Samsung The Terrace 2023 vs. Sony Bravia XR X80L: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a television in 2025, the Samsung The Terrace 2023 (e.g., QN55LST7TAFXZA) and Sony Bravia XR X80L (2023 model, e.g., XR-55X80L), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, cater to distinct needs. The Samsung The Terrace is a premium outdoor QLED TV designed for bright environments like patios, while the Sony X80L is a mid-range indoor LED TV optimized for streaming and casual viewing. 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, PricePoint.co.ke, and SmartHomeSounds.co.uk.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung The Terrace 2023

The Samsung The Terrace 2023 is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, full-array local dimming (~288 zones), and IP55 weather resistance for outdoor use. Powered by the Neural Quantum Processor 4K and Tizen OS, it’s available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes, ideal for bright outdoor settings like Kenyan terraces or gardens.

Sony Bravia XR X80L

The Sony X80L (2023) is a 4K LED TV with an IPS panel, direct LED backlighting, and frame dimming. Equipped with the 4K HDR Processor X1 and Google TV, it’s designed for indoor use, available in 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes, suited for living rooms or bedrooms.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung The Terrace 2023 (based on RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, QLED, full-array local dimming (~288 zones).
• Brightness: ~2,000 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~1,200 cd/m² (SDR), exceptional for bright outdoor environments.
• Contrast: ~10,000:1 with dimming, deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: ~90% DCI-P3, vibrant colors with quantum dots.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~25°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision).
• Upscaling: Neural Quantum Processor 4K, good (~6.3/10), effective for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Excellent handling (~1.5% total reflections), anti-glare coating for outdoor use.
• Sony Bravia XR X80L (based on RTINGS.com, PricePoint.co.ke):
• Panel Type: IPS LCD, direct LED, frame dimming (no local dimming).
• Brightness: ~450 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~400 cd/m² (SDR), suited for moderate indoor lighting.
• Contrast: ~1,200:1 native, grayish blacks due to IPS.
• Color Performance: ~85% DCI-P3, decent colors with Triluminos Pro.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~70°), ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG.
• Upscaling: 4K HDR Processor X1, good (~6.5/10), effective for low-quality Kenyan broadcasts.
• Reflections: Moderate handling (~5.5% total reflections), semi-glossy finish.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The Samsung The Terrace dominates with exceptional brightness (~2,000 cd/m² vs. ~450 cd/m²) and high contrast (~10,000:1 vs. ~1,200:1), making it ideal for outdoor Kenyan settings like patios or gardens under direct sunlight. Its ~288 dimming zones minimize blooming, and its vibrant colors (~90% DCI-P3) enhance HDR content. The Sony X80L’s wide viewing angles (~70° vs. ~25°) and Dolby Vision support make it better for indoor group viewing and streaming, but its low brightness and lack of local dimming limit HDR performance. The Samsung excels outdoors, while the Sony suits indoor versatility.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung The Terrace 2023:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via four HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~10.5ms (4K@60Hz), ~6.0ms (4K@120Hz), highly responsive.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, Game Bar.
• Game Mode: Fast response (~6.0ms 80% response time).
• Sony Bravia XR X80L:
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz, no 4K/120Hz (HDMI 2.0).
• Input Lag: ~15.0ms (4K@60Hz), adequate for casual gaming.
• Features: ALLM, no VRR or FreeSync.
• Game Mode: Basic response (~10.0ms 80% response time).

Verdict on Gaming: The Samsung The Terrace is far superior for gaming with a 120Hz refresh rate, lower input lag (~10.5ms vs. ~15.0ms), four HDMI 2.1 ports, and VRR support, making it ideal for PS5/Xbox Series X in outdoor setups. The Sony X80L’s 60Hz panel and lack of VRR limit it to casual gaming, unsuitable for next-gen consoles.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung The Terrace 2023: 2.1-channel speakers, 20W output, Dolby Digital Plus, adequate (~6.5/10 score).
• Sony Bravia XR X80L: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Dolby Atmos, DTS, adequate (~6.5/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: Both TVs offer similar 20W audio, suitable for small spaces. The Sony X80L’s Dolby Atmos and DTS provide slightly better immersion, while the Samsung’s outdoor-optimized speakers maintain clarity in open environments. A soundbar is recommended for both, especially for outdoor use with the Samsung.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung The Terrace 2023: Tizen OS, Bixby/Alexa/Google Assistant, three HDMI 2.1, one USB, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 5, AirPlay, SmartThings, IP55 weather resistance.
• Sony Bravia XR X80L: Google TV, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI 2.0, two USB, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 5, Chromecast, AirPlay.

