- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Design
- Picture Quality
- Motion
- Inputs
- Sound Quality
- Smart Features
- Sizes and Variants
- Compared
- Conclusion
- Q&A
Reviewed on Sep 16, 2016
By Daniel O'Keeffe
, Eric Bousquet
Sony X700D
TV REVIEW
Usage Ratings -
Version 1.0
✕
Test Benches: test
- 1.2: Winter 2018
- 1.1: Summer 2017
- 1.0: Winter 2015
- 0.9: Winter 2014
- 0.8: Winter 2013
7.5
Mixed Usage
✕
What it is
General purpose. The TV will be used for a variety of content and usages. Movies at night, TV shows during the day, video games from time to time, etc.
Score components:
- 23% Movies
- 23% TV Shows
- 23% Sports
- 23% Video Games
- 5% HDR Movies
- 5% HDR Gaming
Recommended if under (USD)
: Not at the latest test bench
✕
What it is:
Maximum price to be a better value than its competitors.
How to use it:
This product is the best choice in its range if you can find it below this price.
Automatically calculated every hour based on the scores and prices of all other products we've tested.
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
✕
What it is:
Product with the best value in this price range
←
Other best choice in a cheaper price range
→
Other best choice in a pricier price range
Automatically updated every hour based on the scores and prices of all other products we've tested.
6.4
Movies
✕
What it is
Movies in the dark. The TV will be used for watching movies in a controlled environment, directly in front, in a home theater way. Mostly only high quality content, like Blu-rays, UHD Blu-rays, streaming and a little bit of HDR.
Score components:
- 14% Contrast
- 14% Black Uniformity
- 14% Local Dimming
- 14% 1080p Input
- 10% 4k Input
- 6% Pre Calibration
- 6% 24p Playback
- 5% HDR Movies
- 4% SDR Peak Brightness
- 3% Gray Uniformity
- 3% Post Calibration
- 3% 480p Input
- 3% 720p Input
- 3% 3D
7.9
TV Shows
✕
What it is
TV Shows in a bright living room. The TV will be used in to watch TV shows, in a bright room during the day, from multiple viewing positions at different angles. The content watched has an average quality: cable, streaming, SD channels, etc.
Score components:
- 17% Reflections
- 17% SDR Peak Brightness
- 15% Viewing Angle
- 12% 720p Input
- 12% 1080p Input
- 8% 480p Input
- 7% Gray Uniformity
- 4% Motion Interpolation
- 3% 4k Input
- 3% Sound Quality
- 3% Smart Features
7.9
Sports
✕
What it is
Sports in a living room. The TV will be used to watch sports during the day, like football or hockey. Usually watched with a group, so from multiple viewing position.
Score components:
- 16% SDR Peak Brightness
- 16% Gray Uniformity
- 12% Viewing Angle
- 12% Reflections
- 12% Motion Blur
- 12% 720p Input
- 11% 1080p Input
- 3% 480p Input
- 3% 4k Input
- 2% Image Flicker
- 2% Image Retention
7.8
Video Games
✕
What it is
Video games. The TV will be used to play video games, directly in front, in a controlled light environment. Usually fast games, like online FPS, where motion blur and input lag is important.
Score components:
- 23% Input Lag
- 19% Motion Blur
- 13% 1080p Input
- 9% Contrast
- 8% Black Uniformity
- 5% 4k Input
- 5% Supported Resolutions
- 4% Image Retention
- 4% Image Flicker
- 4% 720p Input
- 3% Gray Uniformity
7.2
HDR Movies
✕
What it is
HDR Movies and TV shows. The TV will be used to watch 4k UHD HDR content, with a wide color gamut and a high peak brightness. Either via UHD Blu-rays or HDR streaming.
Score components:
- 37% Color Gamut
- 21% HDR Peak Brightness
- 12% 4k Input
- 8% Gradient
- 6% Contrast
- 4% Black Uniformity
- 3% Local Dimming
- 3% 24p Playback
- 3% HDR10
- 3% Dolby Vision
7.4
HDR Gaming
✕
What it is
HDR Gaming. The TV will be used to play HDR video games using consoles that support it or on current generation gaming PCs. Xbox One S, PS4 Pro, GTX 10 series and AMD RX series graphics cards.
Score components:
- 25% 4k @ 60Hz + HDR
- 15% Motion Blur
- 14% Color Gamut
- 8% HDR Peak Brightness
- 7% 4k Input
- 7% Gradient
- 6% Contrast
- 5% Black Uniformity
- 5% Image Flicker
- 5% Image Retention
- 4% Local Dimming
7.5
PC Monitor
✕
What it is
PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.
Score components:
- 20% Viewing Angle
- 11% Input Lag
- 10% 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 10% 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 10% Gray Uniformity
- 9% Motion Blur
- 7% 1080p @ 120Hz
- 6% Reflections
- 4% Image Flicker
- 4% SDR Peak Brightness
- 4% Contrast
- 4% Image Retention
- 3% Gradient
This tv has been discontinued.
It was replaced by the Sony X720E
It was replaced by the Sony X720E
The Sony X700D is a 4k LED TV, with slightly above average picture quality. It isn't good in a dark room due to the low native contrast ratio. On the upside, it can be enjoyed even from a wide angle, and it handles motion well. It also supports a wide range of inputs with low input lag which is good.
