Sony KD50X77L 50 inch TV: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Sony KD50X77L is a mid-range 50-inch 4K Ultra HD LED TV that was released in 2022. Part of Sony's X77 series, this TV is aimed at customers looking for a decently-sized 4K TV with good picture quality and smart features, without breaking the bank.

Some key things to know about the KD50X77L:

• 50-inch screen size, great for medium to large living rooms
• Uses LED backlighting with Sony's X1 4K HDR image processor
• Supports High Dynamic Range (HDR10, HLG) for improved color and contrast
• Runs Google's Android TV platform for apps, voice control and Chromecast built-in
• Decent audio with 2 channel speakers and Dolby Atmos support
• Sleek, minimalist design with thin bezels

Overall, the X77L is a mid-range Sony 4K TV that promises good 4K picture quality, smart functionality and a streamlined design at a reasonable price point. Read on for an in-depth look at its display, features, design and performance.

Design

The Sony KD50X77L has a thin, minimalist design that will blend nicely into most living room setups. At just 2.28 inches deep, it has a very slim profile compared to many other 50-inch TVs. The bezels around the screen are thin and uniform on all sides, enhancing the TV's modern aesthetic.

The two feet that hold up the TV are made of flat metal and also have a slender profile. They are placed at the far left and right edges of the TV, giving it stability while taking up less surface space on a TV stand or table. The back of the TV is white plastic with some venting for heat dissipation. Overall, the simple and discreet design of the KD50X77L allows it to fit well in living rooms and entertainment setups without attracting too much attention to itself.

The minimalist design language extends through the entire Sony X77 series, which includes 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch models. While the dimensions differ based on screen size, they all share the same slim form factor and small footprint stand design. This cohesive aesthetic across the product line allows consumers to choose the screen size they need while maintaining a consistent, modern look.

Other competitors in the affordable 50-inch TV space like the Toshiba 50C350LU tend to have thicker, more standard designs. The Toshiba model has a 3.2 inch depth and larger plastic bezel around the screen. It uses two wide feet spaced far apart for stability. For consumers wanting a TV that blends in discreetly with minimal impact on the room's aesthetics, the slender Sony X77 series has a leg up over many alternatives.

This streamlined design is achieved partly through Sony's advanced miniaturization and integration of internal components. The sleek exterior belies the powerful picture processing and smart features contained within. Sony is able to pack in a 4K processor, HDR support, and the Android smart TV platform into the svelte body. The minimalist look does not come at the expense of features and performance.

Some shoppers may prefer the more substantial, traditional design of models like the Toshiba for their living spaces. But for those wanting a contemporary, unobtrusive TV profile, the thinness and small footprint of the Sony X77 series make it an excellent choice. The reduced depth and bezel size allow it to blend in seamlessly when wall mounted as well. Overall, the pared down aesthetics and dimensions of this Sony line achieve a refined, sleek look.

Display Quality

The Sony KD50X77L features a 50-inch LCD panel with 3840 x 2160 4K UHD resolution. Packing over 8 million pixels, the 4K resolution ensures sharp image quality and immersive viewing experience.

In terms of high dynamic range support, the TV includes HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision. This allows the display to produce a wider color gamut and vivid visuals with incredible detail in both bright and dark scenes. HDR content showcases brilliant highlights, deeper blacks and more realistic colors. The TV can analyze each frame and optimize contrast automatically based on the content being viewed.

With Sony's powerful X1 4K HDR image processor, the display can upscale lower resolution content close to 4K resolution. This results in reduced noise and enhanced textures for a clearer picture. The 4K X-Reality PRO technology uses object-based HDR remastering to detect individual on-screen objects and optimize their color, contrast and clarity.

Overall, the stellar 4K resolution combined with advanced HDR support and Sony's processing produces stunning image quality that does justice to your favorite content. You'll be immersed in lifelike visuals bursting with clarity, contrast and captivating colors.

The Sony KD50X77L delivers an exceptional viewing experience thanks to its 4K resolution, HDR capabilities and powerful image processing. With over 8 million pixels, 4K UHD resolution ensures every detail is sharp and clear. Support for HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision produces a wider color range with vivid colors and brilliant highlights. Sony's X1 processor upscales lower resolution content close to 4K, reducing noise and boosting textures. Overall, the display produces truly immersive visuals with incredible clarity, contrast and captivating colors. If you're looking for a similarly sized 4K TV option, check out the Hisense 50A6H. This 50-inch model also includes 4K resolution and HDR support. It utilizes Hisense's proprietary ULED technology to boost color, contrast and motion clarity. The 50A6H runs on Android TV for easy access to content and apps. Though it lacks Sony's more advanced image processing, the Hisense 50A6H provides solid 4K picture quality at an affordable price point. With comparable size and resolution specs, it's a suitable alternative to consider if you're shopping for a 50-inch 4K smart TV.

Smart Features

The Sony KD50X77L comes with Google's smart TV platform, providing easy access to apps and streaming services. It has the Google TV interface, which presents personalized recommendations for shows and movies across your subscriptions.

Google TV also makes it easy to search for content across different apps and services. Just speak into the remote or use the on-screen keyboard to find what you want.

Built-in Chromecast allows you to cast movies, shows, and other content directly from your mobile device to the TV. You don't need any extra streaming sticks or devices. Just tap the Cast button within compatible apps on your phone or tablet and stream to the big screen.

