Sony's Bravia 2 II reviewed: competent 4K upscaling and strong connectivity, but no Dolby Vision
Daily Mail testing finds the April 2025 entry-level Bravia balances picture clarity and smart-home integration against a 60Hz limit and modest speakers
Sony’s Bravia 2 II, released in April 2025 as the entry-level model in the company’s refreshed Bravia line, delivers strong 4K upscaling, broad connectivity and built‑in Google TV, according to a Daily Mail review and test of the 65‑inch model. The review found the set to be a capable everyday television that trades high‑end HDR formats and top refresh rates for a lower price point within Sony’s family of TVs.
Daily Mail testers highlighted the Bravia 2 II’s 4K X‑Reality Pro upscaling engine as a standout feature, saying it cleaned up lower‑resolution material without producing an artificial, over‑processed look. The TV supports HDR10 and HLG formats but does not support Dolby Vision. The display is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, though the set offers Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for gaming input management.
The reviewer said everyday viewing — streaming, direct‑to‑home channels and online video — benefited from the upscaling, citing examples in which decade‑old TV episodes displayed with reduced pixelation and more natural facial detail on the 65‑inch screen. In gaming tests the set automatically entered low‑latency mode when it detected a console signal, and VRR was available to reduce screen tearing; the review noted, however, that the Bravia 2 II appears to be tuned with Sony’s PlayStation consoles in mind, and graphics on a Nintendo Switch were described as competent but not as vivid as expected from higher‑tier displays.
Connectivity was described as a strength. The set includes four HDMI inputs, two USB ports, an Ethernet LAN port, optical audio output and Coaxial/RF and IF ports. HDMI 3 supports eARC for high‑quality audio passthrough; the reviewer reported that a Sonos Arc Ultra connected via eARC and worked without additional configuration. The Bravia 2 II also integrates with Google Home and Apple HomeKit and provides a Bravia Connect app to control the TV remotely from a smartphone.
Design and user experience reflected the model’s positioning as an accessible, brand‑name option. The TV offers thin bezels and multiple screen sizes (43‑, 50‑, 55‑, 65‑ and 75‑inch), and ships with hardware for wall mounting or a free‑standing configuration. The reviewer said the box’s top‑removal design simplified safe unpacking but recommended two people to lift the screen. When using the stand, the feet placement left limited room for some soundbars; the reviewer resolved this by adjusting the stand position on their entertainment center.
Sound output comes from Sony’s X‑Balanced speakers. The review characterized the built‑in sound as serviceable for daily viewing but recommended pairing the TV with an external soundbar for a noticeably better audio experience.
The included remote is made from 80 percent recycled plastic, and features dedicated app buttons and a Google Assistant microphone button. Testers described the remote as light and reliable but noted the buttons are soft and closely spaced, which can lead to accidental presses.
Daily Mail testing follows a regimen that evaluates picture quality, brightness, contrast, input lag, and sound performance without external speakers, along with ease of use and value for money. The individual reviewer credited in the story has several years of experience testing consumer technology and applied that methodology to the Bravia 2 II assessment.
On value, the review framed the Bravia 2 II as a “relatively affordable” option in the context of Sony’s lineup rather than a true low‑cost model: competing sets such as the Hisense Class QD6 Series QLED Smart Fire TV may be roughly $300 cheaper. The Bravia 2 II’s strengths — reliable upscaling, varied connectivity, Google TV integration and responsive controls — were described as well executed and appropriate for viewers who prioritize clear, no‑frills daily viewing over cutting‑edge HDR performance or higher refresh rates.
In summary, the Daily Mail review presents the Sony Bravia 2 II as a competent entry‑level TV for 2025 with effective upscaling, robust connectivity and smart‑home compatibility, offset by the absence of Dolby Vision support, a 60Hz ceiling on refresh rate and modest internal speakers. The set is positioned for everyday viewers who want a dependable 4K experience and broad smart features without the premium price of Sony’s higher‑end models.