Michał Wołoszyn
If you were hoping that Sony would overwhelm us with new OLEDs and powerful successors to the MiniLED series in 2026, I have a bucket of cold water for you. The Japanese manufacturer has apparently decided that what they showcased in previous years is good enough not to require an update. As a result, flagship models such as the Bravia 9, 7, or OLEDs from the 8 series will not see successors this year. However, Sony has chosen to target a completely different group of customers – those with a slightly "lighter wallet". Instead of competing in the flagship arena, we have an offensive in the budget segment. The only newcomers in this year's TV lineup are two models: the Bravia 2 II and the Bravia 3 II.
Sony Bravia 3 II: A Budget Model with Flagship Aspirations?
The most significant change that stands out on paper is the refresh rate of the panel. The new Bravia 3 II will be equipped with a 120 Hz panel, rather than the 60 Hz as seen in the model from two years ago. This is great news for gamers who were looking for a Sony product but didn't necessarily want to spend a fortune on high-end Mini-LED models. Unfortunately, the Bravia 3 II model does not feature Mini-LED technology or any form of local dimming.
Four HDMI 2.1 ports – finally!
Another good piece of news directed specifically at console owners is the inclusion of as many as four HDMI 2.1 ports in the Bravia 3 II. It seems that MediaTek has finally released processors that allow manufacturers to support the full standard on all ports, which has been a pain point even for more expensive models. Is the Pentonic 800 model, known from last year's Chinese flagships, used here? We don't know that yet, but it is certain that the heart of the television will be a new, improved chip from MediaTek that finally resolves the issue of limited ports.
XR Processor in a Budget Bravia
In terms of image processing, something almost unprecedented for Sony is happening. The Bravia 3 II will receive a proprietary XR processor. This is a huge leap, as its predecessor used a much simpler X1 chip. We can therefore expect that this relatively affordable Sony model will feature image processing akin to the most expensive series, such as the Bravia 5, 7, 8, or even 9. We have high hopes that this will indeed be the case, although we must hold off on final conclusions until our first full tests in the lab.
Bravia 3 II in 100 inches!
Sony, which has so far approached gigantic screen sizes quite cautiously, is now going all in. The new Bravia 3 II will be available in a size of as much as 100 inches! This is a clear signal that the Japanese have had enough of watching from the sidelines as Chinese manufacturers brazenly grab a massive slice of the pie in the “SUPER BIG TV” segment. Until now, if you were looking for a 100-inch screen and didn’t want to spend a fortune on it, your gaze would automatically drift towards Chinese brands. It looks like Sony wants to change that.
Appearance and functional base
When it comes to the design itself, Sony hasn’t changed anything compared to its predecessor. We still have sleek, black bezels around the screen that look aesthetic and modern.
It is very pleasing that the manufacturer has considered the issue of ergonomics. Bravia 3 II offers the possibility of adjustment in as many as four different settings:
Narrow: for people with smaller TV cabinets.
Wide: for maximum stability.
High or low: the legs can be mounted higher to easily fit a soundbar underneath the screen or lower to give a more modern look.
Sony Bravia 2 II: a debut that... we have already seen?
For those of you who regularly check what is happening in the TV market, this model may sound familiar. The Sony Bravia 2 II debuted in the United States back in 2025, and now it is arriving in European stores as an option for those looking for the Sony logo at the lowest possible price. To be honest, looking at the specifications, it is hard for us to spot any spectacular differences compared to the basic Bravia 3 model from last year.
X1 under the hood and tested Google TV
Unlike the higher model Bravia 3 II, here we will not find the XR processor. Sony has opted for the older X1 known from the classic Bravia 3 model. The whole thing is of course based on the Google TV system, which will give you access to all the most important streaming applications.
Surround sound and wide size range
Although this is a budget model, the Bravia 2 II will easily handle Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, which will allow you to enjoy surround sound when connected to even a simple audio set. As for the size options, this model will be available in variants ranging from 43 to 75 inches.
Sony 2026: Where Have the Flagships Gone?
To summarise what we have seen regarding Japanese screens, we must admit openly: Sony is entering 2026 in a remarkably cautious manner, especially when we compare their offerings with what the competition is showcasing. While other manufacturers are flexing their muscles and bombarding us with technologies like Micro RGB or second-generation Tandem OLED panels, Sony seems to be taking a deep breath and focusing on refining what we already know rather than pursuing revolution at all costs.
When is the new MiniLED RGB "Bravia 10"?
It’s a pity that this “breath” signifies a lack of specifics on topics that many of us were counting on. In the corridors and on forums, there has been a buzz for months about the new Mini RGB (Micro RGB) technology, which has even acquired the working name Bravia 10. Fans of the brand hoped that this working-named model would debut in 2026. However, at this moment, this project remains in the realm of internet legends. It’s a shame, as the presentation of this technology in Sony's rendition took place a year ago.
The biggest disappointment, however, is the fact that series such as Bravia 9 and Bravia 7 have not received their successors with “II” in the name this year. Despite numerous rumours and leaks suggesting a refresh of these models, Sony has apparently decided that their current form is solid enough to compete with the latest offerings from other brands for another season. It’s a bold move, as the market does not tolerate a vacuum. Customers looking for the “latest and greatest” may simply bypass Sony’s offerings due to the age of the devices, even if their televisions are polished enough to perform well in rankings.
It seems that all rumours of spectacular premieres were cut short by the decision to establish a new company between Sony and TCL, which will be responsible for creating televisions in the Bravia series starting in 2027.
However, if you feel a slight disappointment after the news about the televisions, I have something to sweeten the deal. Sony has apparently redirected all its production capacities to another department. The Japanese have announced as many as five new products in the audio category, which you can read about in the article below.
