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Sony X850F  TV Review

Reviewed Apr 06, 2018 at 05:03pm
Test bench update May 11, 2020 at 12:08pm
Tested using methodology v1.5 
Sony X850F
7.0
Mixed Usage 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

6.0
Movies 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

8.1
TV Shows 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

7.8
Sports 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

7.0
Video Games 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

5.9
HDR Movies 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

6.6
HDR Gaming 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

7.9
PC Monitor 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

 0
 TV Settings
Notice: This TVs was replaced by Sony X850G
The Sony X850F is a good 4k TV with an IPS panel. It can get bright to overcome glare and handles reflection well in a bright room but it has a very low contrast ratio so blacks appear gray when viewed in a dark room. The picture quality is decent but remains accurate when viewed at an angle which is good for those with wide seating. It also has a fast response time, which is great for watching fast-paced content. Unfortunately, Android TV isn't as streamlined or intuitive as other platforms.

Our Verdict

7.0
Mixed Usage 

Good TV for a range of usages. Blacks appear gray and blotchy when viewed in a dark room such as watching movies at night, but in a bright room, the reflection handling is good and the TV can get bright to overcome glare. Image also remains accurate when viewed at an angle, which is good. Input lag is low and motion handling is great, which is great for PC use or gaming. The TV supports HDR, but it can't produce very vivid colors or bright highlights to take advantage of it.

Pros
  • Feels responsive with low input lag
  • Great motion handling
  • Image remains accurate at an angle
Cons
  • Blacks appear gray and blotchy in a dark room
6.0
Movies 

Mediocre pick for watching movies in a dark room. Native contrast is low and the TV doesn't support local dimming so blacks appear gray and blotchy when viewed in a dark room. Movies are smooth when played from a Blu-ray player or native apps, but some small stutter may be noticeable when watching movies over cable.

Pros
None
Cons
None
8.1
TV Shows 

Great choice for watching TV in a bright room. Image remains accurate when viewed at an angle, which is good for those with wide seating. The Sony X850F can get bright to overcome ambient glare which is great, and anti-reflective coating works well to reduce distracting reflections. Unfortunately, although the Android TV smart platform is very versatile, it is less intuitive and slower than other platforms for casual watching.

Pros
None
Cons
None
7.8
Sports 

Great TV for watching sports in a bright room. Motion handling is great, thanks to the fast response time so only a short trail is seen behind a fast moving puck or football. Picture quality is only decent, but the image remains accurate when viewed at an angle which is good. The screen can get bright to overcome glare, and TV is great at handling reflections so it is a great fit for a bright room.

Pros
None
Cons
None
7.0
Video Games 

Great TV for gamers. Input lag is low, so the TV feels responsive, which is great. Motion handling is also great, and only a short trail can be seen behind fast-moving objects. Picture quality is only decent though, and blacks appear gray and blotchy in a dark room.

Pros
None
Cons
None
5.9
HDR Movies 

Mediocre TV for watching HDR movies. Picture quality is only mediocre, as blacks appear gray and blotchy in a dark room. Movies from a Blu-ray player or Netflix are smooth, but the X850F doesn't have a very wide color gamut and can't produce bright highlights.

Pros
None
Cons
None
6.6
HDR Gaming 

Better than average for HDR gaming. The TV feels responsive due to low input lag and great motion handling. Unfortunately, blacks appear gray in a dark room, and the TV can't produce a very wide color gamut or bright highlights for HDR. Also, it doesn't support local dimming to improve the dark scene performance.

Pros
None
Cons
None
7.9
PC Monitor 

Great option for a monitor. Image remains accurate when viewed at an angle, which is great when viewing the edge of the screen from close up for PC use. The TV supports chroma 4:4:4 for clear text on all backgrounds, and it feels responsive due to low input lag and great motion handling.

Pros
None
Cons
None
  • 7.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 6.0
    Movies
  • 8.1
    TV Shows
  • 7.8
    Sports
  • 7.0
    Video Games
  • 5.9
    HDR Movies
  • 6.6
    HDR Gaming
  • 7.9
    PC Monitor
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated May 21, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
    2.  Updated Feb 21, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
    3.  Updated Feb 28, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
    4.  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.

    Check Price

    65"XBR65X850F
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com
    75"XBR75X850F
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com
    85"XBR85X850F
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 65" (XBR65X850F). For the most part, we expect our review to be valid for the 75" (XBR75X850F).

