When I ordered the Sony Bravia XR8B, I honestly wasn’t expecting it to feel like a major upgrade. I just wanted a new OLED TV with solid 4K quality for movies, gaming, and everyday streaming. But after using it consistently for a few weeks, I have a lot to say, the good, the not-so-good, and whether it’s actually worth your money.
Design & First Impressions
The first thing that struck me was how sleek the XR8B looks. It has that clean, minimalist Sony design that instantly makes your space feel modern. The bezels are slim, the stand is sturdy, and setup was simple.
When I switched it on for the first time, the difference from my older TV was immediate. The OLED panel came alive, deep blacks, rich colors, and incredible detail even in darker scenes.
Picture Quality: The Best Part
The picture quality is where this TV shines. If you watch a lot of movies, especially in dim lighting, the Sony Bravia XR8B really stands out. The OLED panel delivers:
- True deep blacks
- Punchy but natural colors
- Sharp 4K details
- Smooth motion for sports and gaming
HDR content looks genuinely cinematic. Shadows are clean, bright highlights don’t wash out, and the overall contrast makes everything feel more immersive.
As someone who watches a lot of Netflix and YouTube, I noticed that even regular non-HDR content looked cleaner thanks to Sony’s processing.
Google TV & Smart Features
Google TV runs smoothly on the XR8B. I didn’t experience lag or freezing switching between apps. All major apps are pre-installed, and casting from my phone works perfectly.
Voice commands respond fast, and connecting it to other devices felt seamless.
If you enjoy simple navigation and a well-organized interface, Google TV on this model is honestly one of the best experiences.
Sound Quality: Good, But Not Amazing
The audio on the XR8B is clear, especially with dialogue, but it’s not mind-blowing. For everyday series, YouTube, or news, it’s fine.
But for movies, I found myself reaching for my soundbar because the bass and depth just weren’t enough.
Performance for Gaming
If you’re getting this for gaming, especially PS5 or Xbox, the XR8B supports:
- 4K 120Hz
- HDMI 2.1
- VRR
- ALLM
Gameplay felt smooth, sharp, and responsive. Colors look great, and dark scenes don’t crush details like older TVs sometimes do.
I didn’t notice input lag, and fast-moving scenes held up really well.
Where the Sony Bravia XR8B Falls Short
No TV is perfect, and the XR8B has a few things you should know:
1. Brightness Isn’t the Best
OLED is beautiful, but not the brightest. In a very bright room or with sunlight hitting the screen, it won’t look as vibrant.
At night or in a dim room? Perfect.
But in bright daylight? You’ll notice the limitation.
2. Built-in Audio Could Be Better
Even though it’s clear, it lacks punch. You’ll probably want external speakers for the full experience.
3. Not Sony’s Absolute Top Tier
It doesn’t have some of the premium tricks found in Sony’s highest-end OLEDs, so if you’re hunting for maximum brightness or top-tier processing, you may want to go up a model.
Is the Sony Bravia XR8B Worth Buying?
For me, yes, it’s absolutely worth it, especially if:
- You love movies or series
- You prefer watching in the evening or in a controlled-light room
- You want deep blacks and rich colors that only OLED can give
- You want a smooth, responsive smart TV experience
- You play games and need HDMI 2.1 + 4K 120Hz
It delivers excellent picture quality for the price, and even though it’s not the brightest TV out there, what it does well… it does extremely well.
If you’re upgrading from an older LED TV like I was, the jump feels huge.
Conclusion
The Sony Bravia XR8B is a premium-feeling OLED TV that brings your movies, shows, and games to life with beautiful picture quality. It’s not perfect, especially in bright rooms, but in normal viewing conditions it performs incredibly well and feels like a solid investment.
If you want an OLED TV that delivers a cinematic experience without paying flagship prices, the XR8B is a fantastic choice.
Check out the Frownies Patch I reviewed earlier.