Sony 2024 TV Lineup: Which Sony BRAVIA TV Is Right For You?
You might’ve heard that the Sony 2024 TV lineup has taken a bold step away from the norm this year, pushing their new range of BRAVIA TVs. But what’s the drama all about?
While a lot of TV manufacturers are still perfecting the art of OLED, Sony has taken a different route with its 2024 TV lineup, backing Mini LED as their latest flagship technology.
Sony had a pretty successful campaign back in 2023, picking up multiple awards. So, rather than overhauling the entire lineup, they’ve introduced just three new models in 2024 (four if you’re based in the US or Australia), with the flagship Sony BRAVIA 9 Mini LED TV leading the line.
Along with the BRAVIA 9, Sony has also introduced the impressive BRAVIA 8 OLED TV and the more affordable BRAVIA 7 Mini LED, with many of last year’s popular models also returning, including the Sony A95L QD-OLED and Sony X90L.
It's a risky strategy, sure, but sometimes less is more. The question is: Can Sony's streamlined lineup compete with the likes of Samsung and LG? Let's find out.
Know which model(s) you're interested in? Skip ahead:👇
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| Sony BRAVIA 3 | Sony BRAVIA 7 | Sony BRAVIA 8 | Sony BRAVIA 9 |
What's New In Sony's 2024 TV Lineup?
A BRAVIA New World
While not entirely new, Sony's BRAVIA branding is taking centre stage, making it easier for us to distinguish between their latest TV models.
Confusing TV names have always been our least favourite part about the industry, and we've been begging manufacturers to simplify them for years, so it’s great to see Sony has finally listened.
By adopting a more simple numerical system, Sony has ditched the confusing jumble of letters and numbers, opting for a single number to indicate the level of performance. (The higher the number, the better the TV.)
Unfortunately, there are some carryover models from last year that might add a bit of complexity, but on the whole, Sony's new approach is a definite improvement and a positive step forward in our opinion. Let’s just hope they stick with it next year!
For a detailed breakdown of the naming conventions for any of the carryover models, check out our 2023 Sony TV Buying Guide on YouTube.
Next-Gen Mini LED Technology
As we mentioned at the start of this blog, Sony’s big move this year is to push Mini LED as its flagship TV technology. But what exactly is it?
Well, Mini LED technology represents a significant advancement in LCD backlighting, offering enhanced picture quality through the use of thousands of 'mini’ light-emitting diodes (or LEDs).
Unlike traditional LED backlighting, Mini LED employs thousands of significantly smaller LEDs arranged in a precise grid behind the LCD panel. This much denser collection of LEDs allows for much more granular control over the TV's light output, resulting in several key improvements, including a brighter picture, improved contrast, and OLED-level black performance.
This technology has matured a lot in recent years, establishing Mini LED as a compelling alternative to OLED.
Sony's BRAVIA 9 series features one of the best Mini LED panels we have seen to date with the smallest LED driver we’ve ever seen (more on that later), and other brands like Samsung have also backed this technology in their Neo-QLED models like the Samsung QN95D, demonstrating that this tech is here to stay and definitely worth considering if you’re looking for premium performance.
Don’t worry, Sony hasn't completely abandoned OLED, but their 2024 lineup features only one brand new OLED model: the Sony BRAVIA 8. The Sony A95L and the ageing Sony A90K round out Sony’s OLED offerings, but we’ll dive into those models in more detail below.
If you'd like to learn more about the differences between Mini LED and OLED, read our comparison of Mini LED vs. OLED on our blog.
BRAVIA XR Processor
As expected, Sony has also improved the brains behind their TVs this year by introducing the all-new BRAVIA XR Processor.
This advanced processor is the key to the impressive performance of Sony’s latest Mini LED panel found on the BRAVIA 9, as it powers their XR Master Backlight Drive System, which controls the much smaller LED driver and LEDs themselves. It also plays a major role in improving the picture quality of their other BRAVIA TVs too.
