Sony Bravia 7 (XR70)

BRAVIA 7 / XR70

Available screen sizes: 65”75”85”

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Panel technology: LCD VA | Brand: SONY | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Operating system: Google TV | Model year: 2024

Our verdict

8.1

Overall rating

Testing the Sony Bravia 7 quickly revealed that this television is capable of quite a lot. Although it is the "lowest" model from the Japanese manufacturer in the new 2024 range, it certainly does not feel like a compromise. The picture impressed us with its depth of black and the detail in bright scenes – thanks to the Mini LED technology, which makes a difference. When playing films in Dolby Vision, it was immediately noticeable how much HDR adds life to every scene. The intense colours and excellent dynamics made watching evening screenings a true pleasure for us. Daily use of this television also pleasantly surprised us. The Google TV system worked flawlessly, and the choice of apps was extensive enough that we had no trouble finding 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 buttons. Older content that we watched gained quality thanks to the advanced image processing. When we checked the television for gaming, it also left a good impression on us. The 120 Hz refresh rate provided a smooth image, and the low input lag allowed us to enjoy fast and dynamic gameplay. We particularly liked the Game Bar feature – easy access to settings during gameplay is something 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 intended for eARC, may be an issue if someone plans to connect several devices simultaneously. Additionally, when we watched the television from an angle, we noticed that the picture quality was not as good as when viewed straight on – the lack of a layer to improve 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 for both everyday use and during evening screenings or dynamic gameplay. The minor limitations are noticeable, but they do not overshadow the whole, which definitely deserves the attention of a buyer.

Advantages

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

Disadvantages

No expansion 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, which allows for very good contrast, particularly in demanding movie scenes. Naturally, larger sizes of the television have more zones, positively impacting contrast and image depth. During testing, in scenes from the film "Oblivion," the BRAVIA 7 performed excellently in capturing dark and light areas, providing decent separation of lights (the light effect did not blur into a large spot) from deep black. However, as is often the case with televisions featuring local dimming, certain difficulties arise with small, bright light elements. In more demanding segments (e.g., scenes 4 and 5), it is noticeable that the television "struggles" to maintain high brightness of these elements, affecting the contrast – bright objects are either too dark (resulting in poor contrast) or a slight halo effect appears around them. In a scene from the film Sicario 2, the action of the zones can be seen, causing the aforementioned effect, but it is slight. Despite these minor imperfections, the overall impression is positive – the local dimming algorithm works really well, ensuring that the image maintains high contrast, and the quality of black and details is satisfying.

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

Since we know that the television handles contrast well, let's check how it performs in terms of HDR effects. The luminance graph shows the very high capabilities of this model – 1500 nits is a truly impressive result. The HDR effects are particularly striking in scenes where most of the screen is covered in light, such as in scenes 1, 3, and 5 of the test. Minor shortcomings, typical of this technology, are still visible with very small light effects, as in the scene from the film "Sicario 2," where brightness drops to 500 nits. Although these are not stunning results, they can be considered decent. Additionally, it is worth praising the television 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 see now how the television performs in very difficult film scenes, such as those from the film "Mr", mastered at 2800 nits, or from "Billy Lynn", which was mastered at around 1100 nits. Generally, in the first scene, the television performs excellently – it is evident that it has a very large power reserve in brightness and has no problem rendering high light effects. The hues of the distant sun are perfectly separated, and the details in the form of clouds look great. The same can be said for "Billy Lynn" – the most challenging light effect, namely the fireworks, looks incredible – they do not blend into one spot, and various shades of the pyrotechnics are visible. However, a slight reservation concerns the details in the blacks – the television tends to either slightly lighten or overly dim these elements. Nevertheless, the overall presentation is very good – this is also due to the correctly applied dynamic tone mapping function, which adapts excellently to film scenes. It is evident here how effectively applied graphics processing affects the picture quality in the tested Sony model.

HDR luminance chart:

Sony BRAVIA 7 supports both static and dynamic HDR metadata, translating to 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, with elements such as the forest and grass full of depth and clarity. Unfortunately, in the case of static HDR10, some issues are noticeable – the image is overly bright, which negatively affects the viewing experience, especially in more demanding scenes. It's worth noting that despite lacking Dolby Vision IQ certification, the television offers an "automatic tone curve" function that excellently adjusts the picture to the lighting conditions of the room. This is quite exceptional, as most automatic functions of this type often degrade image quality; however, in this case, the results achieved are truly satisfactory.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9/10

The Sony XR70 television handles gradation excellently. In the test sequence, only a few scenes exhibit slight issues with tonal transitions in dark areas; however, most of these problems disappear when the gentle gradation option is switched on. Generally speaking, the television offers great 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 performs very well with high-quality materials, it is worth checking how it fares with lower-quality content. Here, the television shows its potential, and the applied graphics processor works really brilliantly. On the test screen with the light bulb, there are no issues with colour transitions, and the smooth gradation feature works very well – we recommend setting it to "Medium".

As for digital processing, or so-called upscaling, the television sharpens the image quite noticeably, which leads to slight aliasing, for example, on the branches in the background, but it does not remove desirable details. Nevertheless, the overall appearance is really appealing and may be to the taste of most users. However, if we prefer a softer, more plastic image, this effect can be reduced in the settings by adjusting the sharpening level according to personal preferences.

