Sony K-S20M2 series vs Sony KD-X77L series: Which One Should You Buy?
The Sony BRAVIA 2 II and X77L deliver similar entry-level 4K picture quality, with Sony’s X1 processing, convincing color, useful upscaling and Google TV. Both are native 60 Hz Direct LED televisions with frame dimming, HDR10 and HLG, but no VRR or Dolby Vision. The BRAVIA 2 II is the more complete option because it adds a fourth HDMI input, ALLM across all four inputs, broader Dolby and DTS audio support, Wi-Fi 6E and a light sensor. The X77L remains attractive when discounted, offers an 85-inch option and was brighter in Tech Steve’s tested 55-inch sample, although that measurement cannot be directly compared with the tested 65-inch BRAVIA 2 II.
Sony BRAVIA 2 II vs X77L: Which Entry-Level Sony TV Is Better?
The Sony BRAVIA 2 II and X77L deliver similar entry-level 4K picture quality, with Sony’s X1 processing, convincing color, useful upscaling and Google TV. Both are native 60 Hz Direct LED televisions with frame dimming, HDR10 and HLG, but no VRR or Dolby Vision. The BRAVIA 2 II is the more complete option because it adds a fourth HDMI input, ALLM across all four inputs, broader Dolby and DTS audio support, Wi-Fi 6E and a light sensor. The X77L remains attractive when discounted, offers an 85-inch option and was brighter in Tech Steve’s tested 55-inch sample, although that measurement cannot be directly compared with the tested 65-inch BRAVIA 2 II.
| Feature | K-S20M2 series | KD-X77L series | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core picture quality | BRAVIA 2 II: Direct LED, frame dimming and 4K Processor X1 | X77L: Direct LED, frame dimming and 4K Processor X1 | Tech Steve found their side-by-side picture quality very similar, and both share the same core display and processing design. |
| Native 4K refresh rate | BRAVIA 2 II: 60 Hz | X77L: 60 Hz | Both physical panels are native 60 Hz and accept up to 4K at 60 Hz. |
| HDR formats | BRAVIA 2 II: HDR10 and HLG | X77L: HDR10 and HLG | Neither supports Dolby Vision or HDR10+. |
| Local dimming | BRAVIA 2 II: No; frame dimming | X77L: No; frame dimming | Neither television has independently controlled local-dimming zones. |
| HDMI inputs | BRAVIA 2 II: 4 | X77L: 3 | The additional HDMI input makes it easier to connect multiple consoles, streaming players and audio equipment. |
| Automatic low-latency mode | BRAVIA 2 II: ALLM on HDMI 1-4 | X77L: ALLM on HDMI 3 | ALLM is available across every HDMI input instead of being restricted to one connection. |
| Variable refresh rate | BRAVIA 2 II: Not supported | X77L: Not supported | Neither model supports VRR. |
| Audio-format support | BRAVIA 2 II: Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD and DTS:X | X77L: Dolby Audio; no Atmos or DTS | Its broader format support improves compatibility with soundbars, receivers and movie soundtracks. |
| Wireless connectivity | BRAVIA 2 II: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 | X77L: 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 | It supports more current Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards. |
| Largest available size | BRAVIA 2 II: 75 inches | X77L: 85 inches | The X77L is available in an 85-inch version. |
| Composite video input | BRAVIA 2 II: None | X77L: One mini-jack composite input | It can accommodate a legacy composite-video source without an external converter. |
| Measured brightness | BRAVIA 2 II: Tested 65-inch unit measured 309 nits SDR and 271 nits HDR | X77L: Tested 55-inch unit measured 368 nits SDR and 311 nits HDR | The measurements came from different screen sizes and are not a controlled same-size comparison. |
BRAVIA 2 II
A native 60 Hz Direct LED Sony TV with four HDMI inputs, ALLM, HDR10, Google TV and broad Dolby and DTS audio support.
