As in every year, TV manufacturers launched their new models during the summer. Most companies focus on OLED technology, which offers rich colors and true black, but alongside these models, there are other options using different technologies, such as Mini LED (explained further below). Sony decided to focus on this technology in two of its three leading models: Bravia 7 and Bravia 9, with the Bravia 8 featuring OLED technology. By the way, it’s worth noting that this year, Sony has abandoned its complicated model names (e.g., X95L and X90L). Instead, the names are simplified, and the model I received for review is the Bravia 7.
Display and Sound: Bravia 7 – Mini LED Technology and Strong Brightness
The Bravia 7 uses Mini LED technology, which helps LED screens approach the quality of premium OLED displays. Mini LED TVs pack more LED points into the backlight compared to other TVs of the same size, enhancing brightness and dark areas in the image. As a result of using Mini LED, the brightness of this TV is impressive, and it handled my brightly lit living room, even in direct sunlight, without suffering from reflections. On the other hand, the black levels aren't particularly deep.
The Bravia 7 is equipped with Sony's XR Processor, which helps the TV analyze the content displayed on the screen and adjust it accordingly. Additionally, it identifies the focus point of the scene, like the main character. The result is sharp images with pleasing colors, making it a joy to watch movies and TV shows. Moreover, the TV features a technology called XR Motion Clarity, which prevents blurring by analyzing movement in multiple frames and synchronizing it with the backlight to display clear, bright images during fast scenes. Sony is proud to offer an automatic calibration mode for Netflix and Prime Video. This mode enhances the image, making it smoother and more pleasant, though it can also appear a bit yellowish, with reduced brightness. I had to increase the brightness back because it was hard to watch in a well-lit room. As for Prime Video, I couldn’t increase the brightness as it was locked according to the calibration mode, so I opted for the "Dolby Vision Rich Picture" mode.
In terms of sound, Sony uses its Acoustic Multi-Audio technology, creating the impression that the sound is coming from the center of the screen, rather than from the bottom or sides. This is achieved through two speakers located at the top sides, which successfully create this effect. Overall, it’s a decent sound experience for a TV, though the sound remains somewhat flat. Additionally, Sony has integrated a feature called “Voice Zoom,” which amplifies character dialogues, making them clearer, and it works well.
Bravia 7 – Maximizing the Ecosystem
Sony has two particularly popular product categories in its catalog: PlayStation and headphones. It was logical for Sony to create a better experience when using these products with its TVs. The Bravia 7 automatically recognized my PlayStation 5, activating Game Mode, which reduces image latency and offers automatic HDR tone mapping, enabled during the initial setup of the console. This feature improves details in dark areas and bright highlights, like strong sunlight in a scene.
The TV also includes the PS Remote Play app, allowing you to stream games from another room in your house where the PlayStation 5 or 4 is located, so you can play on this screen with a game controller.
Typically, to use headphones with the PlayStation 5, you need to buy Sony’s PlayStation-compatible headphones or use a wireless adapter for third-party headphones (e.g., SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5, full review here). In my case, I connected Sony's excellent WH-1000XM5 headphones, which the Bravia 7 immediately recognized and prompted me to connect with my personal profile from the mobile app for a better surround experience. The personal profile in Sony’s app analyzes the shape of your ears to adjust the surround sound.
The TV's operating system is Google TV, which means you can install a wide range of streaming service apps, including Yes+, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+, along with many other apps available in the Google Play Store. It’s a pity that Sony’s streaming service, Sony Pictures Core, is still not available in Israel.
Sony integrates its own menus within Google TV, making it easier to access different settings for picture and audio. Additionally, there’s a nice screensaver option that displays low-brightness landscape images, allowing you to keep the screen on and enjoy a digital photo frame.
Two Remotes and an App
The Bravia 7 comes with two remotes: one compact with full number buttons and arrows, and a longer one with backlighting, fewer buttons, and shortcuts to streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and more. Additionally, Sony offers an app, Bravia Connect, which can be installed on your smartphone to control the screen.
Regarding connections, Sony has placed all ports on the side of the screen, making them relatively easy to access: 4 HDMI ports, including an ARC port, LAN input, and Wi-Fi.
Price: NIS 9,000 for the 65-inch model (official importer: Isfar)
In conclusion, the Bravia 7 offers an excellent display thanks to Mini LED technology. The brightness is strong, there's no reflection, and Sony's processor delivers sharpness and eliminates blur in fast-moving scenes. The operating system here is Google TV, so there’s a large selection of apps, and for PlayStation 5 users, the TV offers various image improvements.
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