Sony Bravia 8 (XR80)

BRAVIA 8 / XR80

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

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Panel type: WRGB OLED | Brand: SONY | Resolution: 3840x2160 | System: Google TV | Model year: 2024

Our verdict

7.9

Overall rating

Bravia 8 XR80 is the only Sony OLED model from the 2024 production that will certainly attract the attention of image quality enthusiasts. The television offers excellent picture quality with the characteristic deep blacks of OLED, vibrant colours, and infinite contrast. This makes every scene incredibly realistic. Thanks to OLED technology, dark scenes look perfect, and the reproduction of black and bright elements stand out with great detail. This creates an amazing effect - a cinematic experience. While watching sports or action-packed films, we particularly appreciated the fluidity of the image. The 120 Hz panel performs excellently – no issues with blur, even in the most dynamic moments. This is a television that truly excels in situations where fast action and vivid details are important. The Google TV system is another strong point of Bravia 8. The interface is simple, clear, and easy to navigate. We had no trouble finding all the popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video. The USB-C rechargeable remote is a nice addition – it fits well in the hand, and the backlighting proved invaluable during evening use of the television. Of course, not everything was perfect. The SDR brightness of 330 nits is a result that does not impress, especially in well-lit rooms. This model definitely performs better during the evenings in darker conditions. We also noticed that the colour gradation is slightly worse than in previous Sony models - this is a very strange move because, after all, they have always been known for their superb digital processing. Another limitation is that there are only two HDMI 2.1 ports (including eARC) – with a larger number of devices, such as two consoles and a soundbar, it becomes problematic. Despite these minor downsides, Bravia 8 XR80 is a great television that is suitable for both everyday use and evening screenings. Excellent picture quality, motion fluidity, and an intuitive Google TV system make for a combination that makes a difference. If we are looking for a decent OLED in 2024, this model is definitely worth considering.

Advantages

Excellent contrast
Google TV – intuitive system, easy access to applications, backlit remote.
Very good motion fluidity – 120 Hz, advanced smoothing system.
Great Dolby Vision support
Very good viewing angles
Superb built-in audio system

Disadvantages

Poor gradation – visible transitions between dark and light colours
Brightness in daylight – better for night screenings than for use in daylight
Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports – one of which is ARC.

Movies and series in UHD quality

7.5
Classic TV, YouTube

8.0
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

8.1
Gaming on console

8.8
TV as a computer monitor

7.6
Watching in bright light

5.6
Utility functions

9.5
Apps

10.0
Sound quality

7.5

Competing TVs in this price range

8.6

LG OLED G4 55”

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8.4

Samsung OLED S95D 55”

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8.4

Panasonic Z95A 55”

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8.4

Sony A95L 55”

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8.3

LG OLED C4 55”

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8.1

Review Samsung OLED S90D / S94D (WRGB OLED) Main photo

Samsung OLED S90D / S94D (WRGB OLED) 55”

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8.1

Philips OLED909 55”

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8.1

LG 55 B4 55”

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7.9

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Samsung Neo QLED QN95D 55”

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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 8 (XR80) Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

10/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

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

Visibility of details in the lights:

The Sony Bravia 8 television, equipped with an OLED panel, offers exceptional black and contrast quality. Thanks to OLED technology, each pixel emits its own light, providing excellent black depth and precision in light reproduction. In tested scenes, such as sequences from the films Oblivion and Sicario 2, the television achieves perfect light separation, resulting in a very detailed and realistic image, even in challenging contrast conditions. The Sony Bravia 8 truly stands out among other models in this category.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

6.6/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 99.0%, Bt.2020: 74.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

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

Sony Bravia 8 performs reasonably well in terms of HDR brightness. A maximum brightness level of 880 nits is satisfactory and allows for enjoyable light effects in most scenes. In the tested segments of the films Life of Pi and Sicario 2, the television looks really good, offering vibrant and detailed images that fully convey the atmosphere of these productions.

However, a greater challenge is presented by a scene from the film The Meg, where the screen is entirely very bright. In such situations, the limitations of OLED technology are evident, as the television loses brightness, dropping to about 450 nits. This decline is less satisfactory, especially when the entire scene requires intense lighting. Despite these limitations, Sony Bravia 8 remains a competitive model, offering excellent coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and a BT.2020 standard coverage of 74%. As a result, colours are rich and details are precise, which significantly enhances the quality of HDR content consumption and makes viewing a pleasant experience.

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

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

In the case of tests in very demanding scenes, such as those from the films Pan and Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, the Sony Bravia 8 television faces a tough challenge. These films were made to showcase very high brightness levels, which, as we know, are difficult to achieve for this TV model. In the first case, in the film Pan, the television adapts excellently to the metadata. The entire scene is well rendered – the sun and clouds are clearly separated, do not merge into one blob, which makes the final effect look very good. In the case of the second film, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, the main actor is depicted with visible details on the skin, and the lighting effects in the background make an impressive impression. One downside is that the entire scenery is somewhat dimmed, but this allows for more details to be visible, highlighting the precision of Sony's image processor.

