Bravia 5 / XR5
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Panel type: LCD VA Refresh rate: 120Hz Brand: SONY Resolution: 3840x2160 System: Google TV Model year: 2025
Sony Bravia 5 is the latest Mini-LED television in the offering of the Japanese manufacturer for 2025. This model continues the line of the popular Bravia X90L, introducing a greater number of backlighting zones while maintaining what was a strong point of the X90L: the XR processor responsible for image processing and a 120 Hz panel with MotionFlow technology. Additionally, it supports Dolby Vision, includes a full set of gaming features, and comes with the well-known Google TV system. Therefore, the Bravia 5 aims to be a versatile television – one that is meant to excel in both cinematic screenings and dynamic gaming as well as everyday television viewing. Is it truly a worthy successor to the X90L model? We checked this for you in our review!
7.6
Overall rating
Sony Bravia 5 is a continuation of the iconic X90L model, and it's evident that the manufacturer aimed to take a step forward. A greater number of backlighting zones have been implemented, which makes the contrast seem better in many scenes, and the blacks appear deeper than its predecessor. The 120 Hz panel and MotionFlow system allow the smoothness of the image to be tailored to personal preferences – from a slight cinematic texture to crystal-smooth motion in sports and games. This is equipment that does not shy away from any content, as regardless of whether we are watching a match, an action film, or a concert, the image maintains clarity and character. However, the true strength of the Bravia 5 lies in the XR processor. It is this that makes older materials look better than they should – upscaling works like magic, smoothing out noise, improving gradation, and providing consistency even with lower-quality content. Thanks to this, in everyday use, the Bravia 5 can surprise, as instead of struggling with signal imperfections, it draws out the maximum. Additionally, there is excellent colour reproduction after calibration and dynamic tone mapping along with Dolby Vision mode, which allows one to enjoy details even in difficult, contrasted scenes. However, it cannot be hidden that in several moments, the Bravia 5 has disappointed us quite significantly. Despite the greater number of zones, brightness and contrast are not always better than in the X90L – sometimes they even perform worse. This raises a sense of wasted potential, as we were counting on a greater qualitative leap. After all, we are talking about a true MINI-LED television here. Nevertheless, the Bravia 5 remains an excellent television for those who want to enjoy primarily image quality. If you are looking for a model that can impress with motion smoothness, extracts details from difficult scenes, and works wonders with older materials, the Bravia 5 will surely meet those expectations. It's a television that sometimes struggles to keep up with the competition in certain aspects, but it still holds its own with what Sony does best – cinematic imagery.
Exemplary upscaling and digital image processing – Sony’s proprietary XR processor
Very good image quality after calibration
Solid contrast for a Mini-LED screen
Excellent support for HDR content thanks to Dolby Vision and dynamic tone mapping
High motion fluidity at 120Hz
Remarkable input lag (7 ms at 120 Hz)
Very good compatibility with PC – superb font readability, support for G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro.
Google TV in its best form, fast and without annoying glitches
2 remotes included
Pleasant, loud sound at 40 W from a 2.2 system.
The algorithms require refinement – despite the increased number of dimming zones, contrast and brightness in challenging scenes sometimes perform worse than on the X90L
Screen mirroring practically didn't work with Windows and Android
Only two HDMI 2.1 ports – in a television of this class, that's decidedly too few, especially if someone plans to connect a console, soundbar, and additional devices
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.0
Classic TV, YouTube
7.4
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
7.2
Gaming on console
8.7
TV as a computer monitor
8.0
Watching in bright light
6.9
Utility functions
7.6
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.0
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HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Build quality: Premium
Stand type: Legs
Kolor ramki: Graphite
At first glance, the Bravia 5 closely resembles its two-year elder brother, the X90L. The differences are subtle but noticeable. The legs have been more "flattened," giving the television a sleeker silhouette, and the thin metal frame around the screen looks elegant and minimalist. The back, on the other hand, is classic Sony – a distinctive pattern reminiscent of a chocolate bar, which has been their hallmark since the XR series. However, in practice, there is quite a bit of plastic here, and the whole thing is rather thick from this side. This means that the Bravia 5 will not hang perfectly flat on the wall. Despite these drawbacks, it presents itself as really solid. It is evident that we are dealing with a high-quality device, one that not only gives the impression of operating quickly but also looks good in the living room. This isn't a design that will elicit a "wow" effect like the most expensive constructions, but no one will mistake the Bravia 5 for a cheap, plastic television from the market.
