With Sony’s 2022 TV lineup now available, many shoppers are trying to decide between last year’s A80J OLED TV and the new A80K model. On paper, these two premium 4K OLED TVs look very similar, but there are some key differences that are worth examining before making your purchase.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll look at the designs, picture quality, smart TV features, audio, gaming performance, and more to help you determine if the A80J or A80K is the better fit for your home theater.
Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Sony A80J | Sony A80K |
| Screen Sizes | 55, 65, 77 inch | 55, 65, 77 inch |
| Display Type | OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
| Processor | Cognitive Processor XR | Cognitive Processor XR |
| Smart TV Platform | Google TV | Google TV |
| Speakers | 2.2 Channel, 50W | 2.2 Channel, 60W |
| HDMI Ports | 4 | 4 |
| Gaming Features | VRR, ALLM | VRR, ALLM |
Design And Build Quality
In terms of design, the A80J and A80K look nearly identical with slim bezels and a minimalist style. They both have a “One Slate” design with the panel laying nearly flush on the included stand. This gives them a very sleek, premium aesthetic that will fit nicely in any living room.
The main physical difference is that the A80K stand is slightly wider than the A80J stand. However, the footprint is still quite small on both models. They can easily fit on most TV stands or tables without taking up too much space.
Build quality is excellent on both OLED TVs. They both use metal for the stand and high-quality plastics for the back panel. The displays are very thin, only a few millimeters at the top when wall mounted. They feel very premium and durable in person.
One downside of the A80J is heavier weight at over 70 pounds for the 65″ model. The A80K trims some weight coming in at around 61 pounds for 65″. This won’t matter if wall mounting, but it does make the A80K a bit easier to lift and setup.
Overall, both deliver exceptional build quality and attractive designs. The A80K makes some minor improvements, but there isn’t a major difference in looks or feel between the two Sony OLEDs.
Display Performance
As high-end OLED TVs., both the A80J and A80K deliver outstanding picture quality with perfect black levels, vibrant colors, excellent contrast and viewing angles. They utilize the same LG panel and Sony processing, so differences in normal content playback are very minor.
Both models include Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR chip for upscaling, motion handling, color, contrast adjustments and more. This powerful processor takes full advantage of the OLED panel. Images look incredibly sharp yet natural, without any hiccups or artifacts.
For HDR, both sets support HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision. With compatible content, specs like color gamut and brightness can fully flex thanks to OLED’s pixel-level precision. Even in SDR, colors look more vibrant compared to normal LED TVs..
The A80J and A80K offer plenty of calibration options for enthusiasts via the settings menus. Advanced controls allow you to fine tune the picture to your exact preferences. There are also dedicated calibrations modes to optimize for cinema, gaming, sports and more.
Motion handling is also a strength, which is critical for sports fans and gamers. The fast response time and 120Hz refresh rates keep the action looking fluid and smooth, with no blurring or judder.
Viewing angles are likewise outstanding thanks to OLED technology. Colors and brightness remain consistent even from extreme side angles.
For normal TV watching, the displays deliver equally beautiful images. But the A80K does have some advantages that can appeal to videophiles:
- Brighter HDR – The A80K hits around 30% higher peak brightness for HDR highlights. This helps the most intense moments feel more dynamic.
- Improved Near Black Handling – Subtle shadow details are rendered with a bit more nuance on the A80K.
- Anti-Reflective Coating – The A80K has a new heat-dissipating layer to cut down on glare and reflections.
While very minor, these improvements do give the A80K the edge for critical home theater use. But most viewers would be hard-pressed to see the difference. Both OLED TVs deliver world-class picture quality that is near impossible to beat.
Also Read: Vizio Vs. Philips TV?
Smart TV Features & Interface
Sony has included the same smart TV platform on both models – Google TV. This intuitive interface makes it easy to browse movies and shows from all your favorite streaming apps. The home screen offers personalized recommendations and highlights trending content.
Google TV also has built-in Chromecast abilities and works with Google Assistant for hands-free voice control. You can quickly search for entertainment options just by speaking. This makes navigation much faster compared to typing on an on-screen keyboard.
Popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock and more all come pre-installed. The Google Play Store is integrated as well for downloading additional apps and games.
For cable and satellite users, there are options to incorporate those channels and TV guides into the experience too. Sony also includes their own suite of entertainment and productivity apps.
Both TVs make navigating content quick and intuitive. The interface remains speedy and responsive thanks to the fast processor. Overall, Google TV is one of the best smart TV systems available, and works great on both the A80J and A80K.
