- Matching (Score)
- Our verdict
- Competing TVs
- TV appearance
- Where to buy
- 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
- TV features
- Playing files from USB
- Apps
- Sound
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Panel technology: WRGB OLED Brand: SONY Resolution: 3840x2160 Operating system: Google TV Model year: 2024
Our verdict
7.9
Overall rating
The Bravia 8 is Sony’s flagship OLED model for 2024, aimed at attracting image quality enthusiasts. This television delivers outstanding picture quality with OLED’s hallmark deep blacks, vivid, precise colours, and infinite contrast, creating a highly realistic viewing experience. Dark scenes are presented with perfect black levels, while brighter elements are rendered with impressive detail, giving each frame a distinctive cinematic feel. With a 120 Hz refresh rate, the Bravia 8 ensures excellent motion fluidity, making it ideal for sports, gaming, and fast-paced movie scenes. Its ability to provide a ghost-free image allows viewers to appreciate fine details even during rapid action sequences, a feature that will particularly appeal to fans of dynamic content. Running on the Google TV platform, the Bravia 8 offers an intuitive, fast, and user-friendly interface. This system provides seamless access to popular applications and favourite content. The clear and responsive interface enhances the viewing experience, making navigation smooth and straightforward. The practical, backlit remote control adds further convenience and can be charged via USB-C, distinguishing it from traditional battery-powered remotes. This thoughtful design ensures easy use, even in low-light conditions. However, despite its strengths, the Bravia 8 does have some limitations. With an SDR brightness level of 330 nits, it may not perform optimally in very bright rooms, potentially leading to reflections or a less vivid display in strong ambient light. Users who valued the superior gradation in earlier Sony models may find this a minor drawback. Additionally, the television features only two HDMI 2.1 ports, which could be limiting for gamers who use multiple consoles or other high-bandwidth devices. Overall, the Sony Bravia 8 is a premium OLED television that excels in most areas. Its superb picture quality, advanced gaming features, and solid sound performance make it an excellent choice for a reliable OLED model in 2024. While there are some areas for improvement, particularly in SDR brightness and connectivity, the Bravia 8’s overall performance and features make it a compelling option for both everyday use and immersive viewing experiences.
Advantages
Excellent contrast
Google TV – intuitive system, easy access to applications, backlit remote.
Very good motion smoothness – 120 Hz, advanced smoothing system.
Great Dolby Vision support
Very good viewing angles
Superb built-in audio system
Disadvantages
Poor gradation – visible connections on dark and light colors
Brightness during the day – better for night sessions than for use in daylight
Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports - one of which is ARC.
Movies and series in UHD quality7.5
Classic TV, YouTube8.0
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)8.1
Gaming on console8.8
TV as a computer monitor7.6
Watching in bright light5.6
Utility functions9.5
Apps10.0
Sound quality7.5
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Competing TVs in this price range
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
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Contrast and black detail
10/10
Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).
Result
∞: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
∞:1
Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).
Result
∞: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
∞:1
Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).
Result
∞:1
The Sony Bravia 8 television, equipped with an OLED matrix, delivers exceptional picture quality with outstanding black levels and contrast. Thanks to OLED technology, each pixel emits its own light, ensuring deep blacks and precise light reproduction. During testing with scenes from films like Oblivion and The Revenant, the Bravia 8 showcased impeccable separation between light and dark elements, producing detailed and lifelike images, even in challenging high-contrast scenarios. This performance places the Bravia 8 among the top models in its class.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
HDR effect quality
6.6/10
Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 99.0%, Bt.2020: 74.0%
Luminance measurements in HDR:
The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).
Result
849 nit
The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).
Result
865 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
888 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
880 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
469 nit
The Sony Bravia 8 performs commendably in terms of HDR brightness, reaching a peak of 880 nits. This level is sufficient to render lighting effects effectively in most scenes. In tested clips from Life of Pi and Sicario 2, the television demonstrated vibrant, detailed imagery that captured the atmosphere of these films beautifully.
However, challenges arise in scenes with consistently high brightness, such as in The Meg, where the display's limitations become apparent. In these situations, OLED technology can struggle, with brightness levels dropping to around 450 nits, which can be less satisfying when intense illumination is needed throughout a scene. Despite this, the Sony Bravia 8 remains a strong contender, offering excellent DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage and 74% BT.2020 coverage. These attributes result in rich, accurate colours and fine details, enhancing HDR content and providing an enjoyable viewing experience.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
In demanding scenes, such as those in Pan and Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, the Sony Bravia 8 television faces a significant challenge. These films are designed to display extremely high brightness levels, which can be difficult for this model to handle. In Pan, the television adapts well to the metadata, presenting the scene clearly – the sun and clouds remain distinct, without blending into a single blur, creating a visually pleasing result. In Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, the main actor’s skin details are sharp, and the lighting effects in the background are striking. A minor drawback is that the overall scene appears slightly dimmed, but this enhances the visibility of finer details, showcasing the precision of Sony's image processor.
