Samsung QLED QN55A vs. Sony Bravia XR X85K: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a high-quality television in 2025, the Samsung QLED QN55A (assumed to be aligned with the QN55QN85A, a 2021 Neo QLED model, as QN55A is not explicitly listed but fits Samsung’s naming convention) and Sony Bravia XR X85K (2022 model, e.g., XR-55X85K), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, offer compelling mid-to-high-end options. The Samsung QN55A combines Mini-LED backlighting and quantum dots for vibrant visuals, while the Sony X85K, an LED TV, emphasizes motion handling and color accuracy. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) tailored for the Kenyan market, using data from sources like RTINGS.com and TechRadar.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung QLED QN55A

The Samsung QLED QN55A (aligned with QN55QN85A) is a 2021 4K Neo QLED TV with a VA panel, Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~576 zones). Powered by the Neo Quantum Processor 4K and Tizen OS, it’s designed for bright rooms, gaming, and versatile content consumption, offering high brightness and low input lag.

Sony Bravia XR X85K

The Sony Bravia XR X85K is a 2022 4K LED TV with a VA panel and direct LED backlighting (no local dimming). Driven by the 4K HDR Processor X1 and Google TV, it’s optimized for sports, movies, and gaming, with excellent motion handling and Dolby Vision support, available in sizes from 43 to 85 inches.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung QLED QN55A (based on QN85A data from RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD with Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~576 zones).
• Brightness: ~1,750 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~1,000 cd/m² (SDR real scene), excellent for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~10,000:1 native, enhanced to ~114,686:1 with dimming, deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: ~88% DCI-P3, vibrant and accurate colors.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~24° for color washout), better for solo viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision).
• Upscaling: Neo Quantum Processor 4K, solid (~7.5/10), but struggles with low-quality content.
• Reflections: Excellent handling (~1.6% total reflections), ideal for bright Kenyan living spaces.
• Sony Bravia XR X85K (based on RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD with direct LED backlighting, no local dimming.
• Brightness: ~593 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~458 cd/m² (SDR), suitable for moderately lit rooms.
• Contrast: ~6,000:1 native, good blacks but prone to backlight bleed without local dimming.
• Color Performance: ~86% DCI-P3, slightly less vibrant but accurate post-calibration.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~24°), similar to Samsung, suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, enhancing streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: 4K HDR Processor X1, excellent (~8.5/10), better for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Decent handling (~4.8% total reflections), less effective than Samsung.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The Samsung QN55A excels in bright rooms with higher brightness (~1,750 cd/m² vs. ~593 cd/m²) and better contrast (~10,000:1 vs. ~6,000:1) due to Mini-LED and local dimming, ideal for sports and vibrant content. The Sony X85K offers superior upscaling (~8.5/10 vs. ~7.5/10) and Dolby Vision for streaming, but its lack of local dimming results in backlight bleed, reducing dark-room performance.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung QLED QN55A:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via four HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~10.2ms (4K@60Hz), ~5.7ms (4K@120Hz), highly responsive.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible, ALLM, Samsung Gaming Hub.
• Game Mode: Bright HDR visuals with fast response (~3.8ms).
• Sony Bravia XR X85K:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~8.8ms (4K@60Hz), ~5.3ms (4K@120Hz), slightly more responsive.
• Features: VRR, ALLM, PS5 optimizations (Auto HDR Tone Mapping), no FreeSync.
• Game Mode: Excellent motion handling (~6.3ms response).

Verdict on Gaming: The Samsung QN55A is slightly better for gaming with four HDMI 2.1 ports and broader VRR support (FreeSync, G-SYNC), ideal for PC and console gaming. The Sony X85K’s lower input lag (~8.8ms vs. ~10.2ms) and PS5 optimizations are strong, but its two HDMI 2.1 ports limit connectivity.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung QLED QN55A: 2.2.2-channel speakers, 60W output, Object Tracking Sound (OTS), Dolby Atmos via eARC, decent bass (~7.8/10 score).
• Sony Bravia XR X85K: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Dolby Atmos via eARC, Acoustic Auto Calibration, weaker bass (~7.0/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: The Samsung QN55A offers superior audio with higher power (60W vs. 20W) and OTS for directional sound, outperforming the Sony X85K’s basic 20W setup. Both benefit from a soundbar for immersive audio.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung QLED QN55A: Tizen OS, Smart Hub, Samsung TV Plus, Bixby/Alexa/Google Assistant, four HDMI 2.1, two USB, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 5.
• Sony Bravia XR X85K: Google TV, Chromecast, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), two USB, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 5.

