Samsung The Frame vs. Sony Bravia XR X90K: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a premium television in 2025, the Samsung The Frame and Sony Bravia XR X90K are two distinct options, each offering unique strengths. The Samsung The Frame, a QLED TV from Samsung’s Lifestyle Collection, combines aesthetic appeal with solid performance, designed to blend into home decor as a digital art frame. The Sony Bravia XR X90K, a 2022 upper mid-range LED TV, prioritizes high contrast and gaming performance. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience to guide Kenyan buyers, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) for local relevance.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung The Frame

The Samsung The Frame (2024 model, e.g., QN55LS03D) is a 4K QLED TV with an Edge LED VA panel, quantum dots, and the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor. Running on Tizen OS, it’s designed for art enthusiasts and casual viewers, featuring a matte display and Art Mode to display artwork when not in use. Its slim design and customizable bezels make it a decor-focused choice.

Sony Bravia XR X90K

The Sony Bravia XR X90K (2022 model, e.g., XR-55X90K) is a 4K LED TV with a VA panel, full-array local dimming, and the Cognitive Processor XR. Powered by Google TV, it’s optimized for dark-room viewing, gaming, and versatile content consumption, offering deep blacks and excellent motion handling.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung The Frame (based on RTINGS.com, PerfectRec, Livingetc data):
• Panel Type: VA LCD with Edge LED and quantum dots.
• Brightness: ~400 cd/m² (SDR), ~500 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), suitable for dimmable rooms but struggles in very bright environments.
• Contrast: ~7,380:1, delivering deep blacks, though Edge LED causes some blooming around bright objects.
• Color Performance: Covers ~90% of DCI-P3, offering vibrant colors enhanced by quantum dots, but slightly less accurate than Sony.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~27° for color washout), better for solo or small-group viewing.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, but lacks Dolby Vision.
• Upscaling: NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor provides good upscaling (~7.5/10), though low-quality content may show softness.
• Reflections: Matte display with excellent reflection handling (~6.3/10 score), ideal for moderately lit rooms.
• Sony Bravia XR X90K (based on RTINGS.com, Tom’s Guide data):
• Panel Type: VA LCD with full-array local dimming (54 zones).
• Brightness: ~579 cd/m² (SDR real scene), ~1,027 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), excellent for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~34,557:1 with local dimming (~7,511:1 native), delivering deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: Covers ~90.23% of DCI-P3 and ~71.88% of Rec.2020, with vivid, accurate colors.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~27° for color washout), similar to The Frame, suited for solo viewing.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, enhancing streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: Cognitive Processor XR excels at upscaling (~10/10), rendering low-resolution content sharply.
• Reflections: Semi-gloss finish with decent reflection handling (~7.3/10 score), slightly less effective than The Frame’s matte display.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The Sony X90K outperforms with higher brightness (~1,027 cd/m² vs. ~500 cd/m² HDR), superior contrast (~34,557:1 vs. ~7,380:1), and Dolby Vision support, making it ideal for HDR content and bright rooms. The Samsung The Frame offers vibrant colors and excellent reflection handling due to its matte display, but its Edge LED limits contrast and HDR impact.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung The Frame:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz (55-inch and larger), supporting 4K/120Hz via one HDMI 2.1 port.
• Input Lag: ~10ms at 4K@60Hz, responsive for gaming.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, and Samsung Gaming Hub, but limited by one HDMI 2.1 port.
• Game Mode: Maintains decent picture quality with low latency.
• Sony Bravia XR X90K:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, supporting 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~17.8ms at 4K@60Hz (~10.1ms at 4K@120Hz), less responsive than The Frame.
• Features: VRR, G-SYNC Compatible, ALLM, and PS5-specific features (e.g., Auto HDR Tone Mapping).
• Game Mode: High contrast and fast response time (~3.5ms for 80% transition) enhance gaming.

Verdict on Gaming: The Samsung The Frame has a slight edge with lower input lag (~10ms vs. ~17.8ms at 4K@60Hz), ideal for responsive gaming. The Sony X90K offers more HDMI 2.1 ports and PS5 optimization, making it better for console gamers. Both are strong, but the X90K’s superior contrast enhances gaming visuals.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung The Frame:
• 2.0.2-channel speakers with 40W output, supporting Object Tracking Sound Lite and Dolby Atmos via eARC.
• Decent audio with Q-Symphony for Samsung soundbars, but lacks bass depth.
• Soundbar recommended for immersive sound.
• Sony Bravia XR X90K:
• 2.0-channel speakers with 30W output, supporting Dolby Atmos via eARC and Acoustic Multi-Audio.
• Mediocre bass (~8.0/10 sound quality score), requiring a soundbar for cinematic audio.
• X-Balanced Speakers (on 75″/85″ models) improve clarity but are absent in smaller sizes.

