Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) vs Sony A95L

Direct compare

BRAVIA 8 / XR80

A95L

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Panel type: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: QD-OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2023

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

7.9

8.4

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.5

    9.0

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    8.0

    9.3

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    8.1

    9.0

  • Gaming on console

    8.8

    9.3

  • TV as a computer monitor

    7.6

    5.0

  • Watching in bright light

    5.6

    5.4

  • Utility functions

    9.5

    9.5

  • Apps

    10.0

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    7.5

    7.9

Advantages

  • Exquisite contrast

  • Google TV – intuitive system, easy access to apps, backlit remote.

  • Very good motion smoothness – 120 Hz, advanced motion smoothing system.

  • Excellent support for Dolby Vision

  • Very good viewing angles

  • Superb built-in audio system

  • Amazing Contrast

  • Great for HDR movies

  • Advanced Google TV system

  • Great Viewing Angles

  • Gaming Features: Support for ALLM, VRR, 120 Hz refresh rate, low input lag

  • Great sound

  • Camera included

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor gradation – visible transitions on dark and light colours

  • Brightness during the day – better for night-time viewing than for use in daylight

  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports - including one ARC.

  • Only Two HDMI 2.1 Ports: One of the HDMI 2.1 ports is used for eARC, which may limit the number of devices that can be connected, especially for those using a soundbar and console

  • Cherry black effect in bright light: The QD-OLED panel causes blacks to lose their depth in bright light

  • Not the sleekest design

  • Price compared to competitors

Our verdict

Bravia 8 XR80 is the only OLED model from Sony released in 2024 that will undoubtedly catch the attention of image quality enthusiasts. The television offers excellent picture quality with the deep blacks, vibrant colours, and infinite contrast characteristic of OLED. This makes every scene incredibly realistic. Thanks to OLED technology, dark scenes look perfect, and the reproduction of blacks as well as bright elements stand out with great detail. This creates an amazing effect – a cinematic experience. While watching sport or dynamic films, we particularly appreciated the smoothness of the image. The 120 Hz panel performs excellently – no issues with motion blur, even in the most dynamic moments. This is a television that truly excels in situations where fast action and distinct details matter. The Google TV system is another strong point of the Bravia 8. The interface is simple, clear, and easy to use. We had no trouble finding all the popular applications, such as Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video. The USB-C rechargeable remote is a nice addition – it feels good in the hand, and the backlighting proved essential during evening use of the TV. Of course, not everything was perfect. The SDR brightness of 330 nits is a figure that doesn't impress, especially in well-lit rooms. This model does much better in the evenings, in more dimly lit conditions. We also noticed that the colour gradation is slightly worse than in previous Sony models – this is a very strange move considering that Japanese manufacturers were always known for their excellent digital processing. Another limitation is only having two HDMI 2.1 ports (including eARC) – with a larger number of devices, such as two consoles and a soundbar, this becomes a problem. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Bravia 8 XR80 is a great television that is suitable for both everyday use and evening viewing sessions. Excellent picture quality, smooth motion, and an intuitive Google TV system make for a combination that makes a difference. If you’re looking for a decent OLED in 2024, this model is definitely worth considering.

Sony A95L is a TV that has made a huge impression on us. Although a year has passed since its launch, it still deserves a spot among the best models on the market. When it comes to picture quality, it's simply brilliant. Deep blacks, vibrant colours, and excellent brightness in HDR make everything look incredibly realistic. The QD-OLED panel does its job – movies and games look so good that at times you forget it's just a screen. Using the A95L on a daily basis is a pleasure. Google TV runs smoothly, and there are plenty of apps available. The package includes two remote controls: one traditional and the other backlit – a really handy solution, especially in the evenings. Plus, the voice assistant makes life easier, allowing you to quickly search for a movie or control the home from the couch. Gamers will also be delighted. A refresh rate of 120 Hz, low input lag (below 10 ms even in Dolby Vision), and VRR support is a set that will satisfy any gaming enthusiast. And the sound? The Acoustic Surface Audio+ system makes the sound come straight from the screen, providing great, spatial experiences. Of course, there are no perfect things. Two HDMI 2.1 ports (including one for eARC) might be a bit limiting if someone wants to connect a console, soundbar, and other devices. In a bright room, the black can have a slightly cherry hue, which might bother more demanding users. Despite these minor notes, the Sony A95L is a piece of fantastic equipment. The picture, sound, and functionality are top-notch. It's a television that will satisfy both cinephiles and gamers, offering a true premium experience in the comfort of home.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

