TV Comparisons

Sony X90L vs Samsung Q70C: Which One Should You Buy?

The Sony X90L is the stronger choice for movies, everyday television and mixed use thanks to full-array local dimming, convincing black levels, Dolby Vision support and Sony’s image processing. The Samsung Q70C is the more flexible gaming display, offering 4K at 120 Hz on all four HDMI inputs, FreeSync Premium Pro and a more comprehensive gaming interface. Both have native 120 Hz panels, but their strengths serve different shoppers.

Model-by-model comparison

Sony X90L vs Samsung Q70C: Picture Quality or Gaming Flexibility?

Feature	X90L	Q70C	What it means
Overall picture quality	Sony X90L: Full-array local dimming, natural-looking color and stronger processing in Tech Steve’s comparison	Samsung Q70C: Colorful QLED presentation, but more visible backlight glow in dark scenes	Tech Steve preferred the Sony’s brightness, color accuracy, black levels and overall processing.
Backlight and local dimming	Sony X90L: Full Array LED with local dimming	Samsung Q70C: Dual LED backlight without full-array local dimming	Hardware-level local dimming gives the Sony greater control over bright and dark portions of the image.
Native refresh rate	Sony X90L: 120 Hz	Samsung Q70C: 120 Hz	Both use native 120 Hz panels and support 4K at up to 120 Hz.
Advanced HDMI connectivity	Sony X90L: 2 of 4 HDMI inputs support 4K120, VRR and ALLM; one is shared with eARC	Samsung Q70C: All 4 HDMI inputs support 4K120, VRR and ALLM	Samsung offers substantially more flexibility for several gaming devices and an eARC audio system.
Gaming interface and features	Sony X90L: Game Menu and PlayStation 5 Auto HDR Tone Mapping	Samsung Q70C: Game Bar, Gaming Hub and FreeSync Premium Pro	Samsung provides a more comprehensive gaming interface and broader gaming-oriented feature set.
HDR formats	Sony X90L: HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision	Samsung Q70C: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ Adaptive and HDR10+ Gaming	Sony is preferable for Dolby Vision, while Samsung is preferable for HDR10+.
Reflection handling	Sony X90L: Similar overall viewing-angle performance	Samsung Q70C: Slightly better anti-glare performance in Tech Steve’s comparison	Tech Steve gave Samsung a slight edge for rooms with many lights.
Built-in audio	Sony X90L: Four speakers, 40 watts, Acoustic Multi-Audio, room calibration and DTS	Samsung Q70C: Two channels, 20 watts, Object Tracking Sound Lite and Q-Symphony	Sony provides double the stated output, more speakers, acoustic calibration and DTS support.
Smart platform	Sony X90L: Google TV, Chromecast, AirPlay and hands-free voice features	Samsung Q70C: Tizen, AirPlay, SmartThings and Gaming Hub	Sony’s interface was preferred for general use, while Samsung’s platform offers the stronger gaming experience.
Over-the-air tuner	Sony X90L: ATSC 3.0 capable	Samsung Q70C: ATSC 1.0 and Clear QAM	Sony can receive compatible next-generation broadcasts in supported markets.
Available sizes	Sony X90L: 55, 65, 75, 85 and 98 inches	Samsung Q70C: 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches	Sony adds a substantially larger 98-inch option.
Overall recommendation	Sony X90L: Best suited to movies, television and mixed use	Samsung Q70C: Best suited to gaming-focused setups with several devices	Tech Steve selected the Sony for its picture quality, processing, brightness, motion and black levels.

Sony

BRAVIA XR X90L

A native 120 Hz full-array LED television emphasizing contrast, image processing, Dolby Vision and PlayStation 5 integration.

Key technology

Cognitive Processor XRSony's picture and sound processor analyzes multiple image elements and adjusts contrast, color, clarity and sound positioning.

XR Contrast Booster 10Controls the full-array backlight and adjusts bright and dark portions of the image to expand perceived contrast.

XR Triluminos ProSony's color-processing system expands and refines the range of displayed colors.

XR Clear ImageApplies source-aware noise reduction, detail restoration and upscaling to lower-resolution material.

XR Motion ClaritySony's motion-processing system reduces visible blur while managing backlight output during fast movement.

Acoustic Multi-AudioUses additional positioning tweeters to make sound appear more closely aligned with the action on screen.

Acoustic Center SyncAllows the television speakers to work as a center-channel component with compatible Sony sound systems.

Auto HDR Tone MappingCompatible PlayStation 5 consoles automatically optimize HDR setup for the television.

