Sony X940E  TV Review

Reviewed May 19, 2017 at 09:05am
Retest Jun 12, 2018 at 02:51pm
Tested using Methodology v1.2 

Older Test Bench: This product has been tested using an older TV test methodology, before a major update. Some of the test results below aren't directly comparable with other TVs. Learn more

Sony X940E

Track

0.0
Mixed Usage 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
Movies 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
TV Shows 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
Sports 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
Video Games 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
HDR Movies 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
HDR Gaming 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
PC Monitor 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

Track

 1
 TV Settings
The X940E is a great large 4k HDR smart TV. It produces some of the best blacks found on LED TVs, and it can get quite bright. The excellent local dimming and ability to display a wide range of colors results in a great HDR experience. The X940E has some motion blur though, which makes it less of a good choice for sports or video games but doesn't impact the excellent movie performance.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

Great TV for mixed usage, the X940E has excellent picture quality in most environments. It has some motion blur that might bother people more sensitive to it though.

Pros
  • Very deep and uniform blacks
  • Very bright
  • Exceptional local dimming
Cons
  • Image degrades when viewed at an angle
  • Fast moving objects often have visible trails
0.0
Movies 

Excellent TV for watching movies. The X940E has some of the best local dimming available, bringing it close to OLED for most scenes. It's also able to turn off black bars found in movies completely which is great.

0.0
TV Shows 

Very good TV for TV shows. The X940E's upscaling of lower resolution content is as good as it gets, and it gets more than bright enough to be enjoyed in most environments.

0.0
Sports 

Good TV for watching sports, the screen is uniform and bright, leading to no major issues with clarity, but the X940E does have some issues with motion which can cause fast moving objects to have long trails following them.

0.0
Video Games 

Good TV for playing video games. Input lag is low in 4k, which is great for keeping the TV responsive. The size and picture quality helps keep the experience very immersive. Some motion blur is present though, which can cause issues with clarity, but it can somewhat be circumvented by using a flickering feature.

0.0
HDR Movies 

The X940E does exceptionally well with HDR movies. It's one of the brightest TVs currently available, and the great local dimming and handling of gradients produce great dynamic range. It doesn't have the widest color gamut available, but it's wide enough to give a strong visual impact.

0.0
HDR Gaming 

Very good TV for HDR gaming. Little lag is present with a 4k HDR input which is essential, and the overall HDR performance is some of the best we've seen.

0.0
PC Monitor 

Good TV for use as a PC monitor. Supports all the relevant resolutions, even 120hz for better PC gaming. The input lag is also low, which makes navigating the desktop great. Unfortunately though, it does have a fairly narrow viewing angle, and long trails can be seen following moving elements such as scrolling text or the mouse cursor.

  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Movies
  • 0.0
    TV Shows
  • 0.0
    Sports
  • 0.0
    Video Games
  • 0.0
    HDR Movies
  • 0.0
    HDR Gaming
  • 0.0
    PC Monitor
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Jun 12, 2018: A note for Xbox One X and Xbox One S owners: 1080p @ 120 Hz from the Xbox is only supported on this TV when the Xbox's connection type is changed from Auto-detect (Recommended) to HDMI, but unfortunately in this mode 4k and HDR aren't supported.
    2.  Updated Mar 12, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
    3.  Updated Jan 23, 2018: High-end Sony TVs have now been updated with Dolby Vision through a firmware update (PKG6.2818.0075NAA). The input section has been updated.
    4.  Updated Dec 11, 2017: Google Assistant has now been added to Android TV on Sony TVs, and it brings a lot of new features to the voice control. The remote score has been increased to reflect the new fuctionality.

    Check Price

    75"XBR75X940E
    SEE PRICE
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    75"XBR75X940E
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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 75" (XBR75X940E), the only size available at the moment. 

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Sony XBR-75X940E doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.

    Size Model Alternative Name UK Model
    75" XBR75X940E XBR-75X940E KD-75XE9405

    Popular TV Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Top left: Sony A1E (XBR55A1E). Bottom left: LG C7 (OLED55C7P). Middle: Sony X940E (XBR75X940E). Top right: Sony Z9D (XBR65Z9D). Bottom right: Samsung Q7F (QN55Q7F).  Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

    The X940E is a great LED TV, but it faces steep competition in its price range from OLED TVs. It does have the advantage of being larger than average though. See our recommendations for the best TVs and the best LED TVs.