10/10

10/10

Contrast:

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

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 perfect black depth and precision in light reproduction. On the tested scenes, such as those from the movie Oblivion and Sicario 2, the television achieves ideal light separation, resulting in a highly detailed and realistic image, even in challenging contrast conditions. The Sony Bravia 8 truly stands out from other models in this category.

Sony A95L is an OLED television that truly impresses when it comes to contrast. With OLED technology, this model offers perfectly deep blacks – in dark scenes, there are no signs of colour bleeding or glow, making images look incredibly realistic. Additionally, QD-OLED technology allows for higher brightness, further emphasizing the difference between bright and dark elements. As a result, in scenes like those from the movies Oblivion and Sicario 2, A95L Sony excels at separating lights from shadows, giving the picture clarity and depth – the perfect solution for those seeking a cinematic experience at home.

HDR effect quality

6.6/10

7.7/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 99.0%, Bt.2020: 74.0%
DCI P3: 99.4%, Bt.2020: 89.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

849 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

865 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

888 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

880 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

469 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

1471 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

1498 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

1465 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

1527 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

626 nit

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

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

HDR luminance chart:

Sony A95L

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80)

Sony Bravia 8 performs reasonably well in terms of HDR brightness. A maximum brightness level of 880 nits is satisfactory and allows for well-rendered lighting effects in most scenes. In the tested segments of the films Life of Pi and Sicario 2, the TV presents itself quite well, offering vibrant and detailed images that fully capture the atmosphere of these productions.

However, a greater challenge arises in a scene from the film The Meg, where the screen is entirely very bright. In such situations, the limitations of OLED technology become apparent, as the TV loses brightness, dropping to around 450 nits. Such a drop is less satisfying, 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 74% coverage of the BT.2020 standard. This results in rich colours and precise details, significantly enhancing the quality of HDR content viewing and making for a pleasurable experience.

Sony A95L offers an incredible HDR effect, achieving an impressive brightness level of 1500 nits in scenes such as those from Life of Pi and Sicario 2. These results are truly remarkable – the bright elements in these films practically come alive on the screen, providing the viewer with immersive visual experiences. The only thing to note is minor issues with maintaining brightness in the scene from The Meg, where the entire scene is flooded with light. However, this is a natural effect associated with OLED technology. A big plus also goes to the wide coverage of the BT.2020 colour palette at 89%, which places A95L Sony among the top TVs in terms of colour reproduction. All of this is made possible by the QD-OLED panel from Samsung Displays.

Factory color reproduction

7.2/10

7.9/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode available on the Sony Bravia 8 television is IMAX Enhanced, which provides the most cinematic experience, although it is not set up perfectly. The TV tries to replicate cinema settings as faithfully as possible, however, certain shortcomings are noticeable. Starting with white balance, both for SDR materials and 4K, there is a clear dominance of blue. This makes the picture appear too cold, taking away its naturalness. Tests using Colour Checker show that colours shift towards cooler shades, which may lead to less accurate colour reproduction and makes the image less realistic.

As for brightness and contrast characteristics, gamma shows a significant drop at the end of the graph. This means that dark details may be too dim, while bright elements are too bright, causing them to lose subtlety and become less visible. As can be seen in the sky - in the comparison photo. Meanwhile, the EOTF curve is significantly above the reference value, causing the bright elements of the image to be too intense. As a result, users may perceive the image as unnatural, and bright areas may lose detail, negatively impacting the overall viewing quality.

