Sony Bravia 9 II True RGB TVs: an overview and my first impressions

Sony France invited me to its Paris offices to discover its new True RGB Bravia 9 II TV range. This presentation also provided an opportunity to discuss Sony’s other 2026 TV models, as well as the Japanese manufacturer’s ambitions regarding RGB Mini LED, cinema-quality colour accuracy, and the new audio and gaming experiences offered by this generation of TVs. In particular, I was able to try out these new models with HDR content and gaming on the PS5, as well as discuss with the Sony teams the technological choices behind this new premium generation.

Sony revives RGB Mini LED with “True RGB”

To mark its 80th anniversary, Sony appears to be reaffirming its status as a pioneer in video display technology. This year, the Japanese manufacturer is focusing on a new generation of Mini LED TVs called True RGB, featured in the new Sony Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II series. This technology relies on three independent red, green, and blue LEDs, each controlled individually by Sony’s RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro backlight control system.

With this approach, Sony aims to improve color accuracy, highlight management, and color volume in HDR content. The manufacturer also promises better control over brightness variations and a reduction in the color shift visible on some LCD TVs when viewed from the side.

This focus on technology follows on from the manufacturer’s previous “Cinema” ranges, which began with the Sony Bravia 9 in 2024 and continued with the Sony Bravia 8 II in 2025. Sony also notes that it designs equipment used throughout the entire audiovisual production chain, from professional digital cameras to HDR post-production monitors used in mastering studios. The Japanese manufacturer has announced that the new Sony Bravia 9 II TVs can achieve a brightness level similar to that of the Sony BVM-HX3110 reference monitor, which is used for color grading certain HDR content.

This RGB technology isn’t entirely new to Sony, by the way. As early as 2004, the company was already exploring the potential of RGB backlighting with the Sony Qualia 005 Triluminos TV, one of the first models to use a system of independent red, green, and blue LEDs to expand the color gamut and improve color accuracy. More than twenty years later, Sony is bringing this approach back into the spotlight with a modernized Mini LED architecture tailored to the demands of today’s HDR content.

Sony Bravia 9 II: the manufacturer’s new LCD flagship model

The new Sony Bravia 9 II lineup succeeds the previous Bravia 9 Mini LED models with a completely redesigned backlight architecture. This series is now the flagship of Sony’s LCD TVs for 2026, with a clear focus on cinema, HDR and gaming.

The lineup will include 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch, and even 115-inch models—a very large size that’s a first for Sony. The manufacturer is banking on this extra-large format in particular to meet the growing demand for home theater setups and spectacular HDR content.

The Sony Bravia 9 II models feature the manufacturer’s XR video processor and support Dolby Vision, HDR10, and IMAX Enhanced formats. Gaming features haven’t been overlooked, with 120Hz 4K compatibility via two HDMI 2.1 inputs. During my tests on the PS5 with Gran Turismo 7, the performance was impressive, with very smooth motion and excellent visibility in fast-paced scenes.

Sony has also announced several improvements to the panel itself, including:

• a built-in anti-glare filter on the 65″, 75″, and 85″ models
• improved viewing angles
• better control of off-axis color shifts

The smart TV features are still based on Google TV, with the addition of new advanced search functions via Gemini. Sony also includes its Sony Pictures Core offering, which features 10 free high-quality movies and 24 months of unlimited streaming.

As for audio, the Sony Bravia 9 II features an 80-watt, Dolby Atmos-compatible 2.2.2-channel sound system. In terms of design, the manufacturer has adopted a new floating center base for the 65″, 75″, and 85″ models. Its transparent vertical stand gives the impression that the screen is floating above the furniture. This is a new approach for Sony, which until now had favoured side-mounted feet for its premium televisions.

This new stand also features a cable management system to make it easier to integrate into a living room or home theater setup. Finally, the included remote control is now rechargeable via USB-C and still features backlighting.

Sony Bravia 9 II availability and pricing

• Sony 65 Bravia 9 II True RGB: Available in mid-June 2026 / Suggested retail price: €2,999
• Sony 75 Bravia 9 II True RGB: Available in July 2026 / Suggested retail price: €3,499
• Sony 85 Bravia 9 II True RGB: Available in July 2026 / Suggested retail price: €4,999
• 115″: expected to be available in September 2026 / price not disclosed

First impressions: an HDR picture that’s truly spectacular, but also masterfully controlled

During this presentation, I had the opportunity to discover the 65-inch and 85-inch Sony Bravia 9 II models’ performance through various videos, HDR movie clips, and PS5 gaming sessions. From the very first minutes, the colors struck me as very balanced and natural in both Cinema and Professional picture modes. The gradients appear very smooth, with convincing skin tones and, above all, excellent preservation of detail in both highlights and shadows.

I was also able to compare the different picture modes. Standard mode offered greater brightness and saturation, which is an advantage for documentaries as well as sports, while the Intense mode pushed brightness to its maximum, at the cost of a more noticeable loss of detail in very bright areas. As a result, some whites might appear slightly blown out in certain demanding HDR scenes.

The anti-glare coating also proved to be very effective. The 85-inch model was set up in a very bright open-plan office with large floor-to-ceiling windows on the right side of the TV, while the 65-inch model was placed under bright overhead lights. Despite these less-than-ideal conditions, reflections remained relatively minimal, and the image was very clear.

The viewing angles also seemed significantly improved to me compared to many conventional LED and Mini LED TVs. Losses in brightness and color shifts are relatively limited as you move away from the center of the screen.