Select size:
7.5/10
Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 190 (10 x 19)
Result
104,650:1
Result
23,850:1
Result
21,300:1
Result
9,350:1
Result
6,450:1
Visibility of details in the lights:
Bravia 5 is the entry-level television from the Mini-LED series in Sony's portfolio for 2025, so naturally we start with the most important question – how does it handle black levels and contrast? After all, the term “Mini-LED” almost sounds like a magic spell these days. In theory, this means thousands of tiny LEDs arranged in zones that are meant to work in harmony, dimming and brightening the image so that the viewer sees more depth than in a classic LCD. In practice, we've counted about 200 local dimming zones in the 65-inch Bravia 5. Is that a lot? Certainly more than its predecessor, the already legendary X90L model, but when looking at Chinese manufacturers who manage to pack in hundreds, sometimes even thousands of zones – it seems rather modest.
One might expect that the combination of a greater number of zones with the refined dimming algorithms that Sony has accustomed us to over the years would translate to a significant quality leap over the X90L. Meanwhile – and here comes a slight disappointment – tests showed that the results are surprisingly similar to last year's model. Don't take this the wrong way: the contrast for an LCD television with local dimming is truly solid. In most scenes, bright elements are separated from dark ones with surgical precision, and the effect can be stunning. But when more demanding shots appear on the screen – those that relentlessly test the capabilities of the backlighting – it's clear that the equipment has its limitations.
Therefore, one could say that in terms of black levels and contrast, the Bravia 5 doesn't so much disappoint as rather fails to meet the expectations raised by the initial announcements. We were hoping for at least a slightly better result than its predecessor, and we got “only” good contrast. And it is this “only” that is the key word here – because good contrast in Sony's rendition still signifies a level that most competitors could be proud of.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
5.4/10
Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 96.6%, Bt.2020: 74.7%
Luminance measurements in HDR:
Result
637 nit
Result
320 nit
Result
550 nit
Result
251 nit
Result
731 nit
Looking at similar results in terms of blackness and contrast, we expected equally stable performance as last year's model when it came to HDR content. Unfortunately – and this needs to be said outright – there has been a regression here that is hard to overlook. The paradox is that the peak brightness of the Bravia 5 is impressive: in our synthetic tests, the television achieved around 1000 nits in HDR. Sounds great, right? The problem is that this power does not always translate effectively to all film scenes. When small, point-like elements appear on the screen, something that had usually been polished with surgical precision in Sony's case is this time noticeably lacking. The algorithms attempt to maintain deep black around small objects, but the side effect is that details can be dimmed to such an extent that they become barely visible. Just consider the example of the film Sicario 2 – in some scenes there, small light sources practically disappeared, as if someone had covered them with dark film.
