- 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 Review
BRAVIA 3 / K-(XX)S3
Available screen sizes:
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Panel type: LCD IPS Refresh rate: 60Hz Brand: SONY Resolution: 3840x2160 System: Google TV Model year: 2025
Bravia 3 is a fresh chapter in the portfolio of the Japanese manufacturer, which this season has decided to revitalise the budget television segment and replace the long-serving model X75WL. The new design does not aim to compete with flagships, but its task is to win the favour of those looking for a solid entry into the world of Sony without needing to dig deep into their wallets. Does this offer truly fulfil its role and manage to convince the discerning viewer? To find out, we have prepared this test for you.
SONY BRAVIA 3 - Our verdict
6.0
Overall rating
Sony Bravia 3 is a television that brings several important improvements over its predecessor, while remaining true to its core. The biggest change is the design – slim bezels and sturdy metal legs give it a modern appearance that fits much better in a living room than the X75WL. Improved colours thanks to the PFS filter and really good upscaling should also be noted. It is particularly in lower quality content, especially in classic SDR, that the Bravia 3 shows its best side – colours look pleasing, the image is clear, and thanks to the IPS panel, viewing angles are at a very good level. It is perfectly suited for the role of a “classic” television receiver, where the convenience of watching from different spots in the room and decent quality of everyday content matter. A huge advantage remains the Google TV system. During our tests, there were times when the interface did not always work as smoothly as we would have liked, and some features could freeze. However, despite these imperfections, the presence of Google TV is a significant plus – access to thousands of applications and a full streaming library compensates for minor shortcomings. Unfortunately, what was weak in the X75WL remains weak here as well. The IPS panel has very low contrast and does not offer local dimming, making watching films in a dark room quickly lose its appeal – black resembles grey and effectively detracts from the enjoyment of the viewing experience. Additionally, the option to record content to USB, which was available in its predecessor, has been dropped. It is hard not to notice this and not add it to the list of downsides.
So who is the Bravia 3 for? Primarily for those looking to enter the world of Sony televisions at a potentially low price and who also appreciate the Google TV system. However, it is not the most attractive option in its class – competitors in this budget can offer models with Mini-LED backlighting, whose images perform several times better in terms of contrast and HDR. Therefore, the Bravia 3 is worth keeping in mind, but mainly when a solid discount is available. At regular price, it will be very difficult to stand out against its more cost-effective rivals.
Advantages
Google TV system – a vast library of apps and services
IPS panel with good viewing angles
Enhanced colours – (91% DCI-P3 colour gamut)
Supports Dolby Vision
Good upscaling – lower quality materials look surprisingly good
Excellent input lag and ALLM mode
Very good PC compatibility – supports 4:4:4 chroma, excellent font readability
Two remote controls included – modern minimalist and classic with a numeric keypad
Very good built-in media player – supports a wide range of files, even less common ones like HEIC
Thin bezels and modern design – a significant step forward compared to X75WL
Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Disadvantages
Tragic black - IPS matrix without local dimming
Limited brightness (approx. 350 nits), the image in HDR mode is not very appealing
Issues with backlight uniformity
The Google TV system can stutter
Lack of recording function from built-in tuners to USB memory
Movies and series in UHD quality5.4
Classic TV, YouTube5.3
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)5.7
Gaming on console6.4
TV as a computer monitor6.0
Watching in bright light4.9
Utility functions6.6
Apps9.6
Sound quality6.5
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SONY BRAVIA 3 - Competing TVs in this price range
SONY BRAVIA 3 - 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
Stand type: Legs
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, there have been quite a few changes, and you can see that straight 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 resembles models from higher-end ranges. The clunky, several-centimetre frame has disappeared, and this is a change that is simply pleasing to the eye. Of course, it's not perfect. The overall construction still remains quite thick, as the plastic back cover contributes to that. If someone dreams of a super-flat device on the wall, then the Bravia 3 is unlikely to meet those expectations. However, the stand deserves praise for its clever design. Sony Bravia 3 gives us a choice – you can position the feet in a narrow position closer to the centre or in a wide position, making it easier to fit the television to the furniture. Additionally, they are metal and look really sturdy. Looking at the whole, one might get the impression that even those who have previously dismissed budget televisions for their mediocre appearance will have no reason to grimace at the Bravia 3.
