Introduction
The Sony Bravia 9 II is the most anticipated new TV in years. It represents a significant leap forward in LED television technology, leveraging RGB LED backlighting to deliver unprecedented color accuracy and brightness. After spending weeks with a 65-inch review sample, we can confidently say it is the best RGB LED TV on the market today. However, its high price and certain off-axis performance issues mean it may not be the right choice for every buyer.
What is RGB LED Technology?
For years, LED TVs have used a blue backlight combined with quantum dots or phosphors to produce white light. The RGB LED approach is fundamentally different: instead of a single-color backlight, individual red, green, and blue LEDs are clustered together. Each cluster can mix its light to create any color across a wide gamut without relying on quantum dots or filters. This results in purer primary colors, better color volume, and improved power efficiency. Sony first showed a prototype of this technology in early 2025, and now it has arrived in consumer products like the Bravia 9 II and the more affordable Bravia 7 II.
Design and Build
The Bravia 9 II shares the same elegant design language as its predecessor. The standout feature is the lenticular stand, which uses a transparent acrylic base with a unique pattern that creates a 3D depth effect. It is one of the most distinctive and attractive TV stands we have ever seen. The TV itself is slim, with minimal bezels, and includes a USB-C rechargeable remote control that feels premium. Cable management is handled by a channel in the stand, keeping the front view clean.
Picture Quality
The Bravia 9 II delivers an exceptionally bright and colorful image. We measured peak HDR highlights at 3,800 nits, with full-screen white brightness of 885 nits. This is significantly brighter than the already impressive Bravia 7 II (2,200 nits peak, 848 nits full-field). In real-world viewing, content like Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and Mad Max: Fury Road looks stunning. Specular highlights—such as a glowing sword or desert sun—pop with intensity that few other TVs can match. Colors are accurate out of the box, with natural skin tones, deep greens, and vivid blues. Grayscale tracking is excellent, and shadow detail is well preserved, thanks to the advanced processor.
The anti-reflective screen is a game-changer. It uses a specialized coating that scatters ambient light into a dim glow, making reflections nearly invisible. Even with bright windows or lamps, the TV remains watchable without distracting glare. The effect is best when viewed head-on; off-angle performance degrades, but not until about 70 degrees—far beyond typical viewing angles.
Performance and Features
The Bravia 9 II runs Google TV, which is fast and intuitive. It supports all major HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. The two HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC) support 4K at 120Hz, variable refresh rate, and auto low-latency mode—essential for gamers. However, having only two HDMI 2.1 ports is a limitation compared to competitors that offer four. The TV also includes an ATSC 3.0 tuner for NextGen TV broadcasts, which is a nice addition. Audio support includes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, though for the best experience, we recommend pairing with a soundbar.
Comparison with Bravia 7 II and OLED
The Bravia 7 II, which we reviewed in May, is also an excellent RGB LED TV. It shares the same processor and many features but lacks the anti-reflective screen and has fewer dimming zones. The 9 II costs $1,000 more at 65 inches ($3,600 vs. $2,600). With careful placement, the 7 II offers nearly identical brightness and color quality for most content. Meanwhile, the Sony Bravia 8 II OLED remains our top recommendation for most people. OLED offers perfect blacks and pixel-level control, which LED cannot match. In a dark room, the Bravia 8 II delivers superior contrast and off-axis uniformity. The Bravia 9 II only wins in very bright rooms where reflections are a problem.
Dimming Zones and Blooming
The Bravia 9 II has significantly more dimming zones than the 7 II, which theoretically allows finer control of local dimming. In practice, blooming is well controlled from straight on and moderate angles. Subtitles or bright logos may show a faint halo, but it is not distracting. However, at extreme off-axis angles (beyond 50 degrees), blooming becomes more noticeable. Color bleeding can occur, as seen with a Peanuts screensaver where white from Snoopy bled into the yellow background. This is likely related to the anti-reflective coating's optical properties. For large group viewing, the Bravia 7 II may actually perform better in this regard.
Inputs and Connectivity
The television includes four HDMI ports: two HDMI 2.1 and two HDMI 2.0. The HDMI 2.1 ports support eARC on one and all gaming features. There are also two USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, optical audio output, and a headphone jack. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 are built in. The inclusion of a triple-tuner (ATSC 3.0, QAM, and NTSC) is appreciated. The remote control has dedicated buttons for Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services.
Gaming Performance
Gamers will appreciate the fast response time and low input lag. We measured input lag in game mode at under 10ms for 4K/120Hz. Variable refresh rate (VRR) works seamlessly with our Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The TV supports ALLM (auto low-latency mode) and has a dedicated game menu for adjusting settings like black equalizer and motion interpolation. The high brightness and excellent color make games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Forbidden West look breathtaking. However, the lack of four HDMI 2.1 ports means you may have to swap cables if you own multiple next-gen consoles and a soundbar.
Audio Quality
While the Bravia 9 II has a respectable built-in speaker system with support for Dolby Atmos, the sound is thin compared to a dedicated soundbar. Dialogue is clear, but bass is lacking. Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which uses the screen as a speaker, is not present on this model (it is reserved for OLED TVs). For any serious viewing, we recommend pairing with a soundbar or home theater system.
The Verdict for Most People
The Sony Bravia 9 II is a technical marvel. It sets new standards for LED TV brightness, color accuracy, and anti-reflective performance. If you have a very bright living room, it is the best TV you can buy. However, its high price and off-axis blooming mean that the Bravia 7 II or an OLED like the Bravia 8 II offer better value for most viewers. Contrast is king, and OLED still reigns supreme in dark rooms. The Bravia 9 II is an incredible achievement, but it is not a universal recommendation.
Source:The Verge News