- 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 decided to refresh the segment of the most affordable televisions and replace the aging model X75WL. The new design does not aim to compete with flagship models, but its task is to win the favor of those looking for a solid entry into the world of Sony without the need to reach deep into their wallets. Does this proposal indeed fulfill its role and manage to convince the demanding viewer? To find out, we 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 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.
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
Disadvantages
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
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. In relation to its predecessor, the X75WL, there have been quite a few changes, and you can see it right away. The frames around the screen have finally become narrow and slim, which makes the television no longer look like equipment from a decade ago, but resembles models from higher tiers. The clunky, several-centimeter bezel has disappeared, and that's a change that simply pleases the eye. Of course, it's not perfect. The overall construction still remains quite thick, as the plastic back cover does its part. If someone dreams of a super-slim device on the wall, the Bravia 3 will likely not meet those expectations. However, the base deserves praise for its clever design. Sony Bravia 3 gives us a choice – you can set the feet in a narrow position closer to the center or in a wide position, making it easier to fit the television to the furniture. Additionally, they are metal and look really solid. Looking at the whole thing, one could get the impression that even those who have so far dismissed budget televisions for their lackluster appearance won't have a reason to grimace with 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:
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.
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 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.
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 heritage of a brand associated with some of the best screens on the market, and on the other hand, it is practically the cheapest representative of this family. Expectations are therefore high, especially given the Sony logo on the casing. Unfortunately, when we reach for the first productions in HDR, it quickly becomes apparent that the television cannot bear this weight. Regardless of the type of content – whether it's simpler series from streaming platforms or high-quality releases on Blu-ray discs – the image feels flat, with limited contrast and a lack of true depth. Details in the brighter parts of the screen often disappear, as if they have simply been burned out, and scenes that are supposed to dazzle with light effects look surprisingly average. It is hard not to say this outright: in terms of HDR quality, Sony Bravia 3 has little to do with the true showcase of engineering capabilities that the more expensive Sony models are known for. It is an experience that leaves a sense of dissatisfaction, especially if someone expects the cinematic magic from a device with this logo.
HDR luminance chart:
HDR luminance
Fortunately, it's not always as bad as it might seem after the first contact with HDR. The Bravia 3 can enhance its capabilities when we reach for content prepared based on dynamic metadata, that is, in Dolby Vision format. Of course, one should not expect a sudden miracle, as in our comparisons it's hard to say that the image in this mode dazzles, however, the difference compared to static HDR10 is clear. Dolby Vision handles bright areas much better, avoiding overexposure and artificial brightening that are particularly noticeable in HDR10 and make the screen look like one big bright spot. It is thanks to Dolby Vision that the Bravia 3 can present at least a semblance of a more attractive image, allowing for a greater appreciation of more natural transitions and the retention of some details that get lost forever in static HDR. Fortunately, this is currently the most popular dynamic format, supported by all major streaming services, including Netflix and Disney+. Thus, when watching movies and series from these platforms, one can expect the Bravia 3 to showcase its better, more colorful side.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: Dolby Vision
Factory color reproduction
5.8/10
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
7.5/10
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.
SONY BRAVIA 3 - Smoothness of tonal transitions
8/10
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
7/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
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.
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 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.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
Blur (BFI function enabled):
When it comes to smudging, the Bravia 3 performs somewhat differently than one might expect from a budget television. The IPS panel itself does not generate excessively large smudges, which is already a plus, but due to the low refresh rate, it's hard to talk about sharpness and full readability of motion. Instead, we get an image that is rather soft, at times even blurry, which can lose details in dynamic scenes. However, Sony provides a "Clarity" feature, also known as BFI. Turning it on at level 2 may not work wonders and does not transform the television into sports equipment, but the effect is noticeable – motion appears a bit clearer, and blurriness is less bothersome. While it may not be a spectacular improvement, it could be a significant enough difference for some people that it's worth keeping 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 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.
SONY BRAVIA 3 - Input lag
10/10
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.
| 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 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.
SONY BRAVIA 3 - Viewing angles
6.6/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 75%
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.
SONY BRAVIA 3 - TV efficiency during daytime
4.9/10
Matrix coating: Satin
Reflection suppression: Good
Black levels during daytime: Good
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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:
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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