Sony vs Samsung TV Comparison
Dimensions
57.6 x 13.5 x 35.4 inches
Dimensions
57.6 x 13.5 x 35.4 inches
Sony vs Samsung: Which is Really Better?
This Samsung vs Sony battle is dedicated to two widely known manufacturers that have made their names in the TV industry long ago. They both sell their TVs globally and offer a wide range of Full HD, 4K, and even 8K models of different sizes (from 32 inches to 85 inches) and at different price points. Both brands also use such premium technologies as QLED and OLED.
Nevertheless, both brands have a wide range of their own technologies, aimed at improving the picture quality of their TVs.
Main Features
The first thing that should be highlighted in this Sony vs Samsung 4K TVs comparison is that the brands provide similar basic functions, such as Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, 4K video upscaling, wireless connectivity, etc. Both brands also use AirPlay for easy integration with Apple devices. For gaming purposes, both Samsung and Sony offer special Game Mode.
Samsung has a SmartThings feature which enables you to control all the devices, compatible with your TV, using a remote control or SmartThings app on your phone. Tap View feature allows mirroring your phone’s screen to the TV by tapping the back of your phone against the TV. Active Voice Amplifier technology automatically adjusts the volume level so you don’t even have to touch the remote.
Sony provides Photo Sharing feature thanks to which up to 10 people can wirelessly send photos and videos straight to the TV. This manufacturer also offers such a unique feature as Netflix Calibrated Mode which automatically improves the picture quality of content on Netflix.
In fact, Samsung has developed more of its own features, so its TVs are generally more multifunctional than models from Sony. For example, the Samsung UN65TU8300FXZA has such features as 4K upscaling, Ambient Mode, Tap View, Game Mode, and two built-in voice assistants. The Sony XBR65X800H has 4K upscaling, Game Mode, built-in Google Assistant, and AirPlay.
So, as you can see, the Samsung UN65TU8300FXZA outperforms Sony TV in this part of the Sony TV vs Samsung comparison.
Our pick
The best features
- Mirror your computer’s display on the TV screen
- Transformative 4K processor
- Motion rate 120-image processing
- Ambient mode
- Built-in Alexa
- Full HD
- 4.8 x 57.2 x 33 inches and 56 pounds
Picture Quality
Both brands have their proprietary technologies for picture quality improvement. In order to reveal a wider color spectrum, Samsung offers such technologies as Crystal display, PurColor, 100% Color Volume, etc. Sony has developed such technologies as Triluminos display for improved color gradation, Xtended Dynamic Range, X-Reality Pro for a clearer picture, etc. Both brands also offer technologies that make fast-moving content look smoother and blur-free. Samsung sets Motion Rate 120 (Motion Rate 240 in more advanced models), and Sony uses Motionflow XR or X-Motion Clarity technology.
Most often, Samsung high-end models come with QLED while premium TVs from Sony use OLED. QLED TVs from Samsung are known for their high brightness level (up to 4000 nits). Sony OLED TVs are not as bright as Samsung TVs with QLED (up to 3000 nits). Despite this, OLED TVs boast a more natural-looking picture. So, in conclusion, Samsung QLED TVs are suitable for a brightly lit room while Sony OLED TVs will look better in a dark room.
The most sought-after TVs from both brands are UHD models as they are more affordable than QLED and OLED but still provide a high-quality picture. Sony UHD TVs use Dolby Vision. Samsung uses HDR10 instead. Dolby Vision provides a more cinematic picture with brighter colors. In addition, unlike HDR10 , Dolby Vision is supported by the biggest streaming apps.
It’s not easy to define which one of these brands provide better picture quality. However, it’s fair to say that you are more likely to get a better picture from Sony UHD TV than from Samsung UHD TV. For example, the Sony XBR75X900F has a better-looking picture than the Samsung UN55TU8000FXZA thanks to Dolby Vision technology. So it wins in this part of the Sony TVs vs Samsung battle.
Our pick
The best picture quality
- Multiple Inputs: 4 HDMI, 2 USB2.0, 1 USB3.0 & 1
- X-tended Dynamic Range Pro 6x
- Google Assistant, Alexa
- X1 Extreme Processor
- Premium display
- Voice Remote
- 4K HDTV
Sound
Samsung and Sony are known for supplying their TVs with high-quality built-in audio systems. Sony premium TVs have a unique Acoustic Surface Audio technology thanks to which the sound comes directly from the screen (two actuators located behind the TV vibrate in order to create a sound that moves within the picture). Thanks to that, all the dialogs and sound effects are heard with high precision. Sony also can offer some other technologies for improved sound reproduction, such as Clear Phase for smooth sound at all frequencies, Acoustic-Multi Audio for immersive sound, etc.