    We haven't tested the 85" (XBR85X850F), but it likely uses a VA panel (similar to the 85" X850D) with a high native contrast ratio producing deeper blacks, but the image degrades when viewed at an angle.

    The European variant of the TV is also known as the XF85 or XF87 and comes in a different range of sizes as shown below. We have received reports that the 49" variant of the X850F available in Europe has a VA panel, as shown in this photo of the pixels. This size likely has better dark room performance but a narrow viewing angle.

    Update 02/20/2019: We have also received reports of a 55" XF85 with a VA panel.

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Sony X850F doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review. Note that some tests such as the gray uniformity may vary between individual units.

    Size US Model Alternative Name UK Model VESA Mount Size
    43"     KD-43XF8505
    KD-43XF8577
    KD-43XF8796
    100x200
    49"     KD-49XF8505
    KD-49XF8577
    KD-49XF8796
    200x200
    55"     KD-55XF8505
    KD-55XF8577
    KD-55XF8796
    300x200
    65" XBR65X850F XBR-65X850F KD-65XF8505
    KD-65XF8796
    300x300
    75" XBR75X850F XBR-75X850F KD-75XF8596 400x300
    85" XBR85X850F XBR-85X850F KD-85XF8596 400x400

    Popular TV Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Top left: LG B6 (OLED55B8P). Bottom left: Samsung MU8000 (UN55MU8000). Middle: Sony X850F (XBR65X850F). Top right: Sony X850E (XBR65X850E). Bottom right: Sony X900F (XBR55X900F).  Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

    The Sony X850F is a good pick for a bright room with wide seating as the low native contrast ratio makes blacks appear gray in a dark room, but the image remains accurate when viewed at an angle. See our picks below for how it compares to the competition. See our recommendations for the best smart TVs and the best flatscreen TVs.

    Sony X830F

    If you've got a bright room with wide seating, then the Sony X850F is a better choice due to the IPS panel and the good viewing angles. But for a dark room with seating directly in front, the Sony X830F is better because of the higher native contrast ratio the VA panel has. The Sony X850F also has a lower input lag for those who play video games and somewhat better reflection handling if you place it in a room with many lights. The Sony X830F, on the other hand, has a slightly faster response time, and thus displays less blur on fast-moving content like sports.

    Sony X850G

    There are very few differences between the Sony X850F and the Sony X850G. The 2019 X850G has much lower input lag, and it supports eARC. Other than that, these two TVs perform very similarly.

    LG SM9500

    The Sony X850F is marginally better than the LG SM9500. The Sony has better gray uniformity, which is great if you're a sports fan. The X850F is also flicker-free, which is important for those that are bothered by flicker. The SM9500, on the other hand, can get brighter and is suitable for a very bright room. The LG has a local dimming feature that can provide some improvement with the appearance of blacks in a dark room. The LG also has a lower input lag, which is good news to gamers, but also shows some signs of temporary image retention.

    Sony X800G

    The Sony X850F is better than the X800G, but the differences might not matter as much for everyone. The X850F has better reflection handling, great for bright rooms, and it can remove judder from all sources, whereas the X800G can only remove judder from true 24p sources.

    Show more 

    Video

    Test Results

    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    8.5
    Style
    CurvedNo

    The design of the Sony 2018 X850F is great. The legs, while similar to the X900F are unlike any Sony we have reviewed recently. They are wide-set and require a larger table, but there should be no issues placing a soundbar between them. There is only basic cable management at the back, similar to the X900F, but not as good as the X930E which includes routing through the back panel. The bottom edge of the TV gets a little warm to the touch. Despite being almost entirely made of plastic, the TV feels well constructed.

    Stand

    The stand on the X850F is unlike any other Sony TV we have reviewed. It is similar to the stand on the Samsung MU6100. It is made entirely of plastic with an aluminum finish. On our 65" model, we found them to cause the TV to wobble if it is knocked.

    The footprint of the 65" TV stand: 12.0" x 43.4"

    Back
    Wall MountVESA 300x300

    Similar to the X850E, the back of the TV is quite basic. Similar to the X900F there is only very basic cable management through the legs of the TV. The back is almost identical to the X900F.

    Borders
    Borders0.39" (1.0 cm)

    The borders of the TV look good. While slightly thicker than the 55" X900F they are still quite thin.

    Thickness
    Max Thickness2.13" (5.4 cm)

    The Sony XBR65X850F has more of a uniform thickness than the X900F. It won't stick out from the wall much when mounted.

