Sony 2025 TV buying guide: New lineup and models explained
Sony's naming system and evolving panel technologies can be confusing, especially when models from previous years are still available alongside the latest releases. Understanding the differences between LCD, mini-LED, OLED, and QD-OLED panels is key to making the right choice.
This guide breaks down the current Bravia lineup, explains what makes each model unique, and offers insight into where Sony is headed next. Whether you're a casual viewer or a home theater enthusiast, having a clearer picture of Sony's TV strategy can help you find the right fit for your space.
Bravia 2 II: Entry-Level Made Smarter
The Bravia 2 II is Sony's newest true entry-level model, positioned just below the Bravia 3 in both price and performance. Designed for casual viewers or secondary rooms like bedrooms and offices, this TV offers the basics without sacrificing Sony's signature processing quality.
It features a standard 60 Hz panel and edge-lit LED backlighting. While it won't compete with higher-end models on brightness, contrast, or gaming features, it still benefits from Sony's XR processing to improve image clarity and motion handling compared to other TVs in its class.
The Bravia 2 II is also one of the lightest and most energy-efficient models in the lineup, making it ideal for wall mounting or smaller living spaces. It lacks advanced features like local dimming or wide color gamut, but delivers solid picture quality for everyday viewing.
Bravia 3: Entry-Level LED
The Bravia 3 is a step up from the Bravia 2 II, thanks to its more advanced direct-lit LED backlighting. However, it still lacks the local dimming found in more expensive models. Peak brightness hovers around 500 nits in test patterns and it benefits from Sony's excellent processing.
That said, the Bravia 3's contrast is limited by its always-on backlight, which can make blacks appear gray. Still, for Sony loyalists looking for a budget-friendly option, the Bravia 3 delivers.
Note: This model is a carryover from 2024.
Bravia 5: Mini-LED at a Mid-Tier Price
The Bravia 5 is Sony's most affordable mini-LED TV and a clear step up from its entry-level models. It features full-array local dimming with XR Backlight Master Drive, delivering significantly improved contrast and brightness control compared to standard LED panels.
This model includes a native 120 Hz panel, supports variable refresh rate (VRR), and is compatible with Dolby Vision and Dolby Vision for gaming. It's also equipped with Sony's XR Processor for advanced image clarity and motion handling. Estimated peak brightness is between 1,200 and 1,500 nits, impressive for its tier.
With HDMI 2.1 support, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and a dedicated Game Menu, the Bravia 5 is a compelling choice for gamers and home theater enthusiasts alike. It strikes a strong balance between performance and price, making it a standout mid-range option in Sony's 2025 lineup.
Bravia 7: High Performance Mini-LED
The Bravia 7, another carryover from 2024, holds its own as a top-tier mini-LED option. Delivering around 2,000 nits of peak brightness, it competes directly with models like the Samsung QN90F.
Color accuracy is outstanding in Professional Mode, and image quality overall is clean and impressive. The only downsides are slightly diminished off-angle viewing and a modest anti-glare coating—though many viewers report it works just fine.
Bravia 8: WRGB OLED
The Bravia 8 series represents Sony's take on premium OLED, offering a balance between performance and price. The original Bravia 8 (or Mk I) uses a WRGB OLED panel and sits in the same category as LG's C-series OLEDs. It's available in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch sizes, and for many users, it delivers a near-flagship experience with excellent black levels, rich color, and Sony's signature image processing.
While it doesn't push brightness as far as QD-OLED or high-end mini-LED models, it remains a popular option for those who prioritize cinematic picture quality and deep contrast over raw peak brightness. It's also the only way to get a 77-inch OLED from Sony outside of the more expensive QD-OLED tier.
Bravia 8 Mark 2: OLED Evolves
Now enter the Bravia 8 Mark 2, which upgrades to a QD-OLED panel. This new model represents the cutting edge of Sony's OLED tech but doesn't take the 'Bravia 10' name. That's because Sony still considers the Bravia 9 its flagship.
This naming choice might be unconventional, but Sony is likely betting that the Bravia 8M2 will stand out based on performance and buzz alone.
Bravia 9: The Current Flagship
The Bravia 9 also carries over from 2024. Given its recent release and reputation as the best mini-LED TV available, it makes sense that Sony isn't rushing a replacement.
