Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) vs Sony Bravia 9 (XR90)

Direct compare

BRAVIA 7 / XR70

BRAVIA 9 / XR90

Info

Available screen sizes: 65”75”85”

Available screen sizes: 75”85”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Panel type: LCD VA (wide viewing angle)

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

8.1

8.9

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.6

    8.4

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    7.6

    8.4

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    7.6

    8.5

  • Gaming on console

    8.4

    9.2

  • TV as a computer monitor

    7.6

    7.6

  • Watching in bright light

    8.4

    9.5

  • Utility functions

    9.5

    9.5

  • Apps

    10.0

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    7.8

    9.4

Advantages

  • High brightness

  • Good contrast

  • Excellent Dolby Vision support

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

  • Very good built-in speakers

  • Great digital processing

  • Good for gamers - HDMI 2.1, many features, low input lag

  • Amazing HDR material brightness results

  • Very good colour reproduction after calibration

  • Advanced motion smoothing system

  • Noticeable positive effect of the image processor

  • Faithfulness to the source material

  • Versatile GoogleTV operating system

  • Good (for a VA panel) viewing angles

Disadvantages

No like
  • No expansion coating for wide viewing angles at this price

  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports - including one ARC

  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports - including one ARC

  • No picture-in-picture (PiP) feature

Our verdict

Testing the Sony Bravia 7 quickly revealed that this television is capable of quite a lot. Although it is the "lowest" model from the Japanese manufacturer in the new 2024 range, it certainly does not feel like a compromise. The picture impressed us with its depth of black and the detail in bright scenes – thanks to the Mini LED technology, which makes a difference. When playing films in Dolby Vision, it was immediately noticeable how much HDR adds life to every scene. The intense colours and excellent dynamics made watching evening screenings a true pleasure for us. Daily use of this television also pleasantly surprised us. The Google TV system worked flawlessly, and the choice of apps was extensive enough that we had no trouble finding everything we wanted to watch. The backlit remote is a small but practical addition – in the evenings, we greatly appreciated not having to fumble around for buttons. Older content that we watched gained quality thanks to the advanced image processing. When we checked the television for gaming, it also left a good impression on us. The 120 Hz refresh rate provided a smooth image, and the low input lag allowed us to enjoy fast and dynamic gameplay. We particularly liked the Game Bar feature – easy access to settings during gameplay is something every gaming enthusiast will appreciate. The television handled even more demanding titles excellently. However, not everything was perfect. Only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is intended for eARC, may be an issue if someone plans to connect several devices simultaneously. Additionally, when we watched the television from an angle, we noticed that the picture quality was not as good as when viewed straight on – the lack of a layer to improve viewing angles was noticeable here. Nevertheless, the Bravia 7 is a television that pleasantly surprised us. It combines excellent picture quality with functionality that works well for both everyday use and during evening screenings or dynamic gameplay. The minor limitations are noticeable, but they do not overshadow the whole, which definitely deserves the attention of a buyer.

Sony BRAVIA 9 is undoubtedly a product from the very highest tier, and there is no “but” about it, as this is a fact, not a thesis. In every possible instance, you can see how much work the manufacturer has put into refining the dimming algorithms, which undoubtedly fulfill their role to every possible extent. Thanks to this, we can enjoy an extremely deep black and an incredibly vivid image. And since we are on the subject of the picture and backlighting, it is impossible not to mention the quality of HDR effects, which will illuminate the room, enveloping us with over 2000 nits of peak brightness. Such a result certainly looks impressive on paper, but you must trust us that it is even better in person. The manufacturer, known for his meticulous approach to image quality, has once again made an effort to ensure that his television conveys as closely as possible what the film director wanted to express, which he has effectively achieved. Sony Bravia 9 also offers an excellent experience for the user thanks to the Google TV system. The interface is intuitive, and with a rich library of applications, we have access to countless content that we can tailor to our own preferences. Integration with the Google voice assistant allows for quick and convenient searches for your favourite films, series, or music, as well as control of other smart devices in the home. It is these kinds of solutions that make using the television not only a pleasure but also simplifies everyday life. Unfortunately, not everything is perfect. Sony Bravia 9 still has room for improvement, especially concerning the HDMI port equipment. Sony BRAVIA 9 has only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is eARC, designed for a soundbar or home cinema system. Given the high price of the equipment, one might expect four full HDMI 2.1 ports, and the lack of picture-in-picture (PiP) functionality is also a downside that can be annoying. Despite these shortcomings, it is hard not to notice how exceptional this equipment is. It is the first LCD television that can truly compete with OLEDs. Infinite contrast, fantastic picture quality, no compromises — Sony BRAVIA 9 is nearly perfect. Great picture, modern technologies, attention to detail make every screening an experience you won’t forget.