    Sony X930E

    Track

    55" 65"

    The Sony X930E is a bit better than the Sony X940E. The X940E has a more advanced full array local dimming feature and better black uniformity, so it performs better in a dark room. The X940E has a better black frame insertion feature to help clear up motion, but the X930E has a much better response time, so motion is smoother overall and has much less blur trail. The X930E is brighter with SDR and HDR content.

    Sony X900E

    Track

    49" 55" 65" 75"

    The Sony X940E and X900E are very similar and offer nearly identical performance. The X940E has better dark room performance due to the improved local dimming feature and better black uniformity. The X900E has a much better response time and motion looks much smoother with very little motion blur. The X940E has been updated with support for Dolby Vision.

    Sony Z9D

    Track

    65" 75" 100"

    The Sony Z9D is marginally better than the Sony X940E. Overall performance is very similar, but the Z9D is a bit brighter and supports 3D. The Z9D handles fast moving scenes better than the X940E, since it has a faster response time and less motion blur. The Sony X940E is more consistent in its ability to remove judder from 24p sources.

    Sony X900F

    Track

    49" 55" 65" 75" 85"

    The Sony X900F is marginally better than the Sony X940E. The X900F has a much faster pixel response time, so motion looks much smoother with very little motion blur. The Sony X940E has a poor response time, but it has a better black frame insertion feature that improves motion blur. The X940E has better dark room performance, with a better local dimming feature and better black uniformity.

    How We Test TVs
    How We Test TVs

    We buy and test dozens of TVs yearly, taking an objective, data-driven approach to deliver results you can trust. Our testing process is complex, with hundreds of individual tests that take over a week to complete. Most of our tests use specially designed test patterns that mimic real content, but we also use the same sources you have at home to ensure our results match the real-world experience. We use two main tools for our testing: a Colorimetry Research CR-100 colorimeter and a CR-250 spectroradiometer.

    Test Results

    Older Test Bench: This product has been tested using an older TV test methodology, before a major update. Some of the test results below aren't directly comparable with other TVs. Learn more

    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    0.0
    Style
    CurvedLockedLocked

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    Stand

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    Back
    Wall MountLockedLocked

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    Borders
    BordersLockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Thickness
    Max ThicknessLockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Temperature
    Maximum Temperature
    LockedLock °F (Lock °C)
    Average Temperature
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    0.0
    Build Quality

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    Picture Quality
    0.0
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    LockedLock : 1
    Contrast with local dimming
    LockedLock : 1

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    0.0
    Local Dimming
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Sony X940E Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
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    SDR Peak 10% Window
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    SDR Peak 25% Window
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    SDR Peak 50% Window
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    SDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
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    SDR Sustained 10% Window
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    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR ABL
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 25% Window
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    HDR Peak 50% Window
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    HDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR ABL
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    50% DSE
    LockedLock%
    5% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    5% DSE
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

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    Sony X940E Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Shift
    LockedLock°
    Brightness
    LockedLock°
    Black Level
    LockedLock°

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    0.0
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Reflections
    Screen Finish
    LockedLocked
    Total Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Indirect Reflections
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Pre Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K

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    0.0
    Post Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K

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    0.0
    480p Input

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    0.0
    720p Input

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    0.0
    1080p Input

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    0.0
    4k Input

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    0.0
    Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    LockedLocked
    DCI P3 xy
    LockedLock%
    DCI P3 uv
    LockedLock%
    Rec 2020 xy
    LockedLock%
    Rec 2020 uv
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Color Volume
    Normalized DCI P3 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit
    Red (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Green (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Blue (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Gray (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Temporary Image Retention
    IR after 0 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 2 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 4 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 6 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 8 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 10 min recovery
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Permanent Burn-In Risk
    Permanent Burn-In Risk
    LockedLocked

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    Pixels
    TypeLockedLED
    Sub-Type
    LockedVA
    Motion
    0.0
    Response Time
    80% Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    100% Response Time
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Flicker-Free
    Flicker-Free
    LockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLock Hz