    7.5
    Build Quality

    The X850F feels well constructed, despite being made almost entirely of plastic. There are no obvious gaps or issues. The tabs along the back of the legs for cable management are just bent plastic. While it hasn't caused any issues for us, this could break with repeated flexing.

    Picture Quality
    5.8
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    894 : 1
    Contrast with local dimming
    N/A

    Disappointing contrast ratio on the X850F. It has an IPS type panel similar to the X850D. Dark scenes will not look their best especially when playing in a dark room.

    We tested the 65" model, but it is highly likely that the 85" will have a VA type panel, which we would expect to have at least a 3000:1 contrast ratio.

    0.0
    Local Dimming
    Local Dimming
    No
    Backlight
    Edge

    There is no local dimming feature on the X850F. The video is for reference only.

    7.7
    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    371 cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
    397 cd/m²
    SDR Peak 10% Window
    396 cd/m²
    SDR Peak 25% Window
    396 cd/m²
    SDR Peak 50% Window
    396 cd/m²
    SDR Peak 100% Window
    396 cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
    396 cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 10% Window
    396 cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    395 cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    395 cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    396 cd/m²
    SDR ABL
    0.000

    Very good peak brightness in SDR. There is almost no difference in brightness across the windows sizes, which is good. The TV is bright enough for most rooms. It is brighter than last year's X850E and LG's SJ8500, but dimmer than this year's X900F.

    6.6
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    457 cd/m²
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    521 cd/m²
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    521 cd/m²
    HDR Peak 25% Window
    521 cd/m²
    HDR Peak 50% Window
    521 cd/m²
    HDR Peak 100% Window
    521 cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    520 cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    521 cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    521 cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    521 cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    520 cd/m²
    HDR ABL
    0.000

    Decent HDR brightness. It is brighter than the X850E. Most people will find the highlights bright enough when watching movies in HDR, but HDR content will look best on a brighter screen like the X900F.

    7.5
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    3.555%
    50% DSE
    0.190%
    5% Std. Dev.
    0.566%
    5% DSE
    0.084%

    Better than average screen uniformity. No serious issues with dirty screen effect, which is good for watching sports or other content with large areas of uniform colors. This TV is brightest in the center and the corners are dark, which is common for TVs and isn't as distracting as uniformity issues near the center or brighter edges.

    7.7
    Viewing Angle
    Color Washout
    29°
    Color Shift
    64°
    Brightness Loss
    38°
    Black Level Raise
    70°
    Gamma Shift
    44°

    Good viewing angle. Color saturation and black levels remain good even if sitting on a wide couch or with side seating, but brightness drops sharply if sitting to the side.

    We tested the 65" model which uses an IPS panel. It is highly likely that the 85" model uses a VA type panel which would have worse viewing angles.

    5.8
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    2.113%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    N/A

    Disappointing black uniformity. There is some obvious clouding especially around the edges. The X850F does not handle dark scenes well and would not be recommended for a dark room.

    Clouding is more visible when displaying bright objects in dark scenes, since this TV does not have a local dimming feature.

    8.3
    Reflections
    Screen Finish
    Semi-gloss
    Total Reflections
    3.5%
    Indirect Reflections
    0.6%
    Calculated Direct Reflections
    2.9%

    The X850F has a very similar to finish to the X900F. It does not diffuse reflections as much as some other TVs.

    6.7
    Pre Calibration
    White Balance dE
    4.42
    Color dE
    3.10
    Gamma
    2.15
    Color Temperature
    6,114 K
    Picture Mode
    Custom
    Color Temp Setting
    Expert 1
    Gamma Setting
    0

    Average color accuracy out of the box with 'Custom', 'Game', or 'Graphics' mode. Color temperature is far from our target of 6500K, so most colors have more of a yellow tint. Gamma is very close to our target of 2.2.

    9.1
    Post Calibration
    White Balance dE
    0.26
    Color dE
    2.17
    Gamma
    2.19
    Color Temperature
    6,488 K
    White Balance Calibration
    10 point
    Color Calibration
    No
    Auto-Calibration Function
    No

    White balance is near perfect post calibration and color is good. Color temperature is very close to our target as is gamma. 'Custom' picture mode provided the best results.

    You can see our recommended settings here.

    8.0
    480p Input

    Older 480p content is upscaled well. There are some minor artifacts but the TV handles it well.

    8.0
    720p Input

    Upscaling of 720p is handled well. There is some softness but the image is clear.

    9.0
    1080p Input

    1080p content from a Blu-ray or game console is upscaled well.