See our recommendations for the best 4k TV.
Test Results
| Design | 8.5 |
| Picture Quality | 7.0 |
| Motion | 8.3 |
| Inputs | 8.2 |
| Sound Quality | 5.9 |
| Smart Features | 8.0 |
- Great color accuracy at an angle
- Low motion blur
- Poor blacks in a dark room
- Peak brightness could be better
Check Price
Design
✕
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
The X700D has the same design as the larger model X750D. It is similar to many of the Sony TVs released in 2015. It looks quite good, with all black plastic borders and a simple metallic stand.
Picture Quality
✕
Score components:
- 11% Contrast
- 6% Local Dimming
- 6% SDR Peak Brightness
- 6% HDR Peak Brightness
- 6% Gray Uniformity
- 7% Viewing Angle
- 4% Black Uniformity
- 2% Gradient
- 4% Pre Calibration
- 1% Post Calibration
- 6% 480p Input
- 9% 720p Input
- 11% 1080p Input
- 6% 4k Input
- 4% Color Gamut
- 4% Color Volume
- 1% Image Retention
- 6% Reflections
- 1% 3D
The Sony X700D have an above average picture quality. The IPS used have a poor native contrast with a below average black uniformity. There is no local dimming feature to help the dark scene performance on this set and the peak brightness is average, but remains the same no mater what is shown on screen. There is no wide color gamut feature but the 10 bit panel used is very good at displaying all the range of color without introducing banding. Finally, the viewing angle is one of the best we have seen in an LED TV.
6.0
Contrast
✕
What it is:
Brightness difference between white and black. This is the main component of picture quality.
When it matters:
Always, but especially when watching dark scenes.
Score components:
- 100% Native Contrast
Native Contrast
:
992 : 1
✕
What it is:
Ratio of the white brightness divided by the blacks measured on our checkerboard test pattern with a white target of 100 cd/m².
When it matters:
Dark scenes in a dark room.
Good value:
> 3,000
Noticeable difference:
500
The contrast ratio is bad. This TV has an IPS panel which generally have worse contrast than VA panel, but for the X700D, this is on the lower end. Blacks appear gray when seen in a dark room.
0
Local Dimming
✕
What it is:
The lights behind the LCD layer adapt to the picture displayed, improving the contrast ratio.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Local Dimming
:
No
✕
What it is:
Whether it has a feature that controls the LEDs behind the LCD layer, to match the picture and darkens the dark portion of it.
When it matters:
On LED TVs only. Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Backlight
:
Direct
✕
What it is:
Configuration of the lights of the backlight.
When it matters:
Effectiveness of the local dimming.
Good value:
Full-array/direct lighting is better for local dimming. As for the uniformity of the screen, it depends on the implementation. Some edge-lit TVs have more uniform blacks than some full-array TVs.
The X700D doesn't support local dimming, but we have included the video for reference.
7.7
SDR Peak Brightness
✕
What it is:
How bright the screen can get. Measured with local dimming and with SDR content.
When it matters:
Bright living rooms; bright objects; SDR content.
Score components:
SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
:
363 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity the TV can obtain while playing a movie or while watching a TV show. This scene was selected to represent a more regular movie condition. All measurement are made with the TV set to be as bright as possible, but with a 6500k white. Measured with local dimming, max backlight and over SDR signal. Scene: here.
When it matters:
When watching movies or watching TV show in SDR.
SDR Peak 2% Window
:
450 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright highlights, present on screen for a short time; especially for SDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
SDR Peak 10% Window
:
450 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright objects, present on screen for a short time; especially for SDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
SDR Peak 25% Window
:
450 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in SDR video.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
SDR Peak 50% Window
:
450 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
SDR Peak 100% Window
:
450 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
SDR Sustained 2% Window
:
450 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright highlights, persistent throughout a scene; especially for SDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
SDR Sustained 10% Window
:
450 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright objects, persistent throughout a scene; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
SDR Sustained 25% Window
:
450 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in SDR video.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
SDR Sustained 50% Window
:
450 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
SDR Sustained 100% Window
:
450 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
The SDR peak brightness is average for the Sony X700D. Since it does not have local dimming, all the different sized windows have the same level of brightness and at 450 cd/m² it should be good enough even for a bright room.
8.0
HDR Peak Brightness
✕
What it is:
How bright the screen can get. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright living rooms; bright objects; HDR content.
Score components:
HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
:
450 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity the TV can obtain while playing a movie or while watching a TV show. This scene was selected to represent a more realistic movie condition. All measurement are made with the TV set to be as bright as possible, but with a 6500k white. Measured with local dimming, max backlight and over HDR signal. Scene: here.
When it matters:
When watching movies or watching TV show in HDR.
HDR Peak 2% Window
:
496 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright highlights, present on screen for a short time; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
HDR Peak 10% Window
:
497 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright objects, present on screen for a short time; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
HDR Peak 25% Window
:
496 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in HDR video.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
HDR Peak 50% Window
:
494 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
HDR Peak 100% Window
:
496 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
HDR Sustained 2% Window
:
496 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright highlights, persistent throughout a scene; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
HDR Sustained 10% Window
:
497 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright objects, persistent throughout a scene; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
HDR Sustained 25% Window
:
496 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in HDR video.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
HDR Sustained 50% Window
:
494 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
HDR Sustained 100% Window
:
496 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
The peak brightness is better than average. There is no local dimming, so the result is the same across all window sizes and does not vary over time. The whole screen brightness is enough to deal with glare even in a bright room.
