Sony has updated its Bravia series this year. In addition to the flagship model Bravia 9, there is also an updated version of the Bravia 7. The OÖN took a look at it.
Design: With its thickness of 5.7 centimeters – compared to some Samsung devices – the Bravia 7 doesn’t qualify as particularly slim, but the TV doesn’t give the impression of being bulky. The frame looks elegant and the workmanship is also very pleasing. Two feet are included, which can be mounted either in the middle or further out on the edges. With a positive effect, because the option gives buyers additional flexibility when setting up the device, especially if they want to place it on smaller pieces of furniture.
Image quality: The fact that the Bravia is not one of the slimmest devices is mainly due to its screen technology. The display is basically an LCD panel that is backlit with mini LEDs – this is called a backlight. A tried and tested technology that is taken to the extreme here. Because Sony uses particularly small mini-LEDs, which means the backlight can be used precisely. And then quantum dots are used, which allow very pure color representation. As a result, the Bravia 7 is both a QLED TV and a mini LED TV. The advantages are striking: On the one hand, the maximum brightness is outstanding, but on the other hand, the contrast level is also completely convincing. This is particularly successful because the backlight is divided into 480 zones. This means that dark areas of the image can be locally dimmed and black actually appears like a deep black. The setting options for the color display leave a lot of scope. There are suitable picture modes for HDR content and Dolby Vision. There are also suitable presets for photos and gaming. Furthermore, brightness, color, local dimming, noise reduction and the display of movement can be adjusted separately.
Operation and operating system: Buyers get two remote controls – one is battery-operated, the other has a rechargeable battery. The former is more reminiscent of classic TV remote controls; it has number buttons and directional arrows – perfect for zapping through the (linear) program list. The battery remote control is intended more for streaming, has buttons for Netflix and YouTube, among other things, and supports voice control. As the start screen we are presented with Google TV as a smart TV system. This appears to be very well tailored to the device; navigation through the menu is intuitive and without any confusion. The range of functions including the recording function, settings for image optimization and features such as PS5 remote play leave little to be desired.
Klang: Sony usually attaches great importance to good sound in its TV sets. Now the Bravia 7 isn’t a complete exception to this rule – but the audio quality can’t quite keep up with the outstanding picture. At times there is a lack of balance between highs and lows; the television could use a little more power, especially at low frequencies.
Prices and conclusion: The 65-inch model costs 1,899 euros, while the larger models cost 2,249 euros (75 inches) or 2,799 euros (85 inches). In this price range, the Bravia 7 is particularly impressive thanks to its great picture and many setting options.