Verdict on Sound: The Samsung The Frame offers slightly better audio with higher power (40W vs. 30W) and Object Tracking Sound Lite, providing a more immersive soundstage. Both TVs benefit from a soundbar for optimal audio performance.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung The Frame:
• Platform: Tizen OS, intuitive with Smart Hub, Samsung TV Plus, and app support (Netflix, YouTube).
• Voice Assistants: Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant via third-party devices.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI ports (one HDMI 2.1), three USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, DLNA-certified.
• AI Features: AI upscaling, Art Mode, and Vision AI for content recommendations.
• Sony Bravia XR X90K:
• Platform: Google TV, user-friendly with extensive app support and Chromecast.
• Voice Assistants: Google Assistant built-in, Alexa via third-party devices.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI ports (two HDMI 2.1), two USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet.
• AI Features: Cognitive Processor XR enhances upscaling and motion processing.

Verdict on Smart Features: The Sony X90K’s Google TV offers a broader app selection and built-in Google Assistant, making it slightly more versatile. The Samsung The Frame’s Tizen OS is polished with unique Art Mode features, and its extra USB port and DLNA certification add connectivity options.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung The Frame:
• Ultra-slim design (1-inch depth) with customizable bezels to mimic a picture frame.
• Matte display reduces glare, ideal for art display and moderately lit rooms.
• VESA 400×300 mount, 49.4 lbs (65-inch), and solar-powered remote for eco-friendliness.
• Sony Bravia XR X90K:
• Sleek design with narrow bezels (~0.43 inches) and a multi-position stand (flush or raised for soundbar clearance).
• Semi-gloss screen with decent reflection handling (~5.6% total reflections).
• VESA 300×300 mount, 50.5 lbs (65-inch), slightly bulkier at 2.76 inches thick.

Verdict on Design: The Samsung The Frame excels with its art-focused design, matte display, and customizable bezels, blending seamlessly into Kenyan homes as decor. The Sony X90K’s practical multi-position stand and solid build are functional but less visually distinctive.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2022–2024 pricing for The Frame and X90K, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, and converted using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 2025). Local pricing in Kenya may vary due to import duties, taxes, and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized Samsung/Sony dealers for exact prices.

Samsung The Frame Prices

Based on QN55LS03D/QN65LS03B pricing (RTINGS.com, Versus.com):

• 55-inch: $950–$1,000 ≈ KSh 123,500–130,000
• 65-inch: $1,500–$1,600 ≈ KSh 195,000–208,000
• 75-inch: $2,000–$2,200 ≈ KSh 260,000–286,000
• 85-inch: $3,000–$3,200 ≈ KSh 390,000–416,000

Sony Bravia XR X90K Prices

Based on XR-65X90K pricing (RTINGS.com, Tom’s Guide):

• 55-inch: $900–$1,000 ≈ KSh 117,000–130,000
• 65-inch: $1,200–$1,300 ≈ KSh 156,000–169,000
• 75-inch: $1,700–$1,900 ≈ KSh 221,000–247,000
• 85-inch: $2,200–$2,400 ≈ KSh 286,000–312,000

Verdict on Cost: The Sony X90K is generally more affordable, starting at ~KSh 117,000, offering better value for performance-driven buyers. The Samsung The Frame is pricier, especially at larger sizes (~KSh 123,500–416,000), reflecting its premium design and Art Mode features.

Target Audience

• Samsung The Frame:
• Ideal For: Art enthusiasts, design-conscious buyers, and casual viewers in moderately lit rooms. Its Art Mode and customizable bezels suit Kenyan homes prioritizing aesthetics and decor.
• Use Case: Best for displaying art, streaming, and casual viewing in living rooms or stylish spaces.
• Budget: Appeals to buyers with KSh 123,500–416,000, seeking a blend of TV and decor.
• Sony Bravia XR X90K:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles, gamers, and viewers in bright or dark rooms. Its high contrast and brightness suit dedicated movie or gaming setups.
• Use Case: Ideal for HDR movies, gaming, and sports in various lighting conditions.
• Budget: Targets buyers with KSh 117,000–312,000, prioritizing performance and value.

Final Verdict

Winner: Sony Bravia XR X90K

The Sony Bravia XR X90K is the superior choice for its exceptional picture quality, with higher brightness (~1,027 cd/m² vs. ~500 cd/m² HDR), superior contrast (~34,557:1 vs. ~7,380:1), and Dolby Vision support, making it ideal for HDR content, movies, and bright-room viewing. Its advanced upscaling (~10/10 vs. ~7.5/10), two HDMI 2.1 ports, and PS5 optimization enhance gaming and content clarity, while its lower cost (~KSh 117,000–312,000) offers better value for Kenyan buyers seeking performance.

The Samsung The Frame excels in design with its art-focused aesthetic, matte display, and excellent reflection handling, making it a unique choice for decor-conscious households. Its vibrant colors (~90% DCI-P3) and lower input lag (~10ms) suit casual viewing and gaming, but its Edge LED and lack of Dolby Vision limit its cinematic performance.

Recommendation: Choose the Sony Bravia XR X90K if you prioritize superior picture quality, gaming, and value for movies and sports, with a budget of KSh 117,000–312,000. Opt for the Samsung The Frame if you value aesthetic integration and Art Mode for a stylish living space, with a budget of KSh 123,500–416,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized Samsung/Sony dealers.

JUA KALI MAISHA MAGIC BONGO SEASON 10 EPISODE 81 YA ALHAMISI LEO USIKU 14TH AUGUST 2025 FULL EPISODE