Late launch aside, the Bravia 9 has set the bar for high-performance mini-LED TVs. With excellent reviews and strong consumer interest, it remains the top of Sony's current lineup.
Sony's Bravia lineup covers a wide range of needs, from entry-level models to cutting-edge displays. Whether you're looking for a simple living room TV or a premium home theater centerpiece, there's likely a Bravia that fits.
Understanding the differences in panel technology, processing, and model tiers can help you choose the right one with confidence. If you want to learn more about the competition, then check out our Samsung TV buying guide and LG TV buying guide.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Why VC investments into crypto are seen to hit $25bn in 2025
Venture capital investors will back crypto startups to the tune of $25 billion in 2025. That's according to Michael Martin, director at Ava Labs' incubator Codebase, who said a perfect storm of bullish signals will incentivise investors to back crypto companies. He told DL News that factors like Circle's successful public float, booming crypto market, Stripe's acquisition of Privy, Wall Street pouring into blockchain projects, and new rules of the road for digital assets will drive even more investment in the last half of the year. 'People have the proof points to invest with a level of confidence in earlier stage, real-world blockchain companies that they may not have had in the past,' Martin told DL News. The prediction comes during a week that saw 12 crypto projects raise $121 million, pushing the total amount bagged by industry players this year to $13.2 billion, according to DefiLlama. That investment is already 40% higher in August this year than all investment into crypto last year. That also puts it on the path to break the $18 billion expected by PitchBook analysts earlier this year. Martin's prognosis echoes that of Galaxy Venture's Mike Giampapa, who told DL News earlier this summer that he expected crypto startups to secure $25 billion in 2025. Critical juncture Investor' optimism comes at a critical juncture for the industry. The Trump administration's pro-industry tilt has emboldened not just sector players, but also larger financial institutions and banks to increasingly tap into digital assets. With Trump having rubberstamped the Genius Act in July and more crypto bills coming up for votes on Capitol Hill, the industry is getting the clarity it's clamoured for for years. That clarity is expected to further fuel the adoption of blockchain technology by traditional financial institutions. Wall Street companies and fintech firms may also see this as an opportunity to follow in Stripe's footsteps and acquire crypto companies to embed their solutions in their services 'You're going to see more of that,' Martin said. Macroeconomy risks To be sure, there are clouds on the horizon that risk derailing the investment boom. Even so, macroeconomic uncertainties — particularly those surrounding US President Donald Trump's tariffs — jeopardise the rally, Martin said. Other concerns include whether or not public crypto companies like Circle and Coinbase will perform as well as expected. Martin said that if public crypto companies and leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin were to underperform analysts' expectations, that could rattle investors and scare them into tightening their grips around their cheque books. Apart from the risk of public crypto companies underperforming, there is also a chance that macroeconomic conditions will give investors reason to halt their investment strategies. For instance, Trump's tariffs against some of the US' closest trading partners combined with jobs growth having stalled this summer have rattled investors. No one knows what will happen next. 'VCs have capital they need to deploy,' Martin said. 'But how are you going to deploy it if you don't know if X, Y and Z is going to happen?' You're reading the latest installment of The Weekly Raise, our column covering fundraising deals across the crypto and DeFi spaces, powered by DefiLlama. Eric Johansson is DL News' interim managing editor. Got a tip? Email at eric@ Errore nel recupero dei dati Effettua l'accesso per consultare il tuo portafoglio Errore nel recupero dei dati Errore nel recupero dei dati Errore nel recupero dei dati Errore nel recupero dei dati
CNET
11 minutes ago
- CNET
Buying a New iPhone or Android Phone? This Is What You Need to Know First
The iPhone 16 Pro, Google Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra, have lots in common. From their lightning-fast performance and pro-level cameras to their big, vibrant displays, these flagships are all among the best phones you can buy in 2025. It's no surprise then that these fan-favorite phones have something else in common, too: Whopping prices. Costing $1,000 and more, these elite handsets are out of reach for many of us -- or they're simply unnecessary for those of us who just want an all-around device for everyday use. Thankfully, there's a huge array of options out there catering to all needs and budgets, whether you're looking for top-end model or a more affordable option, like the Google Pixel 9A. You'd think the vast number of choices would make shopping simple. But the reality is that sometimes all the options make it more confusing. To help you cut through some of the jargon and spend your money sensibly, I've put together tips for buying a phone. Oh, and if you're considering buying a new iPhone 16 right before Apple is expected to launch its new iPhone 17, here's why you should wait -- regardless of whether you want Apple's latest handset. How to buy a new phone: Top phone-buying tips Know what you care about most: Is it screen size? Camera quality? Battery life? This will help narrow down your choices. Phones like the iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra or Xiaomi 15 Ultra, for example, pack incredible cameras that almost rival the quality you'd get from a mirrorless camera. If you're keen on photography and always want to carry a superb camera for when inspiration strikes, then spending money here is a good idea. If not, you can likely save yourself a bundle. Is it screen size? Camera quality? Battery life? This will help narrow down your choices. Phones like the iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra or Xiaomi 15 Ultra, for example, pack incredible cameras that almost rival the quality you'd get from a mirrorless camera. If you're keen on photography and always want to carry a superb camera for when inspiration strikes, then spending money here is a good idea. If not, you can likely save yourself a bundle. Don't discount the midrange: Features of last year's flagships always trickle down to this year's midrange handsets. You can get a great phone that does almost everything that a premium phone can do for a fraction of the price. Google's Pixel 9 Pro packs a great zoom camera, but the base Pixel 9 has most of the same key specs and comes at a more reasonable price. Features of last year's flagships always trickle down to this year's midrange handsets. You can get a great phone that does almost everything that a premium phone can do for a fraction of the price. Google's Pixel 9 Pro packs a great zoom camera, but the base Pixel 9 has most of the same key specs and comes at a more reasonable price. Shop the sales: Look for deep discounts and promo deals around major holidays, especially Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday. And find out what your grace period is in case you need a quick return or exchange. Look for deep discounts and promo deals around major holidays, especially Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday. And find out what your grace period is in case you need a quick return or exchange. Consider last year's phones: They can often be a great deal, too. Wait for this year's launch to get last year's phone for less, when stores and carriers may be trying to offload their existing stock. You should also check for used options as these can save you a ton of money, as long as whatever you buy still receives security updates. They can often be a great deal, too. Wait for this year's launch to get last year's phone for less, when stores and carriers may be trying to offload their existing stock. You should also check for used options as these can save you a ton of money, as long as whatever you buy still receives security updates. Hold the phone at a store first: You may love or hate the way it looks and feels in person. You may love or hate the way it looks and feels in person. Check if you're already invested: Have you already bought a lot of iPhone apps and iTunes movies? Stick with an iPhone if you still want access to them. Likewise, if you've invested in loads of Android apps, you'll want to stay on that side of the fence. Otherwise, it's simple enough to switch platforms Have you already bought a lot of iPhone apps and iTunes movies? Stick with an iPhone if you still want access to them. Likewise, if you've invested in loads of Android apps, you'll want to stay on that side of the fence. Otherwise, it's simple enough to Buy a case and screen protector: You'll protect your phone from costly damage and will increase the phone's resale or trade-in value for when you're ready to move on. If you're careful with how you use your phone, it should last for years. Andrew Hoyle/CNET Smartphone performance vs. budget In general, performance lines up with cost. The very latest, greatest technology usually comes at a premium. Flagship phones pack the best cameras, the most powerful processors and may even sport cutting-edge tech like foldable displays. The high prices mean that these phones are worth considering only by those who want the absolute latest tech in their pockets. Not everyone needs such top tech, however, or may simply be unwilling to spend the $1,000 or more typically required to get it. Luckily, the midrange sector of the phone world has been one of the fiercest battlegrounds for companies to compete in, resulting in some amazing phones that won't break the bank. Features like wireless charging and cameras with multiple lenses that were once the domain of flagships are now commonplace on midrange phones. Even budget phones will still offer decent camera quality and enough power for you to enjoy all of your everyday web browsing, WhatsApp-ing and Instagramming. Screen size All phones have gotten steadily bigger over the last few years, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra measuring a whopping 6.9 inches. Small phones aren't that common anymore, with almost no phones measuring under six inches in size. Apple killed off its iPhone Mini line, and while its 2022 iPhone SE remained the smallest iPhone you could buy, the company replaced it with the 6.1 inch iPhone 16E, which hardly qualifies as small. On the Android side, the Google Pixel 8A's 6.1-inch display makes it one of the better smaller phones, but like the iPhone 16E, it's hardly what you'd call tiny. Google replaced it recently with the Pixel 9A and in so doing increased the screen size to 6.3 inches. Sorry, small phone fans, looks like you're out of luck. Andrew Hoyle/CNET Software support period A phone remains safe to use only as long as it receives security updates from the manufacturer to protect it from hackers. In the past, this was a bigger concern since most phones were supported for just two or three years, leaving them with a short shelf life. Today, however, extended support has become a competitive feature, with Google now offering an impressive seven years of software and security updates on its latest phones. It means the most recent Pixel 9 Pro will still be safe to use in 2031, while Samsung has promised