Sony Bravia 8: Our review of the OLED TV that simplifies the range
This year, Sony has opted for clarity. Gone are the long names and complicated references: the brand is moving back to a more readable hierarchy with the Bravia 7, Bravia 8, and Bravia 9. A simple but effective strategy that allows each model to be better positioned based on technology and price.
In this review, we're looking at the Bravia 8 , the new model that opens the doors to high-end OLED at Sony. It directly replaces the A80L and A80K, with the promise of delivering a premium experience without going overboard. Sleek design, key features, and quality image: everything is designed to provide a solid balance.
But the real question is: does this Bravia 8 really live up to its promises? Is this a TV capable of appealing to those who want a high-end OLED without breaking the bank? We put it to the test, and here's our verdict.
Table of Contents
Bravia 8 Technical Specifications and Competition
The Sony Bravia 8 (reference K-XXXR80) is positioned against market heavyweights like the LG OLED C4 and the Samsung S90D white OLED (WOLED) technology , to distinguish it from more high-end models such as the LG OLED G4 or the M4 , which benefit from the famous MLA micro-lenses and advanced algorithms for increased brightness.
Even without these bells and whistles, the Bravia 8 has plenty to offer. It supports most current standards: HDR10, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced DTS audio compatibility , a real plus for movie buffs. The image is powered by the Bravia XR cognitive processor , which manages advanced optimizations like XR OLED Motion for fluidity and Triluminos Pro for rich, nuanced colors.
MediaTek Pentonic 1000 (MT5887) chip , supported by 6 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage . A wise choice, since the brand is abandoning the more limited Pentonic 700 here, deemed insufficient for a premium OLED model in 2024.
On the connectivity side, the Bravia 8 has two HDMI 2.1 ports 4K 120Hz gaming . Admittedly, it doesn't go up to 144Hz , a shortcoming that may frustrate some PC gamers. But for the PS5 and Xbox Series X VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support , ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility , guarantee a smooth, tear-free experience.
In short, the Bravia 8 manages to strike a clever balance: no technological overkill like its high-end competitors, but the essential modern features to appeal to both cinema lovers and gamers.
The pros and cons of the Sony Bravia 8 TV
The strengths of the Sony Bravia 8
- High-end finish with neat chassis.
- Bravia XR processor for precise image and successful upscaling.
- Extensive HDR compatibility: HDR10, Dolby Vision, DTS.
- Height and width adjustable legs for added flexibility.
- Two remote controls, one of which is very practical backlit.
- Surprisingly good built-in sound despite the thinness.
- Excellent Dolby Vision calibration.
Areas for improvement
- No 144Hz, limiting for PC gamers.
- Brightness lower than the competition in daylight.
- MotionFlow with few settings.
- Classic OLED panel lacking detail in blacks.
- High price compared to competition.
Bravia 8 hardware and design ergonomics
Right out of the box, you'll find Sony's signature manufacturing rigor. The Bravia 8 inspires confidence: the finishes are impeccable, and the materials exude quality. Admittedly, at 4 cm thick, it's not the thinnest TV on the market, but this slight extra weight doesn't detract from its appearance. Overall, the design remains understated, elegant, and functional—exactly what you'd expect from a premium model that aims to fit easily into a living room without being over the top.
But what really struck us during use were the feet. Sony had the good idea of making them adjustable, both in height and width. In the high position, there's 8 cm of space under the chassis, and even 10 cm under the image: perfect for sliding a soundbar in without it encroaching on the screen. In the low position, the TV sits closer to the furniture, reducing this space to around 4 cm. The same logic applies to the width: 60 cm for a compact TV stand, up to 122 cm for maximum stability. This rare modularity makes the Bravia 8 much more flexible than many of its competitors.
Sony also wanted to improve the experience when it came to remote controls. There are two included in the box:
a classic, complete remote control, with its digital keys for TNT;
a more modern, compact, backlit, USB-C rechargeable and made from recycled materials. This one works via Bluetooth, has a built-in microphone for voice search and is particularly pleasant for everyday use, especially in the dark.
The only downside: neither offers direct shortcuts to major streaming platforms. At a time when competitors are increasingly offering these types of links, this absence is somewhat surprising.
