Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) vs LG QNED80A6A (VA)

Direct comparison

BRAVIA 3 / K-(XX)S3

Info

Available screen sizes: 50”

Available screen sizes: 50”55”75”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2025

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: WebOS

Model year: 2025

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Overall rating

6.2

6.2

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.3

    6.3

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.3

    6.5

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    5.4

    5.5

  • Gaming on console

    6.6

    7.0

  • TV as a computer monitor

    3.5

    5.8

  • Watching in bright light

    5.4

    4.4

  • Utility functions

    6.1

    6.8

  • Apps

    9.6

    9.1

  • Sound quality

    6.5

    6.0

Advantages

  • Significantly better contrast and deeper blacks than in the IPS variant

  • Higher screen brightness, improving daytime viewing comfort

  • More uniform panel, fewer issues with vignetting and brightness spots

  • Smooth tonal transitions, especially in bright scenes

  • Wide colour gamut coverage (over 91% DCI-P3)

  • Effective upscaling of lower quality content

  • Support for Dolby Vision, which partially enhances HDR content experience

  • Google TV system with a large library of applications

  • Two remotes included – a classic one and a minimalist one

  • High native contrast (over 6000:1) providing deep blacks in movies

  • Excellent colour saturation (DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage above 90%) thanks to PFS technology (QNED).

  • Good detail reproduction in HDR

  • Outstanding WebOS 25 system – fast, intuitive, and guaranteed updates

  • Magic Remote included – cursor control

  • Effective upscaling and smoothing function for tonal transitions

  • Decent features for gamers (VRR, ALLM, HGiG), despite the 60Hz panel

  • Low input lag

  • Smooth tonal transitions – no visible "steps" in colour gradients

  • Good readability of fonts when connected to PC (sharp text).

Disadvantages

No like
  • Much poorer viewing angles than in the version with an IPS panel

  • Collaboration with PC is noticeably weaker: poorer font readability and visible dithering

  • Occasional stuttering of the Google TV system

  • No USB recording function

  • Narrow viewing angles – the image loses quality when viewed from the side

  • Aggressive local dimming – in difficult scenes, it causes visible blooming.

  • 60Hz panel

  • No support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+

  • Average brightness

  • Flat sound lacking bass – a soundbar is recommended

Our verdict

Sony Bravia 3 in the VA panel variant is a television that, in terms of character, remains the same budget model, but the change in panel type makes watching movies and series much more enjoyable. The higher contrast and deeper blacks finally allow for evening viewing without the impression of the screen drowning in shades of grey. This is a significant advantage over the IPS version, even if it comes at the cost of much poorer viewing angles. In practice, it comes down to a choice – if we mainly watch from a sofa positioned straight on, the VA panel delivers a noticeably better effect. The rest of the picture remains largely the same. The PFS filter still provides nicely saturated colours, and the upscaling is at a good level, meaning that SDR content looks clean and aesthetically pleasing. The Google TV system, although it doesn't always run perfectly smoothly, remains a huge advantage – access to a wide library of apps and streaming platforms is something that the competition in this price bracket doesn't always offer in such a polished form. At the same time, the Bravia 3 with VA doesn't resolve all the issues of its predecessor. The HDR brightness at around 350 nits still doesn't allow for a true high dynamic effect, and the lack of local dimming means that fine details can still be blown out. Additionally, there's no USB recording, which was present in the predecessor. So, who is the Bravia 3 in the VA version for? For those who want an affordable entry point into the world of Sony televisions and care about decent quality in movies and series, mainly watching lower-quality content. It is not a proposition for gamers or for someone expecting cinematic HDR effects. Much like with the IPS version, it's hard to talk about a bargain – even if it is the "cheapest Sony of 2025," it still costs more than competitors who can offer Mini-LEDs with significantly better contrast and brightness at the same price. Therefore, it's worth considering this model primarily when an attractive promotion arises.

