SONY BRAVIA 3 vs LG NANO81A / NANO80A

Direct comparison

BRAVIA 3 / K-(XX)S3

Info

Available screen sizes: 43”55”65”75”85”

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”75”86”

Panel type: LCD IPS

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2025

Complete the survey to find out the result

Panel type: LCD IPS

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: WebOS

Model year: 2025

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

6.0

5.7

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    5.4

    5.1

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    5.3

    5.1

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    5.7

    5.4

  • Gaming on console

    6.4

    6.7

  • TV as a computer monitor

    6.0

    6.0

  • Watching in bright light

    4.9

    4.0

  • Utility functions

    6.6

    6.6

  • Apps

    9.6

    9.1

  • Sound quality

    6.5

    6.2

Advantages

  • Google TV system - a huge library of apps and services

  • IPS matrix with good viewing angles

  • Improved colors - (91% of the DCI-P3 color space)

  • Supports Dolby Vision

  • Good upscaling - lower quality materials look surprisingly good

  • Great input lag and ALLM mode

  • Very good compatibility with PC - supports chroma 4:4:4, excellent font readability

  • Two remotes included - a modern minimalist one and a classic one with a numeric keypad

  • Very good built-in media player - supports a wide range of files, even less common ones like HEIC

  • Slim bezels and modern look - a definite step forward compared to X75WL

  • Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

  • Wide viewing angles (IPS panel)

  • Very low input lag (around 10-12 ms)

  • Smooth webOS 2025 system

  • Intuitive Magic remote with cursor

  • Better color gamut coverage thanks to NanoCell filter

  • Excellent as a PC monitor (sharp text, Chroma 4:4:4)

  • Decent features for gamers (VRR, ALLM, HGiG)

  • Extensive calibration options and natural colors after adjustments

  • Good image processing and efficient scaling of older content

  • Noticeable bass in the sound

Disadvantages

No like
  • Tragic black - IPS panel without local dimming

  • Limited brightness (about 350 nits), image in HDR mode is not very attractive

  • Issues with backlight uniformity

  • Google TV system can stutter

  • No recording function from built-in tuners to USB memory

  • Poor black and low contrast

  • Low brightness (about 250 nits – weak for very bright rooms)

  • Panel refresh rate only 60 Hz

  • USB player without support for HEIC files and very large photos (over 20 Mpix)

Our verdict

Sony Bravia 3 is a television that brings several important improvements over its predecessor, while still staying true to its core. The biggest change is the design – slim bezels and solid metal legs make it look modern and fit much better in a living room than the X75WL. Improved colors thanks to the PFS filter and really good upscaling are also a plus. It is in lower-quality content, especially in classic SDR, that the Bravia 3 can show its best side – colors look pleasant, the image is clean, and thanks to the IPS panel, the viewing angles are at a very good level. For a role as a "classic" television receiver, where viewing comfort from different places in the room and decent quality of everyday content matters, it is virtually perfect. A huge advantage is also the Google TV system. During our tests, there were instances where the interface did not always work as smoothly as we would have liked, and some functions could freeze. However, despite these imperfections, the presence of Google TV is a huge plus – access to thousands of applications and a full streaming library compensates for the minor shortcomings. Unfortunately, what was weak in the X75WL remains weak here too. The IPS panel has very low contrast and does not offer local dimming, making watching movies in a dark room quickly lose its appeal – the black resembles gray and effectively detracts from the enjoyment of viewing. Additionally, the option to record content to USB, which was available in the predecessor, has been removed. It’s hard not to notice this and not add it to the list of cons.

So who is the Bravia 3 for? Primarily for those who want to enter the world of Sony televisions in the most affordable variant and at the same time value the Google TV system. However, it is not the most attractive option in its class – the competition in this budget can offer models with Mini-LED backlighting, whose image performs significantly better in terms of contrast and HDR. Therefore, the Bravia 3 is worth keeping in mind, but mainly when there is a solid discount. At its regular price, it will be very difficult to stand out against its more competitive rivals.