Image quality: the Sony touch
From the first few minutes spent in front of the Bravia 8, we immediately recognize this famous “Sony signature”. The images exude precision and control, regardless of the source: Blu-ray, streaming or even simple TNT. The Bravia XR processor plays a central role here. Its upscaling is extremely effective, and the fluidity processing is very convincing, with the impression that everything is naturally in place.
But not everything is perfect. The white OLED panel chosen by Sony quickly shows its limitations in terms of brightness. In our measurements, the peak brightness does not exceed 800 nits, and in full screen mode, it falls below the 200 nits mark. In concrete terms, in a very bright room, the Bravia 8 runs out of steam: you will often have to draw the curtains to fully enjoy its qualities. This compromise is felt compared to mini LED competitors, which are much more comfortable in these conditions.
The same is true for dark areas. In some film scenes, the finest details are lost: a black suit becomes a uniform block, and subtle highlights in brown hair disappear. Nothing dramatic, but fans of ultra-detailed images will immediately notice this slight weakness, especially if they're coming from a latest-generation OLED or high-end LCD.
For fluidity, Sony relies on its MotionFlow, but the approach is minimalist: only three levels (Off, 1/2, Max). As a result, at “1” we still feel the jerkiness of 24p, at “2” it’s clearly better but not perfect, and at “Max” we quickly fall into that camcorder effect that many reject. We would have liked more nuances in the settings.
Finally, Sony takes a clear stance: Cinema mode is not designed for laboratory measurements, but to flatter the eye. For those who want a faithful image, the manufacturer recommends Professional mode. And interestingly, the white point is deliberately pulled towards blue, a choice inherited from the industry's reference monitors. This sometimes gives a slightly cold image, but here again, Sony offers a trick in the settings to slightly correct this by lowering the peak brightness. A deliberate, transparent approach that illustrates the company's philosophy: to offer a calibrated experience "à la Sony", rather than absolute neutrality.
A nice surprise on the audio side
Typically, the audio on high-end TVs lags a bit, especially when ultra-thin design takes precedence over acoustics. With the Bravia 8, Sony subverts expectations a bit. From the very first minutes, you're struck by the clarity and power of the sound.
The TV features two 13W drivers, 10W tweeters, and a small 10W subwoofer. The result is surprisingly consistent: dialogue comes through clearly, sound effects are precise, and bass is present, even without using an external system.
This performance surpasses what many competitors in this price range offer, and is a real success. It's clear that Sony has taken the time to optimize the sound experience to complement the visual quality, thus reinforcing the Bravia 8's legitimacy as a complete premium model, capable of appealing to both cinema lovers and demanding users.
Verdict: the Bravia 8, an OLED designed for image purists
After several weeks of testing, the Sony Bravia 8 confirms its place in the Japanese manufacturer's premium OLED universe. From the first switch-on, you'll notice the finesse of the design and the typical Sony build quality: solid chassis, clever adjustable feet, well-designed remote controls. But what really sets this model apart is its image quality . The Bravia XR processor takes care of everything: precise upscaling, controlled fluidity, balanced colors, and fine contrast management. Dolby Vision, DTS, and IMAX Enhanced compatibility are a real plus for demanding moviegoers.
In practice, the image is immersive and believable, especially in a dark room. Dark scenes are generally well rendered, although some details can be lost in very deep areas. Maximum brightness remains a sore point: with a peak below 800 nits, the Bravia 8 does not reach the heights of mini LED models, which makes it less efficient in very bright environments. The MotionFlow options are effective but limited, and some purists may feel a slight lack of granularity in the motion compensation.
On the audio side, Sony is a pleasant surprise. The TV delivers clear sound, with crisp dialogue and a noticeable bass, surpassing what's usually found on this type of ultra-thin TV. This often eliminates the need for a soundbar.
In short, the Bravia 8 isn't a model for everyone. It will appeal to cinematic image lovers , those who prioritize color fidelity, deep blacks, and an immersive experience in the dark. For demanding gamers or very bright rooms, other models may be more suitable. But if you're looking for a balanced, elegant, well-calibrated OLED from Sony , the Bravia 8 remains a solid and reliable choice.
Our best TV tests
The best value for money TVs in 2025
The best TVs of 2025 for unbeatable value for money Finding the ideal TV without blowing your budget becomes a real challenge
OLED, QLED, QNED, MINILED which TV to choose in 2025
LCD vs OLED: Understanding the technologies to choose the right screenBetween televisions and monitors, choosing a new screen