Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) vs Panasonic Z85A

Direct compare

BRAVIA 8 / XR80

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”

Panel type: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Amazon FireTV

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

7.9

7.8

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.5

    8.1

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    8.0

    8.7

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    8.1

    8.5

  • Gaming on console

    8.8

    9.3

  • TV as a computer monitor

    7.6

    7.6

  • Watching in bright light

    5.6

    4.8

  • Utility functions

    9.5

    7.6

  • Apps

    10.0

    7.5

  • Sound quality

    7.5

    7.4

Advantages

  • Excellent contrast

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

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

  • Great Dolby Vision support

  • Very good viewing angles

  • Superb built-in audio system

  • Perfect black and infinite contrast thanks to the WOLED panel

  • Great HDR quality with good coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut (98%)

  • Excellent picture quality after professional calibration

  • Complete HDR package: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision

  • Low input lag: 5 ms (120 Hz) and 13 ms (60 Hz)

  • Support for ALLM, VRR, HGIG and Dolby Vision in games

  • Very good viewing angles

  • Smooth motion without smearing thanks to the 120 Hz OLED panel

  • USB recording capability and PiP feature

  • AirPlay support

  • Pleasant sound quality with noticeable bass

Disadvantages

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

  • Brightness in daylight – better for night screenings than for use in daylight

  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports – one of which is ARC.

  • SDR brightness at 300 nits – too low for heavily sunlit rooms

  • Amazon Fire TV system has a limited number of applications

  • Some system functions are poorly translated into Polish

  • No support for external subtitles in the USB player

  • No support for DTS:X audio in the television

Our verdict

Bravia 8 XR80 is the only Sony OLED model from the 2024 production that will certainly attract the attention of image quality enthusiasts. The television offers excellent picture quality with the characteristic deep blacks of OLED, vibrant colours, and infinite contrast. This makes every scene incredibly realistic. Thanks to OLED technology, dark scenes look perfect, and the reproduction of black and bright elements stand out with great detail. This creates an amazing effect - a cinematic experience. While watching sports or action-packed films, we particularly appreciated the fluidity of the image. The 120 Hz panel performs excellently – no issues with blur, even in the most dynamic moments. This is a television that truly excels in situations where fast action and vivid details are important. The Google TV system is another strong point of Bravia 8. The interface is simple, clear, and easy to navigate. We had no trouble finding all the popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video. The USB-C rechargeable remote is a nice addition – it fits well in the hand, and the backlighting proved invaluable during evening use of the television. Of course, not everything was perfect. The SDR brightness of 330 nits is a result that does not impress, especially in well-lit rooms. This model definitely performs better during the evenings in darker conditions. We also noticed that the colour gradation is slightly worse than in previous Sony models - this is a very strange move because, after all, they have always been known for their superb digital processing. Another limitation is that there are only two HDMI 2.1 ports (including eARC) – with a larger number of devices, such as two consoles and a soundbar, it becomes problematic. Despite these minor downsides, Bravia 8 XR80 is a great television that is suitable for both everyday use and evening screenings. Excellent picture quality, motion fluidity, and an intuitive Google TV system make for a combination that makes a difference. If we are looking for a decent OLED in 2024, this model is definitely worth considering.

The Panasonic Z85A is the entry-level OLED model from the Japanese manufacturer, which fully utilises the potential of its panel. Thanks to OLED technology, we can expect phenomenal picture quality at the highest resolution – perfect blacks, excellent contrast, and superb HDR effects, especially after professional calibration. Additionally, it supports a full range of HDR formats, so we can easily choose a film in the best possible quality. Although Panasonic is usually associated with home cinema equipment, the Z85A performs just as well with sports and games. A 120 Hz panel, support for VRR, ALLM, and even functioning Dolby Vision in games guarantee smooth gameplay without any motion blur. The sound also deserves praise – although we won't find an impressive soundbar like in the model Z95A, it is still quite pleasant and has noticeable bass. Downsides? Primarily the Amazon Fire TV – an operating system that still has growing pains. Many popular applications are missing, and some functions are unavailable or poorly translated (e.g. lack of support for external subtitles). Another issue is the not very high brightness, typical of older WOLED panels – this may be a problem in a brightly lit room. Despite these shortcomings, the Panasonic Z85A is a great option for cinema enthusiasts and gamers looking for a versatile television with exceptional picture quality and solid sound. If we can overlook certain limitations of the system and the not-so-high brightness, the Z85A still has a lot to offer. However, if complete user comfort and a richer application ecosystem are crucial for us, then it is worth considering other OLED televisions from competitors as well.

