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Tom's Guide
19 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I review OLED TVs for a living — and this 3-year-old Sony is still one of my favorites I'd buy
There has been no shortage of excellent TVs that've launched in 2025. Specifically when it comes to new OLEDs, the Samsung S95F and LG C5 are among the best TVs ever tested here at Tom's Guide. But newer doesn't always necessarily mean better. In fact, when it comes to recommending premium TV picks to friends, family and readers, it's a 3-year-old set that's often at the top of my list. I'm referring to the Sony A95L, a flagship QD-OLED TV originally released back in 2023 that you can still buy brand-new today. Yes, Sony technically replaced the A95L with the 2025 Bravia 8 II OLED TV. But the successor only comes in 55- and 65-inch configurations. To accommodate those looking for bigger screens, Sony decided to keep the 77-inch A95L in its QD-OLED lineup. And there are a few reasons I think that was a pretty smart move, especially considering I recently introduced it into my own living room. When it originally launched, the A95L set a new standard for premium OLED TVs. It combined Samsung's QD-OLED panel technology with Sony's best-in-class Cognitive Processor XR. The result was a TV with unmatched color volume, excellent peak brightness for HDR content, near-perfect motion handling, and Sony's signature cinematic image tuning. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. I don't think anyone in the TV community was shocked when it won the Value Electronics annual TV Shootout event, being crowned the 'king of 4K TVs' by a panel of reviewers and display experts. At the time, it felt like this OLED was in league of its own. The Sony Bravia A95L is a QD-OLED TV that excels with every kind of content, every time. In our Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED TV review we said the Editor's Choice TV offers superlative picture and top-notch sound. That clear distinction is why I think, a few years later, it remains a great choice. Our lab tests confirmed near-100% coverage of the P3 color gamut and outstanding Rec.2020 performance when it comes to HDR. Simply put, the A95L didn't leave much room for improvement. Sony A95L Sony Bravia 8 II HDR Brightness (10%, in nits) 1215 1584 UHDA-P3 Gamut Coverage 99.95 100 Rec. 2020 Gamut Coverage 89.41 90.55 Input Lag (ms) 16.1 16.3 The new Bravia II did rise to the occasion with a healthy degree of upgrades, but it's not nearly enough to render the A95L irrelevant as we've seen some other TV manufacturers do with the progression of their OLED lineups year over year. As the close test results above show, the A95L doesn't make customers sacrifice quality much for prioritizing a larger screen size. And if those customers happen to be gamers like me, the A95L offers 4K at 120 Hz, VRR and Auto Low Latency Mode over two HDMI 2.1 ports, plus PlayStation-specific features that optimize HDR and picture modes on the fly. Input lag measures a smooth 16 ms, and for me, the gaming experience has only increased my appreciation for the A95L as my console's monitor. It's rare to recommend a three-year-old TV, but the A95L is that kind of product. It's a no-compromises display with longevity built in, especially if you're serious about upgrading your home theater space and have an appetite for a big-screen gaming TV. Sony's TV division has always prioritized picture fidelity over flashy upgrades, and the A95L is a testament to that approach. Even in 2025, it remains one of the most visually stunning displays you can buy. It may not be new, but it's still among the best — as long as 77 inches fits your wall and your budget.
