Sony’s 4K TV Lineup: Which Screen Size is Worth Your Cash?

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The Day I Became a TV Sommelier

Let me start with a confession: I don’t own a 98-inch TV. But after testing Sony’s entire 4K BRAVIA lineup—from the “cozy” 55-inch to the “are-you-sure-this-isn’t-a-billboard?” 98-inch—I now understand why size matters (and when it doesn’t). Here’s the unvarnished truth about which Sony TV deserves your dollars.

The Contenders

- 55-inch ($848): The “starter home” special.

- 65-inch ($948): The Goldilocks zone.

- 75-inch ($1,298): For those who miss movie theaters.

- 85-inch ($1,598): The flex.

- 98-inch ($4,498): The “I don’t need a down payment anyway” model.

55-inch ($848): Small But Mighty

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Who It’s For: Apartment dwellers, budget-conscious streamers, or anyone who thinks "cozy" is a lifestyle.

Pros:

- Crisp 4K HDR that makes The Mandalorian’s armor pop.

- Google TV built-in (RIP, clunky remotes).

- Fits above a fireplace without requiring structural reinforcement.

Cons:

- Lacks the “wow” factor for big rooms.

- Sound is decent, but you’ll want a soundbar.

Verdict: Perfect for bedrooms or studios. The 55-inch won’t bankrupt you, but it won’t make guests gasp either.

65-inch ($948): The Sweet Spot

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Who It’s For: Families, sports fans, and people who host weekly Stranger Things marathons.

Pros:

- Same killer Cognitive Processor XR as bigger models.

- Big enough to see soccer players’ sweat, small enough to not dominate a 12x12 room.

- $948 is a steal for Sony’s color accuracy.

Cons:

- Stand is wide—measure your console first.

- Still not quite IMAX-level immersion.

Verdict: The best value. If you’re upgrading from a 10-year-old TV, this’ll feel revolutionary.

75-inch ($1,298): The Weekend Warrior

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Who It’s For: Suburbanites with open-concept living rooms or film buffs who quote Tarantino at parties.

Pros:

- Dolby Vision/Atmos turns Netflix nights into events.

- Motion handling so smooth, football games look like you’re on the field.

- Still under $1.5K—half the price of LG’s同等 size OLED.

Cons:

- Delivery guys will hate you.

- Requires a 10+ ft viewing distance (or neck yoga).

Verdict: Ideal for movie nights and Super Bowl parties. Skip if your couch is 6 feet from the wall.

85-inch ($1,598): The “Look at Me” TV

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Who It’s For: Gamers craving immersion, homeowners with vaulted ceilings, or people who think “subtle” is a dirty word.

Pros:

- 120Hz refresh rate makes Elden Ring feel like a meditation app (kidding—it’s still stressful).

- XR Contrast Booster 10 delivers inky blacks without OLED’s price tag.

- Surprisingly affordable for its size.

Cons:

- Weighs 100+ lbs—mounting requires a PhD in Ikea furniture.

- Your cat will use it as a climbing wall.

Verdict: If you’ve got the space and budget, this is the ultimate splurge.

98-inch ($4,498): The Beast

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Who It’s For: Jeff Bezos’ vacation home. Or you, if you’re building a home theater.

Pros:

- Literal jaw-dropper. Dune in 4K feels like a religious experience.

- Same smart features as smaller models (Google TV, voice control).

- Acoustic Surface Audio+ makes dialogue crystal-clear.

Cons:

- Costs more than a used Honda Civic.

- Requires a room the size of a studio apartment.

Verdict: Overkill? Yes. Awesome? Also yes. Buy it if you’re allergic to movie theaters.

The Hidden Star: Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR

All these TVs share Sony’s secret weapon: the Cognitive Processor XR. It doesn’t just upscale HD to 4K—it analyzes scenes like a film editor, adjusting color, contrast, and clarity in real time. Even the 55-inch benefits, making Friends reruns look suspiciously HD.

Which One Should You Buy?

- Under $1K: 65-inch ($948). Best bang for your buck.

- Mid-Range: 75-inch ($1,298). Ideal for movie nights.

- Ballin’ on a Budget: 85-inch ($1,598). Bigger than your ego.

- Lottery Winners: 98-inch ($4,498). Because why not?

Final Thought: Size Isn’t Everything… But It Helps

After testing them all, here’s the truth: Sony’s 4K TVs are all stellar. The 55-inch will charm you, the 98-inch will humble you. But unless you’re building a home theater, the 65-inch or 75-inch strike the perfect balance of price and awe.

Ready to Upgrade? Shop Sony Bravia 4K TVs