a similar support period for its Galaxy S24 and S25 lines. Samsung's Galaxy S20, released in 2020, received its final security update in 2024, however, so it's important to confirm how long your phone of choice will be safe to use, especially if you're buying an older phone on the used market. A longer support period not only gives you better value for money over the lifetime of the device, it's also better for the planet, as it keeps older, but still usable phones out of landfill and reduces the number of new devices being made and shipped. Camera performance Camera features have been a major point for bragging rights in recent phones, with manufacturers always wanting a bigger, more exciting number, be it the number of megapixels or quantity of actual camera lenses. Three rear cameras are now common -- a regular lens, an ultrawide lens and a telephoto lens -- with even budget-focused phones packing multiple cameras. Read more: Best Camera Phone to Buy in 2025 This is great, as more lenses mean more shooting options when you're out and about. But that doesn't mean that any multilens camera is as good as another. As with processor performance, the more you spend, the better the results you'll typically get, with the absolute best cameras around usually being found on the most expensive flagships. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Look out for features like optical (rather than digital) zooms, night mode for better low-light images, and optical image stabilization. Sometimes these features might not be clear, and it's not possible to judge a camera's performance just by looking at the specs. If you really care about your phone's photography skills, then take some time to look at the reviews and see how its camera performs before you spend your money. Battery life Most phones, from the budget end through to elite flagships, can last most of a day on a single charge. Bigger phones might have bigger batteries, but they also have bigger screens and often more powerful processors, so they suck that extra juice down quickly. Few phones will give you more than a day of use. Here are some things to keep in mind: Always plan on giving your phone a full charge overnight. Look for features like fast charging, that allow your phone to take on a lot of power in a short space of time. Some phones, like the OnePlus 13, support 80W fast charging that will take it from empty to full in around 30 minutes. Check to see if your phone comes with a compatible fast charger though, as an old USB plug likely won't offer the power output required. Your battery will last longer if you avoid more demanding tasks such as gaming or video streaming. Keeping the screen brightness down will help too and if you're really trying to eke out that last few percent to help get you home, turning off Wifi and Bluetooth can also help. Andrew Hoyle/CNET Processor performance Top-end phones pack powerful processors along with 12GB of RAM or even more. It's enough to make these phones run any task without breaking a sweat, but you don't need to spend flagship level money to get great performance. Most decent midrange phones offer enough power to handle all of your everyday needs. You'll still be able to play almost any game from the Google Play store and edit your high-resolution photos in apps such as Snapseed or Adobe Lightroom. There's little you could throw at most midrange phones that they wouldn't be able to handle. As you move into the budget end of the spectrum, that's when you'll start to notice some slowdown with things like gaming. More demanding 3D games might look more stuttery and may even unexpectedly quit. However, basic tasks such as sending emails, listening to Spotify and browsing Instagram shouldn't be a problem. 4G or 5G? 5G is the latest standard that promises lightning-fast mobile data speeds when you're out and about. While 5G coverage still isn't everywhere yet, it's widespread enough that you should absolutely look toward a 5G phone. And that's easy, as almost all of them are, from top-end flagships down to entry-level budget phones. The only reason you should consider buying a 4G phone now is if you're looking at the used market and you've found a good deal on an older-generation model that will tide you over for a couple of years. Andrew Hoyle/CNET How much phone storage do you need? Most phones, even the budget ones, come with at least 64GB of storage, of which 10 may be taken up by preinstalled apps and the phone's operating system. If you don't plan on recording video, and gaming isn't your thing, 64GB might be enough, but otherwise you should consider 128GB to be a safer minimum. Andrew Hoyle/CNET Higher-end phones -- particularly those that can record high quality 4K video -- offer capacities of 256GB or more. With that much space, you'll barely need to think twice about having to clear out old files. If the phone supports microSD cards then it's a different matter, as you can pick up 32GB microSD cards (or bigger) for very little money these days and popping one into your phone will dramatically increase the amount of storage you'll have access to. Unfortunately, expandable storage is a very rare feature on phones these days. However, most phones will support external storage over USB-C, so if you're going on holiday and want to shoot a lot of high-resolution video, taking a small SSD drive to offload your footage to might be a good idea. Bonus features Many of these features are now common on phones at various price points and are worth keeping in mind when you're shopping. Fingerprint scanner or face unlock: A scanner may be on the back or even invisibly built into the display. Biometric security, as it's called, is more secure than having to remember a PIN. Water-resistant: Do you often take calls in the rain? Look for a phone with at least an IP67 rating to keep it safe from water and spilled drinks.
