$1,803.10
When Sony launched the BRAVIA 7 series in early 2023, they aimed to deliver premium features at a more accessible price point than their flagship models. After extensive testing in various lighting conditions and use cases, we've found this TV offers impressive performance that will satisfy most users' needs.
The heart of this TV is Sony's Cognitive XR processor, which analyzes content in a way that mimics how our brains process images. In our testing, this wasn't just marketing talk - the processor showed real benefits in how it handles complex scenes. When watching nature documentaries in 4K, for example, the system expertly separated foreground subjects from backgrounds, giving a more natural depth to the image.
The BRAVIA 7 particularly shines in its color accuracy. Unlike many TVs that oversaturate colors to appear more vivid in store displays, this model delivers remarkably accurate colors out of the box. During our calibration tests, we found minimal adjustments were needed - great news for users who want accuracy without professional calibration.
HDR performance is another strong point. With support for multiple HDR formats (HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG), the TV handles high dynamic range content beautifully. In practical terms, this means when you're watching content with bright highlights (think sunlight glinting off water or explosions in action movies), these elements pop while maintaining detail in darker areas of the scene.
For gamers, this TV is a significant step up from previous BRAVIA models. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 ports (two of the four HDMI inputs) enables 4K gaming at 120Hz, which means incredibly smooth motion in compatible games. When we tested this with a PS5 running games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, the difference was immediately noticeable - movement was fluid and responsive, with minimal motion blur.
The input lag (the time between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen) measures around 11ms in game mode, which is excellent for a TV in this class. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support helps eliminate screen tearing, while Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically switches to game mode when it detects a console - conveniences that make the gaming experience more seamless.
The Google TV interface represents a significant improvement over the previous Android TV system. The home screen now provides personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits across streaming services. During our extended use, we found the suggestions became increasingly relevant over time.
Voice control through Google Assistant works exceptionally well, understanding complex commands like "Show me action movies from the 90s" or "Open Netflix and play Stranger Things." The TV also integrates smoothly with smart home devices - we successfully tested controlling lights and viewing security cameras through the TV interface.
In our bright room testing, the Sony BRAVIA 7 handled reflections well, though not quite as effectively as some higher-end models. The TV maintains good visibility even with significant ambient light, making it suitable for most living rooms.
For home theater use, while it can't match the absolute black levels of OLED TVs, it performs admirably in a dark room. The local dimming feature effectively minimizes blooming (light bleeding around bright objects on dark backgrounds), though you might notice some in extreme contrast scenes.
Audio quality from the built-in Acoustic Multi-Audio system is surprisingly good for a flat panel TV. The system uses positioning tweeters to make sound seem like it's coming from specific parts of the screen. However, for a proper home theater setup, we'd still recommend adding a soundbar or surround sound system.
At its price point ($1,299-$1,499), the BRAVIA 7 competes with mid-to-high-end offerings from Samsung and LG. While you can find cheaper 65-inch TVs, the Sony justifies its premium through superior processing, better motion handling, and more accurate colors. When compared to models from previous years, the addition of HDMI 2.1 features and improved smart functionality make this a significant upgrade.
Initial setup is straightforward, with the Google TV interface walking you through the process. For best results, we recommend using the "Custom" picture mode for most content, which provides the most accurate image out of the box. The TV includes detailed calibration controls for enthusiasts, though most users won't need to adjust beyond basic settings.
Sony has made strides in energy efficiency with this model. In our testing, it consumed less power than comparable models from previous years, particularly in its "ECO" mode, which adjusts brightness based on room lighting without significantly impacting picture quality.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 hits a sweet spot in the current TV market. It offers enough premium features to satisfy enthusiasts while remaining accessible to mainstream users. The combination of excellent picture quality, gaming capabilities, and smart features makes it a versatile choice that should remain relevant for years to come.
While it's not perfect - no TV is - its shortcomings are minor compared to its strengths. The price might seem high compared to budget options, but the quality difference is noticeable in daily use. For anyone looking for a premium TV experience without stepping up to OLED prices, this TV deserves serious consideration.
Whether you're a casual viewer, movie enthusiast, or gamer, the BRAVIA 7 delivers performance that will enhance your viewing experience. Just remember to budget for a good sound system if you're planning a home theater setup - while the built-in audio is good, it won't match the impressive picture quality this TV is capable of delivering.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 65" 4K UHD Smart Google TV offers excellent value for its price point ($1,299-$1,499). With superior image processing, accurate colors, and strong gaming features, it's worth the investment for those seeking quality home theater performance without stepping up to OLED prices.
Yes, the BRAVIA 7 performs admirably in dark room conditions typical of home theaters. While it can't match OLED black levels, its full-array local dimming provides good contrast and minimal blooming. For best results, pair it with a dedicated sound system.
The picture quality is excellent, especially for movies. The Cognitive XR processor delivers superior upscaling, accurate colors, and impressive HDR performance. Film content particularly benefits from Sony's advanced motion handling and cinema-tuned picture modes.
Absolutely. With HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K/120Hz support, VRR, and low input lag (11ms), the BRAVIA 7 is excellent for gaming. It's especially well-suited for PS5 owners due to automatic HDR tone mapping and seamless console integration.
While the built-in Acoustic Multi-Audio system is better than most TVs, for a proper home theater experience, we recommend adding a soundbar or surround sound system to match the TV's excellent picture quality.
The Google TV interface provides excellent streaming performance with access to all major services. The platform offers personalized recommendations and smooth navigation, while the powerful processor ensures quick app loading and responsive menu operation.
With peak brightness reaching 1000 nits and good anti-reflection coating, the BRAVIA 7 handles bright room viewing well. However, for extremely bright rooms, you might want to consider models with even higher brightness levels.
Setup is straightforward with the Google TV interface guiding you through the process. Most users won't need professional calibration as the "Custom" picture mode provides accurate colors out of the box.
For optimal viewing of 4K content on the BRAVIA 7, the recommended viewing distance is between 6.5 to 9.5 feet. This range provides the best balance between immersion and comfort for most home theater setups.
Yes, the TV features built-in Google Assistant with excellent voice recognition. You can control TV functions, search for content, and even manage smart home devices. It's also compatible with Amazon Alexa devices and Apple AirPlay 2.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research has used advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article:
| Sony BRAVIA 7 65" 4K UHD Smart Google TV |
|---|
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR performance and bright room viewing: 1000 nits |
| Display Type - Impacts contrast and viewing angles: Full Array LED with Local Dimming |
| Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh Rate - Determines motion smoothness in fast scenes and gaming: 120Hz native |
| HDR Support - Affects compatibility with high dynamic range content: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming: HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, 4K@120Hz |
| Input Lag - Critical for responsive gaming: 11ms in Game Mode |
| Smart Platform: Google TV with built-in Google Assistant |
| HDMI Ports - Affects how many devices you can connect: 4 (2 HDMI 2.1) |
| Audio System - Impacts built-in sound quality: Acoustic Multi-Audio with 30W output |
| Screen Size: 65 inches (diagonal) |
| Dimensions (without stand): 57.1 x 32.8 x 2.8 inches |
| Weight (without stand): 50.7 lbs |
| Power Consumption - Affects energy bills: 245W typical, 65W in ECO mode |
| Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) dual-band |
The Samsung QN90D ($2,497.99) stands out with its exceptional brightness and superior anti-glare capabilities, making it particularly well-suited for bright rooms where the BRAVIA 7 might struggle. Its gaming features are more comprehensive, offering four HDMI 2.1 ports compared to Sony's two, along with Samsung's Gaming Hub and FreeSync Premium Pro support. The Tizen interface is also notably faster and more responsive than Google TV, though it offers fewer apps and less sophisticated content recommendations.
However, the QN90D's $600 premium over the BRAVIA 7 is difficult to justify unless you specifically need its bright-room performance or gaming features. While it excels in brightness and gaming, it lacks Dolby Vision support and doesn't quite match the BRAVIA 7's superior motion handling and out-of-box color accuracy. The QN90D's picture processing, while excellent, tends to produce more vivid rather than accurate colors, which may not appeal to viewers seeking the most faithful reproduction of content.
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👌Samsung 65" QN90D Series 4K Neo QLED Smart TV Details
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The Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV stands out with its superior brightness and contrast capabilities, delivering peak brightness levels of 1200-1500 nits compared to the BRAVIA 7's 800-1000 nits. This difference is immediately noticeable in bright rooms and when watching HDR content, where the Samsung's Neo QLED technology creates more impactful highlights and deeper blacks. The QN85D also offers better anti-reflection handling and a more powerful 60W 4.2.2 channel sound system, making it particularly well-suited for bright, open-concept living spaces. Its Gaming Hub feature adds value for cloud gaming enthusiasts, though it lacks the Sony's PS5-specific optimizations.
At $1,797.99, the Samsung QN85D represents stronger value for pure picture quality, especially for viewers who prioritize brightness and HDR performance. However, it does require more time to master its Tizen interface, and some users might miss Dolby Vision support, which the BRAVIA 7 includes. While the Samsung excels in raw performance metrics, it doesn't quite match the Sony's natural color processing and motion handling, particularly noticeable when watching films or sports. The choice between these two ultimately depends on your specific needs - the Samsung for bright room performance and value, or the Sony for gaming integration and ease of use.
