Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV Review
Cinematic Experience with Gaming Excellence
- Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Verdict
- Sizes
- Comparisons
- Design
- Picture
- Sound
- Smart Features
- Gaming
- Connectivity
- Conclusion
The Sony 65 Inch BRAVIA 8 OLED 4K Ultra HD TV represents the latest evolution in Sony's acclaimed OLED lineup. Building on the success of its predecessors, this 2024 model (K-65XR80) combines Sony's renowned picture processing technology with the deep blacks and infinite contrast of OLED panels. The result is a visual experience that aims to deliver unparalleled realism and immersion for both movie enthusiasts and gamers alike. At the heart of the BRAVIA 8 is Sony's powerful XR Processor, which works in tandem with over 8 million self-illuminating pixels to produce stunning HDR images with vibrant colors and precise contrast. The TV also boasts exclusive features for PlayStation 5, including Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, cementing its position as a top choice for next-generation gaming. With Google TV integration, Acoustic Surface Audio+, and support for Dolby Vision and Atmos, the BRAVIA 8 OLED aims to be a comprehensive entertainment powerhouse for the discerning viewer.
Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV Review: Verdict
Pros
- Exceptional picture quality with deep blacks
- Powerful XR processor enhances visuals
- Excellent gaming features for PS5
- Comprehensive smart TV platform
- Impressive Acoustic Surface Audio+
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited brightness compared to some competitors
The Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV stands out as a top-tier option in the premium television market, offering an impressive blend of cutting-edge technology and refined performance. Its OLED panel, coupled with Sony’s advanced XR processor, delivers stunning picture quality with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and exceptional contrast that brings content to life.
One of the TV’s standout features is its gaming capabilities, particularly for PlayStation 5 owners. With features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, it provides an optimized gaming experience that takes full advantage of next-generation console capabilities. The 120Hz refresh rate and low input lag further cement its position as a gamer’s dream display.
The integration of Google TV as the smart platform offers a user-friendly interface with access to a wide array of streaming services. The inclusion of exclusive features like BRAVIA CORE adds value for movie enthusiasts. Additionally, the Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology impresses with its ability to produce immersive sound directly from the screen, though some users may still prefer a dedicated sound system for the ultimate audio experience.
While the BRAVIA 8 excels in many areas, it’s worth noting that its peak brightness, although very good for an OLED, may not match some of the brightest LED-LCD competitors. This could be a consideration for those with very bright viewing environments. The premium price point also positions it at the higher end of the market, which may give budget-conscious buyers pause.
Overall, the Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV delivers a compelling package for those seeking a high-end television experience. Its combination of superior picture quality, advanced gaming features, and robust smart TV capabilities make it a strong contender for anyone looking to invest in a top-of-the-line home entertainment centerpiece.
Check Price
| Size | Model Number | |
| 65" | K65XR80 | |
| 55" | K55XR80 | |
| 77" | K77XR80 |
Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV Review: Differences Between Sizes
Pros
- Multiple size options for different room sizes
- Consistent picture quality across all sizes
- Larger sizes offer more immersive viewing experience
Cons
- Price increases significantly with larger sizes
- Larger models may be too heavy for some wall mounts
The Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV comes in three size options: 55, 65, and 77 inches, catering to various room sizes and viewer preferences. All three models feature the same OLED panel technology and XR Processor, ensuring consistent picture quality across the range. This means buyers can expect the same deep blacks, vibrant colors, and impressive contrast regardless of the size they choose.
The 65-inch model, being the middle option, offers a good balance between screen real estate and practicality for most living rooms. It provides an immersive viewing experience without overwhelming smaller spaces. The 55-inch variant is ideal for more compact rooms or for those who prefer a less dominant TV presence. On the other hand, the 77-inch model delivers a truly cinematic experience, perfect for larger rooms or dedicated home theater setups.
While the core technology remains the same, there are some practical considerations when choosing between sizes. The larger models, particularly the 77-inch, are significantly heavier, which may impact installation options and require sturdier wall mounts. Additionally, the price increases substantially with size, so buyers should weigh their budget against their desire for a larger screen. Despite these factors, the consistent performance across sizes means customers can choose based on their space and budget without compromising on picture quality.
Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV Review: Compared To Other TVs
Pros
- Superior picture quality and contrast
- Excellent gaming features for PS5
- Impressive sound quality with Acoustic Surface Audio+
- Advanced XR processor enhances visuals
Cons
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Peak brightness lower than some LED-LCD TVs
The Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV stands out in the competitive 4K TV market with its exceptional picture quality and advanced features. Compared to other OLED TVs like the LG C4, the BRAVIA 8 offers superior color accuracy and motion handling, though the LG may have a slight edge in peak brightness. The Sony’s XR processor delivers impressive upscaling and real-time scene enhancement, setting it apart from many competitors.
