Our verdict
This is a TV for people who want films to look natural rather than simply bright. It is a QD-OLED: each pixel makes its own light and switches fully off for deep blacks, while a quantum-dot layer keeps colours rich. Sony's XR Processor handles faces, motion and lower-quality broadcasts with unusual care. Acoustic Surface Audio+ uses actuators to vibrate the screen itself, so voices seem to come from the person speaking, which can put off the need for a soundbar. It supports Dolby Vision and runs Google TV. Sony charges heavily for that polish, and using two modern consoles alongside an eARC soundbar needs more planning than on LG or Samsung sets.
Buy it if
- Films and high-quality drama matter most
- You want better built-in sound without buying a soundbar straight away
- Natural processing matters more to you than maximum brightness
Skip it if
- You have several modern consoles and an eARC soundbar
- The room is extremely bright
- Value for money matters more than refinement
How it would fit your home
Film nights
Natural colour, controlled motion and deep QD-OLED blacks make a dark room the ideal setting.
TV without a soundbar
Acoustic Surface Audio+ keeps dialogue unusually clear and connected to the person on screen.
Two consoles plus eARC audio
With only two HDMI 2.1 ports, and one of them also the eARC port, a PS5, an Xbox and a soundbar cannot all get full features without extra kit.
The details, in plain English
Films and TV
Sony's strength is making material look believable. The XR Processor keeps film motion controlled, avoids exaggerated skin tones and cleans up lower-quality broadcasts without an artificial look. The QD-OLED panel gives deep blacks with rich colour. Dolby Vision is supported, unlike on Samsung's high-end TVs, along with HDR10 and HLG, the format used for some live broadcasts.
Sound
Acoustic Surface Audio+ uses actuators, small motors behind the panel, to vibrate the screen so voices seem to come from the picture rather than a speaker below it. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Bass is limited by the thin cabinet, but many people will find ordinary TV and drama clear enough without adding a soundbar straight away.
Gaming and connections
The screen runs at up to 120Hz, so a PS5 or Xbox Series X can play at 4K 120Hz for smoother motion, with gaming modes that cut delay. Only two HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1 with the full feature set, and one of those is also the eARC port, the connection that sends full-quality sound to a soundbar. A PlayStation, an Xbox and a sound system therefore need a switch, an AV receiver or a compromise.
Strengths and drawbacks
What it does well
- Natural, cinematic picture from Sony's XR Processor
- QD-OLED screen with excellent dark-scene contrast and rich colour
- Acoustic Surface Audio+ makes voices come from the screen itself, with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Dolby Vision support, plus Google TV for broad app choice
What to watch out for
- Expensive beside excellent LG and Samsung alternatives
- Only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of them shared with eARC for a soundbar
- Not the strongest choice for a very bright room
LG's C5 offers four gaming-ready HDMI ports for much less, Samsung's QN90F is brighter and TCL is the value option. Sony justifies its higher price through film processing, motion and sound rather than headline brightness.
Make the Sony Bravia 8 II easier to live with
Add-ons that answer a drawback we named above. Check compatibility with your exact model before buying.
Solves: only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of them shared with eARC for a soundbar
Cable Matters 4-Port 8K HDMI Switch, product ID 103101 Not yet reviewed by us
Shares the remaining suitable HDMI 2.1 input between devices once eARC is used by a soundbar; leave eARC directly connected.
Check first: Connect soundbar eARC directly to the TV.
Alternatives we have reviewed
| Product | Our verdict | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Sony Bravia 8 II (65-inch) (this one) | A film-first OLED for people who value natural picture processing and clear built-in sound, provided you do not need more than two full-spec gaming ports. | £2,999RRP · 65 inches, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Sony Bravia 8 | A well-matched 65-inch TV for film fans who want strong contrast and screen-based sound, if the OLED premium and bright rooms do not put you off. | £2,699RRP · 65-inch model, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Sony Bravia 9 II 65-inch | A superb bright-room TV with first-class processing, held back by only two full-speed gaming inputs and a very high price | £3,499RRP · 65-inch television, 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 |
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Where our findings come from
This research-based review uses Sony's format and connection listed features plus independent picture, sound and gaming testing. The value assessment credits the better-than-average built-in sound while still deducting for the limited connection 2.1 layout.