Verdict on Smart Features: The Samsung The Terrace’s Tizen OS is fluid with SmartThings and weather-resistant design for outdoor use, but it has fewer HDMI ports (three vs. four). The Sony X80L’s Google TV offers broader app access (>5,000 apps) and an extra HDMI port, ideal for indoor connectivity. Both support AirPlay and voice assistants, but the Samsung’s outdoor durability is a unique advantage.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung The Terrace 2023: Robust (~3.4 inches, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 400×400, ~29.3 kg, excellent reflections (~1.5%), IP55 weatherproof.
• Sony Bravia XR X80L: Slim (~2.8 inches, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~22.7 kg, moderate reflections (~5.5%).

Verdict on Design: The Samsung The Terrace’s weatherproof IP55 design is built for outdoor Kenyan environments, with superior reflection handling for sunlight. The Sony X80L’s slimmer, lighter build suits indoor aesthetics but struggles with reflections in bright settings.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2023 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 19, 2025, 7:46 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or PricePoint.co.ke.

Samsung The Terrace 2023 Prices (based on RTINGS.com)

• 55-inch: $3,000–$3,500 ≈ KSh 390,000–455,000
• 65-inch: $4,000–$4,500 ≈ KSh 520,000–585,000
• 75-inch: $5,000–$5,500 ≈ KSh 650,000–715,000

Sony Bravia XR X80L Prices (based on PricePoint.co.ke)

• 55-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000
• 65-inch: $1,000–$1,100 ≈ KSh 130,000–143,000
• 75-inch: $1,200–$1,400 ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000

Verdict on Cost: The Sony X80L is significantly more affordable (~KSh 104,000–182,000 vs. ~KSh 390,000–715,000), offering excellent value for indoor use. The Samsung The Terrace’s high cost reflects its outdoor-specific design and premium features.

Target Audience

• Samsung The Terrace 2023:
• Ideal For: Affluent outdoor entertainers and businesses in bright settings. Its high brightness and weather resistance suit Kenyan patios, gardens, or commercial spaces like restaurants.
• Use Case: Best for outdoor HDR movies, sports, and gaming.
• Budget: KSh 390,000–715,000, for buyers prioritizing outdoor durability.
• Sony Bravia XR X80L:
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious families and streamers in indoor settings. Its wide angles suit group viewing in Kenyan living rooms.
• Use Case: Ideal for streaming, casual viewing, and low-quality content indoors.
• Budget: KSh 104,000–182,000, for cost-sensitive buyers.

Final Verdict

Winner: Samsung The Terrace 2023

The Samsung The Terrace 2023 is the superior choice for its exceptional brightness (~2,000 cd/m² vs. ~450 cd/m²), high contrast (~10,000:1 vs. ~1,200:1), and IP55 weather resistance, making it unmatched for outdoor Kenyan environments like terraces or gardens. Its ~288 dimming zones, 120Hz refresh rate, and four HDMI 2.1 ports deliver vibrant HDR and responsive gaming, ideal for premium outdoor setups. However, its high cost (~KSh 390,000–715,000) and narrow viewing angles (~25°) limit its appeal to niche users.

The Sony Bravia XR X80L offers wide viewing angles (~70°), Dolby Vision, and solid upscaling (~6.5/10), making it excellent for indoor group viewing and low-quality Kenyan broadcasts at a fraction of the cost (~KSh 104,000–182,000). Its 60Hz panel and low brightness restrict HDR and gaming performance.

Recommendation: Choose the Samsung The Terrace 2023 for premium outdoor viewing and gaming in bright settings, with a budget of KSh 390,000–715,000. Opt for the Sony Bravia XR X80L for affordable indoor streaming and group viewing, with a budget of KSh 104,000–182,000. Verify pricing through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or PricePoint.co.ke as of August 19, 2025.

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