When compared to high-end LED-LCD TVs like the Samsung S95D, the BRAVIA 8 excels in contrast ratio and black levels, thanks to its OLED technology. However, some LED-LCD models may offer higher peak brightness, making them potentially better suited for very bright rooms. The BRAVIA 8’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology provides a unique sound experience that outperforms many competing TVs, though some may prefer a dedicated soundbar for larger rooms.
For gaming enthusiasts, particularly PlayStation 5 owners, the BRAVIA 8 offers exclusive features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, giving it an edge over many competitors. While some TVs may offer more HDMI 2.1 ports, the BRAVIA 8’s overall gaming performance is top-tier. The inclusion of Google TV as the smart platform provides a user-friendly interface and wide app support, comparable to or exceeding many other smart TV systems on the market.
Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV Review: Design and Build Quality
Pros
- Sleek, minimalist design with thin profile
- Premium metal construction for durability
- Versatile stand with multiple position options
- Nearly bezel-less screen for immersive viewing
Cons
- Heavier than some competitors
- Limited cable management options
The Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV showcases a sleek and modern design that seamlessly blends into any living space. Its ultra-thin profile and nearly bezel-less screen create a striking visual impact, allowing the vibrant OLED display to take center stage. The premium metal construction exudes quality and ensures durability, though it does contribute to a slightly heavier overall weight compared to some competitors.
One of the standout features of the BRAVIA 8’s design is its versatile stand. The TV comes with adjustable feet that can be configured in multiple positions, offering flexibility in placement. Users can opt for a wide stance for stability on larger surfaces or a narrow position for smaller entertainment units. Additionally, the stand allows for height adjustment, accommodating various soundbar sizes without obstructing the screen.
While the BRAVIA 8 impresses with its overall build quality, there are a few minor drawbacks. The inputs are located in a recessed cutout on the side, which may be challenging to access when wall-mounted. Furthermore, the TV’s cable management options are somewhat limited, potentially making it tricky to achieve a clean, clutter-free setup. Despite these minor issues, the BRAVIA 8’s design and build quality reflect Sony’s commitment to creating a premium home entertainment centerpiece.
Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV Review: Picture Quality
Pros
- Exceptional OLED contrast with deep blacks
- Vibrant and accurate colors with XR Triluminos Pro
- Impressive HDR performance with Dolby Vision support
- Excellent upscaling of lower resolution content
Cons
- Peak brightness lower than some high-end LED-LCD TVs
- Slight brightness loss in wide viewing angles
The Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV delivers stunning picture quality that showcases the strengths of OLED technology. Its self-lit pixels produce perfect blacks and infinite contrast, resulting in an image with exceptional depth and dimensionality. The XR Processor works in tandem with the OLED panel to enhance color, contrast, and clarity in real-time, creating a truly immersive viewing experience.
Color reproduction on the BRAVIA 8 is outstanding, thanks to Sony’s XR Triluminos Pro technology. The TV displays a wide color gamut with remarkable accuracy, bringing content to life with rich, vibrant hues. HDR performance is equally impressive, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG formats. The TV’s ability to render fine details in both bright highlights and dark shadows adds a new level of realism to HDR content.
While the BRAVIA 8 excels in many areas, it’s worth noting that its peak brightness, although very good for an OLED, may not match some of the brightest LED-LCD TVs on the market. This could be a consideration for those with very bright viewing environments. Additionally, there’s a slight loss of brightness when viewed from wide angles, though this is minimal compared to most LED-LCD TVs.
Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV Review: Sound Quality
Pros
- Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology for immersive sound
- Clear dialogue with Voice Zoom 3 feature
- Impressive volume without distortion
- Accurate sound placement matching on-screen action
Cons
- Bass performance could be stronger
- May still benefit from external speakers for larger rooms
The Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV showcases impressive audio performance with its Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology. This innovative system uses actuators placed behind the screen to vibrate the entire panel, effectively turning it into a speaker. The result is a unique audio experience where sound emanates directly from the screen, creating a more immersive and spatially accurate soundstage.
