- Matching (Score)
- Our verdict
- Competing TVs
- TV appearance
- Where to buy
- Contrast and black detail
- HDR effect quality
- Factory color reproduction
- Color reproduction after calibration
- Smoothness of tonal transitions
- Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
- Blur and motion smoothness
- Console compatibility and gaming features
- Input lag
- Compatibility with PC
- Viewing angles
- TV efficiency during daytime
- TV features
- Apps
- Playing files from USB
- Sound
- Details about the matrix
Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA) Review
BRAVIA 3 / K-(XX)S3
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Panel type: LCD VA Refresh rate: 60Hz Brand: SONY Resolution: 3840x2160 System: Google TV Model year: 2025
Sony Bravia 3 is this year's offering from the Japanese manufacturer, replacing the X75WL model in its lineup. It’s the cheapest television in the brand’s portfolio, aimed at those looking for a simple receiver with Google TV. However, it's worth noting that in the 50-inch version, the manufacturer has used a different panel than in the larger variants. Instead of an IPS panel, we have a VA panel here, which changes the way the television handles contrast, black levels, and overall image quality. We checked how it performs in everyday use and for whom such a choice might be most interesting.
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Our verdict
6.1
Overall rating
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.
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
Disadvantages
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
Movies and series in UHD quality6.3
Classic TV, YouTube6.3
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)5.3
Gaming on console6.5
TV as a computer monitor3.5
Watching in bright light5.4
Utility functions6.1
Apps9.6
Sound quality6.5
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SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Competing TVs in this price range
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - TV appearance
HDMI inputs: 4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1 Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Build quality: BuildQuality-Good
Bezel colour: Graphite
Stand: Base adjustment
Flat design: No
Accessories: Two remote controls, Stand
Sony Bravia 3 immediately shows that the Japanese have finally come to their senses regarding the appearance of the TV. Compared to its predecessor, the X75WL, quite a bit has changed and it’s visible right away. The bezels around the screen have finally become narrow and sleek, so the television no longer looks like equipment from a decade ago, but rather resembles higher-end models. The bulky, few-centimeter frame has disappeared, and that’s a change that simply pleases the eye. Of course, it’s not perfect. The structure itself still remains rather thick, as the plastic back cover does its job. If someone dreams of a super-slim unit on the wall, the Bravia 3 is unlikely to meet such expectations. However, the clever design of the stand deserves praise. The Sony Bravia 3 gives us a choice – you can position the legs in a narrow position closer to the centre or in a wide position, making it easier to match the television to your furniture. Additionally, they are metal and look really solid. Overall, one might get the impression that even those who have previously dismissed budget TVs for their lacklustre appearance will have no reason to grimace with the Bravia 3.
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SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Contrast and black detail
5.7/10
Local dimming function: No
Result
5,550:1
Result
5,250:1
Result
5,050:1
Result
5,150:1
Result
4,000:1
Visibility of details in the lights:
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.
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - HDR effect quality
4.9/10
Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 91.9%, Bt.2020: 67.3%
Luminance measurements in HDR:
Result
319 nit
Result
360 nit
Result
393 nit
Result
365 nit
Result
395 nit
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.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
Bravia 3 faces a tough task, as on one hand it carries the cinematic legacy of a brand associated with some of the best screens on the market, while on the other hand, it is practically the cheapest representative of this family. Expectations are therefore high, especially due to the Sony logo on the casing. Unfortunately, when we reach for the first productions in HDR, it quickly becomes clear that the television cannot bear this weight. Regardless of the type of content – whether it’s simpler series from streaming platforms or high-quality releases on Blu-ray discs – the image feels flat, with limited contrast and a lack of true depth. Details in the brighter parts of the screen often disappear, as if they have been simply burnt out, and scenes that are supposed to dazzle with a play of lights look surprisingly average. It’s hard not to say it outright: in terms of HDR quality, Sony Bravia 3 has little to do with the true showcase of engineering capabilities that the more expensive Sony models are known for. It’s an experience that leaves one wanting more, especially if someone expects cinematic magic from equipment with this logo.
