Sony BRAVIA 8 II 55" Review (UK): A Film Lover's QD-OLED
Quick verdict
The BRAVIA 8 II is Sony's best-value high-end TV and a superb choice for films. What Hi-Fi? gave it five stars and called it one of the very best TVs money can buy. It isn't as bright as LG's G5 and only two HDMI ports have the full set of gaming features, but its picture and sound are excellent.
About £1,999 as of 19 October 2026 on Amazon UK
See the Sony BRAVIA 8 II 55" on Amazon UKThis review replaces our older Sony BRAVIA XR (A80L) review. The A80L is a 2023 model and stock has largely gone, so we now cover Sony's current 55-inch OLED, the BRAVIA 8 II. Sony UK lists it as the K-55XR8M2, and the Amazon UK listing shows the model number K55XR8M25BP. It's a QD-OLED, which combines OLED's self-lit pixels with a quantum-dot layer for richer colour.
Who is it for?
The BRAVIA 8 II suits film and drama fans who want a natural, cinematic picture, and PS5 owners who'll use Sony's console features. Its built-in sound is good enough that you may not need a soundbar straight away. If £2,000 is too much, the older BRAVIA 8 (2024, K55XR80PU) was about £1,499 on Amazon UK when we checked, though it isn't a QD-OLED.
Key specs
- Model: K-55XR8M2 (UK listing K55XR8M25BP), 2025
- Panel: 55-inch 4K QD-OLED, 120Hz native
- Processor: XR Processor with XR Triluminos Max and XR Contrast Booster 25
- HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG (no HDR10+)
- Gaming: 4 HDMI ports; 4K 120Hz, VRR and ALLM on HDMI 3 and 4; PS5 Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode
- Sound: Acoustic Surface Audio+ (2 actuators and 2 subwoofers), Dolby Atmos
- Smart TV: Google TV with AirPlay, Chromecast and Apple HomeKit; Sony Pictures Core
- Calibrated modes: Netflix, Sony Pictures Core and Prime Video calibrated modes
- Connections: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Size and weight: 122.4 x 70.7 x 3.4cm without stand; 17.2kg (18.4kg with stand); VESA 300 x 300
Picture quality
What Hi-Fi? rated the BRAVIA 8 II five stars and named it a What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 winner, calling it one of the very best TVs money can buy. Sony's processing is known for natural colour and excellent upscaling of lower-quality sources, and the QD-OLED panel adds richer colour at higher brightness. The main weakness reviewers found is peak brightness: it isn't as bright as LG's G5.
Sound
Instead of normal speakers, Acoustic Surface Audio+ vibrates the screen, so voices come from the people on screen. What Hi-Fi? found the sound almost good enough to skip a soundbar.
Gaming and smart features
PS5 owners get Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, and HDMI 3 and 4 support 4K at 120Hz, VRR and ALLM. But that's only two ports with full gaming features, and one of them also handles eARC, so a soundbar plus two consoles needs some juggling. Google TV includes all the main UK apps.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Superb, natural QD-OLED picture
- Excellent upscaling and processing
- Acoustic Surface Audio+ sound
- PS5-specific features
- Google TV, AirPlay and Chromecast
Cons
- Not as bright as LG's G5
- Only two HDMI ports with 4K 120Hz and VRR, one shared with eARC
- Awkward feet (What Hi-Fi?)
- No HDR10+
UK price
On 19 October 2026 the Amazon UK listing was about £1,999, sold by Sony Store Online Marketplace. That matched Sony UK's own price. What Hi-Fi? tested it at its launch price of £2,499, so today's price is a good deal better. Check the current price on Amazon UK before you buy.
Verdict
The Sony BRAVIA 8 II is a film lover's TV, with a superb QD-OLED picture, excellent processing and sound that comes from the screen itself. Only two full-spec HDMI ports and awkward feet stop it being perfect, but it's one of the best TVs you can buy.
FAQs
What's the difference between the Sony BRAVIA 8 II and the A80L?
The A80L is a 2023 OLED. The BRAVIA 8 II is a 2025 QD-OLED with Sony's newer XR Triluminos Max colour processing. The A80L is now hard to find new.
Is the Sony BRAVIA 8 II good for PS5?
Yes. HDMI 3 and 4 support 4K at 120Hz, VRR and ALLM, and it has PS5 features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping. Only two ports have these features, though.
Who sells the BRAVIA 8 II on Amazon UK?
When we checked on 19 October 2026, the listing was sold by Sony Store Online Marketplace at about £1,999.
How we researched this review: we compiled this review from Sony UK's official K-55XR8M2 specifications and independent hands-on reviews from What Hi-Fi?. We have not tested this TV ourselves. Prices and sellers were checked on the Amazon UK product page on 19 October 2026.