Sony Bravia 7 II Review: Is True RGB the Future of TV Color?
Sony's Bravia 7 II is a mid-range TV that promises to revolutionize the way we see color on our screens. With its True RGB backlight technology, it aims to deliver richer, purer colors and more color volume at high brightness. But is it worth the investment?
In this review, we'll take a deep dive into the Bravia 7 II's features, performance, design, and value. We'll explore its True RGB backlight technology, picture quality, sound, and ease of use. We'll also compare it to its flagship counterpart, the Bravia 9 II, to see what sets it apart.
True RGB Backlight Technology
The Bravia 7 II's True RGB backlight technology is a game-changer for LED/LCD TVs. Unlike traditional white LED backlights, which dilute colors with white light, RGB backlights use individually driven red, green, and blue LEDs to create colored light directly. This results in richer, purer colors and more color volume at high brightness.
Sony's True RGB backlight technology is paired with a dedicated processor that works across each small cluster of backlight LEDs through a 96-bit pipeline. This avoids banding and keeps color clean when a scene gets busy. The tech is called RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro, paired with RGB Triluminos Max.
Picture Quality
The Bravia 7 II's picture quality is a sight to behold. Movies and TV shows look stunning, with rich, realistic colors that are easy on the eye. The TV's contrast and dynamic range are impressive, with no noticeable color contamination across dark scenes.
The TV's RGB backlight technology shines through in its color depth. Colors are fuller, richer, and purer than I expected, never shouty or overblown, just smooth, refined, and easy on the eye. The gradation and shadow detail pull you into the film.
Design and Build
The Bravia 7 II has an attractive design with a clever floating Mirage Stand that conceals cables. The stand is sturdy and centrally mounted, with a cable guide to keep connections tidy. The TV is thicker than other TV technology types, but this is not an issue on its stand.
The TV's remote control is logical and easy to use, with a microphone built in for voice commands and sound configuration optimization. The remote also has direct controls for launching popular streaming apps and a customizable button.
Sound
The Bravia 7 II's sound quality is impressive, with loud, deep speakers that create a sense of left-right positioning. The Voice Zoom 3 feature adds a positional effect for a person's voice relative to where they are on the screen.
Value
The Bravia 7 II is an excellent value for anyone who wants an elevated, color-first picture without paying flagship money. At $3,999 for the 65-inch, it offers stunning color depth, impressive contrast, and brightness.
Conclusion
The Bravia 7 II is a strong contender in the mid-range TV market. Its True RGB backlight technology, picture quality, and sound make it a top choice for color-led viewing in a light-controlled room. While it may not match OLED for outright contrast, it offers excellent value for the price.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- True RGB backlight technology adds stunning color depth, impressive contrast, and brightness
- Attractive design with a clever floating Mirage Stand that conceals cables
- Google TV interface with Gemini to help you discover content and answer your questions
Cons:
- The screen is quite reflective, which can be distracting in bright rooms (it misses the 9 II's Black Screen Pro anti-reflection coating)
- The panel is thicker than other TV technology types