HDR luminance chart:

Bravia 8 reacts differently to types of metadata depending on their format, which impacts the final perception of image quality. The same scenes were tested using different metadata, allowing for the observation of differences in the final effect. In the case of static HDR10, the entire scene was excessively brightened, negatively affecting the detail of the image – it is difficult to speak of positive visual impressions here. The saviour turned out to be the Dolby Vision mode, which managed to extract more details in the background and better reproduce reflections in the snow. Thanks to dynamic metadata, the image became more balanced, and the details – especially in the brighter parts – were significantly clearer, allowing for a more satisfying visual experience.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

The grading in 4K materials is simply poor and clearly disappointing. There are noticeable seams both in dark and light colours, which affects the image quality and lowers the overall satisfaction with watching high-definition materials. Something that has always been a strong point of Sony's processor evidently fails this time.

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Smoothness of tonal transitions

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 low-quality materials on the Bravia 8 is poor. Unfortunately, the soft gradation feature (which was available in previous models) is missing, which is a significant downside. The digital noise reduction feature can considerably improve tonal transitions; however, it also tends to remove some details, such as clouds in scenes from the film The Martian, which may not be to everyone's liking. As for digital processing, the Sony XR80 performs quite well. The model in test scenes was displayed without noticeable errors, and the branches in the background are not overly jagged. This shows that the Bravia 8 is capable of effectively processing complex low-resolution image details.

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%

Sony Bravia 8 offers a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, which forms the basis for smooth viewing of dynamic content such as sports and games. This ensures that movements are sharp and fluid. For more demanding users, the Sony XR80 television is equipped with an advanced motion smoothing system, which is divided into three segments: Smoothness (Film), Smoothness (Camera), and Clarity. The first two are responsible for regulating the degree of blur and smoothness of the image. The third option, concerning clarity, will be described in more detail below. Each of the parameters can be adjusted to personal preferences, allowing users to find the optimal setting tailored to their individual needs.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

Motion blur on Sony Bravia 8 is generally at a very good level, as one would expect from an OLED panel. The television provides clear and smooth images in dynamic scenes, making watching sports or action films a pleasure. However, we have some reservations regarding the BFI feature. It seems that this feature has no noticeable impact on the signal – and the test image with the little green man is equally sharp regardless of whether BFI is switched on. This is because the motion smoother is disabled when it is off. The only visible effect is the pulsing of the image resulting from inserting black frames, which does not improve motion sharpness and may only 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

Sony Bravia 8 has significantly improved its compatibility with consoles compared to earlier models. The television supports variable refresh rate (VRR), which eliminates screen tearing, and it synchronises with graphics cards to ensure smooth image display. The automatic low latency mode (ALLM) reduces input lag, which is crucial in fast-paced games. Dolby Vision with low latency additionally provides impressive HDR effects that look stunning during gameplay.

The Sony XR80 television also features a Game Bar, allowing quick access to settings and monitoring parameters while gaming. An interesting option is the ability to enable a virtual crosshair on the screen, which can provide a slight edge in shooting games.

A downside is the lack of support for 1440p@120hz resolution, which could facilitate gaming for users with less powerful graphics cards. Additionally, the Sony XR80 only has two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is typically used to connect an audio system via eARC, limiting the number of available inputs for connecting next-generation consoles.

Input lag

10/10

Low input lag in Sony Bravia 8 is undoubtedly an advantage – results at the level of 13 ms are excellent and provide outstanding responsiveness. The Dolby Vision mode is also noteworthy, which performs remarkably well in this model. In many cases with other manufacturers, this mode looks much worse, but here you can enjoy its full potential, especially in gaming.

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

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

The cooperation of Sony Bravia 8 with computers is very good, similar to most televisions with WOLED panels. The readability of fonts is at a high level, making work with documents or browsing websites comfortable. The low input lag of 5 ms makes an impressive impression and provides excellent responsiveness during gameplay. The only downside is that the fonts displayed on a dark background appear slightly muted.

Viewing angles

7.3/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 28%

The viewing angles on the Sony Bravia 8 are very good, as befits a television with an OLED panel. As a result, the image retains its colours and contrast even when viewed from a large angle. The only televisions that will be better in this category are models equipped with MLA (Meta-Lens Array) technology and QD-OLED, offering even wider viewing angles and better 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 panel in the Sony Bravia 8 effectively dampens reflections, which take on a slightly bluish hue. Unfortunately, the brightness level of 330 nits is not particularly impressive, making this television better suited for evening viewing. During the day, to ensure optimal image reception, it is advisable to help by closing the curtains, which will reduce the impact of external light.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80): 335 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: 112.624.140.1EUA

Image processor: mt5897 6gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

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 8 runs on the Google TV system, which provides very intuitive and quick use of the television as well as an almost unlimited number of applications. Google Assistant works in Polish, allowing for even better integration with the device. The interface is well-designed, and access to applications and features is simple and convenient. It is also worth mentioning the remote control – similar to solutions from Korean competitors, the remote can be charged via a USB-C port. Moreover, it is backlit, which makes it much easier to use at night.

