Amanda Brown
Active member
Catalogs Hide
- 1 First Impressions
- 2 Introduce
- 3 System
- 4 Display
- 5 Audio
- 6 Features
- 7 Connectivity
- 8 User Feedback
First Impressions
The TV is very reminiscent of theSony A80K/A80CK OLED, with a basic design that looks good overall.The back of the TV is made entirely of plastic and has the familiar checkerboard pattern similar to many other Sony TVs. The inputs are on the far left side of the TV when facing the front, but theyre in a recessed cutout, so theyre a bit hard to reach if you have the TV mounted flush to the wall. Clips on the feet can be used to help withcable management.
The TV has decent build quality overall. Its mostly made of plastic, so its light and feels a bit cheap, but the two metal feet hold the TV well enough that there are no major issues with stability. The build quality is nothing special, but there's no issue with quality control, which is great.
Introduce
| Parameter | Sony Bravia 3 |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | $528 |
Model Year | 2024 |
Specific Uses | Entertainment |
Built-In Media | Power Cable, Remote Control, Stand, Manuals |
Highlight | • Display Size: 50 inches • Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K Ultra HD) • Refresh Rate: 60Hz • HDR Support: Yes, with Dolby Vision • Audio Support: Dolby Atmos • Smart TV Platform: Google TV with Google Assistant • Streaming Services: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube • Special Features: Sony Pictures CORE (5 free movie credits, 12-month subscription) • Imaging Technology: 4K HDR Processor X1, Triluminos Pro, 4K X-Reality PRO • Speaker Technology: X-Balanced Speaker • Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
System
| Parameter | Sony Bravia 3 |
|---|---|
Operating System | Google TV |
Internet Applications | Prime Video, Hulu Plus, Netflix, Max, Disney+, YouTube, Sony Pictures CORE, Google TV |
Controller Type | Remote Control |
Control Method | Remote |
System Experience | Overall Impression: The Sony BRAVIA 3 offers a user-friendly experience with its smooth Google TV interface, enhanced by a wide selection of apps for easy content access. Its built-in AirPlay 2 and Chromecast capabilities facilitate convenient content casting, and the option to play videos directly from a USB stick adds to its versatility. However, the presence of non-removable ads in the smart interface may detract from the overall viewing experience for some users. |
Display
| Parameter | Sony Bravia 3 |
|---|---|
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Display Technology | LED |
Screen Finish | Flat |
Has Color Screen | Yes |
Resolution | 4K |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
HDR Format | HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
Backlight Technology | LED |
Backlight Setting | Dimming |
Backlight Configuration | Direct-Lit |
Picture Enhancement | 4K HDR Processor X1, 4K X-Reality Pro, Triluminos Pro |
Motion Enhancement | Motionflow XR 240 |
Viewing Experience | The Sony BRAVIA 3 presents a mixed overall impression, primarily due to its lack of local dimming, which severely impacts its contrast levels. The display struggles with raised blacks that appear gray, diminishing the viewing experience in darker scenes. While the HDR color gamut is commendable, the colors tend to be undersaturated and inaccurate, particularly in the DCI-P3 and Rec. 2020 color spaces. The gray uniformity is generally very good, though some dark areas exhibit a bluish cloudiness. The viewing angle is decent, allowing for somewhat consistent image quality across a wider seating arrangement, but colors do wash out when viewed off-center. Reflection handling is satisfactory for indirect light but can be distracting with direct reflections. Overall, while it has some strengths, the significant weaknesses in contrast and color accuracy detract from its performance. |
Audio
| Parameter | Sony Bravia 3 |
|---|---|
Surround Sound | Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos |
Audio Output | Surround |
Audio Input | HDMI |
Speaker Description | X-Balanced Speakers |
Speaker Output Power | 20 Watts |
Audio Experience | Overall Impression: The TV offers decent sound quality with clear dialogue at moderate listening levels, making it suitable for quiet environments. However, it lacks bass and struggles with balance at higher volumes, leading to noticeable distortion. The sound performance is best experienced at lower volumes to avoid degradation, which may limit its appeal in louder settings. |
Features
| Parameter | Sony Bravia 3 |
|---|---|
Video Encoding | HEVC (H.265), H.264 |
Compatible Devices | PlayStation 5 |
Tuner Type | ATSC |
D x W x H | 10.63"D x 44.13"W x 28.13"H |
Mount Standard | 200 x 200 mm |
Power Consumption | 134 Watts |
Line Voltage | 110 VAC 60 Hz |
Other Features | Exclusive features for the PlayStation 5, TRILUMINOS Pro, Google TV with Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, 4K X-Reality™ PRO, Game Menu, Minimal Flush Surface bezel, Sony Pictures CORE (5 credits/12 months streaming) |
Motion Smoothing | Overall, the Sony BRAVIA 3 excels in enhancing low-quality content, effectively smoothing out artifacts while maintaining detail. It features a flicker-free experience across all picture modes and brightness levels, which is a significant advantage. However, its response time is only decent, resulting in noticeable blur during fast-moving scenes. While the optional motion interpolation feature aims to improve clarity, it falls short, producing artifacts and haloing, especially in faster scenes. Overall, the TV demonstrates strong performance in specific areas but faces challenges in motion handling. |
Connectivity
| Parameter | Sony Bravia 3 |
|---|---|
Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
Screen Mirroring | AirPlay 2, Google Cast |
Wireless Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Usb Ports | 2 |
USB2.0 Ports | 1 |
USB3.0 Ports | 1 |
HDMI Ports | 4 |
Connector Type | USB, RS232C, Optical, Ethernet, HDMI |
Sharing Direction | Mobile to TV |
Hardware Interface | USB, HDMI |
Connecting TV | The Sony BRAVIA 3 is a gaming-friendly 60Hz TV that excels in providing an incredibly responsive experience with low input lag, particularly in Game Mode and Graphics Mode. It features Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), ensuring automatic optimization for gaming when a console is detected. However, it is limited to 4k @ 60Hz and does not support 1440p. The TV also comes with HDMI 2.0 bandwidth across all ports, supports Dolby Vision for enhanced picture quality, and includes an ATSC 3.0 tuner for 4k over-the-air content. Additionally, it offers eARC support for high-quality audio output, although it lacks compatibility with DTS formats commonly found on Blu-rays. Overall, the Sony BRAVIA 3 is designed with gamers in mind, delivering a solid performance for gaming and streaming purposes. |
User Feedback
Pros• Exceptional picture quality with vibrant colors and sharp details
• Impressive 4K resolution and HDR support for enhanced viewing experience
• Solid sound quality for a flat-screen TV, with clear dialogue
• User-friendly setup process, no technical expertise required
• Intuitive Google TV interface with seamless app integration and voice control
• Sturdy build quality and premium design with slim bezels
• Suitable for mid-sized rooms, providing an immersive viewing experience
Cons
• Higher price point compared to some other brands
• Built-in speakers may not provide room-filling sound for audiophiles
• May require an external sound system for a more immersive audio experience
Overall Impression
The Sony Bravia 3 50-inch TV is a remarkable choice for those seeking a high-quality viewing experience. With its stunning picture quality, solid sound, and user-friendly smart features, it stands out in the competitive TV market. While it comes at a premium price, the performance and durability justify the investment, making it a worthwhile option for casual viewers and entertainment enthusiasts alike.
