- 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, which replaces the X75WL model in its range. It is the cheapest television in the brand's portfolio, aimed at those looking for a simple receiver with Google TV. It is worth noting, however, 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 the overall image quality. We checked how it performs in everyday use and for whom such a choice might be the 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 films and series significantly more enjoyable. The higher contrast and deeper blacks finally allow for evening viewing without the impression that the screen is drowning in shades of grey. This is a considerable advantage over the IPS version, even if it comes at the expense of much worse viewing angles. In practice, it comes down to choice – if we primarily watch from a sofa positioned directly in front, the VA panel offers a decidedly better effect. The rest of the picture remains largely the same. The PFS filter still provides pleasantly saturated colours, and the upscaling is at a good level, resulting in SDR content looking clean and aesthetic. The Google TV system, although it doesn’t always run perfectly smoothly, remains a huge asset – access to a wide library of apps and streaming platforms is something that competitors in this price range do not always offer in such a polished form. At the same time, the Bravia 3 with VA does not solve all the issues of its predecessor. The HDR brightness of around 350 nits still does not allow for a true high dynamic range effect, and the lack of local dimming means that fine details can still be overexposed. Additionally, there is no USB recording, which was present in the predecessor. So, who is the Bravia 3 in the VA version for? It is for those who want to enter the world of Sony televisions at a lower cost and care about decent quality in films and series, primarily watching lower quality content. It is not a proposal for gamers or for someone expecting cinematic HDR effects. Similar to the IPS version, it is hard to speak of a bargain – even if it is the “cheapest Sony of 2025,” it remains more expensive than competitors who can offer Mini-LEDs with clearly better contrast and brightness at the same price. Therefore, it is worth considering this model primarily when we come across an attractive promotion.
Advantages
Significantly better contrast and deeper blacks than in the IPS variant
Higher screen brightness, which improves viewing comfort during the day
More uniform panel, fewer problems with vignetting and lightening
Smooth tonal transitions, especially in bright scenes
Wide colour palette coverage (over 91% DCI-P3)
Effective upscaling of lower quality materials
Support for Dolby Vision, which partially enhances the experience in HDR content
Google TV system with a large library of applications
Two remotes included – a classic and a minimalist one
Disadvantages
Much worse viewing angles than in the version with an IPS panel
Collaboration with PC clearly weaker: worse font readability and noticeable 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 TVs. Compared to its predecessor, the X75WL, a lot has changed, and it's noticeable right away. The frames around the screen have finally become narrow and sleek, which means the television no longer looks like a device from a decade ago, but rather resembles models from higher tiers. The clunky, several-centimetre thick bezel has disappeared, and this is a change that simply pleases the eye. Of course, it is not perfect. The overall construction still remains quite thick, as the plastic rear cover does its job. If someone dreams of a super-slim device on the wall, then the Bravia 3 is unlikely to meet such expectations. However, the clever solution for the stand deserves praise. Sony Bravia 3 gives us a choice – you can place the legs in a narrow position closer to the centre or in a wide one, making it easier to fit the television to the furniture. Additionally, they are metal and look really sturdy. Looking at the whole picture, one could get the impression that even those who have previously dismissed budget televisions for their mediocre appearance will not have a reason to grimace at 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 the way the Bravia 3 handles contrast. Although the television is not equipped with a local dimming system, the very change of the matrix type to VA provides a noticeable effect. The contrast is definitely higher than in the other sizes based on IPS panels, and the black no longer resembles faded shades of grey or navy. As a result, much more detail is visible in the darker parts of the image, making evening viewing simply more enjoyable. It's still not on the level of the more expensive Sony 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, the 50-inch version of the Bravia 3 performs slightly better in terms of brightness than its larger variants. In measurements, it achieved around 370 nits, which still does not compete with top-tier televisions, but is sufficient to suggest a semblance of HDR effect. For some users, this level will be acceptable, while others will view it as typical for SDR content, where striking highlights or strong contrasts are not expected. It must be clearly stated that the Bravia 3 is not a television for those looking to extract the maximum quality from the most challenging film materials.