Tom's Guide
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Watch: LG C5 OLED Review
Kate has the LG C5 OLED TV set up in the lab and is ready to break down whether one of the most anticipated 4K OLED TVs of 2025 lives up to the hype. In this review, expect to get the honest truth about HDR performance, upgraded brightness compared to the LG C4 OLED, how it handles gaming. and the latest updates to the Web OS software. Spoiler: the C5 is a serious contender for best OLED TV of the year. If you're shopping for a premium OLED TV right now, this LG C5 review is a must-watch.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
LG C5 vs Sony Bravia 8: which OLED TV should you buy?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Screen size: 65in (also available in 42in, 48in, 55in, 77in, 83in)HDMI inputs: x4 (4 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision game mode, HGiGDimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 144 x 4.5cm This is a big improvement on the C3. It's brighter and sharper, with richer tones and more vibrant colours. It can't compete with the stunning brightness of the G4, but then it is a fair bit cheaper. We expect that price to tumble soon, too. View Deal Screen size: 65in (also available in 55in, 77in, 83in and 97in)HDMI inputs: x4 (4 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision game mode, HGiGDimensions (hwd, without stand): 145 x 84 x 5.7cm Once again, the MLA-boosted screen of LG's G-Series model has brightness to spare, and easily competes with the best premium TVs from rival brands. It's notably more vibrant in darker scenes, and while the audio still leaves a lot to be desired, that's easily fixed with a soundbar. View Deal There's never been a better time to buy one of the best TVs. With competition hotting up from every angle, there's no shortage of premium screens vying for that coveted spot in your living room. If you've done some research, chances are you've probably got some OLED offerings from LG and Sony on your shortlist, which is why we're comparing the LG C5 against the Sony Bravia 8 – two top-notch OLED TVs that have plenty going for them. We've thoroughly tested both models to deliver an in-depth comparison – the only thing we don't know at the time of writing is the price of the LG C5, but we'll be sure to update this feature as soon as we're graced with that information. OLED TV pricing varies considerably throughout the year, with manufacturers following different approaches to discounting that can significantly impact value. For context, the Sony Bravia 8 launched with these prices across its size range: Sony Bravia 8 55-inch: £2199 / $2000 / AU$3495 Sony Bravia 8 65-inch: £2699 / $2800 / AU$4495 Sony Bravia 8 77-inch: £3999 / $3900 / AU$6995 While these figures represented a reduction from the A80L's launch prices, they positioned the Bravia 8 at a higher price point than comparable LG models. The pricing gap between Sony and LG models has been observed across multiple generations of their respective OLED lineups. For the LG C5, while official pricing hasn't been announced yet, we can look to the C4's launch prices for guidance: LG C4 42-inch: £1400 / $1499 / AU$2199 LG C4 48-inch: £1500 / $1599 / AU$2499 LG C4 55-inch: £1900 / $1999 / AU$3299 LG C4 65-inch: £2700 / $2699 / AU$4299 LG C4 77-inch: £3800 / $3699 / AU$5999 LG C4 83-inch: £6000 / $5399 / AU$7999 The C4 launched at lower prices than the C3 in the UK and Australia, which suggests LG may continue this competitive approach with the C5. A significant advantage for the LG C5 is its broader size range – offering models from 42 inches up to 83 inches. This variety provides options for diverse living spaces and budgets that the Bravia 8, which starts at 55 inches, simply can't match. Both manufacturers offer price reductions throughout the product lifecycle, particularly during major sales events. Based on previous generations, we expect both TVs to see substantial discounts, with the LG potentially reaching more accessible price points. The Sony Bravia 8 maintains the elegant aesthetics of its predecessor, the A80L. It has a rather fetching textured pattern on the rear panel that's been refined to sit more flush against walls when mounted, and the foot stands have been thoughtfully redesigned with a flatter top and slimmer profile to better accommodate soundbars. These feet offer multiple position options too – they can be placed centrally or at the corners, and at two different heights, providing versatility for different furniture and audio setups. LG has largely stuck with the C4's design language for its C5 model – namely, a super-slim profile for most of the chassis, with a modest enclosure housing connections and processing components at the bottom of the rear panel. The 55-inch C5 we reviewed features narrow bezels and a central pedestal stand that, while stylish, may limit soundbar placement options due to its outward taper. Larger models of the C5 have a