Impressive Sony BRAVIA 8 II QD-OLED leads new 2025 TV range

Sony has finally played its 2025 BRAVIA TV hand, revealing an impressive new OLED model, but no successor for its top of the line BRAVIA 9 Mini LED screen.

The OLED arrives with a BRAVIA 8 Mk II designation, and it’s joined by the BRAVIA 5 and BRAVIA 3. Screen sizes span 43- to 98-inches. The original BRAVIA 7, 8 and BRAVIA 9 remain in the lineup.

Key features of the BRAVIA 8 II include the first XR Processor with AI scene recognition. XR Processor powered by AI is “the world’s first processor with the intelligence to see and hear like humans,” says Sony Europe’s Gavin McCarron. “Conventional AI can only analyse elements like colour, contrast and detail individually,” he says.

Both the BRAVIA 8 and BRAVIA 5 also feature Voice Zoom 3. Powered by AI, it has the ability to isolate dialogue tracks for greater clarity, and is a derivation of techniques used for remastering cinema classics, such as Lawrence of Arabia.

The new iteration of the BRAVIA 8 introduces QD-OLED, and is the obvious head-turner in the group. Replacing the A95L in Sony’s screen fleet, it boasts 25 per cent higher peak brightness than the A95L and 50 % higher peak brightness than the original WOLED BRAVIA 8.

Available in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes, it features a Slim One Slate concept design, just 34mm deep, and an aluminium stand which is largely hidden from view.

It also employs Sony’s proprietary XR processor, with XR Triluminos Max (extra) wide colour gamut. The AI scene recognition system is able to detect and analyse data, then optimises the picture for ultimate realism. An XR Contrast Booster provides dynamic adjustment based on ambient light. The screen employs Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio + system. The 55- and 65- inch models are priced at £2,499 and £2,999 respectively.

Available in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85- and 98-inch screen sizes, the BRAVIA 5 Mini LED model replaces the X90L, and utilises the brand’s XR Backlight Master Drive, for precise local dimming and impressive contrast.

The BRAVIA 5 has 6x the number of dimming zones compared to the X90L, which translates to far more accurate HDR handling and a reduction in bloom. It utilises Sony’s Acoustic Mulit-Audio sound system, with Frame Tweeter, and can function as the centre speaker in a multi-channel sound system, thanks to Acoustic Centre Sync.

Expect the 55-, 65-, 75-, 85- and 98-inch BRAVIA 5 TVs to sell for £1,499, £1,799, £2,199 and £6,999 respectively. 

The entry-level BRAVIA 3 LED TV is built around Sony’s 4K Processor X1 and Triluminos Pro, and comes in the widest range of screen sizes: 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inches. It replaces the X75WL, and offers a bump in picture performance, says McCarron, thanks to a new picture quality algorithm.

All three models have integrated PS Remote Play, which enables PS5 owners to play games remotely, without the need to cart their console around the house. A Game menu allows easy access to relevant settings. The Bravia 3 range is priced at £699, £799, £999, £1,299, £1,599.and £1,999.

The new screens also offer a selection of Studio Calibrated modes to present movies as the creator intended, at the touch of a preset button. There’s Netflix Adaptive Calibrated mode, Sony Pictures Core Calibrated Mode, and Prime Video Calibrated mode. 

Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support is standard. The BRAVIA 8 II and BRAVIA 5 are also certified IMAX Enhanced.

Inside CI had an early hands on with the three models at their European reveal, and was impressed by both the improvements in peak brightness from the BRAVIA 8 II, over its predecessor, and the precision of the Mini LED performance on the BRAVIA 5.

To complement the new TVs, Sony has announced a new BRAVIA Theatre Home Audio range comprising the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 6 3.1.2ch soundbar with wireless subwoofer, BRAVIA Theatre System 6 5.1ch home theatre system, BRAVIA Theatre Rear 8 with rear speakers and BRAVIA Theatre Sub 7 subwoofer. .