The device offers a wide range of features that will satisfy most users. The Sony XR80 television allows for recording programmes, as well as easy connection of external peripheral devices via Bluetooth. Unfortunately, it lacks the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) function, which would allow for simultaneous viewing of two image sources, which could be useful in certain situations.

The television looks very good. It has a solid, metal frame that gives it an elegant appearance. The television stands on two adjustable feet, which can be adapted in terms of both width and height. This allows for easy placement of a soundbar underneath the screen. Although the Sony Bravia 8 is not the thinnest OLED television on the market, its careful finish and quality of materials make it look really good.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8.7/10

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

Sony Bravia 8 will satisfy most users when it comes to playing multimedia files. The built-in player handles most popular video and audio formats, allowing for seamless access to a wide range of content. Although there are some shortcomings in photo playback, the Google TV system allows for the installation of other players that will likely resolve this issue.

Apps

10/10

Sound

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

Bravia 8 is equipped with a 50W sound system in a 2.2.1 configuration. The speakers are mounted behind the screen, and this system is called Acoustic Surface Audio. The sound is pleasant and well-balanced, which makes it perfectly complement the picture. When it comes to audio format support, Sony Bravia 8 has a lot to boast about – in our tests, it played all popular codecs without any issues, providing a full and rich audio experience.

OLED Panel – OLED technology enables precise backlighting of each pixel, providing deep blacks and vibrant colours, resulting in higher contrast than traditional LED televisions.
Cognitive Processor XR™ – An advanced processor analysing images in a way similar to human perception, optimising them in real-time for more natural and realistic experiences.
XR Triluminos Pro – A technology that expands the colour spectrum, allowing for the display of richer and more natural colours, resulting in more vivid and realistic images.
XR Contrast Booster – A feature that enhances contrast by precisely balancing light and dark areas, allowing for deeper blacks and brighter whites.
Acoustic Surface Audio+™ – A system where the television screen serves as the speaker, emitting sound directly from the screen, synchronising audio with the image to create a more immersive experience.
XR Motion Clarity – A technology that improves motion sharpness, reducing blur in dynamic scenes, providing smoother and more realistic experiences while 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 the Google voice assistant.
Ambient Optimization – A technology that automatically adjusts brightness and sound balance based on the lighting and acoustic conditions in the room, ensuring optimal viewing experiences.

Sony XR80 – the ideal choice for the living room?

Sony Bravia 8 is an excellent choice for the living room, combining elegance and advanced technology. Its slim design means it fits perfectly in modern interiors. Sony XR80 offers wide viewing angles, ensuring comfortable viewing from different spots in the room. Many people in their Sony Bravia 8 reviews highlight the high picture quality, depth of colours, and realistic detail reproduction. In the Sony Bravia 8 test, attention is drawn to its excellent technical parameters, making it the ideal solution for a home entertainment centre.

Sony Bravia 8 – what accessories are worth buying?

To fully utilise the capabilities of Sony Bravia 8, it’s worth purchasing a few accessories. Firstly, a soundbar compatible with Dolby Atmos, which will enhance sound quality. Many users recommend a wall mount, which is a practical solution for minimalist interiors. In the Sony Bravia 8 review, the benefits of using HDMI 2.1 cables are emphasised, providing better connection with consoles and players.

Is Sony XR80 a good gift choice?

If you’re considering buying a television as a gift, Sony XR80 would be a great choice. It’s a model that stands out for its excellent picture quality, as confirmed by numerous Sony Bravia 8 reviews. With Google TV, users gain access to hundreds of streaming apps, making this television exceptionally versatile. Many people in the Bravia 8 test point out its elegant design and modern technologies, which make it an ideal gift for anyone who values high-quality audio-visual equipment.

A television for gamers – can Sony Bravia 8 meet the demands?

For gamers, XR80 Sony offers exceptional possibilities. Support for HDMI 2.1, 120 Hz refresh rate, and low input lag are key advantages appreciated by users in the Sony Bravia 8 test. Sony XR80 supports VRR and ALLM technologies, ensuring the image remains smooth even in dynamic games. The Sony Bravia 8 review emphasises that this model works perfectly with the latest consoles. If you’re looking for a television that can meet gaming demands, the Bravia 8 test clearly indicates it’s a fantastic choice for gaming enthusiasts.

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80)

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 XR80 – the ideal choice for the living room?

Sony Bravia 8 – what accessories are worth buying?

Is Sony XR80 a good gift choice?

A television for gamers – can Sony Bravia 8 meet the demands?