They’ve also started collaborating more closely with the likes of Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, offering enhanced calibration modes to improve the picture quality on these streaming services, as well as rebranding their very own Sony Pictures Core platform.
So, that’s a quick explanation of the new features in Sony’s 2024 TV lineup. But what are the specifics?
Sony BRAVIA TVs: Key Differences Explained
| Feature | BRAVIA 7 | BRAVIA 8 | BRAVIA 9 |
| Panel Type | Mini LED | OLED | Mini LED |
| Processor | BRAVIA XR Processor | BRAVIA XR Processor | BRAVIA XR Processor |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Operating System | Google TV | Google TV | Google TV |
| Sound | Acoustic Multi Audio | Acoustic Surface Audio | Acoustic Multi Audio+ |
| HDMI inputs | 4x (2x HDMI 2.1) | 4x (2x HDMI 2.1) | 4x (2x HDMI 2.1) |
| Price Range | Mid-Range | Premium | High-end |
Sony BRAVIA 3 (Not Available in the UK)
| Panel Type: LED | Available Sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch |
Unavailable in the UK, the Sony BRAVIA 3 is the brand’s entry-level LED TV that acts as the affordable option in Sony’s BRAVIA lineup.
Since this model isn't available everywhere, we won't spend too much time on it, but it’s available in a range of sizes from 43 inches to 85 inches. It’s a fairly basic 4K TV that uses a direct LED backlight system with a standard 60Hz LCD panel.
It's worth noting that with only HDMI 2.0 support and limited gaming features, it's probably not the best pick for gamers. But it does pack Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Surround, HDR10, and HLG support, as well as Sony’s 4K X-Reality Pro upscaling, making it a decent choice for a secondary space in the home.
Sony BRAVIA 7
| Panel Type: Mini LED | Available Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch |
For us UK buyers, the Sony BRAVIA 7 represents the most affordable of Sony’s new TV offerings, and it’s available in a range of sizes from 55 inches to 85 inches.
Designed as the successor to the X90L, the BRAVIA 7 shifts from X90L’s full-array backlighting to Mini LED technology with quantum dots. However, it's important to note that this isn’t the same high-end system that’s being used in the flagship BRAVIA 9.
Thanks to Sony’s advanced BRAVIA XR Processor, the BRAVIA 7 boasts a 30% boost in peak luminance over the X90L, as well as eight times as many local dimming zones, offering brighter and more dynamic picture quality.
When it comes to sound performance, the BRAVIA 7 offers Sony’s Acoustic Multi Audio as well as a full suite of gaming features, including four HDMI ports with two HDMI 2.1 sockets with 4K/120Hz and ALLM support.
The BRAVIA 7 also features a sleek build with a versatile 4-way stand design, offering two different height and width options, making it a great fit for a range of media units and soundbars.
Sony BRAVIA 8
| Panel Type: OLED | Available Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch |
Built to replace the multi-award-winning Sony A80L, the Sony BRAVIA 8 was one of the most hotly anticipated TVs of the year and Sony's sole new OLED offering.
Available in three different sizes, unlike Sony's flagship QD-OLED, the A95L, the BRAVIA 8 uses a standard WOLED panel. So, while it might not be quite as impressive, if the previous model's performance is anything to go by, you're still in for a treat when it comes to movie nights or binge watching your favourite series.
While delivering stunningly deep blacks that OLEDs are renowned for, Sony has said that this TV is 10% brighter than its predecessor, and it also features Sony’s upgraded BRAVIA XR Processor for even better picture performance.
In addition to the improved visuals, this model also steps up on the BRAVIA 7 in terms of sound performance, upgrading to Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio. It also offers the same fully featured suite of gaming features; however, only two of its four HDMI ports support full HDMI 2.1 spec, like 120Hz/4K support.
We were big fans of the Sony A80L in our review, and although it set the bar very highly, having tested both, there’s no doubt that the Bravia 8 delivers on its promise of enhanced performance.
