$2,998.00
When Sony's BRAVIA 9 65" 4K TV launched in early 2024, it marked Sony's most ambitious effort yet to challenge OLED's dominance in the premium TV space. After extensive testing, I've found this $3,299 flagship delivers some truly impressive innovations that make it worth considering, especially if you're setting up a high-end home theater or bright living room.
The heart of the BRAVIA 9's performance is its Mini LED system, which uses thousands of tiny LED backlights (each smaller than a pencil tip) to control brightness with incredible precision. This might sound technical, but the real-world impact is stunning - imagine being able to have brilliant bright areas right next to deep dark sections, without the light bleeding between them that plagued older LED TVs.
What really sets the BRAVIA 9 apart is Sony's XR Backlight Master Drive technology. During our testing in various lighting conditions, this system demonstrated remarkable control over those Mini LEDs, producing blacks that come surprisingly close to OLED quality while maintaining brightness levels that OLED simply can't match. This makes it especially suitable for rooms with large windows or bright lighting.
The TV's XR Triluminos Pro color system deserves special mention. In our side-by-side comparisons with other premium TVs, colors appeared remarkably natural yet vibrant. Whether displaying the subtle skin tones in drama series or the vivid landscapes in nature documentaries, the accuracy was consistently impressive.
The 120Hz refresh rate combines with Sony's XR Motion Clarity processing to handle fast motion exceptionally well. During sports broadcasts and action scenes, the clarity remained outstanding - a notable improvement over previous generations of LED TVs that often struggled with motion blur.
Running on the Google TV platform, the BRAVIA 9 offers one of the most polished smart TV experiences available. The interface learns from your viewing habits and makes surprisingly relevant recommendations across streaming services. The built-in Google Assistant responds naturally to voice commands, making it easy to adjust settings or find content without hunting through menus.
A particularly thoughtful feature is the multi-position stand, which can be configured in several ways:
For gamers, this TV is a powerhouse. The two HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K at 120Hz with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) - technical terms that essentially mean incredibly smooth, tear-free gaming. Input lag measured below 10ms in our testing, putting it among the most responsive TVs available.
PS5 owners get additional benefits through features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, which automatically optimize the picture for whatever you're playing. During our gaming sessions, the difference was noticeable - especially in games with both bright and dark scenes like Horizon Forbidden West.
In a dedicated home theater setting, the BRAVIA 9 truly shines. The Mini LED system's local dimming creates excellent contrast for movie viewing, while the high brightness ensures HDR content looks spectacular. During our testing, even the most demanding HDR scenes (think sunsets or starfields) showed impressive dynamic range.
The built-in sound system, while better than most flat-panel TVs, still benefits from a dedicated sound system or soundbar for a true home theater experience. The TV's Acoustic Multi-Audio+ system uses beam tweeters to create directional sound, but bass response remains limited, as expected from any slim TV design.
At $3,299, the BRAVIA 9 represents a significant investment. However, when compared to similarly priced OLEDs, it offers distinct advantages:
In practical use, the BRAVIA 9 consistently impresses across different content types:
Compared to previous Sony LED models, the BRAVIA 9 shows significant improvements:
The Sony BRAVIA 9 represents a compelling option for those seeking premium TV performance, especially in bright environments. While it's not cheap, the combination of cutting-edge Mini LED technology, excellent processing, and comprehensive features justifies the investment for the right user.
It's particularly recommended for:
After extensive testing and real-world use, the BRAVIA 9 stands as one of the most impressive TVs of 2024, offering a compelling alternative to OLED technology while pushing the boundaries of what LED TVs can achieve.
The Sony BRAVIA 9 is worth the investment for those seeking premium picture quality, especially in bright rooms or home theaters. At $3,299, it offers exceptional HDR performance, gaming features, and brightness levels that justify its price for enthusiasts, though more budget-conscious buyers might consider less expensive alternatives.
The BRAVIA 9 achieves over 2000 nits peak brightness, making it Sony's brightest 4K TV ever. This exceptional brightness makes it perfect for both bright room viewing and HDR content in home theaters.
Yes, the TV excels in home theater settings due to its precise Mini LED local dimming, excellent contrast ratio, and support for all major HDR formats. When paired with a quality sound system, it delivers a cinema-quality experience.
The BRAVIA 9 is excellent for gaming, featuring HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). Input lag is under 10ms, making it highly responsive for all types of gaming.
