Sony BRAVIA 9 II Review: Among the top HDR TVs I've evaluated

      "The BRAVIA 9 II does not replace OLED. Instead, it presents the strongest competition to OLED so far."

      **Pros**

      - Remarkable 4,000-nit HDR brightness

      - Excellent color accuracy

      - Superb local dimming

      - Enhanced Sony image processing

      - Outstanding performance in bright rooms

      - Well-rounded picture quality

      **Cons**

      - High flagship pricing

      - OLED offers deeper blacks

      - Some blooming is still noticeable

      - Limited off-axis viewing angles

      - Fewer features focused on gaming

      **Instant Insight**

      The Sony BRAVIA 9 II could be one of the most ambitious LCD TVs ever made by Sony. The company isn’t simply aiming to produce another brighter Mini LED Television; it is addressing one of Mini LED's significant challenges: how to achieve impressive brightness without compromising on vibrant and accurate colors.

      The solution lies in Sony's innovative True RGB Mini LED technology, which utilizes dedicated red, green, and blue Mini LEDs rather than a conventional backlight system. The goal is to achieve color accuracy similar to OLED, while maintaining the high brightness and HDR performance that make LCD TVs attractive.

      After testing the BRAVIA 9 II, it's evident that Sony has developed an outstanding television. The pivotal question is whether this LCD can legitimately compete with OLED or if OLED remains the better choice for most consumers.

      **Sony BRAVIA 9 II Specifications:**

      - Model Year: 2026

      - Screen Size: 75-inch / 189 cm (Also available in 85" and 115")

      - Display Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160)

      - Panel Type & Backlight: LCD with RGB LED Local Dimming (RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro)

      - Refresh Rate: 120 Hz

      - Processor: XR Processor with AI

      - HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG

      - Picture Enhancements: RGB TRILUMINOS Max™, XR Contrast Booster 40, XR Clear Image

      - Audio Output: 80W (8-unit setup: 2x Subwoofer, 2x Full Range, 2x Tweeter, 2x Beam Tweeter)

      - Sound Technologies: Acoustic Multi-Audio+, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Voice Zoom 3

      - Gaming Features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, SBTM, Auto HDR Tone Mapping (PS5)

      - HDMI Inputs: 4 ports (HDMI 2.1 support on ports 3 & 4; eARC/ARC)

      - Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, Apple AirPlay, Apple HomeKit, Chromecast built-in

      - Operating System: Google TV™ (Android TV™)

      - Dimensions (with Stand): Approx. 1,669 x 1,033 x 386 mm

      - Weight: Approx. 38.1 kg (Without Stand) / 43.5 kg (With Stand)

      - Price (MRP): ₹8,39,900 (including all taxes)

      **Design and Build Quality**

      From the outset, the BRAVIA 9 II embodies the essence of a flagship television. Sony has maintained its minimalist aesthetic, with ultra-thin bezels and premium materials that keep the focus on the screen itself.

      The stand system is also very practical, providing various placement options depending on your setup. You can position it lower for a sleeker appearance or elevate it slightly to accommodate a soundbar below. With a TV of this caliber, design takes a backseat, as the true innovation occurs behind the display.

      **Picture Quality**

      Mini LED TVs have seen significant advancements. Brands like Sony, Samsung, TCL, and Hisense have expanded LCD technology beyond expectations. However, traditional Mini LED faces a challenge: it employs a backlight for brightness and relies on color filters for the visible colors. This can lead to reduced color intensity at very high brightness levels.

      Sony's True RGB Mini LED technology adopts a different approach. Rather than producing white light and applying filters, the BRAVIA 9 II utilizes dedicated Mini LEDs in red, green, and blue. This allows for greater control over color production, enhancing color volume, accuracy, and saturation during bright HDR highlights.

      HDR encompasses more than just brightness; it involves establishing realistic contrast between the brightest highlights and the darkest shadows while preserving color accuracy.

      The BRAVIA 9 II first impresses with its brightness, achieving around 4,000 nits of peak HDR brightness, ranking it among the brightest consumer TVs available. Scenes featuring sunlight, reflections, explosions, neon signs, and bright outdoor settings are rendered with incredible impact, delivering a sense of realism and intensity that few other TVs can match.

      However, brightness alone doesn’t define a great TV. The challenge lies in managing it effectively, where Sony's processing technology plays a crucial role. Sony utilizes XR Back