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👌Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV Details
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The Sony BRAVIA 8 ($1,699) differentiates itself primarily through its OLED panel technology, which delivers perfect blacks and infinite contrast that Mini LED simply cannot match. In dark room viewing, especially for movies and gaming, the OLED's ability to completely turn off individual pixels creates an undeniably more immersive experience. The BRAVIA 8 also offers superior viewing angles and slightly better motion handling, making it particularly appealing for home theater setups where viewers might be seated at various angles.
However, the $300 premium over the BRAVIA 7 needs careful consideration. While the BRAVIA 8 excels in controlled lighting conditions, it can't match the BRAVIA 7's brightness levels for daytime viewing or bright rooms. The OLED panel also requires some care to prevent burn-in, though this is rarely an issue with normal use. For dedicated movie enthusiasts with controlled lighting environments, the BRAVIA 8's superior contrast and perfect blacks justify the higher price. But for most users, especially those with bright rooms or varied viewing conditions, the BRAVIA 7's better brightness and lower price point make it the more practical choice.
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👌Sony BRAVIA 8 65" 4K OLED TV Details
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The Samsung QN900D Series 65" Neo QLED 8K Smart TV stands out with its 8K resolution and significantly brighter display, powered by the new NQ8 AI Gen3 processor that delivers impressive upscaling performance. Its Quantum Matrix Technology Pro allows for more precise control over the Mini LED backlighting, resulting in superior HDR performance and better bright-room viewing. The higher 4K/240Hz refresh rate capability and advanced gaming features make it particularly appealing for serious gamers, while its sleek design and One Connect Box offer more flexible installation options.
However, at $3,499, it commands a significant premium over the BRAVIA 7 without delivering proportionally better real-world performance for most users. While the QN900D represents the cutting edge of TV technology, its primary advantages - 8K resolution and extremely high brightness - may not justify the extra cost for typical home theater setups. The superior processing power and future-proofing might appeal to early adopters and those with unlimited budgets, but most viewers would be hard-pressed to notice significant improvements in picture quality during everyday viewing of current content.
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👌Samsung QN900D Series 65" Neo QLED 8K Smart TV Details
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The Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV stands out with its OLED panel technology, delivering perfect blacks and infinite contrast that the BRAVIA 7 can't quite match. In a dedicated home theater or darker viewing environment, the Panasonic's superior contrast and wider viewing angles create a more immersive experience, especially during movie watching. The OLED's ability to turn off individual pixels results in zero blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds, and its color accuracy out of the box is notably precise.
However, at $2,799, the Panasonic OLED commands a significant premium over the BRAVIA 7's price point. While it offers superior contrast and viewing angles, it doesn't get as bright as the BRAVIA 7, making it less versatile for bright room viewing. The Panasonic 65" OLED also lacks some of the gaming-oriented features found in the BRAVIA 7, and its Fire TV interface, while functional, isn't as refined as Google TV. For most users, unless perfect black levels and ultimate contrast are top priorities, the BRAVIA 7 offers better overall value and versatility.
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👌Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV Details
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The Samsung S90D ($2,700) stands out with its OLED panel technology, delivering perfect blacks and infinite contrast that Mini LED simply can't match. In dark room viewing, particularly for movies and gaming, the S90D's picture quality is notably superior, with absolutely no blooming around bright objects and exceptional shadow detail. Its gaming performance is also class-leading, with lower input lag and faster response times that competitive gamers will appreciate.
However, the S90D's nearly double price point makes it a harder recommendation for most users. While it delivers the absolute best picture quality possible, particularly in controlled lighting conditions, the difference isn't dramatic enough to justify the premium for typical viewing scenarios. The S90D struggles more in bright rooms due to lower peak brightness, and its Tizen OS, while capable, isn't as intuitive as Google TV. Unless you're specifically building a high-end home theater or demand the absolute best picture quality regardless of cost, the significant price premium of the S90D becomes difficult to justify.
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👌Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV Details
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The TCL QM8 ($899) stands out with its impressive 2,000 nit peak brightness and 144Hz gaming capabilities, making it a strong competitor in the premium TV space. While it doesn't match the BRAVIA 7's processing refinement, it delivers exceptional value with features like quantum dot color technology and Mini-LED backlighting. For gamers and bright room viewers especially, the QM8's lower input lag and higher brightness might actually make it a better choice, despite the lower price point.