Buyer advantages

Sony X90L delivers stronger dark-scene contrast through full-array local dimming
Sony X90L supports Dolby Vision and offers strong image processing for movies and television
Samsung Q70C provides 4K120, VRR and ALLM across all four HDMI inputs
Samsung Q70C includes FreeSync Premium Pro, Gaming Hub and a detailed Game Bar
Both models use native 120 Hz panels and support current-generation console features
Sony offers a 98-inch option, while Samsung provides a slim chassis and compact central stand

Things to consider

Sony X90L has only two advanced HDMI inputs, with one also serving as eARC
Samsung Q70C lacks full-array local dimming and showed more visible backlight glow in dark scenes
Samsung Q70C does not support Dolby Vision or DTS audio
Sony’s widely spaced feet require a broad cabinet on most sizes
Samsung’s built-in two-channel, 20-watt audio system is less substantial than Sony’s four-speaker, 40-watt system

Sizes, mounting and buying details

Size / model	Peak HDR	VESA	Feet width	Viewing distance	Buy
55"XR-55X90L	—	300 x 300	42.13 in	6.3–8.6 ft	Check price ↗
65"XR-65X90L	—	300 x 300	47.63 in	7.4–10.1 ft	Check price ↗
75"XR-75X90L	—	300 x 300	56.25 in	8.6–11.7 ft	Check price ↗
85"XR-85X90L	—	400 x 400	61 in	9.7–13.2 ft	Check price ↗
98"XR-98X90L	—	600 x 400	60.5 in	11.2–15.2 ft	—

Complete specifications

Audio

Speaker SystemAcoustic Multi-Audio with X-Balanced full-range speakers and sound-positioning tweeters

Speaker Count4

Woofer Count0

Included SubwooferNo

Included Rear SpeakersNo

Audio Output Watts40 W

Dolby AtmosYes

Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Audio, Dolby Atmos

DTS SupportYes

DTS Audio FormatsDTS Digital Surround

Sound ModesStandard, Dialog, Theater, Music, Sports, Dolby Audio

Room CorrectionAcoustic Auto Calibration with room and user-position compensation

Dialogue EnhancementVoice Zoom 2

Voice AssistantsGoogle Assistant, Works with Amazon Alexa

Optional AccessoriesSony BRAVIA CAM CMU-BC1, Sony SU-WL855 wall-mount bracket on compatible sizes, Sony WLA-NS7 wireless transmitter

Connectivity

HDMI Ports4

HDMI 2 1 Ports2

HDMI Inputs4

HDMI Outputs0

HDMI eARCYes

Optical Inputs0

AirPlayYes

ChromecastYes

Design & Installation

Wall Mount IncludedNo

Gaming

Native Refresh Rate Hz120 Hz

Maximum Refresh Rate Hz120 Hz

VRRYes

ALLMYes

Picture

Display TechnologyFull Array LED-backlit LCD

Panel TypeLCD

Resolution3840 x 2160

Local DimmingYes

HDR FormatsHDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision

Size Details

Dimensions Without Stand Inches48.25 x 27.88 x 2.25 in

Weight Without Stand lb37.3 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches57 x 32.75 x 2.25 in

Weight Without Stand lb53.4 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches65.75 x 37.88 x 2.38 in

Weight Without Stand lb78 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches74.5 x 42.75 x 2.38 in

Weight Without Stand lb98.1 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches86.63 x 49.5 x 3.38 in

Weight Without Stand lb148.1 lb

Smart Features

Operating SystemGoogle TV based on Android TV

ProcessorCognitive Processor XR

Specifications

Screen Sizes55, 65, 75, 85, 98

VESA By Size55": 300 x 300 mm, 65": 300 x 300 mm, 75": 300 x 300 mm, 85": 400 x 400 mm, 98": 600 x 400 mm

Stand Width By Size55": 42.13 inches, 65": 47.63 inches, 75": 56.25 inches, 85": 61 inches, 98": 60.5 inches

Stand Depth By Size55": 13.63 inches, 65": 13.63 inches, 75": 15.63 inches, 85": 18.38 inches, 98": 18.38 inches

Picture Modes SDRVivid, Standard, Cinema, IMAX Enhanced, Game, Graphics, Photo, Custom, Netflix Calibrated, BRAVIA CORE Calibrated

Picture Modes Dolby VisionDolby Vision Vivid, Dolby Vision Bright, Dolby Vision Dark

Buy Sony 55X90L ↗Buy Sony 65X90L ↗Buy Sony 75X90L ↗Buy Sony 85X90L ↗Buy Sony 98X90L ↗

Samsung

Q70C QLED 4K Smart TV

A native 120 Hz quantum-dot LCD television designed around flexible gaming connectivity, HDR10+ and Samsung’s Tizen platform.

Key technology

Quantum Processor 4KSamsung's picture processor performs 4K upscaling and adjusts picture and sound characteristics.

100% Color Volume with Quantum DotA quantum-dot color-conversion layer is used to maintain a wide color range across different brightness levels.

Dual LEDUses warm and cool backlight color temperatures and adjusts their balance for different content.

Motion Xcelerator Turbo+Supports gaming at up to 4K and 120 Hz with motion and game-oriented processing.

FreeSync Premium ProAMD-certified variable-refresh technology reduces tearing and stutter and includes HDR gaming requirements.

Object Tracking Sound LiteApplies virtual audio processing intended to make sound movement correspond more closely with on-screen action.

Q-SymphonyAllows the TV speakers and a compatible Samsung soundbar to play simultaneously.

Samsung Gaming HubCombines supported cloud-gaming services, consoles and gaming applications in a dedicated interface.