Fast Company
11 minutes ago
- Fast Company
AI isn't coming for your job. It's just changing it
As the rapid acceleration of AI ushers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a small cadre of AI evangelists is promising that this new technology will make the world a better place in almost every way. Everyone else, it seems, is worried that AI is coming for their jobs. It's an understandable fear. Over the next two decades—and probably sooner— tech experts say cashiers, factory workers, and software engineers are among the numerous occupations primed for significant job losses. A new General Assembly survey of tech hiring managers found that 54% said they expect their companies to conduct layoffs over the next year, and the employees most at risk of being let go are those who can be replaced by AI or automation. But if past is prologue, the AI revolution—much like the three industrial revolutions that have preceded it—won't so much eliminate jobs as create new roles that require different sets of skills. In the case of AI, there's the very real potential that high-tech automation will create far more jobs than it eliminates if employers equip their workers with the right skills to harness this new technology. But good luck finding employees who can work well with AI. Current talent pools aren't wide enough or deep enough to produce the AI talent companies are seeking. Nearly two-thirds of hiring managers say it's harder to hire job candidates with desired AI skills than it is to source candidates for other tech roles. As companies around the world teeter on the precipice of an unprecedented skills crisis, they should recognize that all of today's jobs must include digital skills so workers can manage AI and assume mission-critical tasks with far less technical expertise than ever before. Here are three ways companies can build the AI workforce they need: 1. MAKE ALL EMPLOYEES IN EVERY DEPARTMENT AI-READY Nearly every role in every organization can benefit from AI in some way, but some roles—and some workers—will adapt to it more quickly than others. Building an AI-ready workforce doesn't mean letting only early adopters and tech-savvy employees try out new AI tools. It means making AI available to everyone, from opening up access to AI-enabled tools to ensuring that workers across the enterprise have opportunities to experiment. Perhaps most importantly, AI training—basic literacy, ethical and responsible use, and job-specific functions—should be mandatory for all employees before the technology advances so fast and so far that some workers won't be able to catch up. 2. BUILD AI TALENT YOURSELF Outside recruitment of AI talent clearly won't be enough to keep up with the growing demand for AI skills. As AI becomes an increasingly crucial tool across a range of business functions, businesses looking to solve their talent shortages should start by looking inward and upskilling and reskilling existing employees to both enter emerging AI-focused roles and better integrate AI in their existing workflow. Equipping the incumbent workforce to use AI effectively can help them both become more effective in their current roles and open new pathways to advancement. Crucially, building talent internally can also have a powerful impact on retention. Employees typically welcome opportunities to advance their careers and be a part of a culture of continuous improvement, so helping your workforce master AI skills at this pivotal inflection point will go a long way toward building loyalty and incentivizing employees to stick around. 3. CRAWL, THEN WALK, THEN RUN As rapidly as AI is advancing, it'll be a long time before it replaces people. The companies that can remain ahead of the curve in the current AI-dominated labor market will be the ones that recognize both AI's advantages and its limitations. That means workforce AI training should start with the basics and ramp up from there. This approach starts with helping employees throughout the company find ways to apply AI to become more efficient in their current roles. It progresses to automating tasks to increase scale and accelerate output. It culminates with compiling these tasks into AI-driven processes managed by employees with AI skills their employers helped them develop. The race for AI talent is underway. The companies that will come out ahead won't be the ones who will try to use AI for everything right out of the gate, or leave the less AI-literate parts of their workforce in the dust. It will be the organizations that intentionally prepare their workforce for AI that's not coming to steal their jobs—but coming to change them.