    10
    4k Input

    There are no issues with native 4k content.

    0.0
    8k Input
    Pixels
    TypeLED
    Sub-Type
    IPS (except 85")
    7.7
    Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    Yes
    DCI P3 xy
    84.41%
    DCI P3 uv
    92.10%
    Rec 2020 xy
    61.99%
    Rec 2020 uv
    70.12%

    The HDR color gamut of the X850F is good, although Rec 2020 coverage is limited. The TV has difficulty producing deeply saturated greens especially. Most scenes won't have overly saturated colors, but in very colorful scenes such as a sunset or an ocean scene the TV's limited color gamut will be noticeable.

    The HDR EOTF in the 'Cinema Pro' picture mode follows the target PQ curve fairly well until it rolls off at the TV's peak brightness. The EOTFs in 'Game' and 'PC' mode are very similar to that of 'Cinema Pro', which is good.

    Update 05/02/2018: The color gamut was erroneously measured at a 50% stimulus. It has been remeasured at 75% stimulus to be in line with our other TVs. It now measures slightly higher, and meets our threshold for a wide color gamut TV.

    6.4
    Color Volume
    Normalized DCI P3 Coverage ITP
    71.5%
    10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage ITP
    34.8%
    Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
    54.8%
    10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
    26.6%

    Below average color volume. The TV has difficulty displaying deep, dark colors due to the lack of local dimming and low native contrast ratio. It does not cover either color space very well.

    8.3
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    10 Bit
    Red (Std. Dev.)
    0.123
    Green (Std. Dev.)
    0.116
    Blue (Std. Dev.)
    0.101
    Gray (Std. Dev.)
    0.057

    The X850F displays gradients well. There is some banding especially in the dark colors, but not enough to bother most people.

    10
    Temporary Image Retention
    IR after 0 min recovery
    0.00%
    IR after 2 min recovery
    0.00%
    IR after 4 min recovery
    0.00%
    IR after 6 min recovery
    0.00%
    IR after 8 min recovery
    0.00%
    IR after 10 min recovery
    0.00%

    Like most IPS and VA panels, there is no sign of temporary image retention on the X850F.

    10
    Permanent Burn-In Risk
    Permanent Burn-In Risk
    No

    We don't expect IPS panels to have any permanent image retention. The IPS panel in our long term test has not shown any permanent burn-in.

    Motion
    7.9
    Response Time
    80% Response Time
    3.8 ms
    100% Response Time
    14.9 ms

    Great fast response time, good enough for even fast-moving content like sports. Most of the blur in the photo is due to 60 fps persistence; the ghosting trail following the logo is very short, which is excellent. This response time is very similar to the rival Samsung NU8000, but not quite as fast as the higher end Sony X900F.

    10
    Flicker-Free
    Flicker-Free
    No
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    0 Hz

    The X850F has no visible flicker in its backlight, which makes motion appear smooth. This is, unfortunately, a rare thing in TVs; many TVs have 120 Hz PWM flicker, like the LG SJ9500 and Samsung MU8000, which causes duplications during motion (as seen in this MU8000 photo).

    6.0
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    Optional BFI
    Yes
    Min Flicker for 60 fps
    120 Hz
    60 Hz for 60 fps
    No
    120 Hz for 120 fps
    Yes
    Min Flicker for 60 fps in Game Mode
    120 Hz

    The X850F has an optional BFI mode that adds flicker to make motion look more clear. Unfortunately, this flicker is limited to 120 Hz, which causes duplications in 60 fps motion, as seen in the photo; 60 Hz flicker like that of the Samsung NU8000 would be better. The X850F's flicker is activated by setting 'Motionflow' to 'Custom' and increasing the 'Clearness' slider. The X850F does not have the new 'X-Motion Clarity' feature of the X900F, so adding flicker will decrease the TV's brightness.

    Motion Interpolation
    Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
    Yes
    Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
    Yes

    The X850F has a 120 Hz panel and can interpolate lower frame rate content up to 120 fps. This high frame rate greatly improves motion but can appear strange to some (the 'soap opera effect'), and sometimes adds unwanted artifacts during fast motion. Interpolation is activated by setting 'Motionflow' to 'Custom', increasing the 'Smoothness' slider, and setting 'Cinemotion' to 'High'.

    7.7
    Stutter
    Frame Hold Time @ 24 fps
    26.8 ms
    Frame Hold Time @ 60 fps
    1.8 ms

    The TV can show low framerate content smoothly, which is good when watching TV shows and movies. The TV's response time is long enough that completely transitioned frames aren't held on screen for a long time, which reduces the appearance of stutter.

