Sony Bravia 8 vs A80L – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Sony Bravia 8 & Bravia A80L share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Bravia 8 rather than the Bravia A80L

Why Do I Recommend The Sony Bravia 8

  • The Sony Bravia 8 features second-generation Cognitive Processor XR for faster image processing, improved AI-driven upscaling, and better object-based HDR rendering compared to the A80L’s first-gen chip.
  • Sony Bravia 8 has a QD-OLED panel for higher peak brightness, richer contrast, and more accurate color reproduction in both dark and well-lit rooms, compared to the Bravia A80L’s WOLED panel.
  • It features an advanced anti-reflective coating that reduces glare and maintains picture fidelity in bright environments, compared to the Bravia A80L’s standard glossy panel.
  • The Sony Bravia 8 supports an upgraded Acoustic Surface Audio+ system with refined actuators and tweeters for more accurate voice positioning and immersive soundstage, compared to the standard configuration of A80L.
  • Sony Bravia 8 comes with a One Slate seamless design for a sleek, bezel-less appearance and a more immersive viewing experience, while the A80L retains a traditional bezel.
  • It has a premium backlit remote control for easier navigation in low-light environments, while the Bravia A80L lacks backlighting for nighttime use.
  • The Sony Bravia 8 includes the latest Eco Dashboard with ambient optimization pro for automatically adjusting energy use based on room conditions compared to the A80L’s basic eco mode.
  • Sony Bravia 8 features a refined Google TV interface with faster navigation and smoother UI animations for improved user experience, unlike the slower transitions on the Bravia A80L.

Maybe the Bravia A80L price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Bravia 8. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureBravia 8Bravia A80L
Panel TechnologyQD-OLEDWOLED
Cognitive ProcessorXR Processor Gen 2XR Processor Gen 1
BrightnessHigher peak brightnessLower peak brightness
Color VolumeHigher with quantum dot layerStandard OLED color
Anti-ReflectionAdvanced anti-reflective coatingStandard anti-reflective coating
Panel SurfaceLow-glare matte finishGlossy finish
Contrast EnhancementXR OLED Contrast ProXR OLED Contrast
DesignOne Slate designSlim bezel aluminum design
ThicknessThinner chassisSlightly thicker
Bezel TypeSeamless edge-to-edge bezelStandard thin bezel
Stand MaterialBrushed aluminumMetal and plastic
Stand FlexibilityPremium 3-way adjustable standStandard 3-way adjustable stand
Remote TypePremium backlit aluminum remoteNon-backlit brushed remote
Built-in TweetersUpgraded actuator + new front-firing tweetersDual actuators + standard tweeters
Frame VibrationImproved frame vibration designStandard frame vibration
VRR & ALLM OptimizationGen 2 tuning for gamingGen 1 tuning for gaming
Dolby Vision GamingSupported with HDMI update specSupported
Ambient Optimization ProYesNo
Eco DashboardAdvanced with real-time visual feedbackBasic Eco settings
Google TV InterfaceRefined UI and faster navigationStandard Google TV UI
Bravia CAM CompatibilityFull support with auto-framingLimited camera functionality
Power EfficiencyImproved efficiencyStandard efficiency
Price Tier at LaunchPremium OLED tierUpper mid-range OLED tier
PriceCheck Bravia 8 PriceCheck Bravia A80L Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 4K OLED Display Resolution: Both TVs use OLED panels with 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) resolution, providing deep blacks, wide viewing angles, and excellent pixel-level contrast.
  • 120Hz Refresh Rate: Each model features a native 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures smoother motion and reduced blur for fast-paced content like sports and gaming.
  • HDR Format Support: Both the Bravia 8 and A80L support HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, enabling a wider dynamic range and more vibrant, detailed imagery.
  • HDMI 2.1 Gaming Features: Both TVs come with two HDMI 2.1 ports, supporting VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for next-gen console gaming with reduced input lag and screen tearing.
  • Smart TV Platform – Google TV: They share the Google TV interface, allowing access to thousands of streaming apps, personalized recommendations, and voice control features.
  • Voice Assistant Integration: Both models support Google Assistant and are Amazon Alexa compatible, enabling hands-free voice navigation and smart home control.
  • Wireless & Streaming Features: Support for Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and HomeKit allows seamless content casting and smart home integration across ecosystems.
  • Bravia CAM Compatibility: Though not included, both TVs are compatible with the optional Bravia CAM, which enables gesture control, video calls, and ambient optimization features.
  • Acoustic Surface Audio+: Each uses Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+, where the screen itself vibrates to produce sound directly from the picture—offering a more immersive audio-visual experience.
  • Surround Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support is included in both models, creating a more dynamic, spatial soundscape.
  • Picture Processing Features: XR Triluminos Pro enhances color reproduction, and XR Motion Clarity improves motion handling in both models.
  • Premium Viewing Modes: Both support Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode, IMAX Enhanced, and are Calman Ready for professional-level color calibration.

