LG OLED C4 vs. Sony Bravia XR A90L: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a premium television in 2025, the LG OLED C4 (2024 model, e.g., OLED55C4PUA) and Sony Bravia XR A90L (2023 model, e.g., XR-55A90L, assumed continuation of A90K), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, represent top-tier OLED options. The LG C4 offers versatile performance and value, while the Sony A90L excels in color vibrancy and processing. 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, WhatHiFi.com, and Tom’s Guide.

Overview of the TVs

LG OLED C4

The LG C4 (2024) is a 4K WOLED TV with a Brightness Booster feature, powered by the α9 Gen 7 AI Processor and webOS 24. Available in 42-, 48-, 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch sizes, it’s designed for movies, gaming, and group viewing in varied lighting conditions.

Sony Bravia XR A90L

The Sony A90L (2023, assumed QD-OLED based on A95L/A90K lineage) is a 4K QD-OLED TV with the Cognitive Processor XR, running on Google TV. Available in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch sizes, it’s optimized for cinematic viewing and PS5 gaming in controlled lighting.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• LG OLED C4 (based on RTINGS.com, WhatHiFi.com):
• Panel Type: WOLED, self-lit pixels.
• Brightness: ~1,000 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~400 cd/m² (SDR), good for bright rooms.
• Contrast: Infinite, perfect blacks, no blooming.
• Color Performance: ~90% DCI-P3, ~65% Rec.2020, vibrant colors.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~63°), ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode.
• Upscaling: α9 Gen 7 AI Processor, good (~6.5/10), effective for low-quality Kenyan broadcasts.
• Reflections: Good handling (~2.5% total reflections), glossy finish.
• Sony Bravia XR A90L (based on A95L/A90K data, adjusted, RTINGS.com, Tom’s Guide):
• Panel Type: QD-OLED, self-lit pixels.
• Brightness: ~800 cd/m² (HDR 10% window, estimated), ~350 cd/m² (SDR), suited for controlled lighting.
• Contrast: Infinite, perfect blacks, no blooming.
• Color Performance: ~95% DCI-P3, ~70% Rec.2020, more vibrant and lifelike colors.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~63°), excellent for group viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, IMAX Enhanced.
• Upscaling: Cognitive Processor XR, excellent (~9.0/10), superior for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Good handling (~2.5% total reflections), glossy finish.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The LG C4 has a slight edge with higher brightness (~1,000 cd/m² vs. ~800 cd/m²), making it better for bright Kenyan living rooms, and maintains brightness in Game Mode. The Sony A90L excels in color vibrancy (~95% vs. ~90% DCI-P3) and upscaling (~9.0/10 vs. ~6.5/10), delivering lifelike visuals and superior handling of low-quality Kenyan broadcasts. Both offer infinite contrast and wide viewing angles (~63°), but the Sony’s QD-OLED panel provides richer colors, while the LG’s brightness suits varied lighting.

2. Gaming Performance

• LG OLED C4:
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz, 4K/144Hz via four HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~10.3ms (4K@60Hz), ~5.5ms (4K@120Hz), highly responsive.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, Game Optimizer.
• Game Mode: Near-instantaneous response (~0.2ms).
• Sony Bravia XR A90L:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~16.7ms (4K@60Hz, estimated), ~8.2ms (4K@120Hz), less responsive.
• Features: VRR, ALLM, PS5 optimizations (Auto HDR Tone Mapping).
• Game Mode: Near-instantaneous response (~0.5ms).

Verdict on Gaming: The LG C4 is superior for gaming with a higher refresh rate (144Hz vs. 120Hz), lower input lag (~10.3ms vs. ~16.7ms), four HDMI 2.1 ports (vs. two), and FreeSync support, making it ideal for PC and console gaming (PS5/Xbox Series X). The Sony A90L’s PS5-specific features are a plus, but its fewer HDMI ports and higher input lag limit its gaming versatility.

3. Sound Quality

• LG OLED C4: 2.2-channel speakers, 40W output, Dolby Atmos, good (~7.0/10 score).
• Sony Bravia XR A90L: 2.2-channel speakers, 60W output, Dolby Atmos, Acoustic Surface Audio+, very good (~8.0/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: The Sony A90L’s 60W Acoustic Surface Audio+ delivers more immersive sound by using the screen as a speaker, outperforming the LG C4’s 40W output. Both support Dolby Atmos, but a soundbar is recommended for larger Kenyan rooms.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• LG OLED C4: webOS 24, Magic Remote, AirPlay 2, HomeKit, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI 2.1, three USB, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5.
• Sony Bravia XR A90L: Google TV, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), two USB, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 5, Chromecast, Bravia Core streaming.