    10
    24p Judder
    Judder-Free 24p
    Yes
    Judder-Free 24p via 60p
    Yes
    Judder-Free 24p via 60i
    Yes
    Judder-Free 24p via Native Apps
    Yes

    The TV can consistently remove judder from all 24p content such as native apps, Blu-ray players, or movies from a cable box which is excellent. The TV removes judder from 24p HDMI sources automatically, but for 60p, 60i and native app sources 'Motionflow' must be set to 'True Cinema' and 'Cinemotion' to 'High' to remove judder.

    Update 06/08/2018: The X850F has been retested, and can play movies from 60p or 60i sources at the correct cadence. The text above has been adjusted.

    0.0
    Variable Refresh Rate
    Native Refresh Rate
    120 Hz
    Variable Refresh Rate
    No
    HDMI Forum VRR
    No
    FreeSync
    No
    G-SYNC Compatible
    No
    4k VRR Maximum
    N/A
    4k VRR Minimum
    No VRR support
    1080p VRR Maximum
    N/A
    1080p VRR Minimum
    No VRR support
    1440p VRR Maximum
    N/A
    1440p VRR Minimum
    No VRR support
    VRR Supported Connectors
    No VRR support

    The TV does not support variable refresh rate features like FreeSync.

    Inputs
    7.1
    Input Lag
    1080p @ 60 Hz
    27.9 ms
    1080p @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
    90.1 ms
    1440p @ 60 Hz
    28.9 ms
    4k @ 60 Hz
    30.0 ms
    4k @ 60 Hz + 10 bit HDR
    30.1 ms
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    30.0 ms
    4k @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
    92.3 ms
    4k @ 60 Hz With Interpolation
    92.3 ms
    8k @ 60 Hz
    N/A
    1080p @ 120 Hz
    13.1 ms
    1440p @ 120 Hz
    13.2 ms
    4k @ 120 Hz
    N/A
    1080p with Variable Refresh Rate
    N/A
    1440p with VRR
    N/A
    4k with VRR
    N/A
    8k with VRR
    N/A
    Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
    No

    Low input lag at both 4k and 1080p, a slight improvement over the X850E, though not as good as LG's SJ8500. When in 'Game' or 'Graphics' mode the TV has good low input lag. Input lag is the same even on the low bandwidth HDMI ports 1 & 4.

    9.6
    Supported Resolutions
    Resolution4k
    1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    Yes
    1080p @ 120 Hz
    Yes (forced resolution required)
    1440p @ 60 Hz
    Yes (forced resolution required)
    1440p @ 120 Hz
    Yes (forced resolution required)
    4k @ 60 Hz
    Yes
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    Yes
    4k @ 120 Hz
    No
    8k @ 30 Hz or 24 Hz
    No
    8k @ 60 Hz
    No

    The X850F supports all common input signals. Chroma 4:4:4 is supported in 'Game' or 'Graphics' mode. Only HDMI inputs 2 or 3 support 4k @ 60Hz @ chroma 4:4:4 or 4:2:2, and only when 'HDMI Enhanced Format' is enabled.

    When in 'Graphics' mode upscaling is done by nearest neighbour when in 1080p @ 60 Hz. When sending a 120 Hz signal there is no nearest neighbour upscaling.

    Update 06/12/2018: 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: (Xbox > Settings > Display & sound > Video fidelity & overscan > Display > Connection > HDMI). Unfortunately in this mode 4k, HDR, 50 Hz and 24 Hz aren't possible, so this mode is only recommended when the higher refresh rate of 120 Hz is more important to you than these other features.

    Update 06/18/2018: Correction, 24 Hz and 50 Hz are in fact possible with the Xbox's connection type set to HDMI.

    Input Photos
    Total Inputs
    HDMI4
    USB3
    Digital Optical Audio Out1
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mm1
    Analog Audio Out RCA0
    Component In1 (shared)
    Composite In1 (shared)
    Tuner (Cable/Ant)1
    Ethernet1
    DisplayPort0
    IR In1
    SD/SDHC0

    The only combined composite/component input is located on the rear of the TV. The second composite input that was found on the side of the X850E has been removed.

