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Short answer: Sony’s XBR-55X850C is the better-documented choice for a native 120Hz panel: Sony explicitly specifies 120Hz. The Samsung UN55JU7100 is also identified as a 120Hz native-panel television by a retailer, while Samsung’s own “Motion Rate 240” label describes processing rather than panel refresh. Neither model has fully documented HDR support and HDMI 2.0a status in the available manufacturer material, so do not buy either one on those two features without checking the exact set, region and firmware.

Core specifications

Feature Sony XBR-55X850C Samsung UN55JU7100
Screen class 55-inch class; Sony lists a 54.6-inch diagonal 55-inch model
Resolution 3840 × 2160 (4K Ultra HD) 3840 × 2160 (UHD)
Native panel refresh 120Hz, explicitly stated by Sony 120Hz, according to a retailer specification; Samsung’s sheet does not state the native rate
Motion-processing label Motionflow XR 960 Motion Rate 240
HDMI inputs Four; HDCP 2.2 is listed on HDMI 1–4 Four
HDMI 2.0a Not stated on Sony’s retrieved specification Reported by a retailer, not established in the Samsung product sheet
HDR support Not clearly listed in the retrieved Sony specification Not established for this exact model by Samsung’s product sheet

The specifications are model-level information, not independent picture-quality measurements. These are 2015-era televisions, so the condition and configuration of an individual used unit can matter more than a label on the original product sheet.

Does the Sony XBR-55X850C have a 120Hz panel?

Yes. Sony’s XBR-55X850C support specification explicitly identifies a native 120Hz panel. “Motionflow XR 960” is Sony’s motion-processing designation and should not be read as a 960Hz physical refresh rate.

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Sony also lists four HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2. Its documented signal formats include 3840 × 2160 at 24p and 30p, plus 4096 × 2160 at 24p on HDMI 2 and HDMI 3. The retrieved specification does not identify the HDMI implementation as HDMI 2.0a.

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Is the Samsung JU7100 native 120Hz?

A retailer identifies the UN55JU7100 as having a 120Hz native panel. Samsung’s 2015 product sheet instead highlights “Motion Rate 240.” Motion Rate is a manufacturer processing metric, not proof of a 240Hz panel. Treat the 120Hz figure as retailer-sourced rather than as a directly confirmed Samsung specification.

The JU7100 product sheet lists four HDMI connections and 3840 × 2160 resolution. A retailer reports HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2, but that detail should be verified against the label, manual or on-screen information for the exact regional variant you are considering.

HDR: do these televisions really support it?

The available documentation does not establish matching HDR support for these models. Sony’s retrieved specification does not clearly list HDR, and Samsung’s official JU7100 sheet does not establish HDR formats for this exact model.

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That means the title’s “HDR” should be treated as a question, not a confirmed shared feature. Before buying, verify all of the following for the exact model suffix and region:

  • Whether the television accepts an HDR signal through HDMI.
  • Which HDR format, if any, is supported.
  • Whether HDR can be enabled on the HDMI input used by your player or console.
  • Whether a firmware update is required.
  • Whether the panel’s brightness and local-contrast behavior make HDR visibly worthwhile.

Signal acceptance and useful HDR picture quality are different claims. Even if a set reports an HDR input, that alone does not establish modern HDR performance.

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What HDMI 2.0a means here

HDMI 2.0a is relevant because it adds support for HDR metadata formats to the HDMI 2.0 family. It does not automatically guarantee HDR picture quality, a particular HDR format, or 4K at every refresh rate.

For the Sony, HDMI 2.0a is not stated in the retrieved official specification; only the four inputs, HDCP 2.2 and supported signal timings are documented. For the Samsung, HDMI 2.0a is a retailer-reported detail rather than a confirmed statement in Samsung’s product sheet. If a seller cannot demonstrate the exact input behavior, regard HDMI 2.0a as unverified.

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Connection checklist

  1. Connect the 4K source directly to an HDMI input marked for 4K or HDCP 2.2, if the television labels one.
  2. Enable the source’s UHD, deep-color or HDR option only after confirming that the television accepts the resulting signal.
  3. Use a certified high-speed HDMI cable of reasonable length. A cable cannot add HDR or increase the panel’s refresh rate; it only helps avoid signal errors caused by an inadequate or damaged cable.
  4. Check the television’s information screen for the incoming resolution, frame rate and HDR status.

Which is the better used purchase?

There is no defensible universal winner without the asking price, exact suffix, firmware and a test of the individual television. Use this decision framework instead.

Choose the Sony when

  • You want a manufacturer-documented native 120Hz specification.
  • You need the documented HDCP 2.2 coverage on all four HDMI inputs.
  • The Sony is in better physical and optical condition at a comparable price.

Choose the Samsung when

  • The specific unit can demonstrate the retailer-reported 120Hz and HDMI 2.0a behavior you need.
  • Its panel uniformity, inputs and software are in better condition than the available Sony.
  • The seller offers a stronger return period or a meaningfully lower price.

Inspect before paying

  • Test every HDMI input with a known 4K source and confirm stable picture and audio.
  • Display full-screen white, gray, black and colored images to check for severe banding, bright spots, dead pixels and uneven backlighting.
  • Confirm the remote, stand parts and power cable are included, unless replacements are already priced into the deal.
  • Check the model suffix and region on the rear label; similarly named variants can have different specifications.
  • Obtain the seller’s return terms in writing, especially for a shipped used television.

Bottom line for a 4K, 55-inch, 120Hz buyer

The Sony XBR-55X850C is the safer specification-based choice for 120Hz because Sony explicitly states its native panel rate. The Samsung UN55JU7100 may also be native 120Hz, but that figure and its HDMI 2.0a identification rely on retailer information. HDR support and useful HDR performance are not established for both models, and Sony’s HDMI 2.0a status is not stated. Treat these as used-market purchases: verify the exact unit, test the ports and panel, and prioritize return protection over an unverified feature label.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.