Sony BRAVIA 9
| Panel Type: Mini LED | Available Sizes: 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch |
As mentioned throughout this blog, Sony's latest flagship, the BRAVIA 9, marks a significant shift in the brand's strategy. Instead of relying on OLED technology, this year Sony has opted to back Mini LED, aiming to deliver the best of both worlds: the stunning brightness associated with Mini LED and deep, inky OLED-like blacks.
Available in 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch screen sizes, the BRAVIA 9 boasts one of the most advanced Mini LED panels we've seen to date. Packed with more individual LEDs than a standard Mini LED model, it also utilises the world's smallest LED driver and this powerful combination allows the BRAVIA 9 to deliver up to 4000 nits of peak brightness and 22-bit backlight control. For us normal folk, that just means you can expect a brighter, more efficient, and more precisely controlled display overall.
To put it into context, last year's top-tier Mini LED TV from Sony was the X95L, and this newer model boasts a 50% increase in brightness and more granular dimming control, all while being 20% more energy efficient.
The BRAVIA 9 also boasts the best sound performance among Sony's new TV lineup, thanks to their Acoustic Multi-Audio+ sound system. This setup utilises the screen itself to generate sound and delivers a max output of 70W.
The gaming specifications are consistent with the rest of the lineup. The TV features four HDMI ports, but only two of them support the full range of HDMI 2.1 features, including 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM.
In terms of downsides, Sony TVs have always been known for their premium pricing, and the BRAVIA 9 is no exception. There’s no doubt it's a high-performance option and a great alternative to the QD-OLED Sony A95L; just be prepared to invest significantly if you are thinking about it.
Sony's 2024 TV Lineup: Returning Favourites
As we mentioned earlier, Sony's 2024 TV lineup includes a few familiar faces being carried over for another year. We'll give you a quick rundown below. But for a deep dive and detailed comparison, check out last year's full Sony Buying Guide on YouTube where we go in-depth on them all.
Sony X75WL & Sony X80L
| Panel Type: LED | Available Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch & 85-inch (X80L Only) |
The first TV model continuing on is Sony's entry-level LED TV, the Sony X75WL. Available in sizes from 43 to 75 inches, this TV is powered by Sony's Standard 4K Processor X1, which, while an entry-level option, still supports Dolby Vision and should be plenty good for a secondary room or bedroom.
The X75WL runs on Google TV, our favourite smart TV platform and it also features a 20W speaker system with Dolby Atmos support and four HDMI ports, two of which support HDMI 2.1 for gaming. That said, it only has a 50/60Hz refresh rate, which may not be ideal for fast-paced action.
The Sony X80L is very similar but it offers a step up from the X75WL, offering a larger 85-inch screen size and using Sony's upgraded 4K HDR Processor X1. This processor, combined with Triluminos Pro colour technology, delivers more accurate and vibrant colours. The X80L also has a sleeker design than the X75WL with a flush bezel and a glossy finish.
Sony X90L
| Panel Type: Full Array LED | Available Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch, 98-inch |
The next model carried over is the Sony X90L. This TV offers a step below Mini LED panel technology, instead opting for a Full-Array LED panel with direct backlighting and local dimming.
Naturally, it’s not quite as good as the Bravia 7 but we loved this TV when we reviewed it and we still think its a very versatile performer that’s great value for money (by Sony’s standards, that is).
It’s availability in such a wide range of sizes and dynamic performance make the X90L a surefire way of accessing premium performance with an increased screen size at a much more affordable price point.
Want to learn more? Check out our full Sony X90L Review
Sony A90K
| Panel Type: OLED | Available Sizes: 42-inch, 48-inch |
Despite being released back in 2022, Sony’s A90K is back yet again to cater to our small-screen OLED needs. Available in both 42-inch and 48-inch screen sizes, this TV is a great compact option for smaller spaces around the home.
Being a bit older, the A90K has a standard 4K WOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate but it's equipped with the same gaming specs as the higher-performing TVs in this lineup with, you guessed it, four HDMI ports, two of which offer HDMI 2.1 support.
Audio is delivered via Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ and while not the best in this lineup, it's still very good and enough to satisfy most people’s needs.