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
First remote control Second pilot

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

7.7/10

8.6/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 512 (32 x 16)

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 1920 (60 x 32)

Contrast:

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Contrast and black detail

Result

190,000:1

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Contrast and black detail

Result

14,700:1

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Contrast and black detail

Result

45,000:1

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Contrast and black detail

Result

4,400:1

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Contrast and black detail

Result

4,800:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

184,000:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

98,500:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

120,000:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

9,050:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

5,800:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The Sony BRAVIA 7 television with a VA panel and MiniLED backlighting technology offers excellent black quality. The tested 65-inch variant is equipped with 512 dimming zones, which allows for very good contrast, particularly in demanding movie scenes. Naturally, larger sizes of the television have more zones, positively impacting contrast and image depth. During testing, in scenes from the film "Oblivion," the BRAVIA 7 performed excellently in capturing dark and light areas, providing decent separation of lights (the light effect did not blur into a large spot) from deep black. However, as is often the case with televisions featuring local dimming, certain difficulties arise with small, bright light elements. In more demanding segments (e.g., scenes 4 and 5), it is noticeable that the television "struggles" to maintain high brightness of these elements, affecting the contrast – bright objects are either too dark (resulting in poor contrast) or a slight halo effect appears around them. In a scene from the film Sicario 2, the action of the zones can be seen, causing the aforementioned effect, but it is slight. Despite these minor imperfections, the overall impression is positive – the local dimming algorithm works really well, ensuring that the image maintains high contrast, and the quality of black and details is satisfying.

Similarly, the Sony Bravia 9 utilises a high-contrast VA panel, supported by backlighting composed of Mini LED diodes. The total number of zones for the 75" size, which we tested, was 1920. The combination of such a number with advanced, and confidently one could say — the best zone dimming algorithms yields excellent results in contrast and black levels. Practically each of the scenes can showcase an incredibly deep and immersive image. Of course, the last two will not provide us with blacks akin to those of OLED televisions, although it cannot be said that the results are poor, as a significant portion of competing televisions will not deliver such a faithfully reproduced directorial vision. Looking below at two test scenes from Sony Bravia 9 from the film Oblivion and Sicario 2, we can observe the very mature behaviour of the backlighting algorithms, which do not allow for preserving black at the expense of the original image. Of course, the blooming effect still occurs here due to the operation of the television's zones (it can be observed on the small lights on the helicopter), but it is definitely one of the best LCD televisions we have tested in terms of black levels and contrast.

HDR effect quality

6.8/10

8.5/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 96.0%, Bt.2020: 79.0%
DCI P3: 96.0%, Bt.2020: 77.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Brightness measurement

Result

1322 nit

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Brightness measurement

Result

624 nit

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Brightness measurement

Result

1133 nit

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Brightness measurement

Result

457 nit

Review Sony Bravia 7 (XR70) Brightness measurement

Result

989 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

2199 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1700 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1717 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1751 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1741 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 Bravia 9 (XR90)

Sony Bravia 7 (XR70)

Since we know that the television handles contrast well, let's check how it performs in terms of HDR effects. The luminance graph shows the very high capabilities of this model – 1500 nits is a truly impressive result. The HDR effects are particularly striking in scenes where most of the screen is covered in light, such as in scenes 1, 3, and 5 of the test. Minor shortcomings, typical of this technology, are still visible with very small light effects, as in the scene from the film "Sicario 2," where brightness drops to 500 nits. Although these are not stunning results, they can be considered decent. Additionally, it is worth praising the television for its high coverage of a wide colour gamut – DCI-P3 at 96%, which allows for vibrant, saturated colours.

