Sony Bravia 8 II Review: Premium OLED with Great Sound

Sony’s new OLED TV delivers brighter visuals than its previous model. Its excellent picture quality puts it on par with top-tier OLED competitors.

The built-in sound system stands out. It outperforms most TVs, including some high-end models. The sleek, minimalist design also makes it look great even when turned off.

Out of the box, the Bravia 8 II offers a stunning image. For those who like to fine-tune settings, it provides a wide range of adjustments to achieve the perfect picture.

However, its gaming features are limited compared to other flagship TVs. This is the main area where it falls short.

Sony Bravia 8 II: Quick Overview

The Sony Bravia 8 II is Sony’s flagship OLED TV for 2025. Unlike its predecessor, which used a mid-range W-OLED panel, the Bravia 8 II features a QD-OLED panel—the same type found in the Samsung S95F.

This upgrade brings a brighter picture and a wider color gamut. Colors appear rich and accurate, even in bright rooms, thanks to the TV’s effective anti-reflective screen. However, its detailed and refined image quality truly shines in dim lighting.

Despite its slim design, the Bravia 8 II delivers impressive sound. Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology uses actuators behind the screen to turn the entire panel into a speaker. This creates fuller, more immersive audio than most thin TVs can offer. It also supports Acoustic Center Sync, allowing it to function as a center channel when paired with compatible Sony soundbars or speaker systems.

The TV runs on Google TV, a user-friendly smart platform. You can control it using the built-in microphone, the remote’s mic button, or Alexa-enabled devices.

Gamers, especially PlayStation 5 users, will appreciate the automatic Game mode and HDR tone mapping. The TV supports 4K at 120Hz, but it only has two HDMI 2.1 ports. This could be limiting for users who want to connect both a next-gen console and a high-end soundbar.

The Bravia 8 II stands out as one of the best OLED TVs of 2025. However, it faces tough competition from the Samsung S95F and LG G5, both of which offer higher brightness and more features. All three are similarly priced, making the Bravia 8 II a harder value proposition. Still, its excellent picture and sound quality make it a strong contender in the flagship OLED market.

Sony Bravia 8 II: Price and Release Date

The Sony Bravia 8 II launched in April 2025. It’s available in two sizes:

• 55-inch: $2,999 / £2,499 / AU$3,999
• 65-inch: $3,499 / £2,999 / AU$4,999

Unlike the previous Bravia 8, which came in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch models, the Bravia 8 II is limited to just 55- and 65-inch options. If you want a larger screen, Sony still offers the older A95L in a 77-inch size.

Since launch, prices have dropped in the US and Australia:

• 55-inch: now $2,999 (US) / AU$2,999
• 65-inch: now $3,299 (US) / AU$3,999

These lower prices bring the Bravia 8 II closer to its main rivals—the Samsung S95F and LG G5. Both launched at similar prices but have also seen early discounts:

• Samsung S95F: launched at $3,399 / £3,399 / AU$5,295; now as low as $3,099 (US)
• LG G5: launched at $3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299; now as low as $3,199 (US)

Sony Bravia 8 II Review: Features and Performance

The Sony Bravia 8 II is a feature-rich OLED TV designed for both movie lovers and gamers. It builds on its predecessor with several key upgrades.

Display and Picture Quality

• The Bravia 8 II uses a QD-OLED panel, offering better brightness and color than the previous W-OLED model.
• Sony’s XR Processor powers the display, using AI to enhance scenes with features like Contrast Booster, Clear Image, and OLED Motion.
• It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG formats—but not HDR10+.
• A glossy screen with an anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare from indoor lighting.

Although it lacks Filmmaker Mode, it includes several picture presets:

• IMAX Enhanced
• Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode
• Prime Video Calibrated Mode

These modes optimize visuals for different types of content.

Audio Performance

Sony is known for excellent TV sound, and the Bravia 8 II continues that trend.

• Acoustic Surface Audio+ turns the screen itself into a speaker using hidden actuators.
• Acoustic Center Sync lets the TV act as a center speaker when paired with compatible Sony soundbars.
• 3D Surround Upscaling enhances stereo and 5.1 audio to create a more immersive soundstage.
• Voice Zoom 3 uses AI to boost dialogue clarity.

The TV supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive audio experiences.

Smart TV Features

The Bravia 8 II runs on the Google TV platform.

• It includes a built-in microphone for hands-free Google Assistant voice control.
• A mic button on the remote offers voice control without keeping the TV mic always on. There’s also a physical mic on/off switch on the TV.

You can stream content wirelessly using:

• Google Cast
• Apple AirPlay

It also works with Alexa-enabled devices for voice control.

