By: Dipin Sehdev

Sony has officially unveiled its 2025 Bravia TV lineup, featuring a mix of OLED and LCD models. While the new offerings boast impressive upgrades, there’s a sense that 2025 is more of a transitional year as Sony prepares to introduce its revolutionary RGB LED technology in 2026. Notably, this year’s lineup omits larger OLED models, which some may see as a strategic shift—or a missed opportunity. However, Sony’s continued emphasis on the Bravia 9, one of 2024’s top-performing LED TVs, underscores its commitment to Mini LED technology in the near term.

Bravia 9: Sony’s Flagship Mini LED Powerhouse

The Bravia 9 remains Sony’s top-tier Mini LED TV, carrying over the exceptional local dimming and brightness control that made it one of the best LED TVs of 2024. It offers superior contrast, high peak brightness, and cutting-edge processing technology, making it an appealing alternative to OLED for those seeking a high-performance display without the risk of burn-in.

Key Features and Specs:

• Mini LED panel with thousands of local dimming zones

• XR Backlight Master Drive for precise contrast control

• Cognitive Processor XR for enhanced picture processing

• Available in 65, 75, 85, and 98-inch sizes

• 4K/120Hz gaming support with VRR and ALLM

• IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos compatibility

• Acoustic Multi-Audio+ with frame tweeters for immersive sound

• Google TV smart system with Bravia Core streaming service

Compared to previous Mini LED models, the Bravia 9 boasts improved HDR handling, deeper blacks, and a more refined dimming algorithm that minimizes blooming. Sony continues to push Mini LED technology to its limits, making the Bravia 9 a compelling option for home theater enthusiasts who prioritize brightness and contrast.

Bravia 8 II: Sony’s Premium QD-OLED Offering

The Bravia 8 II builds on the success of Sony’s A95L (97% CE Critic Score) flagship OLEDs, retaining Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) technology rather than reverting to WRGB OLED. It boasts improvements in brightness and color accuracy, reinforcing Sony’s presence in the premium OLED space.

Key Features and Specs:

• Available in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes

• 25% higher peak brightness than the A95L, 50% higher than the original Bravia 8

• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support

• Google TV smart system

• AI Scene Recognition for optimized picture quality

• 4K/120Hz gaming with Sony’s second-gen Game Menu

• Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology

• IMAX Enhanced certification

• XR OLED Motion, XR Clear Image, and XR Contrast Booster for enhanced clarity

• Slim "One Slate" design (34mm depth, flat back)

The absence of a 77-inch model leaves the A95L as the go-to option in that size category. Early tests indicate that the Bravia 8 II delivers superior HDR brightness and color accuracy compared to rivals like Samsung’s S95D and LG’s G4. While QD-OLED’s known challenge—raised black levels in bright ambient lighting—remains, Sony appears to have mitigated it more effectively than in the A95L.

Bravia 5: The Mid-Range Mini LED Contender

Positioned as a replacement for the X90L, the Bravia 5 significantly upgrades local dimming and brightness performance, making it a strong mid-range Mini LED option.

Key Features and Specs:

• Mini LED panel with increased dimming zones over the X90L

• Available in 55, 65, 75, 85, and 98-inch sizes

• XR Backlight Master Drive for refined contrast

• Google TV smart system

• 4K/120Hz gaming support

• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos compatibility

• Acoustic Multi-Audio sound system

• Acoustic Center Sync for home theater integration

Compared to its predecessor, the Bravia 5 exhibits noticeable improvements in color volume, contrast, and shadow detail. Performance tests suggest it outperforms the Samsung QN85D in these areas, though it doesn’t quite reach the peak brightness and dimming capabilities of the Bravia 7.

Bravia 3: Budget-Friendly 4K LED TVs

For budget-conscious buyers, the Bravia 3 series delivers solid performance with some compromises.

Key Features and Specs:

• LED panel technology

• Available in 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, and 85-inch sizes

• X1 processor with X-Reality Pro sharpness enhancer

• Triluminos Pro for enhanced color reproduction

• Google TV smart system

• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support

• First-gen Game Menu with 60Hz gaming support

Replacing the X75WL, the Bravia 3 improves color accuracy and sharpness, though performance varies by panel type. IPS models (43, 55, and 75-inch) offer better viewing angles but lower contrast, while VA panels (50, 65, and 85-inch) provide deeper blacks at the cost of narrower viewing angles.

Sony’s 2025 TV Strategy: A Placeholder Year?

Despite solid offerings, Sony’s 2025 lineup feels like a prelude to something bigger—specifically, its upcoming RGB LED technology. Announced recently, this independent drive LED innovation won’t hit consumer models until at least 2026, making 2025 feel more like a transitional year.

The absence of larger OLED models is a notable omission for high-end enthusiasts seeking a Sony experience beyond 65 inches. While the Bravia 9 remains a compelling Mini LED option, many were expecting a 77-inch successor to the A95L.

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders for Sony’s new Bravia lineup begin April 2, 2025, with shipping expected in Spring 2025. Pricing details are forthcoming.

Final Thoughts

Sony’s 2025 Bravia lineup represents an incremental but meaningful update. The Bravia 8 II refines QD-OLED technology but lacks larger size options. The Bravia 5 brings Mini LED to the mid-range segment, and the Bravia 3 offers an affordable entry point. However, with game-changing RGB LED TVs on the horizon, 2025 seems more like a stepping stone rather than a breakthrough year. Whether Sony’s cautious approach will keep it competitive against LG and Samsung remains to be seen. We look forward to the reviews and CE Critic Scores.