The results of brightness measurements on the Sony Bravia 9 are phenomenal. Each scene reaches well over 1500 nits, and when watching films, the television can sometimes shine even brighter. It goes without saying that such brightness allows for unprecedented experiences and engagement with video material at the highest possible quality. Thanks to the high coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette, the image is full of colours and, combined with such high luminance, it practically breathes. With high peak brightness, viewers can enjoy the full range of colours even in the most challenging scenes, such as those based on dynamic lighting changes. The Bravia 9 offers support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 formats, which further enhances the viewing experience.

Factory color reproduction

6.7/10

8.1/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The IMAX Enhanced mode on the Sony BRAVIA 7 television is undoubtedly the best mode available on this model, although it is not without its flaws, as its name might suggest. The biggest issue is the white balance – both in HD and 4K HDR content, there is a clear dominance of red, which causes the image to take on pink hues. This is particularly noticeable on the tested snow pattern, where the pinkish tint becomes very apparent. Errors in the Colour Checker test also confirm these deviations – although they are not catastrophic, there is a tendency to drift towards warmer colours. As for brightness performance, the gamma remains at a decent level with a slight peak but without major issues. However, the biggest challenge comes from 4K materials. It is clear that the EOTF curve is significantly above the reference graph, which causes the image to become overly brightened.

The best factory mode in Sony televisions has consistently remained "IMAX Enhanced" for years. It was this mode that we used throughout the entire testing procedure. Although it is indeed the most similar to the standard compared to other predefined options, it has a number of aspects that can be improved to make viewing even more enjoyable. When we look at the gamma in SDR materials, we notice quite a significant boost that will be associated with image contrast. It is worth noting that the very beginning of the graph has an even greater rise compared to the reference, leading to a blending of details in the blacks, creating a uniform blot. The EOTF curve in HDR content looked quite correct and exhibited only minor deviations from the reference. However, a common feature for both was: a green colour dominance in white balance, issues with greys and overall colour misalignment. The aspect that stood out the most was related to the uneven distribution of hues in white balance. Due to the excess of the aforementioned colour, the image was covered with an unpleasant greenish tint.

Color reproduction after calibration

9.1/10

9.3/10

Sony BRAVIA XR70 offers a wide range of tools that allow for adjusting the picture to individual preferences, enabling us to make significant adjustments to the settings. The white balance has been free from the problem of red colour dominance – snow no longer takes on pink shades, which was previously noticeable. Although one can detect slight deviations in the final part of the white balance graph, concerning a drop in blue colour, they are acceptable and difficult to notice in everyday use. The Colour Checker test confirms that errors in colour reproduction are no longer as pronounced and rarely exceed a value of 2, which is a very good result. As for brightness, gamma, while not requiring much improvement, was slightly adjusted. The most significant change was noted in the EOTF curve – the television no longer has issues with excessively brightening the entire image in 4K material. However, upon closer analysis and the inclusion of EOTF characteristics in film material, some limitations of the television become apparent due to the previously discussed dimming algorithm. Some small elements may be slightly more brightened, but these errors are so minor that most users will not notice them. Overall, the calibration results are very, very positive.

The colour reproduction after the calibration process should be regarded as excellent. Regardless of the signal, whether SDR or HDR, we can expect an image that is remarkably close to what the film director saw. Virtually every flaw in the image has been modelled and maximally corrected. This was made possible thanks to the advanced tools used for the calibration process, which Sony has been providing in its televisions for years, including 2- and 20-point grey scale adjustment as well as a very comprehensive CMS.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9/10

7.1/10

The Sony XR70 television handles gradation excellently. In the test sequence, only a few scenes exhibit slight issues with tonal transitions in dark areas; however, most of these problems disappear when the gentle gradation option is switched on. Generally speaking, the television offers great gradation that will satisfy even the most demanding users.

