Sony has expanded its home entertainment portfolio with three new television models for 2025, headlined by a significantly brighter QD-OLED flagship. The announcement comes as the Japanese electronics giant positions itself to compete with rivals Samsung and LG in the premium television market.
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| The latest Sony Bravia home theater equipment, including a projector and sound bar, reflecting Sony's advancements in home entertainment for 2025 |
The New Flagship: Bravia 8 II QD-OLED
Sony's new crown jewel is the Bravia 8 II QD-OLED, which despite sharing naming conventions with last year's mid-tier OLED model, is positioned as the company's top-of-the-line television for 2025. The company claims this new model delivers 50% higher brightness than its predecessor, the Bravia 8, and 25% more brightness than the highly-regarded A95L from 2023. This significant improvement addresses one of the few remaining limitations of OLED technology – peak brightness performance.
The Bravia 8 II utilizes Samsung's latest QD-OLED panel technology rather than LG's new Quad Stack panel, a decision Sony says was made to ensure better off-axis color accuracy. In demonstration environments, the TV displayed exceptional color accuracy and saturation alongside impressive brightness, particularly with high-caliber Blu-ray content mastered at the top of the brightness scale. One particularly striking demo featured a blacksmith scene using the next-gen BT.2020 color gamut, showing molten metal with such realistic brightness that it appeared ready to leap off the screen.
Expanding the Mini-LED Lineup with Bravia 5
Joining the existing Bravia 7 and Bravia 9 Mini-LED models is the new Bravia 5, designed to offer premium picture quality at a more accessible price point. This model will be available in an impressive range of sizes from 55 inches all the way up to a massive 98-inch version. Sony claims the Bravia 5 features six times more dimming zones than the previous X90L model, which should translate to better contrast and reduced blooming – the halo effect sometimes visible around bright objects on dark backgrounds.
The Bravia 5 incorporates Sony's XR Backlight Master Drive algorithm, technology previously reserved for higher-end models that helps reduce light bloom through advanced image recognition. While the TV demonstrated rich colors and solid brightness in demonstrations, some observers noted it still struggles with maintaining color accuracy and brightness when viewed from off-axis angles – a common limitation for LED-based displays.
Entry-Level Option: Bravia 2 II LED TV
Rounding out the new lineup is the Bravia 2 II LED TV, which makes its debut in the United States after being available in other markets. This entry-level model will be offered in sizes ranging from 43 to 75 inches and features local dimming for improved black levels and contrast. While specific pricing hasn't been announced, it's expected to be positioned below the Bravia 3, which currently retails for around $700-800 for a 65-inch model.
Performance on the Bravia 2 II is described as basic but competent, with relatively natural colors in demonstrations, though noticeably paler than those on the Bravia 5. Off-axis viewing quality was noted as a particular weakness, but at its expected price point, the Bravia 2 II could represent a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers who value the Sony brand.
Shared Features Across the Lineup
All three new models will feature Google TV as their smart platform, providing access to popular streaming services. Sony is also including its Studio Calibrated modes for Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Sony Pictures films, which automatically adjust screen settings to reproduce image quality as intended by filmmakers. An intelligent ambient light sensing system will even automatically switch from Cinema to Professional mode when room lighting dims.
The Bravia 8 II continues to feature Sony's innovative Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which turns the entire display into a speaker that emits sound from various locations depending on what's happening on screen. Meanwhile, the Bravia 5 incorporates new magnetic tweeters with down-firing X-balanced speakers for improved audio performance.
Pricing and Availability
Sony has yet to announce specific pricing for any of the new models, with that information expected to be released later this spring. The new televisions will join Sony's existing Bravia lineup rather than replacing them, creating what the company describes as a comprehensive range of options for consumers at various price points.
With these additions, Sony's 2025 television portfolio now includes entry-level models (Bravia 2 II and Bravia 3), mid-range options (Bravia 5), premium choices (Bravia 7 and Bravia 8), and flagship offerings (Bravia 9 and Bravia 8 II). While this provides extensive consumer choice, some confusion may arise from the positioning of the Bravia 8 and Bravia 8 II in different segments despite their similar naming.