This does not mean, however, that everything performs averagely. Sony has equipped this model with an additional PFS filter, which works similarly to solutions used in QLED televisions. As a result, the coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut has increased to over 91 percent. In everyday use, this means more vivid, saturated colours and also a more pleasing image texture. Even though it lacks strong lighting effects, films and series can look significantly more appealing than with its predecessor, the X75WL.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
The Bravia 3 faces a challenging task, as on one hand it carries the cinematic legacy of a brand associated with some of the best screens on the market, and on the other it is practically the cheapest representative of this family. Expectations are therefore high, not least because of the Sony logo on the casing. Unfortunately, when we reach for the first productions in HDR, it quickly becomes apparent 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 seems flattened, with limited contrast and a lack of true depth. Details in the brighter parts of the screen often disappear, as if they have simply been blown out, and scenes that are intended to dazzle with their play of light appear surprisingly average. It is hard not to say this outright: in terms of HDR quality, the Sony Bravia 3 has little in common with the true showcase of engineering capabilities for which the more expensive Sony models are known. It is an experience that leaves one wanting, especially if someone expects cinematic magic from equipment bearing this logo.
HDR luminance chart:
HDR luminance
Fortunately, it is not always as bad as it may seem after the first encounter with HDR. The Bravia 3 can enhance its appearance when we reach for content prepared based on dynamic metadata, that is, in Dolby Vision format. Of course, one shouldn't expect a sudden miracle, as in our comparisons it's hard to say that the picture in this mode dazzles, however, the difference compared to static HDR10 is clear. Dolby Vision handles bright areas much better, avoiding overexposure and artificial brightening, which are particularly visible in HDR10 and make the screen look like one large bright patch. It is thanks to Dolby Vision that the Bravia 3 can showcase at least a semblance of a more attractive image, allowing for more natural transitions and retaining some details that are irretrievably 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, one can expect that the Bravia 3 will display its better, more colourful side.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: Dolby Vision
Factory color reproduction
5.8/10
Sony Bravia 3 was primarily tested in film mode, which immediately proved to be the best choice among the factory settings. It is not an ideal picture, but compared to the eco mode that the television offers right out of the box, the difference is clear and it is a positive one. In film mode, one can notice a certain issue: the image appears too warm, which results from the lack of blue in the white balance. Nevertheless, in SDR content, the final effect can still be regarded as quite decent and satisfying for everyday viewing. Much more serious errors occur 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 image in this mode. All of this means that HDR in the Bravia 3 edition is unconvincing and can spoil the impression left by a quite decent SDR content setup. Fortunately, this is not a hopeless situation. Various errors can be mitigated to some extent, and some can even be completely corrected through professional calibration. Therefore, we decided to check how the television would perform after such adjustments.
Color reproduction after calibration
7.5/10
Calibration allowed us to extract significantly more from the ChooseTV 3 than we could have expected at first. Firstly, it was possible to address the lack of blue, which had previously caused a noticeable warming of the image. After a slight adjustment to the white balance, most of the errors in the Color Checker measurements for SDR content practically disappeared. The shades of white became more natural, and the brightness management in gamma stabilised to a nearly perfect level, not exceeding the threshold of human eye perception. Therefore, it can confidently be said that in SDR content, after a few adjustments in settings, the ChooseTV 3 performs really brilliantly. Much worse, although still definitely better than before calibration, are the HDR contents. The white balance was brought into order, but 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 is also improved, although far from ideal – many errors still exceed the threshold of four, or even five delta E units, meaning they remain visible to the human eye. It was already clear earlier that the ChooseTV 3 is not a television designed to impress with HDR quality. Nonetheless, it is pleasing to note that in SDR content, after calibration, the image can look truly excellent, and in this category, the television positively surprised us.
