This 55 inch X85K replaced my 65 inch X900F from 2019. The 2022 X85k is an upgrade all around.
Overall experience:
The blacks are more dark, there is no milky haze over the screen. The colors pop and the overall picture seems to be more sharp and detailed. I was able to sell my 65 inch X900F used and got the 85K the very next day for a little more money, so the comparisons are fresh and with the same sources (Apple TV 4K, PS5).
The thing about this Sony TV (and other Sony TV)s is that once you see the pictures they produce, it is hard to go back to a different brand, even if it's Samsung or LG. The colors are natural and just seem to produce realness, especially with live sports and nature documentaries. If you watch MMA, Youtube or Netflix a lot, this TV for this price point will be hard to beat. The skin color on people look real. UFC events with all color variations and shades, even of the same color, are noticeable. Sony TVs provide a different dimension to the viewing experience. It is similar to getting a good pair of headphones, and suddenly hear instruments and details you were missing before. This is the best comparison I can come of with.
PS5 pairing / Soundbar pairing:
This TV is specifically made with focus to compliment other Sony products. You can find complains of people who have problems with Denon or Bose sound systems or receivers.... Well, it's not the case with a Sony sound system. I have the expensive Sony HT-Z9F that is connected to ARC (HDMI3 only!) and my PS5 connected to HDMI 4 (you must!) The TV is able to recognize both in seconds, rename them in the input settings and seamlessly function. I actually just unplugged everything from my old TV and re-plugged in the new TV, without resetting anything, and 0 problems. Actually, the Soundbar seems to work a little better (I am guessing this is due to the 2.1 HDMI signal) compared to the 2.0 HDMI from the old TV. This is a HUGE upgrade also for PS5, because you guessed it, it does natively support 120HZ at 4K. You have to make sure about two things for this to happen:
1. Your PS5 (or XBOX X) has to be plugged in to HDMI 3 or 4 (HDMI 4 if you have a ARC capable Soundbar like I do).
2. You must go the Input setting for your HDMI in your TV settings and make sure you enable Enhanced with VRR. Do not chose the Dolby option, because that will cut your refresh rate to 60 FPS.
I recently bought a 1440p 120 Hz gaming monitor for my Xbox X to run 120 fps and this TV performs equally. You can try games like Rocket League, Need For Speed Unbound and the new Modern Warfare 2 for 120 refresh rate. You will definitely love this TV for PS5 gaming, not just because of the seamless installation and 120 refresh rate, but also interconnection. You can use the remote of the TV to browse the PS5 menus and vice versa. Btw. Make sure you enable VRR in your PS5 settings as well.
To conclude (Sony) gaming and (Sony) soundbar experience: this is a 10/10. Everything works seamlessly; 2.1 HDMI works as it should; you can control both with the TV remote.
Apple devices:
This TV has Airplay 2, which means two great things. One, you can seamlessly connect any Apple devices and mirror your content. And two, you can seamlessly connect any Apple devices and mirror your content :) That means websites of all kinds - WITHOUT an Apple TV. If you have a Mac, iPhone, iPod you will love this TV for the connectivity.
Remote:
Some people don't agree with removing the numeric buttons, but I dig the new remote a lot. It's much more simple, has GREAT grip due to the patterns on the back casing & have everything you need. If you don't have any other sources, this could easily be your only point of contact with TV. There is a Netflix button, Youtube button and Amazon Prime button. It's also much smaller than the previous generation, which is something Sony had to do to compare to other brands. The numeric and other options ARE available in the Software once you pull up the settings.
Negatives:
There are 3 negatives with this TV:
1. The "123" button provides detail information about the resolution, the source and whether HDR is on or not. It's the equivalent to the "Display" button from the previous remotes. Unfortunately, it does NOT show you if you are running 60HZ or 120HZ. Considering 120 refresh rate is a key selling point for this TV with the HDMI 2.1 feature, this is a misstep by Sony.
2. This is apparently not specific to Sony TVs only, but to any LED panel TVs, but there is a noticeable "shadow" or discoloration in the corner of the TV at all times. You will see this when the screen is bright. Once you see it, it is hard to unsee it. Now, to be fair, if you are watching a movie and there is that black bar, you will never notice it. If the screen is filled with color, it is hard to notice. But it is there.... it will be there with other TVs as well, and from what I understand, depends unit to unit how much or how little is it visible. Keep this in mind.
3. Sony support is a hit and miss. The PS5 SW support is absolutely horrible. I promised to never buy a Sony product again, but the picture quality keeps me with them. I don't have a bad experience with TV support thus far, but keep this in the back of your mind. Here is where AMAZON support can help more to replace the unit or whatnot, so I highly recommend buying it here.
Conclusion:
This TV, especially on sale, is a superb investment for the next 5-6 years. There are TVs with better reflection coating or better picture, but they also will be $300+ more. For that money, you can buy a console or a soundbar and get a much better experience. I would always recommend a Sony TV over other brands because of the picture. I am not a Sony fan, but I am a fan of good investments. I really thing this is one of them.
| Brand Name | Sony |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 101.8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 74.88 x 18 x 46.38 inches |
| Country of Origin | Mexico |
| Item model number | KD85X85K |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Color Name | Black |
| Special Features | 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 features 4K120/VRR/ALLM, Google TV with Google Assistant, Narrow bezel design, Exclusive features for the PlayStation® 5, TRILUMINOS Pro, BRAVIA CAM compatible |
| Speaker Type | Bass Reflex Speaker X-Balanced Speaker |
| Item Weight | 101.8 Pounds |
| Standing screen display size | 85 Inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Voltage | 230 Volts (AC) |