The best factory mode for colour reproduction on the Sony A95L is IMAX Enhanced. This mode seems well-calibrated at first glance, but upon closer analysis, several areas for improvement become apparent. Firstly, the white balance for both SDR and 4K HDR content is marred by an excess of blue and red hues, leading to a subtle pink tint, particularly noticeable on neutral tones. As a result, skin tones are skewed, affecting the realism of the displayed image. This is clearly visible in the comparison photo below. Additionally, the Colour Checker test confirms the presence of these errors – the colour samples often deviate from their reference values, indicating some inaccuracies in the factory colour reproduction of the A95L Sony. The maximum deltaE error values reach up to 5.8, which is a clear indicator that colours are not always reproduced as accurately as they should be.

Regarding brightness characteristics, the gamma for HD/SDR content is generally quite good, maintaining an appropriate balance between brightness and contrast. Unfortunately, a significant jump is visible at the end of the graph, leading to a strong brightening of the image when the screen is fully flooded with white. This can make scenes with very bright backgrounds, such as snowy landscapes or intense daylight, appear too glaring and lose detail. For HDR content, the EOTF curve, which controls luminance, is slightly elevated compared to reference values. This, in turn, causes the image to be somewhat brighter than it should be, which can affect the perception of more subtle details in the darker areas of the frame.

Color reproduction after calibration

8.2/10

9.3/10

The calibration process of the Sony Bravia 8 television has brought significant improvements in image quality. The white balance has been distinctly enhanced, both for SDR content and 4K HDR, with minimal errors in the middle section of the graph. Gamma proved to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the calibration – it has been completely stripped of previous drops, which significantly affected brightness stability and better detail reproduction in dark parts of the image. The EOTF curve has also been levelled out, making bright elements of the image appear more natural, and the overall tonal dynamics are now more balanced.

However, the most attention should be paid to colour reproduction, where despite the calibration, there are still some issues. Sony has omitted the use of a CMS system in this model, which allows for very precise control over colours. Consequently, the Colour Checker test for 4K materials still shows significant errors in colour samples. Despite these difficulties, we recommend carrying out the calibration, as the effects are noticeable and significantly enhance image quality, especially in terms of brightness and contrast.

Sony A95L offers excellent tools for professional screen calibration, allowing you to maximise the potential of the IMAX Enhanced mode. We used them to achieve an image quality that satisfies even the most demanding viewers. After calibration, the white balance for both 4K HDR and SDR content looks simply fantastic – nearly perfect. The Colour Checker test confirmed that deltaE errors do not exceed a value of "2", which means that colour reproduction is extremely accurate, and any deviations are practically imperceptible to the human eye.

The calibration also brought a significant improvement in brightness – gamma is now perfectly balanced, eliminating the previous problem of excessive brightening in scenes with very bright backgrounds. Thanks to this, even the brightest moments, such as snowy landscapes or intense daytime scenes, appear natural, without the risk of blown-out highlights. The EOTF curve, responsible for controlling luminance in HDR content, has also been improved – it now reaches reference levels in both synthetic tests and practical movie watching.

As a result of the calibration, A95L Sony provides an excellent experience, whether you are watching regular TV content or your favourite films. Every detail is reproduced exactly as the creators intended – without unnecessary brightenings, with perfectly rendered colours and appropriate depth. This shows that this television, after professional tuning, can compete with the best screens on the market, offering an image that truly impresses.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

9/10

The gradation in 4K materials is simply poor and clearly disappointing. There are noticeable seams in both dark and light colours, which affects the image quality and reduces overall satisfaction when watching high-definition content. Something that has always been a strong point of Sony processors is clearly failing this time.

