Sony generates loads of excitement among home theater enthusiasts when they unveil a new OLED TV. As a premium TV brand, expectations run high for gorgeous picture quality powered by innovative technology.
For 2021, Sony delivered with their line-topping A90J 4K Smart OLED TV. It serves as the pinnacle of television engineering achievement from Sony, bursting with cutting-edge enhancements like their cognitive "XR" processor, Acoustic Surface Audio+, and XR OLED Contrast Pro panel.
But intriguingly, Sony also introduced another highly-spec‘d OLED named the A80J. Sitting just below the A90J as a more affordable high-end offering, it shares many of the same features and advancements.
So how exactly do Sony‘s 2021 OLED flagships compare? Should you save money by opting for the A80J or splurge on the best-in-class A90J?
This comprehensive guide examines the differences across all aspects including:
- Picture quality
- Sound reproduction
- Smart TV & streaming
- Gaming performance
- Physical design
- Key specifications
- Price and value
By comparing these two outstanding 4K TVs in depth, my goal is equipping you to determine which model better aligns with your viewing priorities – and budget.
Time to dive in…
Head-to-Head Specs: A80J vs A90J
Before evaluating real-world performance, let‘s kick things off by looking at how the two OLED TVs differ on paper:
| Spec | Sony A80J | Sony A90J |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Sizes | 55", 65", 77" | 55", 65", 83" |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 4K UHD | 3840 x 2160 4K UHD |
| Panel Type | OLED | OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz native | 120Hz native |
| HDR Support | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Processor | Cognitive Processor XR | Cognitive Processor XR |
| HDMI Ports | 4 (2 HDMI 2.1) | 4 (2 HDMI 2.1) |
| Gaming Features | 4K 120fps, VRR, ALLM | 4K 120fps, VRR, ALLM |
| Audio Power | 30w | 60w |
| Launch Price | $2299 (55"), $2999 (65"), $3999 (77") | $2999 (55"), $3499 (65"), $4999 (83") |
Glancing through these top-level specs, you‘ll notice Sony endowed both OLED TVs with largely the same impressive display panel attributes like 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision/HDR10 support along with cutting-edge gaming connectivity via HDMI 2.1 ports.
They also share the same Cognitive Processor XR which leverages artificial intelligence for boosting picture, sound, and smart OS performance. How exactly? By understanding how the human brain interprets light, sound, and color then cross-analyzing content to optimize on-screen delivery.
But peer deeper beneath the surface, subtle – yet meaningful – enhancements emerge setting the step-up A90J apart as Sony‘s no compromise flagship. The additional outlays primarily buy you:
- An improved OLED panel
- Brighter pictures
- More powerful built-in sound
- Larger screen for big rooms
Now let‘s examine each area more closely to reveal where the A90J shines brighter and quantify whether the extra spending stretches your budget too far.
Picture Quality Showdown: A Noticeably Better OLED Panel
As capable OLED TVs, both the A80J and A90J output mesmerizing 4K images, achieving inky blacks thanks to self-illuminating pixels. So when evaluating picture quality differences, we’re examining fine shades of excellence.
But based on lab tests and technical design, the A90J does pull ahead with meaningful enhancements contributing to superior contrast and vibrancy.
Black Level
- A90J = 0.0005 nits
- A80J = 0.275 nits
Thanks to a new aluminum heatsink arrangement plus XR OLED Contrast Pro technology, the A90J OLED panel reaches lower black levels for improving shadow detail and depth.
Peak Brightness
- A90J = 1159 nits (25% window)
- A80J = 761 nits (25% window)
Likewise, the A90J’s panel and internal electronics muster higher brightness – namely on highlight peaks where the TV flexes its HDR muscles.
Off-Angle Viewing
The numbers indicate the A90J also holds up better showing darker blacks and less color shifting when viewing from sharp sides. This allows more seats around your living room to enjoy accurate colors and contrast.
There’s no understating the A90J’s picture refinements. However, outside of near pitch-black room environments, the A80J remains profoundly capable as its OLED panel calibration earned outstanding marks across standard and HDR content.
So evaluate yourexact situation. How dark is your dedicated home theater? Are seats arranged at extreme side angles? The brighter, high contrast A90J certainly helps combat those challenges better. But in normal living room setups, most viewers will be captivated by the A80J’s brilliant OLED imaging and questioning whether the A90J’s picture warrants another $1000+.
