Screen size
65 in
Screen size
Sony BRAVIA 8A OLED 65XR8A Televisions - Review and opinions
Quick verdict
The Sony BRAVIA 8A is aimed at buyers who want a 65-inch OLED for film nights and modern console gaming, with 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, VRR, ALLM and HDMI 2.1 features in the same package. Its attraction is the combination of cinematic OLED contrast and PS5-friendly gaming tools; the trade-off is that this is a premium-price television whose smart setup, input switching and audio experience need more care than the polished picture initially suggests.
Buy it for dark-room viewing, UHD films and fast console games where OLED black levels and 120Hz motion matter. Skip it if you want a completely frictionless family TV, depend on an older Sky HD box, or expect built-in sound to remove the need for a soundbar. The BRAVIA 8A has the right display credentials for a serious home cinema and gaming corner, but its value depends on accepting a few practical setup compromises.
| Screen size | 65 inches |
|---|---|
| Panel type | OLED |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz |
| Smart TV system | Google TV |
| Dimensions | 144.2 cm de ancho x 24.8 cm de fondo x 85.5 cm de alto |
OLED cinema picture
The self-illuminating OLED panel is designed for strong contrast without a separate backlight, making dark films and HDR scenes more visually convincing in a controlled room.
The practical gain is a more cinematic image than a conventional LED television can normally provide. Buyers with a bright, reflection-heavy room should prioritise placement and lighting rather than assuming the premium panel solves every viewing condition.
120Hz console route
4K/120fps, VRR and ALLM are joined by HDMI 2.1 gaming features and Game Menu 2, giving the BRAVIA 8A a clear next-generation console focus.
That matters most to PS5 owners and anyone playing fast-paced titles. Casual broadcast viewers will gain less from the extra refresh headroom, so this specification should influence the purchase only when gaming is a regular part of the routine.
Screen-based sound and home cinema expansion
Acoustic Surface Audio+ uses the screen as the speaker, with Voice Zoom 3 for dialogue and 3D Surround Upscaling for a wider presentation. Dolby Atmos support and compatibility with Sony soundbars extend the setup into a BRAVIA Theatre system.
The integrated sound is convenient for everyday television, but a soundbar remains the better route for film-scale impact. Buyers should also treat audio reliability as a serious part of the decision rather than buying solely for the panel.
Performance and experience
For a dark-room film night, the 65-inch OLED panel is the main event. At 4K, the screen works out at roughly 68 pixels per inch, giving UHD films and detailed game environments a clean, tightly resolved look from a normal sofa distance. Self-illuminating pixels and XR Contrast Booster are well matched to scenes that move between near-black shadows and bright highlights, while Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced support give the set a strong home-cinema route. The limitation is placement: OLED cinema performance is most compelling when the room lighting is controlled, rather than when the screen is fighting strong daylight and reflections.
A PS5 session is where the specification becomes genuinely useful rather than decorative. The 120Hz panel, 4K/120fps support, VRR and ALLM give fast games the right foundation, and the Game Menu 2 keeps gaming controls closer to hand. PS5 owners also receive the model's advertised console-specific features. This is a stronger choice than a basic 60Hz television for racing, shooters and responsive action, although the experience still depends on using the appropriate HDMI 2.1 connection and on the console and game supporting the relevant modes.
The first evening also exposes the less glamorous part of owning a large smart TV. Google TV, Chromecast built-in and Apple AirPlay 2 make it a flexible hub for phones, streaming apps and games, while the included remote, batteries, power cable and quick-start materials cover the basic setup. The four-way stand helps with furniture placement, but the television is still a substantial 144.2 cm-wide installation. Daily operation is not perfectly frictionless either, with input changes, Wi-Fi stability and the busy Android-based interface all capable of becoming annoyances in a family room.
Pros
- OLED panel with 4K resolution and strong cinema-oriented features
- 120Hz refresh rate with VRR, ALLM and 4K/120fps gaming support
- PS5 features, Game Menu 2 and HDMI 2.1 gaming route
- Google TV, Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in.
Cons
- Premium-price positioning makes practical faults more costly to tolerate
- Built-in sound may not satisfy buyers seeking cinema-scale impact
- Smart-TV navigation, Wi-Fi stability and automatic input switching can create daily friction
- Audio crackling and sync problems are serious concerns for affected owners.
Community
User reviews
The 3.7-star average from 20 ratings reflects a sharp split. The picture quality and overall television experience win enthusiastic praise, while setup compatibility, smart-TV behaviour and one serious audio complaint make the ownership experience less consistent than the OLED image promises. The useful lesson is that this is a picture-first purchase, not an automatic trouble-free upgrade for every living room.
★
★
★
★
★
I found it to be an excellent television.
★
★
★
★
★
After spending ages setting it up with my Sky HD box, I was disappointed when it initially refused the HD signal and showed a try another screen message.
★
★
★
★
★
I consider it a state-of-the-art television and the picture is amazing.
Comparison
| Attribute | Sony BRAVIA 8A OLED 65XR8A Current | Sony K55XR80 | TCL 65T8C-UK | LG OLED48C55LA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,499.00 | £1,499.00 | Out of stock | £799.00 |
| Screen size | 65 inches | 55 Inches | 65 Inches | 48 Inches |
| Resolución | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Tipo de panel | OLED | OLED | QLED | OLED |
| Frecuencia de refresco | 120Hz | 120 | 144 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Editorial score | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.1/10 |
Against the Sony K55XR80, this BRAVIA 8A offers the larger 65-inch canvas while retaining the OLED, 4K and 120Hz route. Choose the K55XR80 when a 55-inch room-friendly size is the priority; choose the BRAVIA 8A when film scale and a larger gaming image matter more than compact placement.
The LG OLED55C54LA is the more sensible alternative for a buyer focused on a 55-inch OLED rather than this model's larger-room presentation. Samsung's S90F is the stronger comparison for buyers who want a more explicitly performance-led OLED route, with the prepared specification describing 100Hz and advertised Motion Xcelerator 144Hz. The Sony remains the better fit for someone who values its Google TV, PS5 features, IMAX Enhanced and Sony soundbar ecosystem together.
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Is the Sony BRAVIA 8A OLED 65XR8A TV worth it?
The BRAVIA 8A makes most sense as a premium 65-inch OLED for a controlled-room cinema and gaming setup. Its 4K picture, 120Hz gaming support, PS5 integration and broad Google TV casting options create a well-defined route, while the four-way stand helps it adapt to different furniture layouts. Check the current offer if those strengths match your room and console use.
The skip rule is equally clear. Buyers who rely on an older Sky HD source, want simple automatic input handling, or are unwilling to add a soundbar have better reasons to choose a less ambitious and more straightforward television. The audio complaints in particular make this a purchase for people prepared to prioritise the OLED picture while accepting that ownership convenience is not its strongest point.
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FAQ
Is this television suitable for PS5 gaming?
Yes. Its 120Hz panel, 4K/120fps support, VRR, ALLM and HDMI 2.1 gaming features are aimed directly at modern console play, with extra PS5 functions.
Is the built-in sound enough for films?
It provides Acoustic Surface Audio+, Voice Zoom 3, 3D Surround Upscaling and Dolby Atmos support, but buyers wanting a larger cinematic soundstage should budget for a compatible soundbar.
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