We rate products on a performance-per-dollar basis. That’s always been our way. We’re not just looking for the absolute best product in each category, as that would often mean recommending the most expensive ones. Instead, we aim to find the best value for your money, balancing performance, features, and price.

However, we do recommend premium products when they justify their high price. For example, Sony’s 2021 flagship OLED earned our full five-star rating because it delivered outstanding performance, making it the top TV of that year.

Though it wasn’t the best performance-per-dollar TV of 2021. That title goes to the A80J, which outshined its flagship sibling on this front. This step-down model in Sony’s OLED lineup doesn’t quite match the flagship (or Sony's new 2022 OLEDs), but it offers much of what made the A90J great at a more competitive price, earning it one of our 2021 Awards. It’s still a fantastic buy today.

Price

The 55-inch Sony XR-55A80J's price at launch was £1899 / $2300 / AU$2995. By August 2021, it had dropped to £1699 / $1900 / AU$2795.

As of November 2022, you can find it for a significantly lower price of £999 / $1249 / AU$1785. This positions it as one of the most affordable 55-inch OLED TVs available, especially in the UK and Australia. However, it's important to note that many other 2021 models have been discontinued, so the A80J is primarily competing with newer 2022 models.

The XR-55A80J's successor, the XR-55A80K, is priced at £1499 / $1298 / AU$2795.

Currently, the XR-55A80J is a whole £1000 ($1000) cheaper than the 55-inch A90J (which isn't available in Australia), while still featuring much of the same advanced technology, including the Bravia XR processor.

For comparison, the 55-inch LG C1 is priced at £1499 ($1500, AU$3076).

In the UK, a variant of the A80J called the A84J includes an integrated microphone in the bezel for hands-free voice control (the A80J only has a remote-mounted mic) and a feature known as Rich Colour Enhancer. Although Sony states this feature is only active in Vivid mode, testing both models side-by-side reveals a slight enhancement in color richness in other modes as well. However, the difference is minimal, and the two models are otherwise identical. Therefore, this review is applicable to both the XR-55A80J and XR-55A84J.

Build

Welcome to the definitive guide on crafting a polished, engaging look at the intricate world of building. Our aim is to provide insightful information that helps you elevate your understanding and skills without losing sight of the big picture. Through simplified language and a friendly tone, we make sure that you, the reader, are always at the heart of the article.

Foundations

The foundation is the bedrock of any building project. It ensures stability and longevity, much like the foundation of any good article being its clarity and accessibility. Regardless of your background, our guide simplifies complex concepts for everyone.

Materials

Choosing the right materials is crucial for durability and efficiency. Just like choosing the right keywords ensures our article reaches a broader audience. Whether you're using concrete, wood, or eco-friendly materials, understanding their benefits and limitations will help you make better decisions for your projects.

Techniques

Mastering building techniques can set your work apart. From traditional methods to innovative, modern techniques, the right approach can make a significant difference in both the aesthetics and functionality of the final build. We translate technical jargon into simple steps, helping you to easily follow along and apply what you've learned.

Sustainability

Incorporating sustainable practices is not just good for the environment, but also for creating cost-effective and energy-efficient projects. Learn how to integrate green building materials and methods to not only contribute positively but also to elevate the quality and marketability of your construction endeavors.

Conclusion

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned professional, building a solid foundation of knowledge is essential. Our comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the tools and insights needed to excel in your projects. Happy building!

When you take an OLED TV off its stand or pedestal, it becomes challenging to tell it apart from others, especially when viewed head-on. They all look like black rectangles with thin bezels. Sony's 2021 models stand out from LG's with a small, subtle logo on the bottom lip.

The flagship A90J has a unique design. Its feet extend beyond the left and right edges of the display in the default position, raising the set by less than a millimeter. These feet can be reversed for a raised, soundbar-friendly stance, but it maintains a wide footprint, which can be tricky to place.

The A80J, in contrast, is less striking but more accommodating. Its dainty feet can be positioned wide, narrow, or in a soundbar stance. In the narrow placement, the TV has a reasonable footprint of 69cm (27.3 inches) wide.

OLED TV panels are always super-thin because they don't need a backlight. But a TV includes more than just the panel: it requires housing for processing hardware, speakers, and connections. This is usually located in a plastic enclosure attached to the rear, except for LG's now-retired 'Wallpaper' models.

The A80J’s enclosure is more angular and thicker than the A90J's, with an overall depth of 5.3cm (2.1 inches) compared to the A90J’s 4.1cm (1.6 inches). However, it covers less of the set’s rear, making more of the sides exceptionally thin. This design makes the A80J look more like a floating panel when wall-mounted compared to its more premium A90J sibling.

Features

Other than the traditional speaker terminals (which the A90J has and the A80J does not), the A80J has identical connections to the A90J, both in terms of positioning and specification. That means you get aerial, satellite (Freesat in the UK), ethernet, and optical ports, plus three USBs and four HDMIs.