Of course, not everything looks so dramatic. In simpler, brighter scenes, where the image is filled with more light, the Bravia 5 shows that it can shine: literally and figuratively. Then the television achieves values in the range of 600–800 nits, which we saw both in synthetic tests and during film screenings. The impression is really positive; the brightness adds dynamism, and the colours appear vibrant and fresh. However, there remains a certain dissonance. We feel a slight confusion because evidently something has gone in a direction it shouldn’t have. Technological progress – more zones, greater backlighting power – has not been supported by the well-crafted image management that we usually associate with Sony. Fortunately, there are elements that have not been worsened and are, in fact, at a very high level. We are talking about colour reproduction. Thanks to the application of the PFS filter, the colour palette coverage is excellent – around 97% DCI-P3 and 75% BT.2020. These are values that allow for truly broad colour reproduction, giving films a sense of naturalness and cinematic quality.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
Despite all the confusion that accompanied us during the brightness tests and dimming algorithms, it's hard not to admit that the Bravia 5 can make an impression when we simply sit down in front of the screen and start a film. This is precisely the moment when numbers and tables cease to matter as much, and emotion takes precedence. Here, Sony, contrary to previous criticisms, really shines. During screenings of the already iconic "Mr." or "Billy Lynn", we found surprisingly little to complain about. Yes, we did notice slight colour deviations, and the amount of detail in some shots could have been a bit higher, but the overall picture is hard to describe as disappointing. Quite the opposite – most scenes were rendered with great precision and maintaining a cinematic quality that draws the eye and allows one to immerse themselves in the storyline. This is largely thanks to dynamic tone mapping – a technology that Sony has been refining for years. Here, it acts as a sort of lifeline for scenes that on other televisions with a similar, somewhat "mixed" brightness, might simply appear weak. In the Bravia 5, especially when we activate the "preferred gradation" mode (which we sincerely recommend doing immediately after purchase), the image recovers a wealth of detail. Details that on competing screens can simply get lost in darkness or bright spots. Films then gain depth and character, and the viewer has the feeling that they are watching something more than just a regular image – they receive a taste of a true cinematic experience.
HDR luminance chart:
HDR luminance
We cannot overlook the topic of HDR formats, as they often determine how we ultimately perceive the image. In the case of the Bravia 5, static HDR10 can deliver an unpleasant surprise. Sony, which inherently possesses that "cinematic edge," can be excessively aggressive here, leading to severe clipping of the screen in very bright scenes. On the test chart with horses, the effect looked simply poor: the amount of detail in the brightest parts of the image was simply blown out, as if someone had overdone it with the brightness slider. Fortunately, the support for dynamic metadata in the form of Dolby Vision comes to the rescue. This mode can adjust the brightness of the television scene by scene, and even frame by frame. Here, the Bravia 5 reveals its better side. The image suddenly gains precision, details are retrieved, and clipping gives way to a more balanced, cinematic effect. The difference is evident to the naked eye, and the reservations we had with HDR10 practically disappear in Dolby Vision. This is very good news for those who watch streaming platforms, as most of the content recorded there is in this standard.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: Dolby Vision
5.5/10
Sony Bravia 5 was of course tested in the best possible mode, which is the Cinema mode. Right out of the box, it provides the most natural colours, definitely better than anything offered by the "eco" or "dynamic" modes, which are more suited for a showroom display than for a living room. However, the Cinema mode alone does not mean we can always expect cinematic picture quality. With SDR content, we had virtually no major complaints – the slightly warmed white balance gave the scenes a somewhat golden tone, but it was nothing that was visually jarring. However, the problem arose with HDR material. Here, the colour reproduction simply looked poor. The white balance was heavily skewed – with an excess of blue and a clear lack of red. At times, it resembled the store's "super vibrant image" mode, where everything is overexposed and artificially boosted.
This situation also made brightness management seem overly aggressive. The EOTF graph clearly showed that the television had problems with overexposing many scenes right out of the box. And while we know what Sony televisions are usually capable of, it was difficult to remain indifferent here – thus we quickly decided to go for calibration.
8.9/10
After calibration, the situation changed dramatically. We managed to adjust the white balance so that entire scenes began to look more natural, and the image gained cohesion and elegance. In HDR, we finally got rid of that unwanted clipping effect that had previously marred some shots. Suddenly, it turned out that the Bravia 5 can extract significantly more from films than the “out of the box” impression suggested. Indeed, if we look at the graphs and compare them with the patterns, we can see that the beginning of the EOTF curve slightly deviates from the reference line. However, this is not so much a calibration error as it is a natural limitation of Mini-LED technology, which cannot be bypassed. Sony, instead of clinging to perfect black, prefers to prioritise the visibility of details – and in practice, it's hard to disagree with that. We would rather see the texture of the material on the screen than a pitch-black blob where all nuances are lost.
