google TV makes finding shows simple, and the interface runs smoothly without frustrating delays. The voice search feature actually works well – we use it regularly to avoid typing with the remote.

The picture quality is impressive for this price range, though not quite as stunning as Sony’s premium models. Motion handling is solid when watching sports, with minimal blur during fast action scenes.

Lifelike Picture with 4K Processor X1

The picture quality on this Sony TV absolutely blew us away. The 4K Processor X1 does an amazing job bringing images to life with rich colors and sharp details. We noticed right away how it handles different lighting scenes – dark areas stay dark while bright spots pop without looking fake.

When we watched older shows, the upscaling technology worked impressively well. Our DVD collection suddenly looked much better than expected, with the TV converting the content to near-4K quality. Even streaming services with varying quality looked solid.

What makes this TV stand out is how natural everything looks. Colors appear true-to-life rather than oversaturated. We could see subtle details in both dark and bright scenes that were missing on our old TV.

The processor also helps with motion handling. Fast-moving sports and action movies play smoothly without the blurring we’ve seen on other large screens. Overall, the picture quality is excellent for this price range.

Immersive Color and Detail

The colors on this big screen are truly impressive. We were blown away by how lifelike the images appear on the Sony X77L. The 4K Processor X1 works hard to deliver sharp, vibrant visuals that pop right off the screen.

When watching nature documentaries, we noticed the greens of forests and blues of oceans looked natural rather than overly saturated. Dark scenes in movies show good contrast, though not quite as deep as more expensive models. The upscaling feature takes our older HD content and makes it look nearly 4K quality.

Sports and action movies play smoothly thanks to the Motionflow XR technology. We didn’t notice the annoying blur that often happens during fast-moving scenes on lesser TVs.

The wide color range makes everything from movies to games look rich and detailed. For the price point, this TV delivers excellent visual quality that makes watching anything more enjoyable.

Smart TV Capabilities

The Google TV system on this Sony makes streaming a breeze. We found setting up apps like Netflix and YouTube takes just minutes. The remote has dedicated buttons for popular streaming services, so we didn’t have to dig through menus to find our favorites.

Voice control works well through Google Assistant. We could simply ask it to “play Stranger Things” or “switch to ESPN” without touching the remote. The interface is clean and responsive with minimal lag when switching between apps.

We appreciated the Apple AirPlay support, which let us easily share videos and photos from our iPhones. The TV also works with Alexa devices, though the Google Assistant integration feels more seamless.

One minor issue we noticed is that the app store doesn’t have quite as many options as some competing platforms. Still, all major streaming services are available, and the intuitive menu layout makes finding content straightforward.

Gaming Optimization for PlayStation 5

Gamers will love what this TV brings to the PS5 experience. We noticed immediate improvements when connecting our PlayStation 5 to the Sony X77L. The exclusive Auto HDR Tone Mapping feature automatically adjusts the picture settings when you’re playing PS5 games, giving you the best visual experience without manual tweaking.

The Auto Genre Picture Mode is another standout feature. When we switched between gaming and streaming content on the PS5, the TV automatically adjusted its settings for optimal viewing. No more fumbling with picture modes!

While the 60Hz refresh rate isn’t as high as what dedicated gaming monitors offer, we found it perfectly adequate for most PS5 games. The Motionflow XR technology helps reduce motion blur during fast-paced action scenes.

Input lag feels minimal, which is crucial for competitive gaming. Colors pop nicely thanks to the 4K Processor X1, making games like Spider-Man and Horizon look stunning on the massive 85-inch screen.

We recommend using Game Mode for the best performance when playing on your PS5.

Clear Motion for Sports and Action

Sports fans will love how this TV shows fast action. We noticed right away that the Motionflow XR technology makes a big difference when watching basketball games and car races. The motion is smooth with almost no blur—even when players move quickly across the screen.

The 60Hz refresh rate might not sound impressive on paper, but Sony has optimized it well. We watched several football games and action movies, and the picture stayed clear throughout. Fast-moving objects don’t leave those annoying trails behind them like on some cheaper TVs.

One thing to note: you may want to adjust the motion settings for different content types. For sports, the “Standard” setting worked best for us, while movies looked more natural with it turned down slightly.

This isn’t the absolute best motion handling we’ve seen (some higher-end models do better), but for the price, we were really impressed with how well the Sony handles fast action scenes.

Pros and Cons

After spending several weeks with this massive 85-inch Sony X77L, we’ve formed some clear opinions about its strengths and weaknesses. The TV certainly makes a statement in any room with its enormous screen, but is it worth the investment? Here’s what we found during our testing.

Pros

  • Excellent picture processing – The 4K Processor X1 delivers sharp details and rich colors that really pop, especially when watching nature documentaries and sports.
  • User-friendly interface – Google TV provides easy access to all major streaming apps in one place, and the voice search works surprisingly well.
  • PlayStation 5 compatibility – The Auto HDR Tone Mapping feature makes a noticeable difference when gaming, automatically adjusting picture settings for optimal play.
  • Smooth motion handling – Motionflow XR technology keeps fast-moving scenes like sports and action movies looking clear without the annoying blur.
  • Strong upscaling – Older content looks better than expected thanks to the 4K XR-Reality PRO upscaling.

Cons

  • Audio limitations – While the built-in speakers are adequate for casual viewing, they lack depth for truly immersive movie experiences. We needed to add a soundbar.
  • Limited viewing angles – Picture quality noticeably degrades when watching from side angles, making it less ideal for wide seating arrangements.
  • Price point – Though competitive for Sony’s lineup, this model costs more than similar-sized options from brands like TCL or Hisense.
  • Weight and size – At this size, wall mounting requires substantial support and at least two people for installation.
  • Basic remote – The included remote feels a bit cheap compared to the TV’s premium positioning.