Samsung high-end models feature Object Tracking Sound technology. It uses audio positioning to align the sound with the picture. However, as usual, Samsung expects you to buy a soundbar or external audio system along with the TV, so it doesn’t put too much effort into the TV’s sound system. So, comparing Sony TV vs Samsung TV sound reproduction, it’s fair to say that TVs from Sony have better sound.
The 20W speakers in Sony XBR65X900H have Acoustic-Multi Audio technology and Dolby Audio support. Meanwhile, the similarly priced Samsung UN65TU8300FXZA comes with standard 20W speakers that don’t feature any specific technologies.
Thus, the Sony XBR65X900H is in the winning position in terms of built-in speakers quality.
Our pick
The best sound
- Netflix Calibrated Mode
- 4K HDR Processor
- Works with Alexa
- TV voice control
- Full Array LED
- Game mode
- 57.1 x 13.4 x 33.6 inches and 70.9 pounds
Operating System
The cheapest models from Samsung go with Android OS. However, mid-range and premium models work on Tizen OS. It's a flexible platform that is easy and fast to navigate. This OS automatically adjusts to the user’s preferences, so all your favorite apps will always be at your fingertips. Tizen uses Samsung’s proprietary Bixby voice assistant. However, more advanced models come with two built-in voice assistants — Alexa and Bixby. It appears to be very convenient to have them both as Bixby helps you control the TV by voice while Alexa is able to give you information about movies and TV shows and can recommend you what to watch.
Sony, in its turn, uses Android OS in most of its TVs. This OS gives you access to the most popular apps, such as YouTube, Google Music, Spotify, and many others. However, it can’t provide very fast and lag-free work. More advanced Android-based TVs from Sony come with built-in Google Assistant that answers your questions, helps you find content, etc.
Comparing Sony vs Samsung Smart TV, it should be mentioned that both operating systems enable you to watch content from such major streaming apps as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney in 4K. However, Tizen is more convenient to use. Thus, if we compare Tizen-based Samsung UN55TU8000FXZA and Android-based Sony XBR65X800H, the first will be better in terms of provided smart features.
Our pick
The best operating system
- Smart TV powered by Tizen
- Display technology — LCD
- Crystal processor 4K
- Clean cable solution
- Alexa and Bixby
- 55-inch display
- 48.4 x 9.9 x 30.8 inches and 31.3 pounds
TV Ports
The brands are very similar in this part of the Samsung vs Sony 4K TV comparison. Cheaper TVs from both manufacturers have identical sets of connectors: 3 HDMI, 2 USB, etc. However, when it comes to premium models, Sony is a bit more generous in terms of connectivity options. The Sony XBR65X900F offers 4 HDMI, 3 USB, digital optical audio out, analog audio out, composite video input, tuner (cable/ant) port, and Ethernet port. The Samsung QN65Q60RAFXZA has 4 HDMI, 2 USB, Ethernet, digital optical audio out, and RF input.
The Sony XBR65X900F wins here as it provides a wider range of connectors.
Our pick
Most ports
- Triluminos and X-Motion Clarity
- X1 Extreme Processor
- Works with Alexa
- Voice remote
- 4K HDTV
- 65-inch display
- 11.8 x 57 x 35.4 inches and 56.2 pounds
Price
The prices for TVs from both brands start at about $300. However, talking about high-end models, TVs from Sony appear to be about $200 cheaper. This way, if we compare two 65-inch UHD models that were released in the same year from both brands, the Samsung UN65RU8000FXZA and the Sony XBR-65X800G, the model from Samsung will be more expensive.
Thus, if you want to choose a more budget-oriented model in this Sony 4K TV vs Samsung 4K TV comparison, the Sony XBR-65X800G is your choice.
Our pick
The best price
- ClearAudio fine tunes TV sound
- Chromecast built-in
- Motionflow XR 240
- Works with Alexa
- 4K X-Reality PRO
- 65-inch display
- 61.8 x 7.4 x 37.7 inches and 48.5 pounds
Samsung vs Sony TV: Conclusion
Both brands are authoritative enough to assure you that you are not likely to be disappointed with your purchase whatever your choice will be. As you can see from this Samsung 4K vs Sony 4K comparison, both manufacturers offer a wide range of TVs for those who demand the best possible picture quality. Samsung TVs are supplied with more innovative features and a more convenient operating system. Sony TVs are less expensive, give you better picture quality in UHD models, and better built-in speakers.