The default quality of gentle gradation, i.e. with the enhancement function turned off, is quite mediocre, considering the price range and class of the device. The problem is not noticeable on very bright backgrounds but is quite pronounced on dark ones. This is perfectly illustrated by the last two test scenes, where tonal transitions are noticeable and may discomfort purists of image quality.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8.5/10

8.5/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
Smooth transition function
OK
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Since we know that the television performs very well with high-quality materials, it is worth checking how it fares with lower-quality content. Here, the television shows its potential, and the applied graphics processor works really brilliantly. On the test screen with the light bulb, there are no issues with colour transitions, and the smooth gradation feature works very well – we recommend setting it to "Medium".

As for digital processing, or so-called upscaling, the television sharpens the image quite noticeably, which leads to slight aliasing, for example, on the branches in the background, but it does not remove desirable details. Nevertheless, the overall appearance is really appealing and may be to the taste of most users. However, if we prefer a softer, more plastic image, this effect can be reduced in the settings by adjusting the sharpening level according to personal preferences.

Let’s take another look at the quality of tonal transitions, but this time we will analyse the quality of image scaling, which will be significantly important when watching lower quality materials. For starters, we will take a look at the function responsible for the quality of tonal transitions. And while by default they are quite average, after activating the option, even at the lowest level, we can confidently say that these are among the best we have seen. You can confidently enable this feature, as it does not cause any negative phenomenon, such as film grain blurring.

Sony has been boasting for several years now that its "XR" processor is unmatched when it comes to image scaling. And we find it quite easy to believe, because in fact the image is extremely sharp, yet very natural.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.3/10

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, 120Hz (double contours)
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 120Hz
Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
Brightness drop with BFI
1%
1%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

The Sony BRAVIA 7 television with a 120 Hz display will satisfy most users in terms of motion smoothness. Additionally, Sony offers the Motion Flow feature, which allows for the selection of three different picture settings, tailoring them to individual preferences: Smoothness – Film: This setting enhances motion smoothness, giving the image a more cinematic or theatrical quality. Smoothness – Camera: This setting provides even greater smoothness, useful when watching dynamic scenes such as sports broadcasts. Clarity: This setting focuses on minimising noise and motion artifacts, resulting in a more stable and clear image.

The maximum refresh rate of the Sony Bravia 9 is 120 Hz. This is the essential minimum for watching primarily sports or materials with significant motion dynamics while maintaining a sharp and smooth image. For demanding users, the manufacturer has implemented a very comprehensive smoothing system, which has been divided into three segments: Smoothness (Film), Smoothness (Camera), and Clarity. The first two correspond to the degree of blurring and the degree of smoothing, respectively. The third option will be described in more detail below. Moreover, we can adjust all settings to various degrees, each of which will produce an effect, ensuring that we can find our own golden mean. In the picture, we present a setting with slight smoothing, without the soap opera effect.

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 7 has significantly improved its capabilities for working with consoles compared to earlier models. The television supports variable refresh rate (VRR), which eliminates the tearing effect, and is compatible with graphics cards, ensuring smooth display. The auto low latency mode (ALLM) effectively reduces input lag, which is crucial in dynamic games. Dolby Vision with low latency additionally provides impressive HDR effects that look great during gameplay.

Sony Bravia 7 also offers a Game Bar feature, which allows quick access to settings and monitoring parameters while gaming. An interesting option is the ability to enable a virtual on-screen crosshair, which can provide a slight advantage in shooter games. Nevertheless, compared to the Bravia 9 model, the HGIG feature in the Bravia 7 does not perform as well, which may be noticeable for more demanding gamers – especially as the HGIG mode is becoming increasingly popular among players as the preferred method for reproducing HDR effects.

A drawback is the lack of support for 1440p@120 Hz resolution, which could make gaming easier for users with less powerful graphics cards. Furthermore, the Sony Bravia 7 is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is often used to connect an audio system via eARC, limiting the available connections for new generation consoles.