Update 10/20/2016: We have retested the peak brightness with the newest firmware update which enables HDR10.
7.0
Gray Uniformity
✕
What it is:
Evenness of colors onscreen (not just gray).
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Score components:
- 40% 50% Std. Dev.
- 40% 50% DSE
- 10% 5% Std. Dev.
- 10% 5% DSE
50% Std. Dev.
:
4.319 %
✕
What it is:
Average squared difference of pixels when displaying a mid 50% gray.
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Good value:
< 2.5%
Noticeable difference:
1%
50% DSE
:
0.207 %
✕
What it is:
High-frequency variance of uniformity. Dark spots on the screen.
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Good value:
< 0.165%
Noticeable difference:
0.025%
5% Std. Dev.
:
0.654 %
✕
What it is:
Average squared difference of pixels when displaying a mid 5% gray.
When it matters:
Dark scenes.
Good value:
< 1.15%
Noticeable difference:
1%
5% DSE
:
0.091 %
✕
What it is:
High-frequency variance of uniformity. Dark spots on the screen.
When it matters:
Dark scenes.
Good value:
< 0.116%
The Sony X700D has an average gray uniformity. Both sides are a bit darker and there is also a warmer horizontal band in the middle of the screen. Even with this little imperfection, the screen is pretty even and dirty screen effect should not be too much of a problem.
7.7
Viewing Angle
✕
What it is:
Color accuracy when viewed from the side.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Score components:
- 20% Color Shift
- 40% Brightness
- 40% Black Level
LCD Type
:
IPS
✕
What it is:
Type of LCD technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.
Good value:
IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle.
Color Shift
:
44 °
✕
What it is:
Angle where the colors noticeable shift compared to when viewed from directly in front of the TV. 0 ° means directly facing the TV. Measurements are up to a maximum of 75 °.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Good value:
> 50°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Brightness
:
54 °
✕
What it is:
Angle where the brightness drops to 50% of the brightness directly in front of the TV. 0 ° means directly facing the TV. Measurements are up to a maximum of 75 °.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Good value:
> 50°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Black Level
:
75 °
✕
What it is:
Angle where the black level drops to 50% of the black level directly in front of the TV. 0 ° means directly facing the TV. Measurements are up to a maximum of 75 °.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Good value:
> 50°
Noticeable difference:
10°
When viewed at an angle, the picture quality remains very similar. For those with wide seating this is a great TV.
6.4
Black Uniformity
✕
What it is:
Evenness of blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Score components:
- 100% Native Std. Dev.
Native Std. Dev.
:
2.419 %
✕
What it is:
Average of the squared difference of the blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Good value:
< 2%
Noticeable difference:
1%, but keep in mind that it varies a lot by unit, even of the same model; yours likely will not end up exactly like ours.
Black uniformity is below average for an LED TV and is comparable to its bigger sibling the X750D. Even if there is a lot of clouding on our test picture, the clouding is pretty much even on all the screen and when viewing normal content, the picture quality is still good and you can't really notice it. That being said, we have seen a lot worse on other IPS TVs.
9.0
Gradient
✕
What it is:
How finely levels of color can be displayed.
When it matters:
Details in shadows, sky and skin tones. Matters more for HDR content.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Color Depth
:
10 Bit
✕
What it is:
Number of bits per pixel to represent a specific color. Note: we consider 8-bit with dithering to be equivalent to 10-bit, as long as the 10-bit gradient looks smooth.
When it matters:
HDR content like UHD Blu-ray players. Won't matter for cable TV, regular Blu-ray movies, video game consoles or content displayed from a Windows PC. Those are limited to 8-bit color.
Good value:
10-bit.
Noticeable difference:
1 bit.
The Sony X700D has a good 10 bit panel and the color reproduction is pretty even. There is not really any obvious banding problem that can be seen on our test picture that could cause a problem when watching movies.
7.3
Pre Calibration
✕
What it is:
TV's color accuracy before a full calibration. Only the picture mode and backlight level were changed.
When it matters:
All video on an uncalibrated TV. This represents most people's use cases.
Score components:
- 50% White Balance dE
- 50% Color dE
White Balance dE
:
5.24
✕
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Overall color temperature of all video.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Color dE
:
4.40
✕
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of colors.
When it matters:
All colors.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Gamma
:
2.09
✕
What it is:
Brightness of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Shadows.
Good value:
Between 2.1 and 2.3 (our target is 2.2)
Noticeable difference:
0.1
Prior to calibration the results are average. There are some more significant issues in the white balance, especially at 80 - 100 IRE. For most people this should be fine, but a calibration definitely helps to fix some of the more significant issues.
9.2
Post Calibration
✕
What it is:
TV's color accuracy after a full calibration with a spectrophotometer.
When it matters:
All video on a TV that has been professionally calibrated. This isn't that useful, because most TVs can achieve a pretty good calibration if you spend enough time on them.