Looking at the QNED80A in the VA version as a whole, we are dealing with a television that has a very specific character. It's a piece of equipment that movie lovers seeking savings will appreciate, as long as... they accept certain shortcomings. We get really solid blacks and contrast here, but we pay for it with narrow viewing angles. There's no denying it: this is a TV for those who have their favourite spot in the middle of the couch. Of course, you can feel some budget cuts here – the 60Hz panel or edge dimming, which sometimes struggles with difficult scenes, are elements that remind you that this isn't the highest tier of televisions. However, LG cleverly makes up for these hardware shortcomings with excellent software. It's quite surprising how well this TV handles pulling out details in HDR or upscaling lower quality cable materials – the processor does a great job here, making the picture look more expensive than it is in reality. If we add to that the great WebOS system and gaming features that, despite the lack of 120Hz, manage to deliver, we get a very successful screen for home cinema. It requires some understanding, but in return, it rewards you with a really vibrant image at an affordable price.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Build quality
Good
Good
Stand type
stand-type-
Legs
Bezel color
Graphite
Graphite
Stand
Base adjustment
Fixed
Flat design
No
Yes
Accessories
Two remote controls, Stand
Stand

Contrast and black detail

5.7/10

6.3/10

Local dimming function: No

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 6 (1 x 6)

Contrast:

Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) Contrast and black detail

Result

5,550:1

Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) Contrast and black detail

Result

5,250:1

Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) Contrast and black detail

Result

5,050:1

Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) Contrast and black detail

Result

5,150:1

Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) Contrast and black detail

Result

4,000:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) Contrast and black detail

Result

24,550:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) Contrast and black detail

Result

7,900:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) Contrast and black detail

Result

22,150:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) Contrast and black detail

Result

6,700:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) Contrast and black detail

Result

5,550:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Check the visibility of bright lights on a dark background. Mini-LEDs often struggle with this. The photo does not compare black levels – that’s what the video below is for.

The video accurately shows differences in contrast and black levels between TVs, as well as potential issues: halo around bright objects or Mini-LED zone operation visible as brightness jumps.

The biggest difference in the 50-inch variant is how the Bravia 3 handles contrast. Although the TV is not equipped with a local dimming system, the change to a VA panel significantly impacts the effect. The contrast is definitely higher than in the other sizes based on IPS panels, and the blacks no longer resemble washed-out shades of grey or navy. This allows for much more detail to be seen in the darker parts of the image, making evening viewing simply more enjoyable. It's still not the level of Sony's more expensive models, but the difference compared to the other variants of the Bravia 3 is clear and easily noticeable after just a short viewing session.

The model we tested, with a diagonal of 55 inches, is equipped with a VA-type panel. Here’s the great news: this is a huge advantage over the IPS version if you care about deep blacks and a vivid image. Our measurements showed that in typical movie scenes, the native contrast is really solid, exceeding values around 6000:1. In practice, this means that black is black, not grey, which works very well for occasional evening viewing and is not irritating. However, there are moments when our measuring devices indicated contrast levels over 20 000:1. Where does such a leap come from? The LG QNED80A is equipped with a Local Dimming system. However, this is an edge-lit system. This means that the TV can dim vertical strips of backlighting where the image is supposed to be dark. In theory, this sounds great and indeed allows for "better numbers" in tables than in a classic LCD screen. Unfortunately, practice can be brutal. The use of edge dimming is a double-edged sword that can disrupt the viewing experience in challenging scenes. An ideal example is the scene with the helicopter in the film Sicario 2. When there is a lot of black on the screen and small, bright points, the dimming system starts to operate very aggressively and... not very precisely. You can clearly see how entire vertical strips of the screen brighten and dim, trying to keep up with the object. Instead of deep blacks, we then see blooming, which simply looks bad and strongly distracts from the plot. Although the dimming system improves measurable contrast, in everyday use – especially with the lights off – its aggressive operation can be annoying. Often, a better option may be to... turn off this feature or set it to minimum, to enjoy stable, natural blacks from the VA panel itself.

HDR effect quality

4.9/10

4.6/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 91.9%, Bt.2020: 67.3%
DCI P3: 93.4%, Bt.2020: 73.1%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) Brightness measurement

Result

319 nit

Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) Brightness measurement

Result

360 nit

Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) Brightness measurement

Result

393 nit

Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) Brightness measurement

Result

365 nit

Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) Brightness measurement

Result

395 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) Brightness measurement

Result

354 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) Brightness measurement

Result

335 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) Brightness measurement

Result

354 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) Brightness measurement

Result

301 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) Brightness measurement

Result

271 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

The photos show two HDR10 movies. 'Pan' is one of the brightest productions ever made, while 'Billy Lynn' (soldier) has brightness typical of streaming (Netflix, Prime, HBO MAX). Notice the intensity of effects and detail in whites.