different stand design where this won't be as much of an issue When it comes to remotes, Sony includes a plastic controller that, while lacking the premium feel of some competitors, does offer a backlight and a well-designed button layout. LG's Magic Remote adds a new AI shortcut button and updated input functionality, but frustratingly still lacks backlit buttons – a surprising omission at this price point. The Bravia 8 packs the power of Sony's formidable Bravia XR processor, which uses AI smarts to enhance picture processing for more authentic visuals. While it doesn't feature cutting-edge MLA, 4th Gen OLED or QD-OLED technology, Sony claims a 10% increase in panel brightness over its own A80L model. LG's C5, on the other hand, is powered by the Alpha 9 Gen 8 processor, which also has AI-enhanced processing in its arsenal. Like the Bravia 8, the C5 sticks with conventional WOLED technology rather than adopting the newer MLA or LG's own four-stack panels found in premium models like the LG G5. Still, LG claims brightness improvements over the C4, achieved through its Brightness Booster technology, rather than physical panel enhancements like a heatsink. As for gaming, the LG C5 maintains LG's excellent credentials with four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming – one of the most complete gaming packages available on any TV. The Bravia 8 offers solid gaming support but with a key limitation – only two of its four HDMI inputs meet the HDMI 2.1 standard, and one of those doubles as the eARC connection. The TV supports 4K/120Hz (rather than 144Hz), VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming. On the OS front, the C5 runs webOS 25, LG's latest smart platform. This iteration introduces enhanced AI features, including an intuitive chatbot for troubleshooting and settings adjustments via natural language commands. The platform also adds voice profile recognition and gaming-focused apps like the Xbox app for cloud gaming. Sony opts for Google TV, providing access to a comprehensive range of streaming services including UK-specific options like BBC iPlayer, ITV X, Channel 4, and Channel 5. The platform is well-designed and responsive, making content discovery relatively straightforward. Both TVs support HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision formats, though neither offers HDR10+. Both also include Dolby Atmos compatibility through their respective eARC connections. Both televisions deliver exceptional picture quality with 4K HDR content, though with slightly different characteristics that may appeal to different viewers. The Sony Bravia 8, for instance, excels in delivering a wonderfully natural image with exceptional motion handling. Its picture is remarkably sharp with outstanding light control that creates a compelling sense of three-dimensionality. The Bravia 8 handles skin tones with a touch more red than its predecessor, resulting in more lifelike human subjects. Black levels remain outstanding too, with excellent shadow detail, while highlights maintain impressive detail rather than clipping to white. The LG C5, in contrast, offers a richly saturated picture that balances vibrancy with authenticity. Its colours appear punchy and dynamic without crossing into artificiality, with particularly strong performance in low-light scenes where colour volume remains impressive. The picture exhibits excellent solidity and three-dimensionality, with subjects clearly delineated against backgrounds without appearing artificially enhanced. The C5's brightness improvements are most noticeable in highlight details, where it retains more information in the brightest portions of the image. As for Dolby Vision content, both TVs shine. The Bravia 8 delivers a compelling image in Dolby Vision Bright mode, with the dynamic metadata helping to optimize scene-by-scene performance. The C5 handles the format equally well, with its Filmmaker Mode now supporting Dolby Vision for the most accurate presentation. For HD and SDR content, both televisions perform admirably, though with slight differences in approach. The Bravia 8 upscales Full HD material with excellent sharpness while maintaining the natural film grain when present. However, some black crush can occur in particularly dark scenes, slightly compromising shadow detail. The LG C5 handles upscaling with impressive retention of detail, avoiding unwanted artifacts or noise in challenging content. Fabric textures and subtle details remain clearly visible, and the TV's enhanced brightness capabilities add impact even to standard dynamic range content. Neither TV will replace a dedicated sound system, but there are notable differences in their audio capabilities. The Sony Bravia 8 uses the company's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which uses actuators to vibrate the entire screen to generate sound. While slightly bass-light compared to some competitors, it offers excellent control and precision. The sound follows