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Smoothness of tonal transitions
9.1/10
In terms of the fluidity of tonal transitions, the experience with the Bravia 3 featuring a VA panel is very similar to what we observed in the IPS variant; however, there is one significant factor here – screen uniformity. The VA panel performs significantly better in maintaining image consistency, which immediately translates into a higher rating. This was most easily noticeable in scenes from the film Green Knight. In the IPS version, strong brightening and vignetting practically prevented a proper assessment of the gradation itself, whereas in the 50-inch variant, this issue has been greatly reduced. As for the tonal transitions themselves, the television performs really well. In bright parts of the image, we did not notice any serious errors – the colours blend smoothly without creating artificial contours. In darker scenes, there are also no major issues with colour gradation, and thanks to the more uniform backlighting, the image is considerably more pleasant to view than in the version with the IPS panel. Therefore, it can be said that this is one of those categories in which 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 something more than just a shared name to the Sony television family. It stands out primarily for its ability to enhance the quality of inferior materials thanks to the processor used. Of course, we won't find the advanced XR chip known from more expensive models here, but nevertheless, it's worth noting that the image at lower resolutions looked surprisingly good. The upscaling worked effectively, and most parts of the screen were free from the typical excessive edge tearing characteristic of budget constructions. The feature enhancing the smoothness of tonal transitions is also noteworthy. In the high setting, it performs really well, effectively masking gradation imperfections without significant loss of detail. It does happen, however, that the algorithm overly smooths elements that should remain sharp – for example, faces – but overall, 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 may appeal to those more sensitive to the way images are displayed. This refers to the proprietary motion smoother, Motion Flow, which offers users a considerable amount of adjustment options. With it, one can make the image smoother, even theatrical, or stick to a more cinematic style with the characteristic judder that many associate with a filmic atmosphere. These functions work with content shot at lower frame rates, such as films and series recorded at 24 or 30 frames per second, which is the kind of material we encounter daily. It is precisely at this point that the motion smoother turns out to be one of the most important features in everyday use of the television, and here the Bravia 3 performs quite well.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
Blur (BFI function enabled):
When it comes to smearing, the VA panel variant performs slightly worse than the IPS version. This is a natural characteristic of this type of panel – although VA can offer better contrast and deeper blacks, they do not cope as well with fast motion in return. In dynamic scenes, one can notice slightly greater blurring, and the image loses some sharpness.
However, this does not mean that the situation is bad. Just like in the IPS version, here we also have the "Clarity" (BFI) feature at our disposal. Turning it on at the second level does not work miracles, but it does help reduce the blurring effect and makes motion more readable. It is still a soft image, which will not be ideal for sports fans or fast-paced games, but for everyday watching of series or films, the difference with the option turned off is noticeable and may prove 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 is not a device for e-sports enthusiasts or fans of late-night marathons with a controller in hand. The lack of 120 Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 ports puts an end to that discussion before it can even begin. This is a television for casual gamers who, after work, will fire up FIFA or racing games, not for someone who measures every frame in a spreadsheet. Nevertheless, Sony has included a few nice extras so that it isn't all so bare. ALLM works as it should, automatically switching the television to game mode (low latency). There's even a simple Game Bar, which is clear and straightforward. However, the biggest curiosity here is the PlayStation Portal app. Thanks to it, you can launch games from the PS5 wirelessly and see them immediately on the television screen. It sounds great, but it only takes a few minutes to feel significant delays. In our opinion, it is more of a showcase of capabilities than something you can use on a daily basis. If someone really wants to play, it is better to connect the console with an HDMI cable and forget about wireless issues.
