Sony has entered the RGB LED TV arena with the Bravia 7 II, a model that aims to redefine the mid-to-premium segment. While RGB LED technology is not entirely new—Hisense and Samsung have already introduced their own versions—Sony brings its renowned image processing and a focus on color accuracy to the table. The Bravia 7 II is positioned alongside the flagship Bravia 9 II, sharing the same RGB backlighting but with a more accessible price point.
How RGB LED Works
Traditional LED TVs use either white or blue LEDs as a backlight, relying on a color filter and quantum dots to produce the full spectrum of colors. RGB LED TVs, in contrast, use independent red, green, and blue LEDs. This direct control over each color channel allows for a wider color gamut and higher brightness without as much dependence on the filter. Sony drives each LED individually, giving the TV fine-grained command over the color mix in each local dimming zone. This theoretically reduces blooming and improves color purity compared to standard LED TVs.
The trade-off is potential color crosstalk—where light from one color LED bleeds into adjacent pixels. In early RGB LED models, this has been a concern, but Sony's processing aims to minimize the issue. Our tests showed that while color crosstalk is detectable in test patterns, it rarely affects real-world viewing.
Color Crosstalk: A Non-Issue for Most Content
When reviewing the Bravia 7 II, we deliberately searched for color crosstalk. In controlled test patterns, we observed subtle halos around colored rectangles—green bled into surrounding black, and red tinted adjacent whites. However, these artifacts were only visible on static test slides. In movies and TV shows, they virtually disappeared. Even during demanding scenes like Snoke's red throne room in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the only evidence was a minor shift in skin tone when pausing and inspecting pixels from inches away. From a normal viewing distance, the picture remained flawless.
Sony offers a clever solution in the Professional picture mode: a menu option to switch the backlight from color to white light. This eliminates crosstalk entirely but reduces the color gamut from 88% to 73% of BT.2020. It's an interesting novelty, but most users will never need it.
Picture Performance
In its default Professional mode, the Bravia 7 II delivers exceptional color accuracy. SDR content looks natural, with only a slight oversaturation in red that is easily corrected. HDR content benefits from a peak brightness of 2,200 nits, which is ample for handling bright specular highlights in a typical living room. Though it doesn't match TCL's X11L or LG's G5 OLED, it's more than enough for most content, which is still mastered at 1,000 nits.
The TV also achieved 88% coverage of the BT.2020 color space—a significant advantage for future-proofing, though current HDR content mostly uses the smaller P3 space. When viewing native BT.2020 content like Planet Earth II, the greens and cyans are stunningly vibrant. The TV handles blooming well, though as an LCD panel, it cannot match the pixel-level contrast of OLED. Motion handling is smooth, thanks to Sony's processing, and upscaling lower-resolution content is among the best in the industry.
Design and Connectivity
Sony has brought some unique design elements to the Bravia 7 II. The pedestal stand features a lenticular screen that makes cables behind it visually disappear—a stylish solution for cable management. The TV also has a thin profile and a metallic finish that looks premium. However, the screen is fairly reflective; while it avoids the rainbow effect seen on some competitors, it doesn't mitigate glare as well as the Bravia 9 II's anti-glare panel.
Connectivity is a mixed bag. The Bravia 7 II includes two HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC) and two HDMI 2.0 ports. In 2026, this feels outdated, especially when competitors offer four HDMI 2.1 ports. If you want to connect multiple 4K/120Hz devices (e.g., a soundbar, PS5, and Xbox Series X), you'll run into limitations. The remote is light and responsive but not backlit, which is a minor inconvenience.
Pricing and Competition
Sony's pricing has always been premium, and the Bravia 7 II continues that tradition. The 65-inch model costs $2,600, which is $600 more than Hisense's UR9 and $500 more than Samsung's R85H. For that extra cost, you get superior processing, better out-of-the-box calibration, and a more refined user experience. However, if raw brightness or HDMI 2.1 count are your priorities, the competition offers better specs for less money.
For buyers who can control ambient light, an OLED such as the LG C6 may still be a better choice for its infinite contrast and perfect blacks. But the Bravia 7 II's RGB LED technology provides a compelling middle ground—excellent color, high brightness, and no burn-in risk. As RGB LED matures, Sony's entry confirms that the technology is ready for prime time.
Source: The Verge News