While OLED TVs offer perfect blacks, the BRAVIA 9 Mini LED technology provides significantly higher brightness and no risk of burn-in. It comes close to OLED black levels while offering better performance in bright rooms.
The TV features a 70W 2.2.2 channel system with decent sound quality, but for a true home theater experience, an external sound system or soundbar is recommended.
Yes, the TV supports standard 300x300mm VESA mounting. At 71.4 pounds without the stand, professional installation is recommended for wall mounting.
The Google TV platform supports all major streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max, and Apple TV+. The interface is user-friendly and offers personalized content recommendations.
The BRAVIA 9 uses advanced upscaling technology to improve the appearance of lower resolution content, making cable TV and older content look better than on less expensive TVs.
For optimal viewing of 4K content, sit between 6.5 to 9.5 feet from the screen. In a home theater setting, this allows you to appreciate the full detail while maintaining comfortable viewing angles.
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: bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - whathifi.com - crutchfield.com - rtings.com - pcrichard.com - merlinstv.com - youtube.com - sony.ca - electronics.sony.com
Sony BRAVIA 9 65" 4K UHD Mini LED QLED Smart Google TV |
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Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing: Over 2000 nits |
Panel Type - Determines contrast and brightness capability: Mini LED with XR Backlight Master Drive |
Refresh Rate - Important for motion clarity and gaming: Native 120Hz |
Gaming Features - Essential for next-gen console gaming: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, <10ms input lag |
HDR Support - Affects HDR content compatibility: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Smart Platform - Determines app availability and ease of use: Google TV with built-in Assistant |
Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast: Multiple thousands of Mini LED zones |
Audio Output - Indicates built-in sound capability: 70W (2.2.2 channel system) |
HDMI Ports - Critical for connecting devices: 4 total (2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0) |
Screen Size: 65 inches |
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160) |
Weight Without Stand: 71.4 pounds |
Depth Without Stand: 1.93 inches |
VESA Mount: 300mm x 300mm |
The Samsung S95D ($2,295) takes a fundamentally different approach with its OLED technology, delivering perfect blacks and infinite contrast that Mini LED simply cannot match. Its standout feature is the new anti-glare coating, which effectively solves OLED's traditional weakness in bright rooms while maintaining the technology's superior viewing angles and color accuracy. The S95D also offers better gaming performance with lower input lag and 144Hz capability, though it lacks the BRAVIA 9's PS5-specific optimizations. Perhaps most importantly, it achieves this superior overall picture quality at a lower price point.
For most users, especially those with home theater setups or controlled lighting conditions, the S95D represents better value. While it can't match the BRAVIA 9's peak brightness, its perfect blacks, superior contrast, and better motion handling create a more cinematic experience. The only significant drawback is the theoretical risk of burn-in, though Samsung's latest protective features make this less concerning for typical viewing habits. Unless you have a particularly bright room or specific concerns about OLED technology, the S95D's combination of picture quality and price make it the more compelling choice.
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👌Samsung 65" S95D 4K OLED Smart TV Details
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The TCL QM8 ($998)
stands out as a compelling alternative, offering remarkably similar performance at less than half the price. With its impressive 5,000 nits peak brightness, 1,080 local dimming zones, and support for 144Hz gaming, it actually exceeds the BRAVIA 9's specifications in several areas. The picture quality is excellent, particularly with HDR content, and its quantum dot technology delivers vibrant, accurate colors that rival Sony's premium offering. For most viewers, the differences in picture quality would only be noticeable in a side-by-side comparison.
Where the TCL makes its few compromises is in processing sophistication and overall refinement. While the QM8
handles high-quality 4K content beautifully, it doesn't match Sony's exceptional upscaling of lower-resolution sources or its nuanced handling of subtle color gradients. The Google TV implementation occasionally shows minor stutters, and the build quality, while solid, lacks the premium feel of the Sony. However, these are relatively minor tradeoffs given the substantial price difference, making the QM8 an exceptional value for viewers who prioritize performance per dollar over absolute perfection.
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👌TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV Details
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The LG G4 OLED ($2,599) takes a fundamentally different approach to premium picture quality, using self-emitting pixels instead of Mini LED technology. This results in perfect blacks and infinite contrast that create an incredibly immersive viewing experience, especially in dark room environments. For movie enthusiasts and gamers, the G4's superior motion handling, lower input lag (4.6ms), and support for 4K/144Hz gaming make it particularly compelling. The OLED technology also provides better viewing angles, ensuring consistent picture quality even when viewing from the sides.