We found the X77L offers strong performance for everyday viewing and casual gaming, but audiophiles will want to budget for external speakers to complete the experience.

Customer Reviews

Shoppers have generally liked the X77L based on feedback we’ve seen. With 1,782 ratings averaging 4.2 stars, most buyers seem satisfied with their purchase. We noticed several comments about the picture quality, with many mentioning the bright, clear display that delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors. Sound quality gets decent marks for built-in speakers, though as with most TVs, serious audio enthusiasts might want external options.

Setup appears straightforward according to most users, with the Google TV interface receiving positive feedback for being quick and stable. Several reviewers mentioned upgrading from older or smaller models and being impressed by the difference. The value proposition comes up frequently – people feel they’re getting good quality for the price point.

Not everyone loves everything, of course. A few comments suggest picture settings need calibration out of the box to reach optimal performance. Overall though, the X77L seems to deliver what most people want in a large-screen TV experience.

Ease of Use and Setup

Setting up this big TV is easier than we expected. The X77L comes with a simple guide that walks you through the process step by step. We had it out of the box and running in about 20 minutes. The Google TV interface is straightforward to navigate, with apps and settings logically organized.

The remote is well-designed with dedicated buttons for Netflix and YouTube. We found voice control particularly helpful – just press the button and ask for what you want to watch. No more tedious typing with directional arrows!

Connection ports are easily accessible on the side and bottom. We connected our PlayStation 5, sound bar, and streaming device without any issues. The TV automatically recognized our devices.

One small complaint: the legs are quite wide, so make sure your stand is big enough. Wall mounting might be a better option for this 85-inch model if you have limited space.

Frequently Asked Questions

After spending several weeks testing the Sony X77L TV, we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions shoppers ask about this big-screen model. This 85-inch TV offers impressive features at its price point, but potential buyers naturally have questions before making such a significant purchase. We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions to help you decide if this is the right TV for your home.

What are the main features and specifications of the Sony 85 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series?

The Sony X77L comes packed with impressive specs. It features a 4K Processor X1 that upscales content to near-4K resolution with improved texture and detail. The 85-inch LED panel has a 16:9 aspect ratio and 60Hz refresh rate.

For smart features, it runs on Google TV with built-in Google Assistant, supports Apple AirPlay, and works with Alexa devices. The TV includes Motionflow XR technology for smoother action scenes and sports viewing.

Connection options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB ports, Ethernet, and HDMI inputs. At approximately 101 pounds, it’s substantial but comes with a stand if you prefer not to wall-mount it.

How does the Sony X77L Series compare to previous models like the Sony X75 and X80 Series?

The X77L offers notable improvements over the X75 series, particularly in processing power and picture quality. The 4K Processor X1 in the X77L provides better upscaling and color enhancement than what was available in the X75.

Compared to the X80 series, the X77L maintains similar smart features but at a more affordable price point. The X80 series typically offers slightly better motion handling and wider viewing angles, but the X77L closes this gap considerably with its Motionflow XR technology.

One area where we noticed improvement is in the user interface – the Google TV system on the X77L feels more responsive and intuitive than previous versions on older models.

What is the price range for the Sony 85 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series?

The Sony X77L 85-inch model typically retails between $1,300 and $1,600, depending on sales and retailer promotions. This positions it as a mid-range option in the large-screen TV market.

We’ve seen it discounted during major shopping events like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day, sometimes dropping below $1,200. Compared to premium OLED models or higher-end LED TVs in this size range (which can cost $2,000-3,000+), the X77L offers good value for its features.

Best Buy, Amazon, and other electronics retailers occasionally offer extended warranty options or bundle deals that might affect the final price.

What improvements does the Sony X77L Series offer over the Bravia 3 Series?

The X77L represents a substantial upgrade over the older Bravia 3 Series. The most noticeable improvement is in the smart TV platform – moving from the older Android TV to the newer, more streamlined Google TV interface with improved content recommendations.

Picture processing has advanced significantly, with the 4K Processor X1 delivering better upscaling of non-4K content and more accurate colors than what was available in the Bravia 3 line.

The X77L also includes newer HDMI features that work with PlayStation 5, including Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode – features that weren’t available on the older Bravia models.

Can you provide a summary of user reviews and expert opinions on the Sony X77L Series?

User reviews for the Sony X77L are generally positive, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on nearly 1,800 reviews. Many users praise the picture quality, especially for the price point, with particular appreciation for the color accuracy and upscaling of non-4K content.

Several customers mentioned the straightforward setup process and user-friendly Google TV interface. The sound quality receives mixed reviews – some find it adequate for a built-in speaker system, while others recommend adding a soundbar for a better audio experience.

Expert opinions typically position the X77L as a solid mid-range option, highlighting Sony’s reliable processing and color science. Some reviewers note that while it doesn’t have the latest and greatest features of Sony’s premium lineup, it delivers excellent performance for everyday viewing and casual gaming.

What year was the Sony 85 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series released?

The Sony X77L Series was released in 2023, with this specific 85-inch model (KD85X77L) becoming available on June 12, 2023. As a recent model, it benefits from Sony’s latest processing technology while maintaining a competitive price point.

Being a 2023 model means it includes current smart TV features and will likely receive software updates for several years. This makes it a good option for those who want a recent model without paying premium prices for the absolute newest technology.