Choosing the Right Sony Bravia TV
Shopping for a new Sony TV can quickly become overwhelming. With models like the Bravia 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9, along with newer “Mark 2” versions, it’s not always clear what each one offers or how they differ from each other.
The Bravia Series Explained
Sony’s naming system and evolving panel technologies can be confusing, especially when models from previous years are still available alongside the latest releases. Understanding the differences between LCD, mini‑LED, OLED, and QD‑OLED panels is key to making the right choice.
Model Numbers: What the Numbers Mean
- Bravia 2 – The first 8‑inch lineup, now largely discontinued.
- Bravia 3 – 32‑inch entry, still sold in some markets.
- Bravia 5 – 55‑inch 4K, 60‑inch 8K option, Mark 2 adds mini‑LED.
- Bravia 7 – 65‑inch 4K OLED, Mark 2 adds mini‑LED depth.
- Bravia 8 – 75‑inch 4K QD‑OLED, Mark 2 updates for higher brightness.
- Bravia 9 – 85‑inch 4K QD‑OLED, pure QD‑OLED, Mark 2 is an OLED‑LED hybrid.
Panel Technology: How Different Panels Impact the Picture
- LCD – Backlighting via LED, good color, less contrast, affordable.
- Mini‑LED – Smaller LEDs, sub‑pixel zones, brighter blacks, premium cost.
- OLED – Self‑lighting pixels, infinite contrast, thin profile, high price.
- QD‑OLED – Quantum dots on OLED, brighter white, better HDR, flagship tier.
Sony’s Future Direction
This guide breaks down the current Bravia lineup, explains what makes each model unique, and offers insight into where Sony is headed next. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a home theater enthusiast, having a clearer picture of Sony’s TV strategy can help you find the right fit for your space.
Bravia 2 II: Entry-Level Made Smarter
The Bravia 2 II: Sony’s Fresh Entry‑Level TV
The Bravia 2 II is Sony’s latest budget model, placed just below the Bravia 3 in both price and performance. Targeted at casual viewers or secondary rooms such as bedrooms and offices, this TV supplies the essentials without losing Sony’s signature processing quality.
Key Features
- Panel & Backlight – Standard 60 Hz display with edge‑lit LED.
- Image Processing – Sony’s XR processing enhances clarity and motion handling compared to rivals.
- Energy Efficiency – One of the lightest and most power‑savvy models, ideal for wall mounting or compact spaces.
What It Lacks
While it won’t compete with premium TVs on brightness, contrast, gaming features, or wide color gamut, the Bravia 2 II still offers solid daily viewing quality.
Why It Matters
For those needing an accessible, affordable TV without advanced tech, the Bravia 2 II delivers reliable performance and sleek design in a compact, efficient package.
Bravia 3: Entry-Level LED
Sony Bravia 3: Budget‑Friendly but Missing Local Dimming
Key Takeaways
- Direct‑Lit OLED Backlight improves on the Bravia 2 II, but without local dimming.
- Peak Brightness averages 500 nits in test patterns.
- Processing Power leverages Sony’s renowned image engine.
- Contrast Limitation arises from an always‑on backlight, dulling deep blacks.
Why Choose the Bravia 3?
For Sony enthusiasts needing a low‑cost solution, the Bravia 3 offers solid performance within a modest budget.
Note: This model is a carryover from 2024.
Bravia 5: Mini-LED at a Mid-Tier Price
Bravia 5 Mini‑LED: Sony’s Value‑Driven Mid‑Range TV
Bravia 5 is Sony’s most affordable Mini‑LED television, a noticeable upgrade above its entry‑level counterparts.
Key Visual Features
- Full‑array local dimming powered by XR Backlight Master Drive, enhancing contrast and brightness control beyond standard LED panels.
- Native 120 Hz panel with variable refresh rate (VRR) for smoother motion.
- Compatible with Dolby Vision and Dolby Vision for gaming, delivering premium HDR experiences.
- Equipped with Sony’s XR Processor for advanced image clarity and refined motion handling.
- Estimated peak brightness between 1,200 and 1,500 nits, impressive for a mid‑tier model.
Gaming‑Ready Advantages
- HDMI 2.1 support enabling next‑generation gaming connectivity.