Dialogue clarity is a standout feature, thanks to the Voice Zoom 3 technology. This enhancement ensures that spoken content remains clear and intelligible, even during complex audio scenes. The TV also demonstrates impressive volume capabilities, maintaining clarity and minimal distortion even at higher levels. This performance is particularly noteworthy for built-in TV speakers, often a weak point in many television sets.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the BRAVIA 8’s audio system is its ability to accurately place sounds in relation to on-screen action. This spatial accuracy enhances the viewing experience, particularly for content with dynamic audio, such as action movies or sports events. However, while the overall audio quality is commendable, bass performance is somewhat limited compared to dedicated external speaker systems, which is a common constraint for built-in TV audio.
Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV Review: Smart Features and Interface
Pros
- Intuitive Google TV interface
- Wide range of streaming apps
- Voice control with Google Assistant
- AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in
Cons
- Occasional lag in menu navigation
- Limited customization options
The Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV showcases an impressive array of smart features, centered around the Google TV platform. This interface provides a user-friendly experience, offering easy access to a vast library of streaming services including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube. The home screen is customizable, allowing users to organize their favorite apps and content for quick access.
Voice control functionality is a standout feature, powered by Google Assistant. Users can effortlessly search for content, control playback, and even manage other smart home devices using voice commands. The TV also supports both AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, enabling seamless content streaming from various devices.
While the overall smart experience is robust, some users have reported occasional lag when navigating through menus, particularly when the TV is processing heavy loads. Additionally, while the Google TV interface is comprehensive, some may find the customization options somewhat limited compared to other smart TV platforms.
Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV Review: Gaming Performance
Pros
- Excellent 4K@120Hz support for next-gen gaming
- Low input lag for responsive gameplay
- Auto HDR Tone Mapping optimizes PS5 visuals
- VRR support for smooth, tear-free gaming
Cons
- Limited HDMI 2.1 ports for multiple devices
- Occasional minor lag in Game Mode menu navigation
The Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV excels in gaming performance, offering a suite of features that cater to both casual and hardcore gamers. Its support for 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rate on HDMI 2.1 ports ensures smooth, high-fidelity gameplay for the latest gaming consoles and high-end PCs. The TV’s incredibly low input lag, measured at around 12.6ms, provides a responsive gaming experience with minimal delay between controller inputs and on-screen action.
PlayStation 5 owners will appreciate the exclusive features designed to enhance their gaming experience. The Auto HDR Tone Mapping automatically optimizes HDR settings for PS5 games, while the Auto Genre Picture Mode switches to the ideal picture settings when gaming content is detected. These features, combined with the OLED panel’s deep blacks and vibrant colors, create an immersive gaming environment that brings games to life.
The BRAVIA 8 also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, which helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother gaming experience across a wide range of frame rates. While the TV offers excellent gaming performance overall, it’s worth noting that only two of its four HDMI ports support the full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, which may limit connectivity options for users with multiple high-end gaming devices.
Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV Review: Connectivity and Ports
Pros
- Four HDMI ports with HDMI 2.1 features
- Support for eARC and ARC
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for fast wireless connectivity
- Multiple USB ports for external devices
Cons
- Limited number of HDMI 2.1 ports
- Recessed inputs may be challenging for wall mounting
The Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity options to cater to various home entertainment setups. At the heart of its connectivity arsenal are four HDMI ports, two of which fully support HDMI 2.1 features, including 4K 120Hz capabilities, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). This makes the TV particularly appealing for next-generation gaming consoles and high-end PCs, ensuring smooth, responsive gameplay.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) support, which allows for high-quality audio passthrough to compatible soundbars or AV receivers. The TV also features built-in Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, ensuring fast and stable wireless connectivity for streaming services and smart home integration. Additionally, the presence of multiple USB ports enables easy connection of external devices for media playback or recording.
While the overall connectivity is robust, it’s worth noting that only two of the four HDMI ports support the full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth. This might limit options for users with multiple high-end gaming devices or 4K 120Hz sources. Another minor consideration is the placement of the inputs in a recessed cutout, which could pose challenges for some wall-mounting setups. Despite these small drawbacks, the BRAVIA 8’s connectivity options provide ample flexibility for most modern home theater configurations.
Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV Review: Conclusion
The Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV stands as a testament to Sony’s commitment to premium home entertainment. Its OLED panel delivers stunning picture quality with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and exceptional contrast, creating an immersive viewing experience for both movies and TV shows. The integration of advanced gaming features, particularly for PlayStation 5, positions it as an excellent choice for gamers seeking top-tier performance.
While the BRAVIA 8 excels in many areas, including its innovative Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology and user-friendly Google TV interface, it does come with a premium price tag that may give budget-conscious buyers pause. Additionally, its peak brightness, though very good for an OLED, may not match some high-end LED-LCD competitors in extremely bright rooms. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED TV offers a compelling package for those seeking a high-end television that delivers on both picture quality and smart features.