Common Features

FeatureBravia 8Bravia A80L
Display Resolution4K Ultra HD4K Ultra HD
Refresh RateNative 120HzNative 120Hz
HDR SupportHDR10, HLG, Dolby VisionHDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
HDMI 2.1 PortsYesYes
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)SupportedSupported
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)SupportedSupported
Google TV OSYesYes
Voice AssistantGoogle Assistant + Alexa compatibleGoogle Assistant + Alexa compatible
Chromecast Built-inYesYes
AirPlay 2 & HomeKitYesYes
Bravia CAM SupportCompatibleCompatible
Acoustic Surface Audio+YesYes
Dolby Atmos & DTS:XSupportedSupported
XR Triluminos ProYesYes
XR Motion ClarityYesYes
Netflix Adaptive Calibrated ModeYesYes
IMAX EnhancedYesYes
Calman ReadyYesYes
Price Check Bravia 8 Price Check Bravia A80L Price

FAQ

What type of display panel does the Sony Bravia 8 use compared to the A80L?
The Sony Bravia 8 uses a QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) panel, while the Bravia A80L uses a traditional WOLED panel. The QD-OLED panel in the Bravia 8 allows for higher brightness and more vibrant colors than the A80L’s display.

Is there a difference in brightness between the Bravia 8 and A80L?
Yes, the Bravia 8 achieves higher peak brightness, around 1,500 nits in HDR, whereas the A80L typically reaches around 800 to 1,000 nits, making the Bravia 8 more suitable for bright rooms and HDR content.

Do both models support HDMI 2.1 features?
Yes, both the Bravia 8 and A80L have HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K at 120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), making them well-suited for gaming.

What is the difference in processor between the two TVs?
The Bravia 8 features the newer Cognitive Processor XR Gen 2, while the A80L comes with the first-generation Cognitive Processor XR. The Gen 2 processor enhances contrast, motion clarity, and AI upscaling more efficiently.

Which model has better sound quality?
The Bravia 8 includes an updated Acoustic Surface Audio+ system with improved tweeter configuration and actuator enhancements, while the A80L uses the standard version of Acoustic Surface Audio+, making the Bravia 8 more immersive.

Are both TVs compatible with Bravia CAM?
Yes, both the Bravia 8 and A80L are compatible with the optional Bravia CAM, allowing for video calls, gesture control, and ambient optimization features.

Is there a difference in design between the two models?
Yes, the Bravia 8 has a One Slate seamless bezel design and is thinner overall, giving it a more modern, premium aesthetic compared to the more traditional aluminum bezel of the A80L.

Do both support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos?
Yes, both models support Dolby Vision for HDR content and Dolby Atmos for immersive surround sound experiences.

What smart TV platform do both models run on?
Both the Bravia 8 and A80L run on the Google TV platform, which provides access to apps, Google Assistant, Chromecast built-in, and personalized content recommendations.

Is there a difference in remote control design between the Bravia 8 and A80L?
Yes, the Bravia 8 includes a premium backlit aluminum remote, while the A80L comes with a standard brushed aluminum remote without backlighting.

Can both models be wall-mounted?
Yes, both TVs are compatible with standard VESA wall mounts, making them suitable for wall installation in home theater setups.

Which sizes are available for the Bravia 8 and A80L?
The Bravia 8 is available in 55″, 65″, and 77″ sizes, while the A80L comes in 55″, 65″, 77″, and an additional larger 83″ size.

Do both TVs support voice assistants?
Yes, both TVs support Google Assistant and are compatible with Amazon Alexa, allowing users to control the TV and smart home devices via voice.

Is there a difference in energy efficiency between the models?
The Bravia 8 includes newer eco features like Eco Dashboard with real-time energy optimization, while the A80L has standard energy-saving modes, giving the Bravia 8 a slight edge in efficiency.

Which TV is better for HDR content and gaming?
The Bravia 8 is better suited for HDR content and gaming due to its higher peak brightness, improved QD-OLED panel, faster processor, and lower latency with updated HDMI 2.1 features.