Built-in Sound: Improved But External System Still Ideal
Here’s another performance category where Sony innovates year-over-year…their acoustic surface speaker systems firing sound directly from the panel. Both TVs utilize it but the A90J implements upgraded audio components.
Audio Power
- A80J: 30w
- A90J: 60w
You may think double the wattage automatically equals vastly superior sound. However, perceived loudness doesn’t scale linearly. According to tests, the A90J reaches about 7db louder for clearer, deeper sound that’s notably better but not exponentially so.
Speaker Configuration
- A80J: 3-channel (left/center/right) Acoustic Surface w/subwoofer
- A90J: 3-channel (left/center/right) Acoustic Surface w/subwoofer
Here Sony sticks with the same arrangement – that is sound emanating forward directly from where dialog and effects occur on screen via actuators behind the panel.
Yet a key difference is only the A90J can function as a center channel speaker in a surround system thanks to an added Connect Terminal.
The improved audio inside Sony’s flagship A90J is appreciated. But candidly, neither TV‘s built-in sound competes with adding an external sound system. So while nice having, the upgraded Acoustic Surface speaker shouldn‘t significantly sway your buying decision.
Gaming: HDMI 2.1 Across Both Models
Over the last two years, Sony has committed to serious gamers by incorporating cutting-edge HDMI 2.1 ports and features into their premium TVs to support higher frame rates, quick response times, and variable refresh.
4K/120fps, VRR, ALLM
Gamers will be thrilled to learn both the A80J and A90J include HDMI ports enabling:
- 4K Resolution Up to 120fps: By doubling the refresh rate to 120Hz, compatible consoles like the PS5 display scenes twice as fast for ultra smooth motion clarity. Reduces blur during fast gameplay.
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): Synchronizes the TV‘s refresh rate with the source frame rate for preventing stutter, lag, and screen tearing. Enables more fluid, artifacts-free visuals as gameplay frame rates fluctuate.
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): The TV recognizes when you switch to gaming mode and automatically adjusts settings for minimal input lag (delay) between pressing a button and seeing action occur.
These capabilities advertise themselves by enabling a superior, buttery smooth gaming experience free of lag and distractions.
Input Lag
- 8.5ms (1080p @ 60Hz)
- The time required for pixels to change colors based on input signals
In real use, both OLEDs exhibit extremely responsive controller/keyboard input measuring 8.5ms delay for 60fps content. This lightning quickness keeps gameplay tightly synced with TV reactions for satisfying precision whether racing, fighting, or strategizing.
While fast twitch gamers may wish latencies dipped closer to 5ms territory, connectivity enabling 4K 120fps, VRR, and ALLM palpably improve next-gen console and PC gaming.
Smart TV & Streaming: Google TV is Identical
Sony ditched their old proprietary smart TV software in favor of the slick Google TV platform. So understandably A80J and A90J streaming functionality essentially mirrors each other delivering popular integrated apps.
Streaming & Apps
Of course you can directly install Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock, Prime Video and practically any major streaming service.
Google intelligently organizes selections you’d enjoy watching from across services into personalized recommendations so spending more time streaming instead of browsing.
Works With Alexa
Both TVs compatibility with Alexa smart devices for hands-free voice navigation control via Alexa Skills. For example, “Alexa turn on Sony TV” activates the correct HDMI input. Then request movies, control playback, adjust volume, or launch apps via speech.
Google TV brings excellent streaming versatility that should satisfy cord-cutters. And between both OLED models themselves, Sony grants access to the exact same apps and Alexa integration.
Physical Design & Connectivity
Shifting focus to physical attributes, there’s essentially no distinguishable outside differences in terms of:
- Bezel thickness
- Stand design
- Wall mount spacing
- Bezel finishes
Two slight foot support changes but otherwise nearly identical industrial design shared by both models:
Feet Difference
- A90J: Central metal stand
- A80J: Feet positioned further outward
Frankly feet placement comes down pure aesthetics and personal taste rather than significantly impacting function.
Slim Bezels
Bezels measure just 0.31” (A90J) and 0.35” (A80J) slim. This means the panel fills practically the entire front face.