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), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
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 Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z85A 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 excellent black depth and precision in light reproduction. In tested scenes, such as sequences from the films Oblivion and Sicario 2, the television achieves perfect light separation, resulting in a very detailed and realistic image, even in challenging contrast conditions. The Sony Bravia 8 truly stands out among other models in this category.

The Panasonic Z85A uses a WOLED panel, which means one thing – perfect black and infinite contrast. Each pixel lights up and dims independently, so there is no question of any streaks or glow around bright objects on the screen. Even in the most demanding scenes, the image looks simply exemplary. There is no room for compromise in this regard, which is still present even in the most expensive LCD televisions. Here, Panasonic shines, utilising organic technology provided by LG Displays, and does so in truly impressive style.

HDR effect quality

6.6/10

6.4/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 99.0%, Bt.2020: 74.0%
DCI P3: 98.1%, Bt.2020: 73.0%

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 Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

812 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

775 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

812 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

808 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

390 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:

Panasonic Z85A

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 enjoyable light effects in most scenes. In the tested segments of the films Life of Pi and Sicario 2, the television looks really good, offering vibrant and detailed images that fully convey the atmosphere of these productions.

However, a greater challenge is presented by a scene from the film The Meg, where the screen is entirely very bright. In such situations, the limitations of OLED technology are evident, as the television loses brightness, dropping to about 450 nits. This decline is less satisfactory, 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 a BT.2020 standard coverage of 74%. As a result, colours are rich and details are precise, which significantly enhances the quality of HDR content consumption and makes viewing a pleasant experience.

The Panasonic Z85A is an OLED television, so one can immediately expect great effects in films. And indeed – our tests have shown that the WOLED panel can achieve around 800 nits of peak brightness in optimal conditions. This is a solid result that performs well in most demanding HDR scenes, allowing viewers to enjoy a dynamic and detail-rich image. However, like any OLED, the Z85A has its limits. In very bright scenes covering the entire screen – such as the final sequence from the film The Meg – the television reduces brightness to around 400 nits. This is standard behaviour for this technology, so if someone plans to watch films in a brightly sunlit living room, it is worth keeping this in mind. The coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut at 98% also deserves high praise. Thanks to this, the television reproduces a wide range of colours that stand out with vibrancy and depth, and details in HDR scenes are sharp and precise. In short – the Panasonic Z85A delivers a solid HDR effect that will satisfy any film enthusiast.

Factory color reproduction

7.2/10

8.4/10

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 perfectly set up. The television tries to faithfully reproduce cinematic settings, but certain shortcomings are noticeable. Starting with the white balance, both for SDR and 4K materials, a pronounced blue tint can be observed. This causes the image to appear too cold, stripping it of its naturalness. Tests using Colour Checker show that colours shift towards cooler tones, which may affect the accuracy of colour reproduction and make the image less realistic.

As for brightness and contrast characteristics, the gamma shows a significant drop at the end of the chart. This means that dark details may be too dark and bright elements too bright, resulting in a loss of subtlety and becoming less visible. As seen in the sky - in the comparative photo. In turn, the EOTF curve is well above the reference value, causing bright elements of the image to be too intense. As a result, users may perceive the image as unnatural, and bright areas may lose details, negatively impacting the overall viewing quality.

The Panasonic Z85A offers many picture modes, but the Filmmaker mode definitely stands out from the rest. It is rare for a television to be so well tuned straight out of the box, and the unit we had the opportunity to test really surprised us positively.

However, there were a few minor shortcomings. In the SDR signal, we noticed a slight deficit of red and blue, which resulted in the image having a cooler hue than it should have. This is especially noticeable in the comparative photo. Conversely, in 4K HDR content, the situation was the opposite – an excess of red made the image appear warmer than the creators intended. In terms of brightness characteristics (gamma) and the maintenance of the appropriate EOTF curve, it's hard to find fault. There are slight deviations, but they are so minimal that the average viewer is unlikely to notice them.

It is also worth emphasising that our observations pertain to a specific unit of the television. Two identical models may differ from each other due to natural production variances. Nevertheless, the unit we had in our hands looks really solid and deserves praise. Now it's time for our calibration – we'll see if we can extract even more from this screen!

