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The Sony X85K was the cheapest Sony television (TV) with a native 120 hertz (Hz) 4K panel when it launched in 2022, and in 2026 it’s worth buying only at a clear discount. It brought High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) 2.1 gaming features, Google TV, and Sony’s natural picture processing to a midrange price. This Sony X85K review covers its design, ports, picture quality, and gaming performance, corrects a few common myths about it, and explains which newer models, from the X85L to the 2026 Bravia 3 II, make more sense today.
Quick verdict: The X85K is a solid, accurate, gaming-friendly light-emitting diode (LED) TV with 4K at 120Hz, variable refresh rate (VRR), and Dolby Vision. It lacks local dimming, gets only moderately bright, and has narrow viewing angles, so it suits dim rooms and straight-on seating best. It’s discontinued, so buy it only at a clear discount. Check the Sony X85K price on Amazon.
Key takeaways
- What it is: A discontinued 2022 4K LED TV with a native 120Hz panel in every size from 43 to 85 inches, Google TV, and Dolby Vision.
- Who it’s for: Gamers who watch mostly in a dim room from straight ahead and want a Sony TV with 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and auto low-latency mode (ALLM) on two HDMI ports.
- Main weaknesses: No local dimming, modest high dynamic range (HDR) brightness of about 520 to 540 nits, and narrow viewing angles.
- Successor: The 2026 Sony Bravia 3 II restores a native 120Hz panel with VRR, and it launched at $599 for 43 inches and $899 for 65 inches.
- Bottom line: Buy the X85K only if you find it well below the price of a new Bravia 3 II.
Sony X85K at a glance
| Spec | Sony X85K |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2022 (discontinued) |
| Sizes | 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, and 85 inches |
| Panel | 4K liquid crystal display (LCD), 120Hz native refresh rate in every size; vertical alignment (VA) panel in the 55-inch model reviewers tested |
| Backlight | Direct LED with frame dimming (no local dimming) |
| Processor | 4K HDR Processor X1 |
| High dynamic range (HDR) formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG); no HDR10+ |
| Measured HDR peak brightness | About 520 to 540 nits |
| Inputs | Four HDMI ports (ports 3 and 4 support 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and auto low-latency mode, or ALLM; port 3 also handles enhanced Audio Return Channel, or eARC), two Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, optical output, composite input, coaxial antenna input, Ethernet |
| Smart platform | Google TV with Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and Apple HomeKit |
| Wall mount | Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) 200 x 200 millimeters (43 and 50 inches), 300 x 300 (55 to 75 inches), 400 x 400 (85 inches) |
Specs and measurements come from Sony’s X85K specification page, RTINGS, Notebookcheck’s summary of the RTINGS results, and GadgetReview.
Is the Sony X85K discontinued?
Yes. Sony stopped making the X85K after the 2022 model year, so you’ll mostly find open-box, refurbished, or used units. In Europe, Asia, and Australia, Sony replaced it with the 2023 X85L, which added full-array local dimming in 55, 65, and 75 inches. TechRadar reported that Sony didn’t confirm a US launch for the X85L, so American shoppers mostly saw the X85K stay on shelves alongside the X90L.
In 2024, Sony renamed its lineup. The Bravia 3 took over the entry-level LED slot, but it stepped backward for gamers: Tom’s Guide found it has a 60Hz panel, no HDMI 2.1 inputs, and no VRR. The 2026 Bravia 3 II fixes that. According to Notebookcheck, it returns to a 4K 120Hz panel with VRR, comes in sizes from 43 to 100 inches, and launched at $599 for 43 inches and $899 for 65 inches. That makes the Bravia 3 II the closest true successor to the X85K. Also note that Sony’s TV business is moving to BRAVIA Inc., a joint venture majority owned by TCL, starting in April 2027.
Design and build
The X85K uses a plain black chassis with slim bezels and an infrared sensor and power button under the Sony logo. It measures roughly 2.7 to 2.9 inches deep, depending on size, which looks fine on a wall but isn’t as slim as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) TV. Our guide to TV wall mounts covers compatible options. Note that the 43- and 50-inch models use a smaller 200 x 200 millimeter mounting pattern, not the 300 x 300 pattern on the 55- to 75-inch sizes.
The included feet feel stable and include clips for cable management. All four HDMI ports face sideways, so you can reach them even when the TV hangs on a wall.
Ports and connectivity
The X85K’s headline feature for its price was HDMI 2.1. Ports 3 and 4 accept 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM, which matter for a PlayStation 5 (PS5) or Xbox Series X. Port 3 doubles as the eARC connection, so if you use a soundbar and own two consoles, only one full-speed gaming port stays free. The other inputs include two USB ports, a digital optical output, a composite video input, a coaxial antenna connector, and Ethernet. Wi-Fi on 2.4 and 5 gigahertz (GHz) bands and Bluetooth come built in.
Smart features: Google TV
Google TV gives you nearly every major streaming app, Google Assistant through the voice remote, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and Apple HomeKit control. The X85K also works with Amazon Alexa speakers. Google TV does show content recommendations and promoted rows on its home screen, but you can switch on Apps Only mode to strip out most of them if you just want your apps. Owners report that the menus can feel a little slow at times, so install the latest firmware first.
Picture quality
Brightness and HDR
The X85K gets moderately bright. RTINGS measured about 521 nits in HDR, according to Notebookcheck, and GadgetReview reported about 538 nits. That’s enough for everyday standard dynamic range (SDR) viewing, but not enough to make HDR highlights really pop. Brighter Mini LED TVs like the Sony X93L and today’s TCL and Hisense models deliver far more impact in HDR movies and games.
