Sony’s Bravia 9 II RGB TVs deliver nuclear-level color in battle against QLED

At a glance:

• Sony's new Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II TVs feature 'True RGB' technology with red, green, and blue diodes
• Prices start at $1,600 for Bravia 7 II 50-inch and $3,600 for Bravia 9 II 65-inch
• Available mid-to-late June 2025, marking Sony's shift away from QLED

Sony's latest television lineup represents a bold leap in display technology, with the new Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II bringing what the company claims is the most vivid color reproduction yet seen on a consumer TV. The standout feature driving this visual revolution is Sony's new 'True RGB' technology, which replaces traditional white LED backlighting with an array of extremely small red, green, and blue diodes. This fundamental shift promises to deliver twice the color volume compared to the previous generation Bravia 9 QLED, according to Sony's measurements.

The technology behind True RGB represents a significant evolution from mini LED displays. While mini LED arrays use white lights to backlight the screen, RGB systems employ individual red, green, and blue diodes to maximize the color gamut visible to viewers. This approach theoretically allows for more precise color reproduction and greater vibrancy, though it comes with the trade-off of potentially oversaturating content that wasn't originally mastered with such wide color gamuts in mind.

Early testing suggests that Sony's implementation is indeed impressive. The Bravia 9 II achieved a peak brightness of 4,000 nits, matching the performance of Sony's professional BVM-HX3110 reference monitor. This level of brightness, combined with an antireflection filter designed to enhance black levels and contrast in bright environments, positions these new TVs as particularly well-suited for rooms where lighting control may be limited.

However, the intense color reproduction comes with caveats that users should consider. During testing, scenes from Disney's live-action Aladdin appeared unnaturally saturated, with turmeric tones appearing more vivid than nuclear dust. While this level of color intensity might enhance certain content like musicals or nature documentaries, it could prove distracting for films and shows intended to maintain more subdued color palettes. The difference between Vivid and Standard picture modes was particularly noticeable, with Vivid mode exaggerating these effects while Standard mode provided a more accurate but less striking image.

The lineup includes multiple tiers to suit different budgets and preferences. The flagship Bravia 9 II starts at $3,600 for the 65-inch model and reaches its pinnacle with an 115-inch version priced at $31,000. The mid-tier Bravia 7 II offers the same RGB technology at more accessible price points, beginning with a 50-inch model at $1,600. Even more affordable is the Bravia 3 II, though this budget line doesn't feature the RGB technology. Sony is also continuing its OLED offerings with the Bravia 8 II, ensuring consumers have options across different display technologies.

One notable limitation is Sony's continued absence from the art TV market pioneered by Samsung's The Frame. To address this gap, Sony has partnered with Leon Studio to offer real-wood frames for the higher-end Bravia models, allowing users to achieve a similar aesthetic if they desire. The TVs also feature modern design elements including a refracting monopod stand with a translucent base that helps keep cables organized and out of view.

Setting up these premium displays is straightforward in terms of software, as all new RGB televisions ship with Google TV as the default platform. For users concerned about maintaining the director's original vision, Sony includes a 'My Cinema' preset that promises to reproduce the filmmaker's intended picture quality. This feature caters to the growing segment of cinephiles who want their home viewing experience to match theatrical presentations as closely as possible.