Once only available at lofty MSRPs, OLED TV options went unfulfilled on wishlists. However, at its latest Costco sale price, the Sony Bravia 8 will make buyers think twice about a Mini LED alternative. This 55-inch TV boasts deep blacks and precise colors expected from a WOLED panel. It also outperforms some rivals with intelligent picture processing and class-leading audio.
Buyers will need a Costco membership to obtain the full $900 discount on the Bravia 8. After adding it to carts, the price should fall to $899.98. The TV also ships with a three-year Allstate protection plan that covers mechanical and electrical faults.
The Sony Bravia 8 K55XR80 is a mid-range model, but it offers all the pluses of an OLED TV. Its sky-high contrast ratio means that every detail is discernible in darker scenes. Meanwhile, brighter content displays subtle differences between vibrant hues. Still, as noted in the Rtings review, somewhat disappointing maximum brightness can pose issues in well-lit environments.
Another strength of the 55-inch Sony Bravia TV is its XR processor. While the chip boosts contrast levels, it also modernizes non-4K sources with effective upscaling. Buyers find they don’t have to spend much time dialing in the perfect settings for TV, movies, or games.
Sony Bravia 8 perks with gaming and sound
Carrying the Sony brand name, the K55XR80 has some advantages for owners of PS5 consoles. The OLED TV supports Auto HDR Tone Mapping, allowing PlayStation systems to realize the display's full potential. Two of the four ports are HDMI 2.1, enabling 120Hz gameplay and rock-bottom input lag.
Sound is often an afterthought on flat panels. Even so, in compact spaces with a 55-inch TV, strong audio features can eliminate extra equipment. Acoustic Surface Audio+ places actuators behind the Sony Bravia TV, enhancing bass and providing reasonably immersive spatial audio. Viewers in larger rooms can add dedicated speakers and still use the TV as a center speaker.
When browsing for an OLED TV in the price range of the K55XR80, the LG C4 may be worth considering. Unlike the Bravia 8, the C4 has four HDMI 2.1 ports, which is a better match for complex setups. Nevertheless, Sony’s preference for Google TV unlocks a greater selection of apps compared to LG’s WebOS.
During the Costco Member Savings Days, the Sony Bravia 8 K55XR80 will only remain at $899.98 through October 12th.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.