Sony continues to refine its OLED lineup, and in 2025 the Bravia 8 II arrives as the direct successor to the Bravia 8 (2024). Where the 2024 Bravia 8 used a WOLED panel similar to the A80L series, the new Bravia 8 II takes a significant leap forward with QD-OLED technology, giving it the kind of deep contrast and vivid color Sony previously reserved for the flagship A95L.
This makes the Bravia 8 II a true hybrid: it carries the accessible positioning of the Bravia 8 while borrowing much of the premium tech from Sony’s flagship tier. And with LG’s C5 and G5 OLEDs plus Samsung’s S90F and S95F QD-OLEDs setting the bar high in 2025, Sony’s upgrade ensures the 8 II remains competitive in both performance and cinematic authenticity.
Sony Bravia 8 II Short Review
The Bravia 8 II isn’t just a mild refresh—it’s a major evolution over the 2024 Bravia 8. While the earlier model relied on WRGB OLED technology with good picture quality but limited brightness, the 2025 Bravia 8 II adopts QD-OLED, offering around 50% more brightness than its predecessor. This makes it far more capable in bright living rooms while still preserving OLED’s perfect black levels.
Compared to Sony’s A95L from 2023/2024, the Bravia 8 II is about 25% brighter, giving it the kind of punch that makes HDR content shine without losing Sony’s trademark natural tone. The XR Processor with AI Scene Recognition continues to be one of the best at handling motion, upscaling, and color grading. Instead of oversaturating highlights, Sony emphasizes balance, producing images that feel closer to the director’s intent—ideal for cinephiles.
Audio also takes a step up. The Acoustic Surface Audio+ system uses the panel itself as a speaker, creating a soundstage that feels more anchored and immersive than traditional downward-firing TV speakers. Dialogue appears to come directly from the actors’ mouths, adding realism you won’t find in LG or Samsung models without a soundbar.
So while LG’s G5 and Samsung’s S95F outpace it in peak brightness and gaming features, the Bravia 8 II firmly establishes itself as the cinematic choice in Sony’s 2025 lineup. It bridges the gap between the more affordable Bravia 8 (2024) and the ultra-premium A95L, making it one of the most balanced OLEDs on the market.
| Sony Bravia 8 II Prices | |
| 65-Inch (K-65XR80M2) | Check Today’s Price (Walmart.com)… |
| 55-Inch (K-55XR80M2) | Check Today’s Price (Walmart.com)… |
Sony Bravia 8 II Specs
To better understand what makes this TV special, here’s a breakdown of the Bravia 8 II’s specifications, showcasing the core features and performance highlights.
| Spec Category | Details |
| Display Technology | QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED), self-emissive |
| Sizes Available | 55″ and 65″ models |
| Brightness Upgrade | ~25% brighter than A95L; ~50% over original Bravia 8 (2024) |
| Processor | XR Processor with AI Scene Recognition |
| Audio | Acoustic Surface Audio+ (panel as speaker) |
| HDR Formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, IMAX Enhanced (no HDR10+) |
| Smart Platform | Google TV, Chromecast, AirPlay, Google Assistant, Alexa, ATSC 3.0 |
| Gaming Features | 4K @ 120 Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision Gaming, PS5 enhancements |
| HDMI Ports | Two HDMI 2.1 ports (one shared with eARC) |
| Design | Slim One Slate aesthetic, adjustable stand, premium metal build |
| Prices |
|
Sony Bravia 8 II Pros and Cons
To understand how the Bravia 8 II stacks up, here’s a breakdown of its strongest points and its few compromises, especially compared against rivals like LG’s G5 and Samsung’s S95F.
Pros:
- Clear upgrade over Bravia 8 (2024) with brighter QD-OLED panel
- Cinematic color accuracy and natural picture quality out of the box
- Perfect blacks and detailed shadow handling with excellent contrast
- Superior processing and upscaling for sub-4K content
- Unique Acoustic Surface Audio+ system enhances immersion
- Excellent off-angle viewing with minimal color shift
- Premium, minimalist design
Cons:
- Not as bright as LG G5 or Samsung S95F in very bright rooms
- Only two HDMI 2.1 ports, limiting for gamers with multiple consoles/devices
- Black levels rise in bright environments, reducing contrast slightly
- Some motion stutter with slow pans
- No HDR10+ support
- Higher price point than some competing OLEDs
Why Should You Choose Sony Bravia 8 II?
The Sony Bravia 8 II is best understood as the true evolution of the Bravia 8 (2024)—bringing in QD-OLED technology, major brightness gains, and enhanced cinematic processing. For movie lovers, this means richer colors, better HDR impact, and more lifelike sound straight from the screen.
While LG’s G5 and Samsung’s S95F may attract gamers or those chasing peak brightness, Sony offers a different kind of appeal: natural, balanced, film-like images with a presentation that feels closer to sitting in a theater than watching TV. If your priority is authentic cinematic immersion rather than chasing spec sheets, the Bravia 8 II is one of the best OLEDs of 2025.
| Sony Bravia 8 II Prices | |
| 65-Inch (K-65XR80M2) | Check Today’s Price (Walmart.com)… |
| 55-Inch (K-55XR80M2) | Check Today’s Price (Walmart.com)… |