Sony Bravia 8 II vs Bravia 9: what's new with Sony's latest TV?

The Sony Bravia 8 II and Sony Bravia 9 on a red and grey background with a white versus sign between them.

Sony Bravia 8 II

Screen sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch
Type: QD-OLED
HDMI inputs: x 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision game mode
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 144 x 3.4cm (65-inch model)

The Bravia 8 II is a real step on from its predecessor, the A95L, and it has a more tantalising picture than the Bravia 9 overall. But it's a little more expensive, a little less bright, and its foot placement can be awkward.

Pros

• Exceptionally bright, vibrant and three-dimensional picture
• Perfect blacks and excellent shadow detail
• Stunning and cinematically authentic right out of the box

Cons

• Not as bright as its Mini LED sibling
• Only two HDMI 2.1 ports
• Positioning of the feet will be awkward for some

Sony Bravia 9

Screen sizes: 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch
Type: Mini LED
HDMI inputs: x 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision game mode
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 84 x 144 x 4.8cm (65-inch model)

If it's a brighter screen you want, but still with cinematic authenticity, the Bravia 9 is your TV. But its picture isn't as consistent, crisp or three-dimensional as its QD-OLED sibling, and it's a little fussier in terms of settings.

Pros

• Dazzling brightness and highlights, particularly with super-bright HDR content
• Impressive height effects from built-in speakers
• Excellent local dimming on dark backgrounds

Cons

• Lacks the solidity and pop of an OLED such as the Bravia 8 II
• Sound could be weightier
• Just two HDMI 2.1 sockets