Sony recently launched their latest line-up of 2024 Bravia series high-end televisions, and we got a chance to try out the BRAVIA 7 for a few weeks. Here are our thoughts about the new display.
Design
While Sony continues to introduce new design changes on its latest televisions, the BRAVIA 7’s design is based on the new One Slate concept, meant to blend with the living space, regardless of shape, size, and color of the interior décor and walls. The One Slate concept is designed to offer minimal distractions and maximum experience. The bezels are nearly invisible, and the outer smudge-resistant texture can easily match interior surroundings.
The BRAVIA 7 series of televisions is available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch and 85-inch screen sizes, and we had received the 65-inch version for review. With the TV table stand, the 65-inch Bravia 7 features an approx. dimension of 1445 x 856 x 345mm. The TV table stands feature a slim metal design, and they can be set either on the farther end of the TV, or almost on the middle, based on your preferences and other factors ( such as placement of a soundbar in front of the display).
The checkerboard-style rear side is something we have seen plenty of times on the recent releases from Sony, along with the wall-mountable holes, and the side-mounted video/audio connectivity options.
Sony has given clear markings for us to locate the right HDMI and USB ports. There are a total of four HDMI ports, in which the HDMI (3) and (4) are based on HDMI 2.1 speeds, with support for both 100Hz and 120Hz refresh rates. However, the HDMI (1) and (2) are based on HDMI 2.0 connections. Gamers will need to connect their Sony PS5, Microsoft Xbox Series X, or a gaming PC to either HDMI (3) or (4) ports. I think Sony should have included one more HDMI 2.1 port, and the total four ports.
Sony also included two USB ports on the sides, along with a LAN port, audio connections such as digital audio output, RS-232C, IR IN, and also a port for cable connections. The remote that comes with the TV features a compact design, along with dedicated buttons for applications such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Crunchyroll, and more. The remote also has support for voice control, along with a D-pad, quick settings button, and more. I like the new blue sprinkled design that illuminates when light falls directly on the remote.
As a part of the TV packaging, you also get the AC power cord, the remote with batteries, operating instructions, a quick setup guide, and the table top stand
Features
The Bravia 7 is classed as a premium-level mini-LED TV, designed for an immersive visual experience, for both cinema and gaming. The panel features 3840 x 2160 (4K) as the screen resolution, along with support for local dimming. There are a total of 480 local dimming zones on the 65-inch model of the Bravia 7. The local dimming solution is to provide better contrasts and deeper blacks.
The XR picture processor features a scene recognition system to analyze the image data, so that the final output is optimized for the best picture quality. For different enhancements, the television uses several of Sony’s technologies, such as XR TRILUMINOS PRO for colour enhancements, XR Contrast Booster and Backlight Master Drive for contrast enhancements, XR Clear Image for clarity enhancements, XR Motion Clarity for motion booster, and more.
In terms of combability with the latest consoles, the Sony Bravia 7 does recognize when a PS5 or any other game console is connected. While the display showcases a blue thumbnail with PS5 logo on the input selector, the Xbox Series X input only showed a joystick icon (which resembles the classic Dual Shock design), but no mention of the console name. That said, the Xbox Series X is capable of 4K 120Hz gaming with the Bravia 7, along with support for HDR10.
As for the audio capability, the Bravia 7 comes with four speakers, each with 10W output. The speaker configuration is two tweeters, and two full range bass reflex units. The audio technologies supported here are Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, DTS Express, DTS-HD Master, and more. And yes, the display also has support for 360 Spatial Audio.
While Sony mentions that the TV has 32GB of onboard storage with Android 12 TV, we were able to find out that the TV is powered by a quad-core processor (4x Cortex A73 chip @ 2000MHz speeds) and 6GB of RAM, thanks to the AIDA64 application. The 6GB RAM ensures that the Android TV operates smoothly without noticeable lag, as compared to other Android TV devices on the market.
While we used the TV for both gaming and watching movies, the colors and quality were excellent, to say the least, and the viewing angles were also good to some extent. However, the screen is reflective, which might be a deal-breaker for some users.
Verdict
Sony’s latest Bravia 7 series of televisions certainly does not disappoint, and the video and image quality of the panel is an improvement over the previous generation. The quality of the videos (both gaming and watching movies) are good, thanks to the XR image processor, and other enhancement features that are provided by Sony. The display is available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch and 85-inch screen sizes. The Bravia 7 features the minimalistic One Slate design concept that bonds well with most interior surroundings.
The TV comes with a fully-functional remote, and the slim metal TV table stands can be connected to the TV on different positions, based on the user’s preferences. While there are four HDMI ports, only two of them are HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 120Hz refresh rates. The TV also comes with Android TV 12 OS out of the box, and the OS runs fast, thanks to the snappy CPU and 6GB of RAM. We recommend the Bravia 7 for those looking for a TV with Mini-LED technologies.