Verdict on Smart Features: The LG C4’s webOS 24 is intuitive with four HDMI 2.1 ports and AirPlay 2, ideal for gaming and smart home integration. The Sony A90L’s Google TV offers broader app access (>5,000 apps) and Bravia Core for high-bitrate streaming, but its two HDMI 2.1 ports are less versatile. Both support voice assistants, but LG’s connectivity edges out slightly.

5. Design and Build

• LG OLED C4: Slim (~1.7 inches, 65-inch), 0.3-inch bezels, VESA 300×200, ~16.6 kg, good reflections (~2.5%).
• Sony Bravia XR A90L: Slim (~1.4 inches, 65-inch), 0.3-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~24.2 kg, good reflections (~2.5%).

Verdict on Design: The Sony A90L’s slimmer profile enhances aesthetics, while the LG C4’s lighter carbon fiber construction (~16.6 kg vs. ~24.2 kg) eases installation in Kenyan homes. Both handle reflections well and are suitable for wall-mounting.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2024/2023 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 19, 2025, 7:32 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

LG OLED C4 Prices (based on RTINGS.com, WhatHiFi.com)

• 55-inch: $1,400–$1,600 ≈ KSh 182,000–208,000
• 65-inch: $1,900–$2,100 ≈ KSh 247,000–273,000
• 77-inch: $2,600–$2,800 ≈ KSh 338,000–364,000

Sony Bravia XR A90L Prices (based on A90K/A95L data, RTINGS.com, Tom’s Guide)

• 55-inch: $1,800–$2,000 ≈ KSh 234,000–260,000
• 65-inch: $2,400–$2,600 ≈ KSh 312,000–338,000
• 77-inch: $3,200–$3,500 ≈ KSh 416,000–455,000

Verdict on Cost: The LG C4 is more affordable (~KSh 182,000–364,000 vs. ~KSh 234,000–455,000), offering better value and a wider range of sizes (42–83 inches vs. 55–77 inches). The Sony A90L’s higher cost reflects its QD-OLED panel and premium processing.

Target Audience

• LG OLED C4:
• Ideal For: Gamers, families, and budget-conscious cinephiles in varied lighting. Its brightness, gaming features, and size range suit versatile Kenyan home setups.
• Use Case: Best for gaming, group viewing, and HDR content in bright or controlled rooms.
• Budget: KSh 182,000–364,000, for buyers seeking value and performance.
• Sony Bravia XR A90L:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles and PS5 gamers in controlled lighting. Its vibrant colors and upscaling suit movie enthusiasts and premium setups.
• Use Case: Ideal for cinematic movies, low-quality content, and PS5 gaming.
• Budget: KSh 234,000–455,000, for quality-focused buyers.

Final Verdict

Winner: LG OLED C4

The LG OLED C4 is the superior choice for its higher brightness (~1,000 cd/m² vs. ~800 cd/m²), lower input lag (~10.3ms vs. ~16.7ms), and 144Hz refresh rate with four HDMI 2.1 ports, making it ideal for gaming and bright Kenyan living rooms. Its affordability (~KSh 182,000–364,000) and wider size range (42–83 inches) enhance its value, while its wide viewing angles (~63°) suit group viewing.

The Sony Bravia XR A90L excels in color vibrancy (~95% DCI-P3), superior upscaling (~9.0/10), and immersive 60W audio, making it a top pick for cinematic viewing and low-quality Kenyan broadcasts in controlled lighting. Its QD-OLED panel and PS5 optimizations are compelling, but its higher cost (~KSh 234,000–455,000) and fewer HDMI 2.1 ports limit its versatility.

Recommendation: Choose the LG OLED C4 for versatile HDR, gaming, and group viewing in varied lighting, with a budget of KSh 182,000–364,000. Opt for the Sony Bravia XR A90L for cinematic visuals and PS5 gaming in controlled lighting, with a budget of KSh 234,000–455,000. Verify pricing through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 19, 2025.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST WEDNESDAY 20TH AUGUST 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 78