Michał Wołoszyn
If you were hoping that Sony would inundate us with new OLEDs and powerful successors to the MiniLED series in 2026, I have a bucket of cold water for you. The Japanese manufacturer has apparently decided that what it showcased in previous years is good enough and doesn't require refreshing. As a result, flagship models like the Bravia 9, 7, or the OLEDs from the 8 series will not see successors this year. However, Sony has chosen to target a completely different group of customers – those with a somewhat "lighter wallet." Instead of a battle of features in the flagships, we have an offensive in the budget segment. The only new additions to this year's TV lineup are two models: Bravia 2 II and Bravia 3 II.
Sony Bravia 3 II: A Budget-Friendly Option with Flagship Aspirations?
The most noticeable change on paper is the refresh rate of the panel. The new Bravia 3 II will come equipped with a 120 Hz panel, instead of 60 Hz, as was the case with the model from two years ago. This is great news for gamers who were looking for a product from Sony but didn't necessarily want to spend a fortune on top-of-the-line Mini-LED models. Unfortunately, the Bravia 3 II model does not feature Mini-LED technology or any form of local dimming.
Four HDMI 2.1 Ports – Finally!
Another good news addressed directly to console owners is the equipping of the Bravia 3 II with as many as four HDMI 2.1 ports. It seems that MediaTek has finally released processors that allow manufacturers to support the full standard on all connections, which had been a problem even for more expensive models. Is the Pentonic 800 model, known from last year's Chinese flagships, used here? We do not know that yet, but it is certain that the heart of the television will be a new, improved chip from MediaTek, which finally solves the problem of limited ports.
XR Processor in Affordable Bravia
When it comes to image processing, something almost unprecedented for Sony is happening. The Bravia 3 II will receive the proprietary XR processor. This is a huge leap, as its predecessor used the much simpler X1 chip. So we can expect that in this relatively affordable Sony model, we will find image processing similar to the most expensive series, such as Bravia 5, 7, 8, or even 9. We have high hopes that this will be the case, although we will have to wait for our first full tests in the lab for final conclusions.
Bravia 3 II at 100 inches!
Sony, which until now has been quite cautious about gigantic diagonals, is now going all out. The new Bravia 3 II will be available in a size of up to 100 inches! This is a clear signal that the Japanese have had enough of watching from the sidelines as Chinese manufacturers freely grab a huge slice of the pie in the “SUPER BIG TV” segment. Until now, if you were looking for a 100-inch screen and didn't want to spend a fortune on it, your gaze automatically drifted towards Chinese brands. It looks like Sony wants to change that.
Appearance and Functional Base
When it comes to the design itself, Sony has not changed anything compared to its predecessor. We still have slim black bezels around the screen, which look aesthetic and modern.
It is great to see that the manufacturer has considered the issue of ergonomics. Bravia 3 II has the ability to adjust in as many as four different settings:
Narrow: for people with smaller TV cabinets.
Wide: for maximum stability.
High or low: the legs can be mounted higher to easily fit a soundbar under the screen or lower to look more modern.
Sony Bravia 2 II: a debut that... we've seen before?
For those of you who regularly check what's happening in the television market, this model may sound familiar. The Sony Bravia 2 II debuted in the United States back in 2025, and now it's hitting European stores as an option for those looking for the Sony logo at the lowest price possible. To be honest, looking at the specifications, it's hard for us to spot any spectacular differences from the basic Bravia 3 model from last year.
X1 under the hood and proven Google TV
Unlike the higher Bravia 3 II model, here we do not find the XR processor. Sony opted for the older X1 known from the classic Bravia 3 model. The whole thing is of course based on the Google TV system, which will give you access to all the most important streaming applications.
Surround Sound and Wide Size Range
Although it's a budget model, the Bravia 2 II will easily handle Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, which, when connected to even a simple audio setup, allows for an enjoyable surround sound experience. As for size options, this model will be available in variants ranging from 43 to 75 inches.
Sony 2026: Where Have the Flagships Gone?
Summarizing what we have seen regarding Japanese screens, it must be stated openly: Sony is entering 2026 in an exceptionally cautious manner, especially when we compare their offerings with what the competition is showing. While other manufacturers are flexing their muscles and bombarding us with technologies like Micro RGB or second-generation Tandem OLED panels, Sony seems to be taking a deep breath and focusing on refining what we already know, rather than pursuing a revolution at all costs.
When Will the New MiniLED RGB "Bravia 10" Arrive?
It’s a pity that this “breath” means a lack of specifics on topics that many of us were counting on. For months, there has been a buzz in the corridors and online forums about a new Mini RGB (Micro RGB) technology, which has even been tentatively named Bravia 10. Fans of the brand hoped that this tentatively named model would debut in 2026. However, at this moment, this project remains in the realm of internet legends. It’s a shame because the presentation of this technology by Sony took place a year ago.
However, the biggest disappointment remains the fact that series like Bravia 9 and Bravia 7 did not see successors with “II” in their names this year. Despite numerous rumors and leaks suggesting a refresh of these models, Sony apparently decided that their current form is solid enough to compete with the new offerings from other brands for another season. It's a bold move because the market does not tolerate a vacuum. Customers looking for the “latest and greatest” might simply bypass Sony's offerings due to the age of the devices, even if their TVs are refined enough to perform well in rankings.
It seems that all rumors of spectacular premieres have been cut short by the decision to establish a new company, Sony and TCL, which will be responsible for creating televisions from the Bravia series starting in 2027.
However, if you feel a slight disappointment about the television news, I have something to sweeten the deal for you. Sony has apparently redirected all its production forces to another department. The Japanese company announced as many as five new products in the audio category, which you can read about in the article below.
