After a 48-inch OLED from Sony? The Sony A9S could be what you need. You can't blame Sony for making the most of one of its most impressive TVs. The 9 Sony A9G/AG2019 was a great OLED TV, and it got new life at 48-inches, a year after its initial release, at a price that was lower than ever. Called the A9S in the US, or more simply the A9 in the UK and Ireland, the smaller model packs everything we love about its big iterations. The (relatively) compact 48-inch size makes it a bit of an outlier in today's OLED market, given that only a small handful of TVs have the new panel size. But with only one size to recommend and many more 2021 Sony TVs to come, you may be wondering if the Sony A9S is the right choice for you. This guide will review the prices, specifications and capabilities of this Sony OLED, as well as its similarities and differences with other televisions in the manufacturer's range.
Sony A9S OLED prices and sizes
The Sony A9S/A9 is available in a single 48-inch size, priced at $1,799 / £1,799, and is available in the US and UK. This is technically a resize from the 9 A9G/AG2019 OLED, which comes in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch sizes. The A9G was still quite expensive, making the smaller size very welcome in theory, although it's worth noting that the 55-inch model is currently cheaper than the 48-inch at just £1,599 in the UK. There's $2,299 left in the US, though, making the 9-inch A48S alternative a smarter buy in North America. Australian availability has yet to be confirmed. While the Sony A8H OLED also repackages many of the A9G's specs and capabilities at a more affordable price, you won't find it in a 48-inch size, though the A8H is probably a better bet for those wanting a new Sony TV. 4K. . to 55 inches or more.
Sony A9S OLED Features and Specifications
So what's so exciting about the Sony A9S? Well, its 48-inch size makes it a great bet for anyone looking for a high-end OLED TV without the expected massive screen. The dimensions of the TV are 1069 x 624 x 58mm without the stand and it weighs around 13,9kg, according to Sony. It also uses a central TV stand, instead of the adjustable feet and positions of the 2021 A90J or A80J models. As a 4K HDR TV, you get industry-leading broadcast resolution and wide dynamic range for enhanced color and contrast. You'll get Sony's X-Motion Clarity feature for smooth, jerk-free movements, as well as Acoustic Surface Audio to literally vibrate audio from the OLED panel. Total sound output is 25W, split between two 10W actuators and a 5W subwoofer, with Dolby Atmos support for enhanced surround sound effect. As an OLED TV, of course, you can expect really deep blacks and that legendary 'infinite' contrast ratio to make pictures pop, and Sony has some really good form here.
Sony TV 2021: should you buy a newer TV?
The Sony A9S/A9 is currently Sony's only 48-inch OLED, making it your best bet for an OLED of this size. However, there are some high-end Sony TVs worth checking out this year. The 4K flagship is the A90J OLED, and there's also a step-down A80J OLED model. Both feature the improved XR Cognitive processor, new for 2021, instead of the X1 Ultimate chip found in the best Sony A9S and 2020 models.