Color reproduction after calibration

8.2/10

9.4/10

The calibration process of the Sony Bravia 8 television has brought significant improvements in image quality. The white balance has been noticeably enhanced, for both SDR and 4K HDR content, with minimal errors in the middle of the graph. Gamma has proven to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of calibration – it has been completely rid of previous dips, which has significantly impacted brightness stability and better detail reproduction in the darker parts of the image. The EOTF curve has also been levelled, 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 calibration, certain issues still persist. Sony has omitted the use of a CMS system in this model, which allows for very precise control over colours. As a result, the Colour Checker test for 4K materials still shows significant errors in colour samples. Despite these difficulties, we recommend performing calibration, as the effects are noticeable and significantly enhance image quality, particularly in terms of brightness and contrast.

The Panasonic Z85A offers truly wide possibilities when it comes to image settings, so we enthusiastically set about calibration. Although we mainly focused on correcting the white balance, the final result exceeded our expectations. Both HD and 4K HDR content now display nearly perfect colour reproduction, with minimal errors that are hard to catch with the naked eye. Well-calibrated televisions are a rarity, and we must admit – it is truly gratifying. Although the gamma and EOTF curve did not require drastic adjustments, it was possible to further stabilise their characteristics across the entire brightness range. After calibration, the Panasonic Z85A is a true gem for home cinema enthusiasts. The image is precise, the colours are natural, and every scene looks exactly as the director intended.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

7.5/10

The grading in 4K materials is simply poor and clearly disappointing. There are noticeable seams both in dark and light colours, which affects the image quality and lowers the overall satisfaction with watching high-definition materials. Something that has always been a strong point of Sony's processor evidently fails this time.

The Panasonic Z85A handles the smoothness of tonal transitions really well. Colours blend together naturally, without noticeable artefacts or visible banding. However, in brighter scenes, such as the opening sequence in the film Kingsman, minor imperfections can be discerned. This is typical of WOLED panels, which have their limitations compared to Samsung Display's QD-OLED designs due to the use of white sub-pixels. The differences are not colossal, but a trained eye will pick them up, especially in more demanding scenes with subtle colour gradients. Despite these minor reservations, the Z85A offers a level that will satisfy the overwhelming majority of users. Tonal transitions are smooth, and the image maintains consistency even in complex scenes. This is a solid result, which in practice will rarely be a hindrance during everyday viewing of films or series.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.1/10

7.4/10

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 Bravia 8 is poor. Unfortunately, the soft gradation feature (which was available in previous models) is missing, which is a significant downside. The digital noise reduction feature can considerably improve tonal transitions; however, it also tends to remove some details, such as clouds in scenes from the film The Martian, which may not be to everyone's liking. As for digital processing, the Sony XR80 performs quite well. The model in test scenes was displayed without noticeable errors, and the branches in the background are not overly jagged. This shows that the Bravia 8 is capable of effectively processing complex low-resolution image details.

Now that we know how the Panasonic Z85A performs with tonal transitions in 4K content, it’s time to take a look at its "Gradation Smoothing" feature. It works, but unfortunately not entirely effectively. Regardless of the chosen value – whether it’s low, medium, or high – we were unable to achieve perfectly smooth tonal transitions in our test sequence. We recommend setting this feature to an intermediate level. Although it may slightly blur fine details, at least the issue of film grain loss does not occur, which for many viewers can be crucial when watching classic productions.

As for image scaling, the television performs quite well. It’s noticeable that the image is slightly sharpened, and slim lines may at times appear a bit jagged. However, this is standard in most TVs, and fortunately, it can be adjusted using the sharpness slider. This gives us complete control – we can achieve a more plastic, blurred image or a clearer one, although it may be more “harsh” and artificially sharp. It all depends on user preference and the type of content we are watching. Overall, the scaling is at a solid level and should satisfy most users who are using lower resolution materials.

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
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
48%
37%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

Image flickers in this mode

Sony Bravia 8 offers a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, which forms the basis for smooth viewing of dynamic content such as sports and games. This ensures that 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 regulating the degree of blur and smoothness of the image. The third option, concerning clarity, will be described in more detail below. Each of the parameters can be adjusted to personal preferences, allowing users to find the optimal setting tailored to their individual needs.

The Panasonic Z85A features a 120 Hz panel, which will certainly please both gamers and sports fans. Admittedly, it is not 144 Hz like some gaming TVs, but in practice, the difference is really hard to notice. In games, the image is stable and clear, and during fast action, there is no sign of any blurring. The same applies to sports – a fast-running footballer or a dynamic car manoeuvre looks smooth and natural. The TV also has the “Intelligent Frame Creation” function, which is a motion smoother. There are two sliders here – one is for reducing blur, and the other is for motion smoothness. With these, you can adjust the image to your own preferences – whether it be more of a cinematic effect with gentle transitions between frames, or a maximally smooth image ideal for watching sports.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8.1/10

10/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 120Hz
    40 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    No
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

Sony Bravia 8 has significantly improved its compatibility with consoles compared to earlier models. The television supports variable refresh rate (VRR), which eliminates screen tearing, and it synchronises with graphics cards to ensure smooth image display. The automatic 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 stunning during gameplay.