The calibration itself was truly beneficial. After about an hour spent on the settings, we felt that the image resembled that from the best cinema halls – of course on a home scale, but with the same sense of quality and refinement. And in such moments, we remember why we like Sony televisions: because when we fine-tune them, they can reward us with an image that captivates for long hours.
8.8/10
tonal transitions are nothing more than the way in which a television handles the blending of colours and shades – from light to dark, from saturated to pastel. If the device struggles with this, characteristic "steps" can be seen instead of smooth transitions, and the image loses its naturalness. It is during these moments that instead of getting absorbed in the film, we start glancing at the screen thinking, "hey, something's not right here." Fortunately, in the Sony Bravia 5, such situations are practically nonexistent. This is a huge advantage, as nothing distracts our attention from the plot or sporting emotions. The television performs best in bright scenes, where colour transitions are smooth, and the blending of colours is almost invisible. The effect is so good that sometimes one might feel as if the image has been painted in one brushstroke. Of course, there were a few minor hiccups. In darker scenes, certain imperfections can be noticed – slight stepping or minimal gradation issues. For this, the Bravia 5 received a few negative points from us. Nevertheless, in the vast majority of situations, the television performs excellently and comes through this test with flying colours.
8.5/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
Bravia 5 carries within it the genes of Sony, which have remained untouched – and thank goodness for that, because we are talking about absolutely remarkable digital image processing. It is no coincidence that for years it has been believed that it is televisions of this brand that set the standard for how a screen should handle lower quality materials. If someone still watches classic television, old films or YouTube in lower resolutions, here they get equipment that can transform such content into an unexpectedly pleasant experience. On board, we find several tools worth activating. The first of these is "digital noise reduction". Set to a medium level, it works perfectly – smoothing tonal transitions, which usually cause the most trouble in low-quality materials, while not introducing any artificial artifacts. Importantly, it also does not remove the filmic character, meaning the natural grain that is intentionally present in many productions. Another advantage of the Bravia 5 is the upscaling capabilities of the XR processor. The image displayed after scaling is soft, yet at the same time sharp and clear. The contours of characters are clearly visible, while backgrounds retain their structure without excessive artificial sharpening. It’s hard to find a better television for watching lower quality materials – Bravia 5 only confirms why Sony is regarded as a benchmark in this field.
7.7/10
Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz
Film motion smoothing option: Yes
Blur reduction option: Yes
BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
BFI function 120Hz: Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
Brightness drop with BFI: 49%
Bravia 5 received a 120 Hz panel, which in itself sounds like an invitation to watch sports, fast matches, or spectacular action films. However, the real magic begins when MotionFlow – Sony's proprietary smoothness technology – comes into play. Thanks to it, we can adjust the character of the image to our own preferences. The "smoothness" slider allows you to transition from a cinematic feel with a slight "jitter" of the film frame to a nearly theatrical fluidity, where every ball in the match glides across the screen as if on a string. The higher the value, the smoother and more fluid it is; the lower it is, the more cinematic and natural it feels. In the options, we will also find an additional setting that Sony has called "clarity". This is nothing more than the BFI function (i.e., inserting black frames), which is meant to improve motion sharpness. It sounds great in theory, but in practice, one must use it with great caution. Why? Because all higher settings cause brightness drops of up to half, and in some cases, contour doubling also appears. Therefore, if we wish to use it, we recommend the lowest possible level – "1" out of the available ten. This way, we gain a bit better motion clarity without risking a loss of half the image brightness.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
Blur (BFI function enabled):
Smużenie (MotionFlow ON):
But not everything is as perfect as we would like it to be. In terms of motion blur, there is a noticeable regression compared to the X90L model. In our UFO test, this was particularly evident with 120 Hz content – a distinct trail followed the object, most bothersome when the contours were displayed on a dark background. This is the moment when expectations begin to collide with reality. Fortunately, the proper configuration of MotionFlow can completely eliminate this effect. After a few minutes of playing with the settings, the picture becomes pleasant to the eye, and motion blur ceases to be a problem.