Static HDR10

The photos present the visibility of white details in various HDR formats. They do not show brightness differences between TVs (these can be compared in the previous gallery).

HDR luminance chart:

LG QNED80A6A (VA)

Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA)

Interestingly, in the 50-inch version, the Bravia 3 performs slightly better in terms of brightness than its larger variants. In measurements, it achieved around 370 nits, which still aren’t values that can compete with top-tier TVs, but are sufficient to speak of a semblance of HDR effect. For some users, this level will be acceptable; others will consider it typical for SDR content, where striking highlights or strong contrasts are not expected. So it must be clearly stated that the Bravia 3 is not a TV for those who want to squeeze maximum quality from the most challenging film materials.

However, this doesn’t mean that everything is average. Sony has equipped this model with an additional PFS filter, which works similarly to the solutions used in QLED TVs. As a result, the coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut has increased to over 91 percent. In everyday use, this means livelier, more saturated colours and a more pleasant image quality. Even if it lacks strong lighting effects, movies and series can look significantly more appealing than in its predecessor, the X75WL.

Let's talk now about how this TV shines. If you’re expecting dazzling light effects, we need to cool your enthusiasm. The LG QNED80A is a moderately bright television. Our measurements in most film scenes indicated values around 350-400 nits. That’s not enough to speak of a full, cinematic HDR experience and the feeling of that famous “high dynamic range” that flagship products offer. However, brightness is not everything. Although the QNED80A is not a “light monster,” it makes up for it in another key category: colours. This is where PFS technology comes into play, which LG marketers hide under the name QNED/NanoCell. With this trick, the TV offers a significantly wider colour palette than classic LCD constructions. In our tests, the coverage of the cinematic DCI-P3 palette reached a solid 93-94%. What does that mean for you? That even at lower brightness, when watching films in HDR, the colours will be vibrant, deep, and properly saturated. The image is not washed out but juicy, which is a significant advantage in this price range.

Factory color reproduction

5.8/10

4.4/10

This gallery shows how colors change after professional TV calibration. If you notice the difference, we recommend ordering this service at SkalibrujTV.com.

Factory Mode

After calibration

This gallery shows how colors change after professional TV calibration. If you notice the difference, we recommend ordering this service at SkalibrujTV.com.

Factory Mode

After calibration

Sony Bravia 3 was primarily tested in movie mode, which immediately turned out to be the best choice among the factory settings. It's not a perfect picture, but compared to the eco mode that the TV suggests right out of the box, the difference is clear and positive. In movie mode, one can notice a certain issue: the image appears too warm, which stems from a lack of blue in the white balance. Nevertheless, in SDR content, the final effect can still be considered quite decent and satisfactory for everyday viewing. Much more serious errors emerge in HDR materials. The Color Checker analysis showed significant deviations, and poor brightness management combined with limited colour gamut coverage further exposes the shortcomings of the picture in this mode. All of this makes HDR on the Bravia 3 seem unconvincing and can spoil the impression left by the quite decent SDR content settings. Fortunately, this is not a hopeless situation. Various errors can be somewhat mitigated, and some can even be completely corrected through professional calibration. That's why we decided to check how the TV would perform after such adjustments.

It might seem that since the QNED80A is one model, it should offer the same picture regardless of the version. However, practice shows something completely different. Analyzing the variant with the VA panel in the best factory setting – that is, in Filmmaker Mode – we noticed a specific characteristic. This TV "out of the box" delivers a picture with a clear dominance of red and a deficiency of blue. Overall, it is very warm, almost hot. Many users might describe it as an "overly cinematic" picture, leaning towards sepia. Additionally, there is the issue of gamma curve – the TV has a tendency to slightly and artificially brighten scenes (gamma is too low), which causes the picture to lose some of its plasticity. The good news is that these are not panel errors, but merely software issues. As always in our tests, we performed professional calibration, which completely eliminated these drawbacks, restoring natural white balance and correct saturation.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.5/10

7.5/10

The photos show how movies look on the TV. Pay attention to black detail visibility, colors, and shadow tint.