Score components:
- 50% White Balance dE
- 50% Color dE
White Balance dE
:
0.29
✕
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Overall color temperature of all videos.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Color dE
:
2.50
✕
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of colors.
When it matters:
All colors.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Gamma
:
2.19
✕
What it is:
Brightness of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Shadows.
Good value:
Between 2.1 and 2.3 (our target is 2.2)
Noticeable difference:
0.1
The calibration works well to fix issues with the white balance, by adjusting the 2 and 10 points method. There are still some issues with the colors which could not be fixed, but for most people this is not a problem. You can see our full picture settings here.
8.0
480p Input
✕
What it is:
Quality of a 480p input.
When it matters:
Standard definition TV, DVDs.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
8.0
720p Input
✕
What it is:
Quality of a 720p input.
When it matters:
HD channels, some streaming videos.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
9.0
1080p Input
✕
What it is:
Quality of a 1080p input.
When it matters:
Blu-rays, streaming video, video files, video games.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
10
4k Input
✕
What it is:
Quality of a 4k UHD input.
When it matters:
Streaming video, UHD Blu-rays, some PCs.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
6.8
Color Gamut
✕
What it is:
How many colors the TV can display.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos and UHD Blu-rays.
Score components:
- 25% DCI P3 xy
- 25% DCI P3 uv
- 25% Rec 2020 xy
- 25% Rec 2020 uv
Wide Color Gamut
:
No
✕
What it is:
Whether the TV has an option to enable wide color gamuts.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos and UHD Blu-rays.
DCI P3 xy
:
75.30 %
✕
What it is:
Coverage of the DCI P3 colorspace on CIE 1931 xy.
When it matters:
DCI P3 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
DCI P3 uv
:
84.58 %
✕
What it is:
Coverage of the DCI P3 colorspace on CIE 1976 u' v'.
When it matters:
DCI P3 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Rec 2020 xy
:
53.08 %
✕
What it is:
Coverage of the Rec.2020 colorspace on CIE 1931 xy.
When it matters:
Rec.2020 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Rec 2020 uv
:
59.25 %
✕
What it is:
Coverage of the Rec.2020 colorspace on CIE 1976 u' v'.
When it matters:
Rec.2020 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
The X700D doesn't support a wide color gamut. The supported color space is only enough for Rec. 709 content.
4.4
Color Volume
✕
What it is:
How many colors a TV can display at different luminosity levels.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Score components:
Normalized DCI P3 Coverage
:
45.968 %
✕
What it is:
How much of the DCI-P3 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Good value:
80 %
Noticeable difference:
5 %
10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage
:
29.263 %
✕
What it is:
How much of the DCI-P3 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels when compared to an ideal 10,000 nit TV
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage
:
35.042 %
✕
What it is:
How much of the Rec. 2020 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Good value:
80 %
Noticeable difference:
5 %
10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage
:
22.043 %
✕
What it is:
How much of the DCI-P3 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels when compared to an ideal 10,000 nit TV
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
0.1
Image Retention
✕
What it is:
How much a static image is retained on a TV screen after a certain amount of time.
When it matters:
When watching TV show, playing video games or when using your TV as a PC monitor.
Score components:
IR after 0 min recovery
:
14.971 %
✕
What it is:
Image retention measured right after the static image exposure, without recovery time.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
IR after 2 min recovery
:
5.599 %
✕
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 2 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
IR after 4 min recovery
:
2.866 %
✕
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 4 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
IR after 6 min recovery
:
1.526 %
✕
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 6 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
IR after 8 min recovery
:
0.804 %
✕
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 8 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
IR after 10 min recovery
:
0.328 %
✕
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 10 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
The Sony X700D does present some image retention. The retention is pretty strong and you can easily make out the original picture from the test video. Some retention is still present after 10 minutes of recovery, even if it is very faint. The image retention is not permanent, but is definitely lasting longer than on other IPS TVs.
This is one of the worse image retention that we have seen on a LED TV. The image retention will be visible after watching a TV show in 4:3, a letter box movie, a news TV show with a static banner and even sport channel with static scoring banner. Note that the image retention will fade completely with time.
8.0
Reflections
✕
What it is:
How much light is reflected by the TV.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Reflection
:
1.8 %
✕
What it is:
Ratio of ambient light reflected by the TV.
When it matters:
Ambient light in the room.
Good value:
< 1%
Noticeable difference:
0.5%
Screen Finish
:
Semi-gloss
✕
What it is:
Type of coating on the screen.
When it matters:
Bright objects in the direct reflection path (for example, opposite the TV).
Good value:
Glossy is good for ambient light, but not for direct reflections.
Deals quite well with reflections. Semi gloss finish diffuses direct reflections on the screen, but works quite well to reduce their intensity. For an average room this is a good result and should not be a problem.
0
3D
✕
What it is:
Optional 3D video capability on TV.
When it matters:
3D movies and videos.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
3D Type
:
No
✕
What it is:
The 3D technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
3D movies & videos.
Good value:
Active have better resolution, but flickers. Passive is more comfortable, but loses half the vertical resolution.
2D to 3D
:
No
✕
What it is:
Feature that converts 2D content to 3D.