9.8/10
In the Bravia 5, there is a significant improvement compared to the X90L model from two years ago. The television offers literally everything its predecessor had, but this time the issues that could frustrate gamers have been fixed. The problems with setting variable refresh rate (VRR) have disappeared, and there are no longer any issues with configuring HDR content in HGiG mode. In short: we get hardware that simply works as it should, without any fuss. Therefore, the Bravia 5 has everything you could expect from a modern gaming television – and it can be reasonably advertised with the slogan “ready for PS5.” This is a statement we couldn't make about the X90L model. Well done, Sony!
It’s just a shame that this relatively high-priced model lacks a full set of four HDMI 2.1 ports. In everyday use, this won’t be a problem for most people, but if someone has a console, soundbar, and additional equipment hooked up via HDMI, at some point there will be a need to choose or juggle the cables.
9.9/10
When it comes to input lag, the Bravia 5 deserves a round of applause. Results around 7 ms at 120 Hz content are nothing short of spectacular – it’s hard to imagine a player complaining about such responsiveness. Even at 60 Hz, where the lag increases to around 15 ms, we’re still talking about values that absolutely do not spoil the fun and are not noticeable in practice. Moreover, Sony has finally tamed the Dolby Vision mode. In the X90L, it was practically unplayable – delays rose to levels of even 150 ms. Meanwhile, in the Bravia 5, the input lag remains at the same low level as with other content. This is a huge improvement and further proof that this television can truly be called “gamer-friendly.”
SDR | HDR | Dolby Vision |
---|---|---|
1080p60: 16 ms | 2160p60: 15 ms | 2160p60 DV: 15 ms |
1080p120: 7 ms | 2160p120: 7 ms | 2160p120 DV: 7 ms |
2160p60: 16 ms | ||
2160p120: 7 ms |
8/10
Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes
Font clarity: Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes: Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 7ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR
Max refresh rate: 120Hz
G-Sync: Yes
In this category, the Bravia 5 deserves a commendable rating. The ideal readability of fonts thanks to the 4:4:4 chroma support makes working with a computer on this television a pure pleasure. Whether we are opening Excel, browsing documents, or just surfing the web – the text is sharp, clear, and devoid of that characteristic "haze" that can effectively detract from the enjoyment of use on many televisions. The letters look as they should: distinct, sharp, and readable even up close.
We also have good news for PC gamers. The Bravia 5 has no issues handling 120 Hz, working with both Nvidia and AMD graphics cards, supporting G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro technologies. The result is that the image is not only smooth but also free of tearing or micro-stuttering that can ruin the experience even in the best-optimised games. One can confidently connect a powerful computer and enjoy gaming on a large screen – without compromises, without frustration, and with complete comfort. The only thing we could criticise is the lack of additional modes for gamers with higher refresh rates.
3.2/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 62%
Bravia 5 uses a classic VA panel, which means one thing – the viewing angles are not its strong point. For owners of smaller sizes, this will not be an issue, as sitting directly in front, the picture looks superb. However, with larger sizes, especially at 85 inches, the situation becomes less comfortable. It is enough to sit slightly off-centre on the sofa to notice minor imperfections: the picture begins to lose saturation, the contrast weakens, and black takes on unwanted greys. It is a pity that Sony did not choose to implement additional coatings, which in the case of VA panels can bring their performance closer to that of IPS panels. Such solutions exist, and some competitors make use of them. However, they are missing here, so one must consider that Bravia 5 best shows its advantages when viewed head-on.
