Samsung Neo QLED QN90B vs. Sony Bravia XR X90L: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a premium television in 2025, the Samsung Neo QLED QN90B (2022 model, e.g., QN55QN90BAFXZA) and Sony Bravia XR X90L (2023 model, e.g., XR-55X90L), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, offer high-end LED options with distinct strengths. The Samsung QN90B, a Mini-LED QLED TV, excels in bright rooms and gaming, while the Sony X90L, a Full Array LED TV, prioritizes image processing 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 RTINGS.com, PerfectRec.com, and HomeTheaterReview.com.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung Neo QLED QN90B

The Samsung QN90B (2022) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel (IPS in 43- and 50-inch models), Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~720 zones). Powered by the Neural Quantum Processor 4K and Tizen OS, it’s designed for bright rooms, gaming, and versatile content, available in 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes.

Sony Bravia XR X90L

The Sony X90L (2023) is a 4K LED TV with a VA panel, Full Array LED backlighting, and local dimming (~88 zones). Equipped with the Cognitive Processor XR and Google TV, it’s optimized for movies, sports, and upscaling, available in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung Neo QLED QN90B (based on RTINGS.com, PerfectRec.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD (IPS for 43-/50-inch), Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~720 zones).
• Brightness: ~1,783 cd/m² (SDR 10% window), ~1,994 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), excellent for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~83,200:1 with dimming, ~1,674:1 native, deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: ~91.13% DCI-P3, ~68.31% Rec.2020, vibrant colors.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~26° for VA), wider for IPS (~50°), suited for direct viewing (VA) or groups (IPS).
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision).
• Upscaling: Neural Quantum Processor 4K, good (~8.0/10), effective for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Excellent handling (~1.5% total reflections), anti-glare coating.
• Sony Bravia XR X90L (based on RTINGS.com, PerfectRec.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, Full Array LED, local dimming (~88 zones).
• Brightness: ~1,261 cd/m² (SDR 10% window), ~1,254 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), good for moderate lighting.
• Contrast: ~49,776:1 with dimming, ~4,163:1 native, decent blacks with some blooming.
• Color Performance: ~93.64% DCI-P3, ~75.69% Rec.2020, slightly more vibrant.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~24°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, broader streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: Cognitive Processor XR, excellent (~10.0/10), superior for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Moderate handling (~5.4% total reflections), glossy finish.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The Samsung QN90B excels in bright rooms with higher brightness (~1,994 cd/m² vs. ~1,254 cd/m²) and better contrast (~83,200:1 vs. ~49,776:1), delivering vivid HDR visuals and minimal blooming due to its ~720 dimming zones. Its reflection handling (~1.5% vs. ~5.4%) is superior for Kenyan homes with bright lighting. The Sony X90L offers better color gamut (~93.64% vs. ~91.13% DCI-P3), Dolby Vision support, and top-tier upscaling (~10.0/10 vs. ~8.0/10), making it ideal for low-resolution content like local broadcasts. Both have narrow viewing angles (VA panels), but the Samsung’s IPS models (smaller sizes) support group viewing.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung QN90B:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz (144Hz in some modes), 4K/120Hz via four HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~11.7ms (4K@60Hz), ~7.0ms (4K@120Hz), highly responsive.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible, ALLM, Gaming Hub.
• Game Mode: Excellent response (~5.2ms 80% response time).
• Sony X90L:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~17.9ms (4K@60Hz), ~9.6ms (4K@120Hz), less responsive.
• Features: VRR, ALLM, PS5 optimizations (Auto HDR Tone Mapping), no FreeSync.
• Game Mode: Good response (~5.8ms 80% response time).

Verdict on Gaming: The Samsung QN90B is superior for gaming with lower input lag (~11.7ms vs. ~17.9ms), four HDMI 2.1 ports (vs. two), and broader VRR support (FreeSync, G-SYNC), making it ideal for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC gaming. The Sony X90L’s PS5 optimizations are a plus, but its higher input lag and fewer HDMI 2.1 ports limit its gaming versatility.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung QN90B: 4.2.2-channel speakers, 60W output, Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound, very good (~8.3/10 score).
• Sony X90L: 2.2-channel speakers, 30W output (4 x 10W), Dolby Atmos, Acoustic Multi-Audio, good (~8.3/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: The Samsung QN90B delivers richer audio with higher power (60W vs. 30W) and Object Tracking Sound, enhancing immersion. The Sony X90L’s Acoustic Multi-Audio is effective, but its lower output makes it less dynamic. Both benefit from a soundbar for home theater setups.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung QN90B: Tizen OS, Bixby/Alexa/Google Assistant, four HDMI 2.1, two USB, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 5, DLNA, SmartThings.
• Sony X90L: Google TV, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), two USB, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 5, Chromecast, AirPlay.