Of those HDMIs, two are standard HDMI 2.0 spec, but two are HDMI 2.1-certified. In terms of bandwidth, those 2.1 sockets boast a data rate of 48gbps. Thanks to a post-launch software update, these HDMI 2.1 sockets are ready for next-gen gaming with 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM all on board. Note, though, that enabling the various gaming features involves some initial setup. While the TV supports Dolby Vision, there isn’t a Dolby Vision game mode, which can cause high input lag for gaming in Dolby Vision. PS5 gamers won't be affected as this feature is exclusive to Xbox.

Importantly, newer Sony OLEDs don't offer a better gaming spec than the A80J, but LG's C2 and G2 (like the C1 and G1 before them) feature more comprehensive gaming capabilities. They boast four HDMI 2.1 sockets, all supporting 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision gaming, and HGiG (which enhances HDR tone-mapping accuracy).

It’s also worth noting that one of the Sony A80J’s HDMI 2.1 inputs is its eARC/ARC output. If you need to use eARC/ARC to connect your AV receiver or soundbar, you’ll have just one top-spec input remaining. This might only be an issue for users with both a PS5 and Xbox Series X (or a top-tier gaming PC), but the number of HDMI 2.1 sources is expected to grow in the coming years.

If you're not a hardcore gamer, these HDMI limitations won't concern you. For movie and TV show enthusiasts, the A80J is a perfect match.

The star feature is its Cognitive Processor XR chip, shared with the A90J. This chip combines the AI capabilities of its X1 predecessor with a system Sony calls cognitive intelligence. While traditional AI analyses picture and sound signals using data from machine learning, cognitive intelligence enhances AV performance by understanding how humans see and hear, delivering a more lifelike experience.

This world-first TV picture processing, says Sony, starts with scene detection to identify and enhance the main focal points, ultimately adding a greater sense of depth to the image. The XR processor analyzes multiple zones and other elements like color, contrast, texture, depth, and detail of each frame, performing a cross-analysis to highlight the most important areas.

This might sound like marketing hype if not for the impressive performance already shown by the A90J. However, the A80J lacks the advanced heatsink of its A90J sibling (and 2022's A80K and A95K), which is designed to enhance panel efficiency and peak brightness. So, we don't expect identical picture performance. It will be interesting to see where processing similarities and panel differences meet.

While tech specs are important, the user experience is crucial, especially in this generation of smart TVs. Sony embraced Google years ago, with previous TV generations running versions of Android TV. The A80J and its contemporaries now feature the new Google TV platform, which significantly improves presentation and usability. However, the custom operating systems from Samsung and LG are even more user-friendly. The A80J's Google TV-powered recommendation engine is notably limited as it integrates content from very few of the set's supported apps, with Netflix being the most conspicuous omission.

Stream your favorite content seamlessly with the A80J. Enjoy Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV in stunning 4K, along with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support where available. Note that while Disney+ is accessible, it currently lacks Dolby Atmos support on many Google/Android TVs. The YouTube app offers 4K and HDR10 capabilities. Easily access your stored content using Plex and VLC, and enjoy music streaming from Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, and Deezer.

Exclusive to Sony’s high-end TVs is the Bravia Core app, which streams blockbuster movies at bitrates comparable to 4K Blu-ray discs. A high-speed connection (115Mbps minimum) is needed for the best quality, but the picture remains impressive even at 80Mbps. Purchase the A80J and receive tokens to 'buy' movies on Bravia Core, making it free to try this high-quality service.

UK users will be glad to know that the A80J now supports all essential catch-up apps, as well as Now and BT Sport.

Regarding the remote, while it shares the same size and shape as the A90J’s remote, it lacks premium materials and a backlight. The main drawback, however, is the sponginess of the buttons. Despite this, the remote offers decent ergonomics and layout. However, the positive click found in the A90J's remote would have been a welcome feature.

Picture

The quality of the picture is truly outstanding. It offers vivid colors and remarkable contrast, making every viewing experience an absolute delight. Whether you're watching a blockbuster movie or an enchanting documentary, the clarity and sharpness of the images will captivate you.

Color Accuracy

The device ensures that each hue is vibrant and every shade is authentic, making for a visually immersive experience. With precise color calibration, what you see on the screen is a clear representation of reality.

Contrast and Brightness

The range between the darkest blacks and the brightest whites is exceptional. This high contrast ratio ensures that even the smallest details are visible, regardless of the scene's lighting.

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• Vivid colors

• High contrast

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The big question is, of course, how much of the A90J’s fantastic picture quality does the A80J offer? The answer is, surprisingly, most of it.