The photos show how movies look on the TV. Pay attention to black detail visibility, colors, and shadow tint.

The calibration allowed us to extract significantly more from the ChooseTV 3 than we could have expected at the beginning. Firstly, we managed to correct the deficiency of blue, which previously caused a noticeable warming of the image. After a slight adjustment in the white balance, most of the errors in the Color Checker measurements for SDR content practically disappeared. The shades of white gained a natural quality, and brightness management in gamma stabilised to an almost ideal level, not exceeding the threshold of human eye perception. Therefore, it can be confidently said that in SDR content, after a few tweaks in the settings, ChooseTV 3 performs really remarkably. Much worse, although still decidedly better than before calibration, are HDR contents. The white balance was managed to be sorted out, however, the limitations of the IPS panel are insurmountable. The lack of local dimming means that even the smallest elements can be overexposed, which is immediately noticeable. Colour-wise, the effect has also improved, although it is far from perfect – many errors still exceed the threshold of four, and even five delta E units, which means they remain visible to the human eye. It was already clear earlier that ChooseTV 3 is not a television designed to impress with HDR quality. Nevertheless, it is pleasing that in SDR content, after calibration, the image can look really great, and in this category, the television has positively surprised us.

Was it worth spending time on calibration? Definitely yes. We managed to tame the initial, overly warm white balance and, most importantly, correct the gamma curve. The television stopped artificially brightening scenes, resulting in a deeper image. The biggest gains are visible in SDR content, such as when watching regular television, YouTube, or playing games without HDR. Here, the QNED80A shows its class – colour reproduction errors (DeltaE) fell below a value of 2. In technical terms, this means the errors are essentially invisible to the human eye. The image in everyday use has simply become very attractive, natural, and correct. The difficulties start with HDR content. Although we managed to improve the white balance, the EOTF curve (responsible for brightness at various levels) shows that the television still "interprets" the image in its own way. This results from the nature of the edge-lit backlighting with local dimming and the fact that LG gives the calibrator very little control over this parameter. In short: the television struggles to hide its hardware shortcomings, sometimes ignoring our commands. Nevertheless, the final image is significantly more accurate and pleasant to view than the factory settings, even if it still lacks a bit compared to studio perfection.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9.1/10

9.2/10

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

In terms of tonal transition fluidity, the experiences from the Bravia 3 with a VA panel are quite similar to what we saw in the IPS variant; however, there is one significant factor here – screen uniformity. The VA panel manages much better at maintaining image consistency, which immediately translates to a higher rating. This was most noticeable in scenes from the film Green Knight. In the IPS version, strong brightening and vignetting practically made it impossible to assess the gradation itself, whereas in the 50-inch variant, this issue was greatly reduced. As for the tonal transitions themselves, the television performs really well. In the bright parts of the image, we noticed no serious errors – colors blend smoothly, without creating artificial contours. In darker scenes, there are also no major problems with color gradation, and thanks to more uniform backlighting, the image is significantly more pleasant to perceive than in the IPS panel version. So we can say that this is one of those categories where the Bravia 3 in the 50-inch version performs surprisingly well.

We've also got excellent news for those sensitive to digital artifacts. Regardless of which version of the panel you get, the LG QNED80A excels at gradation, or the smooth blending of colours. In this price range, it's common to see ugly, separated bands instead of a smooth transition (e.g., from bright sky blue to navy). Here, this problem hardly exists. In our tests, both in very bright parts of the image (like sunsets) and in challenging, dark shades of grey, the picture remained uniform and natural. We didn't notice the annoying effect of "banding" or distinct lines connecting colours.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

7/10

7/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
Smooth transition function
OK
OK

Smooth transition function

The match photo shows how the TV smooths weak tonal transitions in low-quality video.

Image scaling SD (576i)

The model photo shows how it handles upscaling of SD material.