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SONY BRAVIA 3 - Contrast and black detail
2.2/10
Local dimming function: No
Result
1,150:1
Result
1,150:1
Result
1,050:1
Result
1,050:1
Result
900:1
Visibility of details in the lights:
The Bravia 3 in most variants, including the 65-inch model we tested, uses an IPS panel and unfortunately, this is not the best news for those who value depth of image and true velvety blacks. This technology has its advantages, as it offers decent viewing angles, but these come at the cost of very low contrast, which is particularly noticeable during evening viewings when we expect the screen to go dark where it should. However, this is not the end of the list of problems. Our unit also exhibited noticeable unevenness in blacks, which exacerbates the effect of their shallowness. For example, in a scene with a helicopter, the blooming in the corners of the screen and pronounced vignetting are clearly visible.
It's hard not to think that even a simple local dimming system could have salvaged the situation and added a touch of drama to the image, which is lacking here. Unfortunately, Sony has decided against such a solution, and as a result, we have a repeat of last year's issues. The Bravia 3 is therefore not a television that will charm you with cinema-like black depth. At night, instead of intense blacks, we are likely to see a grey pretending to be darkness, which may disappoint more demanding viewers.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
SONY BRAVIA 3 - HDR effect quality
4.6/10
Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 91.3%, Bt.2020: 69.0%
Luminance measurements in HDR:
Result
316 nit
Result
327 nit
Result
369 nit
Result
236 nit
Result
379 nit
Bravia 3 does not hide the fact that it belongs to the group of televisions that are rather modest in terms of brightness. Our measurements showed around 370 nits, which is a value teetering on the edge of where one can still speak of any HDR effect. For some, this is an acceptable level, while for others it is rather typical for SDR content, where spectacular highlights or vivid contrasts are not expected. The impression is that this is not a television for those focused on the highest image quality in demanding cinematic content. However, this does not mean that we cannot find any advantages here. Compared to its predecessor, the X75WL, Bravia 3 has gained an additional PFS filter, which works similarly to solutions known from QLED technology. Thanks to this, the DCI-P3 colour palette has been significantly widened and reaches over 91 percent, which in practice results in more saturated colours and a more pleasing image texture. As a result, even everyday content looks somewhat livelier, and films and series can surprise with vibrant visuals, despite limitations in brightness itself.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
Bravia 3 has a challenging task ahead, 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 in practice 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 HDR productions, it quickly becomes evident that the television cannot cope with this burden. Regardless of the type of content – whether it is simpler series from streaming platforms or high-quality releases on Blu-ray discs – the picture gives the impression of being flattened, with limited contrast and 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 should dazzle with light play look surprisingly average. It is hard not to say this plainly: in terms of HDR quality, Sony Bravia 3 has little in common with the true demonstration of engineering capabilities for which the more expensive Sony models are known. It is an experience that leaves you wanting more, especially if one expects cinematic magic from equipment bearing this logo.
HDR luminance chart:
HDR luminance
Fortunately, it is not always as bad as it might seem after the first encounter with HDR. The ChooseTV 3 can improve its image when we reach for content prepared based on dynamic metadata, namely in Dolby Vision format. Of course, we shouldn't expect a sudden miracle, as in our comparisons it is difficult to say that the image in this mode dazzles, but the difference compared to static HDR10 is evident. Dolby Vision handles bright parts much better, avoiding overexposure and artificial brightening, which are particularly noticeable in HDR10 and make the screen look simply like one large bright spot. It is thanks to Dolby Vision that ChooseTV 3 can present 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+. Therefore, when watching films and series from these platforms, one can expect that ChooseTV 3 will show 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 a perfect picture, but compared to the eco mode that the television offers right out of the box, the difference is clear and positive. In film mode, one can notice a certain problem: the image appears too warm, which results from a lack of blue colour in the white balance. Despite this, in SDR content, the final effect can still be considered quite decent and satisfactory for everyday viewing. Much more serious errors occur in HDR materials. The Color Checker analysis showed considerable deviations, and poor brightness management, combined with limited colour gamut coverage, further exposes the shortcomings of the image in this mode. All of this makes HDR on the Bravia 3 appear unconvincing and can spoil the impression left by the quite decent SDR content setting. Fortunately, this is not an insurmountable situation. Various errors can be somewhat mitigated, and some can even be fully corrected through professional calibration. Therefore, we decided to check how the television would perform after such adjustments.
