TECH
Sony X90K vs TCL 6-Series: Which one should you buy? Story-level
he sony x90k and the TCL 6 Series They are two mid-range 4K televisions with many advantages. Both provide similar performance metrics and share many of the same features for gaming, streaming, and more, making them great options for buyers who want a little more bang for their buck.
Given their similarities, choosing between the two is not easy. Fortunately, having tested both models extensively, we are well positioned to simplify the process. Here’s how the Sony X90K and the TCL 6-Series compare, from price to performance.
Buy the TCL 6 series on Amazon
Spring cleaning season is here. Subscribe to our monthly cleaning newsletter and we’ll leave your house sparkling before your first allergy attack.
Price
Credit: Revised / Tim Renzi
The 6 series may offer fewer options and sizes, but it’s still much more affordable than the X90K.
Since its launch, the Sony X90K has been heavily discounted. For context, I’ll highlight both the original listing for each model and its current selling price at the time of publication.
Sony X90K:
- 55-inch (Sony XR-55X90K), MSRP $1,299.99 (on sale for $898 on Amazon)
- 65-inch (Sony XR-65X90K), MSRP $1,499.99 (on sale for $998 on Amazon)
- 75-inch (Sony XR-75X90K), MSRP $1,899.99 (on sale for $1,398 on Amazon)
- 85-inch (Sony XR-85X90K), MSRP $2,799.99 (on sale for $1,998 on Amazon)
TCL 6 Series:
The 6 Series is available in just three sizes: 55, 65, and 75 inches. They are on a moderate sale at the time of publication.
That being said, most of the size options in the 6-series lineup are more affordable than their counterparts in the X90K-series. For example, the lowered 55-inch X90K currently costs about $250 more than the 55-inch 6-Series, and there’s a $50 difference between each 65-inch option. The exception is the 75-inch models, where the Sony X90K costs $100 less than the Series 6.
Our choice: TCL 6 series
design
Credit: Revised / Tim Renzi
No screws or additional manufacturer’s parts are needed to keep this TV upright.
None of these TVs feature flashy, flashy designs. However, they are strong and visually discreet, so they should be integrated into any room in which they are placed.
We love the X90K’s slim, easy-to-install feet, which snap into place near the corners of the panel—no screwdriver required. Despite the lack of screws, the system is secure enough to keep the panel fixed in place and free from wobble. Even better, the feet can be arranged in two different configurations, one of which leaves just under three inches of clearance for a Sound bar.
The 6 Series isn’t quite as sleek looking as the X90K, in part because its chassis bulges out around its midsection. Like the X90K in its raised configuration, the Series 6’s flat plate-style stand offers just under three inches of clearance for a soundbar.
Unfortunately, there’s a quarter-inch notch behind the Series 6’s display that creates a border around the image. Due to the materials used, this notch reflects light, causing the image to be flanked by a ghostly, flickering border. However, most people probably won’t notice this phenomenon unless they are watching TV from an off-axis position.
Both TVs feature decent designs, but the X90K is sharper looking and more comfortable to boot.
Our choice: sony x90k
Smart platform and features
Credit: Revised / Tim Renzi
Series 6 provides a more accessible and user-friendly experience in every aspect.
The X90K and 6-series offer their fair share of hardware and software-related features for the price, many of which overlap. Before we get into their differences, let’s take a look at the characteristics they share:
Moviegoers and image purists alike will be pleased to know that both the X90K and the 6-series support dolby vision, a popular proprietary version of HDR whose compatible titles can be found on Blu-ray and streaming platforms (such as Netflix and Apple TV). It’s a nice feature to enjoy popular titles in a professionally optimized HDR format.
When it comes to gaming, none of the TVs are far behind. In addition to automatic low latency mode and variable refresh rate, both offer two HDMI2.1 Inputs (out of four) that are capable of 4K 120Hz gaming.
However, the Series 6 separates its dedicated eARC input from its pair of gaming inputs. This allows users to connect two current generation consoles (such as a xbox series x and a playstation 5) without using the input reserved for an eARC-enabled soundbar.