Bravia 3 brings more to the Sony TV family than just a shared name. It stands out primarily with its ability to enhance the quality of weaker materials thanks to the processor used. Of course, we won't find the advanced XR chip known from more expensive models here, but even so, it's fair to say that the image in lower resolutions looked surprisingly good. Scaling worked effectively, and most parts of the screen were devoid of the typical excessive edge tearing found in budget constructions. The feature that improves the fluidity of tonal transitions is also noteworthy. At the high setting, it performs quite well, effectively masking gradient imperfections without a significant loss of detail. It does occasionally happen that the algorithm smoothingly blurs elements that should remain sharp – for example, faces – however, in the overall assessment, the effect is beneficial. The best results were achieved precisely at the highest setting, and this option could be recommended to those watching lower quality content.

In this category, the QNED80A turns out to be a true "dark horse". It's a fantastic, affordable television for those who often watch lower quality content – for example, from traditional cable TV. The processor used here handles upscaling incredibly well, enhancing low resolutions to native 4K. The image after processing is natural, smooth, and most importantly – it is not overly jagged or artificially sharpened. In the menu, we also find a dedicated option for smoothing tonal transitions in low-quality content. This feature works really effectively, eliminating the annoying "banding" of colours during heavy video compression. However, we must remain vigilant. Remember, we are not dealing with the top-tier processor known from flagship OLED models. In more challenging scenes, the system might struggle and introduce minor artefacts or distortions. Nevertheless, it's definitely worth giving this feature a chance, because in the majority of cases, the quality improvement is visible to the naked eye.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.8/10

4.8/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
60Hz
60Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
No
No
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
No
BFI function 120Hz
No
No
Brightness drop with BFI
26%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

The fluidity of motion has never been a strong point of televisions equipped with 60 Hz panels, and the Bravia 3 is no exception. Nevertheless, Sony has added something that might appeal to those who are more sensitive to the way images are displayed. This refers to the proprietary motion smoother, Motion Flow, which offers users a lot of adjustment options. With it, you can make the picture smoother, almost theatrical, or stick to a more cinematic style with the characteristic judder, which many people simply associate with a filmic vibe. These functions work for content with lower frame rates, such as movies and series recorded at 24 or 30 frames per second, which is the type of material we encounter on a daily basis. It is precisely in this area that the motion smoother proves to be one of the most important features for everyday use of the television, and here the Bravia 3 performs really well.

We move on to a topic that may be crucial for many. Unfortunately, here we must point out the biggest "Achilles' heel" of the QNED80A model. This television is equipped with a panel that has a native refresh rate of 60Hz. There’s no denying it – at this price, we were hoping for more as we know that Chinese manufacturers can offer 120Hz screens for similar money. Due to this parameter, dynamic scenes in sports or fast-paced games are not the strongest point of this screen. Fortunately, LG has equipped the television with a proven smoothing system called TruMotion. It works quite well with film material (24 frames). We suggest playing around with the De-Judder slider – from our experience, setting it in the range of 2-4 provides the best compromise: motion becomes smoother, yet still looks natural, without the artificial "television theatre" effect.

Console compatibility and gaming features

4/10

6/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    No
    Yes
  • VRR range
    No
    48 - 60Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    No
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    No
    No
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    No
    No
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

Bravia 3 isn't gear for eSports enthusiasts or fans of late-night marathons with a controller in hand. The lack of 120 Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 ports closes the topic before it even has a chance to develop. This is a TV for the casual gamer who, after work, fires up FIFA or racing games, not for someone who measures every frame in a spreadsheet. Nonetheless, Sony has added a few nice extras to ensure it’s not too bare. ALLM works as it should, automatically switching the TV to game mode (low latency). We even find a simple Game Bar here, which is clear and straightforward. However, the biggest curiosity is the PlayStation Portal app. Thanks to it, you can launch games from your PS5 wirelessly and see them on the TV screen straight away. Sounds great, but it only takes a few minutes to feel significant delays. In our opinion, it’s more of a showcase of capabilities than something that can be used on a daily basis. If someone really wants to play, it’s better to plug the console in with an HDMI cable and forget about wireless issues.

