First look: Sony BRAVIA 9 II and 7 II TVs wow with next-generation picture technology

Sony has lifted the curtain on a new generation of premium televisions, introducing the True RGB powered BRAVIA 9 II and BRAVIA 7 II screens in sizes that range from 50- to 115-inches. 

The sets usher in a new era of screen technology for the brand, using independently controlled red, green and blue LEDs to deliver what Sony describes as its widest ever colour volume on a consumer display. 

The result, at least in early demonstrations, is strikingly cinematic. The Luxe Review was amongst the first to see the new screens, at Sony’s European HQ in Weybridge, and the hype around the models looks to be very real indeed. True RGB blacks are deep and convincing, near shadow detail is excellent, highlights have astonishing intensity, and colours appear unusually rich and natural.

What sets these models apart from rivals is the deployment of Sony’s new RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro system that individually controls the red, green and blue light sources behind the panel, allowing far more precise colour and luminance management than conventional LED backlighting. 

During demonstrations, both the flagship BRAVIA 9 II and more accessible BRAVIA 7 II exhibited exceptional fidelity and impressive viewing angles. Comparisons with a Sony Mastering Monitor showed the screens can faithfully replicate what is seen in studio mastering suites, as well as eclipse them when it comes to colours and contrast if required.

Sony True RGB BRAVIA screens bring mastering monitor precision home

True RGB, part of the new wave of RGB LED screens being unleashed by TV manufacturers this year, is being positioned above Mini LED and OLED in the Sony BRAVIA family. 

The BRAVIA 9 II leads the way. Available in 65-, 75- 85- and 115-inch screen sizes, it uses a newly developed LED controller architecture designed to maximise brightness precision and colour accuracy. Sony says the set delivers its “most authentic colour ever”, and it certainly looked formidable up close. RGB Triluminos Max and Luminance Booster Pro technologies work together to maintain vivid highlights without washing out darker image areas.

Exclusive to the BRAVIA 9 II is a newly engineered anti-glare and low-reflection screen treatment, branded Immersive Black Screen Pro. Developed with input from Sony Pictures Entertainment, the coating is designed to preserve black depth and shadow detail in bright rooms. In practice, reflections appear remarkably subdued, without unduly impacting black levels. Even with overhead lights flooding the demo space, dark scenes retained convincing dimensionality and contrast.

The flagship model also benefits from Sony’s Acoustic Multi-Audio+ system, complete with up-firing beam tweeters intended to raise and widen the soundstage. 

The BRAVIA 7 II shares the same True RGB DNA, albeit at more attainable price points. Available in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85- and 98-inch screen sizes, this sister set employs the same independently driven RGB LED system and X-Wide Angle Pro technology for consistent colour performance across wide seating positions, although with fewer dimming zones and less HDR intensity (Sony wouldn’t be drawn on specifics).

It also carries many of the same cinema-focused features, including Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced certification.

Both models include Sony’s My Cinema mode, Ambient Optimisation technology and Studio Calibrated presets for services including Netflix, Prime Video and Sony Pictures Core. The TVs also feature AI-powered Voice Zoom 3 dialogue enhancement and 3D Surround Upscaling. Design remains understated but elegant, with a textured bezel and semi-transparent central stand intended to give the illusion of the screen floating above furniture.

Gamers might want to note, though, that only two of the four HDMI inputs on these models support high-frame rate 4K 120Hz console play.

Sony is clearly positioning these displays as premium home cinema products rather than lifestyle televisions. The company’s message throughout the Weybridge reveal centred heavily on creator intent and cinematic authenticity. Judging from what we’ve seen, these are TVs engineered for serious movie watching.

The BRAVIA 9 II is priced at £3,499, £4,299, £5,499, and £22,999  for the 65-, 75-, 85-, and 115-inch screen sizes respectively.  The BRAVIA 7 II sells for £1,899, £1,999, £2,299, £2,999, £3,999 and £6,999 for the 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch models.