Gaming Features

The Bravia 8 II is optimized for PlayStation 5 and other modern consoles.

• Supports 4K at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
• Dolby Vision gaming is available.
• A new Gaming Menu 2 makes it easy to adjust settings during gameplay.
• Features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode activate automatically when a PS5 is connected.

However, only two of its four HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1. This is fewer than some top gaming TVs, which offer four HDMI 2.1 ports.

Sony Bravia 8 II Review: Picture Quality

The Sony Bravia 8 II delivers strong performance for an OLED TV, especially in dim lighting. It offers:

• Good brightness for OLED standards
• Deep, detailed shadows and black levels
• Rich, natural color reproduction

Brightness Performance

Compared to the 2024 Bravia 8, the 8 II shows a clear improvement in HDR brightness. The older model peaked at 817 nits, with 182 nits for full-screen brightness in Standard mode.

The Bravia 8 II, using a QD-OLED panel, reaches:

• 1,439 nits peak in Cinema mode
• 1,067 nits peak in Standard mode
• 183 nits fullscreen in Cinema mode
• 250 nits full screen in Standard mode

While these are solid gains, they still fall short of top-tier 2025 OLEDs like the LG G5 and Samsung S95F, which exceed 2,000 nits peak and 350 nits full-screen brightness.

In bright rooms, the Bravia 8 II performs well but doesn’t match the visibility of those brighter competitors.

Color and Accuracy

Color performance is excellent. In Cinema mode, the Bravia 8 II covers:

• 99.9% of the UHDA-P3 color space
• 87.5% of the BT.2020 color space

Color accuracy is also strong, with an average Delta-E of 2.6, below the threshold where differences are visible to the human eye. However, grayscale accuracy is less impressive, with a Delta-E of 5.4.

Real-World Viewing

In dim lighting, the Bravia 8 II shines. A 4K Dolby Vision stream of Civil War looked vibrant, with bright highlights from spotlights and bonfires standing out against deep blacks. Shadow detail was excellent, and brightness settings allowed for fine-tuning.

Watching Alien: Romulus offered a similar experience. Blacks were deep and inky, and colored lights in dark scenes appeared vivid and bright.

With overhead lights on, contrast took a slight hit, but black levels remained stable. The anti-reflection screen helped reduce glare, though direct reflections from lamps were still visible.

Upscaling and Color Consistency

The Bravia 8 II handles upscaling very well. An old episode of Columbo looked clean and detailed, even revealing textures in hairstyles from the 1980s.

Colors appeared natural across both older and newer content. Skin tones were accurate, and bright objects—like a magenta flower bush or a yellow toy—stood out vividly.

Motion Handling

Motion performance is another strength. In a scene from No Time to Die, where Bond walks through a hillside cemetery, motion blur and judder were minimal. Adjusting the Motionflow settings to Film (2) and Camera (2) further improved smoothness.

Sony Bravia 8 II Review: Sound Quality

The Sony Bravia 8 II uses Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which turns the TV screen itself into a speaker. Actuators placed behind the OLED panel vibrate the screen to produce sound. This creates the effect of dialogue and sound effects coming directly from the action on-screen.

The TV supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, delivering immersive surround sound. It also includes IMAX Enhanced, allowing you to stream movies with DTS:X soundtracks from apps like Sony Pictures Core and Disney+. This feature aims to replicate the dynamic audio experience of IMAX theaters.

Dialogue clarity is a strong point. In films like Civil War, voices sounded crisp and distinct. The Voice Zoom 3 feature helps enhance speech during loud scenes, making it easier to follow conversations.

With Acoustic Center Sync, you can connect the TV to Sony’s Bravia Theater Quad wireless speakers. This setup lets the TV act as a center channel speaker. Using the Bravia Connect app, you can fine-tune the center channel for a balanced soundstage.

Once connected, the TV performed well as a center speaker. Voices were natural and full-bodied. Even without external speakers, the built-in audio was impressive for a slim TV. It delivered a decent sense of space and clarity, though bass was understandably limited.

Sony Bravia 8 II Review: Design

The Bravia 8 II features Sony’s Slim One Slate design, which gives the TV a sleek, bezel-free look. Its textured back panel adds visual appeal from all angles, making it attractive even when viewed from the side or rear.

Sturdy aluminum support feet are positioned at the edges. You can set them flush with the surface or raise them by three inches to make room for a soundbar.

The side-mounted connection panel includes:

• Four HDMI ports (two support 4K at 120Hz)
• A mini-jack input for Acoustic Center Sync
• USB-A and Ethernet ports
• An antenna input for ATSC 3.0 (available in the US)

Sony provides detachable panels to hide cables and connectors after setup. This helps reduce clutter and keeps the TV looking clean from every angle.

The included remote control is medium-sized and comfortable to hold. It offers enough buttons to handle basic tasks without opening on-screen menus. You’ll find direct access buttons for popular apps like Netflix and Prime Video, as well as niche services like Crunchyroll.

Unlike last year’s Eco Remote, this version doesn’t use USB-C charging. However, it’s made from 79.7% recycled plastic, showing Sony’s continued effort toward sustainability.

Sony Bravia 8 II Review: Smart TV and Menus

The Bravia 8 II runs on the Google TV platform. Its home screen features a large rotating banner at the top, often showing ads for shows. Below that, you’ll see personalized content suggestions based on your viewing and browsing history, if you’ve signed in with a Google account.

Google TV supports a wide range of streaming apps. These appear in a customizable row at the bottom of the home screen. Tabs at the top give you access to Live TV, Sony content, and more. The Sony tab includes access to Sony Pictures Core and helpful how-to videos.

The Live TV section stands out. It combines free ad-supported TV (FAST) channels from Google Freeplay with over-the-air broadcasts via the ATSC 3.0 tuner (U.S. only). Both types of channels appear in a unified program guide, complete with show details.

To adjust settings, you can press the gear icon on the remote or in the top-right corner of the home screen. This opens the full settings menu, where you’ll find detailed options for picture, sound, and system preferences. However, navigating these menus can be time-consuming.

For quicker access, press the wrench icon on the remote. This opens the Quick Settings menu at the bottom of the screen. From here, you can easily adjust picture modes, brightness, audio settings, and more. You can also customize this menu to show only the options you use most.

Sony Bravia 8 II Review: Gaming

The Bravia 8 II includes several gaming features, especially for PlayStation 5 users. It supports Sony’s “Perfect for PlayStation 5” features, including:

Auto HDR Tone Mapping, which adjusts HDR settings to match the TV’s capabilities.
Auto Genre Picture Mode, which switches to Game Mode when a PS5 is detected.
Sony’s Game Menu 2 also lets you quickly adjust gaming-related settings on-screen.

The TV supports Dolby Vision gaming, variable refresh rate (VRR), and auto low-latency mode (ALLM). Two of its four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K at 120Hz. While this is decent, some competing models now offer three or more HDMI 2.1 ports.

Input lag in Game Mode measured 16.3ms using a Leo Bodnar 4K meter. This is higher than many recent TVs, some of which fall below 10ms.

Sony Bravia 8 II Review: Value

At its reduced price of $2,999 in the U.S., the Bravia 8 II is more affordable than flagship OLED models from LG and Samsung. But does the lower price make it a better value?

The Bravia 8 II delivers excellent picture quality, with strong brightness for an OLED. However, it doesn’t reach the peak brightness levels of the Samsung S95F or LG G5. It performs best in dimly lit rooms, where its deep contrast, rich colors, and sharp detail shine.

Sound quality is another highlight. Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ system produces spacious, clear audio. The TV also integrates well with Sony soundbars and wireless speakers, offering flexible setup options.

Gaming features are solid, especially for PlayStation 5 users. But compared to LG and Samsung, the Bravia 8 II falls short in areas like HDMI 2.1 port count and input lag.

Overall, the Bravia 8 II is a great choice for movie lovers who prioritize cinematic picture and sound. It may not beat the top OLEDs in every category, but with recent price cuts, it holds its own as a premium TV at a more competitive price.

Should You Buy the Sony Bravia 8 II?

Buy it if:

• You want excellent picture and sound quality for movies.
• You own a PlayStation 5 and want optimized features.
• You prefer a sleek design with good cable management.

Don’t buy it if:

• You need the brightest screen for daytime viewing.
• You want the lowest input lag for competitive gaming.
• You need more than two HDMI 2.1 ports.

Sony Bravia 8 II vs. Competitors

Feature	Sony Bravia 8 II	LG G5	Samsung S95F	Sony Bravia 8
List Price (65″)	$3,399	$3,399	$2,699	$2,799
Screen Type	OLED	OLED	QD-OLED	OLED
Refresh Rate	120Hz	165Hz	165Hz	120Hz
HDR Support	Dolby Vision / HDR10 / HLG	Dolby Vision / HDR10 / HLG	HDR10+ / HDR10 / HLG	Dolby Vision / HDR10 / HLG
Smart TV	Google TV	webOS	Tizen	Google TV
HDMI Ports	4 (2 x HDMI 2.1)	4 x HDMI 2.1	4 x HDMI 2.1	4 (2 x HDMI 2.1)