Sony Bravia 9 II vs. Bravia 9: I compared both TV models, and True RGB is a serious upgrade

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Close Home Home & Office Home Entertainment TVs Sony Bravia 9 II vs. Bravia 9: I compared both TV models, and True RGB is a serious upgrade Sony just announced the new Bravia 9 II True RGB TV. But is it worth upgrading from the older Bravia 9 Mini LED? taylor-clemons

Written by Taylor Clemons, Staff WriterStaff Writer May 27, 2026 at 11:16 a.m. PT

Sony Bravia 9 vs 9 II — Adam Breeden and Kerry Wan/ZDNET

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Sony just announced the new Bravia 9 II True RGB TV, along with the Bravia 7 II and a host of updates and refreshes across the rest of Sony's TV offerings. And if you've been on the fence about upgrading your main TV or adding a second screen to your home, now might be the perfect time to buy, whether you're a Sony loyalist or just looking for a decent deal.

With a host of new features and a cutting-edge screen, the Bravia 9 II is positioning itself to be crowned the new king of Sony's premium lineup. But is it really worth skipping over the original Bravia 9?

Also: Sony vs. Samsung home theater systems

To help you understand what Sony changed, I put together a list of the best reasons to buy both the Bravia 9 and the Bravia 9 II, so you can choose the best fit for your space and budget.

At a glance

	Sony Bravia 9 II	Sony Bravia 9
Display type	True RGB	Mini LED
Display size	65 - 115 inches	65, 75, and 85 inches
HDR	Dolby Vision	Dolby Vision
Audio	Dolby Atmos, Acoustic Surface Audio+	Dolby Atmos, Acoustic Surface Audio+
Refresh rate	Not specified	120Hz
VRR support	Proprietary VRR	Proprietary VRR
Voice controls	Google Assistant, Alexa	Google Assistant, Alexa
Price	Starting at $3,599	Starting at $2,100

You should buy the Sony Bravia 9 II if...

Buy the Sony Bravia 9 II

View now at Sony

1. You want a cutting-edge display

Sony updated the Bravia 9 II with an all-new True RGB LED screen, which works similarly to the Samsung R95H. It works in tandem with Sony's new RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro engine, which precision-controls the individual red, green, and blue LEDS for ultra-accurate colors, impressive contrast, and a brighter screen than Sony's OLED offerings.

The Bravia 9 II also adds a 115-inch option to the lineup for a truly cinematic experience (as long as you have the cash to burn).

2. You want even better sound

To match the impressive picture the True RGB panel is capable of, Sony also refreshed the Bravia 9 II's audio. Along with Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound (which is practically an industry standard at this point), the Bravia 9 II supports DTS: X for older media, IMAX Enhanced sound for streaming new movies, and Sony's Acoustic Multi-Audio+.

Also: Own a Sony TV? 3 quick settings I'd change to improve picture quality

The Acoustic Multi-Audio+ technology uses tiny actuators behind the TV screen as well as tweeter speakers built into the TV frame itself to turn your entire screen into a speaker. It also produces spatial audio that sounds like it's following the on-screen action for a more immersive experience.

3. You want customization options

If you like the idea of switching up your style by adding custom bezel options to your TV, but don't want a fully art-inspired model like Samsung's The Frame, the Bravia 9 II lets you add a real wood veneer frame. Available in four colors (black, white, pine, and oak), you'll be able to seamlessly blend your new TV into your decor so it looks less like a piece of tech when not in use.

You should buy the Sony Bravia 9 if...

Buy the Sony Bravia 9

View now at Sony

1. You want tried-and-true display tech

The Bravia 9 features a Mini LED panel, which falls between a regular LED TV and Sony's premium OLED models. You'll still get great contrast, detailing, and color accuracy, without the high retail price of OLED. The Bravia 9 features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth action in everything from live sports and movies to TV shows and video games.

And with a nearly bezel-free screen, you'll get a true edge-to-edge picture, so you get the most out of your new TV screen. It's also smudge-resistant, so you can spend more time enjoying your screen and less time cleaning off fingerprints.

2. You're working with a budget

Since the Bravia 9 is an older model that uses more established screen technology, you'll be able to find it for a much lower price than other Sony TV offerings. The Bravia 9 is frequently on sale, letting you save hundreds on a quality TV for upgrading your home theater or adding a second to your home.

Also: The best Sony TVs

And once the Bravia 9 II hits store shelves, you'll likely see those discounts get even steeper, which is great news if you're looking to stretch your budget.

3. You need more placement options

The Sony Bravia 9 comes with a 4-way stand that lets you set up your new TV in almost any room. You can choose two narrow stances for smaller stands and furniture, as well as two taller, wider placements that allow you to set up a soundbar underneath your new screen.

Once a soundbar is set up, the stand feet are virtually invisible, giving your new TV the impression that it's floating above its stand. And of course, you'll also get VESA wall-mounting options if you prefer to keep your TV off the furniture.

Writer's choice

While the original Bravia 9 from Sony is an impressive TV, the updated Bravia 9 II wins out with enhanced color accuracy, improved sound, and customization options. It's a step up in virtually every way and sets the standard for competing RGB models in 2026 (and beyond).

The True RGB panel delivers color, detail, and contrast that nearly rival OLED options -- at a price tag to match. You'll just have to settle for some blooming and color crosstalk if you look close enough. Sony's also added a 115-inch screen to the lineup if you're looking to create a full custom theater in the comfort of your own home.