HDR luminance chart:
The Bravia 8 responds differently to various types of metadata, depending on the format, which influences the final image quality. Testing the same scenes with different metadata, the differences in the resulting visuals were apparent. With static HDR10, the entire scene appeared overly bright, compromising the image's detail and detracting from the overall visual experience. The solution was found in Dolby Vision mode, which enhanced background details and improved the depiction of reflections in the snow. The dynamic metadata balanced the image, with significantly clearer details, particularly in the brighter areas, offering a much more satisfying visual experience.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: Dolby Vision
Factory color reproduction
7.2/10
The best factory mode on the Sony Bravia 8 television is IMAX Enhanced, offering the most cinematic experience, though it isn't perfectly calibrated. The TV attempts to replicate cinematic settings as accurately as possible, but some issues are evident. Starting with white balance, both for SDR and 4K content, there is a noticeable blue dominance, making the image appear too cold and lacking in natural warmth. Colour Checker tests reveal a shift towards cooler tones, affecting colour accuracy and making the image feel less lifelike.
Regarding brightness and contrast, the gamma shows a significant drop towards the end of the spectrum, meaning dark details may become too shadowed, and bright areas too intense, causing a loss of subtlety and detail. This is particularly noticeable in the sky, as seen in the comparison image. Additionally, the EOTF curve is considerably above the reference value, making bright elements overly intense. As a result, users may experience an unnatural image, with bright parts losing detail and negatively impacting the overall viewing quality.
Color reproduction after calibration
8.2/10
The calibration process of the Sony Bravia 8 television resulted in significant improvements in image quality. The white balance was notably enhanced for both SDR and 4K HDR content, with minimal errors in the middle section of the graph. Gamma calibration was one of the biggest improvements, eliminating previous dips that had impacted brightness stability and the reproduction of detail in dark areas. The EOTF curve was also corrected, making bright elements appear more natural and improving the overall tonal balance.
However, the most attention should be given to colour reproduction, where some issues persist despite calibration. Sony has omitted the CMS system in this model, which would allow for more precise colour control. As a result, the Colour Checker test for 4K content still reveals significant colour inaccuracies. Despite these limitations, calibration is still recommended, as the improvements in brightness and contrast are noticeable and greatly enhance the overall image quality.
Smoothness of tonal transitions
5/10
In 4K materials, the gradation is notably poor and disappointing. Visible seams are apparent in dark and light colours, detracting from the image quality and diminishing the overall viewing experience of high-resolution content. This is a notable weakness, as Sony's processors have typically excelled in this area, but it appears to be a failure this time.
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
6.1/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
The fluidity of tonal transitions in lower-quality materials on the Bravia 8 is lacking. Unfortunately, the gentle gradation function, which was available in previous models, is missing, which is a significant drawback. The digital noise reduction feature can improve tonal transitions, but it often removes fine details, such as clouds in scenes from The Martian, which may not be to everyone's taste. On the other hand, the digital processing in the Sony XR80 is quite effective. In test scenes, it performed well without noticeable flaws, and the branches in the background remained smooth without jagged edges. This indicates that the Bravia 8 is capable of handling complex low-resolution image details with relative ease.
Blur and motion smoothness
8.5/10
Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz
Film motion smoothing option: Yes
Blur reduction option: Yes
BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz: No
Brightness drop with BFI: 48%
The Sony Bravia 8 offers a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, ensuring smooth viewing of dynamic content such as sports and games, with sharp and fluid motion. For more demanding users, the Sony XR80 features an advanced motion smoothing system, divided into three settings: Smoothness (Film), Smoothness (Camera), and Clarity. The first two settings adjust the level of blur and smoothness, while the Clarity setting will be discussed in more detail below. Each of these parameters can be customised to suit individual preferences, allowing users to fine-tune the settings for the optimal viewing experience.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
Blur (BFI function enabled):
Image flickers in this mode
Motion blur on the Sony Bravia 8 is generally excellent, as expected from an OLED panel. The television delivers a clear and smooth image during dynamic scenes, making it ideal for watching sports or action films. However, there are some concerns with the BFI feature. It appears to have no noticeable impact on the signal – the test image with the alien remains equally sharp regardless of whether BFI is enabled. This is because the smoothing function is disabled when BFI is active. The only visible effect is the pulsing of the image caused by the insertion of black frames, which does not enhance motion sharpness and may cause discomfort.