Playing Rogue One in Dolby Vision, it’s evident that the A80J can’t quite reach the peak brightness of the A90J, likely due to the absence of the A90J’s heatsink. However, it comes remarkably close. This means the A80J delivers a punchy performance, often showcasing more vibrant highlights—like the sun reflecting off the planet Scarif—than the LG C1, though not up to the newer, brighter C2. Plus, the A80J’s bright highlights are rich with detail, color, and shading that many TVs miss, rendering the clouds above Scarif’s beaches with a stunning three-dimensional effect and giving Vader’s lightsaber a more intimidating glow.

Looking at the darker end of the contrast spectrum, while LG’s recent OLEDs focus on deep black levels, the Sony A80J leans towards revealing shadow details, uncovering extra shades in the darkest scenes. It’s still capable of perfect blacks when needed, and when combined with its bright, vivid highlights, it creates an exceptionally dynamic viewing experience.

In terms of sharpness and detail, the A80J nearly matches the flagship A90J, putting it well ahead of most competitors. Every frame is incredibly crisp, without the artificial sharpness found in some rival models. This clarity, paired with the TV’s impressive ability to reveal the finest details, makes for lifelike images whether it’s a sprawling landscape or an intense close-up of a character’s face.

The balance between excitement and naturalism extends to the colors, which the A80J delivers with a perfect mix of vibrancy and subtlety. This TV provides all the vivid excitement you’d expect from Rogue One’s space battles, Mad Max: Fury Road's fiery car chases, and Blade Runner 2049’s neon-lit cityscapes, without overdoing it. Elements that require a gentler touch, like a character’s skin tone or a leather jacket, are reproduced with remarkable nuance.

When it comes to motion handling, the A80J proves to be just as proficient as the A90J, outperforming every non-Sony TV we’ve tested. Challenging scenes in Blade Runner 2049, such as K’s car cruising past skyscrapers or plummeting towards the ground, are handled seamlessly without any visible signs of the complex processing at work. In comparison, LG’s recent OLEDs, while generally good at motion handling, can’t quite match this level of precision, showing slight jitters as they struggle to keep up with fast-moving objects.

Of course, not all content is 4K HDR, so it’s beneficial that the A80J excels with lower-resolution, SDR content as well. Notably, it delivers a punchy performance with these signals—whether you’re watching Scott Pilgrim on 1080p Blu-ray, Big Mouth on Netflix, or The Andrew Marr Show in standard definition. The images pop more than most rivals, though not quite as much as the A90J. Across these formats, the performance is impressively clean, controlled, and detailed, proving the A80J to be an excellent upscaler.

In summary, in picture terms, the A80J is essentially the A90J with brightness slightly toned down, making it an outstanding performer.

Sound

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Sony’s OLED TVs traditionally use an innovative technology called Acoustic Surface Audio for sound, where actuators vibrate the entire screen instead of using conventional speaker drivers. Although standard subwoofers are still utilized for bass enhancement.

The A80J’s system, branded as Acoustic Surface Audio+, shares its name with the A90J's, but the A80J delivers only 30W total power, compared to the A90J’s 60W. This difference is noticeable, not because the A80J lacks volume, but its sound delivery doesn’t possess the same depth or impact, noticeable in bass-heavy scenes like the opening of chapter two of Blade Runner 2049, or in deeper voices like Sapper Morton’s (Dave Bautista). Additionally, the A80J offers slightly less width in its audio delivery compared to the A90J, though the difference is marginal.

Still, the A80J remains an excellent performer by TV standards. It’s heavier and more controlled at the low end than models like the LG C1 and G1, and delivers noticeably more punch and dynamic sound as well.

The actuators also excel at synchronizing audio with the onscreen action, making it feel as though the sound comes directly from the screen. This directness and immediacy are often lacking in conventional TV speaker systems. While the A80J doesn't achieve the expansive sound of the A90J, it still extends audio effects well beyond the edges of the screen, effectively handling surround sound elements such as Joi’s disembodied voice when K returns to his apartment in Blade Runner 2049.

Despite its strengths, even the A90J can benefit from an external sound system, and this is even more true for the A80J. If possible, budget for at least a Sonos Arc to elevate your audio experience.

Verdict

The A80J, with its shared DNA with the impressive A90J, had promising potential. We anticipated a significant performance gap due to the price difference, but that's not the case. The A80J delivers many of the A90J's standout features at a much more accessible price point.

It may not be as bright and punchy as its flagship counterpart or as sonically robust, but in many other aspects, it’s equally capable. This makes the A80J a remarkably crisp, detailed, and dynamic performer for the money, boasting a superior sound system compared to its price rivals.

Even well into 2022, it remains an excellent choice, especially in the UK and Australia, where it’s one of the most affordable 55-inch OLED TVs available. While considering spending a bit more on a newer 2022 model like the Sony A80K or LG C2, particularly for enhanced brightness and gaming specifications, the A80J stands as a superb TV that will reward its owners for years to come.