Sony Bravia 7 (XR70)

BRAVIA 7 / XR70

Available screen sizes: 65”75”85”

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Panel type: LCD VA | Brand: SONY | Resolution: 3840x2160 | System: Google TV | Model year: 2024

Our verdict

8.1

Overall rating

Testing the Sony Bravia 7 quickly revealed that this television can really do quite a bit. Although it is the "lowest" model from the Japanese manufacturer in the new 2024 lineup, it doesn’t feel like a compromise at all. The picture impressed us with its depth of black and the detail in bright scenes – thanks to the Mini LED technology that makes a difference. When we watched movies in Dolby Vision, it was immediately evident how much HDR adds life to every scene. The intense colours and great dynamics made watching evening screenings a genuine pleasure for us. Using this television daily also surprised us positively. The Google TV system worked flawlessly, and the selection of apps was large enough that we easily found everything we wanted to watch. The backlit remote is a small but practical addition – in the evenings, we greatly appreciated not having to fumble around for the buttons. The older content we watched improved in quality thanks to advanced image processing. When we checked the TV for gaming, it also made a good impression on us. The 120 Hz refresh rate ensured smooth visuals, and the low input lag allowed us to enjoy fast-paced and dynamic gameplay. We particularly liked the Game Bar feature – easy access to settings during gameplay is something that every gaming enthusiast will appreciate. The television handled even more demanding titles excellently. However, not everything was perfect. Only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is designated for eARC, could be an issue if someone plans to connect multiple devices at once. Additionally, when we watched the television at an angle, we noticed that the picture quality was not as good as when viewed head-on – the lack of a layer improving viewing angles was noticeable here. Nevertheless, the Bravia 7 is a television that pleasantly surprised us. It combines excellent picture quality with functionality that works well both in everyday use and during evening screenings or dynamic gaming sessions. The minor limitations are noticeable, but they do not overshadow the whole package, which definitely deserves the attention of buyers.

Advantages

High brightness
Good contrast
Great Dolby Vision support
Google TV – intuitive system, easy access to apps, backlit remote
Very good built-in speakers
Excellent digital processing
Good for gamers - HDMI 2.1, multiple features, low input lag

Disadvantages

No extension coating for wide viewing angles at this price
Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports - including one ARC

Movies and series in UHD quality

7.6
Classic TV, YouTube

7.6
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

7.6
Gaming on console

8.4
TV as a computer monitor

7.6
Watching in bright light

8.4
Utility functions

9.5
Apps

10.0
Sound quality

7.8

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TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

7.7/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 512 (32 x 16)

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Contrast and black detail

Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).

Result

190,000:1

Contrast between the glare on the chameleon's skin and the black near the edge of the screen below. Scene from the Spears&Munsil test disc.

Result

14,700:1

Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).

Result

45,000:1

Contrast between the actress's face and the black film strip at the top edge of the TV. Scene from the movie Gravity (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

4,400:1

Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).

Result

4,800:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The Sony BRAVIA 7 television with a VA panel and MiniLED backlighting technology offers excellent black quality. The tested 65-inch variant is equipped with 512 dimming zones, allowing for very good contrast, particularly during demanding movie scenes. Naturally, larger sizes of the television have more zones, which positively affects contrast and image depth. During tests, in scenes from the film "Oblivion," the BRAVIA 7 handled dark and bright areas exceptionally well, providing decent separation of lights (the light effect did not merge into a large blob) from deep blacks. However, as is often the case with televisions featuring local dimming, certain difficulties arise with small, bright light sources. In more challenging sections (e.g., scenes 4 and 5), it's noticeable that the television "struggles" to maintain high brightness for these elements, which impacts contrast – bright objects are either too dark (resulting in poor contrast) or exhibit a slight halo effect around them. In a scene from the film Sicario 2, the operation of the zones can be seen, causing the aforementioned effect, though it is minimal. Despite these minor imperfections, the overall impression is positive – the local dimming algorithm works quite well, ensuring that the picture maintains high contrast, and the quality of blacks and details is satisfactory.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

6.8/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 96.0%, Bt.2020: 79.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Brightness measurement

The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

1322 nit

The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

624 nit

The measured point is the flashlight on the rifle, which shines directly at the camera. Scene from the movie Gemini Man (Paramount Pictures).

Result

1133 nit

The measured point is the tail light of a helicopter flying at night. This is a very small light point, the essence of the HDR effect. Scene from the movie Sicario 2: Soldado (Lionsgate).

