Sony A8G Review

Kevin Foley Avatar

Written by:

Updated 11:26 pm

Expert Rating

86

One of the best 4K TV sets available today (and also our #4 pick for best OLED TV), the Sony A8G OLED, has the stunning graphics of OLED technology alongside a unique speaker design that’s unlike any other smart TV in your smart home. This high end Android TV also works with Amazon Alexa, although it lacks a browser often found in other Sony TVs. If you are interested in other options, our best TVs list is a good place to start.

Why We Like It – Sony A8G

The Sony A8G is an ultra HD OLED TV with superior picture quality, perfect for viewing all your favorite HDR content thanks to a combination of Dolby Vision & IMAX Enhanced technology.

Pros
  • Works With Amazon Alexa
  • Improved Sound Quality Thanks To Acoustic Surface Technology
  • The Peak Brightness Is Suitable For Well-Lit Rooms
Cons
  • Lacks An Internet Browser
  • No Dolby Digital or Dolby Atmos Technology

Performance (Display/Resolution/Refresh)

These A8G Series OLED TVs have a 65″ OLED panel that doubles as a speaker (more on that later!). This 4K display provides excellent black levels through a combination of HDR, Dolby Vision, and IMAX Enhanced. This Sony Bravia has one of the best TV refresh rates (at 120hz), which is managed by the X1 Extreme processor (to experience the best smart TV processor Sony OLED TVs have, try out the Sony A8H OLED). Overall, the visual performance will be better than what you are used to, especially if you currently watch your Blu Ray Discs on LCD TVs.

Sound

The Sony XBR has an audio setup that’s unique, unlike other TVs. Sony, rather than including the normal downward-facing speakers, chose to use Acoustic Surface Technology instead. This technology uses the entire Sony OLED as a speaker, providing a much better range of sound and a more realistic listening experience. This Sony TV also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, an optical audio output, a coaxial output, and works with Bluetooth headphones or speakers. If you have a sound system that supports ARC, this TV will work with that as well.

Smart Features

No OLED TV review is complete without covering smart features, and you will find a small variety of them on this TV. Android is used as the operating system, and although (for some reason) this model lacks a browser, you can still use it to watch Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix. Speaking of Amazon, this TV also works with Alexa, so although it is not built into the TV like some other models (like the LG OLED E9), you can still use it to control the TV, stream (videos or music), and watch a live feed of your security camera.

Related: Also check out our Sony 55X810C 4K TV review.

Ports & Expandability

TVs like this one often have multiple inputs, and this TV doesn’t disappoint. It comes complete with 4 HDMI ports (one with HDMI ARC support), 3 USB ports (two on the side and one on the bottom), an ethernet plug, a composite connection, digital audio out, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The TV comes with a stand, but you can also buy a wall mount (although that will have to be purchased separately). Many products we covered in other TV reviews have been lacking various inputs, but thankfully that isn’t the case for this television.

Value

The Sony A8G is fairly priced, at $1,599.99, but is it worth it? That really depends if you value the features we have covered in this review. Sony has more expensive (and cheaper) models available, and this one falls in mid-range pricing. If an OLED screen is of utmost importance for you, then it’s a good purchase, but if not, you can find a 55″ TV for much cheaper. There is free delivery and returns offered for this item, although there isn’t a warranty or protection plan offered.

Sony A8G Wrap Up

If you want to have a great picture with quality sound, then this TV will definitely exceed your expectations. The OLED screen, combined with IMAX and Dolby technology, is a powerful combination, especially when paired with Acoustic Surface Technology. Oddly enough, it’s lacking only in a basic feature, so if you need a web browser, you’ll want to check out one of the other best TV sets like the LG CX OLED instead.