Sony BRAVIA 9 II K65XR90M2 65"

The Sony BRAVIA 9 II K65XR90M2 has a 99th percentile audio system and 97th percentile connectivity, which are genuinely best-in-class numbers. But the picture quality score sits at the 36th percentile, which is a real letdown for a set priced between USD 1,961 and USD 3,600. Buy it for the sound and the ports, not the image.

Let's start with the audio, because that's where this TV genuinely flexes. The 8-channel, 80W system with Acoustic Multi-Audio+ and a beam tweeter puts it in the 99th percentile of all TVs we track. That's best-in-class territory. You're getting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, and eARC support, which means this thing can replace a budget soundbar for most living rooms. The audio score is the headline number here, and it's not close.

On the display side, the 65-inch 4K Mini-LED panel with True RGB backlighting scores in the 85th percentile, which is a standout result. The 3840 x 2160 resolution and 120Hz native refresh rate are solid foundations, and the Cognitive Processor XR does real work with motion handling via XR Motion Clarity. But the overall picture quality metric lands at the 36th percentile, which is underwhelming for a set at this price. The HDR support covers HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, and that scores in the 77th percentile, strong but not exceptional. Gaming features like VRR, ALLM, and Game Mode put it at the 79th percentile, which is impressive for a non-gaming-focused set, but the PS5 compatibility is clearly a priority here and it shows.

Against the LG OLED evo C5 series OLED65C5PUA, the Sony wins on audio and connectivity but loses badly on picture quality. The LG's OLED panel will deliver deeper blacks and better contrast, while the Sony counters with that 80W speaker system and more HDMI ports. The Samsung Neo QLED QN75QN990FFXZA is a bigger 75-inch set with similar Mini-LED tech, and Samsung's picture processing tends to score higher in our database. The TCL QM8K Series 75QM8K and Hisense U8 Series 100U8QG both offer larger screens at competitive prices, and TCL's QM8K line has been a value monster in recent testing. If you want the best picture for your dollar, the LG or TCL are safer bets. If you want a TV that sounds great out of the box and has every port you'll ever need, the Sony makes a stronger case.

The price spread on this set is wild. We're seeing USD 1,961 to USD 3,600 across six US listings, a USD 1,639 gap that means the same TV can cost you nearly double depending on where you buy. At the low end, you're getting a 65-inch Mini-LED with best-in-class audio and top-tier connectivity for under two grand, which is a genuinely compelling package. At the high end, you're paying OLED money for a set whose picture quality sits in the 36th percentile, and that math doesn't work. Shop around before you commit, and don't pay a premium for the privilege of walking out of a store with it.

The Sony BRAVIA 9 II K65XR90M2 is a 65-inch Mini-LED TV that swings big on audio and connectivity, landing in the 99th and 97th percentiles respectively in our database. That 80W, 8-channel speaker setup with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support is genuinely rare for a flat panel, and the four HDMI ports with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 give it room to grow. But the picture quality score sits at the 36th percentile, which is a strange place for a Sony flagship to be. The True RGB Mini-LED panel and Backlight Master Drive Pro sound impressive on paper, yet our data suggests the overall image performance doesn't keep pace with the best in this price range.

At 26.6kg and 248W of power draw, this is a substantial set that demands a solid wall mount and a decent chunk of your electricity bill. The 120Hz native refresh rate, VRR, ALLM, and HDMI 2.1 support make it a capable gaming display, though the gaming score lands at the 79th percentile, well above average but not chart-topping. If you're buying this for the sound and the smart features, you'll be happy. If you're buying it purely for the best possible picture, keep reading before you swipe.

Skip this if picture quality is your top priority. The 36th percentile picture quality score is a weak spot, and at USD 3,600 you're paying OLED money for a set that can't match an LG C5 or even a high-end TCL QM8K on pure image performance. Also skip it if you're wall-mounting solo, the 26.6kg weight and 300x300 VESA pattern mean you'll want help, and the 248W power draw will show up on your electric bill. If you already own a soundbar or a proper home theater audio setup, you're paying for the 99th percentile audio system without needing it, and that's the main thing this TV does better than everyone else.

The BRAVIA 9 II is a strange beast. It's a Sony flagship with a 99th percentile audio system and 97th percentile connectivity, but a picture quality score that lands in the 36th percentile. That's a real letdown for a set that can cost up to USD 3,600. The 85th percentile display panel and 120Hz refresh rate are genuinely good, and the Google TV with Gemini smart platform is solid at the 78th percentile. But when the core job of a TV is to look great, and this one scores below average on picture quality, it's hard to recommend at full price. At USD 1,961, it's a niche pick for people who care more about sound and ports than pure image quality. At USD 3,600, it's a pass.