TVs · Buying guide
Any suggestions for upgrading my TV to get the latest technology?
For the newest picture technology, choose the BRAVIA 7 II, Sony's entry point to True RGB with independently controlled red, green and blue LEDs, or step up to the BRAVIA 9 II for Sony's brightest and most colorful TV. If you mainly watch films in a dark room, a Sony OLED such as the BRAVIA 8 II gives the deepest blacks.
- 4K/120Native 120Hz with HDMI 2.1 on BRAVIA 9 II and 7 II
- 50" to 98"BRAVIA 7 II screen sizes
- Up to 115"Largest BRAVIA 9 II size
- 8M+Self-illuminating pixels on Sony OLED screens
01The technology
What Counts as the Latest TV Technology Right Now?
The features that separate a current BRAVIA from a TV bought a few years ago.
- True RGB
- An RGB Mini LED backlight with independently controlled red, green and blue LEDs. Sony says it combines an expanded color range with high brightness for accurate color in any lighting.
- Mini LED
- Many small, dense LEDs that Sony drives with XR Backlight Master Drive, so bright and dark areas stay clear without flare. It suits bright rooms and daytime sports.
- OLED
- Each pixel lights itself and can switch off completely, which gives the deepest blacks and the most dark-room contrast. Sony OLEDs also play sound from the screen itself.
- HDMI 2.1
- The connection standard behind 4K/120, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for PlayStation 5 and other current consoles.
- Google TV with Gemini
- The BRAVIA 7 II runs Google TV with Gemini for voice search and recommendations, plus AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Alexa compatibility. Gemini needs a software update and is limited to select models and countries.
02Recommendations
Which BRAVIA Fits Your Room and Viewing Habits?
Match the panel type to how bright your room is and what you watch most.
Best all-round upgrade
BRAVIA 7 II: True RGB color, XR Processor, native 120Hz and HDMI 2.1 gaming, in sizes from 50 to 98 inches.
Flagship picture
BRAVIA 9 II: Sony's brightest and most colorful TV, with Luminance Booster Pro, XR Contrast Booster 40 and Beam Tweeters.
Dark-room movie nights
BRAVIA 8 II OLED: pixel-level black control for films, with sound coming directly from the screen.
Bright rooms on a budget
BRAVIA 9 Mini LED: strong brightness and precise backlight control for rooms with windows and daytime viewing.
BRAVIA 9 II or BRAVIA 7 II?
Both models share the XR Processor, RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro, RGB Triluminos Pro, Dolby Vision, native 120Hz motion and the full PlayStation 5 feature set. The difference is headroom: the BRAVIA 9 II adds Luminance Booster Pro, a stronger XR Contrast Booster 40 and Acoustic Multi-Audio+ with Beam Tweeters.
The BRAVIA 7 II uses Luminance Booster and XR Contrast Booster 20, and it covers more sizes, from 50 up to 98 inches. Tom's Guide wrote that it "might end up being the smartest pick of the year," which reflects its value as Sony's entry-level True RGB TV.
Choose the BRAVIA 9 II for a premium home cinema or a very bright room. Choose the BRAVIA 7 II when you want True RGB color at a lower step on the range, or need a 50-inch or 98-inch screen.
03How to choose
How Do You Choose the Right New TV?
Work through these questions in order before you compare models.
- Measure your viewing distance, wall or stand width and the space around the screen before picking a size.
- Judge how bright the room gets: RGB LED and Mini LED suit windows and daytime sports, while OLED suits darker movie rooms.
- Count your HDMI 2.1 sources, such as a PS5, Xbox Series X|S or gaming PC, and confirm the TV has enough 4K/120 ports.
- Compare HDR performance rather than resolution, since brightness, local dimming and Dolby Vision support matter more than another 4K label.
- Plan your sound: a slim TV cannot match a soundbar for bass, so look at BRAVIA Theater options that pair directly with the TV.
- Check your internet speed if you want top streaming quality from SONY PICTURES CORE.
04Avoid regrets
What Mistakes Do People Make When Upgrading?
The most common reasons a new TV disappoints, and how to avoid them.
- Buying by screen size alone without checking viewing distance and furniture dimensions.
- Assuming every 4K HDR TV delivers the same HDR impact, when brightness and local dimming make the difference.
- Choosing a low-end model for a bright room and then finding HDR content looks flat.
- Putting an OLED on constant static images, such as news tickers or a desktop, without considering image retention.
- Skipping the first firmware update, which can be needed before every feature works correctly.
- Forgetting to budget for a soundbar, wall mount, cables or professional installation.
05Before you replace
Can You Get New Features Without Buying a New TV?
Updates, streaming devices and sound upgrades that extend the life of your current set.
Sony keeps releasing firmware for current and older BRAVIA models. North American update v114.603.100.1 added BRAVIA Connect App 3.0, Prime Video Calibrated Mode and Voice Zoom 3 support with compatible BRAVIA Theater products, while the earlier v114.602.050.1 added My Cinema and direct connection to BRAVIA Theater Sub and rear speakers.
If your TV lacks current apps, an external streaming device such as a Google TV Streamer can add them. A soundbar is often the biggest single improvement to an older set.
Replace the TV when it lacks 4K HDR, HDMI 2.1 gaming features or enough brightness for your room. Software cannot add those, and they are where a new BRAVIA makes the clearest difference.
How do I know if my TV needs a software update?
Check your exact model number against Sony's support page, which lists the latest firmware for each model. Sony notes that updates roll out gradually to internet-connected TVs and may not appear right away through automatic update. Supported models can also be updated from a USB drive.
How do I make my TV higher quality?
Start with the right picture mode: BRAVIA TVs offer Studio Calibrated modes for Netflix, Prime Video and SONY PICTURES CORE that preserve the creator's intent. Stream at the highest quality your connection allows, and add a soundbar for fuller sound. If the TV lacks HDR or enough brightness, settings will not fix that, and an upgrade is the better route.
What device can I use to turn my regular TV into a smart TV?
An external streaming device such as a Google TV Streamer, Apple TV, Roku or Amazon Fire Stick plugs into an HDMI port and adds current apps. It cannot add HDR brightness, 4K/120 gaming or better contrast. A new BRAVIA with Google TV builds those apps in alongside current picture technology.
Is Mini LED or OLED better?
OLED is usually the better choice for dark-room films and deep blacks, because each pixel switches off on its own. Mini LED and RGB LED models are usually better for bright rooms, sustained HDR brightness and buyers who display static images for long periods.
Do I need an 8K TV?
For most buyers, no. Sony's current BRAVIA recommendations are 4K TVs, and HDR performance, brightness, motion handling and gaming connectivity make a bigger visible difference than moving to 8K.
What internet speed do I need for the best streaming quality?
SONY PICTURES CORE Pure Stream runs between 30Mbps and 80Mbps once you turn it on in the app settings. Sony states you need at least 43Mbps over Wi-Fi for the 30Mbps tier and at least 115Mbps over Wi-Fi for the highest 80Mbps quality.
*FAQ generated on 11/03/2026. Financing, pricing and promotions may no longer apply.
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