Sony BRAVIA 3 85" Class LED 84.6" 2024 Review

The Sony BRAVIA 3 is a giant 85-inch 4K TV that gets the basics right for a fair price. Its picture and sound are average, and the 60Hz panel limits gaming. Worth it only if you find it on sale and size is your top priority.

The Sony BRAVIA 3 is an 85-inch 4K LED TV that promises a big-screen experience without the flagship price. It's built around Sony's 4K HDR Processor X1 and Triluminos Pro tech, aiming to deliver vibrant colors and solid upscaling for everything you watch. Google TV handles the smart features, and it's got some PlayStation-friendly gaming modes, but the core pitch is simple: a massive Sony screen for under $1400.

The picture quality lands in the 43rd percentile in our database, which tells you most of the story. For movies and shows, the X1 processor does a decent job upscaling HD content, and Dolby Vision support is a nice get. But the HDR performance is just okay (58th percentile), and the audio is a clear weak spot at the 32nd percentile. For gaming, the 60Hz panel puts it in the 26th percentile—fine for casual play, but don't expect buttery-smooth 120Hz action here.

With prices swinging between $998 and $1399 depending on the vendor, the value proposition hinges entirely on the deal you find. At the low end, a grand for an 85-inch Sony is a legit steal. At the high end, creeping toward $1400, you start brushing against more advanced tech. If your main goal is sheer screen size for the dollar from a trusted brand, and you snag it near that $998 mark, it's a solid value.

This sits in a weird spot. The step-up Sony BRAVIA 5 offers Mini-LED for better contrast, and the LG OLED evo G5 (albeit smaller at 77-inch) delivers vastly superior picture quality for a higher price. Against budget champs like the Hisense U6 series, the BRAVIA 3 has the Sony processing and brand cachet, but the Hisense might offer better local dimming or brightness for similar money. It's not the best at anything, but it's a competent big-screen baseline.

Skip this if you're a serious gamer who wants 120Hz and VRR, or a home theater enthusiast chasing the best picture quality. The 60Hz panel and middling HDR performance are immediate deal-breakers for those crowds. Also, if your room is super bright, look for a TV with higher peak brightness.

Buy this if you want the biggest possible screen for your living room on a budget, you trust the Sony name for reliability and accurate color, and your usage is 90% streaming movies/TV with some casual gaming. It's a 'good enough' giant that won't break the bank.