Since we've already established that the QNED80A is a 60Hz TV, we must say it straight: we won't be gaming here at 120 frames per second at any resolution. Does this disqualify the device in the eyes of gamers? Not necessarily, especially for those "casual" players. LG decided to sweeten this technical limitation by packing in quite a few useful features. We have support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) in the range of 48-60Hz and an automatic game mode ALLM, which instantly reduces input lag upon detecting a console. We manage all of this via a very convenient, purple Game Optimizer menu (Player Panel), which has become LG's hallmark. The manufacturer deserves big points for consistency regarding HDR. Although the TV does not support Dolby Vision in games on Xbox consoles, LG adds a well-implemented HGiG standard. Thanks to this, even on a screen with moderate brightness, playing in HDR is clear, and the details in shadows and highlights are accurately rendered, rather than being "clipped".

Input lag

10/10

9.8/10

SDR

1080p60
12 ms
15 ms
1080p120
2160p60
12 ms
15 ms
2160p120

HDR

2160p60
11 ms
14 ms
2160p120
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
12 ms
2160p120 DV

Here, the Bravia 3 shows its best side. Latency drops below 12 milliseconds in almost every resolution and mode, so the response to controller movements is instantaneous and there's no sense of lag. It feels as if the console and the television are speaking the same language, without any unnecessary pauses or hesitations. The Dolby Vision Gaming mode deserves special mention. In its predecessor, the X75WL model, using this feature was simply a torment – input lag could reach over 100 milliseconds, which effectively took the joy out of gaming. In the Bravia 3, this problem has been completely eliminated.

At the end of the gaming section, let's take a look at how quickly the TV responds to our commands. The input lag measured by us in the QNED80A model is approximately 15 ms (at 60Hz signal). These may not be values that will revolutionise the market or amaze professional e-sports players fighting for every millisecond. However, for the typical console gamer, this result is more than sufficient. During gameplay testing, we did not experience any annoying "float" of the reticle or delay between pressing the button on the controller and the reaction on the screen. The entertainment is smooth and comfortable, and that is the most important thing in home gaming.

Compatibility with PC

3.5/10

5.8/10

Chroma 444 (max. resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Good
Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Poor
Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, max. refresh rate)
12ms
15ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
60Hz
60Hz
G-Sync
No
No

The photo shows the legibility of small fonts. Ideally, lines should be the same thickness on both light and dark text, with minimal pixel gaps.

Working with a computer on the Bravia 3 with a VA panel isn’t as good as with the IPS panel version. The fonts are clearly less sharp and harder to read, which is immediately noticeable when working with text. There’s also a surprising dithering issue that we didn’t notice in the IPS variant. It’s quite an unusual situation, but definitely worth noting, as it may hinder those planning to use the TV as a monitor. As for PC gaming, there’s also little reason for enthusiasm here. The lack of support for frame synchronization with graphics cards or higher refresh rates makes the screen rather unattractive in this role. So if someone is seriously considering connecting the Bravia 3 to a computer, a variant with an IPS panel will be a much better choice, as it performs significantly better in this regard.

Is the QNED80A suitable for connecting a computer? For the version with a VA panel, the answer is: absolutely. If you plan to use this TV as a massive monitor for work, you won’t be disappointed. The readability of the fonts is very high – text is sharp, clear, and doesn’t strain the eyes, which isn’t always a given with large screens. Added to that is the low input lag we mentioned earlier. This makes mouse work precise, and you won’t feel that characteristic “floating” of the cursor. Of course, due to the 60Hz refresh rate, it’s not the ideal gear for e-sports players on PC, but for text work, browsing the web, or occasional strategy gaming, it will perform brilliantly.

Viewing angles

3.2/10

3.2/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
73%
76%

The viewing angles in the Bravia 3 with a VA panel are clearly poorer than in the version with an IPS panel. It’s enough to sit a little off to the side for the picture to start losing saturation and sharpness, while the black takes on a lighter shade. This is the natural price to pay for the significantly better contrast and deeper black, which are definitely an advantage in this variant.

Deciding on the VA panel version, you need to be aware of a certain compromise. You get great blacks and contrast, but you pay for it with narrow viewing angles. This is a typical feature of this technology, and the QNED80A is no exception. If you sit perfectly straight in front of the screen, the picture will be brilliant. However, simply moving to the side of the sofa or stepping away to the kitchenette will reveal image degradation. Colours begin to lose their saturation, becoming washed out, and the deep black that we praised starts to grey. Therefore, this variant of the television is best suited for those who have their favourite spot in the middle of the sofa and rarely watch TV in a large group spread out across the living room.