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    0.0
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    Optional BFI
    LockedLocked
    Min Flicker for 60 fps
    LockedLock Hz
    60 Hz for 60 fps
    LockedLocked
    120 Hz for 120 fps
    LockedLocked
    Min Flicker for 60 fps in Game Mode
    LockedLock Hz

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    0.0
    Motion Interpolation
    Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
    LockedLocked
    Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Stutter
    Frame Hold Time @ 24 fps
    LockedLock ms
    Frame Hold Time @ 60 fps
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    24p Judder
    Judder-Free 24p
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via 60p
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via 60i
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via Native Apps
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Variable Refresh Rate
    Native Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    4k VRR Maximum
    LockedN/A
    4k VRR Minimum
    LockedN/A
    1080p VRR Maximum
    LockedN/A
    1080p VRR Minimum
    LockedN/A
    VRR Supported Connectors
    LockedN/A

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    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    1080p @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    1080p @ 60Hz + HDR
    LockedLock ms
    1080p @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedLock ms
    1080p @ 120Hz
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60Hz + HDR
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 + 8 bit HDR
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedLock ms
    4k With Interpolation
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 120 Hz
    LockedN/A
    4k with Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedN/A
    1080p with Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Supported Resolutions
    ResolutionLocked4k
    1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked

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    Side Inputs
    Rear Inputs
    Total Inputs
    HDMILockedLocked
    USBLockedLocked
    Digital Optical Audio OutLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out RCALockedLocked
    Component InLockedLocked
    Composite InLockedLocked
    Tuner (Cable/Ant)LockedLocked
    EthernetLockedLocked
    DisplayPortLockedLocked
    IR InLockedLocked
    SD/SDHCLockedLocked

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    Inputs Specifications
    HDR10
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Vision
    LockedLocked
    HLG
    LockedLocked
    3D
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Passthrough ARC Dolby Digital
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Passthrough ARC DTS
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Passthrough Optical Dolby Digital
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Passthrough Optical DTS
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.1 Full Bandwidth
    LockedLocked
    ARC
    LockedLocked
    USB 3.0
    LockedLocked
    HDCP 2.2LockedLocked
    CECLockedLocked
    MHLLockedLocked
    Variable Analog Audio OutLockedLocked
    Wi-Fi SupportLockedLocked

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    Sound Quality
    0.0
    Frequency Response
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    Std. Dev. @ 70
    LockedLock dB
    Std. Dev. @ 80
    LockedLock dB
    Std. Dev. @ Max
    LockedLock dB
    Max
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Dynamic Range Compression
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Distortion
    Weighted THD @ 80
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max
    LockedLock
    IMD @ 80
    LockedLock%
    IMD @ Max
    LockedLock%

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    Smart Features
    0.0
    Interface
    Smart OSLockedLocked
    VersionLockedLocked
    Ease of Use
    LockedLocked
    Smoothness
    LockedLocked
    Time Taken to Select YouTube
    LockedLock s
    Time Taken to Change Backlight
    LockedLock s
    Advanced Options
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Ad-Free
    Ads
    LockedLocked
    Opt-out
    LockedN/A
    Suggested Content in Home
    LockedLocked
    Opt-out of Suggested Content
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Apps and Features
    App Selection
    LockedLocked
    App Smoothness
    LockedLocked
    Cast Capable
    LockedLocked
    USB Drive Playback
    LockedLocked
    USB Drive HDR Playback
    LockedLocked
    HDR in Netflix
    LockedLocked
    HDR in Amazon Video
    LockedLocked
    HDR in YouTube
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Remote
    Size
    LockedLocked
    Voice Control
    LockedLocked
    CEC Menu Control
    LockedLocked
    Other Smart Features
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Remote App
    Acts as the Remote
    LockedLocked
    Directly Launches Apps and Inputs
    LockedLocked
    Inputs Text in YouTube
    LockedLocked
    Inputs Text in Netflix
    LockedLocked
    Streams Device Files
    LockedLocked
    Controls TV Settings
    LockedLocked
    Voice Control
    LockedLocked

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    TV Controls

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    In The Box

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    Misc
    Power ConsumptionLockedLock W
    Power Consumption (Max)LockedLock W
    FirmwareLockedLocked