Choosing a flagship OLED TV means balancing elite picture quality, gaming performance, and long-term value. The Sony BRAVIA 8 II (2025) arrives with an upgraded QD-OLED panel, better brightness control, and refined processing, making it Sony’s newest premium OLED option. Meanwhile, the Sony A95L (2023) remains one of Sony’s most praised OLED TVs thanks to its excellent colour volume, clean uniformity, and strong HDR capabilities.
It’s also worth noting that the Sony BRAVIA 8 (2024) sits below both models in Sony’s OLED lineup. Previously, we have talked about Sony BRAVIA 8 II and BRAVIA 8 differences, so in this article, we will talk about the differences between BRAVIA 8 II and A95L — what has improved and which one is the better choice today.
Sony BRAVIA 8 II (2025) Short Overview
The Sony BRAVIA 8 II uses an upgraded QD-OLED panel engineered for higher peak brightness, wider colour volume, and better stability in bright scenes. Sony claims the BRAVIA 8 II is around 25% brighter than its previous QD-OLED flagship, which translates in practice to noticeably stronger HDR highlights in most content.
Picture processing continues to be handled by Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR, now backed by improved tuning for brightness control, tone mapping, and colour refinement. Combined with the XR Triluminos Max colour system, the BRAVIA 8 II delivers richer colours, more accurate midtones, and smoother gradation in dark scenes.
Design also receives a noticeable upgrade. The BRAVIA 8 II adopts a slimmer One Slate profile, reduced bezel thickness, and a minimalist stand that elevates the overall premium feel. It looks modern and elegant whether mounted on a wall or placed on a media unit.
For gaming, the BRAVIA 8 II supports 4K/120 Hz, VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision Gaming, making it a strong choice for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S users. Smart features include Google TV, Chromecast built-in, and AirPlay 2. The only unchanged limitation is the presence of two HDMI 2.1 ports instead of four.
| Sony BRAVIA 8 II Prices | |
| 65-inch (K-65XR80M2) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 55-inch (K-55XR80M2) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
Sony A95L (2023) Short Overview
The Sony A95L continues to stand out as one of the most impressive OLED TVs available. It uses a first-generation QD-OLED panel known for its excellent colour volume, clean uniformity, and premium HDR performance, reaching around 1,400 nits in real testing. HDR movies and games look vibrant, with bright highlights and deep, controlled blacks.
The TV also uses Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR, which still provides top-tier motion handling, upscaling, and colour accuracy. Its tone mapping is well-regarded for producing realistic skin tones, natural colours, and smooth transitions in shadow areas.
The A95L supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, 4K/120 Hz, VRR, ALLM, and importantly, Dolby Vision Gaming, making it fully compatible with Xbox Series X|S and modern gaming setups. Audio performance is handled by Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+, which uses the display itself as a speaker for improved dialogue placement.
Another advantage of the A95L is its size range. It’s available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch, making it ideal for large home theatre environments. As an older flagship, it also tends to be significantly cheaper, offering excellent value while still delivering outstanding OLED performance.
| Sony A95L Prices | |
| 77-inch (XR-77A95L) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 65-inch (XR-65A95L) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 55-inch (XR-55A95L) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
Sony BRAVIA 8 II vs A95L – Specs Comparison Table
Here’s a quick look at the key specifications of both TVs side by side. This table helps you compare their core technologies, gaming features, and overall capabilities at a glance.
| Specification | Sony BRAVIA 8 II (2025) | Sony A95L (2023) | |||||
| Panel Type | QD-OLED | QD-OLED | |||||
| Available Sizes | 55”, 65” | 55”, 65”, 77” | |||||
| Resolution | 4K (3840 × 2160) | 4K (3840 × 2160) | |||||
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |||||
| HDR Formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | |||||
| Processor | Cognitive Processor XR | Cognitive Processor XR | |||||
| Colour System | XR Triluminos Max | XR Triluminos Max | |||||
| Peak Brightness | ~1,600 nits | ~1,400 nits | |||||
| Gaming Features | 4K/120, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision Gaming | 4K/120, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision Gaming | |||||
| HDMI Ports | 4 ports (2 × HDMI 2.1) | 4 ports (2 × HDMI 2.1) | |||||
| Audio System | Acoustic Surface Audio+ | Acoustic Surface Audio+ | |||||
| Smart Platform | Google TV | Google TV | |||||
| Price | Higher | Lower / discounted | |||||
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The Differences Between Sony BRAVIA 8 II and Sony A95L
Although both TVs deliver excellent OLED performance, there are some differences that may influence which model suits your needs better.
- HDR Brightness and Peak Highlights
The BRAVIA 8 II offers higher peak brightness thanks to its upgraded QD-OLED panel, giving HDR scenes stronger highlights and more vivid specular details. The A95L still performs well, but the 8 II brings more luminance headroom for rooms with some ambient light.
- Processing and Colour Refinement
Both models use the Cognitive Processor XR, but the BRAVIA 8 II benefits from improved processing and colour tuning, delivering more accurate tone mapping, cleaner shadows, and richer midtones. While the A95L remains excellent, the refinements on the 8 II give it an edge in subtle picture detail.
- Size Availability
The A95L offers a larger 77-inch size option, which is ideal for dedicated home theatres and large rooms. The BRAVIA 8 II is limited to 55-inch and 65-inch at launch, which may be limiting for buyers seeking the biggest screen.
- Price and Value
The BRAVIA 8 II commands a higher price due to its upgraded panel, colour and brightness improvements. Meanwhile, the A95L, as a previous-generation flagship, is usually more affordable and offers excellent value for the performance it delivers.
Which Is the Better Choice?
If you want the latest and most refined Sony OLED experience, the Sony BRAVIA 8 II (2025) is the better choice. It delivers higher peak brightness, a refined colour system, and improved processing, resulting in more impactful HDR and more accurate colours. Its sleek One Slate design and strong gaming support make it Sony’s most polished OLED yet in this size class.
| Sony BRAVIA 8 II Prices | |
| 65-inch (K-65XR80M2) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 55-inch (K-55XR80M2) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
However, the Sony A95L (2023) remains a very compelling option. It delivers outstanding OLED performance, full gaming compatibility including Dolby Vision Gaming, and offers a 77-inch size that the 8 II does not. With its discounted pricing, the A95L is an excellent choice for buyers who want flagship picture quality at a more attractive value.
| Sony A95L Prices | |
| 77-inch (XR-77A95L) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 65-inch (XR-65A95L) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 55-inch (XR-55A95L) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |