Zoom fatigue and small screen weariness is certainly a thing in 2021. These are unprecedented times, when WFH has increased our screen time especially on laptops or desktops. It also means many of us don’t want to stare at a smartphone screen (even though these displays have become bigger and more vibrant with higher refresh rates) to catch up on our favourite shows or live sports after a day packed with virtual meetings and navigating spreadsheets. It’s why global TV sales have rebounded in 2020 hitting a record high of 70.24 million units for Q4 2020 (source: Omdia) alone. Smart TVs are driving this growth, it’s the same in India too.
Sony might have been one of the first movers in the Android TV space but this segment is crowded with everyone from OnePlus and Xiaomi joining the party. Sony has just unveiled its latest Android TV – the X75 series. It comes in two sizes – 43 and 50 inches. The only difference between both TVs is the screen size; we checked out the smaller, 43-inch version. In terms of design it doesn’t break new ground sticking to an elegant Sony template that we’re now familiar with. It’s quite light with minimal bezels and a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels with a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz. This 4K Ultra HD LED display can support high dynamic range content in HDR10 and HLG formats. 
TVs are not always easy to judge with a spec sheet, especially when it comes to picture quality. The X75 is a case in point. While there are multiple options with similar specs that may be priced lower than this TV, the X75 has a distinct edge in terms of picture quality. I tested this TV with multiple Apps – like Netflix, Hotstar and YouTube (With a mix of low-res and high-res content) and it didn’t disappoint. Sony’s X1 4K processor is one reason for this edge. This processor uses advanced algorithms that cut noise and boost details. This results in better colour and contrasts with a movie experience that’s closer to 4K resolution. Sony also touts the Live Color feature that offers lifelike pictures with natural colours that livens up the images.
Set up was easy. I signed in with an Android device (I used an OPPO) and it was seamless. The remote is intuitively designed and doesn’t take too long to get used to. I found the hot keys for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube mighty handy. However the most useful feature on the remote is Voice search, that works incredibly well. There was hardly an instance when the TV missed a voice command even when I was searching for regional news channels on YouTube during the Assembly Elections results. 
Sony has kitted this with a 20w (10w x 2) open baffle speaker system that is enhanced with Dolby Audio technology. While the audio output was good it’s certainly not the best in class. The dialogue enhancer feature is quite clever especially while watching dialogue-driven dramas or thrillers on Netflix.
The BRAVIA X75 comes with Google Assistant and Chromecast baked in, there’s also Sony’s X-Protection PRO technology that Sony claims protects the TV against power surges. It’s also loaded with enough ports that include 3 HDMI and 2 USB ports. But ultimately this TV deserves to be in your consideration set for its picture quality and seamless Android integration.
The Sony BRAVIA X75 comes in two sizes: KD-43X75 (43-inches) and the KD-50X75 (50-inches) that cost Rs 59,990 and 72,990 respectively.