However, where the G4 falls short is in peak brightness, managing only about half the brightness of the BRAVIA 9. While the G4's perfect blacks help create excellent perceived contrast even at lower brightness levels, it's less ideal for bright room viewing or HDR content that benefits from higher brightness. The G4 also comes with a theoretical risk of burn-in, though modern protection features make this less of a concern with normal use. For those seeking the absolute best dark room performance and gaming experience, the G4 represents excellent value, but viewers who need versatility across different lighting conditions might find the BRAVIA 9's higher brightness more practical.
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👌LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV Details
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The Hisense H9G ($1,505) stands out as a compelling alternative for viewers who want excellent picture quality without the premium price tag. Its quantum dot technology and 180-zone local dimming array deliver impressive HDR performance with up to 1000 nits of brightness, making it capable in both dark and moderately lit rooms. While it doesn't match the BRAVIA 9's precise contrast control, the H9G still produces deep blacks and vibrant colors that exceed expectations for its price point, particularly when watching 4K content from streaming services.
Where the H9G shows its mid-range positioning is in processing power and gaming capabilities. The lack of HDMI 2.1 features and 120Hz support limits its appeal for next-gen gaming, though casual gamers will find the basic Game Mode sufficient. The older Android TV platform, while fully functional, isn't quite as refined as Google TV, and the built-in speakers are more basic. However, these compromises are easier to accept when considering the H9G delivers about 70% of the BRAVIA 9's performance at nearly half the price, making it an excellent value for viewers who prioritize core picture quality over cutting-edge features.
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👌Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV Details
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The Samsung S90D OLED ($2,700) takes picture quality in a different direction, using self-emitting pixels to achieve perfect blacks and infinite contrast that Mini LED technology simply cannot match. This OLED panel excels in dark room viewing, creating an incredibly immersive experience for movie watching with absolute black levels and no blooming around bright objects. Gaming performance is particularly impressive, with support for 144Hz refresh rates and lower input lag than the BRAVIA 9, making it the superior choice for competitive gamers. The S90D's wider viewing angles also make it better suited for rooms where viewers might be seated off-center.
While the S90D can't match the BRAVIA 9's peak brightness, it compensates with more consistent picture quality across all content types and superior motion handling due to OLED's near-instantaneous response time. The potential for burn-in exists, though it's much less common in modern OLED panels with advanced protection features. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the S90D is its pricing strategy - while it matches the BRAVIA 9's MSRP, it frequently sees significant discounts, sometimes dropping to $1,700, which can make it an exceptional value proposition for those who can catch these sales. For viewers who prioritize perfect blacks, gaming performance, and viewing angles over absolute brightness, the S90D offers a compelling alternative to Mini LED technology.
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👌Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV Details
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The Panasonic 65" OLED ($2,799) takes a fundamentally different approach to premium picture quality, leveraging OLED technology's self-emitting pixels to deliver perfect blacks and infinite contrast that Mini LED simply cannot match. In a properly darkened room, this results in an unmatched cinematic experience, particularly noticeable in dark scenes where there's absolutely no blooming or haloing around bright objects. The OLED's superior viewing angles also make it more versatile for wide seating arrangements, maintaining consistent picture quality even when viewed from the sides - a particular advantage for larger home theater setups.
While the Panasonic OLED can't match the BRAVIA 9's peak brightness, it compensates with superior motion handling and more natural color reproduction, especially in skin tones. The price difference is minimal, making the choice more about viewing environment than value. For movie enthusiasts with controlled lighting or those building a dedicated home theater space, the Panasonic's perfect blacks and superior contrast might be more appealing than the Sony's brightness advantage. However, potential buyers should consider their viewing environment carefully, as the OLED's lower brightness makes it less suitable for bright rooms or daytime viewing without good light control.
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👌Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV Details
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The Samsung QN900D ($4,999) stands out with its 8K resolution and impressive peak brightness exceeding 2,000 nits, making it particularly suited for bright room viewing. Its advanced gaming capabilities, including 4K@240Hz support and lower input lag, will appeal to serious gamers, while the wider viewing angles make it more versatile for large rooms. The One Connect Box design provides cleaner installation options, and its powerful 6.2.4-channel audio system delivers more impactful built-in sound.
However, the significantly higher price tag of the QN900D is hard to justify for most users, especially given the current scarcity of 8K content. While its AI upscaling is impressive, the lack of Dolby Vision support and less accurate out-of-box color performance make it a less compelling choice for movie enthusiasts. The Samsung QN900D represents the bleeding edge of TV technology, but its advantages over the BRAVIA 9 - primarily 8K resolution and higher refresh rates - may not provide tangible benefits for typical viewing scenarios.