Audio Performance
Given their sleek designs, neither model has giant, built-in speakers. However, they both still manage to produce relatively powerful, rich audio without the need for a sound bar.
The A80J has a 50 watt 2.2 channel system with two front-firing woofers, two tweeters, and support for Dolby Atmos. The A80K steps things up with a 60 watt 2.2 channel set with a new XR Surround and 3D spatial optimization abilities.
In practice, the A80K certainly sounds a bit fuller and more cinematic. It throws an even wider sound stage while still having punchy bass response. But the A80J is no slouch either, and can easily fill a mid-sized room at reasonable volumes.
Of course, demanding home theater enthusiasts will still want to pair either OLED TV with a premium sound system. But for everyday TV audio, both models are very solid. Just expect a bit more vibrant spacial performance from the A80K versus last year’s A80J.
Gaming Performance
Gaming has become a strength of Sony TVs, and both OLED models here are excellent options for PS5 or Xbox Series X owners.
They support 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rates, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). This combination of features means you get super sharp visuals, incredibly smooth motion, and minimal input lag. Fast paced multiplayer games feel especially fluid and responsive.
Input lag measures at under 10ms which keeps controller response feeling snappy. The OLED panels have quick pixel response as well. HUD elements and text look crisp during fast motion.
The TVs recognize when a compatible game console is connected and can automatically switch into low latency game mode. You’ll get the best experience on your Playstation, Xbox or high-end gaming PC.
One difference is that VRR support on the A80K extends up to 60Hz, compared to just 40Hz on the A80J. This can help smooth out dips in framerate above 40fps. But both are excellent gaming TVs that make the most of your console.
Also Read: Choose Between LG 86 Inch TV And Samsung 85 Inch.
Price And Size Options
The A80J originally launched at rather high prices:
- 55-inch – $2,300
- 65-inch – $3,000
- 77-inch – $4,500
Since it is last year’s model, it has come down considerably:
- 55-inch – $1,700
- 65-inch – $2,200
- 77-inch – $3,500
The newer A80K costs a bit more:
- 55-inch – $1,900
- 65-inch – $2,500
- 77-inch – $3,800
So while both are premium 4K OLED TVs, the A80J does offer some savings given it’s older status. However, it’s still readily available at major retailers.
There are 3 sizes to choose from – 55, 65, and 77 inches. The 55-inch models work well for smaller rooms and gaming setups. While the 65-inch is perfect for most living rooms. And the extra large 77-inchpushes the cinematic experience further.
No matter which size you choose, you’re getting an amazing OLED picture. The main decision comes down to pricing and if the minor A80K enhancements are worth the cost. Sales on the A80J can make it very tempting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The A80K is an incremental upgrade over the A80J. It offers modest improvements to brightness, viewing angles, and audio quality. But for most viewers, the differences are minor. Both deliver outstanding 4K OLED picture and features. The A80J remains an excellent option, especially if found at a significant discount.
Sony TV model lines with a J indicate 2021 models, while K indicates 2022. So the A80J was released last year, while the A80K is this year’s newer version. In most cases, the newer K models feature minor performance bumps but main specifications remain very similar across generations.
The Sony A80J and A80K are both premium 4K OLED TVs. with 120Hz, cognitive processors, and Google TV. The A80K brings small improvements to brightness, black levels, sound, gaming VRR range, and anti-reflective coating. But core features like the OLED panel and smart platform stay the same. The A80K performs slightly better, but costs more.
The Sony A80K is an excellent OLED TV with phenomenal picture quality and great features. But it comes at a premium price, especially compared to deals on the nearly-as-good A80J. For buyers who want Sony’s pinnacle experience and money is no object, the A80K is a worthwhile upgrade. Value seekers can save money on the A80J and get nearly equal performance.
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Verdict
Overall, the newer A80K is objectively the better performer thanks to minor upgrades like higher peak brightness, anti-reflective coating, more powerful audio, and an improved stand design. However, the older A80J still holds its own with gorgeous OLED visuals and great smart TV capabilities.
Here is a quick summary of the key differences:
Sony A80K Advantages:
- Brighter HDR highlights
- Better black level precision
- Reduced glare/reflections
- Beefier 60 watt sound system
- VRR up to 60Hz (from 40Hz on A80J)
Sony A80J Advantages:
- Lower pricing, good sales availability
- Lighter weight for easier mounting
For most shoppers, either model will provide an amazing viewing experience and smart features. If you want Sony’s latest and greatest OLED TV, and don’t mind paying a premium, go for the A80K. But if you can find the A80J for at least $300 less, it’s likely the better value given very comparable performance. You really can’t go wrong with either of these OLED sets!