Result

457 nit

The measured point is the sun visible directly between the clouds. The scene is very bright and should blind the viewer as in nature. Scene from the movie The Meg (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

989 nit

Now that we know the TV handles contrast well, let’s check how it performs in terms of HDR effects. The luminance graph shows very high capabilities for this model – 1500 nits is truly an impressive result. HDR effects are particularly striking in scenes where most of the screen is covered in light, such as in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th test scenes. Minor imperfections, typical of this technology, are still visible with very small light effects, as seen in the scene from the film "Sicario 2," where brightness drops to 500 nits. Although these aren't staggering results, they can be considered decent. Additionally, it's worth praising the TV for its high coverage of a wide colour gamut – DCI-P3 at 96%, which allows for vibrant, saturated colours.

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Let's now check how the television performs in very challenging movie scenes, such as those from the film "Pan," mastered at 2800 nits, or from "Billy Lynn," which was mastered at around 1100 nits. Generally, in the first scene, the television performs exceptionally well – it’s evident that it has a very large power reserve in brightness and has no problem delivering high light effects. Shades of sunlight in the distance are perfectly separated, and the details of the clouds look great. The same can be said for "Billy Lynn" – the most challenging light effect, namely the fireworks, looks incredible – they don’t blend into a single blob, and different shades of the fireworks are visible. However, there is a small caveat regarding details in blacks – the television has a tendency either to slightly brighten or to overly dim these elements. Nonetheless, the overall presentation is very good – this is also due to the properly applied dynamic tone mapping function, which adapts excellently to movie scenes. It’s clear how effectively the applied graphics processor influences the image quality in the tested Sony model.

HDR luminance chart:

Sony BRAVIA 7 supports both static and dynamic HDR metadata, resulting in varied image quality depending on the type of content. In the tested scene with Dolby Vision, the television performed exceptionally well – it accurately reproduces details, and elements like the forest and grass are full of depth and clarity. Unfortunately, in the case of static HDR10, some issues are noticeable – the image is overly bright, which negatively impacts the viewing experience, especially in more demanding scenes. It’s worth mentioning that despite lacking a Dolby Vision IQ certification, the television offers an "automatic tone curve" feature that excellently adjusts the image to the lighting conditions of the room. This is quite unique, as most automatic features of this type often degrade image quality; however, in this case, the results are truly satisfying.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9/10

The Sony XR70 TV handles gradation exceptionally well. In the test sequence, only a few scenes show slight problems with tonal transitions in darker areas, but most of these issues disappear when the gentle gradation option is activated. Overall, the TV offers excellent gradation that will satisfy even the most demanding users.

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8.5/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Since we know that the television handles high-quality content very well, it's worth checking how it performs with lower-quality material. Here, the television shows its potential, and the graphics processor used works remarkably well. On the test screen with the light bulb, there are no issues with colour blending, and the gentle gradation function works very well – we recommend setting it to "Medium".

When it comes to digital processing, or the so-called upscaling, the television sharpens the image quite significantly, which leads to a slight jaggedness, for example on branches in the background, but it doesn't remove desired details. Despite this, the overall appearance is really attractive and may appeal to most users. However, if you prefer a softer, more plastic image, you can reduce this effect in the settings by adjusting the sharpness level to your liking.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.3/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: Yes

BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 120Hz (double contours)

BFI function 120Hz: Yes, 120Hz

Brightness drop with BFI: 1%

The Sony BRAVIA 7 TV with a 120 Hz panel will satisfy most users in terms of motion fluidity. Additionally, Sony offers a Motion Flow feature that allows for the selection of three different picture settings, adjusting them to personal preferences: Smoothness – Film: This setting improves motion fluidity, giving the image a more cinematic or theatrical quality. Smoothness – Camera: This setting provides even greater fluidity, useful for watching dynamic scenes like sports broadcasts. Clarity: This setting focuses on minimising noise and motion artifacts, resulting in a more stable and clear image.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Although the Sony XR70 TV has a VA panel, it handles the smearing issue surprisingly well – the effect is quite decent and will satisfy most users. Additionally, the use of BFI (Black Frame Insertion) can improve motion smoothness, but it is important to remember that this can lead to a double contour effect, which is noticeable in our test with the little green man. Here, the so-called overshoot effect occurs – a shadow appearing in front of the spaceship.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8.1/10

ALLM: Yes
VRR: Yes
VRR range: 48 - 120Hz
Dolby Vision Game Mode: Yes
Correct implementation of HGIG: No
1080p@120Hz: Yes
1440p@120Hz: No
4K@120Hz: Yes
Game bar: Yes

Sony Bravia 7 has significantly improved its capabilities in terms of compatibility with consoles compared to earlier models. The TV supports variable refresh rate (VRR), which eliminates screen tearing, and it syncs with graphics cards to ensure smooth display. The automatic low latency mode (ALLM) effectively reduces input lag, which is crucial in dynamic games. Dolby Vision with low latency further delivers impressive HDR effects that look great during gameplay.