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👌Samsung QN900D Series 65" Neo QLED 8K Smart TV Details
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The Sony BRAVIA 8 ($1,698) takes a different approach to premium picture quality with its OLED technology, offering perfect blacks and infinite contrast that the BRAVIA 9's Mini LED system can't quite match. In dark room viewing, particularly for movies and games, the BRAVIA 8's self-emitting pixels create an unmistakably superior image with better shadow detail and more natural color reproduction. It also maintains better picture quality at wide viewing angles, making it more versatile for larger seating arrangements in home theaters.
Where the BRAVIA 8 really stands out is its value proposition - at $1,000 less than the BRAVIA 9, it delivers comparable or better performance in most viewing scenarios, especially for movie enthusiasts and gamers who primarily watch in controlled lighting. While it can't match the BRAVIA 9's exceptional brightness for daytime viewing, the BRAVIA 8 offers better gaming response times, equally impressive smart features, and the kind of deep, cinematic picture quality that home theater enthusiasts crave. Unless you specifically need the extra brightness for a very bright room, the BRAVIA 8 represents the better value for most users.
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👌Sony BRAVIA 8 65" 4K OLED TV Details
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The Samsung QN85D Neo QLED 65" ($1,798) stands out with its superior gaming capabilities and bright room performance. With four full HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K@144Hz, it offers more flexibility for connecting multiple gaming consoles and PCs. The TV's higher full-screen brightness and excellent anti-glare coating make it particularly well-suited for bright living rooms, while its Quantum Matrix technology delivers punchy, vibrant colors that many viewers prefer for everyday content and sports watching.
At $900 less than the Sony BRAVIA 9, the Samsung offers compelling value for those who prioritize versatility over absolute picture accuracy. While it lacks Dolby Vision support and doesn't quite match the Sony's precision in shadow detail or motion handling, the Samsung QN85D delivers exceptional performance for mixed-use scenarios. Its gaming features, bright room capability, and strong overall picture quality make it a more practical choice for many households, especially those who aren't primarily focused on movie watching in controlled lighting conditions.
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👌Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV Details
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The Samsung QN90D stands as the BRAVIA 9's most direct competitor, offering exceptional brightness capabilities and superior gaming features at a $200 lower price point. Its standout features include four HDMI 2.1 ports (compared to Sony's two), support for 144Hz PC gaming, and better bright-room performance. Samsung's implementation of Mini-LED technology focuses on maximum brightness and vivid colors, making it particularly well-suited for bright living rooms and daytime viewing. The gaming experience is more comprehensive, with a dedicated gaming hub and better input lag performance, though it lacks Dolby Vision support.
While both TVs represent the pinnacle of current LED technology, they excel in different scenarios. The Samsung prioritizes versatility and value, offering nearly equivalent picture quality to the Sony at a lower price point, with additional gaming features and better bright room performance. However, it doesn't quite match the Sony's precise color accuracy, movie processing capabilities, or Dolby Vision support. For most users, especially those with bright rooms or gaming priorities, the Samsung QN90D represents a more practical choice, while dedicated movie enthusiasts might still prefer the Sony's more refined approach to picture quality.
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👌Samsung 65" QN90D Series 4K Neo QLED Smart TV Details
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The Sony BRAVIA 7 ($1,399.99) offers remarkably similar core technology to the BRAVIA 9, including Mini LED backlighting, XR processing, and identical gaming features, but at a substantially lower price point. While it has fewer dimming zones (around 500 compared to the BRAVIA 9's 800) and slightly lower peak brightness, it still delivers exceptional picture quality that will satisfy most viewers. The BRAVIA 7's contrast control and HDR performance remain impressive, especially considering its price point, and it handles motion just as capably as its more expensive sibling.
Where the BRAVIA 7 really shines is in its value proposition, delivering about 90-95% of the BRAVIA 9's performance at roughly half the price. In real-world viewing conditions, most users would be hard-pressed to notice significant differences between the two models, particularly when watching standard dynamic range content or gaming. The BRAVIA 7 only falls slightly behind in extremely bright rooms or with the most demanding HDR content, making it the smarter choice for most buyers who want premium picture quality without paying the premium price.
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👌Sony BRAVIA 7 65" 4K UHD Smart Google TV Details
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