When Sony first entered the OLED TV market in 2008 with an 11-inch model priced at £1300, it was a glimpse of what was to come. Nearly a decade later, the brand returned with the Sony A1 range, available in 55- and 65-inch sizes. After hearing so much about this impressive new model, we were thrilled to unbox the 55-inch A1 and see what Sony had achieved with its latest innovation.
The Sony A1 is a masterclass in minimal, industrial design, perfectly in line with the brand’s reputation for sleek aesthetics. Resembling a modern picture frame, the TV is almost completely free of visible details, with even the Sony logo subtly placed in the lower corner. A small white LED glows gently at the base to indicate when the TV is active.
The frameless OLED panel is supported by a discreet kickstand, which cleverly houses all internal components, including four HDMI ports, three USB inputs, additional AV connections, and a built-in subwoofer for the Acoustic Surface™ sound system. This stand can also fold flat, making wall mounting simple and tidy. The result is a television that looks as premium as it performs.
Taking full advantage of OLED technology, the A1 delivers breathtaking 4K Ultra HD visuals. Each of its 8 million pixels is self-illuminating, allowing precise control over contrast and brightness. The inclusion of High Dynamic Range (HDR) support ensures vibrant colours, enhanced clarity, and deeper blacks across all content types, whether from UHD Blu-ray, Sky Q, or the PlayStation 5.
The A1’s X1 Extreme processor handles upscaling beautifully, ensuring that even standard HD content looks crisp and clean. A recent firmware update has added support for HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), allowing BBC’s 4K broadcasts to be accessed via iPlayer, and further support for Dolby Vision is expected later in the year.
Unlike traditional TVs, the Sony A1 does not rely on external speakers. Instead, it uses Acoustic Surface™ technology, which vibrates the screen itself to create sound. Two actuators positioned behind the display generate precise stereo audio that feels as though it comes directly from the action on screen. A subwoofer built into the stand adds depth and warmth to the sound.
While dedicated sound systems, such as a Sony soundbar, still deliver more power, the A1’s integrated setup provides some of the most impressive sound ever produced by a television. It’s immersive, clean, and perfectly balanced for most environments.
The A1’s Android TV interface offers an extensive range of streaming and catch-up services, including BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and Demand 5, alongside YouTube and Plex. Both Amazon Prime Video and Netflix are available in 4K, provided you have a fast internet connection.
The inclusion of YouView integration allows users to scroll back through the programme guide for up to seven days, making it easy to find shows you’ve missed without navigating through multiple apps.
The Sony A1 OLED TV is a truly exceptional piece of technology that blends style, performance, and innovation. Its breathtaking picture quality, outstanding sound, and thoughtful design make it one of the most impressive televisions we’ve seen. Watching content like Planet Earth II in ultra-high definition showcases just how far TV technology has come, with colours and details that feel almost lifelike.
When Sony first entered the OLED TV market in 2008 with an 11-inch model priced at £1300, it was a glimpse of what was to come. Nearly a decade later, the brand returned with the Sony A1 range, available in 55- and 65-inch sizes. After hearing so much about this impressive new model, we were thrilled to unbox the 55-inch A1 and see what Sony had achieved with its latest innovation.
The Sony A1 is a masterclass in minimal, industrial design, perfectly in line with the brand’s reputation for sleek aesthetics. Resembling a modern picture frame, the TV is almost completely free of visible details, with even the Sony logo subtly placed in the lower corner. A small white LED glows gently at the base to indicate when the TV is active.
The frameless OLED panel is supported by a discreet kickstand, which cleverly houses all internal components, including four HDMI ports, three USB inputs, additional AV connections, and a built-in subwoofer for the Acoustic Surface™ sound system. This stand can also fold flat, making wall mounting simple and tidy. The result is a television that looks as premium as it performs.
Taking full advantage of OLED technology, the A1 delivers breathtaking 4K Ultra HD visuals. Each of its 8 million pixels is self-illuminating, allowing precise control over contrast and brightness. The inclusion of High Dynamic Range (HDR) support ensures vibrant colours, enhanced clarity, and deeper blacks across all content types, whether from UHD Blu-ray, Sky Q, or the PlayStation 5.
The A1’s X1 Extreme processor handles upscaling beautifully, ensuring that even standard HD content looks crisp and clean. A recent firmware update has added support for HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), allowing BBC’s 4K broadcasts to be accessed via iPlayer, and further support for Dolby Vision is expected later in the year.
Unlike traditional TVs, the Sony A1 does not rely on external speakers. Instead, it uses Acoustic Surface™ technology, which vibrates the screen itself to create sound. Two actuators positioned behind the display generate precise stereo audio that feels as though it comes directly from the action on screen. A subwoofer built into the stand adds depth and warmth to the sound.
While dedicated sound systems, such as a Sony soundbar, still deliver more power, the A1’s integrated setup provides some of the most impressive sound ever produced by a television. It’s immersive, clean, and perfectly balanced for most environments.
The A1’s Android TV interface offers an extensive range of streaming and catch-up services, including BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and Demand 5, alongside YouTube and Plex. Both Amazon Prime Video and Netflix are available in 4K, provided you have a fast internet connection.
The inclusion of YouView integration allows users to scroll back through the programme guide for up to seven days, making it easy to find shows you’ve missed without navigating through multiple apps.
The Sony A1 OLED TV is a truly exceptional piece of technology that blends style, performance, and innovation. Its breathtaking picture quality, outstanding sound, and thoughtful design make it one of the most impressive televisions we’ve seen. Watching content like Planet Earth II in ultra-high definition showcases just how far TV technology has come, with colours and details that feel almost lifelike.