Key technology
Buyer advantages
- BRAVIA 2 II provides four HDMI inputs and ALLM on every input
- Both models deliver convincing Sony color processing and older-content upscaling
- BRAVIA 2 II supports Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD and DTS:X
- Google TV, Chromecast and AirPlay are included on both models
- X77L offers an 85-inch size unavailable in the BRAVIA 2 II range
Things to consider
- Both models are limited to native 4K at 60 Hz and do not support VRR
- Neither model supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ or local dimming
- Tested HDR brightness was modest on both sampled sizes
- X77L has only three HDMI inputs and no Dolby Atmos or DTS support
- Panel subtype and brightness can differ by size, so one tested size should not represent the entire series
Sizes, mounting and buying details
| Size / model | Peak HDR | VESA | Feet width | Viewing distance | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43"K-43S20M2 | — | 200 x 200 | 30.75 in | 4.9–6.7 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 50"K-50S20M2 | — | 200 x 200 | 35 in | 5.7–7.8 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 55"K-55S20M2 | — | 300 x 300 | 40.13 in | 6.3–8.6 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 65"K-65S20M2 | 271 nitsTech Steve measurement of the 65-inch BRAVIA 2 II review unit; SDR was measured in Vivid with brightness maximized. | 300 x 300 | 47 in | 7.4–10.1 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 75"K-75S20M2 | — | 300 x 300 | 56.75 in | 8.6–11.7 ft | Check price ↗ |
Complete specifications
Audio
Connectivity
Design & Installation
Gaming
Picture
Size Details
Smart Features
Specifications
X77L
A native 60 Hz Direct LED Sony TV with three HDMI inputs, HDR10, ALLM and Google TV.
Key technology
Buyer advantages
- The 85-inch model provides a larger screen option than the BRAVIA 2 II range.
- Sony’s X1 processor delivers convincing color and useful upscaling for cable, streaming and older sources.
- ALLM and PlayStation 5 Auto HDR Tone Mapping support simplify casual console gaming.
- The 43- and 50-inch models use relatively narrow 28.25-inch stand spacing, helping them fit smaller furniture.
- Google TV, Chromecast and AirPlay provide a broad selection of apps and casting options.
Things to consider
- Three HDMI inputs provide less connection flexibility, and ALLM is assigned only to HDMI 3.
- The native 60 Hz panel is limited to 4K/60 and does not support VRR.
- Frame dimming lacks independent backlight zones, reducing black-level control and HDR contrast.
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos and all DTS formats are unsupported.
- Tech Steve’s brightness and IPS-panel findings apply only to the tested 55-inch unit, not the other sizes.
Sizes, mounting and buying details
| Size / model | Peak HDR | VESA | Feet width | Viewing distance | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43"KD-43X77L | — | 200 x 200 | 28.25 in | 4.9–6.7 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 50"KD-50X77L | — | 200 x 200 | 28.25 in | 5.7–7.8 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 55"KD-55X77L | 311 nitsTech Steve measurements from his 55-inch X77L test, referenced in the comparison video. | 300 x 300 | 40.5 in | 6.3–8.6 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 65"KD-65X77L | — | 300 x 300 | 46.38 in | 7.4–10.1 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 75"KD-75X77L | — | 300 x 300 | 52.88 in | 8.6–11.7 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 85"KD-85X77L | — | 400 x 400 | 60.75 in | 9.7–13.2 ft | — |
Complete specifications
Audio
Connectivity
Design & Installation
Gaming
Picture
Size Details
Smart Features
Specifications
Which one should you buy?
The BRAVIA 2 II is the better all-around entry-level Sony TV. Its fourth HDMI input is useful for households with several consoles and media players, ALLM works across every HDMI input, and Dolby Atmos plus DTS support makes it more flexible with soundbars and receivers. Its limitations are substantial, however: it remains a 60 Hz television without VRR, Dolby Vision or local dimming, and the tested 65-inch unit delivered modest HDR brightness. The X77L provides much the same core 4K picture processing, Google TV experience and 60 Hz gaming performance. It is the smarter purchase when heavily discounted, when the narrower stand spacing of the 43- or 50-inch size fits existing furniture, or when an 85-inch screen is required. Its tradeoffs are one fewer HDMI input, ALLM on only HDMI 3 and much narrower audio-format support. Neither is the right choice for shoppers prioritizing high-impact HDR, deep local-dimming contrast or 4K/120 gaming.
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