Sony KD-65X9005B review

The Sony 65-X9005B offers a masterclass in 4K TV design and performance. From its audacious but practical wedge cabinet to its exhilarating sound and vision, this flatscreen doesn't put a foot wrong. Image quality with both Ultra HD and Full HD sources is colour rich and dynamic, while the brand's connected feature set, from One-Flick discovery bar to photo sharing, has broad appeal. This is a brilliant TV for today… and tomorrow.

We liked

Gorgeous 4K image quality and excellent Full HD upscaling make this a set for all types of sources. The forward facing high-fidelity integrated sound system is superb. The stylish wedge design makes the set stand out from the crowd. Sony's smart portal offers a good mix of on-demand TV and mobile device interactivity.

We disliked

Sony is still missing some key mainstream catch-up TV services. The Active Shutter 3D suffers from flicker in rooms with multiple light sources. The 2014 UI is perhaps a little too silo'd for its own good. The social view Twitter function is a distraction.

Final verdict

The Sony KD-65X9005B is a thoroughly intoxicating example of leading-edge 4K tech. The UHD image quality with native content exhibits a depth and detail that's beguiling, while its 2160p upscaling talents are top notch. You can be confident that this set will make all your current TV favourites look better than they've ever done before. Active Shutter 3D performance is (literally) outstanding. The provision of HEVC decoding and HDMI 2.0 compatibility ensures a level of future-proofing, important as 4K standards remain in a state of flux. Overall, the KD-65X9005B is a genuine showstopper. Sony is back at the top of its TV game.

Also consider

Samsung UE65HU8500 - £3,999

This uniquely curving 4K screen combines excellent 4K image quality with a host of advanced voice/gesture controls and a comprehensive smart connected platform. The benefits of the curved screen may be debatable, but there's no doubt that as a piece of technology design this Samsung is a wow.

Panasonic TX-65AX802 - £3,799

Not only the first 4K TV to support the Freetime roll-back catch-up EPG, Panasonic's biggest AX802 also boasts the excellent 'my home screen' app home page and a pulse-pounding picture performance. But the lack of Netflix 4K is a disappointment.