Author: Ashwini Karela
The new Sony BRAVIA 3 55″ aims to make an impact in the crowded 55-inch smart TV market. With a 4K Ultra HD panel, AI-powered processor, and smart features built in, it looks promising. But how well does it deliver in real-world use? In this review, I’ll walk you through design, performance, smart features, advantages, drawbacks and whether it’s worth your money.
Design & Build
At 55 inches, the BRAVIA 3 brings a good screen size for a medium-sized room. The build quality feels solid. According to the official product page from Sony, the TV features a “Flush Surface” design to minimise bezels and maximise screen area. The bezels on three sides are narrow and the overall styling is sleek and minimal. The ports are easily accessible, making installation and connectivity simpler. The packaging includes the TV unit, an eco-remote, cables and manual.
In short: it’s visually pleasing and fits modern living-room aesthetics. If you care about looks as much as performance, this model doesn’t disappoint.
Picture Quality & Performance
The BRAVIA 3 uses a 4K (3840×2160) display and supports HDR formats such as HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision. The TV also uses Sony’s 4K HDR Processor X1 and Triluminos Pro colour technology to deliver sharper details and richer colours.
In tests, the panel produced excellent colour accuracy in SDR mode. One review recorded a delta error of just ~2.3 for SDR. That means everyday content — streaming shows, normal TV broadcast — looked very natural and pleasing.
However, there are trade-offs. The same tests found the peak HDR brightness to be modest, which means the “pop” of HDR highlights is less than what you’d get in premium models. Also, black levels were found to be weak: in dark scenes the blacks looked more like dark grey.
So if your room is brightly lit and you watch a lot of regular content, you’ll find this TV performs well. But if you are after a deep-contrast cinematic experience in a dark room, you may feel some limitation.
Smart Features & Connectivity
The BRAVIA 3 comes with Google TV as the smart platform, which means you get access to a wide range of apps, voice control, built-in Chromecast and AirPlay support. The software felt smooth in use, with good navigation and minimal lag in switching between apps. According to a review, the TV didn’t feel slow.
Connectivity wise, the model offers multiple HDMI ports (4 ports), USB ports, WiFi, Bluetooth and morningThe audio supports Dolby Atmos and the speaker setup is decent for everyday use though not audiophile grade.
The bottom line: you get a modern smart TV experience, which should satisfy most users — streaming, Chromecast, voice search all there.
Gaming & Use in Different Settings
If you plan to use the TV for gaming, especially with a next-gen console like a PlayStation or an Xbox, you should know the BRAVIA 3 is limited in certain respects. It supports 4K at 60Hz but does not support higher refresh rates like 120Hz, nor does it include VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) features. Also, pixel response times are not as fast, so motion blur may appear in fast moving sequences.
For general gaming and casual play, however, it should be acceptable. Its input lag is low enough for normal usage, but serious gamers will likely prefer a model with full HDMI 2.1 support and 4K @ 120Hz.
In a bright room, the TV performs reasonably well, thanks to its decent SDR brightness. For darker rooms or home-theatre setups, the weaker black levels may become noticeable. The wide viewing angle is a plus for group viewing.
Value & Verdict
As a 55-inch smart 4K TV from a premium brand, the BRAVIA 3 sits in a competitive space. According to listings in India, the 55-inch model (K-55S30B) was available at around ₹67,990 in one online offer. When you compare features, the accurate colours and smart platform are strong advantages.
On the flip side, some review commentary points to limitations: lower HDR brightness, no local dimming, weaker contrast. For example:
“The TV’s terrible black levels means blacks look gray at all times.”
If you value brand reliability, smart features, and natural colour accuracy, this is a solid option. But if you’re chasing maximum HDR impact, deep cinematic blacks or high-end gaming, then you might need to spend more for those extras.
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros:
- Excellent colour accuracy for everyday use.
- Strong smart TV platform (Google TV) with modern connectivity.
- Trustworthy brand, good build quality.
- Good size (55″) for medium living rooms.
Cons:
- HDR brightness is limited — less highlight “pop”.
- Black levels and contrast are under-whelming for dark rooms.
- No high refresh rate (120Hz) or VRR, limiting advanced gaming.
- Among competitors you may get more value if you sacrifice brand name.