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for instant input lag reduction.
- Dedicated Game Menu offering quick access to gaming settings.
Overall Value
Bravia 5 balances performance and price effectively, making it a standout option in Sony’s 2025 television lineup for both gamers and home theater fans.
Bravia 7: High Performance Mini-LED
Bravia 7 Mini LED Review
The Bravia 7, another carryover from 2024, remains a top-tier mini‑LED choice. Its peak brightness reaches around 2,000 nits, placing it in direct competition with high‑end models such as the Samsung QN90F.
Color precision shines in Professional Mode, while the overall image quality is clean and impressive. The only disadvantages are a slight decline in off‑angle viewing and a modest anti‑glare coating. Many users, however, report that it performs just fine.
Key Highlights
- Peak brightness: ~2,000 nits
- Mini‑LED panel with excellent color accuracy
- Professional Mode delivers outstanding performance
- Small off‑angle viewing loss; anti‑glare coating is modest but adequate
Bravia 8: WRGB OLED
Bravia 8 OLED: Sony’s Premium OLED Choice
Sony’s Bravia 8 series brings a premium OLED that balances performance and price. The first‑generation Bravia 8 (Mk I) uses a WRGB panel and sits alongside LG’s C‑series OLEDs.
Available in three sizes—55‑inch, 65‑inch, and 77‑inch— the Bravia 8 delivers a near‑flagship experience. Sony’s signature image processing shines in rich color, deep blacks, and cinematic contrast.
Although it does not reach the peak brightness of QD‑OLED or high‑end mini‑LED models, the Bravia 8 remains a popular choice for viewers who prioritize cinematic picture quality and deep contrast over raw brightness.
- 55‑inch – Compact and powerful.
- 65‑inch – Ideal for mid‑size rooms.
- 77‑inch – Sony’s only 77‑inch OLED outside the pricey QD‑OLED tier.
For many users, the Bravia 8 offers a near‑flagship experience with excellent black levels, rich color, and Sony’s signature image processing—all without the cost of higher‑end models.
Bravia 8 Mark 2: OLED Evolves
Sony Bravia 8 Mark 2: QD‑OLED Power Play
Bravia 8 Mark 2 unveils Sony’s most advanced QD‑OLED panel yet. Though it doesn’t carry the “Bravia 10” label, it represents the cutting edge of Sony’s OLED technology.
Why the name is a little unconventional
- Sony still regards the Bravia 9 as its flagship model.
- The 8 Mark 2 will rely on performance and buzz rather than a new series number.
- By keeping the “Bravia 8” label, Sony bets the 8 Mark 2 will stand out on its own merits.
Key takeaways
- Advanced QD‑OLED panel delivers richer colors and deeper blacks.
- No “Bravia 10” name—Sony keeps the 9 flagship status.
- Expect performance‑driven buzz to highlight the 8 Mark 2’s strengths.
Sony’s Bravia 8 Mark 2 offers a performance‑centric experience, proving that the name matters less than the technology behind it.
Bravia 9: The Current Flagship
Sony Bravia 9 Mini LED: A Mini‑LED Champion
Sony’s Bravia 9 continues to dominate the mini‑LED arena, offering a blend of performance, design, and value that keeps it top of the line.
Why the Bravia 9 Stays Ahead
- Mini‑LED brilliance – The Bravia 9’s mini‑LED panel delivers exceptional contrast, brightness, and color accuracy.
- Advanced processing – Sony’s Picture Processor refines every frame, delivering crisp detail and smooth motion.
- Competitive pricing – Unlike other high‑end mini‑LED models, the Bravia 9 offers an attractive price point.
Choosing the Right Bravia
From entry‑level to premium displays, the Bravia lineup covers every television need:
- Entry‑level models – Ideal for living rooms and casual viewing.
- High‑performance mini‑LEDs – Perfect for home theater enthusiasts seeking the best picture quality.
How to Make a Confident Purchase
Understanding panel technology, processing power, and model tiers helps you choose the Bravia that fits your lifestyle. For further comparison, explore the Samsung TV buying guide and the LG TV buying guide to see how the Bravia 9 stacks up against other manufacturers.