Now that next-gen gaming consoles have hit the market, serious gamers are reevaluating their existing TV setups. Both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X offer the potential for some truly groundbreaking gaming, and getting the most out of each console requires a TV that can keep up. So if you were lucky enough to score one of these gaming rigs, you might now be shopping for a new 4K TV.
Last month, we compared a few affordable 4K TVs, both of which are respectable choices if budget is the main concern. But to truly take advantage of everything that next-gen consoles offer, you’ll need something a little more advanced
Today, we’re comparing the Sony X900H and the Samsung Q80T. Each of these televisions sits at the middle of their brand’s product range, which is usually the sweet spot for price:performance with new TVs. You’ll find all of the most important video technologies, without breaking the bank. Expect to pay less than $1,500 for a 65-inch version either of these 4K TVs.*
What does a grand and a half buy you in a TV in 2020? Both the Samsung and Sony TV are highly-rated 4K HDR TVs, meaning you’ll get truly great picture quality. They each have at least one HDMI 2.1 port, which is required for gaming goodies like variable refresh rate, auto low latency mode, and the ability to play 120fps at 120hz. Both are, of course, smart TVs (Android TV on the Sony and Samsung with the Tizen OS), so you’ll have access to Google Assistant, a full suite of streaming apps, and easy firmware updates.
Overall both TVs are pretty equally matched, with Samsung Q80T’s quantum dot technology giving it a tiny edge in black levels and viewing angle. But the Sony X900H offers Dolby Vision compatibility, which could be a deal breaker for some. There are a few more subtle differences that can’t be objectively measured, and will depend on your personal preferences. For a deeper look at the Sony X900H and Samsung Q80T compared, check out our head-to-head video.
Browse our selection of Sony LED TVs and Samsung QLED TVs, available at Abt.com.
*Prices are valid at the time of this writing and are subject to change.
6 Comments
Lloyd
November 19, 2020 at 9:42 pm85 sony 900h is dropping in price to $1,969 vs $2,199 for Samsung 75 Q80. would you get the Sony 85?
Pete R
November 20, 2020 at 4:20 pmDepends on what you’ll be using it for. They are very closely matched TVs, with the Samsung better in normally-lit rooms because the screen is less reflective. If you can control the lighting in your room, the Sony is probably the better choice. Also, 10 inches is a noticeable difference on the big end. If you have room for it and can sit at the proper distance, an 85-inch TV is an impressive thing to behold.
Russell cole
January 2, 2021 at 12:35 pmWhat about the viewing angles?? I have the exact same question (q80t 75” vs x900h 85”)
My living room is the middle zone sandwiched between the kitchen and the outside lounge space.
Am I overthinking how bad the Sony viewing angle is compared to the Samsung?
Mostly we will be on the couch in front of the tv, but it would be nice to enjoy the tv while making food or sitting outside.
I like your advice to go bigger and I’m leaning that way but I know for a fact that the Samsung is better quality (just smaller by 10” in my case).
Pete R
January 4, 2021 at 12:25 pmUnfortunately, the viewing angles are indeed noticeably worse on the Sony. The Sony screen also deals with reflections/glares worse than the Samsung, which sounds like it could be an issue for where your TV is placed. In ideal conditions, the Sony is a really great TV, but it sounds like the Samsung will be the better choice for your needs.
Steve 80
January 18, 2021 at 11:41 amMy current 11 year old TV is mostly used to receive over-the-air broadcasts. I expect this will be true for my next TV which I hope to purchase soon. Thus ATSC 3.0, a.k.a. the NextGen TV broadcast standard, is of concern. This Sony 900H supports it, but oddly, most manufacturers are building ATSC 3.0 only into high end models, as if folks buying $8,000 TVs are skimping on cable fees. That said, the NextGen rollout seems to be both slow and erratic so maybe I could buy a less expensive model and not worry about ATSC 3.0 reaching the NYC tri-state area for five or more years? Any thoughts or suggestions for us over-the-air TV watchers?
Pete R
January 19, 2021 at 2:12 pmThat’s really a tough question, because the answer is dependent on knowing the actual rollout of ATSC 3.0 broadcasts. ATSC’s official deployment map shows that most of the country doesn’t even have it pending. Your area appears to be an “announced target market.” As you said, knowing how these things go (remember the HDTV rollout?), it could still be years. If the ATSC 3.0 tuner is the only reason you’re interested in the Sony, it’s probably not worth the extra cost. But it’s got plenty of other great features, and if you are a.) planning on keeping it for 5+ years and b.) plan to still be an OTA watcher at that time, it might be worth the extra cost.
Another thought: 2021 model year TVs should begin hitting shelves in 8 weeks or so. Many more Sony models, and apparently all of LG’s 2021 4K and 8K TVs, will support ATSC 3.0. If you’re not in a hurry to get a new TV, it might be a good idea to hold off for a few months when there’s more info on those new models. Likely there will be something more affordable—and if not, you could probably still score a 2020 model at that time.