On the X90K, the eARC-enabled input also doubles as one of the TV’s gaming-optimized inputs. X90K owners who also own an Xbox Series X, a PlayStation 5, and an eARC-enabled soundbar will have too many devices for the TV’s HDMI suite. They’ll have to invest in an A/V receiver or relegate one of their consoles to a port that isn’t optimized for gaming. The 6 series also supports FreeSync Premium Pro, AMD’s proprietary version of VRR.
The X90K comes with Google TV’s smart platform built right into the TV’s software. Despite a lot of sponsored content across the platform, the software is fast, the user interface is easy to learn, and there are plenty of additional apps available if the pre-installed bundle doesn’t suit your needs. It would be our favorite smart platform if it weren’t for the existence of Roku.
Being a Roku TV, the 6 series is one of the easiest TVs to use in its price range. The software is by far the easiest to use, even easier than Google TV. With its big, bold interface and extensive app support, Roku is a fantastic smart platform for dedicated streamers alike. other casual viewers looking for a simple experience. In most cases, only one ad is displayed and it is very easy to avoid it while jumping from one app to the next.
Of all the categories we’re covering in this matchup, this is where the X90K and 6 Series come closest. Still, we think Roku is a better fit for a broader swath of people than Google TV, and the 6-series’ thoughtful implementation of HDMI 2.1 gives it an edge over the X90K, especially if you own (or plan to own) multiple current devices. . Next generation game consoles.
Our choice: TCL 6 series
performance
Credit: Revised / Tim Renzi
The Series 6 has impressive full-screen brightness thanks to its HDR quality and will keep the action clear even in sunny living rooms.
The TCL 6 series is equipped with small LEDs, an impressive display technology typically found in more premium TVs. These miniature LEDs allow for better contrast control than a traditional full-array backlight. The Series 6’s local dimming is phenomenal, and not just for a TV in its price range. Its black levels are deep (around 0.05 to 0.1 nits, depending on the content) and there’s very little light when the brightest elements of the image collide with darkness. That is the advantage of mini LEDs in action.
The X90K, on the other hand, uses a traditional full-array LED backlight. It’s not quite as adept at limiting light bloom as the Series 6 (although their black levels are comparable).
The 6 Series is also impressively bright, making it a fantastic day companion. The average image brightness of her is very accommodating, regardless of what you’re looking at. Basic SDR content (cable TV, sports, and local news) is quite bright, while HDR highlights (small areas of intense brightness) top out at 1200 nits. If you’re watching HDR10 or Dolby Vision content, it’ll really pop, especially in the dark.
The X90K is also capable of sparkling brilliance. Produces reflections in the 800 to 900 nit range, in HDR other SDR. And, while the X90K’s average picture brightness is slightly dimmer than the Series 6’s, it’s also a reliable daytime TV.
Both TVs sport quantum dots, which reinforce their colors across the board. Based on our lab tests, both the 6 Series and the X90K are capable of covering approximately 92% of the HDR (DCI-P3) color space. In real-world terms, you can expect both TVs to deliver bright, bold hues with accurate color points out of the box.
Speaking of calibration, if you’re the type of person who loves to tinker with A/V-related settings, the X90K is much more flexible than the Series 6. Sony’s configuration toolbox is among the most comprehensive. while there aren’t many ways to tweak the Series 6 look without downloading a mobile app and linking your device to the TV. Just something to keep in mind if you expect to get your hands dirty.
The 6 Series mini-LED backlight makes all the difference. While both TVs offer comparable brightness, black levels, and color output, the Series 6 is much more adept at controlling its contrast across different types of content. There’s very little light bloom on the Series 6, while bright-in-the-dark picture elements can have light bloom when viewed on the X90K.
Our choice: TCL 6 series
And the winner is…
The TCL 6 series is not only the more affordable option of the two, but it also performs better with a cleaner and friendlier smart platform. Moviegoers and casual streamers alike will appreciate the Series 6’s superior picture quality, and dedicated gamers will surely appreciate the Series 6’s careful implementation of HDMI 2.1.
If you’re looking for an 85-inch TV (or if you’d rather have the flexibility of more audio and picture-related calibration settings), the X90K is worth considering. However, for most people, the Series 6 fits the bill.
Buy the TCL 6 series on Amazon
The product experts reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Continue Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, instagram, Tik Tokeither flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published, but may change over time.