From CNET: Sony typically unveils its new TVs at CES in January but this year it rolled out a car instead, leaving the big screens for March. I recently got the chance to check out the company's new televisions in person and, as I expected, the star of the show was the 2023 Sony QD-OLED model, the A95L.
Sony's reps told me the A95L is twice as bright as its predecessor, the A95K. I didn't get the chance to measure it, and Sony wouldn't quote a brightness specification in nits, but I did get to eyeball the two models side by side in Sony's demo space. The A95L definitely looked brighter, and overall the image was as spectacular as I expected from a high-end OLED TV.
Sony also confirmed a tidbit I first learned from Samsung Display at CES. The QD-OLED's anti-reflective screen has been improved to better handle lighting in the room, which should help its image pop even more. That addresses an issue I noticed on 2022 QD-OLED TVs, including the A95K and the Samsung S95B, where their screens appeared grayer than most other high-end TVs under bright lights. I honestly didn't see much difference between the two Sonys in the demo, but I'll reserve full judgment until I can test an A95K in CNET's own lab.
OLED TVs, including new QD-OLED models that use quantum dots, have always delivered the best picture quality available. Until now, however, they've had a brightness disadvantage compared to non-OLED TVs, especially higher-end LCD and QLED models that use mini-LED backlights. A bright picture is important, not just for bragging rights, but to help the TV look its best in well-lit rooms as well as improving HDR performance. The new A95L could claim the prize for the best picture quality yet, but I won't know until I can compare it to the other premier TVs of 2023, including Samsung's 2023 QD-OLED and new OLED TVs from LG, which are also brighter than last year.
View: Full Article