The fluidity of tonal transitions in A95L is truly remarkable – it’s one of the greatest advantages of QD-OLED panels. The image appears incredibly smooth, and all transitions between different shades are perfectly rendered, with no noticeable jumps or distortions. As of today, it's challenging to find a panel that handles tonal transition reproduction with such precision. Of course, if someone really looks closely, they might notice slight errors in the black areas, but they are subtle enough that hardly anyone will notice them during normal use of the Sony A95L. For most users, these minor imperfections will be completely unnoticeable, and the fluidity and detail of tonal transitions will satisfy even the most demanding enthusiasts of excellent picture quality.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.1/10

8/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
Smooth transition function
No
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The fluidity of tonal transitions in low-quality materials on the ChooseTV 8 is lacking. Unfortunately, the gentle gradation feature (which was available in previous models) is missing, which is a significant downside. The digital noise reduction function can improve tonal transitions quite well, but it also tends to remove some details, such as clouds in scenes from the film The Martian, which may not appeal to everyone. When it comes to digital processing, the Sony XR80 TV performs quite well. The model in the test scenes is displayed without noticeable errors, and the branches in the background are not overly jagged. This shows that ChooseTV 8 is capable of processing complex image details at low resolution well.

The tonal transition smoothing function in Sony A95L works really well and is worth noting. We recommend setting it to "Medium" level, as this value achieves an ideal compromise – no artifacts appear, and the image looks incredibly natural and pleasing to the eye. This ensures that transitions between different shades are smooth while maintaining scene detail, which further enhances viewing comfort.

When it comes to upscaling, you can see the full power of the XR processor here. Sony A95L handled our test material featuring a model exceptionally well – the image is remarkably clear, there are no excessive jagged edges, and the background details are perfectly preserved. The XR processor effectively improves low resolution, providing very good results that allow you to enjoy content in nearly high quality, even if its source is not perfect.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
120Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Yes, 120Hz
Brightness drop with BFI
48%
50%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

Sony Bravia 8 offers a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, which lays the groundwork for smooth viewing of dynamic content such as sports and games. As a result, 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 adjusting the level of blur and smoothing of the image. The third option, concerning clarity, will be described in more detail below. Each of the parameters can be tailored to personal preferences, allowing users to find the optimal setting suited to their individual needs.

Sony A95L is a television that should satisfy both gamers and movie enthusiasts. When it comes to watching films, this model is equipped with Motionflow technology, which allows you to precisely adjust whether you want the image to be more "framey," like in traditional cinema, or exceptionally smooth, like in cinema TVs. The "Smoothness" slider allows you to control the level of fluidity – from subtle changes to more noticeable effects, while the "Clarity" slider reduces flicker and artifacts, helping to achieve more natural and clear movement. When it comes to gaming and watching sports, the A95L Sony offers a refresh rate of 120 Hz, making every dynamic action look incredibly smooth. Gamers will appreciate the lack of blur, and sports fans will see every movement in full clarity. Overall, the television performs excellently – both with fast-paced gameplay and emotionally charged film sequences.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8.1/10

9.4/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 120Hz
    48 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    No
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

Sony Bravia 8 has significantly improved its compatibility with consoles compared to earlier models. The TV supports variable refresh rate (VRR), which eliminates screen tearing, and is compatible with graphics cards, ensuring smooth visuals. The auto 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 fantastic during gameplay.

The Sony XR80 TV also features a Game Bar, which allows 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 advantage in shooter games.

A downside is the lack of support for 1440p@120hz resolution, which could make gaming easier 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 ports for connecting next-gen consoles.

Sony A95L is a television that will truly satisfy gamers, thanks to several key features that set it apart from the competition. To begin with, the 120 Hz refresh rate – this is something that anyone who loves fast-paced action games, racing, or dynamic shooters will appreciate. This makes the image exceptionally smooth, and gameplay more satisfying, without annoying stutters. The A95L Sony also has an ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) feature, which automatically activates low-latency mode when we start up a console. What does this mean? Primarily, faster reactions on screen, which in games where every second counts, is simply invaluable. Added to that is VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which ensures that the image refresh rate adapts to the number of frames generated by the console. The effect? No tearing of the image, and everything looks smooth and cohesive – even with varying FPS.

