The Sony XBR-100Z9D is a part of the series that features high quality color performance. It is also smarter with its Google Assistant and its bright panels. However, it is not perfect especially its high input lags and light bloom. It is also quite bulky, a massive one to be exact, and expensive versus other OLED TVs out there. Check out the following for a detailed review of the Sony XBR-100Z9D.
Design 8.0
Minimal aesthetics, this TV is elegant. It has a screen, which is surrounded by brushed gunmetal bezels, which are ½” wide on its sides and top, while its bottom, 0.7”. When the Sony XBR-100Z9D is on, there is a light strip that glows under its bezel bottom. Its back does not have visible ports because they are smartly hidden on the plastic panels that have small conduits that make the cables neatly running.
Remote controls 7.5
It is quite a standard from the brand. The navigation pads have direction buttons that allow for easy touch identification. The remaining parts, however, look and feel similar. They require glancing in order to make sure you’re pressing the correct button.
Google TV platform 8.7
The android TV comes with the Google Assistant feature, allowing for easy access of the services, apps as well as other connected features. It also allows for accessing different video services, such as Hulu and Google Play Movies. The smart TV also supports Google Cast, making it work as if it includes a ChromeCast to it. With Google Assistant, it also lets you access information such as the weather and traffic condition.
Performance 8.5
Using an HDR10 signal Cinema Pro Mode and if testing in a dark room calibration, the TV can produce a great peak of brightness totaling to 630.2cd/m2 (full field white screen). On the other hand, it can produce peak brightness of 930.86cd/m2 using an 18% of the white field. Regarding brightness performance, we can say that the Sony XBR-100Z9D is one of the best in the category.
Viewing Experience 8.7
If you’re looking for natural color reproduction and vivid details, you will love the Z9D. Without appearing garish, natural colors of trees and seas are saturated and rich. It also has a great contrast ratio – thanks to the LED backlight array that lets you dim/brighten any parts of the TV screen. Dark blacks and bright whites are also excellent.
Power consumption and input lag 6.5
If there were a category where the Smart TV fails at, it would be the high input lag of 105.5ms if using the Calibrated Pro mode. Then, the Game picture mode is cutting that lag into two. So if you’re a gamer, you might want to consider other TV alternatives out there. Look for one with a range between 15 and 20ms for input lags. Regarding power consumption, this model is not as monstrous as other smart TVs though.
Verdict
The Sony XBR-100Z9D is a decent choice for its high quality picture and excellent contrast functions. However, issues like input lag rate and light bloom must be addressed. But overall, it still works better than other smart TVs on the market right now. Not to mention, it has the Google Assistant to provide you with important information on demand.