The Sony XR80 television also features a Game Bar, allowing 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 edge in shooting games.

A downside is the lack of support for 1440p@120hz resolution, which could facilitate gaming 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 inputs for connecting next-generation consoles.

Panasonic is mainly associated with home cinema televisions, but the Z85A demonstrates that it can also step into the gaming world with a really strong impact. This hardware can easily be called a gaming beast – it has everything needed for comfortable gameplay.

Although there are only two HDMI 2.1 ports, both operate at full bandwidth, so we can easily connect both a next-gen console and a gaming PC. All key features are supported: ALLM automatically switches the television to game mode, VRR ensures smooth images without stuttering or tearing, and with correctly implemented HGIG and Dolby Vision, HDR games look really good – colours are vivid, details are sharp, and dark scenes are clear. We also find a Game Bar in the form of a clear, circular menu. It may not look as impressive as the competition's, but it is intuitive and contains all the important settings we would like to have at hand during gameplay.

In summary – the Panasonic Z85A is equipment that truly surprises with its gaming capabilities. It is a television on which both console gamers and PC players will feel at home. It is smooth, dynamic, and simply good.

Input lag

10/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
13 ms
13 ms
1080p120
5 ms
5 ms
2160p60
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120
5 ms
5 ms

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120
5 ms
5 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
14 ms
13 ms
2160p120 DV
5 ms
5 ms

Low input lag in Sony Bravia 8 is undoubtedly an advantage – results at the level of 13 ms are excellent and provide outstanding responsiveness. The Dolby Vision mode is also noteworthy, which performs remarkably well in this model. In many cases with other manufacturers, this mode looks much worse, but here you can enjoy its full potential, especially in gaming.

Since the Panasonic Z85A has also been designed with gamers in mind, the input lag had to be refined here. And indeed – the results are truly excellent. At 120 Hz, the lag is only 5 ms, and at 60 Hz, it is 13 ms. These are values that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers, whether we are talking about fast-paced shooters or precise fighting games. The responses to our movements with the controller are practically instantaneous, and the gameplay is smooth and responsive. Importantly, the Dolby Vision mode also works flawlessly here. Just a few years ago, using Dolby Vision in games often resulted in high input lag, but in the Z85A, this problem has been effectively eliminated.

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
Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
5ms
5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RWBG
RWBG
Max refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

The cooperation of Sony Bravia 8 with computers is very good, similar to most televisions with WOLED panels. The readability of fonts is at a high level, making work with documents or browsing websites comfortable. The low input lag of 5 ms makes an impressive impression and provides excellent responsiveness during gameplay. The only downside is that the fonts displayed on a dark background appear slightly muted.

Using the Panasonic Z85A as a computer monitor performs really well. The text is readable and clear, making it easy to browse websites or work with documents. However, one must keep in mind certain limitations of the WOLED panel – the distinctive way it displays fonts may hinder more demanding users, especially those who spend long hours working with text. In terms of gaming on PC, the television performs just as well as with a console. Low input lag, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and proper implementation of G-Sync and FreeSync ensure a smooth and responsive image without annoying stutters or frame tearing.

Viewing angles

7.3/10

7.4/10

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

The viewing angles on the Sony Bravia 8 are very good, as befits a television with an OLED panel. As a result, 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 Panasonic Z85A are really good – after all, it's OLED. Whether we're looking at the screen straight on or at a steep angle, the colours remain vibrant, and the contrast hardly loses quality. Of course, the Z85A is somewhat outperformed by televisions with MLA micro-lenses or Samsung's QD-OLED panels, which currently set the highest standard in this regard. However, the differences are subtle enough that most users won't notice them during everyday viewing.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.6/10

4.8/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Panasonic Z85A: 286 cd/m2

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80): 335 cd/m2

The glossy panel in the Sony Bravia 8 effectively dampens reflections, which take on a slightly bluish hue. Unfortunately, the brightness level of 330 nits is not particularly impressive, making this television better suited for evening viewing. During the day, to ensure optimal image reception, it is advisable to help by closing the curtains, which will reduce the impact of external light.

