Sony Bravia 7 Review: The Perfect Balance of Performance and Value
Hey guys, welcome to my brand new living room! Here, I want to talk about my new TV, the Sony Bravia 7. I’ve been using this TV for about the past week and a half, and I want to share my thoughts on why I chose this TV, who it would be ideal for, and who might be better off selecting a different TV. We’ll also discuss some of my findings after using it for the past week and a half.
For me personally, I really like this TV. I think it’s a sweet spot between the ultra-flagship Bravia 8 and Bravia 9 and the more budget-friendly Bravia 3. I’m always a big fan of mid-range options that offer flagship specs without the ultra-premium prices. With the Bravia 7, you’re getting the XR processor, Sony’s cutting-edge tech, and a brand new 4K 2024 TV without paying those ultra-premium prices.
Sizing and Pricing
The Sony Bravia 7 comes in four different sizes: 55 inches, 65 inches, 75 inches (which is what I have), and 85 inches. As far as pricing goes, for the same price as a 65-inch Bravia 8, you can get a 75-inch Bravia 7. The Bravia 7 is mini LED, offering a great display with incredibly bright and vibrant colors. Even though it’s not an OLED, it provides a fantastic picture quality, especially in bright rooms. The pricing ranges from $1,899 to $3,499. While it’s not a cheap TV, there are already some sales available, and I’ll link those down below. You might see discounts of $100 to $300 or even more. These are affiliate links, so if you appreciate the video, feel free to use them. Otherwise, check your local Best Buy for sales.
Setup
Setting up this TV was super easy. There’s no assembly required other than attaching the feet. You don’t have to put any back panels on; it’s ready to go out of the box. The feet are strong metal and can be set up wide or narrow, which is great if you have a smaller TV stand. I went with the wide setup and the higher level so my soundbar can sit right in the middle. Everything syncs up easily, and the default speakers are decent, though I’ll get into a test of that later.
Remote Control
The remote that comes with the TV is not the premium remote. It requires AAA batteries, which are included, but it’s not USB type-C rechargeable, doesn’t have a backlight, and lacks a finding feature. These features are available with the premium remote, which I wish was included with the TV, given its price.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Sony Bravia 7 is fantastic. It feels like a premium TV with a sturdy plastic back, metal feet, and a thin frame. The borders are very thin, with minimal branding. You can easily mount it on the wall, and it comes with extenders for that purpose. The 75-inch model weighs 84 lbs, so you might want to have a friend help you set it up.
Ports
On the right side, we have the power port, which plugs in at a 90-degree angle. The cable reaches either side of the TV easily. On the left side, we have multiple ports: coaxial, remote port, IR blaster extension, LAN, four HDMI ports (one of which is 4K 120), digital audio out, and two USB type-A ports. I wish it had USB type-C, but you can still cast easily from your phone or laptop.
Picture Quality
The Sony Bravia 7 does an excellent job of upscaling content with its XR processor. It supports Dolby Vision, Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, and DTS. You can watch optimized content on Amazon Prime Video and Sony Pictures Core, which gives you five credits to watch IMAX Enhanced videos and Dolby Atmos content.
Interface
The TV runs on Google TV, offering a great experience with access to numerous apps. Sometimes, the recommendations can be a bit off, but overall, it’s a solid interface. You can also use apps like Living Decor to display scenery on your TV, which is great for parties.
Audio Quality
The built-in speakers are decent, but I highly recommend getting a soundbar for a better experience. The TV has four speakers, with two high-firing speakers on the top and two on the bottom. Here’s a quick test of the built-in speakers at 50% volume:
Built-in Speakers:
It’s not bad, but when compared to a full sound system, it’s clear that a soundbar makes a huge difference. The sound is much fuller and more immersive. If you’re investing in this TV, at least get a cheap soundbar. The Sony Bravia home theater system, which I have, offers an incredible experience.
Voice Zoom 3 and Acoustic Center Sync
Voice Zoom 3 uses AI to focus on voices, making them more intelligible in scenes with a lot of background noise. The Acoustic Center Sync feature, available with Sony soundbars, uses your phone to calibrate the sound to your room, providing a movie theater-like experience.
Internet Speed Test
The TV performs well in internet speed tests, comparable to my iMac in the same room. This is impressive, considering the distance from the router.
Conclusion
The Sony Bravia 7 is a fantastic TV with very few drawbacks. The only minor complaints are the lack of a premium remote and USB type-C ports. Some people have mentioned issues with viewing angles, but I haven’t had any problems. It’s a bit expensive, so look for deals to get the best value. I’m a big fan of the Sony Bravia 7, and I think you will be too.
Leave a comment below and let me know what you think of the TV and the Tableau, which I also mentioned. If you haven’t already, consider subscribing. I’m Michael Bren, thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video.