It's worth mentioning the support for Dolby Vision with low input lag in games – something we don't often see in televisions, but here it is included. As a result, the image in HDR-compatible games is incredibly vibrant, with vivid colors and excellent contrast. Both the brightest and darkest details are visible, making everything look just as the game developers intended. And there's also the "Game Bar" – a small but very practical convenience. It gives us all the essential gaming-related settings at our fingertips, such as VRR and lag information. There's no need to interrupt gameplay to adjust settings – everything is at hand.

However, it's important to note that the A95L offers only two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is allocated for eARC. This could be somewhat limiting if we plan to connect multiple devices – for example, a next-gen console and a soundbar simultaneously. In such cases, eARC occupying one of those ports may be a bit problematic, blocking the option to connect a second console.

Input lag

10/10

9.8/10

SDR

1080p60
13 ms
17 ms
1080p120
5 ms
8 ms
2160p60
13 ms
17 ms
2160p120
5 ms
9 ms

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
17 ms
2160p120
5 ms
8 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
14 ms
18 ms
2160p120 DV
5 ms
8 ms

Low input lag in Sony Bravia 8 is definitely an advantage – results at 13 ms are outstanding and provide excellent responsiveness. The Dolby Vision mode is also noteworthy, as it performs brilliantly in this model. In many cases with other manufacturers, this mode looks much worse, but here you can enjoy its full potential, especially in games.

When it comes to input lag, Sony A95L really delivers. Even in Dolby Vision mode, the latency is surprisingly low – results below 10 ms with 120 Hz content are quite impressive. Thanks to such low input lag, gaming is incredibly responsive, and every action in the game is instantly reflected on the screen. For those playing at 60 frames per second, an input lag of 17 ms is also very good. This is a value that practically has no impact on the gaming experience – it falls within the so-called "placebo effect." Sony deserves praise for updating the Dolby Vision Game mode, which solved the issue of high input lag that was present at the TV's launch in 2023.

Compatibility with PC

7.6/10

5/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Average
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
5ms
9ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RWBG
RGB
Max refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

The cooperation of Sony Bravia 8 with computers is very good, just like with most TVs featuring a WOLED panel. The readability of fonts is at a high level, making work with documents or browsing websites comfortable. The low input lag of 5 ms is impressive and provides excellent responsiveness during gameplay. The only downside is that fonts displayed on a dark background are slightly muted.

Sony A95L TV offers compatibility with computers at 4K resolution at both 60 Hz and 120 Hz. In 4K mode at 60 Hz, the readability of fonts is at a good level, making it comfortable to use the TV as a monitor for office work or browsing content.

Unfortunately, when switching to 4K with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, the quality of the displayed text deteriorates – the resolution is reduced by 2 times, negatively affecting the clarity of the fonts. In 4K, fonts lose sharpness, which can make prolonged use of the TV as a computer monitor at higher refresh rates difficult. Of course, the problem disappears if we switch back to 60Hz, but this can be quite inconvenient when the TV forces us to "juggle" the settings.

Viewing angles

7.3/10

9.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
28%
12%

The viewing angles on the Sony Bravia 8 are very good, as one would expect from a TV with an OLED panel. This means that 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.

The viewing angles on the Sony A95L are among the best on the market, thanks to the QD-OLED panel. With this technology, colours remain vibrant and contrast hardly changes, regardless of the viewing angle. This is a result that even standard OLED panels fail to achieve, making the A95L perfect for rooms where viewers change position or there is a larger group of spectators.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.6/10

5.4/10

Matrix coating
Glare
Glare
Reflection suppression
Good
Very Good
Black levels during daytime
Very Good
Poor

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony A95L: 387 cd/m2

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80): 335 cd/m2

The glossy screen on the Sony Bravia 8 does a great job of reducing reflections, which take on a slight navy hue. Unfortunately, the brightness level of 330 nits isn't particularly impressive, making this TV better suited for evening viewing. During the day, to ensure optimal picture quality, it's a good idea to help out by closing the curtains, which will limit the impact of external light.

