Doing fine, thanks

We might have our issues with the X8500G's somewhat lacking audio chops, the swathe of settings that need correcting from the word go, and the hamster-powered internals, but Skyworth more than makes up for the issues with a reasonable price tag and decent visuals we didn't mind hooking up our PS5 to. In other words, it's just OK.

Design 8

Display 7

Performance 7

Features 7.5

Value 8

User Ratings (0 Votes) 0

Skyworth has been a go-to for budget and mid-range screens, and it’s played its role for the niche remarkably well. That’s no less evident in the just-OK X8500G, of which Stuff has spent the past few weeks with the 65in model. It’s a TV that’ll get the job done, focussing heavily on gimmicks to distract you from the decidedly mid-range display on offer here.

Skyworth does at least manage to excel when it comes to the price. It knows exactly what it is – and plays to its strengths well. You’re getting a whole lot of screen with the 65X8500G, going for a reasonable R15,000 that’ll stretch to R20,000 if you’re looking to add ten inches. Sure, you’re sacrificing picture quality, but if there’s Cocomelon on a loop while you huddle around your smartphone, what’s the problem, really?

You were never going to feel the smooth, cold touch of metal beneath your skin at this price range, but the X8500G is all the better for it. Assembling a 65in TV is never something we look forward to, especially alone. But here, we found the TV to be rather manageable thanks to the lightweight plastic frame. A couple of screws, a pair of hands, and a few minutes was all it took to get the X8500G upright.