The Sony Bravia 9 television is equipped with four HDMI ports. However, somewhat inexplicably for a device of this class, only two of them operate in the 2.1 standard. That said, it should not be overlooked that almost all functions perform excellently and do not cause any negative feelings when being activated. Games running either in HDR10 or Dolby Vision have very low input lag, allowing for a very comfortable session with the title. A consolation remains in the form of a good implementation of the HGIG mode, which, after proper adjustment, does not differ significantly from Dolby Vision.

A year ago, Sony added to its televisions what has long been a standard for some manufacturers. This refers, of course, to the GameBar, enabling quick adjustment of settings without the need to exit the game. The implementation of this feature was successful and works very efficiently. We have been provided with conveniences such as: a crosshair grid, black level correction, and the option to reduce the screen to the proportions of gaming monitors.

The Sony Bravia 9 will undoubtedly find its fan base, most likely among PlayStation enthusiasts. Here, we must admit that it will be the most sensible choice, as in practice both the console and the television possess exactly the same capabilities. Looking at the bigger picture, while overlooking the issues with Dolby Vision in games, one cannot detract from the fact that the Bravia 9 is a very good television in the context of gaming.

Input lag

9.7/10

9.7/10

SDR

1080p60
20 ms
20 ms
1080p120
10 ms
10 ms
2160p60
20 ms
19 ms
2160p120
10 ms
10 ms

HDR

2160p60
20 ms
19 ms
2160p120
10 ms
10 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
20 ms
20 ms
2160p120 DV
11 ms
10 ms

Sony BRAVIA 7 delivers exceptional results in terms of input lag, particularly with 120 Hz content, where the delay is around 11 ms – this is an excellent result that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers. The Dolby Vision mode also deserves recognition, as it is usually associated with higher input lag, but here it works really well, providing a comfortable gaming experience. However, we deducted 0.3 points for the results above 20 ms for 60 Hz content, although we believe that for most users, this difference is more of a placebo effect.

Latency time Bravia 9 is at a low level in every scenario. Even the most passionate gamers will surely appreciate the very low input lag at demanding 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR, which is 10 ms.

Compatibility with PC

7.6/10

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
11ms
9ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

The Sony BRAVIA 7 TV performs well when working with a computer, providing clear and readable fonts. An input lag of 11 ms is also an excellent result that will satisfy users using the TV for gaming and work. However, it should be noted that in the case of grey letters, a slight fading of some pixels can be observed, which somewhat deteriorates the readability of darker fonts, for which we deducted a few points.

Sony Bravia 9 works excellently with a PC, thanks to its very low delay of just 9 ms, which is an immediate response between the mouse, the eye, and the screen. An extremely important aspect when working on a screen is primarily the readability of the text, which in the case of the tested television is very good. However, it is important to remember to switch the television to "Game" mode, as this mode provides the best text readability, whereas in other scenarios the font may turn out to be unreadable.

The subpixel layout is BGR, which does not negatively impact the use of the television as a monitor. However, since operating systems are not adapted to such a subpixel format, it can result in slightly less sharp contours. This is, however, practically negligible, and only a handful of people may notice it.

Viewing angles

3.4/10

7.4/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
61%
54%

The Sony BRAVIA 7 television has poor viewing angles, which is characteristic of VA matrices. The picture quickly loses quality when viewed from a greater angle – colours become washed out and contrast decreases. Considering the price of the device, it is a pity that a coating was not applied to extend the viewing angles, which would certainly improve the watching comfort from different spots in the room.

Thanks to the application of an angle coating, the colour degradation and contrast drop at an angle are not as drastic as in the vast majority of VA matrix televisions. Only after a significant shift off the axis does one see greater image destabilisation; however, the overall assessment can be very positive.

TV efficiency during daytime

8.4/10

9.5/10

Matrix coating
Satin
Glare
Reflection suppression
Good
Average
Black levels during daytime
Good
Very Good

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony Bravia 9 (XR90): 1609 cd/m2

Sony Bravia 7 (XR70): 1014 cd/m2

BRAVIA 7 performs excellently when watching in bright environments. The satin coating effectively reduces reflections while simultaneously minimising the blurring of elements to the sides, resulting in very good visibility during the day. A brightness level of 1000 cd/m² in SDR mode is astonishing and ensures that the image remains sharp even in heavily lit rooms.

