Sony Bravia 8 II Surpasses A95L as Top OLED TV Choice

In a significant development for home entertainment technology, the recent launch of Sony's Bravia 8 II has led to a noteworthy shift in consumer preferences, overshadowing its predecessor, the A95L. This transition highlights the rapid evolution of OLED technology and the competitive landscape of high-end televisions.

Tom Parsons, the TV and AV Editor at What Hi-Fi?, has been testing televisions for nearly two decades. In his review published on July 20, 2025, he details his experience with the A95L, which he initially considered the best OLED TV available. Parsons praises the A95L for its exceptional picture quality, vibrant colors, and impressive brightness levels, attributing these qualities to Sony's advanced picture processing technology. However, after testing the new Bravia 8 II, he notes a marked improvement in performance, particularly in brightness and contrast, which has altered his ranking of these two models.

The Bravia 8 II, which incorporates the latest QD-OLED technology, offers enhancements that Parsons describes as 'brighter, more vibrant, and with even better shadow detail.' He emphasizes that the processing capabilities have been refined, allowing for sharper images and a more immersive viewing experience. This feedback aligns with the growing consumer demand for televisions that deliver superior visual fidelity, particularly as streaming services continue to promote high-definition content.

Industry experts have echoed Parsons's sentiments. Dr. Emily Chen, a Professor of Media Technology at Stanford University, points out that advancements in OLED technology are not just incremental but revolutionary. She states, 'As manufacturers like Sony innovate, we see a direct impact on consumer satisfaction and engagement with visual media. The Bravia 8 II exemplifies this trend by offering a viewing experience that feels more lifelike.'

Moreover, the price of the Bravia 8 II models has become more accessible, with retailers currently offering discounts. The 55-inch model is available for £2,499, while the 65-inch variant costs £2,999, making these high-end televisions more attainable for consumers looking to upgrade.

In the broader context of the television market, the competition is fierce, with LG and Samsung also pushing the boundaries of OLED technology. For instance, LG's recent models have been praised for their color accuracy and energy efficiency, while Samsung continues to innovate within the QLED space. According to a report from the Consumer Technology Association published in March 2025, the OLED market is projected to grow significantly, driven by increasing consumer preferences for superior image quality and the proliferation of 4K and 8K content.

The implications of these advancements are profound. As technology progresses, consumers are likely to experience a continual enhancement in home entertainment systems. This may also prompt manufacturers to invest more heavily in research and development, as the competitive landscape requires constant innovation to meet consumer expectations.

In conclusion, while the Sony A95L will remain a remarkable choice for many, the recent launch of the Bravia 8 II demonstrates the pace of technological advancement in the OLED market. Consumers eager for the latest in visual technology would do well to consider the Bravia 8 II, particularly as it sets a new standard for what is possible in home entertainment. For those who already own the A95L, the experience remains commendable, but the allure of the Bravia 8 II is certainly compelling, promising an even more immersive viewing experience.