The gaming performance was particularly impressive during a demo of Gran Turismo 7 on the PS5; the game mode activated automatically as soon as the console powered on, thanks to the ALLM feature. The frame rate was excellent (with VRR support), and the picture remained clear even in fast-paced scenes. The HDR effects also took full advantage of the TV’s brightness capabilities, particularly in metallic reflections and very intense light sources.

Finally, the built-in audio left me with a generally positive impression, even though some models are still running unfinished firmware. The lateral and vertical soundstage was impressive, with clear, well-defined vocals. The bass was satisfactory for a TV in this category, with an overall balanced sound.

These initial impressions will, of course, need to be confirmed in a future comprehensive test conducted on a final version of the TV and under conditions that better reflect everyday use.

Sony Bravia 7 II: True RGB made more accessible

Alongside the Bravia 9 II, Sony will also launch a new Bravia 7 II lineup that also utilizes True RGB backlighting technology. This series follows on from the previous Bravia 7 Mini LED models with the goal of making this new RGB Mini LED architecture more accessible.

The Sony Bravia 7 II retains several key features from the company’s premium models:

• XR processor
• Compatibility with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and IMAX Enhanced
• 120Hz 4K display via two HDMI 2.1 inputs
• Google TV with advanced search via Gemini
• USB-C rechargeable backlit remote control

Sony is also announcing improved viewing angles, as well as support for its Sony Pictures Core offering, which includes 10 free movies and 24 months of unlimited streaming.

The lineup will be available in 50″, 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″, and 98″.

Availability of the Sony Bravia 7 II

• 50″, 55″, and 65″: late June 2026
• 75″ and 85″: July 2026
• “98”: August 2026

Sony has not yet announced the official prices for this series, although the 65-inch model will likely be under €2,000.

OLED, Direct LED: the rest of Sony’s new 2026 TV models

Alongside its new True RGB Mini LED lines, Sony also unveiled the rest of its 2026 TV lineup, featuring OLED and Direct LED models.

In particular, the manufacturer is continuing its Sony Bravia 8 II OLED lineup, which features a QD-OLED panel. This series is only available in 55 and 65 inch models, as Sony appears to be continuing to reserve very large screen sizes for its premium Mini LED TVs. However, the Japanese manufacturer has announced that it will discontinue production of the Bravia 8A line, which features a W-OLED panel.

Sony also unveiled its new Direct LED Bravia 3 II lineup, which succeeds the previous Bravia 3 models with several significant improvements. This new series now features:

• a native 120 Hz display
• the XR processor
• improved gaming compatibility

Set to go on sale starting July, the Sony Bravia 3 II lineup will be available in 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”, and 100”.

In particular, the 100-inch model could be priced below €3,000, which is a particularly aggressive pricing strategy for a TV of this size.

Finally, the Sony Bravia 2 II lineup will continue to serve as the entry point into the Japanese manufacturer’s 4K TV lineup. These 50 Hz Direct LED 4K models will be available in 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch sizes.

The first Bravia 2 II models are expected to arrive starting in late June 2026.

My Cinema, Bravia Direct Connect, and new audio solutions

Alongside its new 2026 TV lineups, Sony also unveiled several new products designed to simplify the everyday home theater experience.

First, the manufacturer is introducing a new interface called My Cinema. This interface makes it easier to adjust the TV’s picture and sound settings through a more educational and visual approach. Sony’s goal here is to make the settings more accessible, with step-by-step guidance and visual explanations displayed directly on the screen.

Another new feature is Bravia Direct Connect. This feature allows you to connect a compatible subwoofer and/or surround sound speakers wirelessly directly to the TV, without needing an AV receiver or soundbar.

Sony has announced compatibility with the following models:

• the Sony Bravia Theatre SUB 7, SUB 8, and SUB 9 wireless subwoofers
• the Sony Bravia Theatre Rear 8 (SA-RS8) and Rear 9 (SA-RS9) surround speakers

This feature will be built into Sony Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II TVs. It will also be rolled out via a future software update to several model lines already on the market:

• Sony Bravia 5
• Sony Bravia 7
• Sony Bravia 8
• Sony Bravia 8 II
• Sony Bravia 9
• Sony A95L

Finally, Sony also announced a new compact home theater system called the Sony Bravia Theater Trio. It combines a particularly slim soundbar with two wireless front speakers to deliver an immersive experience that’s more elegant and easier to integrate into a living room. This system can be expanded with a subwoofer and surround speakers from among the models mentioned above, all of which can be easily paired and configured from a smartphone using the Bravia Connect app.

Sony relaunches the race for premium LCDs with True RGB

With this new generation of Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II models, Sony appears to be aiming to usher in a new era in the evolution of Mini LED TVs. By reviving an RGB backlighting architecture that the company first explored more than twenty years ago, the Japanese manufacturer aims to bring its LCD TVs closer to the performance levels of professional monitors used in the film and post-production industries.

Beyond simply increasing brightness, Sony places particular emphasis on color accuracy, HDR content handling, and the overall cinematic experience—an approach that seems particularly consistent across the first models showcased during this demonstration. The improvements observed in viewing angles, anti-glare performance, and highlight management point to very promising potential for this new generation of RGB Mini LED TVs.

The next step is to evaluate the performance of these new TVs through a comprehensive test of the final production models, in order to accurately assess the benefits of True RGB compared to current Mini LED and OLED technologies.