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 television with a 120 Hz display will satisfy most users in terms of motion smoothness. Additionally, Sony offers the Motion Flow feature, which allows for the selection of three different picture settings, tailoring them to individual preferences: Smoothness – Film: This setting enhances motion smoothness, giving the image a more cinematic or theatrical quality. Smoothness – Camera: This setting provides even greater smoothness, useful when watching dynamic scenes such as 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):

Even though the television Sony XR70 has a VA panel, it handles the issue of motion blur remarkably well – the effect is truly decent and will satisfy most users. Additionally, the use of the BFI (Black Frame Insertion) feature helps improve motion fluidity, but it's important to remember that this can lead to a double contour effect, which is noticeable in our test with the alien. 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 for working with consoles compared to earlier models. The television supports variable refresh rate (VRR), which eliminates the tearing effect, and is compatible with graphics cards, ensuring smooth display. The auto low latency mode (ALLM) effectively reduces input lag, which is crucial in dynamic games. Dolby Vision with low latency additionally provides impressive HDR effects that look great during gameplay.

Sony Bravia 7 also offers a Game Bar feature, which allows quick access to settings and monitoring parameters while gaming. An interesting option is the ability to enable a virtual on-screen crosshair, which can provide a slight advantage in shooter games. Nevertheless, compared to the Bravia 9 model, the HGIG feature in the Bravia 7 does not perform as well, which may be noticeable for more demanding gamers – especially as the HGIG mode is becoming increasingly popular among players as the preferred method for reproducing HDR effects.

A drawback is the lack of support for 1440p@120 Hz resolution, which could make gaming easier for users with less powerful graphics cards. Furthermore, 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 available connections for new generation consoles.

Input lag

9.7/10

Sony BRAVIA 7 delivers exceptional results in terms of input lag, particularly with 120 Hz content, 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, but here it works really well, providing a comfortable gaming experience. However, we deducted 0.3 points for the 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 TV performs well when working with a computer, providing clear and readable fonts. An input lag of 11 ms is also an excellent result that will satisfy users using the TV for gaming and work. However, it should be noted that in the case of grey letters, a slight fading of some pixels can be observed, which somewhat deteriorates 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 television has poor viewing angles, which is characteristic of VA matrices. 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 is a pity that a coating was not applied to extend the viewing angles, which would certainly improve the watching comfort 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 excellently when watching in bright environments. The satin coating effectively reduces reflections while simultaneously minimising the blurring of elements to the sides, resulting in very good visibility during the day. A brightness level of 1000 cd/m² in SDR mode is astonishing and ensures that the image remains sharp even in heavily 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 quick interface, allowing easy access to a multitude of applications. Google Assistant supports the 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 trouble-free. It is worth mentioning the remote control, which is charged via a USB-C port. Additionally, the remote is backlit, which significantly facilitates its use at night.

Sony Bravia 7 offers wide-ranging capabilities that will satisfy most users. The ability to record programmes and easily connect devices via Bluetooth are significant pluses. Unfortunately, it lacks the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature, which could prove useful for watching two sources of video 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 we seek flexibility in interior arrangement. Additionally, the slim aluminium frame gives the device a modern and stylish appearance. Although it is not as slim as some competitive Korean models, it still looks very attractive and solid.

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 slight shortcomings when playing photos, thanks to the Google TV system, you can easily install other applications 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 television is equipped with only a 2-channel speaker system (2.0), there are two speakers per channel with a total power of 40 W. As a result, the sound quality is really good, and the bass is noticeable, making watching movies and listening to music more enjoyable.

The manufacturer's marketing solutions:

XR Backlight Master Drive – A precise Mini LED backlight control system that manages thousands of LEDs, providing impressive contrast and deep blacks.
Cognitive Processor XR™ – An advanced processor that analyses content in a way similar to human perception, optimising image and sound in real-time for a more realistic experience.
XR Triluminos Pro – A technology that expands the colour palette, enabling 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, allowing for deeper blacks and brighter whites.
Acoustic Multi-Audio™ – A sound system where additional tweeters placed at the back of the television synchronise sound with the image, creating a more immersive audio experience.
XR Motion Clarity – A technology that improves motion sharpness, reducing blurring in dynamic scenes for 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 content personalisation and integration with Google Assistant.
Ambient Optimization – A technology that automatically adjusts brightness and sound balance depending on the lighting and acoustic conditions in the room, ensuring optimal viewing experiences.

Sony BRAVIA 7 test – exceptional image quality

Sony BRAVIA 7 test shows that this model offers incredible image quality that will satisfy even the most demanding users. Thanks to advanced panel technology, the 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 thorough comparison of the 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. The BRAVIA 7 test confirms that the Sony XR70 is an excellent choice for those seeking a television that combines style with top image quality.

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

Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70 is a television designed for home cinema lovers. Thanks to Mini LED and support for Dolby Vision, the image impresses with contrast and colour depth. According to reviews in the 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 backlit remote control makes it easy to operate. Many opinions in the Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70 test highlight that it is an excellent choice for cinema enthusiasts. The Bravia 7 test confirms that the movie mode delivers cinematic experiences in the comfort of home.

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

To fully utilise the potential of the Sony Bravia 7, it is worth adjusting the image settings. Features include precise adjustments for contrast, white balance, and brightness. With local dimming in 512 zones, perfect blacks can be achieved. Users in Sony Bravia 7 opinions praise the ability to calibrate using professional tools. Optimal settings ensure the television meets the expectations of the most demanding viewers.

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

Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70 is an ideal television for families. Thanks to Google TV, access to streaming platforms is intuitive, which users appreciate. The Bravia 7 offers high brightness and excellent contrast, making it suitable for bright rooms. The Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70 test indicates high sound quality and convenient remote control. Additionally, Sony Bravia 7 opinions 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 the Sony Bravia 7 K-65XR70, it is worth noting its durability. With Mini LED and Dolby Vision, the image quality remains high for years. The Sony Bravia 7 test points out its solid construction and regular updates for Google TV. The Bravia 7 test confirms that the television meets the expectations of the most demanding users. Despite the limited number of HDMI 2.1 ports, it is an investment for years. The 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 image quality

Test Sony BRAVIA 7 – innovative features and design

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

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

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

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