When it matters:
If you want to watch 2D content in 3D. Note that the quality is not as good as that of native 3D.
This TV does not support any 3D features.
Motion
✕
Score components:
- 71% Motion Blur
- 7% Image Flicker
- 14% 24p Playback
- 7% Motion Interpolation
The X700D has great motion handling. Fast moving objects only have a very short trail following them, which should be great for fast paced content. Movies appear smooth when watched from a Blu-ray player or DVDs. Those that are sensitive to judder may notice it when watching movies on cable TV. There is a motion interpolation option for those who enjoy the soap opera effect.
8.7
Motion Blur
✕
What it is:
Amount of blur on fast movement.
When it matters:
Sports, video games.
Score components:
- 80% Response Time
- 20% Overshoot
Response Time
:
12.5 ms
✕
What it is:
How quickly pixels can change color.
When it matters:
Fast movement.
Good value:
< 20ms
Noticeable difference:
10ms
Overshoot
:
1.6 ms
✕
What it is:
When TV’s pixels adjust too far; how quickly they come back.
When it matters:
Fast movement.
Good value:
< 10ms
Noticeable difference:
10ms
The response time is great, and results in very little motion blur following the logo. Some slight overshoot is visible as a lighter trail following. The backlight does not flicker on this set.
10
Image Flicker
✕
What it is:
Luminosity pattern when displaying images
When it matters:
Sports, video games, when TV is used as a PC monitor
Score components:
- 40% PWM Dimming Frequency
- 40% BFI Frequency
- 20% BFI In Game Mode
PWM Dimming Frequency
:
0 Hz
✕
What it is:
Flickering pattern at different luminosities.
When it matters:
For people sensitive to flickering.
Good value:
N/A or high frequencies (> 300 Hz)
BFI
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Option to turn screen black between frames
When it matters:
Reduces eye tracking blur in sports or video games
Good value:
Yes
BFI Frequency
:
60 Hz
✕
What it is:
Lowest possible frequency of flickering pattern
When it matters:
Reduces eye tracking blur in sports or video games
Good value:
60 Hz
BFI In Game Mode
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Option to insert black frames when in the best settings for gaming
When it matters:
Reducing eye tracking blur for video games
Good value:
Yes
The X700D is able to flicker the backlight by increasing the 'Clearness' slider. This helps to clear up motion blur caused by eye tracking.
7.1
24p Playback
✕
What it is:
Whether 24p content can play without any judder.
When it matters:
Only 24p content (mostly just movies).
Score components:
Judder-free 24p
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 24p signal.
When it matters:
Blu-ray and DVD movies; 24 hz PC signal.
Judder-free 24p via 60p
:
No
✕
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 60p signal.
When it matters:
Movies from streaming devices (Apple TV, Fire TV, etc.); 60 hz PC signal.
Judder-free 24p via 60i
:
No
✕
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 60i signal.
When it matters:
Movies from cable/satellite boxes.
Watching movies from a 24fps source such as a Blu-ray player is smooth. Those that are sensitive to judder will notice it when watching movies over a 60fps source such as cable TV, or a home theater PC.
5.0
Motion Interpolation
✕
What it is:
Also known as 'Soap Opera Effect'. It is an optional feature that increases the frame rate of the video, smoothing movement.
When it matters:
If you like the look of smoothed video. Not everyone does.
Score components:
Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Whether the TV can take a 30 fps input and heighten the frame rate to at least 60 fps.
When it matters:
30 fps or lower videos. Includes movies, TV shows, some video games.
Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
:
No
✕
What it is:
Whether the TV can take a 60 fps input and heighten the frame rate to at least 100 fps.
When it matters:
60 fps videos. Includes some video games, some sports channels.
Unlike the larger size X750D, the X700D has a 60Hz panel. It is only able to interpolate 30fps content. Those who like a strong soap opera effect will not be able to achieve it.
Whether you use your TV for gaming or as your computer monitor, the Sony X700D will be a good choice. The low input lag is great for gamers and the wide supported resolutions and chroma subsampling make it a great choice for computer enthusiasts out there.
8.2
Input Lag
✕
What it is:
Delay between input and onscreen reaction.
When it matters:
Video games; when TV is used as PC monitor.
Score components:
1080p @ 60Hz
:
31.4 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV with a 1080p @ 60Hz input.
When it matters:
Video games and also when TV is used as PC monitor.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15ms
1080p With Interpolation
:
47.8 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag when the motion interpolation feature is turned on.
When it matters:
When you want to play video games with the Soap Opera Effect enabled.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15ms
1080p @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode
:
47.7 ms
✕
What it is:
Input lag in picture modes other than the specific game mode.
When it matters:
For playing video games while retaining access to all features of the TV.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15ms
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
31.4 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
When it matters:
PC monitor.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
4k @ 60Hz
:
32.6 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 4k @ 60Hz.
When it matters:
Video games and also when TV is used as PC monitor.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
32.4 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4.
When it matters:
PC Monitor
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
4k @ 60Hz + HDR
:
32.4 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 4k @ 60Hz with HDR.