SONY Bravia 3 (VA) - Input lag
10/10
Here, the Bravia 3 showcases its best side. Latencies drop below 12 milliseconds in almost every resolution and mode, so the response to controller movements is instantaneous and there is no feeling of delay. The impression is that the console and the television are speaking the same language, without unnecessary stops and hesitations. The Dolby Vision Gaming mode deserves special attention. In its predecessor, the X75WL model, using this feature was simply a torment – input lag could reach over 100 milliseconds, which effectively took away the enjoyment 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
Collaboration with a computer in the case of Bravia 3 with a VA panel does not perform as well as in the version with an IPS panel. The fonts are clearly less sharp and harder to read, which is immediately noticeable when working with text. Additionally, there is the surprising issue of dithering, which we did not notice in the IPS variant. This is quite an unusual situation, but definitely worth noting, as it may bother those planning to use the television as a monitor. As for PC gaming, there is also not much cause for enthusiasm here. The lack of support for frame synchronization with graphics cards or higher refresh rates makes the screen quite unattractive in this role. Therefore, if someone is seriously considering connecting the Bravia 3 to a computer, the better choice would be the version with an IPS panel, which 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 noticeably weaker than in the version with an IPS panel. It is enough to sit slightly to the side for the image to begin to lose its saturation and clarity, and the black starts to take on a lighter shade. This is the natural price one has to pay for the significantly better contrast and deeper black, which are a clear 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 applied a satin coating here, but compared to IPS, it struggles more with direct reflections. When sharp light hits the screen, reflections can be more pronounced and may interfere with viewing. On the other hand, the television makes up for this with higher brightness. In typical daylight conditions, the image is more readable and clearer than in the version with the IPS panel. As a result, in everyday use, the Bravia 3 in the VA edition can perform even better, provided it is not placed in a heavily sunlit location.
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 greatest advantage of the Bravia 3 in everyday use is the presence of the Google TV system. It is thanks to this that we have access to one of the largest libraries of applications and streaming services, so regardless of whether someone mainly uses Netflix, Disney+ or smaller platforms, everything is within easy reach. The Google voice assistant also worked very well, responding to our commands quite "smartly". The Google TV system should theoretically operate very smoothly, as Sony has been implementing it better than many cheaper competitors for years. Unfortunately, in the case of the Bravia 3, it is not as great as we would expect. During tests, we noticed slight stutters in the interface, and some functions, such as screen mirroring, simply refused to work. One might get the impression that the processor in this model sometimes struggles to cope with the demanding system, and not everything works as smoothly as we would hope.
Classic Features
Even in the cheapest series, Sony manages to remind us of its experience with various users. The set includes two remote controls. The first is modern and minimalist, with a small number of buttons, which works great for using applications and Google TV functions. The second is a classic remote with a more extensive set of buttons and a numerical keypad, which will be especially appreciated by older individuals accustomed to traditional solutions. This is a nice gesture towards different user groups, and it must be said that Sony has solved this very practically. It is a pity, however, that compared to the X75WL model, the ability to record content from television tuners to USB memory has disappeared. The manufacturer has completely abandoned this feature, so anyone attached to it will unfortunately not 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 done a really good job. The built-in player works quickly and doesn't "grumble" when launching different formats. We didn't have to reach for external applications like VLC, as the television handled even files that can cause quite a few issues on other models – such as HEIC photos from Apple devices. It's a little thing, but one that shows the manufacturer wanted the user to feel complete convenience. By plugging in a film on a USB drive or holiday photos on an external hard drive, you can simply connect them and watch right away on the big screen. No fuss, no installing additional software, no searching for workarounds. It's truly a rarity in televisions, and we must admit that in this aspect the Bravia 3 really 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 quite a flat manner, but makes up for it with volume. It's perfect for watching classic television, as the dialogues are clear and the mid-tones are well audible. Older users, who primarily care about speech intelligibility, will particularly appreciate this type of characteristic. However, if someone expects something more from the sound, such as stronger bass or a wider soundstage, it is still worth reaching for a soundbar. The television supports modern codecs, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, so an external sound system can easily utilise their potential. This ensures that with relatively little expenditure, one can achieve a much fuller and more engaging sound.
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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