Sony 65 Inch OLED 4K Ultra HD TV review with BRAVIA features

Description

Stunning Design and Build Quality

The moment I set up the Sony 65 Inch OLED 4K Ultra HD TV BRAVIA 8 Smart Google TV (K-65XR80) in my living room, it was clear I was dealing with a premium product. Its sleek black finish blends beautifully with modern decor, making it more than just a TV—it’s a centerpiece. The razor-thin bezels give it a contemporary, minimalist look, creating an immersive experience even before turning it on. At 65 inches, the screen size feels expansive but not overwhelming, perfect for larger spaces.

However, the 51.2-pound weight makes it a bit cumbersome to set up solo. Thankfully, the sturdy stand and thoughtful dimensions (9.88 x 56.88 x 33.75 inches) ensure stability, but mounting or moving it might require an extra set of hands. While the design ticks all the right boxes for beauty, practicality could pose minor challenges.

Incredible Picture Quality with OLED Technology

Watching content on this TV is nothing short of mesmerizing. The OLED display with over 8 million self-lit pixels delivers stunning contrast, offering pure blacks and vibrant highlights that truly pop. Whether I was binge-watching a Netflix series or playing an action-packed video game, the depth and clarity were awe-inspiring.

The XR Triluminos Pro technology deserves special mention. It brings out billions of real-world colors, making every scene feel lifelike. I watched a nature documentary, and the lush greens and shimmering blues were almost too good to be true. Paired with the XR Processor, the TV intelligently enhances color and contrast in real-time, ensuring every detail is crystal clear. Fast-moving scenes, like sports or action movies, benefit immensely from XR OLED Motion, keeping the visuals smooth and blur-free.

Optimized for Gamers

As someone who spends hours gaming, the exclusive PlayStation 5 features were a game-changer. The Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode worked seamlessly, optimizing picture quality without me needing to fiddle with settings. Games looked stunning, and the responsiveness was spot-on, even during intense battles.

The Game Menu is another thoughtful addition, offering quick access to settings that enhance the gaming experience. While the TV shines for gaming, it might not appeal as strongly to casual users who don’t game often, as these features are quite niche.

Cinematic Audio Experience

The audio on this TV is something I didn’t expect to be this good. Thanks to the Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, the screen itself acts as a speaker, delivering sound that feels like it’s coming directly from the action on-screen. Watching a movie with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support was surreal; the audio enveloped the room, making me feel like I was in a theater.

Still, while the built-in speakers are impressive, audiophiles might want to pair it with a dedicated sound system for an even deeper experience. For most users, though, the audio quality is more than enough to complement the exceptional visuals.

Good Points

• Exceptional OLED display with pure blacks and vibrant colors.
• XR Processor enhances scenes in real-time for superb clarity.
• Perfect for gamers, thanks to exclusive PlayStation 5 features.
• Acoustic Surface Audio+ creates immersive sound directly from the screen.
• Includes access to streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.

Adverse Aspects

• Heavy and bulky, making setup a bit inconvenient.
• Niche gaming features might not appeal to non-gamers.
• Built-in speakers, while good, may not satisfy audiophile-level expectations.

Competing Products

Comparing this TV to other OLED TVs like the LG C3 or Samsung S95C, there are some noticeable differences. The LG C3, for instance, offers equally stunning picture quality but lacks the Acoustic Surface Audio+ feature that makes the BRAVIA 8 so unique. On the other hand, the Samsung S95C boasts a slightly slimmer design and better brightness levels, which might appeal to users who often watch content in well-lit rooms.

What sets this product apart is its dedicated PlayStation 5 optimizations, something competitors don’t offer. However, LG’s gaming features and Samsung’s superior peak brightness give them an edge in specific scenarios. For me, the immersive audio and visual synergy of this TV made it stand out, despite a few drawbacks.

True Value

When it comes to value for the price, this TV holds its ground. Yes, it’s not the cheapest option, but the combination of cutting-edge OLED technology, cinematic sound, and gaming-focused features makes it worth the investment for anyone who prioritizes quality. The inclusion of streaming credits through the Sony Pictures CORE app and a year’s subscription to classics adds even more bang for your buck.

Compared to similarly priced models, the BRAVIA 8 Smart Google TV offers a well-rounded package. It may not dominate in every aspect, but it certainly delivers an exceptional experience that justifies its premium tag.

Additional information