Overall, this is a classic Sony OLED; you get inky blacks, vibrant colours, and great contrast, which all combine to make this a very pleasing option for gamers or those tight on space and on the hunt for a smaller, high-performing telly.
More: Sony A90K Review: Superb... IF You Have The Budget!
Sony A95L
| Panel Type: QD-OLED | Available Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch |
Thanks to a delayed launch in 2023, Sony’s A95L QD-OLED TV is still going strong in 2024 and it remains Sony’s flagship OLED option in their lineup, sitting above the newly released Bravia 8 and looking to go head to head with the Bravia 9.
Available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch screen sizes, the A95L utilises a combination of quantum dot and OLED technology to deliver one of the best OLED picture performances on the market. It ranked well above a lot of the competition last year and even though it's a little older now, it's still able to compete with some of the most popular OLEDs, like LG's G4 and Samsung's S95D.
Sound-wise, the A95L is great too, thanks to Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+, which uses an actuator-based system to vibrate the screen. However, while it offers a full suite of gaming features, it’s worth noting that, like the other flagship models in this lineup, only two of the four HDMI ports are fully configured for HDMI 2.1.
For those torn between the A95L and BRAVIA 9, if cinematic picture quality is your main concern, the A95L’s QD-OLED panel offers exceptional performance that just edges it for us. That said, the BRAVIA 9’s higher peak brightness does make it a better pick for bright rooms and it does push the A95L close in terms of performance.
Curious about the Sony A95L? You may have heard the terms MLA OLED and QD-OLED before. Confused? Our MLA vs. QD-OLED blog breaks it down.
How To Choose The Best Sony TV For You: Our Recommendations
Choosing the best TV can seem daunting and with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to sift through the jargon and work out what actually matters. To keep things super easy for you guys, we’ve broken down a couple of use cases and which is the best Sony TV(s) we’d recommend:
Best Sony TV for Home Cinema Enthusiasts:
If you're looking for the pinnacle of home cinema performance, the Sony Bravia 9 or Sony A95L are our top picks. Despite using different panel technologies, both of these flagship models deliver stunning picture quality with deep blacks, true-to-life colours, and incredible detail.
If you’d rather avoid the flagship price tag, the Sony Bravia 8 and Sony X90L will also be compelling alternatives depending on your budget.
Best Sony TV for Gamers:
With the majority of these options supporting a full suite of gaming features, Sony TVs are an excellent choice for gaming, especially when paired with a PlayStation 5.
In our opinion, the Sony A90K offers an immersive gaming experience on a smaller screen, perfect for cosy gaming setups. However, if you’re looking for a bigger screen, almost all of these TVs will be a good pick; it's just a case of deciding how much you value visual performance.
It's just worth noting that one of Sony’s biggest drawbacks is (as you can probably guess) that Sony TVs typically have a limited number of HDMI 2.1 ports—a nightmare if you want to connect multiple devices like a console and a PC at the same time.
If you have other devices, or maybe you’re an Xbox user, you might just want to explore other brands like LG or Samsung, which often offer slightly more flexible connectivity options.
Best Sony TV for Budget-Conscious Viewers:
As we’ve already mentioned, Sony TVs don’t tend to come cheap, but if you’re looking to be kinder to your wallet, there are a couple of options that are worth taking a look at.
If you’re after the most affordable and biggest screen possible, the Sony X75WL or Sony X80L will be your best choice; however, you will be losing out a little when it comes to visual performance.
If your budget can stretch a little, we’d recommend stepping up to the Sony X90L. It’s a great mixed-use TV that offers a great balance of value and performance and we actually see it as a bit of a dark horse within the Sony lineup, even though it's a little older now.
Other Useful Content
Blog: LED vs OLED vs QLED - What do they mean and which is right for me?
Blog: How to Choose The Right TV Screen Size for You
Video: TV Panel Type Buying Guide: OLED vs QLED vs QNED vs Micro LED vs Mini LED & More
For more information about Sony TVs or any other TV products, get in touch and one of our Tech Guides would be happy to help!
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