If you're in the market for a truly cinematic TV experience, 98-inch displays represent the pinnacle of home entertainment without stepping into projector territory. Today, we're comparing two giants: the Sony BRAVIA XR X90L ($9,998) and the LG UT90 Series ($2,499). Let's explore what makes each unique and help you decide which deserves a spot in your home.
The landscape of large-format TVs has changed dramatically in recent years. What was once an exotic luxury has become increasingly mainstream, though still premium. 98-inch TVs occupy a sweet spot where they're large enough to rival projectors but offer better brightness and don't require a dark room.
These massive displays need careful consideration beyond just the specs:
The Sony X90L and LG UT90 take different approaches to image quality, with price points reflecting their positioning.
Sony's Cognitive Processor XR is arguably the star here. It analyzes content in real-time, adjusting hundreds of parameters to make images look more natural. In practice, this means better depth perception and more realistic textures. The Full Array LED backlight provides precise local dimming, which means dark scenes look properly dark while bright elements stay punchy.
Having seen this TV in action, the difference is noticeable, especially in challenging content like dark scenes in movies or games. The processor handles upscaling particularly well, which matters since not everything you watch will be 4K.
LG's α8 AI Processor takes a more straightforward approach. While it still provides good picture quality, it lacks the sophisticated processing of Sony's solution. However, for most everyday content - sports, news, streaming shows - the difference isn't as dramatic as the price gap might suggest.
The standard LED backlighting means contrast isn't quite as impressive, but in bright rooms, this becomes less noticeable. This is where the value proposition becomes interesting - you're getting 80% of the premium experience at 25% of the cost.
The Sony X90L runs Google TV, which offers:
LG's webOS 24 on the UT90 provides:
Both platforms are mature and reliable, but Google TV edges ahead in content discovery and ecosystem integration. If you're already invested in Google's ecosystem, this might tip the scales.
Gaming on huge screens is incredible, but these TVs handle it differently:
For serious gamers, especially those with current-gen consoles, the Sony's advantages are significant. The X90L handles fast motion better and provides a more responsive experience. However, casual gamers might not notice enough difference to justify the premium.
Let's break down the value proposition:
In a dedicated home theater setting, the differences become more pronounced. The Sony's superior contrast and processing really shine in controlled lighting. However, the LG still performs admirably and might allow budget allocation to other important elements like:
If you're primarily watching films, especially in a controlled lighting environment, the Sony X90L offers a more cinematic experience. The better contrast and processing make a noticeable difference in challenging scenes.
Both TVs handle sports content well. The LG's lower price point might let you invest in a better sound system for that stadium feel.
Serious gamers should strongly consider the Sony for its superior gaming features. Casual gamers will be happy with either option.
The performance gap narrows in bright rooms, making the LG UT90 an increasingly attractive option.
The Sony X90L is objectively the better TV, offering superior picture quality and more advanced features. However, the LG UT90 represents incredible value, delivering most of what matters at a fraction of the price.
For most buyers, the LG UT90 will be the smarter choice. The money saved could go toward a better sound system or room treatment, potentially creating a better overall experience. However, if you're a picture quality enthusiast, serious gamer, or simply want the best available, the Sony X90L won't disappoint.
Remember: These are both excellent TVs that will provide years of entertainment. The key is matching your choice to your specific needs and budget rather than focusing solely on specs and features.
| Sony BRAVIA XR X90L ($9,998) | LG UT90 Series ($2,499) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Determines contrast and picture quality | |
| Full Array LED with local dimming | Standard LED backlighting |
| Processor - Affects picture quality and upscaling of non-4K content | |
| Cognitive Processor XR (superior processing) | α8 AI Processor (good but basic) |
| HDR Support - Important for maximum picture contrast and color | |
| HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HLG only |
| Gaming Features - Critical for next-gen console gaming | |
| HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, 4K/120Hz | Basic Game Optimizer, standard refresh rates |
| Smart Platform - Affects app availability and ease of use | |
| Google TV (wider app selection) | webOS 24 (good but more limited) |
| Peak Brightness - Crucial for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| High (excellent HDR performance) | Medium (adequate for most rooms) |
| Motion Handling - Important for sports and action movies | |
| XR Motion Clarity (excellent) | Standard (good for casual viewing) |
| Sound Quality - Built-in audio performance | |
| Acoustic Center Sync, better speakers | Basic TV speakers |
| Extra Features - Additional value considerations | |
| BRAVIA CAM support, multi-position stand | Basic stand, standard features |
| Value Proposition - Price to performance ratio | |
| Premium price, superior performance | Excellent value, good performance |
The Sony BRAVIA XR X90L ($9,998) is significantly better for dedicated home theaters due to its superior contrast, better processing, and Dolby Vision support. However, the LG UT90 ($2,499) is still capable if budget is a primary concern.
Both TVs benefit from additional audio equipment for a true home theater experience. The Sony X90L has better built-in speakers and Acoustic Center Sync, but neither TV matches the performance of a dedicated sound system.
Both perform well in bright rooms, but the Sony X90L's higher brightness and better anti-reflection coating give it an advantage. The LG UT90 is still adequate for most lighting conditions.
For both TVs, you'll want a minimum viewing distance of 12-15 feet for optimal viewing. The room should be at least 15 feet deep and have adequate width for proper viewing angles.
The Sony X90L with Google TV offers a more comprehensive smart platform with wider app support. The LG's webOS is user-friendly but has a more limited app selection.
Yes, both can be wall-mounted but require professional installation due to their size and weight. The Sony X90L weighs slightly more and needs particularly robust mounting solutions.
The Sony X90L offers superior movie performance with better contrast, processing, and HDR support. However, the LG UT90 still provides a good movie-watching experience at a lower price point.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: avsforum.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - electronics.sony.com - stewartappliance.com - rcwilley.com - rtings.com - abt.com - pcrichard.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - avsforum.com - rtings.com - shopjetson.com - abt.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - pcrichard.com - lg.com - rcwilley.com - lg.com - elechid.com - lg.com
