Our verdict
Sony's Bravia 5 is a film-and-TV all-rounder. What Hi-Fi? describes a Mini LED backlit LCD screen (VA type) with 240 dimming zones, which lets bright and dark areas of the picture be lit separately. Sony's XR processor analyses the image to make it look more natural and three-dimensional. Two of its four HDMI sockets are HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps), so a PS5 or Xbox Series X can run at 4K and 120Hz, twice the usual 60 frames a second. The other two are HDMI 2.0. Sound comes from a 40W Acoustic Multi-Audio system with four drivers. Sony's Bravia range shares names across very different models, so check the exact 65-inch K65XR55. Our price check found £1,599 on 1 August 2026.
Buy it if
- You want natural-looking pictures for films and sport from Sony's XR processor
- You have one or two consoles, which fit the two HDMI 2.1 sockets
- You want Google TV with UK catch-up apps
Skip it if
- You have three or more modern gaming devices needing 4K at 120Hz
- You watch from wide angles, where backlight clouding shows more
- You want HDR10+ support
How it would fit your home
Films and sport
The XR processor and dimming zones aim for a natural picture with good control of bright and dark areas.
One or two consoles
Two HDMI 2.1 sockets cover a PS5 and an Xbox; a soundbar or Blu-ray player can use the HDMI 2.0 pair.
Choosing the right model
Sony's names cover several different ranges. Check the exact model number, K65XR55, and compare its price against rivals.
The details, in plain English
Picture
What Hi-Fi? lists a Mini LED backlit LCD screen with 240 dimming zones. The zones let the TV dim parts of the backlight behind dark areas while brightening others. Sony's XR processor analyses the picture to make it look more natural. What Hi-Fi? praised its backlight control and vibrant but natural colour, while noting backlight clouding when viewed from an angle and occasional colour inconsistencies in highlights.
HDR formats
HDR (high dynamic range) lets bright and dark parts of a scene keep their detail. The Bravia 5 supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG, the format used for some live broadcasts. It does not support HDR10+. Films in that format still play, but in ordinary HDR10 rather than the enhanced version.
Gaming
Two HDMI sockets are HDMI 2.1 at 48Gbps and support 4K at 120Hz, the smoothest mode on a PS5 or Xbox Series X. The other two are HDMI 2.0. If you own a console and a gaming PC, use the HDMI 2.1 pair for those. What Hi-Fi? did not report input lag figures in the section we read.
Sound and smart TV
The 40W Acoustic Multi-Audio system has four drivers: two full-range units and two tweeters. What Hi-Fi? praised its detail and unusually accurate placement of effects on and slightly off the screen. Google TV is the smart platform, with YouView added for UK catch-up services. A soundbar is still worth considering for dialogue and scale.
Strengths and drawbacks
What it does well
- Sony's XR processor makes the picture look natural and detailed
- Mini LED backlight with 240 dimming zones, per What Hi-Fi?, for good control of bright and dark areas
- Two HDMI 2.1 sockets (48Gbps) for 4K at 120Hz gaming, plus two HDMI 2.0
- 40W Acoustic Multi-Audio speakers with four drivers place effects well on and off the screen
- Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG supported, and Google TV with UK catch-up apps
What to watch out for
- No HDR10+, so films in that format play in HDR10 instead
- What Hi-Fi? noted backlight clouding when viewed from an angle and occasional colour inconsistencies in highlights
- Only two of the four HDMI sockets support 4K at 120Hz, so plan which devices go where
- Built-in sound may need a soundbar for clear dialogue and scale
Sony Bravia 5 is compared at 65 inches so screen size cannot disguise a price difference, while backlight, brightness and motion decide the better fit. Check rivals with more HDMI 2.1 sockets if you have several consoles.
Make the Sony Bravia 5 easier to live with
Add-ons that answer a drawback we named above. Check compatibility with your exact model before buying.
Solves: built-in sound may need a soundbar for clear dialogue and scale
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Reviewed by us
A reviewed dialogue-focused soundbar can address the named weak built-in sound. Judge voices at your normal volume and include its cost before choosing the TV.
Check first: No separate bass box included; use compatible TV ARC/eARC or the manufacturer’s optical adapter. Confirm the TV’s exact outputs and plan the occupied HDMI socket.
Solves: only two of the four HDMI sockets support 4K at 120Hz, so plan which devices go where
Cable Matters 4-Port 8K HDMI Switch, product ID 103101 Not yet reviewed by us
Shares a remaining suitable HDMI input between consoles or boxes, reducing cable swapping when the TV has too few suitable sockets.
Check first: Connect soundbar eARC directly to the TV.
Alternatives we have reviewed
| Product | Our verdict | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Sony Bravia 5 (this one) | Worth considering for Sony's XR processor and natural-looking picture, provided you check that the 65-inch model and its two HDMI 2.1 sockets suit your setup. | £1,699RRP · 65-inch model, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Sony Bravia 3 | Consider the Bravia 3 for everyday viewing and Google TV, but not if 4K 120Hz gaming is the reason you are upgrading. | £1,299RRP · 65-inch model, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Sony Bravia 7 II | A strong 65-inch choice for film fans who watch in bright rooms and value Sony's processing, provided you are happy with two full-speed HDMI 2.1 ports and budget for a soundbar. | £2,299RRP · 65-inch model, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Sony Bravia 2 II | A sensible 65-inch TV for everyday viewing and sport, but a weak fit for premium console gaming and bright-scene impact. | £1,09965-inch model, Price recorded 1 Aug 2026 | Check price |
Not sure it is the right one for you?
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Where our findings come from
Research-based review. Specifications and findings come from What Hi-Fi?'s review of the K65XR55 and Sony's UK range page, with RTINGS listed as a further source. Measurements and opinions are the named reviewers'; we did not test the TV ourselves.