on-screen action with remarkable accuracy, creating a spacious and immersive audio experience despite the physical limitations of TV speakers. The LG C5 delivers acceptable audio for casual viewing with clear dialogue reproduction. However, it lacks low-end impact, and its projection capabilities are limited, with height effects seeming confined to the top edge of the TV. The AI Sound mode, unfortunately, introduces harshness that detracts from the overall listening experience – so much so, that What HiFi? Editor in Chief Alastair Stevenson has penned his thoughts on why the LG C5 is a great example of why he wants OLED TV makers to ditch built-in speakers altogether. Both the LG C5 and Sony Bravia 8 are excellent OLED TV options, albeit ones with distinct strengths that will appeal to different users. The LG C5 offers a more complete feature set, particularly for gamers, with its four HDMI 2.1 ports and 144Hz support. It's also available in more size options, including smaller 42 and 48-inch variants that might better suit certain spaces. Picture-wise, it delivers slightly punchier highlights and excellent low-light colour volume, that makes it particularly well-suited to movie watching in darker rooms. The Sony Bravia 8 counters with a more versatile stand design, superior audio performance, and picture quality that prioritises natural reproduction and exceptional motion handling. Its Google TV platform is intuitive and well-stocked with apps, though it falls short of LG's offering in gaming support with just two HDMI 2.1 ports. For most users, particularly gamers or those seeking a smaller OLED TV, the LG C5 represents the more versatile choice – assuming its pricing remains competitive with the outgoing C4 model. However, viewers who prioritize motion handling, prefer a more natural image, or appreciate superior built-in audio might find the Sony Bravia 8 better suits their needs. Once we have a final price from LG for its C5 range, we'll be updating our thoughts with more accurate value in mind, so stay tuned. MORE: Read our full Sony Bravia 8 review Our rundown of the best LG TVs you can buy Our full LG C5 review
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Yahoo
Flagship OLEDs are evolving faster than their step down siblings – but I still recommend the cheaper models to most people
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Since joining What Hi-Fi? I've had the good fortune to help test some of the top OLEDs on the market. Last year this included running the Sony Bravia 8 head-to-head with the A80L and A95L and then doing the same with the LG C4, LG G4 and older LG C3 and LG G3. And during my latest re-enactment of Groundhog Day, I just did the same in helping test the new LG C5, and have come to one firm conclusion: the step-down OLED market is stagnating. For the third year in a row, the new C-series OLED from LG is an important but modest upgrade on its predecessor. Jump over to our 55-inch LG C5 review and you'll see the key changes are important, but there are only incremental improvements to peak brightness, slightly better colour volume and tweaks to its motion handling. This means that it is undeniably better than the C4, but not to the point you should think about upgrading if you're on an LG C3 or above. Sound familiar? It should. We saw the same modest incremental improvements comparing the C4 to the C3 and Bravia 8 to the A80L last year. How can you say that and still give so many step-down models perfect five-star ratings and Awards, you ask? Because despite this they are the best option for most people from a performance-per-pound / dollar perspective. The sets may not have huge upgrades, but they're still more than good enough TVs for 'most people' and will meet the demands of everyone but the most ardent of cinephiles. We said as much in our LG C5 review, where senior staff writer and lead tester Lewis Empson reported: 'We are willing to compliment its rich, dynamic and detailed picture, and its practically flawless feature set is still a benchmark in the world of OLED TVs – which means this will likely continue the C-series' reputation as the go-to recommendation for most people.' By comparison, as evidenced by Home Cinema Editor Tom Parsons' hands-on preview session with the LG G5, the rate of innovation, particularly around peak brightness, is moving at an astronomical pace in the flagship OLED space. To summarise, during his demo it was dazzlingly bright and looked incredibly impressive as a result. But with the 65-inch LG G5 retailing for £3300 / $3300, the C5's prices are also mighty. Which is why we tend to still recommend the step-down OLED models. And unless LG really mucks up and prices the C5 at a much higher RRP than past C-series models, or the G5 knocks it out of the park when we get it in for review, this trend could well continue in 2025. MORE: These are the best OLED TVs we've reviewed We rate the best 65-inch TVs Our picks of the best TVs money can buy
