For those with substantial resources, the top-tier, no expense spared OLED television is a must-have.
In the world of high-end television technology, the Sony Bravia 8 II has taken centre stage as a standout contender. This latest model, succeeding the Sony A95L, is making waves as one of the best 55-inch TVs on the market, boasting a QD-OLED panel that delivers an all-round picture of unparalleled quality.
The Bravia 8 II's QD-OLED panel offers a significant leap in brightness, claimed to be 25% brighter than the Sony A95L and 50% brighter than the 2024 Bravia 8 OLED. This enhancement results in more vibrant colours, exceptional black levels, and a highly realistic, three-dimensional picture quality that excels across all lighting conditions.
Sony's latest offering outperforms competitors such as the LG G5 in side-by-side tests, thanks to its outstanding shadow detail and razor-sharp clarity. The Bravia 8 II also boasts superior image processing, with the inclusion of Samsung’s Crystal Processor 4K and Motion Xcelerator technology, which refines picture quality and motion handling for smooth visuals, particularly beneficial for gaming on consoles like the PS5.
In addition to its impressive display, the Bravia 8 II boasts arguably the best built-in sound quality for 2025 TVs, further enhancing its premium home cinema appeal. Positioned as a flagship Sony OLED, it offers top-tier performance without stepping up to Sony's ultra-premium Bravia 9 Mini LED model.
The Bravia 8 II is available in 55- and 65-inch sizes but lacks a 77-inch option, with Sony reserving that size for the A95L QD-OLED model. For those seeking a balance between flagship performance and competitive pricing, the Bravia 8 II is a strong choice.
Pairing the Sony Bravia 8 II with a Sonos Arc Ultra or similar price-appropriate soundbar is recommended for improved sound performance. While the in-built sound system offers good sound quality by TV standards, it lacks low-end heft and can suffer from distortion at high volumes.
The Bravia 8 II is suitable for gaming, but not class-leading, with only two HDMI 2.1 inputs compared to the LG G5's four. Mini LED TVs generally have more affordable price tags and bring extra brightness over OLED. However, OLED TVs offer purer blacks and more dynamic light control than the best Mini LED TVs.
In summary, the Sony Bravia 8 II distinguishes itself by employing an advanced QD-OLED panel with notably higher peak brightness and superior colour vibrancy than many competitors. It combines OLED perfect blacks and infinite contrast with quantum dot-enhanced colour and brightness for a more lifelike and dynamic image. The Bravia 8 II utilizes advanced processing and motion enhancement technologies to optimize picture quality, including for gaming. It offers Sony’s best built-in audio in 2025, enhancing the overall entertainment experience. It strikes a balance between flagship performance and competitive pricing relative to Sony’s ultra-premium models.
For those prioritizing a wonderfully bright, punchy, and realistic picture, the Sony Bravia 8 II is the recommended premium OLED TV. However, for the truly hardcore gamer, the LG G5 with its four full-fat HDMI 2.1 inputs is recommended in the best gaming TV guide. The Sony Bravia 8 remains the overall recommended OLED thanks to its lower cost. The Sony Bravia 8 II is not mentioned in the best Dolby Atmos soundbars guide. The Sony Bravia 8 II is one of the best 65-inch TVs that has been tested. The Bravia 8 II's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology produces good sound quality by TV standards, with reasonable levels of detail and a sense of directionality.
- The audio quality of the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar pairs well with the Sony Bravia 8 II for improved sound performance.
- The Sony Bravia 8 II will capture your attention with its news-worthy deal on a premium television, backed by the renowned Sony brand.
- In the world of technology and entertainment, the Sony Bravia 8 II offers a stunning hi-fi speaker system as part of its built-in audio system.
- A lifestyle upgrade is assured with the home-and-garden-friendly Sony Bravia 8 II, boasting a standout performance in its showings.
- If you're a sports enthusiast looking for a brilliant OLED TV, the Sony Bravia 8 II is among the best options available now.
- The Sony Bravia 8 II's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology generates impressive reviews for its extraordinary sound quality by television standards.
- Technology enthusiasts will likely find a preview of the Bravia 8 II in today's technology news, highlighting its unique features and competitive edge.
- The Bravia 8 II, as a understated amplifier, outshines many other OLED models in the market, making it a worthy addition to your home cinema setup.