When it comes to high-end TVs, Sony is definitely a name to reckon with. Their latest offering, the Bravia 8, continue this tradition. But in a market crowded with sophisticated displays, does the Bravia 8 have what it takes? After spending a few weeks watching this new TV, we’re ready to dive deep into what makes it tick – and whether it deserves a place in your living room or bedroom or in any room where you like to watch television.
A visual feast for the eyes
At first glance, the Bravia 8 is a stunner. An almost bezel-less and ultra-thin profile screams premium, and the TV’s legs can be adjusted to accommodate the soundbar below, which is a nice touch. However, at this price point, some might expect more premium materials, as there is still a fair amount of plastic used in the construction.
Regarding the remote, it feels premium even though it is made of recycled materials and most importantly the backlight button. Apart from the regular buttons, there are several other buttons dedicated to various streaming apps.
The heart of any great TV is picture quality, and the Bravia 8 does not disappoint. OLED panels deliver the deep blacks and infinite contrast ratio we’ve come to expect from this technology. Colors pop with vigor, especially in HDR content, thanks to Sony’s XR Triluminos Pro technology.
What sets the Bravia 8 apart is Sony’s new XR Processor. This AI-powered chip analyzes content in real time, optimizing everything from contrast to motion handling. The result is an image that feels more natural and alive. Watching nature documentaries is a special joy – the lush green of the rainforest and the subtle gradients of the seascape are rendered with astonishing accuracy.
Watching movies on the Bravia 8 is a cinematic experience. Dark scenes in thrillers like “Blade Runner 2049″ showcases the TV’s ability to render deep blacks while preserving detail in the shadows. Vibrant and colorful films like “Avatar,” “La La Land” or “The Grand Budapest Hotel” burst to life, the carefully crafted color palette is displayed with a precision that amazing. .
For cinephiles, there are picture modes like Netflix Calibrated Mode and IMAX Enhanced mode, which aim to display content that is closest to the creator’s intention.
Brightness levels are good for OLED, with SDR content reaching around 450 nits and HDR peaking at around 800 nits in low light. Although impressive, it is worth noting that this level of brightness may not be enough to combat glare in bright rooms, especially when looking at clouds.
Motion handling on the Bravia 8 also deserves praise. Fast-paced action scenes in movies like “Mad Max: Fury Road” remain crisp and clear, with minimal blur or judder. Sports fans will appreciate how smoothly the TV handles fast movements in games like soccer or tennis.
The Bravia 8 was clearly designed with gaming in mind. Two HDMI 2.1 ports offer full 4K 120Hz support, along with variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low latency mode (ALLM). Input lag is very low at around 13ms at 4K 60Hz and down to 5ms at 120Hz. PlayStation 5 owners get a few extra goodies with Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode.
While it’s nitpicking, only two of the four HDMI ports support this high-end gaming feature, though that may be frustrating for some. Other ports include 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB, Optical, Ethernet, and two more for cable TV.
The sound of surprises
Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology continues to impress. By vibrating the entire screen to produce sound, it provides clear dialogue and a good sense of space. Although it won’t replace a dedicated sound system, it’s more than enough for casual viewing.
A great party trick is the ability to use the TV as the center channel in a larger audio system. However, this feature is limited to compatibility with certain Sony receivers, meaning it’s useless for those with other audio setups.
Google TV to stream shows (and movies)
Bravia 8 runs on Google TV, offers a beautiful interface and focuses on content. The home screen does a great job of aggregating recommendations from various streaming services, making it easy to find something to watch. Full app support, covering all major streaming players.
Voice control via Google Assistant works well, allowing you to adjust settings, search for content, or even control smart home devices. The remote has a dedicated Google Assistant button, but you can also use hands-free voice control if you prefer.
One small complaint: like most smart TV platforms, there are ads on the home screen. They are relatively unobtrusive, but it is always a bit annoying to see ads on premium devices. And Google TV, while it’s quite good at the beginning, often slows down after a while, but that’s Google’s problem more than it has anything to do with Sony.
Premium quality at a premium price
At Rs. 299,900, in 55-inch Sony Bravia 8 OLED is definitely an expensive purchase. Is the perfect TV for everyone? Not every time they say it, but then that thing doesn’t exist. What Bravia 8 offers is a premium viewing experience that will satisfy all but the most demanding users.
Just as there is no perfect TV for everyone, no TV is perfect, and the Bravia 8 has some drawbacks to consider. OLED technology, although excellent for image quality, has a small risk of burning. Sony has implemented various features to reduce this, but you should be aware that you often watch content with static elements (such as news tickers or game HUD) for a long time.
Secondly, the TV does not support HDR10 +, although this is a rather minor problem due to Dolby Vision content. The other thing is that the TV is not very bright, and this can be a problem when you are watching in a room with bright lights.
Its value proposition is to deliver picture accuracy, deep blacks, and a great smart TV experience. Sony’s expertise lies in offering stunning visuals that often exceed expectations. For movie lovers, or anyone who appreciates top-level picture quality, the Bravia 8 generally justifies the price. And for gamers, the nuances of superior image quality, and this TV is excellent.
So, for those looking for the highest picture quality, advanced gaming features, and a great smart TV experience, this is an investment that will pay off for daily viewing.
Our rating: 4/5