6.9/10
Matrix coating: Satin
Reflection suppression: Good
Black levels during daytime: Good
Bravia 5 is a piece of equipment that really performs well in challenging lighting conditions. The high brightness ensures that even in the middle of the day, with the curtains wide open and sunlight streaming through the windows, the picture remains clear and sharp. There is no impression that we are watching a 'washed-out' screen. The satin coating of the panel also plays a significant role, effectively suppressing light reflections. Indeed, some reflections do appear, but they are not strong enough to interfere with viewing. These are more like subtle glows that can be noticed when we consciously look for them, rather than a real everyday problem. As a result, the Bravia 5 is suitable not only for the evening in a dimly lit room but also in bright living rooms, where other televisions might falter. Therefore, it can be said that this is a 'universally light' model – it is suitable for both evening screenings and watching news or sports in full sunlight.
Matrix brightness
Average luminance SDR
Sony BRAVIA 5 (XR5) : 641 cd/m2
7.6/10
System: Google TV
System performance: Good
Sony Bravia 5 operates on Google TV, and it must be acknowledged that this is one of the best-optimised systems from this brand. The interface runs smoothly, there are no irritating bugs or strange translations, and navigating through the menu doesn't feel like walking through a minefield. Admittedly, there are moments when it experiences a slight hiccup – as if the system has its "weaker moments" – but these are rare enough not to spoil the overall impression. We have full support for AirPlay, voice search with the help of Google AI assistant, and the ability to download practically any app that comes to mind. The only drawback in the tests turned out to be the screen mirroring function, which theoretically should work with laptops and phones, yet in practice proved to be nearly useless – on Windows and Android, stable image transmission could not be achieved.
From the perspective of classic features, Bravia 5 performs solidly and practically. A significant advantage is the presence of two remote controls – one is a sleek, modern smart remote, and the other, while operating via infrared, has a classic numerical keypad. This allows us to always choose which remote fits the situation better. The EPG, or electronic programme guide, is clear and allows you to programme recordings onto a USB drive – a solution that seems simple but is incredibly useful. Additionally, the television supports various device connections: from an amplifier or soundbar via HDMI eARC to headphones and other wireless accessories via Bluetooth. This is a setup that makes the television not just a screen but a well-thought-out home entertainment hub.
9.6/10
8.9/10
Maximum photo resolution: | Supported photo formats: |
---|---|
Bravia 5 handles multimedia playback from USB quite efficiently. In practice, almost everything works – films, music, photos – although of course we encountered some minor issues. Some subtitles can cause problems, as can exotic photo formats, which were not always recognised correctly. However, this is standard in the world of televisions, and it's hard to take serious offence at it. A significant advantage is the fact that thanks to Android, we are not solely reliant on the system player. It's enough to install an external application, such as VLC, and all limitations disappear. This is the strength of this system – the manufacturer does not confine us to their ecosystem but allows freedom of choice.
7/10
84dB
Maximum volume
Supported codecs
(TV speakers)
Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Dolby True HD 7.1
Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
DTS-HD Master Audio
Bravia 5 positively surprises in terms of audio. The sound is pleasant, with a slightly noticeable bass thanks to the proprietary Bass Reflex speakers. Overall, it plays loudly, clearly, and definitely above average for a television – 40 W of power in a 2.2 configuration is an impressive result in this class. The placement of the speakers on the sides of the casing also plays a significant role, making the sound spread throughout the room and providing a sense of space. However, one should not be overly optimistic. It is still not on the level of even the simplest soundbar. Bravia 5 performs excellently in everyday use, but for those who enjoy strong sound and a cinematic effect, additional audio equipment will be essential – as is the case with nine out of ten televisions available today on the market.
84dBC (Max)
75dBC
Software version during testing: BRAVIA_AE2_eu-user 12 STT2.231117.001 632050 release-keys
Image processor: MT5897 6GB RAM
Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:
Backlight Type: PFS LED
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Is this the best MiniLED television? Review of the Sony Brav... 9/23/2024