Sony Bravia 43-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart Google TV (KD-43X70L) - In-Depth Review
Sony's new Bravia KD-43X70L 43-inch 4K LED smart TV aims to bring premium picture quality and features into a more affordable price range. I recently purchased this TV and wanted to provide an in-depth review of its key features and performance.
Overview
The Sony Bravia KD-43X70L is a 43-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) LED television with support for HDR and Dolby Vision. It runs on Google's Android TV platform, giving you access to a wide range of apps and streaming services.
Key features include:
- 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR and Dolby Vision support
- Google TV smart platform
- Built-in Chromecast and Apple AirPlay
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- X1 4K HDR image processor
- Motionflow XR 200Hz refresh rate
- 20W open baffle speaker system
Design
The television has a minimalist design with thin bezels and a simple black finish. The plastic build helps keep the weight down, though it doesn't feel quite as premium as Sony's higher-end metal designs. The two-way stand provides sturdy support and allows for flexible placement.
Connectivity options include 3 HDMI ports, 1 USB port, antenna/cable input, ethernet, and more. The remote is lightweight with dedicated buttons for popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
Picture Quality
The picture quality of the KD-43X70L is very good for its price range. The 4K resolution and HDR support deliver sharp, detailed images. Colors are vibrant and accurate straight out of the box after just a few quick picture adjustments.
Sony's X1 processor does an excellent job upscaling lower resolution content to near 4K quality. Motion handling is also great with fast action scenes appearing smooth and blur-free thanks to the native 100Hz panel and Motionflow XR 200Hz processing.
Dark room performance is decent with deep blacks and good shadow detail in HDR content. The TV gets plenty bright for well-lit rooms but doesn't quite match QLED displays in this area. Overall, picture quality exceeds expectation and competes well above its price class.
Smart Features
The Sony KD-43X70L runs on Google's Android TV platform, giving you access to a vast library of apps and services. Google Play Store, YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar and all other major streaming platforms are present.
Google TV offers personalized recommendations and seamless content search across services. Chromecast is built-in for easy casting from your mobile device. Apple AirPlay allows mirroring content from Apple devices.
The TV works with both Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free voice control. You can search for content, change settings, control smart home devices and more using voice commands.
Audio Quality
Audio quality is an area where this TV exceeds expectations. The 20W open baffle speaker design delivers surprisingly powerful and clear sound. Dialogue is clear, and there's good bass response without the need for a separate soundbar. You can always connect external speakers via Bluetooth or the audio output but the built-in speakers are sufficient for everyday TV viewing.
Gaming Performance
With HDMI 2.1 ports, ALLM auto low latency mode, and fast response time, the X70L is a great option for gaming. Input lag measures very low ensuring smooth, responsive gameplay. 4K 120Hz gaming is supported for compatible consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. VRR will also be added in a future update bringing variable refresh rate support.
Casual and hardcore gamers alike will appreciate the excellent visuals and low lag this TV provides. It's one of the best gaming TVs available in its price range.
Final Verdict
The Sony Bravia KD-43X70L delivers stellar 4K picture quality with vibrant HDR and excellent motion handling. The smart TV features and Google TV interface make streaming a breeze. Impressive audio and gaming performance exceed expectations for the price.
While the design and build quality aren't quite premium, the television punches far above its weight class when it comes to visual performance. If you want an affordable Sony 4K TV with great quality and smart capabilities, the X70L is a fantastic option that I highly recommend.
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