Sony Bravia 7 Mark II Review: Midrange Mini RGB LED TV with Premium Price

The age of mini and micro RGB LED televisions has arrived, with the Sony Bravia 7 Mark II among the first models to hit the market, alongside the Hisense UR9 and TCL RM9L. Because RGB LED technology is relatively new, it can be confusing, especially with the Bravia Mark II. Sony uses the term 'True RGB,' claiming more color volume, superior contrast and brightness, and a better picture overall compared to other TVs.

Sony itself had RGB TVs as far back as 2004, although they are hardly comparable to current models. Samsung and LG have introduced similar models that use the name 'micro RGB,' adding to the confusion over what this class of TV actually means. The distinction between mini and micro RGB TVs is technical.

Mini and micro RGB TVs use tiny red, green, and blue LED lights to emit color through an LCD panel. Micro RGB is theoretically more advanced than mini because the LEDs are smaller, allowing for more pixel-level control. However, Sony representatives dispute this claim, telling WIRED that the LEDs are the same size.

The Sony Bravia 7 Mark II is positioned as a midrange mini RGB LED TV, largely because its price is lower than the Sony Bravia 9 Mark II. The Bravia 7 Mark II costs $2,300 for the 65-inch model, with a $300 discount currently available, while the Bravia 9 II costs $3,600 at the same size. The Bravia 9 Mark II has more speakers and better sound, deeper blacks, and a few other perks, but the underlying Mini RGB tech is the same as what you'll get with the Bravia 7.

You'll still get features like Nvidia G-Sync support for smoother gameplay and the Sony Pictures Core app, which is one of the best ways to watch Imax Enhanced high-resolution movies at home. You'll also have a broad size range to choose from, starting at 50 inches and going up to 98 inches. Why this matters: The Sony Bravia 7 Mark II represents a new wave of mini RGB LED TVs that promise improved color accuracy and contrast.

Its premium price point may deter some buyers, but for those invested in the Sony ecosystem or seeking a high-quality viewing experience, it may be worth considering. As the market for mini RGB LED TVs continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how competitors like Hisense and TCL respond to Sony's offerings. For developers and manufacturers, this technology presents opportunities for innovation in areas like gaming and streaming.

For consumers, the key question is whether the benefits of mini RGB LED technology justify the higher cost. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more affordable options emerge, making high-quality viewing experiences accessible to a wider audience.