Sony Bravia 8 II OLED TV Drops to Historic Low Price as TCL Partnership Looms

TL;DR: Sony’s Bravia 8 II OLED TV is getting a massive $1,100 discount at Best Buy, just as the tech giant prepares to hand over the Bravia brand to TCL in 2026. This rare price drop makes one of the best OLED TVs on the market more accessible than ever.

In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the home entertainment industry, Sony has just slashed prices on its premium Bravia 8 II OLED TV as the company prepares for a major strategic shift. With the recent announcement that Sony will be handing control of the Bravia TV brand to TCL in 2026, retailers are clearing inventory to make room for the new models scheduled to arrive in 2027.

This timing couldn’t be better for consumers looking to upgrade their home theater experience. The 65-inch Bravia 8 II is now available at Best Buy with a staggering $1,100 discount, bringing this premium OLED TV within reach of more buyers than ever before.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Unprecedented Savings

The 65-inch model, which typically retails for a premium price point, is now available for $1,100 off its original price. The 55-inch version is also seeing significant savings with a $1,000 discount. While these TVs still command a premium price tag (both sizes still sell for over $1,000 even with the discount), this represents one of the deepest price cuts we’ve seen on Sony’s flagship OLED lineup.

ZDNET’s expert reviewers have given this deal a 4/5 Editor’s rating, citing the exceptional value proposition of getting a premium OLED TV at a significantly reduced price point.

Why the Bravia 8 II Stands Out in a Crowded Market

I had the opportunity to test the Bravia 8 II in the ZDNET testing lab, and the results were impressive enough to recommend it over competing OLED TVs, especially for enthusiasts who demand the best picture quality and customization options.

Picture Quality That Rivals the Competition

While the Bravia 8 II may not achieve the absolute darkest blacks of LG and Samsung’s flagship OLEDs, it compensates with unparalleled picture customization. The TV offers extensive fine-tuning capabilities for every scenario, from streaming your favorite shows to intense console gaming sessions.

The OLED panel delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratios, and wide viewing angles that make it ideal for any room setup. With support for 4K resolution and HDR content, the Bravia 8 II ensures you’re getting the most out of your favorite movies, shows, and games.

Gaming Features That Will Make Console Players Swoon

For gamers, the Bravia 8 II includes VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support, which is crucial for eliminating screen tearing and stuttering during fast-paced gameplay. This feature is particularly valuable when your frame rate fluctuates, ensuring smooth, tear-free gaming experiences even during the most demanding titles.

The TV also supports ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), automatically switching to game mode when it detects a connected console, minimizing input lag for competitive gaming.

Audio Innovation: The Screen is the Speaker

One of the most innovative features of the Bravia 8 II is Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology. This groundbreaking approach places tiny actuators directly behind the OLED panel, effectively turning the entire screen into a speaker system.

The result is object-tracking sound that moves with the action on screen, creating an incredibly immersive audio experience without the need for separate soundbars or surround sound systems. This technology also ensures perfect audio-video synchronization, eliminating the lip-sync issues that plague many TV setups.

The TV also integrates Dolby Atmos support, providing spatial audio that adds another dimension to your viewing experience.

Smart Features That Actually Work

The Bravia 8 II runs on Google TV, which offers a clean, intuitive interface with a comprehensive app ecosystem. Out of the box, you’ll have access to popular streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and countless others.

The platform also includes integrated voice controls through both Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing for hands-free operation of your TV. Whether you want to search for content, adjust volume, or control smart home devices, voice commands make the experience seamless.

Automatic Optimization for Every Scenario

One of the standout features of the Bravia 8 II is its ability to automatically detect and optimize for different content types. When you connect a gaming console and power it on, the TV automatically switches to game mode, adjusting picture settings and enabling low-latency features.

Similarly, when you launch supported streaming apps, the TV optimizes audio and video settings for that specific content type. This intelligent automation means you get the best possible experience without manual adjustments.

The Bigger Picture: Sony’s Strategic Shift

The timing of this discount is particularly interesting given Sony’s announcement about transitioning the Bravia brand to TCL. This partnership represents a significant shift in Sony’s TV strategy, moving from in-house manufacturing to leveraging TCL’s production capabilities while maintaining Sony’s design and quality standards.

This transition is expected to result in new Bravia models arriving in 2027, making the current Bravia 8 II one of the last Sony-designed and manufactured TVs in the lineup. For enthusiasts who appreciate Sony’s traditional approach to TV design and engineering, this represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of television history.

Is This Deal Right for You?

The Bravia 8 II represents a significant investment, even with the substantial discount. However, for those who prioritize picture quality, customization options, and premium features, this TV offers exceptional value.

Consider this deal if:

• You’re a home theater enthusiast who wants extensive picture customization
• You’re a serious gamer who needs VRR support and low input lag
• You appreciate Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology
• You want a TV that automatically optimizes for different content types
• You’re looking for a premium OLED TV at a more accessible price point

Our Verdict

With its combination of premium OLED picture quality, innovative audio technology, comprehensive gaming features, and now a significant price reduction, the Sony Bravia 8 II represents one of the best value propositions in the premium TV market right now.

The $1,100 discount makes this TV more accessible than ever, though it still requires a substantial investment. However, given the exceptional features and the fact that this may be one of the last Sony-designed Bravia TVs, the value proposition is hard to ignore.

Rating: 4/5 Editor’s Rating

Tags: Sony Bravia 8 II, OLED TV deal, Best Buy discount, premium TV savings, Sony TCL partnership, home theater upgrade, gaming TV, Acoustic Surface Audio, Google TV, Dolby Atmos, VRR support, 4K HDR TV, limited time offer, Sony TV sale, Bravia brand transition

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