Sony Bravia 7 also offers a Game Bar feature, providing quick access to settings and monitoring parameters while gaming. An interesting option is the ability to enable a virtual on-screen reticle, which can give a slight advantage in shooter games. However, compared to the Bravia 9 model, the HGIG feature in the Bravia 7 doesn't perform as well, which may be noticeable for more demanding gamers – particularly as the HGIG mode is becoming increasingly popular among gamers as the preferred method for reproducing HDR effects.

A downside is the lack of support for 1440p@120 Hz resolution, which could make gaming easier for users with less powerful graphics cards. Additionally, the Sony Bravia 7 is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is often used to connect an audio system via eARC, limiting the number of available ports for connecting next-gen consoles.

Input lag

9.7/10

Sony BRAVIA 7 delivers outstanding results in terms of input lag, especially with 120 Hz materials, where the delay is around 11 ms – this is an excellent result that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers. The Dolby Vision mode also deserves recognition, as it is usually associated with higher input lag, yet here it performs really well, providing a comfortable gaming experience. However, we deducted 0.3 points for results above 20 ms for 60 Hz content, although we believe that for most users, this difference is more of a placebo effect.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 20 ms	2160p60: 20 ms	2160p60 DV: 20 ms
1080p120: 10 ms	2160p120: 10 ms	2160p120 DV: 11 ms
2160p60: 20 ms
2160p120: 10 ms

Compatibility with PC

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Very Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Good

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 11ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

The Sony BRAVIA 7 television works well with computers, providing clear and legible fonts. An input lag of 11 ms is also an excellent result that will satisfy users using the television for gaming and work. However, it should be mentioned that in the case of grey letters, some slight fading of certain pixels can be observed, which somewhat affects the readability of darker fonts, for which we deducted a few points.

Viewing angles

3.4/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 61%

The Sony BRAVIA 7 TV has poor viewing angles, which is typical for VA panels. The picture quickly loses quality when viewed from a greater angle – colours become washed out and contrast decreases. Considering the price of the device, it's a shame that a coating wasn't applied to enhance the viewing angles, which would certainly improve the viewing experience from different spots in the room.

TV efficiency during daytime

8.4/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Good

Black levels during daytime: Good

BRAVIA 7 performs exceptionally well in bright surroundings. The satin finish effectively reduces reflections, while causing minimal side blur, resulting in very good visibility during the day. A brightness level of 1000 cd/m² in SDR mode is astonishing and ensures that the picture remains clear even in brightly lit rooms.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony Bravia 7 (XR70): 1014 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: 112.624.060.1eua

Image processor: Mt5897 6gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Backlight Type: Mini-LED QLED

TV features

9.5/10

System operacyjny: Google TV
TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): Yes
Recording programming: Yes
Picture in Picture (PiP): No
Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
AirPlay: Yes
Voice search in native language: Yes
Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV: Yes
Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker: Yes
Audio only mode: Yes
RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
Backlit remote control: Yes
Teletext: Yes

Sony Bravia 7 runs on the Google TV system, which offers an intuitive and fast interface, providing easy access to a plethora of applications. Google Assistant supports Polish language, making the use of the television even more convenient and personalised. The interface is clear, and access to features and applications is quick and seamless. It's worth mentioning the remote, which is rechargeable via USB-C port. Additionally, the remote is backlit, making it significantly easier to use at night.

Sony Bravia 7 offers a wide range of capabilities that will satisfy most users. The ability to record programs and easily connect devices via Bluetooth are major pluses. Unfortunately, it lacks the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature, which could be useful for watching two video sources simultaneously.

XR70 stands out with its practical and elegant design. The television is equipped with a 4-position stand, allowing it to be adapted to various spaces and settings – this is particularly useful when flexibility in interior arrangement is desired. Additionally, the slim aluminium frame gives the device a modern and stylish appearance. Although it is not as slim as some competing Korean models, it still looks very attractive and sturdy.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8.6/10

Video Photos Audio

Maximum photo resolution:	Supported photo formats:
4 Mpix	JPEG
6 Mpix	HEIC
8 Mpix	PNG
10 Mpix	GIF
12 Mpix	WebP
16 Mpix	TIFF
20 Mpix	BMP
24 Mpix	SVG
28 Mpix
32 Mpix

The built-in player handles most popular video and audio formats, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of content without any issues. Although there are minor shortcomings when displaying photos, thanks to the Google TV system, you can easily install other apps that effectively solve this problem and expand the multimedia capabilities of the television.