    Inputs Specifications
    HDR10
    Yes
    HDR10+
    No
    Dolby Vision
    No
    HLG
    Yes
    3D
    No
    HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth
    Yes (HDMI 2,3)
    HDMI 2.1
    No
    CECYes
    HDCP 2.2Yes (HDMI 1,2,3,4)
    USB 3.0
    Yes (1)
    Variable Analog Audio OutYes
    Wi-Fi SupportYes (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz)
    Audio Passthrough
    ARC
    Yes (HDMI 3)
    eARC support
    No
    Dolby Atmos via TrueHD via eARC
    No
    DTS:X via DTS-HD MA via eARC
    No
    5.1 Dolby Digital via ARC
    Yes
    5.1 DTS via ARC
    Yes
    5.1 Dolby Digital via Optical
    Yes
    5.1 DTS via Optical
    Yes
    Sound Quality
    6.2
    Frequency Response
    See details on graph tool
    Low-Frequency Extension
    119.87 Hz
    Std. Dev. @ 70
    3.75 dB
    Std. Dev. @ 80
    4.07 dB
    Std. Dev. @ Max
    6.21 dB
    Max
    88.0 dB SPL
    Dynamic Range Compression
    3.77 dB

    The X850F has a mediocre frequency response. The LFE (low-frequency extension) of 120Hz is inadequate for creating the punch and rumble common to bass-heavy music and movie sound effects. The frequency response above the TV's LFE is quite well-balanced, but since it doesn't have a self-calibrating system, it wasn't able to remove our lab's room modes. This shows as a build-up of energy in the high-bass/low-mid region. On the upside, the TV does get loud enough for most use cases, and doesn't produce too much pumping and compression artifacts under heavy loads.

    5.6
    Distortion
    See details on graph tool
    Weighted THD @ 80
    0.128
    Weighted THD @ Max
    22.734
    IMD @ 80
    2.33%
    IMD @ Max
    36.40%

    The harmonic distortion performance of the X850F is sub-par. At low and moderate volumes the X850F has a good THD performance. However, like most other Sony TVs we have measured, their THD jumps to very high levels under maximum load. But this will be rarely audible since most users won't need to set their TVs volume to max, and harmonic distortion is not as audible with real-life content (as opposed to with a test signal).

    Smart Features
    7.0
    Interface
    Smart OSAndroid TV
    Version7.0
    Ease of Use
    Average
    Smoothness
    Not Smooth
    Time Taken to Select YouTube
    5 s
    Time Taken to Change Backlight
    6 s
    Advanced Options
    Many

    The interface works well and is intuitive, but purists will find it too crowded. Since there are a lot of built-in functions and apps it can be hard to find something specific, although the Google Assistant can help with this. For general usage, the interface is quite fluid, but when casting it becomes very slow.

    0.0
    Ad-Free
    Ads
    Yes
    Opt-out
    No
    Suggested Content in Home
    Yes
    Opt-out of Suggested Content
    Yes

    While technically there are no ads in Sony's Android TV, there is a row of suggested content, although this can be disabled through the settings menu.

    9.0
    Apps and Features
    App Selection
    Great
    App Smoothness
    Average
    Cast Capable
    Yes
    USB Drive Playback
    Yes
    USB Drive HDR Playback
    Yes
    HDR in Netflix
    Yes
    HDR in YouTube
    No

    The included apps work well for accessing most video and music services. The strength of Android TV is definitely the Google Play Store, with thousands of apps available including many found on Android tablets or cell phones. Only a subset of compatible apps are available, and surprisingly some popular apps such as Chrome and Firefox are not available. There is no built-in web browser, Sony recommends the Vewd browser.

    8.0
    Remote
    Size
    Large
    Voice Control
    Many Features
    CEC Menu Control
    Yes
    Other Smart Features
    No
    Remote AppAndroid TV

    The X850F includes the same remote as the X850E. It has more buttons than most remotes and is quite large, but with good usability. Buttons are easy to find and it doesn't take long to access most basic functions of the TV.

    The included voice button works well to access Google Assistant, but the remote must be connected to the TV via Bluetooth for this to work. Google Assistant can perform most basic actions on the TV, such as changing inputs or opening certain apps. More advanced functions such as changing picture settings do not work.

    TV Controls

    Like most Sony TVs there are only three small buttons on the back edge. These buttons provide basic access to turn the TV on and off or to change channels, inputs, and volume.

    In The Box

  • Manual
  • IR Blaster
  • Remote
  • Batteries
  • 60.5" Power Cable(Not shown)
  • Misc
    Power Consumption60 W
    Power Consumption (Max)151 W
    FirmwarePKG6.5160.0144NAA

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