When it matters:
HDR Video games.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 + 8 bit HDR
:
32.4 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 with HDR enabled at 8 bit
When it matters:
PC Monitor with an HDR capable graphic card
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
The 1080p input lag is quite low and is the same as the X750D, which is great. For most people, this will not be noticeable when playing game. To get the lowest input lag, set the picture mode to 'Game or 'Graphics'. The input lag stays low even in 4k.
Update 10/20/2016: We have retested the input lag with the newest firmware update which enables HDR10.
8.0
Supported Resolutions
✕
What it is:
Different resolutions supported by TV.
When it matters:
PC monitor usage.
Score components:
- 20% 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 20% 1080p @ 120Hz
- 20% 4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4
- 20% 4k @ 60Hz
- 20% 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Crisp text on 1060p @ 60 hz signal.
When it matters:
PC productivity and 60 fps gaming.
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Crisp text on 4k @ 60 hz signal.
When it matters:
Productivity and 60 fps gaming in 4k.
Like the Sony X750D, the X700D can display Chroma 4:4:4 at 4k @ 60Hz only on the HDMI port 2 and 3 and you need to switch the 'HDMI signal format' to 'Enhanced format'. When the picture mode is set to 'Graphics' or 'Game' the input lag is 31.4ms.
HDR10
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Standard HDR format.
When it matters:
Most common format. All UHD Blu-ray discs are required to have it.
Dolby Vision
:
No
✕
What it is:
Better format, due to its dynamic nature.
When it matters:
Currently, only available via streaming.
5.1 Passthrough ARC Dolby Digital
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
TV can receive and pass Dolby Digital 5.1 signal to receiver via HDMI ARC.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
5.1 Passthrough ARC DTS
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
TV can receive and pass DTS 5.1 signal to receiver via HDMI ARC.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
5.1 Passthrough Optical Dolby Digital
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
TV can receive and pass Dolby Digital signal to receiver via digital optical.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
5.1 Passthrough Optical DTS
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
TV can receive and pass DTS signal to receiver via digital optical.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
The TV doesn't support HDR10 at time of the review, but is planned to support it in the future with a firmware update.
Update 10/20/2016: The review has been updated with the newest firmware which enables HDR10.
Sound Quality
The sound quality on this Sony TV is bad. If you care about sound, you will definitely want to invest in a separate sound system. Even a cheap sound bar is an improvement over the built-in speakers.
Note: Sound Quality test for TVs reviewed before 2017 was performed at 75dB, 85dB, and Max SPL. Starting 2017, the target SPL levels have been changed to 70dB, 80dB, and Max dB SPL.
7.0
Frequency Response
✕
What it is:
Sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
For balanced sound.
Score components:
- 7% Std. Dev. @ 70
- 15% Std. Dev. @ 80
- 22% Std. Dev. @ Max
- 18% Max
- 37% Low-end Cutoff
Std. Dev. @ 70
:
3.04 dB SPL
✕
What it is:
Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
70 dB.
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Std. Dev. @ 80
:
3.50 dB SPL
✕
What it is:
Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
80 dB.
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Std. Dev. @ Max
:
6.10 dB SPL
✕
What it is:
Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
Max volume.
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Max
:
92.6 dB SPL
✕
What it is:
Max volume on the TV at a distance of 1 meter.
When it matters:
For listening to loud audio.
Good value:
> 90 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Low-end Cutoff
:
119.87 Hz
✕
What it is:
How low of a frequency at which the bass starts.
When it matters:
Movies; gaming.
Good value:
< 50Hz
Noticeable difference:
10Hz
Decent performance. Frequency response and maximum loudness are above average, however pumping and compression will be present under heavier loads, and the TV doesn't produce a lot of bass either.
3.7
Total Harmonic Distortion
✕
What it is:
Pureness of a single frequency.
Score components:
- 20% Distortion @ 70
- 40% Distortion @ 80
- 40% Distortion @ Max
Distortion @ 70
:
0.022
✕
What it is:
Amount of distortion.
When it matters:
70 dB.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Distortion @ 80
:
0.330
✕
What it is:
Amount of distortion.
When it matters:
80 dB.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Distortion @ Max
:
2.648
✕
What it is:
Amount of distortion.
When it matters:
85 dB.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Poor distortion performance. The amount of harmonic distortion at 75dB and 85dB are low. There was audible aliasing present even at 85dB. However, aliasing starts to creep in at volumes louder than 85dB. At 100dB there's a dramatic jump in the harmonic distortion, which is typical of most Sony TVs. However, these artifacts will be less audible in real-life situations.
Smart Features
✕
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
The X700D includes the latest Android TV version (6.0.1 Marshmallow). There is a huge variety of content available, due to access to the Google Play Store. It is very stable and works well. The home screen is a bit confusing to navigate though. After turning on the TV it does take a while to load, but after a few minutes this is not an issue. There are 3 USB ports on the TV, and the Android OS is able to play content directly off USB flash drives.
10
Ads
✕
What it is:
Whether or not ads can be found on the TV's smart platform.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Ad-free
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
The TV's ability to provide an ad-free experience.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Opt-out
:
N/A
✕
What it is:
Whether you can opt out of the ad services or not. A TV only passes this test if it allows you to remove them completely, not only disable the personalized advertising.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
While no ads appear on this TV, apps and featured content are shown on the main page.
Differences between Sizes and Variants
We tested the 55" (XBR55X700D). For the most part, we expect our review to be valid for the 49" (XBR49X700D) and.
