Sony A95L 2023 QD-OLED TV: Twice the brightness with Dolby Vision Gaming

In 2023, Sony will again use QD-OLED technology for its flagship model series. All the details about the Sony Bravia A95L 4K QD-OLED TV can be found here!

Sony introduced its 2023 TV lineup with a slight delay. In fact, the Japanese electronics manufacturer always uses CES in the spring as its introduction to new TVs, but this time it took a little longer. This year Sony also relies on QD-OLED technology and presents with the A95L the second TV at the same time with self-lighting QD-OLED pixels. The form will be in 55, 65 and 77 inches are new to be available. Unfortunately, Sony has not yet announced pricing and exact delivery dates.

QD-OLED with 200% peak brightness

One Sony phrase that makes us sit up and take notice is doubling the peak brightness on our new QD OLED TV. Calibrated for last year’s model, between 950 and 960 nits was confirmed on a very small 2% window. So the A95L should easily crack at 1,800 nits. Sony made this claim, but did not provide any specific details regarding what area the new model is in in terms of peak brightness. According to the manufacturer, the device will also be able to cover a larger color volume with increased luminance.

On the one hand, Sony owes this improvement to the new panel from Samsung Display, which already uses a brighter OLED material. There is also a heat-conducting layer on the back of the screen, which is best controlled by thermal analysis of the processor. However, the technology’s top priority is not to damage the screen. Sony’s marketing names for this interface between display and processor are called XR OLED Contrast Pro and XR Triluminous Max.

New: XR Clear Image

When processing different video signals, the new XR Clear Image technology will improve visual display in the future. This technology is not only available for the A95L, but for all Bravia XR models from 2023. The XR Clear Image learns to understand the characteristics of the signal source through an in-depth analysis (resolution, encoding parameters, and bitrate), enabling “adaptive interference noise reduction” and “Adaptive Super Resolution” – if needed The technology must be able to recognize optimized content from external sources (such as a DVD in a 4K Blu-ray player) in order to “align” the algorithms in the best way possible.

A95L debuts Pentonic 1000 processor

Speaking of the processor, the Sony A95L is the first (and only) Sony TV to feature the new MediaTek Pentonic 1000 processor. QD-OLED TV can certainly be seen as the spearhead of the 2023 product line. Bravia XR officially recognized) only by the first test reports. However, two innovations are already known. The A95L is the first Sony TV also capable of Dolby Vision Gaming processing, which is currently only supported by the Xbox Series X/S. However, it wouldn’t be Sony if “Auto HDR Tone Mapping” and “Auto Genre Picture Mode” weren’t mentioned in the the same time. These features make all XR TVs “perfect for PS5”.

New Multi View for Sony A95L

In addition, it supports the new Sony A95L Multiple display feature, where two signal sources can be displayed in parallel on the screen. The user can freely choose between applications and input variables (contacts, screen mirroring, etc.). The audio mix of the two signals can also be set manually. For example, you can enjoy a video game at 100% volume while watching a soccer match at only 30% volume in the second window. As mentioned, this feature will only be available for the A95L within Sony’s lineup.

When it comes to games, we have to mention Sony’s new game menu, which will be introduced for the first time with the 2023 models. The user can call up the game menu with the touch of a button and find all the important settings for image and sound reproduction on a clear interface. You can quickly correct VRR settings, black equalizer (black value), reduce motion blur, or show the crosshair, although this is not intended in the game. After the firmware update, the game screen size can also be corrected between 100% and 30%. This should allow maximum focus in ordering gaming games.

2 HDMI 2.1 “only”

The new processor also enables the processing of 4K video signals with 120 Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Unfortunately, with the Pentonic 1000 there are still two full HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). A little disappointing, especially for those who have for example a PC and PS5 but want to stream audio to a compatible sound system via eARC. In the end, only HDMI 2.1 switch will help you to use all the devices without having to switch HDMI cables.

Acoustic Surface Audio +

Moving on to sound processing, like all Sony’s OLED TVs, the A95L makes a nice differentiator with its Acoustic Surface Audio+ feature. The screen is made to vibrate by actuators, which causes sound waves to emit. The sound comes directly from the screen and delivers a convincing 2.2 sound with two additional subwoofers in the back. Sony has merged its TV division with its home audiovisual division, which means that more improvements for users can be expected in the near future. One of the first features to emerge from this symbiosis is Acoustic Center Sync. TV audio can be combined with compatible Sony soundbars (HT-A9, HT-A7000, HT-A5000, HT-A3000) to deliver a fuller sound experience.

Google TV and Bravia Core

The Google TV user interface remains largely unchanged, but has been expanded to include new features and tricks included. At the presentation, Sony once again waved the flag of the Bravia Cam, an optional camera that comes with the A95L. The device not only allows video telephony, but also optimally adjusts sound reproduction to the seated position of the viewer, dims the light when you leave the room for a moment, or warns you if very young children approach the TV. What great features, whether you really use them in full, is up to the user. If you want to enjoy privacy, you can easily remove it or activate privacy control (physical lens cover + microphone deactivation).

It is controlled by a premium remote control with backlight and finder function. The latter can be activated via a voice command to the Google Assistant, which beeps from the remote control. Not only on the premium remote, but also for other variants, there are also two new function buttons, one for YouTube and one for the Crunchyroll animation streaming service. A button for Sony’s “Bravia Core” streaming gateway can also be found in the quick select buttons.

In the example of buying a new A95L, this can be used for 24 months for free. A variety of content is available during this period. Certain movies can be unlocked using so-called movie credits, 10 of which are available. Bravia Core is said to match 4K Blu-ray quality at bit rates up to 80Mbit/s and has delivered Dolby Atmos 3D audio since the beginning of this year! Plus movies in IMAX format with IMAX Enhanced Sound (DTS). There’s even a “Bravia Core Calibrated Mode” in the picture settings for the perfect picture experience. However, it is a bit strange that you need around 115Mb/s to get the best quality, which can only be achieved via WiFi 6 or a USB LAN dongle. The Sony A95L’s Ethernet/LAN connection still only provides 100Mbit/s.

New feet – perfect design

Finally, we’d like to take a closer look at the Sony A95L’s design. The TV model is now slimmer overall, and the stocky “dual stand” of last year is a thing of the past. The QD-OLED TV is now delivered with a slate (aluminum) stand in the color Dark Silver. The feet can be installed on the edge of the TV, which means they cannot be mirrored onto the screen. There is also a raised position variant to allow easy installation of the subwoofer below the TV. The 77-inch version is also equipped with a “center stand position” so that the device can also be placed on smaller TV furniture.

Difference A95L (2023) vs A95K (2022)

What stands out about the A95L and what does the TV have that the A95K from 2022 doesn’t? There we have an optimal design with, in our opinion, a better solution. The device is equipped with the powerful Pentonic 1000 processor that enables Dolby Vision Gaming (4K @ 120Hz) and Multi View. The XR Clear Image technology should also improve image quality, provided it’s not playing native 4K video signals at a high bit rate. Last but not least, we must mention the increased peak screen brightness (reportedly 200% compared to last year’s model) and the new 77-inch variant that accompanies the popular 55- and 65-inch models. All in all a good update and the Sony A95L is sure to feature in many of the leaderboards again this year.