We have finally reached a point where smart televisions are affordable. Incidentally, just last week I noticed an online sale where a 32-inch smart television was being sold for as low as Rs 22,000 and that too from a top global brand. However the best smart televisions are still expensive, and they are pushing the envelope when it comes to display quality. 4K is all the rage now and even though some companies have come up with affordable option, this segment is still quite expensive.
The Sony Bravia X9300D is a top-end 4K television, which brings class to your living room though at a price. It has a thin bezel, and metallic stand that gives it a stylish edge. The TV comes with a camera attachment that lets you make Skype calls.
What is good?
This is Android TV. So everything just works out of the box like any smartphone. The 55-inch 4K TV gives you a good even colour quality across the screen with no ghosting or shadows.
There are a lot of people who are still skeptical about 4K. With an Android TV, I have no such issues. Open the YouTube app and you have access to a whole world of 4K content that streams smoothly enough on an 8Mbps connections.
This Bravia comes loaded with a lot of addictive features. You can connect smartphones and tablets to the display, and use it as a mirror or even share stuff there. You can add game controllers to the TV and play all popular games here, provided they are on the Play Store. The remote comes with a built-in microphone.
What is not that good?
I would like the remote to have more flexibility when it comes swiping, and using the smart features. Also, the mic doesn’t have a good accuracy rate.
Some new smart TVs let you control the set top box as well. So does this Bravia, but only with an additional IR blaster cable. This should have been an integrated feature at this price.
Should you buy?
The Sony Bravia x9300D is among the best smart TVs you can buy. However, there are cheaper options in the market if you are willing to make some sacrifices. But if money is not really a concern, go ahead and own this.
SPECIFICATIONS
* Display: 55-inch 4K HDR Motionflow XR 800Hz Triluminous display with 3D
* Audio: 7.5W x4 Audio Power Output Dolby audio
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Google Cast, Wi-Fi direct
* Ports: USB x 3, HDMI x 4
** Estimated street price: Rs 2,64,900