If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Sony X700D doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.
| Size | Model |
| 49" | XBR49X700D |
| 55" | XBR55X700D |
Compared to other TVs
Top left: Hisense H8C (50H8C). Bottom left: Samsung KU6300 (UN55KU6300). Middle: Sony X700D (XBR55X700D). Top right: Vizio D Series 4k 2016 (D50u-D1). Bottom right: LG UH7700 (55UH7700). Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.
The Sony X700D is a good TV and a great choice if you need a wide viewing angle. If you are directly in front though, there are better alternatives.
Hisense H8C
50" 55"
The Hisense H8C is available in very similar sizes, but at a significantly lower price. It offers better picture quality from directly in front, but it degrades much more quickly at a slight angle. It also can't get as bright to counter glare. If you watch TV from in front, save the money and go with the Hisense H8C for the better picture quality and additional features. For those with wider seating the Sony X700D is a better choice.
Samsung KU6300
40" 43" 50" 55" 60" 65" 70"
The Samsung KU6300 is about the same price, but offers better picture quality. It also features lower input lag for those looking to use it as a PC monitor or for gaming. In a dark room, the performance of the Samsung KU6300 is much better due to the higher native contrast ratio and better uniformity. Unless you've got very wide seating, go with the Samsung KU6300.
Vizio D Series 4k 2016
40" 50" 55" 58" 65"
The Vizio D Series 4k 2016 is significantly cheaper, and a better choice for gamers due to the excellent input lag and motion blur. The dark scene performance is much better due to the better contrast and black uniformity, but when viewed at an angle the picture quality degrades faster. For those with a bright room and wide seating go with the Sony X700D, otherwise save the money and go with the Vizio D Series 4k 2016.
LG UH7700
55" 60" 65"
The LG UH7700 is a step up in price, but offers very similar picture quality. It performs slightly better in a dark room due to the better contrast, but is still not as good as most TV's. It doesn't get as bright, so for most people with a bright living room the Sony X700D is a better choice.
Conclusion
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
7.5Mixed Usage
✕
What it is
General purpose. The TV will be used for a variety of content and usages. Movies at night, TV shows during the day, video games from time to time, etc.
Score components:
- 23% Movies
- 23% TV Shows
- 23% Sports
- 23% Video Games
- 5% HDR Movies
- 5% HDR Gaming
Good TV for mixed usage. Picture quality is above average and remain the same even when seen from the side. It is more suited for bright room since the blacks are not that deep and tend to look more gray in a dark environment.
6.4Movies
✕
What it is
Movies in the dark. The TV will be used for watching movies in a controlled environment, directly in front, in a home theater way. Mostly only high quality content, like Blu-rays, UHD Blu-rays, streaming and a little bit of HDR.
Score components:
- 14% Contrast
- 14% Black Uniformity
- 14% Local Dimming
- 14% 1080p Input
- 10% 4k Input
- 6% Pre Calibration
- 6% 24p Playback
- 5% HDR Movies
- 4% SDR Peak Brightness
- 3% Gray Uniformity
- 3% Post Calibration
- 3% 480p Input
- 3% 720p Input
- 3% 3D
Below average for watching movies in a dark room. The blacks are not deep and not very uniform and it doesn't have a local dimming feature to make it better.
7.9TV Shows
✕
What it is
TV Shows in a bright living room. The TV will be used in to watch TV shows, in a bright room during the day, from multiple viewing positions at different angles. The content watched has an average quality: cable, streaming, SD channels, etc.
Score components:
- 17% Reflections
- 17% SDR Peak Brightness
- 15% Viewing Angle
- 12% 720p Input
- 12% 1080p Input
- 8% 480p Input
- 7% Gray Uniformity
- 4% Motion Interpolation
- 3% 4k Input
- 3% Sound Quality
- 3% Smart Features
Good TV for watching TV in a well lit room. Picture quality is slightly above average and remain the same even when viewed from the side. Upscaling of lower resolution content is good. It can deal pretty well with reflections and glare. The smart platform is easy to use and offers a lot of features.
7.9Sports
✕
What it is
Sports in a living room. The TV will be used to watch sports during the day, like football or hockey. Usually watched with a group, so from multiple viewing position.
Score components:
- 16% SDR Peak Brightness
- 16% Gray Uniformity
- 12% Viewing Angle
- 12% Reflections
- 12% Motion Blur
- 12% 720p Input
- 11% 1080p Input
- 3% 480p Input
- 3% 4k Input
- 2% Image Flicker
- 2% Image Retention
Great for watching sports, since it has low motion blur. The wide viewing angle is great if you have friends over to watch a game. The uniformity could be better though.
7.8Video Games
✕
What it is
Video games. The TV will be used to play video games, directly in front, in a controlled light environment. Usually fast games, like online FPS, where motion blur and input lag is important.
Score components:
- 23% Input Lag
- 19% Motion Blur
- 13% 1080p Input
- 9% Contrast
- 8% Black Uniformity
- 5% 4k Input
- 5% Supported Resolutions
- 4% Image Retention
- 4% Image Flicker
- 4% 720p Input
- 3% Gray Uniformity
Great for video games. It has a consistently low input lag no matter the source and the motion blur is great.