Where the TCL QM8 falls short is in motion handling and color accuracy out of the box. While professional calibration can improve the picture quality, this adds about $300 to the total cost. The one-year warranty also pales in comparison to Sony's five-year coverage. However, if you're looking to save $500 and don't mind slightly less refined processing, the QM8 delivers about 80% of the BRAVIA 7's performance at a significantly lower price point, making it a compelling alternative for budget-conscious buyers who still want premium features.
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👌TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV Details
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The Sony BRAVIA 9 ($2,698.00) takes everything great about the BRAVIA 7 and pushes it further, particularly in brightness and contrast control. With approximately 800 dimming zones (compared to the BRAVIA 7's 500) and peak brightness exceeding 2,000 nits, it delivers more impactful HDR performance and handles bright room viewing more effectively. The improved Mini LED implementation also results in better blooming control and slightly more precise contrast, though the difference is most noticeable in challenging content like star fields or scrolling credits.
However, the BRAVIA 9's improvements come at a significant price premium that's hard to justify for most users. While it does offer better picture quality, particularly in bright rooms or with HDR content, the real-world difference isn't as dramatic as the price gap might suggest. The gaming features are identical, and both TVs use the same Google TV platform and processing technology. Unless you have a particularly bright viewing environment or are a serious home theater enthusiast who demands the absolute best picture quality, the BRAVIA 7 represents better value for most users.
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👌Sony BRAVIA 9 65" 4K UHD Mini LED QLED Smart Google TV Details
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The Samsung S95D ($3,400) stands out with its QD-OLED panel technology and revolutionary anti-glare coating, offering perfect blacks and superior contrast that the BRAVIA 7 can't quite match. Its most impressive innovation is the matte finish that practically eliminates reflections while maintaining OLED's exceptional picture quality, making it uniquely suited for both bright rooms and dark home theaters. Gaming performance is also notably better, with lower input lag, support for 144Hz refresh rates, and a more comprehensive gaming interface.
However, the price difference of $2,000 is significant and difficult to justify for many users. While the S95D delivers the absolute best picture quality currently available, the BRAVIA 7 offers about 90% of the performance at 40% of the price. Unless you're a serious enthusiast, competitive gamer, or building a high-end home theater where perfect black levels are crucial, the BRAVIA 7's value proposition is more compelling for most viewers. The S95D represents the pinnacle of current TV technology, but its premium features may exceed what many users need or can appreciate in everyday viewing.
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👌Samsung 65" S95D 4K OLED Smart TV Details
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The LG G4 OLED takes a fundamentally different approach to picture quality with its self-emitting OLED pixels and new MLA technology. While it can't match the BRAVIA 7's peak brightness, it delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratio, and superior viewing angles that make it particularly compelling for dedicated home theater spaces. The G4's gaming capabilities are also noteworthy, with four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/144Hz, extremely low input lag, and comprehensive gaming features that make it a more future-proof option for serious gamers.
At $2,599, the G4 commands a $600 premium over the BRAVIA 7, but justifies this price difference for specific users, particularly home theater enthusiasts and gamers who can control their viewing environment. Its superior contrast performance and wider viewing angles make it the better choice for critical movie watching in darker rooms, while its gaming features and near-instantaneous response time provide a competitive edge. However, for bright rooms or spaces with lots of ambient light, the BRAVIA 7's higher brightness and anti-reflective coating make it the more practical choice despite its lower price point.
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👌LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV Details
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The Hisense H9G Quantum Series ($1,505.34) stands out with its impressive peak brightness of 1000 nits and superior local dimming capabilities, featuring 180 zones compared to the BRAVIA 7's 60 zones. This translates to noticeably better contrast and HDR performance, particularly in dark room viewing conditions. The quantum dot technology delivers vibrant colors that rival the Sony's Triluminos Pro, and in some scenes, the higher brightness can make HDR content look more dramatic. These picture quality advantages make the Hisense particularly appealing for dedicated home theater setups where controlled lighting allows its contrast capabilities to shine.
However, the Hisense shows its age when it comes to gaming features and smart platform capabilities. The lack of HDMI 2.1 features like VRR and 4K@120Hz support makes it less future-proof for gaming enthusiasts, and its older Android TV platform, while functional, doesn't offer the refinements found in the BRAVIA 7's Google TV interface. Its motion handling, while good, doesn't quite match the Sony's superior processing, which might be noticeable during sports or action scenes. Given its higher price point and older technology, it's harder to recommend unless pure picture quality in controlled lighting conditions is your absolute priority.
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👌Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV Details
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