Apps

10/10

Sound

7.8/10

Subjective sound quality

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

Dolby True HD 7.1

Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

DTS-HD Master Audio

Although the Sony Bravia 7 TV is only equipped with a 2-channel speaker system (2.0), each channel has two speakers with a total power of 40 W. This results in really good quality sound, and the bass is noticeable, making watching movies and listening to music more enjoyable.

Manufacturer's marketing solutions:

XR Backlight Master Drive – A precise Mini LED backlight control system that manages thousands of LEDs, delivering impressive contrast and deep blacks.
Cognitive Processor XR™ – An advanced processor that analyses content in a way similar to human perception, optimizing picture and sound in real-time for a more realistic experience.
XR Triluminos Pro – A technology that expands the colour palette, allowing for the display of more vivid and natural colours, resulting in richer and more realistic images.
XR Contrast Booster – A feature that enhances contrast by precisely balancing bright and dark areas, achieving deeper blacks and brighter whites.
Acoustic Multi-Audio™ – A sound system where additional tweeters placed at the back of the television synchronize sound with the image, creating a more immersive audio experience.
XR Motion Clarity – A technology that improves motion sharpness, reducing blurring in dynamic scenes, providing smoother and more realistic experiences when watching sports or action films.
Google TV – A Smart TV platform offering access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, allowing for personalised content and integration with Google Assistant.
Ambient Optimization – A technology that automatically adjusts brightness and sound balance according to the lighting and acoustic conditions in the room, ensuring optimal viewing experiences.

Sony BRAVIA 7 test – exceptional picture quality

Sony BRAVIA 7 test shows that this model offers incredible picture quality that will satisfy even the most demanding users. Thanks to advanced panel technology, BRAVIA 7 test presents deep blacks and vibrant colours, making watching favourite shows a true pleasure. Additionally, access to a wide range of TV tests allows for a detailed comparison of Sony BRAVIA XR70 with others on the market.

Test Sony BRAVIA 7 – innovative features and design

During the test Sony BRAVIA 7, particular attention was paid to the modern design and intuitive user interface. The Sony BRAVIA XR70 stands out not only for its aesthetics but also for its functionality, offering advanced smart TV options and easy integration with other devices. Test BRAVIA 7 confirms that Sony XR70 is an excellent choice for those looking for a television that combines style with the highest picture quality.

Movie mode – how does Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70 perform in home cinema?

Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70 is a television made for home cinema enthusiasts. With Mini LED and Dolby Vision support, the picture impresses with its contrast and colour depth. According to reviews in Sony Bravia 7 test, the screen brightness allows for comfortable viewing even during the day. The Google TV system provides access to streaming apps, and the illuminated remote simplifies operation. Many reviews in the Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70 test highlight that it is a great choice for cinema lovers. Bravia 7 test confirms that movie mode delivers cinematic experiences in the comfort of your home.

Image calibration – how to adjust Bravia 7 to your needs?

To fully utilise the potential of Sony Bravia 7, it's worth adjusting the picture settings. Features include precise adjustment of contrast, white balance, and brightness. Thanks to local dimming with 512 zones, excellent black levels can be achieved. Users in Sony Bravia 7 reviews praise the ability to calibrate using professional tools. Optimal settings ensure that the television meets the expectations of the most discerning viewers.

Television for families – how does Sony Bravia 7 perform in everyday use?

Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70 is an ideal television for families. With Google TV, access to streaming platforms is intuitive, which users appreciate. Bravia 7 offers high brightness and excellent contrast, making it suitable for bright rooms. Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70 test indicates high sound quality and convenient remote control. Additionally, Sony Bravia 7 reviews highlight parental control options, making it an excellent choice for families with children.

Is Sony Bravia 7 a good choice for years to come?

Investing in Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70, it’s worth noting its durability. With Mini LED and Dolby Vision, the picture quality remains high over the years. The Sony Bravia 7 test points to solid construction and regular updates to Google TV. Bravia 7 test confirms that the television meets the expectations of the most demanding users. Despite a limited number of HDMI 2.1 ports, it is an investment for years. Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70 test indicates that it is one of the best models in its class.

Sony Bravia 7 (XR70)

Our verdict

Advantages

Disadvantages

Competing TVs in this price range

TV appearance

Buy in the best price

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound

Sony BRAVIA 7 test – exceptional picture quality

Test Sony BRAVIA 7 – innovative features and design

Movie mode – how does Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70 perform in home cinema?

Image calibration – how to adjust Bravia 7 to your needs?

Television for families – how does Sony Bravia 7 perform in everyday use?

Is Sony Bravia 7 a good choice for years to come?