7.2HDR Movies
✕
What it is
HDR Movies and TV shows. The TV will be used to watch 4k UHD HDR content, with a wide color gamut and a high peak brightness. Either via UHD Blu-rays or HDR streaming.
Score components:
- 37% Color Gamut
- 21% HDR Peak Brightness
- 12% 4k Input
- 8% Gradient
- 6% Contrast
- 4% Black Uniformity
- 3% Local Dimming
- 3% 24p Playback
- 3% HDR10
- 3% Dolby Vision
Supports HDR10 with newest firmware update. Average for HDR movies. Picture quality is slightly above average but does not have wide color gamut and local dimming feature to improve further the picture quality. Contrast ratio is very low making blacks appear gray when viewed in a dark room.
7.4HDR Gaming
✕
What it is
HDR Gaming. The TV will be used to play HDR video games using consoles that support it or on current generation gaming PCs. Xbox One S, PS4 Pro, GTX 10 series and AMD RX series graphics cards.
Score components:
- 25% 4k @ 60Hz + HDR
- 15% Motion Blur
- 14% Color Gamut
- 8% HDR Peak Brightness
- 7% 4k Input
- 7% Gradient
- 6% Contrast
- 5% Black Uniformity
- 5% Image Flicker
- 5% Image Retention
- 4% Local Dimming
Good for HDR gaming. Picture quality is slightly above average, but no wide color gamut support. No local dimming to improve dark scene performance. Input lag is low, which is great.
7.5PC Monitor
✕
What it is
PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.
Score components:
- 20% Viewing Angle
- 11% Input Lag
- 10% 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 10% 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 10% Gray Uniformity
- 9% Motion Blur
- 7% 1080p @ 120Hz
- 6% Reflections
- 4% Image Flicker
- 4% SDR Peak Brightness
- 4% Contrast
- 4% Image Retention
- 3% Gradient
Good as a computer monitor. Can accept a wide variety of inputs and supports a wide range of resolutions. Input lag is good and has a great response time. Support chroma subsampling at 4k @ 60Hz.
Questions & Answers
7 ANSWERED QUESTIONS
18
Great review as usual! And nice update on the input lag data. Would it be time to update the input lag score to include a few more things? Like some weight for 1080p with interpolation? No one use that because most TVs are unplayable with interpolation but with recent TVs like the x700d that has a nice 47ms of input lag with interpolation, things have changed. Slower pace console games running at 30 frames per seconds really benefits from interpolation. 4k input lag might also have some weight on the overall input lag score with 4k consoles getting released. Thanks for considering and keep up the good work!
Thanks for the good words. We have updated the scoring of the input lag section at short while after that we added the new test results. The input lag at 1080p with interpolation has a weight of 4% of total input lag section. You can have all the scoring information by clicking on the blue question mark next to each section title.
17
Is this TV good at upscaling 1080 to 4k? Is the Samsung KU6300 better at upscaling than this TV?
They are both very good at upscaling, when we compare both of them, they both look very good. Usually Sony TVs are among the best at upscaling lower resolution content.
14
Would you recommend this TV or the Sony X800D 49" for HDR gaming on Xbox One S/Scorpio? Is there a huge difference between the two?
7
HI! Do you think that this TV would work well with the PS4 pro? Or would you recommend another TV in a similar price range? This TV is listed as HDR on the Sony website, but it doesn't have Wide Color Gamut, would that result in worse color performance with the PS4 pro than say, the Sony X800D? Which would you recommend since they are similar sizes? Thank you!
6
Image retention seems like a huge problem. Is it? I'll be upgrading from plasma and never had an issue.
Image retention isn't a huge problem. It's only noticeable when part of the screen has showed the same thing for a long time, such as the score board when watching sports, the HUD in some video games or Windows elements when the TV is used as a PC monitor. Even then it's only a minor annoyance. If you're watching TV or movies the scene changes very frequently so you shouldn't notice any burn in.
4
When can we expect to see 4k tuners built into 4k TV's?
It will probably be another couple of years before we start receiving 4k broadcasting, as the ATSC 3.0 standards are still being finalised. In the meantime, there is more and more 4k content becoming available on streaming services and blurays.
4
I am considering of buying a Samsung UN55KS8000 ($1,000) but today I saw the Sony X700D 55 inch model on sale combined with the PS4 Pro in a bundle ($1,000). It is hard to chose since I plan on using a TV for mixed use such as watching movies, regular TV (shows, sports, etc.) and gaming. I know both have low input lag for gaming but overall which TV is best for overall use and thanks for taking your time to answer my question.
The Samsung KS8000 has a VA panel and the Sony X700D has a IPS panel and depending of the lightning of your room and the way your seating area is set up, it should influence your choice. IPS TVs (Sony X700D) have wider viewing angle but lower contrast ratio and are better suited for well lit room with a wide seating area. VA TVs (Samsung KS8000) have higher contrast ratio with deeper black but have narrower viewing angle better suited for dark room where you sit in front of the TV.
The other differences are also that the Samsung KS8000 has a wide color gamut and a higher peak brightness, 2 things that will make HDR look more vivid and colorful than on the Sony X700D.
We are not taking any more questions for this product because we no longer have it in our lab.