The Panasonic Z85A leaves something to be desired during the day. The panel, despite being matte, moderately suppresses reflections, which can be noticeable in bright rooms. The reflections are not excessively visible, but there is one catch – they take on a bluish tint. In certain situations, especially in strong daylight, this can be slightly annoying and distract from the content on the screen. Additionally, the maximum brightness is just under 280 cd/m². That simply isn't enough to comfortably watch television in a brightly lit room. If we are planning a viewing in the middle of a sunny day, it will be necessary to cover the windows to ensure the image looks good.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Software version during testing
112.624.140.1EUA
FIRE OS 8.1.1.2
Image processor
mt5897 6gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TV features

9.5/10

7.6/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Amazon FireTV
  • 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
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    No
  • 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
    No
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Sony Bravia 8 runs on the Google TV system, which provides very intuitive and quick use of the television as well as an almost unlimited number of applications. Google Assistant works in Polish, allowing for even better integration with the device. The interface is well-designed, and access to applications and features is simple and convenient. It is also worth mentioning the remote control – 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 at night.

The device offers a wide range of features that will satisfy most users. The Sony XR80 television allows for recording programmes, as well as easy connection of external peripheral devices via Bluetooth. Unfortunately, it lacks the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) function, which would allow for simultaneous viewing of two image sources, which 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 adapted in terms of both width and height. This allows for easy placement of a soundbar underneath the screen. Although the Sony Bravia 8 is not the thinnest OLED television on the market, its careful finish and quality of materials make it look really good.

The operating system in the Panasonic Z85A is Amazon Fire TV, which is still a relatively new solution in the Polish market. Until now, we mainly associated it with portable smart devices, and now it is also making its way into televisions – similar to the flagship model Z95A.

On the plus side, it must be noted that the system operates smoothly and responsively. It is also quite intuitive, so navigation does not pose major problems. Unfortunately, when it comes to the availability of applications, it is somewhat lacking. In the Amazon store, we do find icons for popular services such as SkyShowtime, Rakuten, or Viaplay, but… they cannot be downloaded. This is a significant drawback for those who use these platforms daily. Additionally, some functions are poorly translated, which means in certain areas one has to guess what is meant. However, we believe that these are just growing pains, and over time they will be improved – both in terms of translations and application availability.

As for user functions, the situation is much better. The television supports recording to USB and the PiP (picture-in-picture) feature. There is also support for AirPlay, which will surely please users of Apple devices. We also have Bluetooth here, but unfortunately, we cannot connect headphones to it – it only works with keyboards and other control devices. Fortunately, it is possible to connect headphones or a home cinema system via cable, which resolves this issue.

In summary – the Panasonic Z85A offers a solid set of user functions that work well for everyday use. The Amazon Fire TV system is a step in the right direction, especially when compared to Panasonic's old system. However, at this moment, it is difficult to praise it unequivocally. There is potential, but the manufacturer still has a lot of work ahead to ensure everything functions as it should.

Playing files from USB

8.7/10

3.1/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
Yes
No
PNG
No
Yes
GIF
No
Yes
WebP
No
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
No
Yes
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 seamless access to a wide range of content. Although there are some shortcomings in photo playback, the Google TV system allows for the installation of other players that will likely resolve this issue.

In terms of playback of files from USB, the Panasonic Z85A performs rather mediocrely. The built-in media player does handle most popular video formats, but it has one rather significant drawback – it does not support external subtitles. So, if we have older films on the drive or USB stick with separate subtitle files, we must reckon with the fact that the television simply will not display them. This is a considerable disadvantage, especially for those who use their own media libraries instead of streaming services. Of course, this problem can be circumvented by using an external media player (e.g. via a console or Smart TV box), but this is an additional step that could be avoided if the built-in application were better developed.

Apps

10/10

7.5/10

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
No
Viaplay
No
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
No
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
No
SkyShowtime
No
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

7.5/10

7.4/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    7.5/10
    7.4/10
  • 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
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    No

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

In terms of sound, the Panasonic Z85A is pleasantly surprising. The television delivers a pleasant and clear sound, and it can also generate a noticeable bass, which adds depth to both films and music. The surround effect is also quite well reproduced, making watching films or playing games more immersive. Unfortunately, there is one "but". The television does not support the DTS:X format, which is quite popular among more advanced home cinema systems. Therefore, if we plan to use this sound standard, it will be necessary to connect the audio equipment first to the amplifier or soundbar, and only then to the television.