Contrast and black levels
The VA panel in the tested model delivers a strong native contrast ratio, which RTINGS measured at about 5,392:1. Blacks look deep in a dark room for an LCD. However, the X85K has no local dimming, only frame dimming that adjusts the whole backlight at once. It can’t darken one part of the screen while brightening another, so dark scenes with small bright objects look flatter than on a TV with local dimming. Our explainer on what local dimming is covers why this matters.
Color and processing
Sony’s 4K HDR Processor X1 handles upscaling and smooth gradients well, and the TV covers a wide color gamut for its class. Colors look natural and accurate out of the box in the Custom or Cinema picture modes, which is one area where Sony still leads cheaper brands. It isn’t perfect, though, and a calibrated high-end TV will track the source more closely.
Viewing angles and reflections
Like most VA TVs, the X85K looks best from straight ahead. Colors wash out and contrast drops once you move about 30 to 40 degrees off center, so wide seating arrangements will leave some viewers with a dull picture. The semi-gloss screen handles reflections decently, but its modest brightness means it struggles opposite a sunny window.
Gaming performance
Gaming is the X85K’s strongest point. You get 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM on two ports, plus Sony’s Perfect for PlayStation 5 features, including Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. Input lag stays low in Game mode, and GadgetReview measured about 16 milliseconds with a quick 12.8 millisecond response time, so motion looks clean with only light blur. Notebookcheck noted that RTINGS found a wider VRR range (20 to 120Hz) than on the 2021 X85J. The TV lacks AMD FreeSync, so PC players may see occasional tearing.
Early firmware had a known quirk: with VRR turned on, some owners lost Dolby Vision gaming. Install the latest update and check both settings if you game in Dolby Vision. Our list of the best gaming TVs for PS5 and Xbox covers newer options, and our 60Hz vs. 120Hz TV guide explains why the native 120Hz panel matters.
Sound
The built-in speakers sound clear for dialogue and support Dolby Atmos, but bass sounds thin, as with most slim TVs. A Sony soundbar connected to the eARC port makes a big difference for movies.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Native 120Hz panel with 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM
- Natural, accurate color and good upscaling
- Strong native contrast in the tested VA panel
- Google TV with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and HomeKit
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
- Side-facing ports that stay easy to reach
Cons
- No local dimming
- Modest HDR brightness
- Narrow viewing angles
- Only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one shared with eARC
- No HDR10+ or FreeSync
- Discontinued
Sony X85K vs. newer midrange 120Hz TVs
Amazon is our main affiliate partner, and it carries the X85K’s successors and its strongest midrange 120Hz rivals. Prices change often, so check current deals.
Compare similar midrange 120Hz 4K TVs on Amazon
| TV | Backlight | Year | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony X85K | Direct LED, no local dimming | 2022 | Bargain hunters who find open-box stock | Check price |
| Sony Bravia 3 II | Direct LED, no local dimming | 2026 | The current Sony 120Hz entry point | Check price |
| Sony X90K / X90CK | Full-array LED with local dimming | 2022 | A step up in contrast and brightness | Check price |
| TCL QM6K | Mini LED | 2025 | Bright HDR and high refresh gaming for less | Check price |
| Hisense U7SG | Mini LED | 2026 | Bright rooms and gaming on a budget | Check price |
| Samsung Q8F | Quantum dot LED (QLED) | 2025 | Samsung fans who want Tizen and 120Hz | Check price |
- Sony Bravia 3 II: It keeps the X85K’s simple direct LED design but restores native 120Hz and VRR after the 60Hz Bravia 3, with sizes up to 100 inches. See the Sony Bravia 3 II on Amazon.
- Sony X90K / X90CK: The 2022 step-up adds full-array local dimming and roughly double the HDR brightness. Our Sony X90CK review covers it in detail.
- TCL QM6K and Hisense U7SG: These Mini LED sets far outshine the X85K in HDR and add higher refresh gaming for similar money, though Sony’s processing looks more natural. Our TCL vs. Hisense comparison explains the brand differences.
- Samsung Q8F: A midrange QLED with 120Hz gaming on most sizes. Read our Samsung Q8F review for details.
Who should buy the Sony X85K?
Buy the X85K if you find one well below the price of a new Bravia 3 II, you watch mostly in a dim room from straight ahead, and you want a Sony TV with real 120Hz gaming. Skip it if you watch in a bright room, need wide viewing angles, or want impactful HDR, since a Mini LED TV will serve you better. If you mount it, a VESA TV wall mount on Amazon that matches your size’s pattern keeps setup simple.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony X85K 120Hz in every size?
Yes, the Sony X85K is 120Hz in every size. Sony lists a native 120Hz panel for every X85K size, including the 43- and 50-inch models, with 4K at 120Hz on HDMI ports 3 and 4.
Does the Sony X85K have local dimming?
No, the Sony X85K doesn’t have local dimming. It uses frame dimming, which dims the whole backlight at once. The 2023 X85L added full-array local dimming in some regions.
Is the Sony X85K good for PS5?
Yes, the Sony X85K is good for PS5. It supports 4K at 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and Sony’s PS5 features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping, with low input lag in Game mode.
What replaced the Sony X85K?
The X85L replaced the Sony X85K in Europe and Asia in 2023. In 2024, the 60Hz Bravia 3 took its slot, and the 2026 Bravia 3 II brought back a 120Hz panel.
Final verdict
The Sony X85K did something important in 2022: it brought 4K 120Hz gaming and Sony’s accurate processing to a midrange price. It isn’t flawless, since it lacks local dimming, gets only moderately bright, and looks washed out from the side. As a discounted, open-box buy for a dim gaming room, it still makes sense. Otherwise, the Bravia 3 II is the modern pick. Check the current Sony X85K price on Amazon.