Sony A95L performs quite well in daytime conditions. The QD-OLED panel effectively suppresses reflections and glare, making viewing comfortable even in bright sunlight. An average brightness of 380 cd/m² is a really good result, especially for an OLED TV – it holds up, although it still can't compete with Mini LEDs, which are unmatched in this regard. One of the issues that may bother some viewers is the characteristic QD-OLED effect, where blacks lose their depth and take on a slightly cherry hue in strong light.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Software version during testing
112.624.140.1EUA
112.607.020.1EUA
Image processor
mt5897 6gb ram
mt5897 6GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80)

Sony A95L

TV features

9.5/10

9.5/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Google TV
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Recording programming
    Yes
    Yes
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    Yes
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Sony Bravia 8 runs on the Google TV system, which provides a very intuitive and quick experience when using the television, as well as nearly endless app options. Google Assistant operates in Polish, allowing for even better integration with the device. The interface is well-designed, and access to apps and features is simple and convenient. It's also worth mentioning the remote – 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 in the dark.

The device offers a wide range of capabilities that will satisfy most users. The Sony XR80 television allows for programme recording, as well as easy connection to external peripheral devices via Bluetooth. Unfortunately, it lacks the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature, which would allow for simultaneous viewing of two image sources, something that 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 customised for both width and height. This allows for easy placement of a soundbar beneath the screen. Although the Sony Bravia 8 is not the thinnest OLED television on the market, it presents itself quite well thanks to its careful finish and quality materials.

Sony A95L runs on the Google TV operating system, which provides easy access to a wide range of apps, streaming services, and various personalisation features. The interface is clear and user-friendly, and the wealth of available apps means that everyone will find something for themselves – from popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ or HBO Max, to various music and sports apps. Google TV also supports voice assistant functionality, allowing for easy content search, control of TV settings, and even management of other smart devices in the home – all through simple voice commands.

Sony A95L also offers a range of user-friendly features that make it even more versatile. The TV has the ability to record programs directly to USB memory, a convenient solution if you can't watch something live. It also supports AirPlay, making it easy to stream content from Apple devices, and additionally, you can connect various peripherals via Bluetooth, such as headphones or game controllers. The package includes two remotes – one traditional and one modern, backlit remote, which is particularly useful for evening viewing when the room is dark. It is worth mentioning the lack of PIP functionality, which allows watching multiple TV signals simultaneously.

In terms of appearance, A95L Sony may not be the thinnest OLED TV on the market, but it has its strengths. The package includes a practical stand that can be adjusted in various ways, allowing you to tailor the TV to your needs and space arrangement. Additionally, the manufacturer has included the Bravia Cam, which opens up further possibilities – from video calls to smart features such as optimising image and sound based on the viewer’s position. While it may not be the sleekest, its solid construction and useful accessories make the A95L look really good in any living room.

Playing files from USB

8.7/10

8.7/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
Yes
Yes
PNG
No
No
GIF
No
No
WebP
No
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
No
No
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

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 easy access to a wide range of content. While there are some shortcomings in photo playback, the Google TV system allows for the installation of other players that will likely solve this issue.

Sony A95L does quite well when it comes to playing files from USB. The built-in media player will satisfy most users – it’s easy to use and supports popular formats, making it simple to play movies, photos, or music directly from a connected USB drive. The only thing missing is the ability to change the font colour in subtitles, which can be problematic in some situations. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows the installation of other media players that offer more advanced personalisation options, so you can easily customise everything to your needs.

Apps

10/10

10/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi

Sound

7.5/10

7.9/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    7.5/10
    7.9/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    Yes
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    Yes

Bravia 8 is equipped with a sound system with a power of 50W 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, making it a perfect complement to the picture. When it comes to audio format support, Sony Bravia 8 has plenty to boast about – in our tests, it played all popular codecs without any issues, providing a full and rich audio experience.

Sony A95L offers sound that definitely stands out from most televisions. For built-in speakers, the sound is truly impressive – full, with well-balanced bass and mid-tones. Dialogues are clear, and sound effects are well distributed, making the television great for both watching movies and gaming. The Acoustic Surface Audio+ system, which converts screen vibrations into sound, creates a more spatial impression, adding extra depth to the content being viewed.