HDR luminance chart:
HDR luminance
Fortunately, it isn't always as bad as it might seem after the first encounter with HDR. The ChooseTV 3 can improve its appearance when we use materials prepared based on dynamic metadata, that is, in Dolby Vision format. Of course, we shouldn't expect a sudden miracle, as in our comparisons it's hard to say that the image in this mode is stunning, yet the difference compared to static HDR10 is noticeable. Dolby Vision handles bright areas much better, avoiding overexposure and artificial brightening, which are particularly evident in HDR10 and make the screen look like one big bright patch. It is thanks to Dolby Vision that the ChooseTV 3 can present at least a taste of a more attractive image, allowing for more natural transitions and retaining some details that are irrevocably lost in static HDR. Fortunately, this is currently the most popular dynamic format, supported by all major streaming services, including Netflix and Disney+. So, when watching movies and series from these platforms, you can count on the ChooseTV 3 to showcase its better, more colourful side.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: Dolby Vision
Factory color reproduction
5.8/10
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.
Color reproduction after calibration
7.5/10
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.
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Smoothness of tonal transitions
9.1/10
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.
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
7/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
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.
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Blur and motion smoothness
4.5/10
Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 60Hz
Film motion smoothing option: Yes
Blur reduction option: No
BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
BFI function 120Hz: No
Brightness drop with BFI: 26%
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.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
Blur (BFI function enabled):
When it comes to motion blur, the VA panel variant performs slightly worse than the IPS version. This is a natural characteristic of this type of panel – although VA panels can offer better contrast and deeper blacks, they don't handle fast motion as well in return. In dynamic scenes, you can therefore notice a slightly greater blur, and the image loses some sharpness.
However, this doesn't mean the situation is bad. Just like in the IPS version, we also have the "Clarity" (BFI) feature available here. Switching it on at the second level doesn't work miracles, but it does help reduce motion blur and makes movement more readable. It's still a soft image that won't be ideal for sports fans or dynamic games, but for everyday watching of series or films, the difference compared to the option being off is noticeable and might be sufficient.
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Console compatibility and gaming features
4/10
- ALLM:
Yes
VRR:
No - VRR range:
No
- Dolby Vision Game Mode:
Yes
- Correct implementation of HGIG:
No
- 1080p@120Hz:
No
- 1440p@120Hz:
No
- 4K@120Hz:
No
- Game bar:
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.
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Input lag
10/10
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.
| SDR | HDR | Dolby Vision |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p60: 12 ms | 2160p60: 11 ms | 2160p60 DV: 12 ms |
| 2160p60: 12 ms |
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Compatibility with PC
3.5/10
Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes
Font clarity: Good
Readability of dark text and shapes: Poor
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 12ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR
Max refresh rate: 60Hz
G-Sync: No
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.
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Viewing angles
3.2/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 73%
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.
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - TV efficiency during daytime
5.4/10
Matrix coating: Satin
Reflection suppression: Decent
Black levels during daytime: Good
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.
Matrix brightness
Average luminance SDR
Sony Bravia 3 50' (VA): 397 cd/m2
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - TV features
6.1/10
System: Google TV
- HDMI inputs: 4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
- Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
- Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
- TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
Classic features:
- Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): No
- Recording programming: No
- Picture in Picture (PiP): No
- RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
- Backlit remote control: No
- Teletext: Yes
- Audio only mode: Yes
- Bluetooth headphones support: Yes
- Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio: No
Smart features:
- AirPlay: Yes
- Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): No
- Voice search: Yes
- Voice search in native language: Yes
- Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
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.
Sound connection options
HDMI audio:
Other audio outputs:
- Toslink: Yes
Wireless audio:
- Bluetooth: Yes
Obsługiwane formaty audio:
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1: Yes
- Dolby True HD 7.1: Yes
- Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC): Yes
- Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD: No
- DTS:X in DTS-HD MA: Yes
- DTS-HD Master Audio: Yes
Ułatwienia dla seniorów
- Numeric keyboard on TV: Yes
- Font size adjustment: Yes
- Audio description: Yes
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Apps
9.6/10
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Playing files from USB
9.6/10
| Maximum photo resolution: | Supported photo formats: |
|---|---|
| 4 Mpix | JPEG |
| 6 Mpix | HEIC |
| 8 Mpix | PNG |
| 10 Mpix | GIF |
| 12 Mpix | WebP |
| 16 Mpix | TIFF |
| 20 Mpix | BMP |
| 24 Mpix | SVG |
| 28 Mpix | |
| 32 Mpix |
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.
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Sound
6.5/10
88dB
Maximum volume
Supported codecs
(TV speakers)
Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Dolby True HD 7.1
Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
DTS-HD Master Audio
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.
Sound Quality Test:
Acoustic Measurements
No acoustic data
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Details about the matrix
Software version during testing: 6120600301
Image processor: MT5896 2,5 GB RAM
Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:
Backlight Type: PFS LED
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