Daytime performance

5.4/10

4.4/10

Panel finish
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Decent
Decent
Black levels during daytime
Good
Good

Panel brightness

LG QNED80A6A (VA): 280 cd/m2

Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA): 397 cd/m2

The performance of the Bravia 3 in the VA variant during the day is a mix of pros and cons. The manufacturer has also used a satin finish here, but compared to IPS, it handles direct reflections worse. When sharp light hits the screen, reflections can be more pronounced and may interfere with viewing. On the other hand, the TV compensates with higher brightness. In typical daytime conditions, the image is more readable and clearer than in the version with an IPS panel. Thus, in everyday use, the Bravia 3 in the VA edition can perform even better, as long as we don't place it in a heavily sunlit spot.

How does the QNED80A perform when we don’t have the curtains drawn? Let’s be clear: it’s not the brightest TV on the market, so if your living room resembles a glasshouse at noon, this screen may struggle against the intense sunlight. For extremely challenging lighting conditions, we would suggest looking for something with higher brightness (e.g. Mini LED). However, the TV excels in another way – the type of coating used on the panel. The manufacturer has opted for a satin finish (semi-matte). This is a great decision. Unlike glossy coatings that act like mirrors, this coating effectively dampens and diffuses light reflections. As a result, in typical, moderate lighting conditions, a lamp beside it or a window to the side won’t be distracting, and the viewing experience will remain enjoyable.

Panel details

Backlight Type
PFS LED
Mini-LED PFS LED
Software version during testing
6120600301
33.21.62
Image processor
MT5896 2,5 GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) TV Panel details
Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) TV Panel details

TV features

6.1/10

6.8/10

  • HDMI inputs
    4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
    3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
  • Outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
  • Network Interfaces
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C

Classic features:

  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • RF remote control (no need to aim)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Bluetooth headphones support
    Yes
    Yes
  • Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio
    No
    Yes

Smart features:

  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    No
    Yes
  • Voice search
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) TV features
Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) TV features
Review Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (VA) TV features

Smart TV Features

The biggest advantage of the Bravia 3 in daily use is the presence of the Google TV system. Thanks to it, we have access to one of the largest libraries of apps and streaming services, so regardless of whether someone mainly uses Netflix, Disney+ or smaller platforms, everything is just a reach away. The Google voice assistant also worked very well, responding to our commands quite "smartly". The Google TV system should theoretically run very smoothly since Sony has been implementing it better than many cheaper competitors for years. Unfortunately, in the case of the Bravia 3, it's not as great as we might have expected. During testing, we noticed slight lags in the interface, and some features, such as screen mirroring, simply refused to cooperate. One might get the impression that the processor in this model sometimes struggles to handle the demanding system, and not everything works as smoothly as we would hope.

Classic Features

Sony, even in the cheapest series, knows how to remind users of its experience with various users. The set includes two remotes. The first is modern and minimalist, with a small number of buttons, which works wonderfully when using applications and Google TV functions. The second is a classic remote with a richer set of buttons and a numeric keypad, which will be appreciated especially by older people accustomed to traditional solutions. It's a nice gesture towards different user groups, and it must be admitted that Sony has handled this very practically. It's a pity, however, that compared to the X75WL model, the ability to record content from TV tuners to USB memory has been removed. The manufacturer has completely abandoned this feature, so if someone was attached to it, they unfortunately won't find it in the Bravia 3.

Smart TV System and WebOS

A major plus for LG TVs – even those in the lower or mid-price range – is that the manufacturer does not treat them "shabbily" regarding software. The QNED80A runs on the latest version of the WebOS system, which performed excellently during our tests. The interface operated smoothly, responded quickly to commands, and most importantly – was very intuitive. Much of the credit goes to the famous Magic Remote control, which acts like a computer mouse – we control the cursor on the screen with wrist movements. However, there’s a surprise in store for you. In the 2025 model, the controller underwent quite a drastic transformation. It has been minimised and slimmed down. Modern users are likely to appreciate this change, as the remote fits nicely in the hand and looks more "premium". However, traditionalists may feel disappointed – miniaturisation has come at a cost, including the removal of the classic numerical keypad, which may make quickly selecting channels more difficult.