Buyer advantages

All four HDMI inputs support 4K120, VRR and ALLM, allowing several current-generation consoles or gaming PCs to remain connected without sacrificing performance.
FreeSync Premium Pro helps compatible gaming hardware reduce tearing and stutter while supporting HDR gaming requirements.
Samsung Gaming Hub and Game Bar provide convenient access to cloud services, connected systems and gaming adjustments.
HDR10+ Adaptive and HDR10+ Gaming support benefit compatible movies, streaming services and games.
The slim chassis is easier to integrate into a low-profile installation than the boxier Sony design.
The narrow central pedestal fits on substantially smaller cabinets than Sony’s widely spaced feet.
Slightly stronger anti-glare performance in Tech Steve’s comparison makes it appealing for rooms with several visible light sources.

Things to consider

Dual LED backlighting does not provide full-array local dimming, reducing control over black levels and bright objects in dark scenes.
Visible backlight glow was more apparent in dark material than on the Sony X90L.
Dolby Vision is not supported, limiting access to that dynamic HDR format.
The two-channel, 20-watt speaker system is less substantial than Sony’s four-speaker, 40-watt configuration.
DTS audio support is absent, which can matter with some disc-based movie libraries and connected playback equipment.
The US tuner is ATSC 1.0 and Clear QAM rather than ATSC 3.0.

Sizes, mounting and buying details

Size / model	Peak HDR	VESA	Feet width	Viewing distance	Buy
55"QN55Q70CAFXZA	—	200 x 200	12 in	6.3–8.6 ft	Check price ↗
65"QN65Q70CAFXZA	—	400 x 300	13.5 in	7.4–10.1 ft	Check price ↗
75"QN75Q70CAFXZA	—	400 x 400	14.3 in	8.6–11.7 ft	Check price ↗
85"QN85Q70CAFXZA	—	600 x 400	16 in	9.7–13.2 ft	Check price ↗

Complete specifications

Audio

Speaker System2-channel speaker system with Object Tracking Sound Lite

Speaker Count2

Woofer Count0

Included SubwooferNo

Included Rear SpeakersNo

Audio Output Watts20 W

Dolby AtmosYes

Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Atmos

DTS SupportNo

Dialogue EnhancementActive Voice Amplifier

Voice AssistantsAmazon Alexa, Bixby, Works with Google Assistant

Optional AccessoriesSamsung Slim Fit wall mount, Samsung SlimFit Cam, Compatible Samsung Q-Series and S-Series soundbars

Connectivity

HDMI Ports4

HDMI 2 1 Ports4

HDMI Inputs4

HDMI Outputs0

HDMI eARCYes

Optical Inputs0

AirPlayYes

ChromecastNo

Design & Installation

Wall Mount IncludedNo

Gaming

Native Refresh Rate Hz120 Hz

Maximum Refresh Rate Hz120 Hz

VRRYes

ALLMYes

Picture

Display TechnologyQuantum Dot LCD with Dual LED backlight

Panel TypeQuantum Dot LCD (QLED)

Resolution3840 x 2160

Local DimmingNo

HDR FormatsHDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10+ Gaming, HLG

Size Details

Dimensions Without Stand Inches48.5 x 27.9 x 1 in

Weight Without Stand lb35.5 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches57.2 x 32.7 x 1 in

Weight Without Stand lb47.2 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches66 x 37.8 x 1 in

Weight Without Stand lb73.6 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches74.9 x 42.8 x 1.1 in

Weight Without Stand lb96.6 lb

Smart Features

Operating SystemTizen Smart TV

ProcessorQuantum Processor 4K

Specifications

Screen Sizes55, 65, 75, 85

VESA By Size55": 200 x 200 mm, 65": 400 x 300 mm, 75": 400 x 400 mm, 85": 600 x 400 mm

Stand Width By Size55": 12 inches, 65": 13.5 inches, 75": 14.3 inches, 85": 16 inches

Stand Depth By Size55": 10.1 inches, 65": 11.8 inches, 75": 13.9 inches, 85": 15 inches

Picture Modes SDRDynamic, Standard, Eco, Movie, Filmmaker Mode

Buy Sony 55X90L ↗Buy Sony 65X90L ↗Buy Sony 75X90L ↗Buy Sony 85X90L ↗Buy Sony 98X90L ↗

Which one should you buy?

The Sony X90L is the better all-around television for shoppers who prioritize movies, streamed television, dark-scene contrast and natural-looking image processing. Its full-array local dimming, Dolby Vision support, stronger built-in audio, ATSC 3.0 tuner and available 98-inch version give it meaningful home-theater advantages. Its main compromises are having only two advanced HDMI inputs, sharing one of those with eARC, and requiring a broad cabinet for its widely spaced feet. The Samsung Q70C is the better fit for dedicated gamers with multiple consoles or gaming PCs. All four HDMI inputs support 4K120, VRR and ALLM, while FreeSync Premium Pro, Gaming Hub and the Game Bar make gaming setup easier. It also has a slim chassis and compact pedestal, but it gives up full-array local dimming, Dolby Vision, DTS support and the Sony’s more substantial speaker system. Tech Steve’s overall choice is the Sony X90L, while the Samsung Q70C earns the recommendation for gaming-focused installations.

Last 24 hours