Overall, the Google TV platform and smart capabilities make this TV versatile for all your entertainment needs. Quickly find what you want to watch, use voice commands through the remote, and cast content from other devices for a seamless smart TV experience.

Audio Quality

The Sony KD50X77L has decent sound quality from its built-in 2 channel stereo speakers. The speakers provide clear audio and reasonable bass, though lacking the full immersive experience of surround sound. Dialogue in movies and TV shows comes through crisp and audible.

While the speakers get fairly loud at higher volumes without too much distortion, the audio is better suited for regular TV watching rather than a dedicated home theater setup. For more powerful and nuanced sound, connecting the TV to a soundbar or surround sound system via the HDMI ARC port or optical audio output is recommended.

Overall, the speakers offer solid and reliable audio performance for daily entertainment, but those looking for more impactful audio may want to pair the TV with an external speaker system. The speakers handle the basics well for casual viewing and listening.

Ports & Connectivity

The Sony KD50X77L comes with a good selection of ports and connectivity options. On the back of the TV, you'll find:

• 4 HDMI ports - The 4 HDMI ports are all HDMI 2.1 compliant, meaning they support advanced gaming features like 4K 120fps, VRR, and ALLM when connected to a compatible device like a PS5 or Xbox Series X. The HDMI ports make it easy to connect all of your devices like a Blu-ray player, game console, streaming stick etc.

• 2 USB ports - There are 2 USB ports provided, allowing you to plug in and play content from USB flash drives and hard drives. One of the ports is USB 3.0 for faster transfer speeds.

• Digital audio out (optical) - Optical out allows you to send audio directly to a sound system or soundbar using an optical cable. This gives you cleaner uncompressed audio quality.

• Ethernet - There is a LAN port for connecting directly to your home network via ethernet cable. This provides faster and more reliable internet connectivity than WiFi if needed.

• Analog audio out - For connecting to older audio equipment using RCA cables.

The TV also has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The WiFi is dual band and supports the latest 802.11ac standard. Bluetooth allows you to pair wireless headphones, speakers or other accessories with the TV.

Overall the port selection covers everything you need for connecting all of your devices and accessories. The HDMI 2.1 ports ensure you get the most out of the latest gaming consoles and PCs.

Remote Control

The Sony KD50X77L comes with a sleek and minimalist remote control that fits nicely in the hand. It has all the necessary buttons while maintaining an uncluttered look. The remote can control basic TV functions as well as work with compatible devices like soundbars and Blu-ray players that are connected via HDMI.

One handy feature of the remote is the built-in microphone for voice control. You can press the mic button to speak voice commands for TV operations like launching apps, searching for content, changing inputs, adjusting volume, and more. The voice recognition works quite well for basic commands in my testing. The voice control support adds a lot of convenience, especially when your hands are full or the remote is out of reach. It's a nice inclusion that isn't always found on lower-priced 4K TVs.

Overall, the remote that comes with the Sony KD50X77L gets the job done without any major complaints. The minimalist design looks sleek, the buttons have a nice tactile feedback, and the addition of voice control via the microphone button makes it more functional. I don't feel the need to use a universal remote with this TV thanks to the well-designed first party remote.

Performance

The Sony KD50X77L delivers smooth and reliable performance for all your entertainment needs. The TV features Sony's powerful X1 4K HDR processor that helps optimize 4K picture quality. The processor brings out extra detail and texture from 4K content by upscaling everything you watch into near 4K resolution. It also handles HDR content very well, producing a wider, more realistic range of colors and contrast.

The user interface is fast and responsive thanks to the X1 processor. Menu navigation feels snappy, and switching between apps or inputs happens instantly. The Android TV interface looks clean and is easy to use. It provides quick access to popular streaming apps and live TV channels. Voice commands through the remote work well for launching apps, searches, and other functions.

Overall, the strong picture processing combined with the simple but customizable Android TV interface makes the Sony X77L a pleasure to use everyday. Performance is smooth and reliable whether you're streaming movies, browsing apps, or gaming.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Attractive minimalist design that will blend into any living room
• Vivid and accurate 4K picture quality thanks to the X1 4K HDR processor
• Google TV provides smart features like app integrations, recommendations, and voice search

Cons

• Only 2 HDMI ports limits connectivity for multiple devices
• Lacks local dimming feature for better contrast control in certain scenes

The Sony X77L has a lot going for it between the sleek design, stellar 4K picture, and Google TV integration. However, the limited ports and lack of local dimming prevent it from being perfect. Overall though, it's an excellent mid-range 4K TV that most customers will be very satisfied with.

Conclusion

The Sony KD50X77L is a great mid-range 4K TV option with solid picture quality and smart capabilities. The 50-inch size hits a nice sweet spot, providing an immersive viewing experience without taking up too much space.

The X1 4K HDR processor does an excellent job at upscaling HD/SDR content to near 4K HDR quality. Motion handling is also superb thanks to Sony's X-Motion Clarity technology. The built-in Google TV interface provides easy access to plenty of apps and services. Gaming connectivity is solid with HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120fps, VRR, and ALLM.

For the price, the X77L delivers very good 4K picture quality and motion handling. The Google TV platform is responsive and intuitive to use. The design is clean and minimalist to fit into any living room. If you're looking for a mid-range 50-inch Sony TV with great performance and features, the X77L is easy to recommend.