Sony BRAVIA 8 55" OLED Review: Cinema-Quality Picture Perfected
Verdict
The best TV for movie lovers and PlayStation gamers
Sony's XR Processor delivers unmatched picture processing with exclusive PlayStation 5 features.
Cognitive Processor XR: Thinking Like a Human
Sony's XR Processor is the secret sauce that makes the BRAVIA 8 special. It analyzes content the way humans perceive it, focusing processing power on the areas that draw your attention. The result is remarkably natural and film-like imagery.
The XR OLED Contrast Pro technology delivers deeper blacks and brighter highlights than ever before. The processor excels at motion handling, upscaling, and tone mapping, making every piece of content look its absolute best.
Acoustic Surface Audio+
Sony's innovative Acoustic Surface technology uses actuators behind the screen to turn the entire display into a speaker. Sound literally comes from where the action is, creating remarkable immersion without external speakers.
The effect is particularly impressive for dialogue—characters' voices appear to come from their mouths on screen. Combined with the built-in subwoofers, it's the best TV audio we've heard without a soundbar.
XR OLED Contrast Pro
Sony's panel technology maximizes the potential of the OLED display. XR OLED Contrast Pro delivers deep blacks while maintaining excellent shadow detail. The gradients are smooth, with no banding or posterization in dark scenes.
Color accuracy is exceptional, especially in the Cinema and Netflix Calibrated modes. These are some of the most accurate colors we've measured out of the box, making it ideal for those who want to see content as filmmakers intended.
Google TV Done Right
The BRAVIA 8 runs Google TV, which Sony has implemented beautifully. The interface is clean and responsive, with excellent content recommendations and easy access to all major streaming services. Chromecast is built-in for easy casting from mobile devices.
For PlayStation 5 owners, the BRAVIA 8 offers exclusive features including Auto HDR Tone Mapping, Auto Genre Picture Mode, and Perfect for PlayStation 5 certification. It's the ideal companion for Sony's console.
Final Verdict
The Sony BRAVIA 8 is the OLED for purists who prioritize picture quality above all else. Its XR processing is unmatched, making every piece of content look its absolute best. The Acoustic Surface Audio+ creates immersive sound that appears to come from the screen itself.
If you're a movie enthusiast or PlayStation 5 owner who appreciates accurate colors, excellent motion handling, and cinema-quality presentation, the BRAVIA 8 is worth the premium. Its exclusive PS5 features make it the best TV for Sony gamers.
Pros
- +Best-in-class picture processing
- +Netflix Calibrated and IMAX Enhanced
- +Acoustic Surface Audio is innovative
- +Excellent Google TV interface
- +Outstanding motion handling
Cons
- -Not as bright as Samsung QD-OLED
- -Only two HDMI 2.1 ports
- -Premium price for 55-inch
Specs
Key Features
$1,498
$1,89921% OFF