VESA Compatibility
Both support standardized VESA wall brackets (300×300) for hanging the TV flush on a wall. Allows tilting for managing glare.
Connectivity
Around back, all physical ports correspond as well including:
- 4 HDMI ports with 2 supporting HDMI 2.1
- 3 USB inputs
- Composite video
- Optical digital audio out
- Ethernet (LAN)
In summary, nearly identical physical designs plus arrangement of video inputs/outputs. The number, type, and location of connectors remain consistent.
Price Comparison – Value Defining Distinction
We’ve covered how Sony’s A90J earns its flagship designation by calculated incremental enhancements. But we finally reach THE key question…are those advances worth hundreds more dollars?
Consider Sony prices the A90J $500+ higher than the A80J at every screen size tier:
| Model | 55-inch | 65-inch | Larger |
|---|---|---|---|
| A80J | $2299 | $2999 | 77" ($3999) |
| A90J | $2999 | $3499 | 83" ($4999) |
No doubt that extra cost buys some determining viewing improvements:
- Enriched contrast revealing extra detail
- Added brightness delivering stunning highlights
- Larger 83" option for big rooms
- Improved sound from beefier speakers
- Capability as surround sound center
Yet also remember most living rooms realize profoundly cinematic 4K OLED imaging from the A80J costing hundreds less with negligible compromises. Its HDMI 2.1 future proofs for next generation consoles and graphics cards. Audio quality still impresses. And you control streaming content using the identical Google TV platform.
Ultimately every buyer‘s budget and room priorities differ. But carefully weigh spending over 25% extra when Sony packs their lower priced A80J with nearly equal cutting edge capabilities plus a stunning OLED display bound to amaze friends regardless.
The Verdict? Sony A80J Delivers Better Overall Value
After examining Sony‘s 2021 OLED TV juggernauts across critical categories like picture performance, sound, gaming, smart features, design, and pricing here‘s my verdict…
The Sony A90J is objectively the better television demonstrating fine-tuned engineering gains that outclass competitors as Sony‘s absolute best-in-class 4K OLED TV.
However, the far more affordable Sony A80J prevails as my recommended buy satisfying near equally while saving significant money. Remember, smaller differences measuring on graphs don‘t always translate into hugely distinguishable real-world improvements.
Here are the key takeaways that led me to conclude the A80J is the smarter purchase for most shoppers:
- Despite small black level and brightness spec advantages, the A80J remains a sublime performer with gorgeous contrast and color
- Differences in audio and gaming are negligible in everyday scenarios
- You access identical top streaming apps via the Google TV platform
- Entry A80J screen sizes meet needs for most rooms
- Large $500+ price premiums are saved upfront going A80J
In my experience reviewing televisions, that money is better invested in external sound solutions or simply future-proofed savings.
For the few home theater purists requiring Sony‘s best built-in panel and audio or viewers with challenging room dynamics favoring brighter displays, the A90J flagship represents a fabulous aspirational option.
But when value enters the conversation, Sony‘s slightly more affordable OLED release sensibly balances prestige performance against sensible budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the A80J bright enough for well-lit rooms?
While the A90J technically measures brighter with small highlight windows, the A80J remains plenty bright hitting nearly 800 nits to combat glare and reflections. I would not hesitate placing the A80J in a room with windows.
Q: Do all HDMI ports support 4K 120Hz?
Yes. The two designated HDMI 2.1 ports on both TVs enable 4K resolution up to 120fps. So you can enjoy silky smooth gaming from a PS5, Xbox Series X, or high-end PC graphics card.
Q: Does image burn-in remain a concern on these OLED TVs?
All OLED panels can experience possible burn-in when static areas display too long. However, both Sony TVs incorporate Pixel Shift and Screen Refresh technologies to minimize the chances. Just vary content over time and avoid broadcast channel logos or game HUDs constantly shown.
Q: Can you control these TVs with Amazon Alexa?
Yes. Both the A80J and A90J integrate compatibility with Alexa home assistants. You can power on/off, change inputs, adjust settings, open apps, and playback media using Alexa voice commands.
Q: Which model has better sports motion handling?
Thanks to the same top-tier processor, panel response times, and refresh rates, both OLED TVs handle fast sports equally well. You‘ll enjoy clear, smooth playback for keeping eyes on the ball.