Verdict on Smart Features: The Samsung QN90B’s Tizen OS is polished with SmartThings and four HDMI 2.1 ports, ideal for gaming and smart home integration. The Sony X90L’s Google TV offers broader app access, Chromecast, and AirPlay, but its two HDMI 2.1 ports (one shared with eARC) limit gaming connectivity.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung QN90B: Slim (~1.0 inch, 55-inch), 0.35-inch bezels, VESA 400×300, ~24.4 kg (55-inch), excellent reflection handling (~1.5%).
• Sony X90L: Thicker (~2.2 inches, 55-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~24.2 kg (55-inch), moderate reflection handling (~5.4%).

Verdict on Design: The Samsung QN90B’s slimmer, lighter design and superior reflection handling make it ideal for bright Kenyan homes and wall-mounting. The Sony X90L’s thicker build is sturdy but less sleek, with weaker reflection performance.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2022/2023 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 17, 2025, 7:14 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

Samsung Neo QLED QN90B Prices (based on RTINGS.com, PerfectRec.com)

• 55-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000
• 65-inch: $1,400–$1,600 ≈ KSh 182,000–208,000
• 75-inch: $2,000–$2,300 ≈ KSh 260,000–299,000
• 85-inch: $2,600–$2,800 ≈ KSh 338,000–364,000

Sony Bravia XR X90L Prices (based on RTINGS.com, B&H Photo Video)

• 55-inch: $900–$1,100 ≈ KSh 117,000–143,000
• 65-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000
• 75-inch: $1,200–$1,400 ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000
• 85-inch: $1,600–$1,800 ≈ KSh 208,000–234,000
• 98-inch: $4,500–$5,000 ≈ KSh 585,000–650,000

Verdict on Cost: The Sony X90L is generally more affordable (~KSh 117,000–650,000 vs. ~KSh 130,000–364,000), especially for smaller sizes, and offers a 98-inch option for larger budgets. The Samsung QN90B’s higher cost reflects its brighter display and gaming features.

Target Audience

• Samsung Neo QLED QN90B:
• Ideal For: Gamers, sports enthusiasts, and viewers in bright rooms. Its high brightness, low input lag, and IPS options (smaller sizes) suit Kenyan homes with group viewing and modern consoles.
• Use Case: Best for gaming, sports, and mixed content in bright environments.
• Budget: KSh 130,000–364,000, for buyers prioritizing brightness and gaming.
• Sony Bravia XR X90L:
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious cinephiles and viewers of low-quality content. Its superior upscaling and Dolby Vision suit movie-focused setups and local broadcasts.
• Use Case: Ideal for movies, streaming, and sports in moderate lighting.
• Budget: KSh 117,000–650,000, for value-driven buyers.

Final Verdict

Winner: Samsung Neo QLED QN90B

The Samsung Neo QLED QN90B is the superior choice for its higher brightness (~1,994 cd/m² vs. ~1,254 cd/m²), better contrast (~83,200:1 vs. ~49,776:1), and excellent reflection handling (~1.5% vs. ~5.4%), making it ideal for bright Kenyan living spaces. Its lower input lag (~11.7ms vs. ~17.9ms), four HDMI 2.1 ports, and robust gaming features (FreeSync, G-SYNC) cater to gamers, while its 60W audio enhances immersion. The IPS panel (43-/50-inch) supports group viewing, though it lacks Dolby Vision.

The Sony Bravia XR X90L excels in upscaling (~10.0/10 vs. ~8.0/10), making it perfect for low-quality content like Kenyan broadcasts, and its Dolby Vision support enhances streaming. Its affordability (~KSh 117,000–650,000) and 98-inch option add value, but its lower brightness, higher input lag, and fewer dimming zones (~88 vs. ~720) reduce its versatility in bright rooms or gaming setups.

Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Neo QLED QN90B for gaming, sports, and bright-room viewing, with a budget of KSh 130,000–364,000. Opt for the Sony Bravia XR X90L for affordable, high-quality movie watching and upscaling in moderate lighting, with a budget of KSh 117,000–650,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 17, 2025.

BWANA CHAIRMAN MAISHA MAGIC PLUS SEASON 1 EPISODE 36 SUNDAY 17TH AUGUST 2025