Classic Functions and Multimedia

When it comes to so-called classic functions, the QNED80A does not attempt to be a revolutionary device. It is simply solid equipment that does what it was designed to do. There are no hidden "gizmos" here, but we also didn’t feel like anything was missing. The traditional Teletext works flawlessly, and the wireless connectivity modules (like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) are stable and quickly pair with external devices, such as headphones or a soundbar. In this regard, the TV doesn’t throw any obstacles in our way – it functions as we expect, not standing out in any particular way from the competition, but also not giving us any reasons to complain.

Apps

9.6/10

9.1/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
HBO_MAX
OK
Kodi
No
Apple_music
OK
Eleven_sports
No
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce Now!
No
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
OK
Steam Link
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
No
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
HBO_MAX
No
Kodi
OK
Apple_music
No
Eleven_sports
OK
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce Now!
OK
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
No
Steam Link

Playing files from USB

9.6/10

8.2/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
Yes
No
PNG
Yes
Yes
GIF
Yes
No
WebP
Yes
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
Yes
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
No
24 Mpix
Yes
No
28 Mpix
Yes
No
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

Here Sony has really done a great job. The built-in player works quickly and doesn't "choke" when launching various formats. We didn't have to reach for external apps like VLC, as the TV handled even files that can cause quite a bit of trouble on other models – such as HEIC photos from Apple devices. It's a small detail, but one that shows the manufacturer wanted the user to feel complete convenience. By plugging a movie into a USB drive or photos from a holiday into a portable hard drive, you can simply connect them and immediately watch on the big screen. No fuss, no installing additional software, no searching for workarounds. This is really rare in televisions, and it must be said that in this aspect, the Bravia 3 truly surprised us pleasantly.

How does the QNED80A perform as a home multimedia centre? After connecting an external drive or USB stick, the television effortlessly recognises and plays the vast majority of popular video and audio formats. One can confidently say that in everyday use, you will rarely encounter a file that refuses to play. However, we must point out a certain catch resulting from the software architecture. WebOS is a closed system. What does this mean for you? It means that if the built-in player cannot handle some exotic format, we do not have a "lifebuoy." We cannot just go to the store and download an external application like VLC that "plays everything," as is the case with Android or Google TV. The specific shortcomings we managed to identify mainly concern graphic files. The television does not support the HEIC format, which is a standard in Apple devices (iPhone/iPad). Photos with very high resolution (in the range of 20-28 Mpix) also proved problematic – when trying to open them, the system often faltered. It is worth keeping this in mind if you plan to view holiday photos directly from the drive.

Sound

6.5/10

6/10

  • Maximum volume
    88dB
    81dB
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1
    Yes
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
    Yes
    No

Bravia 3 plays in a rather flat manner, but makes up for it with loudness. It’s perfect for watching traditional television as the dialogue is clear, and the mid tones are easily heard. Users, especially older ones who mainly value speech comprehensibility, will particularly appreciate this type of characterisation. However, if someone expects more from the sound, like stronger bass or a wider soundstage, it’s worth investing in a soundbar. The television supports modern codecs, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, so an external sound system can easily take advantage of their potential. This ensures that with relatively low expenditure, a much fuller and more engaging sound can be achieved.

When it comes to audio, the LG QNED80A doesn't try to enchant us. It simply performs like... a typical flat-screen TV. The built-in speaker system with a total power of 20W isn't the strongest aspect of this set. If you're expecting a cinematic punch or depth known from pricier models equipped with subwoofers, you'll feel a bit shortchanged. There's simply a lack of bass here, and the sound is quite flat. However, we must give this model credit in one aspect: clarity of transmission. When scenes based on conversations appear on the screen, the QNED80A handles it quite well. Dialogues are clear, separated, and – importantly – undistorted. There’s no crackling effect at higher volumes. It's sufficient for everyday TV, but for films, we definitely recommend purchasing at least a basic soundbar.

Sound Quality Test

Acoustic Measurements

No acoustic data

81dBC (Max)

75dBC