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
- G-Sync:
Yes
The Sony Bravia 8 has greatly improved its compatibility with consoles compared to earlier models. It supports variable refresh rate (VRR), which eliminates screen tearing and can sync with graphics cards for smooth visuals. The Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) reduces input lag, a crucial feature for fast-paced games. Additionally, Dolby Vision with low latency enhances HDR effects, offering stunning visuals during gameplay.
The Sony XR80 also includes a Game Bar, which provides quick access to settings and monitoring tools during gaming. A notable feature is the option to enable a virtual crosshair on the screen, giving players a potential advantage in shooter games.
However, there are some drawbacks. The TV lacks support for 1440p@120Hz resolution, which would benefit users with less powerful graphics cards. Furthermore, the Sony XR80 has only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is typically used for connecting an audio system via eARC, limiting the number of available ports for next-gen consoles.
Input lag
10/10
The low input lag on the Sony Bravia 8 is certainly a standout feature, with a remarkable 13 ms providing exceptional responsiveness. The Dolby Vision mode also deserves praise, as it performs exceptionally well on this model. Unlike many other manufacturers, where Dolby Vision often underperforms, it delivers its full potential here, enhancing the gaming experience.
| SDR | HDR | Dolby Vision |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p60: 13 ms | 2160p60: 13 ms | 2160p60 DV: 14 ms |
| 1080p120: 5 ms | 2160p120: 5 ms | 2160p120 DV: 5 ms |
| 2160p60: 13 ms | ||
| 2160p120: 5 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): 5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement: RWBG
The Sony Bravia 8 works very well with computers, much like most WOLED matrix televisions. Font readability is excellent, making it comfortable to work with documents or browse websites. The impressive 5 ms input lag ensures excellent responsiveness during gameplay. The only downside is that fonts on a dark background appear slightly dimmed.
Viewing angles
7.3/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 28%
The viewing angles on the Sony Bravia 8 are excellent, as expected from an OLED TV. The image retains its colours and contrasts even when viewed from wide angles. The only models that outperform it in this area are those equipped with MLA (Meta-Lens Array) technology and QD-OLED, which provide even wider viewing angles and superior image quality at extreme angles.
TV efficiency during daytime
5.6/10
Matrix coating: Glare
Reflection suppression: Good
Black levels during daytime: Very Good
The glossy matrix on the Sony Bravia 8 effectively reduces reflections, although they take on a slightly bluish hue. However, the brightness level of 330 nits is not particularly impressive, making this TV better suited for evening viewing. During the day, to ensure optimal image quality, it's advisable to close the windows to minimise the impact of external light.
Matrix brightness
Average luminance SDR
Sony Bravia 8 (XR80): 335 cd/m2
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
The Sony Bravia 8 runs on the Google TV system, offering an intuitive and user-friendly interface with access to an extensive range of applications. The interface is well-designed, with easy access to apps and features. The remote, similar to those from Korean competitors, can be charged via a USB-C port and is backlit, making it much easier to use in low-light conditions.
The TV provides a broad range of features that will satisfy most users. The Sony XR80 allows for program recording and easy connection to external devices via Bluetooth. However, it lacks the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature, which would enable simultaneous viewing of two image sources—a feature that could be useful in certain situations.
The design of the television is impressive, featuring a sturdy metal frame that adds an elegant touch. It stands on two adjustable feet, allowing for customisation of both width and height, making it easy to place a soundbar beneath the screen. While the Sony Bravia 8 is not the thinnest OLED on the market, its high-quality materials and meticulous finish ensure it presents well.
Playing files from USB
8.7/10
| 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 Sony Bravia 8 will satisfy most users for multimedia playback. The built-in player supports the most popular video and audio formats, ensuring seamless access to a wide variety of content. While there are some limitations with photo playback, the Google TV system allows users to install alternative players that should address these issues.
Apps
10/10
Sound
7.5/10
7.5/10
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
The Bravia 8 has a 50W sound system in a 2.2.1 configuration, featuring speakers mounted behind the screen under the Acoustic Surface Audio system. The sound is pleasant and well-balanced, perfectly complementing the image. In terms of audio format support, the Sony Bravia 8 performs excellently, playing all popular codecs without issues and delivering a rich, immersive audio experience.