Verdict on Smart Features: The Samsung QN55A’s Tizen OS is fast and uncluttered, with four HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming versatility. The Sony X85K’s Google TV offers more apps and Chromecast, but its interface is less streamlined.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung QLED QN55A: Slim (~1.1 inches), 0.35-inch bezels, VESA 200×200, ~17.7 kg (55-inch), excellent reflection handling (~1.6%).
• Sony Bravia XR X85K: Slim (~2.9 inches), 0.43-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~17.1 kg (55-inch), moderate reflection handling (~4.8%).

Verdict on Design: The Samsung QN55A’s slimmer profile and better reflection handling make it more elegant for bright rooms. The Sony X85K’s adjustable stand is practical but less effective against glare.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2021/2022 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 14, 2025, 07:28 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

Samsung QLED QN55A Prices (based on QN85A pricing, RTINGS.com)

• 55-inch: $900–$1,000 ≈ KSh 117,000–130,000
• 65-inch: $1,200–$1,400 ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000
• 75-inch: $1,600–$1,800 ≈ KSh 208,000–234,000
• 85-inch: $2,200–$2,500 ≈ KSh 286,000–325,000

Sony Bravia XR X85K Prices (based on RTINGS.com, B&H Photo)

• 55-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000
• 65-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000
• 75-inch: $1,400–$1,600 ≈ KSh 182,000–208,000
• 85-inch: $1,800–$2,000 ≈ KSh 234,000–260,000

Verdict on Cost: The Sony X85K is slightly more affordable (~KSh 104,000–260,000 vs. ~KSh 117,000–325,000), offering better value for budget-conscious buyers. The Samsung QN55A’s higher cost reflects its Mini-LED technology and premium features.

Target Audience

• Samsung QLED QN55A:
• Ideal For: Sports enthusiasts, gamers, and families in bright, open living spaces. Its high brightness and gaming features suit Kenyan homes with sunlit rooms.
• Use Case: Best for sports, gaming, and mixed content in bright environments.
• Budget: KSh 117,000–325,000, for buyers seeking premium performance.
• Sony Bravia XR X85K:
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious viewers, cinephiles, and sports fans in moderately lit rooms. Its motion handling and Dolby Vision suit movie and sports viewing.
• Use Case: Ideal for streaming and sports in controlled lighting.
• Budget: KSh 104,000–260,000, for value-driven buyers.

Final Verdict

Winner: Samsung QLED QN55A

The Samsung QLED QN55A is the superior choice for its higher brightness (~1,750 cd/m² vs. ~593 cd/m²), better contrast (~10,000:1 vs. ~6,000:1), and four HDMI 2.1 ports, making it ideal for bright Kenyan living rooms, gaming, and sports viewing. Its excellent reflection handling (~1.6% vs. ~4.8%) and 60W OTS audio enhance versatility, though its lack of Dolby Vision and higher cost (~KSh 117,000–325,000) are drawbacks.

The Sony Bravia XR X85K offers excellent motion handling, superior upscaling (~8.5/10 vs. ~7.5/10), and Dolby Vision for streaming, at a lower cost (~KSh 104,000–260,000). Its lack of local dimming and weaker brightness limit its performance in bright or dark settings, making it less versatile.

Recommendation: Choose the Samsung QLED QN55A for bright-room performance, gaming, and premium features, with a budget of KSh 117,000–325,000. Opt for the Sony Bravia XR X85K for affordable streaming and sports viewing in moderately lit rooms, with a budget of KSh 104,000–260,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 14, 2025.

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