LG NANO81A is essentially a continuation of the NanoCell series, which has hardly changed over the past few years. Aside from a new operating system, a refreshed remote, and a few marketing additions, we are dealing with practically the same design that we have known for years. Thanks to the nanofilter, the TV is capable of displaying better, cleaner colors than standard budget TVs, and the IPS panel guarantees really decent viewing angles. Unfortunately, for these advantages, we pay a very weak black level and low contrast, which is immediately noticeable during nighttime viewings. Although webOS is still one of the best systems on the market, the biggest problem with the NANO81A is its price, which we simply do not understand. In 2025, this model faces enormous competition not only from brands like TCL or Hisense but... at LG itself. The model we tested earlier, QNED80A, is equipped with local dimming technology, has a brighter panel, and offers a wider color gamut. Interestingly, at the time of writing this review, the technically superior QNED80A is often much cheaper than the NANO81A. In this situation, the existence of the NanoCell model loses its meaning – unless wide viewing angles are your only priority, but in our opinion, the price you have to pay for them (at the cost of tragic blacks and a higher expenditure) is simply too high.

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
Average
Stand type
Legs
Central
Bezel color
Graphite
Graphite
Stand
Base adjustment
Fixed
Accessories
Two remote controls, Stand
Stand

Contrast and black detail

2.2/10

1.5/10

Local dimming function: No

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review SONY BRAVIA 3 Contrast and black detail

Result

1,150:1

Review SONY BRAVIA 3 Contrast and black detail

Result

1,150:1

Review SONY BRAVIA 3 Contrast and black detail

Result

1,050:1

Review SONY BRAVIA 3 Contrast and black detail

Result

1,050:1

Review SONY BRAVIA 3 Contrast and black detail

Result

900:1

Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  Contrast and black detail

Result

800:1

Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  Contrast and black detail

Result

850:1

Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  Contrast and black detail

Result

900:1

Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  Contrast and black detail

Result

900:1

Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  Contrast and black detail

Result

750:1

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.

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 truly velvety blacks. This technology has its advantages, as it offers decent viewing angles, but this comes at the cost of very low contrast, which is especially noticeable during evening screenings 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 showed noticeable inconsistencies in black levels, which exacerbate the effect of its shallowness. For example, in the scene with the helicopter, the light bleed in the corners of the screen and noticeable vignetting are clearly visible.

It’s hard not to think that even a simple local dimming system could save the situation and add a bit of drama to the picture, which is lacking here. Unfortunately, Sony did not opt for such a solution and as a result, we have a repeat of last year's performance. Bravia 3 is therefore not a television that will enchant with cinematic depth of black. At night, instead of intense black, we will rather see gray pretending to be darkness, which may disappoint more demanding viewers.

The NanoCell series, including the NANO81 model we tested, is based on an IPS panel. For anyone who has even a little knowledge about screens, this means one thing: significant problems with black levels and contrast. Our measurements are ruthless here. A result of 800:1 is, quite frankly, a tragic score. In practice, this means that what should appear on the screen as deep black looks like a dark gray blot at night. Watching dark films or series in a completely dark room will simply be torturous – the image will lose all its depth and will appear flat. If you decide to go with this model, we have one key piece of advice for you: don't watch it in complete darkness. To salvage the situation somewhat, it's best to leave a soft light on in the room, and the ideal solution would be to install an LED strip behind the television. Such wall lighting will trick your eye (this is known as simultaneous contrast) and make that grayness on the screen seem a bit darker. Nonetheless, the start of the test in terms of cinematic experiences looks bleak.

HDR effect quality

4.6/10

3.6/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 91.3%, Bt.2020: 69.0%
DCI P3: 87.6%, Bt.2020: 65.3%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review SONY BRAVIA 3 Brightness measurement