Color reproduction after calibration
7.5/10
The calibration allowed us to extract significantly more from the Bravia 3 than we could have expected at the beginning. Firstly, it managed to compensate for the deficiency 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 virtually disappeared. The white tones became more natural, and the brightness management in gamma stabilised to an almost ideal level, not exceeding the threshold of human perception. Thus, it can be confidently stated that in SDR content, after a few adjustments to the settings, the Bravia 3 performs remarkably well. Significantly worse, although still definitely better than before calibration, are HDR contents. The white balance was brought into order, however, the limitations of the IPS panel are insurmountable. The lack of local dimming means that even the smallest elements can be overexposed, which immediately stands out. Colour-wise, the effect is also improved, though far from perfect – 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 Bravia 3 is not a television designed to impress with HDR quality. Nevertheless, it is gratifying that in SDR content, after calibration, the image can look truly excellent, and in this category, the television pleasantly surprised us.
SONY BRAVIA 3 - Smoothness of tonal transitions
8/10
In terms of the fluidity of tonal transitions, the Bravia 3 performs really well. In brighter scenes, we did not notice any significant errors – the screen handles the blending of colours almost flawlessly and does not create artificial contours that can spoil the viewing experience. Similarly, in darker segments, there are no major issues with colour gradation, although another problem arises here. Strong brightening and uneven backlighting of the panel in dark scenes make it difficult to assess the gradation itself clearly, as the effect is spoiled by the unevenness of the image. However, when we focus solely on the blending of colours, the result should be considered very good.
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
7/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
Bravia 3 brings something more to the Sony TV family than just a shared name. It stands out primarily for 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 must be admitted that the image in lower resolutions looked surprisingly good. The scaling worked effectively, and most parts of the screen were free from the typical excessive edge tearing found in budget constructions.
Attention should also be paid to the function that improves the smoothness of tonal transitions. In the high setting, it works really well, effectively masking gradation imperfections without significant detail loss. 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 - Blur and motion smoothness
5/10
Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 60Hz
Film motion smoothing option: Yes
Blur reduction option: Yes
BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
BFI function 120Hz: No
Brightness drop with BFI: 22%
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. We are talking about the proprietary motion smoother, Motion Flow, which offers users a considerable range of adjustment options. Thanks to it, one can make the image smoother, even theatrical, or stick to a more cinematic style with the characteristic judder that many simply associate with the filmic atmosphere. These functions work with content at lower frame rates, such as films and series recorded at 24 or 30 frames per second, which are the materials we encounter on a daily basis. It is here that the motion smoother proves to be one of the most important features in everyday use of the television, and this is where the Bravia 3 performs quite well.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
Blur (BFI function enabled):
When it comes to smearing, Bravia 3 performs slightly differently than one might expect from a budget television. The IPS matrix itself does not generate excessively large smears, which is already a plus, but due to the low refresh rate, it's difficult to talk about sharpness and full readability of motion. Instead, we get an image that is rather soft, at times almost blurred, which can lose details in dynamic scenes. However, Sony provides a 'Clarity' function, or BFI, as it is otherwise known. Turning it on at level 2 may not work miracles or transform the television into sports equipment, but the effect is noticeable – motion looks a bit clearer, and blurring is less bothersome. While it may not be a spectacular improvement, for some people it may be a noticeable difference, making it worthwhile to keep this option active.
SONY BRAVIA 3 - 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 equipment for e-sports enthusiasts or fans of 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 television for casual gamers who will play FIFA or racing games after work, not for someone who measures every frame in a spreadsheet. Nevertheless, Sony has added a few nice extras to ensure it’s not too sparse. ALLM works as it should, automatically switching the television to game mode (low latency). There’s even a simple Game Bar, which is clear. However, the biggest novelty here is the PlayStation Portal app. Thanks to it, you can launch PS5 games wirelessly and view them immediately on the television screen. It sounds great, but just a few minutes is enough to feel significant lag. In our opinion, it’s more of a showcase of capabilities than something that can be used every day. If someone really wants to play, it’s better to connect the console via HDMI cable and forget about wireless issues.
