Sony Bravia 9 II Review: The TV That Almost Makes OLED Obsolete

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Sony Bravia 9 II Review: The TV That Almost Makes OLED Obsolete

The Sony Bravia 9 II is a stunning TV that nearly matches OLED performance. With a 65-inch screen, RGB Mini LED backlight, and 80W sound system, it's a top contender. But is it worth $4,400?

### Key Features - **Review Price:** $4,400 (converted from ยฃ3,499) - **My Cinema:** Presets for optimal performance with picture and sound - **RGB Backlight Master Driver Pro:** Latest version of Sony's LCD backlight technology - **Acoustic Multi-Audio+:** Built-in sound system with 80W of power ### Introduction The Bravia 9 II has been in the making for half a decade. It's the culmination of all Sony's learnings in the RGB LCD space since it developed its first model some twenty years back. You could say this has been Sony's TV odyssey. The Bravia 9 II launches with plenty of hype behind it. Let's make clear that it won't start a revolution, and this RGB Mini LED won't knock OLED off its perch like Man United did to Liverpool in the 90s. While not perfect, this is nonetheless a fabulous TV from Sony, and perhaps the closest any TV has come to being 'OLED-like'. ### Design - Weighs plenty - Matte screen - Central stand Like the Hisense UR9, the 65-inch Bravia 9 II is built like an M4 Sherman tank, weighing 67.5 pounds (slightly heavier than the Hisense). Sizes start at 65 inches and go up to 115 inches, so if you have small space and a bad back, maybe have a look at the Bravia 7 II instead. > The Bravia 9 II is more function than style, but when it starts functioning, you won't worry so much about its looks. It takes about five minutes to assemble the TV, and once it comes together it feels like an imposing monolith โ€“ not quite as sleek as the Bravia 8 II โ€“ but unlike that model this screen comes with a central stand and not a pair of maddening feet that sit at the edges. The stand is a 'floating' design, giving the impression of the TV being lifted by invisible forces. There is a cover you can slide through the back which masks any cables straggling around the back like it's the curtain around your bathroom tub. There's a microphone switch placed on the left-hand side to mute the mics. The rear of the TV is uniformly flat so if you're considering hanging this TV on a wall, it should sit flush. Viewing angles are strong thanks to Sony's proprietary technology, which ensures a clear picture from almost anywhere in the room. This is a big improvement over previous LCD models that often washed out when viewed from the side. ### Picture Quality The Bravia 9 II delivers stunning picture quality, with deep blacks and vibrant colors. The RGB Mini LED backlight offers impressive contrast, making it a strong competitor to OLED TVs. HDR content looks spectacular, with bright highlights and detailed shadows. Sony's processing is top-notch, upscaling lower-resolution content to near-4K quality. Motion handling is excellent, with minimal blur during fast-paced scenes. Whether you're watching movies or sports, the Bravia 9 II performs admirably. ### Sound Quality The built-in Acoustic Multi-Audio+ system with 80W of power provides surprisingly robust sound. Dialogue is clear, and there's a decent amount of bass. While it won't replace a dedicated soundbar, it's more than adequate for everyday viewing. ### Verdict The Sony Bravia 9 II is a fantastic TV that gets very close to OLED performance without the risk of burn-in. It's not cheap, but for those who want the best LCD TV on the market, it's worth considering. Just make sure you have the space and the muscle to handle it. **Pros:** - Excellent picture quality - Robust sound - Sturdy build **Cons:** - Heavy - Expensive - Not as sleek as some competitors