Result

316 nit

Review SONY BRAVIA 3 Brightness measurement

Result

327 nit

Review SONY BRAVIA 3 Brightness measurement

Result

369 nit

Review SONY BRAVIA 3 Brightness measurement

Result

236 nit

Review SONY BRAVIA 3 Brightness measurement

Result

379 nit

Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  Brightness measurement

Result

228 nit

Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  Brightness measurement

Result

193 nit

Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  Brightness measurement

Result

250 nit

Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  Brightness measurement

Result

168 nit

Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  Brightness measurement

Result

252 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 NANO81A / NANO80A

SONY BRAVIA 3

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 balancing on the borderline where one can still speak of any HDR effect. For some, this is an acceptable level; for others, it is rather typical for SDR materials, 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 film content. However, this does not mean that we won't find any advantages here. Compared to its predecessor, the X75WL, Bravia 3 has gained an additional PFS filter, functioning similarly to solutions known from QLED technology. Thanks to this, the DCI-P3 color gamut has been significantly expanded and reaches over 91 percent, which in practice provides more saturated colors and a more pleasant image texture. As a result, even everyday content looks a bit livelier, and movies and series can surprise with their colorful presentations, despite the limitations in brightness itself.

If you're counting on HDR in the NANO81A to bring tears to your eyes, I have to disappoint you. This TV is simply too dark to show what this format is really about. With a brightness of just 250 nits, HDR here essentially exists only on paper. In practice, during a viewing session, it's very hard to distinguish whether we're watching high dynamic range content or regular SDR – it simply lacks that "punch" of light in bright areas of the image. But, to not have all criticism, we do have a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel – and it’s quite clear. It's about color gamut coverage. Here, the NanoCell filter shows that it's not just marketing nonsense. Our measurements indicated that the coverage of the DCI-P3 space is around 88%. This is really a solid result that positions this model significantly above typical budget models based on regular white LED lights without any filters. Of course, it's still a bit lacking compared to the level of quantum dot TVs (QLED) or advanced panels with PFS filtering, but for this price range, the colors are surprisingly saturated and vibrant. It's just a shame that this low brightness doesn’t allow them to fully "spread their wings" with the Nano filter.

Factory color reproduction

5.8/10

5.3/10

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

We primarily tested the Sony Bravia 3 in movie mode, which immediately proved to be the best choice among the factory settings. The picture is not perfect, but compared to the eco mode that the TV suggests right out of the box, the difference is significant and for the better. In movie mode, one can notice a certain problem—the image seems too warm, which results from a lack of blue in the white balance. Despite this, in SDR content, the final effect can still be considered 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 color gamut coverage further exposes the shortcomings of the image in this mode. All of this makes HDR on the Bravia 3 look unconvincing and can spoil the impression left by the quite decent SDR content settings. Fortunately, this is not a situation without a solution. Various errors can be somewhat mitigated, and some can even be completely corrected through professional calibration. Therefore, we decided to check how the TV would perform after such adjustments.

For every movie fan, the natural choice in LG televisions is the Filmmaker Mode. This mode is designed to display the image as the director intended – without unnecessary "enhancements." Unfortunately, in the case of our test unit NANO81A, the factory settings left something to be desired. The main issue turned out to be white balance. Measurements showed a clear deficiency of blue color, which practically translated to many scenes having a slightly yellowish, almost "too yellow" tint. The white was not perfectly clean, which detracted from the freshness of the image. Additionally, brightness management was not ideal either – the factory-set gamma was too low. The image often appeared oversaturated, as if it had been pulled too much from the shadows, losing its naturalness and depth. Fortunately, LG, even in this relatively low price segment, does not block access to advanced settings. The calibration capabilities of this model are immense, which is a big plus for those who like to "dig around" in the menu. We decided to approach the topic in our own way and see how much we could extract from this panel with professional calibration.

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 ChooseTV 3 than we could have expected at the beginning. First and foremost, we managed to address the shortage of blue color, which previously caused a noticeable warming of the image. After a slight adjustment in white balance, most of the errors in Color Checker measurements for SDR content practically disappeared. The shades of white gained a natural quality, and brightness management in gamma stabilized to a level that is nearly perfect, not exceeding the threshold of human eye perception. Therefore, it can be confidently said that in SDR content, after a few tweaks in settings, ChooseTV 3 performs really excellently. HDR content, however, fares much worse, although it is still definitely better than before calibration. The white balance has been corrected, but 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. Color-wise, the effect has also improved, although it is 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 before that ChooseTV 3 is not a television designed to amaze with HDR quality. Nonetheless, it is gratifying that in SDR content, after calibration, the image can look really great, and in this category, the television pleasantly surprised us.

After calibrating the NANO81A, it's a completely different television. What LG offers in terms of image enhancement tools even in such an inexpensive model deserves a big plus. We were able to completely eliminate that annoying yellowing of whites and make the colors natural, juicy, and simply "true." In SDR content (such as regular TV, YouTube, or older films), the picture now looks infinitely better – it's clear, well-balanced, and no longer strains the eyes with strange hues. It's evident that this panel has considerable potential, which is simply wasted by poor presets out of the box. However, we have one serious reservation that calibration cannot fully overcome – it's about brightness management in HDR mode. The algorithm LG uses in this model is designed very conservatively. The television deliberately dims the image in HDR to avoid overexposing an already weak black from the IPS panel. The developers faced a choice: either provide more light and accept that black will turn light gray, or reduce the brightness to maintain any contrast. They chose the latter. Nevertheless, after our adjustments, watching anything on the NANO81 is significantly better.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8/10

9.3/10

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 the fluidity of tonal transitions, Bravia 3 performs really well. In brighter scenes, we did not notice any significant errors – the screen handles color blending almost perfectly and does not create artificial contours that can spoil the viewing experience. Also, in darker segments, there are no major issues with color gradation, though another problem arises here. Strong brightening and uneven backlighting of the panel in dark scenes make it difficult to unequivocally evaluate the gradation itself, as the effect is spoiled by the unevenness of the image. However, when we focus solely on color blending, the result can be considered very good.

The fluidity of tonal transitions is an element where NANO81A really shines. LG proves here that it can refine image processing algorithms even in its cheaper models. During testing, we practically did not record the phenomenon of banding, that is, the annoying "steps" visible where one color should smoothly transition into another. Everything looks incredibly natural and smooth. This is especially evident in the bright scenes from the movie Kingsman, where the backgrounds remain clean and free from digital artifacts. However, even more impressive is how the television handles the extremely challenging, dark, and foggy shots in The Revenant. Where many budget panels falter and deliver ugly splotches instead of a smooth mist, the NANO81A maintains its composure, offering very velvety transitions. The only downside is that with darker shades, you will notice the weaker blacks of this TV rather than any issues with color transitions.

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 something more to the Sony television family than just a common name. It stands out primarily for its ability to improve the quality of weaker materials thanks to the applied processor. Of course, we won't find the advanced XR chip known from more expensive models here, but it must be acknowledged that the image at a lower resolution looked surprisingly good. Scaling worked effectively, and most parts of the screen were free from the typical excessive jagged edges found in budget constructions.

The feature that enhances the fluidity of tonal transitions is also worth noting. In the high setting, it works really well, effectively masking the imperfections of gradation without significant loss of detail. It does happen that the algorithm overly smooths elements that should remain sharp – for example, faces – however, in overall terms, 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.

It often happens that cheap 4K panels mercilessly bring all the "dirt" and imperfections of lower resolution materials to light. However, in the case of the LG NANO81A, the situation is quite different. It’s a really solid performer when it comes to handling content that is far from ideal. The built-in processor does a great job with upscaling. Even older recordings look quite decent on this screen – the image is coherent, cleaned of digital noise, and simply pleasant to the eye. A big plus is the gradation reduction feature that you will find in the settings. It is exceptionally effective in combating color banding, which is a lifesaver when watching low bitrate materials, for example from some streaming services or older files from the internet. However, it is worth maintaining a certain vigilance. Since we are dealing with a less efficient chip than in LG's top models here, too aggressive an adjustment of this option can sometimes result in minor artifacts or a slight blurring of details. Despite this risk, I definitely encourage experimentation with this feature – in many cases, it can save the viewing experience and make low-quality material fully watchable.

Blur and motion smoothness

5/10

4.6/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
60Hz
60Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
No
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
No
BFI function 120Hz
No
No
Brightness drop with BFI
22%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

The fluidity of motion has never been a strong point of TVs 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. We are talking about the proprietary Motion Flow motion smoother, which offers users a lot of adjustment options. Thanks to it, one can make the image smoother, even theatrical, or stick to a more cinematic style with the characteristic stuttering that many simply associate with the film atmosphere. These features work with content at lower frame rates, such as movies and series recorded at 24 or 30 frames per second, which are the materials 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 in everyday use of the television, and here the Bravia 3 performs really well.

In terms of motion fluidity, the NANO81A unfortunately has a few drawbacks. The TV is based on a panel with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. If you're looking for perfect sharpness in dynamic football matches or fast-paced action games, you might feel somewhat unsatisfied. With such a low native refresh rate, fast-moving objects on the screen will always be a bit blurry.

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 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 wraps up the topic before it can even develop. This is a TV for casual gamers who, after work, want to fire up FIFA or racing games, not for someone who measures every frame in a spreadsheet. Nevertheless, Sony has added a few nice extras so it’s not too barren. ALLM works as it should, automatically switching the TV to game mode (low latency). We even find a simple Game Bar here that is clear. However, the biggest curiosity is the PlayStation Portal app. With it, you can launch games from PS5 wirelessly and immediately see them on the TV screen. It 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 usable on a daily basis. If someone really wants to play, it’s better to connect the console with an HDMI cable right away and forget about wireless problems.

NANO81A is unfortunately not a device designed for e-sports. The lack of support for a 120 Hz signal is a fact that users planning to purchase this model must simply come to terms with. Nevertheless, LG engineers have worked hard to squeeze the maximum capabilities out of this 60 Hz panel, offering a set of features that genuinely enhance the gaming experience. Above all, the television supports VRR technology (in the range of 48–60 Hz) and ALLM. As a result, the image remains stable and does not "tear," and the device automatically switches to low-latency mode as soon as it detects a signal from the console. Managing these settings is incredibly simple thanks to a dedicated system overlay that allows for a quick overview of parameters without leaving the game. A significant advantage is the support for the HGiG format. This solution is crucial for owners of modern consoles, as it enables the TV to correctly "understand" the intentions of game developers regarding HDR tone mapping. In practice, this helps avoid the effect of "blown out" bright spots, such as clouds or light sources, which unfortunately is a common issue in budget LCD televisions.

Input lag

10/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
12 ms
13 ms
1080p120
2160p60
12 ms
12 ms
2160p120

HDR

2160p60
11 ms
12 ms
2160p120
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
11 ms
2160p120 DV

Here, Bravia 3 shows its best side. Delays drop below 12 milliseconds almost in every resolution and mode, so the response to controller movements is instantaneous and there is no feeling of lag. It feels as if the console and the TV are speaking the same language, without any unnecessary pauses or hesitations. The Dolby Vision Gaming mode deserves special attention. In its predecessor, the X75WL model, using this feature was simply a nightmare – input lag could exceed 100 milliseconds, which effectively took away the enjoyment of gaming. In Bravia 3, this problem has been completely eliminated.

In terms of response speed, the LG NANO81A performs exceptionally well. The input lag we measured is about 12 ms. This is a very low result, which means one thing for a gamer – the delay between moving the joystick on the controller and the reaction on the screen is practically imperceptible. The television performs excellently in dynamic titles, where every millisecond matters, and in this regard, it does not fall behind significantly more expensive models.

Compatibility with PC

6/10

6/10

Chroma 444 (max. resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Very Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, max. refresh rate)
12ms
12ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RGB
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.

The applied IPS matrix, combined with properly functioning 4:4:4 chroma support, ensures that font readability is at an excellent level. Letters appear sharp, regardless of the background color or the content itself, making work with documents or browsing websites easy on the eyes. In this role, the television definitely deserves a very good rating, if not an excellent one, as few models in this budget perform as well. Of course, if we look at the Bravia 3 from a PC gamer's perspective, the picture won't be as rosy. We won't find G-SYNC or Free Sync frame synchronization with graphics cards or high refresh rates here, so for fast-paced computer games, the television is not the best choice. However, in the role of a monitor for work, whether in a home office or a student’s room, it performs excellently, and in this regard, it's really hard to criticize.

Nano81A is a really solid monitor for text work. Thanks to the IPS panel and proper implementation of Chroma 4:4:4, fonts are very clear and sharp – practically anyone will be satisfied with how this screen performs as a monitor. We only noticed one small detail that we caught with our laboratory scrutiny: vertical lines of dark text are slightly darker than those horizontal ones. However, this phenomenon is minimal enough that we decided not to deduct points for it. The ratings went down only for features typical for PC gamers – it lacks G-Sync support and high refresh rates above 60 Hz, which will be a significant drawback for those looking for a screen for fast-paced computer games.

Viewing angles

6.6/10

6.1/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
75%
66%

Thanks to the applied IPS matrix, colors do not lose intensity as quickly as with screens based on VA panels. Even when watching television in a larger group, when some people sit at an angle, the image remains clear and does not appear washed out. Of course, this is not the level offered by organic OLED matrices, where the image looks identical from almost every 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 screenings, where it is difficult for everyone to sit directly in front of the screen.

This is the moment when the LG NANO81A can finally "breathe" and make up for the points lost in the black and contrast category. Thanks to the use of an IPS panel, the viewing angles are simply very good here. This is where the tested model gains the most and clearly shows its advantage over competing televisions equipped with VA panels. In practice, this means that the image does not lose quality, even when viewed from a wide angle. This makes the NANO81A a great option for those who have a wide furniture layout in their living room or frequently watch games and movies with a larger group.

Daytime performance

4.9/10

4/10

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

Panel brightness

LG NANO81A / NANO80A : 247 cd/m2

SONY BRAVIA 3: 337 cd/m2

The Bravia 3 performs quite decently against daylight. The applied satin coating on the screen effectively reduces reflections, and colors do not lose their intensity when stronger light from outside hits the screen. As a result, in typical home conditions, with the blinds open or in a living room with a larger window, the image maintains its readability. However, it is important to remember that this is not a high-brightness television. The Bravia 3 has no chance of competing with brighter models, so in very sunlit rooms, there are moments when the screen simply cannot compete with the intense light. Under normal conditions, it handles well, but in more challenging scenarios, one should not expect miracles.

NANO81A is a relatively dark television, so it works best in rooms where you have control over the lighting. With a brightness reaching around 250 nits, it is hard to recommend it wholeheartedly for very bright, heavily sunlit living rooms – under such conditions, the image will simply lack punch. Nevertheless, LG deserves a small plus for the screen finish. The satin panel used here dampens reflections quite decently. As a result, even if there is a bit of light in the room, you won't see reflections of every detail from your surroundings on the screen. So, if you can slightly close the blinds, a daytime viewing experience will be quite possible, but this model was simply not designed to "fight" against full sunlight.

Panel details

Backlight Type
PFS LED
White 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 TV Panel details
Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A TV Panel details
Review SONY BRAVIA 3 TV Panel details
Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A TV Panel details

SONY BRAVIA 3

LG NANO81A / NANO80A

TV features

6.6/10

6.6/10

  • 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 TV features
Review SONY BRAVIA 3 TV features
Review SONY BRAVIA 3 TV features
Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  TV features
Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  TV features
Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  TV features
Review LG NANO81A / NANO80A  TV features

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 applications and streaming services, so regardless of whether someone mainly uses Netflix, Disney+, or smaller platforms, everything is at their fingertips. The Google Assistant also worked very well, as it was able to respond to our commands quite "smartly." The Google TV system in theory should work very smoothly because 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 testing, we noticed slight stutters in the interface, and some functions, such as screen mirroring, simply refused to cooperate. One could get the impression that the processor in this model sometimes struggles with the demanding system, and not everything works as smoothly as we would hope.

Classic Features

Sony, even in the cheapest series, manages to remind us of its experience with various users. In the set, we find as many as two remotes. The first is modern and minimalist, with a small number of buttons, which works great when using applications and Google TV functions. The second is a classic remote with a richer set of keys and a numeric keypad, which will be appreciated especially by older people accustomed to traditional solutions. This is a nice nod to different user groups, and it must be admitted that Sony handled this very practically. It is a pity, however, that compared to the X75WL model, the ability to record content from TV tuners to USB memory has disappeared. The manufacturer has completely eliminated this feature, so if someone was attached to it, they will unfortunately not find it in the Bravia 3.

Smart Features: WebOS

One of the biggest advantages of the NANO81A model is its “brain,” which is the operating system. LG has implemented a full-fledged WebOS version for 2025, which in terms of fluidity and user experience is on par with the more expensive models of this brand. Applications launch smoothly, and navigating the menu is a pure pleasure – there is no sign of irritating lags that often occur with budget competitors. All of this is thanks to the unique remote control with a pointer (cursor) function, which has undergone a visual makeover this year. The manufacturer has opted for minimalism – the new Magic remote is significantly smaller and more ergonomic than its predecessors. It sits perfectly in the hand, but this change has a downside as well. The physical number pad has completely disappeared from the casing. For younger users, accustomed to streaming and selecting tiles, this will not be a problem. However, older household members, who are used to entering channel numbers from memory, will have to change their long-standing habits.

Everyday Use

In terms of features we would call “classic,” the NANO81A relies on proven standards. It is not a multimedia powerhouse that will surprise you with exotic additions, but it performs flawlessly in everyday television tasks. The handling of traditional terrestrial or cable television, including the old good Teletext, is correct and intuitive. Wireless communication also deserves praise. The Bluetooth module works very reliably, allowing for quick and stable connections to game console controllers or wireless headphones and speakers. It’s simply a TV that “works” – it is stable, predictable, and does not create unnecessary complications in daily use.

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
No
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 really did a great job. The built-in player works quickly and doesn't "struggle" when launching various formats. We didn't need to reach for external applications like VLC because the television handled even files that can cause a lot of 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 sense of complete convenience. By plugging a movie onto a USB stick or photos from vacation onto an external drive, you can simply connect them and watch immediately on the big screen. No fussing, no installing additional software, no searching for workarounds. This is really rare in televisions, and it must be admitted that in this aspect, the Bravia 3 pleasantly surprised us.

Many users still use their own USB drives to display movies or photos on the big screen. In this regard, the NANO81A performs quite decently – the built-in player supports a wide range of video and audio codecs, so most movie libraries will start up "right away." However, it is important to remember the specifics of the WebOS system. Since it is a closed environment, we are limited to what the manufacturer has prepared for us. There is no possibility of installing alternative players (like the popular VLC), so if the system player cannot handle something, there is not much that can be done about it. During tests, we encountered a few specific limitations. Above all, there is a lack of support for HEIC files. If you take photos with an iPhone and want to view them directly from the USB drive, the TV simply will not see them – it's worth changing the format to JPG on your phone right away. We also noticed that the player has difficulty processing very large graphic files. Photos with a resolution of around 20–28 Mpix may not load or cause system errors. Aside from these exceptions, daily multimedia handling is hassle-free.

Sound

6.5/10

6.2/10

  • 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
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
    Yes
    No

Bravia 3 sounds quite flat, but makes up for it with volume. It is excellent for watching traditional television, as the dialogues are clear and the mid-tones are easily audible. This type of sound profile will be especially appreciated by older users, who primarily care about speech intelligibility. 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 TV 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 small expenditure, one can achieve a much fuller and more engaging sound.

When it comes to audio, the LG NANO81A pleasantly surprises compared to its higher-positioned sibling, the QNED80A model. Interestingly, NanoCell sounds slightly better, which is likely due to its somewhat thicker casing. The increased volume allows for the extraction of some low-end nuances – the bass may not be powerful, but it is more distinctly defined than in thinner constructions. However, one shouldn't expect miracles. It is still a standard 2.0 speaker arrangement with a total power of 20 W, so the overall sound characteristics remain similar to other models in this price range. The mid and high tones are acceptable, making dialogues in movies and news programs clear. While this slight improvement in the lower registers is pleasing, for true home cinema or music listening, it is still worth considering the purchase of at least a simple soundbar.

Sound Quality Test

Acoustic Measurements

88dBC (Max)

75dBC

81dBC (Max)

75dBC