SONY BRAVIA 3 - Input lag
10/10
Here, the Bravia 3 shows 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. It feels as though the console and the television are speaking the same language, without unnecessary pauses or hesitations. The Dolby Vision Gaming mode is particularly noteworthy. In its predecessor, the X75WL model, using this feature was simply a pain – input lag could exceed 100 milliseconds, which effectively spoiled the enjoyment of gaming. In the Bravia 3, this issue has been completely eliminated.
| SDR | HDR | Dolby Vision |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p60: 12 ms | 2160p60: 11 ms | 2160p60 DV: 11 ms |
| 2160p60: 12 ms |
SONY BRAVIA 3 - Compatibility with PC
6/10
Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes
Font clarity: Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes: Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 12ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement: RGB
Max refresh rate: 60Hz
G-Sync: No
The applied IPS matrix, combined with properly functioning support for chroma 4:4:4, ensures that the readability of fonts is at an excellent level. Letters appear sharp, regardless of the background colour or the content itself, so working with documents or browsing websites does not strain the eyes. In this role, the television easily deserves a very good, if not outstanding, rating, as there are not many models in this budget that perform as well. Of course, if we look at the Bravia 3 from a PC gamer’s perspective, the picture is not quite so rosy. We won't find G-SYNC or Free Sync frame synchronization with graphics cards, nor high refresh rates, so the television is not the best choice for fast-paced computer games. However, it performs excellently as a monitor for work, whether in a home office or a student room, and in this respect, it is truly hard to criticise.
SONY BRAVIA 3 - Viewing angles
6.6/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 75%
Thanks to the use of an IPS matrix, colours do not lose intensity as quickly as in the case of screens based on VA panels. Even when watching television with a larger group, when some people sit at an angle, the image remains clear and does not appear washed out. Of course, it is not at the level offered by organic OLED matrices, where the image looks identical from almost any position, but for an LCD television, the viewing angles in the Bravia 3 are among the better ones. This provides a sense of comfort and freedom, especially in larger living rooms or during family viewings, where it is difficult for everyone to find a spot directly in front of the screen.
SONY BRAVIA 3 - TV efficiency during daytime
4.9/10
Matrix coating: Satin
Reflection suppression: Good
Black levels during daytime: Good
Bravia 3 performs quite decently in the face of daylight. The satin coating on the panel effectively reduces reflections, and the colours do not lose their intensity when stronger external light hits the screen. As a result, in typical home conditions, with blinds open or in a living room with a larger window, the image maintains its clarity. However, it must be remembered that this is not a high-brightness television. Bravia 3 has no chance of competing with brighter models, so in very sunny rooms, there are moments when the screen simply does not stand out against intense light. In normal conditions, it will cope without problems, but in more challenging scenarios, one should not expect miracles.
Matrix brightness
Average luminance SDR
SONY BRAVIA 3: 337 cd/m2
SONY BRAVIA 3 - TV features
6.6/10
System: Google TV
System performance: Decent
- 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 everyday 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 within reach. The Google voice assistant also worked very well, managing to respond to our commands quite "cleverly". In theory, the Google TV system should 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 might have hoped. During testing, 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 handle the demanding system, and not everything works as smoothly as we would expect.
Classic Features
Even in the cheapest series, Sony can 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 excellently for using apps and Google TV functions. The second is a classic remote with a richer set of keys and a numeric keypad, which will be especially appreciated by older people accustomed to traditional solutions. This is a nice nod towards different user groups, and it must be acknowledged that Sony has solved this very practically. It's a pity, however, that the ability to record content from TV tuners to USB memory has disappeared compared to the X75WL model. The manufacturer has completely eliminated this function, so if someone was attached to it, they 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 - Apps
9.6/10
SONY BRAVIA 3 - 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 “complain” when launching various formats. We didn’t have to reach for external applications like VLC, as the television handled even files that can cause quite a few problems 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 have a complete sense of convenience. By plugging a film onto a USB drive or holiday photos onto an external hard drive, you can simply connect them and start watching on the big screen right away. No fuss, no installing additional software, no searching for workarounds. This is truly a rarity in televisions, and it must be admitted that in this aspect, the Bravia 3 really pleasantly surprised us.
SONY BRAVIA 3 - 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 is perfectly suited for watching classic television, as the dialogues are clear and the mid tones are easily heard. This type of characteristic will be particularly appreciated by older users who primarily value speech intelligibility. However, if someone expects something more from the sound, like 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 take advantage of their potential. This assures that with a relatively modest expense, one can achieve a much fuller and more engaging sound.
Sound Quality Test:
Acoustic Measurements
88dBC (Max)
75dBC
SONY BRAVIA 3 - 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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