Sony | BRAVIA 5 | 98 inch | XR Processor | Mini LED | 4K Ultra HD | High Dynamic Range (HDR) | Smart TV (Google TV)

Sony BRAVIA 5 (98-Inch) Review: Excellent Hardware, But Sony Missed Some Basics

After spending considerable time with the Sony BRAVIA 5 98-inch TV, I can say that the hardware and panel quality are excellent. The sheer size creates a truly cinematic experience, and Sony's image processing remains one of the strongest in the industry.

However, the overall ownership experience falls short of what I expected from a premium television in this price range.

One of my biggest observations was that the default picture settings for movies, sports, and streaming content often appeared dull and darker than expected. Despite spending time adjusting the settings, it was difficult to achieve the vibrant and dynamic image I was looking for using the built-in apps alone. The television really came to life after connecting an Apple TV 4K. Colors became richer, the image looked brighter and more engaging, motion appeared smoother, and the overall viewing experience improved significantly.

The biggest disappointment is the remote control. It feels very basic, looks inexpensive, and lacks backlighting. For a premium 98-inch television, a backlit remote should be standard. The remote is also not particularly user-friendly, especially when navigating menus in a dark room.

Another area where Sony could improve is customer support and after-sales service. There was no calibration support or guidance provided by the sales team or customer service. Customers investing in a television of this size would benefit greatly from professional setup assistance and calibration recommendations to maximize picture performance.

It was also surprising to find that no HDMI cable was included in the box. Considering the premium price of the television, including at least one high-quality HDMI cable would have been a reasonable expectation.

The built-in sound quality is average at best. While it is adequate for everyday viewing, it lacks the depth, clarity, and impact expected from a television of this size. Most buyers will likely want to add a soundbar or home theater system to fully enjoy the experience.

Pros
Excellent 98-inch display
Immersive viewing experience
Strong image processing
Great performance when paired with Apple TV 4K
Smooth motion handling
Cons
Default picture settings can appear dull and dark
Basic-looking remote control
No backlit remote
Remote is not very user-friendly
No calibration support from sales or customer service
No HDMI cable included
Average built-in sound quality
Verdict

The Sony BRAVIA 5 98-inch is a very good TV with excellent hardware and tremendous potential. However, the default picture settings, basic remote, average audio performance, lack of calibration support, and missing accessories make the overall experience feel less premium than it should. Interestingly, pairing the TV with an Apple TV 4K transformed the viewing experience and unlocked much of the display's potential. With a few refinements from Sony, this could have been an outstanding package rather than simply a very good one.