The Sony Bravia 9 excels in bright environments, with a peak brightness of 1600 nits. This allows for a comfortable viewing experience even when the TV is exposed to harsh angled light. Reflections are minimal and do not significantly affect the viewing quality, making it highly suitable for watching during the day. As a result, the Bravia 9 earns an almost perfect score for its performance in well-lit conditions.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
112.624.060.1eua
112.624.140.1EUA
Image processor
Mt5897 6gb ram
mt5897 6gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Sony Bravia 7 (XR70)

Sony Bravia 9 (XR90)

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 7 runs on the Google TV system, which offers an intuitive and quick interface, allowing easy access to a multitude of applications. Google Assistant supports the Polish language, making the use of the television even more convenient and personalised. The interface is clear, and access to features and applications is quick and trouble-free. It is worth mentioning the remote control, which is charged via a USB-C port. Additionally, the remote is backlit, which significantly facilitates its use at night.

Sony Bravia 7 offers wide-ranging capabilities that will satisfy most users. The ability to record programmes and easily connect devices via Bluetooth are significant pluses. Unfortunately, it lacks the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature, which could prove useful for watching two sources of video simultaneously.

XR70 stands out with its practical and elegant design. The television is equipped with a 4-position stand, allowing it to be adapted to various spaces and settings – this is particularly useful when we seek flexibility in interior arrangement. Additionally, the slim aluminium frame gives the device a modern and stylish appearance. Although it is not as slim as some competitive Korean models, it still looks very attractive and solid.

Bravia 9 operates on the Google TV system, which is a significant advantage compared to televisions equipped with proprietary systems from manufacturers, where installing applications from a USB drive can be cumbersome, and often virtually impossible. Thanks to Google TV, we have the capability to install virtually any application, both from the official store and directly from online repositories via an APK file.

This system also offers many conveniences in terms of control. We can connect a keyboard with a touchpad, which significantly eases the process of entering queries. Additionally, due to the integration with Google, we can utilise voice control features via the remote, which work very well, although there are occasional minor issues with translating functions and options. It's worth noting that Google TV regularly receives updates that enhance functionality and introduce new options. We can also confirm that, according to reports from users of older models, the software has its off days and sometimes experiences its "bad day".

In summary: Google TV is currently one of the most popular systems on the market. With a powerful CPU, it operates very smoothly, does not freeze, and does not have issues with stuttering for a significant portion of its usage. It is definitely the best option for those who want to fully utilise the capabilities of their television and value the openness of the system.

Playing files from USB

8.6/10

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

The built-in player handles most popular video and audio formats, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of content without any issues. Although there are slight shortcomings when playing photos, thanks to the Google TV system, you can easily install other applications that effectively solve this problem and expand the multimedia capabilities of the television.

The built-in player on the Sony Bravia 9 is of a good standard. Although it is not without its faults, it has to be acknowledged that it plays a significant number of files seamlessly. However, among the missing features, the lack of support for subtitle formats like .sub, .txt, or selectively functioning image formats, of which only JPEG and HEIC are available, may be felt. This is not, of course, an issue given the ease of installing applications like VLC or KODI.

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

7.8/10

9.4/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    7.8/10
    9.4/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    Yes

Although the Sony Bravia 7 television is equipped with only a 2-channel speaker system (2.0), there are two speakers per channel with a total power of 40 W. As a result, the sound quality is really good, and the bass is noticeable, making watching movies and listening to music more enjoyable.

We must admit that the sound emanating from the Sony Bravia 9 left us quite astonished. Of course, we knew it was a top-of-the-line product, but we didn't expect such sound quality. You can easily hear each instrument individually, and the bass adds the right depth to the overall experience. With a clear conscience, we can say that it is the best-sounding television we have had the pleasure to test. We are also aware that people who choose such a television have their own home cinema setup. And here, there will be no significant obstacle, as the Bravia 9 supports DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos.