TCL C855 vs SONY BRAVIA 3

Direct comparison

C855 / C85

BRAVIA 3 / K-(XX)S3

Info

Available screen sizes: 65”75”85”98”

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

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Panel type: LCD IPS

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2025

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

7.6

6.0

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.5

    5.4

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    7.1

    5.3

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.7

    5.7

  • Gaming on console

    8.8

    6.4

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    6.0

  • Watching in bright light

    7.4

    4.9

  • Utility functions

    6.7

    6.6

  • Apps

    9.6

    9.6

  • Sound quality

    7.2

    6.5

Advantages

  • Wide Range of Built-In Applications

  • High Contrast and Deep Blacks

  • Exceptional HDR Performance in Bright Scenes

  • Impressive Brightness Levels

  • Image Quality Comparable to Higher-End Models

  • 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

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor viewing angles

  • Poor factory colour reproduction (to be improved through calibration)

  • 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

Our verdict

The TCL C855 is a standout television in the TV market, showcasing a versatile performance across various applications and excelling in its price range. With Mini LED backlighting, the TV achieves impressive contrast and black levels, resulting in deep, vivid images. Its algorithm effectively maintains black uniformity, minimizing blooming effects, a significant advantage for viewing HDR content.

While the TCL C855 can reach brightness levels of up to 1800 nits, which is commendable, it is worth noting that brightness can significantly drop to around 200 nits when bright but small elements appear on-screen. Additionally, the mid-tone boost can compromise contrast and reduce fidelity to the director's original vision.

For gamers, the TCL C855 shines brightly, offering extremely low latency and high-quality performance thanks to its full implementation of HDMI 2.1 features. The inclusion of the Google TV operating system adds to its appeal, providing nearly limitless options for application installation, including support for APK files from outside the official store.

The TCL C855 is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile television. While it may have some drawbacks, its overall image quality, gaming performance, and advanced operating system make it a strong contender in the market.

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.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
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
Premium
Good
Stand type
stand-type-
Legs
Bezel color
Graphite
Graphite
Stand
Base adjustment
Accessories
Stand
Two remote controls, Stand

Contrast and black detail

8.6/10

2.2/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 1344 (48 x 28)

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

176,000:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

54,000:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

30,500:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

13,700:1

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

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

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

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

The TCL C855 features a high-contrast VA matrix, achieving an impressive ANSI contrast ratio of 5238:1 without dimming. This level allows for very good black levels. Furthermore, the panel incorporates multi-zone Mini LED backlighting, divided into 1344 independent dimming zones for the 65-inch model. Such a configuration yields excellent results in our tests. Notably, TCL is among the few manufacturers offering such advanced panel specifications at a reasonable price, unlike the traditional big four brands. In the majority of scenes we evaluated, the performance was impressive, particularly in the first three tests; even in the third, with a ratio of 54,000:1, the black level and contrast were far from weak, demonstrating satisfactory results. However, performance does dip in two specific scenarios: scenes with movie strips and when the screen contains many elements surrounded by black. While the last test scene maintained excellent contrast, the final scenario revealed some blooming in the blacks. A frame from the movie "Oblivion" showcased the TCL C855's capabilities, with black levels that can rival those of OLED screens—a notable achievement. The television also demonstrates commendable light separation, which is no small feat. In our flagship scene from "Sicario 2" the contrast was equally impressive, although some loss of detail in the blacks across the first, second, and third planes was evident. The backlight control algorithm effectively minimizes halo and blooming effects, which is praiseworthy. However, it's important to note that very small elements, like stars, can occasionally be completely dimmed by the TCL C855.

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.

HDR effect quality

6.6/10

4.6/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 97.0%, Bt.2020: 79.0%
DCI P3: 91.3%, Bt.2020: 69.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

1472 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

445 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

754 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

237 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

1820 nit

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

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).

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

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:

SONY BRAVIA 3

TCL C855

The TCL C855 delivers a highly varied HDR effect. At times, the television truly excels, while at other moments, it appears reminiscent of a low-end model equipped with FALD backlighting. Inconsistency is frequently found with this brand, so it didn’t come as a surprise. The first and last scenes, which feature large light elements, are nothing short of spectacular, boasting brightness levels of 1470 and 1820 nits, respectively. Such brightness can make viewers squint their eyes, allowing them to feel the extraordinary dynamism of the scene. It genuinely immerses the audience, creating a sensation of being inside the movie itself. However, the situation shifts dramatically when small or subtle elements with high luminance appear against a dark background. In these instances, the TCL C855 significantly reduces brightness to levels as low as 240 nits to mitigate halo effects. This reduction is disappointing, as it can make the movie appear as if it was not filmed in HDR. Despite these shortcomings, the HDR effect on the TCL C855 enhances the viewing experience during dynamic scenes, making it feel more engaging and allowing the viewer to feel part of the action. Even with smaller high-luminance elements, the television retains details without excessive dimming. Additionally, the TCL C855 adjusts image brightness according to scenes with rich detail, further enhancing viewing comfort.

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.

Factory color reproduction

5.2/10

5.8/10

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

The best factory mode for the TCL C855 is the "Film" setting, and all our tests were conducted using this mode. However, like many predefined modes, it has flaws that should be addressed to achieve an image closer to the producer's original vision. In our examination of the colour characteristics for both SDR and HDR materials, issues were found.

Focusing first on SDR content, there is a noticeable dominance of green in the white balance, which leads to an unpleasant greenish tint across the entire image. The gamma chart, crucial for image contrast, shows a significant deviation from the reference line marked at 2.4. Initially, there is a pronounced spike in the measured value, resulting in an over-contrasted image where details can merge into a dark blob. This condition persists for nearly 20% of the chart before it dips below the reference line, causing the image to brighten and resulting in a substantial drop in contrast.

In HDR materials, the factory mode performs somewhat better; the white balance appears more balanced overall, although the green tint resurfaces in the latter half of the spectrum. When we look at the Electro-Optical Transfer Function (EOTF) curve—unlike gamma, which reflects contrast—we identify two main errors: the darkest scenes are too dark, while the brightest ones become overexposed. This discrepancy was evident in our review of the scene from the movie "Pan," further illustrating the TCL C855's HDR performance issues.

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.

Color reproduction after calibration

6.9/10

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.

TCL, like most manufacturers, offers advanced calibration tools within its televisions. These include both 2-point and 20-point adjustments for grayscale, as well as a comprehensive colour management system. As a result, we achieved impressive results in SDR materials, bringing the image significantly closer to the reference standard. We successfully eliminated both the green tint and the gamma issue, although a slight "kink" at the very beginning of the gamma curve still persists.

In contrast, the situation with HDR materials was less favourable, as the TCL C855 did not allow for precise modelling. We were only able to make minor adjustments to the EOTF curve while significantly enhancing the overall colour accuracy. This limitation suggests that while calibration tools are effective, they may require further refinement for optimal HDR performance.

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.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9.2/10

8/10

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.

Another important aspect of assessing image quality is tonal transitions. To achieve a clean image free from posterisation effects, a television must employ highly effective algorithms for smoothing colour gradations. We must acknowledge that the algorithm used in the TCL C855, known as "Gradual Smoothing," ranks among the best we've had the opportunity to test. In nearly every scene, the performance is impressive, leaving little room for criticism. A prime example of this capability is the scene from "The Green Knight," which poses a challenge due to the multitude of fine and subtle transitions in the fog. The C855 successfully smooths out the details within this scene, allowing the viewer to fully appreciate its suspenseful atmosphere. The only instance where slight posterization is noticeable occurs in a frame from "The Green Knight," where the reds in the upper left part of the screen create a contrasting effect.

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.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.5/10

7/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
Smooth transition function
No
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.

Once again, we will take a look at the function of smoothing tonal transitions, but this time also image scaling. The latter is particularly important when watching materials of lower quality, such as some television programs or older films. We will focus on the function responsible for tonal transitions. Interestingly, just like in the scenes from the previous test where it performed excellently and smoothed out practically all the inconsistencies, here it had issues. Using the menu responsible for the operation of this function, we found that no setting—even the strongest—was helpful.

Image scaling in TCL C855 is defined as one of the best we have had the opportunity to test so far. The image is sharp, but in a way that could be described as natural to our eye. Even small, fine branches do not have jagged edges, and there is no white halo around figures, a characteristic of weaker scaling systems.

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.

Blur and motion smoothness

8/10

5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
60Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 120Hz
No
Brightness drop with BFI
51%
22%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

The maximum refresh rate you can set on the TCL C855 is 144 Hz. Naturally, this is only possible after connecting the TCL C855 TV to a very powerful PC. Otherwise, we will be operating at a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is recommended if we want to watch primarily sports or materials with a lot of motion dynamics. For those who require high image fluidity, the manufacturer has implemented a multi-stage motion smoother. It is divided into two separate sliders which control the sharpness of moving images (Motion Blur Reduction) and flicker (Flicker Reduction). Both sliders can be adjusted from 0 to 10, with each level affecting the degree of fluidity, so everyone can find their sweet spot. We present a setting that allows for slight smoothing without the soap opera effect. The matrix of the TCL C855 features a very good response time. This is particularly important since VA panels often struggle with the so-called ghosting effect, where a black halo can be observed behind a fast-moving object. where a black halo can be observed behind a fast-moving object.

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.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

4/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    No
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    No
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    No
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

The TCL C855 TV has fully-featured HDMI 2.1 ports, boasting a full bandwidth of 48 Gb/s. During our testing, we confirmed the seamless operation of all functions included in this connection standard. As highlighted, all checkboxes are illuminated in green, a feature that will undoubtedly be appreciated by gamers, whether on consoles or those using the TV as a computer monitor. Additionally, the TCL C855 supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA's G-Sync, which can be easily activated in the graphics card settings. Those with powerful configurations can feed a 144 Hz signal to the C855, which handles this effortlessly. It is also worth noting the implementation of the HGIG mode, which can be excessively bright due to the shortcomings of the "Game" mode, making proper configuration on the screen challenging. Fortunately, the TV excels with the Dolby Vision format.

TCL, as one of the pioneering manufacturers, has equipped its televisions with a special GameBar, allowing for extensive adjustment of settings "on the fly" without the need to exit the game. This feature includes options like an additional crosshair grid, black level correction, and settings designed for individuals with disabilities. The image showcases the next generation of this solution.

In summary, the TCL C855 TV is an ideal choice for those seeking a screen for all forms of electronic gaming. With comprehensive features supporting such entertainment, it provides an extremely engaging experience. It is also important to emphasise that it maintains very low input lag, regardless of the selected settings, including when using the Dolby Vision HDR format.

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.

Input lag

9.8/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
16 ms
12 ms
1080p120
7 ms
2160p60
16 ms
12 ms
2160p120
7 ms

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
11 ms
2160p120
7 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
17 ms
11 ms
2160p120 DV
9 ms

The input lag of the TCL C855 is impressively low across all scenarios. Even the most dedicated gamers will appreciate the minimal input lag of just 7 ms at demanding 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR. Furthermore, this lag remains consistent when enabling Dolby Vision HDR, which is not always the case with competing models. As such, the TCL C855 merits the highest rating and recommendation.

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.

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

6/10

Chroma 444 (max. resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, max. refresh rate)
16ms
12ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
RGB
Max refresh rate
144Hz
60Hz
G-Sync
Yes
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.

When connected to a computer as a monitor, the TCL C855 performs exceptionally well. This is largely due to its very low latency time along the mouse-eye-screen line and excellent font readability, achieved through a chroma 4:4:4 at all resolutions, including 4K@144Hz.

The subpixel layout is BGR, which does not negatively affect usage in the Windows environment. However, this situation may change when using macOS or other software that cannot adjust fonts to accommodate this subpixel layout.

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.

Viewing angles

3.5/10

6.6/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
73%
75%

A well-known drawback of VA panels without an angle coating is their poor performance regarding viewing angles. This holds true for the TCL C855, where even a slight deviation from the central axis results in noticeable image fading and colour degradation.

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.

Daytime performance

7.4/10

4.9/10

Panel finish
Glare
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Good
Black levels during daytime
Good
Good

Panel brightness

SONY BRAVIA 3: 337 cd/m2

TCL C855: 910 cd/m2

The glossy finish of the TCL C855 panel prevents it from achieving the highest rating for daytime viewing performance. However, this finish contributes to impressive black levels during the day. The high brightness in SDR material makes the actress's face stand out prominently against reflections. A downside of this panel is that light falling directly on the screen tends to "spill" rather than being contained in one area. Generally speaking, if sunlight does not directly hit the panel, the TCL C855 remains a solid choice for well-lit rooms.

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.

Panel details

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
PFS LED
Software version during testing
TV+:TVM6.0.1_926b00935_240329
6120600301
Image processor
mt5896
MT5896 2,5 GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Review TCL C855 TV Panel details
Review SONY BRAVIA 3 TV Panel details

TCL C855

SONY BRAVIA 3

TV features

6.7/10

6.6/10

  • HDMI inputs
    2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
    4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
  • Other inputs
    RCA (Chinch)
  • 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
    No
    Yes
  • Bluetooth headphones support
    Yes
    Yes
  • Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio
    Yes
    No

Smart features:

  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    No
  • Voice search
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
Review TCL C855 TV features
Review TCL C855 TV features
Review SONY BRAVIA 3 TV features
Review SONY BRAVIA 3 TV features
Review SONY BRAVIA 3 TV features

The TCL C855 operates on the Google TV platform, which offers a significant advantage over TVs with proprietary systems from other manufacturers, where installing applications from a USB drive can often be challenging or impossible. With Google TV, users can install virtually any application, whether from the official store or directly from online repositories via APK files.

This system also provides various conveniences in terms of control. Users can connect a keyboard with a touchpad, making it easier to enter queries. Additionally, thanks to integration with Google, voice control features via the remote work very well, although minor issues may occasionally arise with function translations. It's worth noting that Google TV regularly receives updates that enhance functionality and introduce new options. However, according to reports from users of older models, the software can sometimes have its off days, leading to occasional performance hiccups.

In summary, Google TV is currently one of the most popular systems on the market. Thanks to its efficient CPU, it runs very smoothly, avoiding freezing and stuttering for the majority of usage. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to fully utilise the capabilities of the TCL C855 and who appreciate the openness of the system.

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.

Apps

9.6/10

9.6/10

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
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

Playing files from USB

9.2/10

9.6/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
Yes
PNG
Yes
Yes
GIF
Yes
Yes
WebP
Yes
Yes
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
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

The default file player on the TCL C855 performs admirably with nearly all the media formats tested. Most video formats are supported, providing a versatile viewing experience. However, a notable drawback is the lack of functionality to change font colours. When it comes to photo playback, the TV handles high-resolution images well, but it is worth mentioning that it does not support Apple's HEIC or SVG file formats.

On the audio front, the TCL C855 manages to play various audio files without any issues, although it's unlikely that many users are reliant on formats like AIFF or DSD64. A significant advantage of the C855, alongside its operating system, is the ability to download alternative media players from the app store, ensuring compatibility with a wider range of file types.

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.

Sound

7.2/10

6.5/10

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

When evaluating the sound quality of the TCL C855, several key aspects come into play, such as clarity, balance, and the absence of dominant frequencies. In this case, the sound performance is commendable; it is well-balanced and does not evoke any negative sensations, providing an overall good audio experience.

For those who utilise a home theatre system, the TCL C855 supports a wide range of audio codecs, including the two most significant ones: DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos. This support ensures high sound quality, making it a suitable choice for users seeking an enhanced audio experience.

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.

Sound Quality Test

No sound test video

Acoustic Measurements

No acoustic data

88dBC (Max)

75dBC