In the modern TV landscape, size matters, and few displays make a statement as forcefully as an 85-inch model. The Sony BRAVIA 3 Series enters this massive screen segment as the entry point into Sony’s 2024 lineup, promising a colossal cinematic experience fueled by the company’s renowned image processing technology, all while attempting to maintain an accessible price point.
This Sony BRAVIA 3 Series 85 Inch TV is clearly aimed at the mainstream consumer looking to upgrade their living room to a true home theatre scale. But in a fiercely competitive market, where budget TV brands offer more advanced panel technologies, the question remains: does this Sony BRAVIA TV deliver enough performance and future-proofing to justify its massive footprint and your investment? Let’s unwind this!
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The Processor Powerhouse: Color, Clarity, and Upscaling
At the heart of Sony’s picture philosophy, even in its entry-level sets, is processing, and the BRAVIA 3 Series leans heavily on the proven 4K HDR Processor X1. This technology is arguably the TV’s greatest asset, tasked with taking standard and high-definition content and intelligently upscaling it to near-4K resolution, a critical function on an 85-inch display where any flaw is magnified.
The X1 processor works in tandem with TRILUMINOS PRO technology to enhance color reproduction, resulting in a notably wider, more vibrant palette that maintains a natural, cinematic look, which is a signature Sony trait. The set supports major HDR formats, including HDR10, HLG, and the high-quality Dolby Vision.
This combination ensures that this Sony 85 inch TV excels at delivering a satisfyingly sharp and colorful viewing experience for general movie watching and streaming, consistently outperforming many non-branded competitors in picture accuracy and image cleanliness.
Also Read: 2 Best Samsung 55 inch Crystal UHD 4k Smart TVs: Know Which is Best for You?
The Performance Compromise: Panel Technology and The Gaming Question
While the size and processing are premium, the BRAVIA 3 Series employs a more basic panel technology to achieve its budget-conscious price tag. It utilises a Direct LED backlight with Frame Dimming, which means it lacks the crucial Local Dimming zones found in mid-range and premium models. Expert analysis indicates this leads to weaker black level performance, where dark scenes can appear washed out or exhibit a noticeable “halo” effect, particularly when viewing in a dark environment, where blacks appear closer to very dark blue.
Furthermore, for the growing segment of console gamers, the Sony TV presents a significant compromise: its native refresh rate is 60Hz. While it includes desirable features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Auto HDR Tone Mapping for the PlayStation 5, the absence of 120Hz support and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) means the TV cannot display the highest frame rates or smoothest motion supported by the latest consoles. This firmly positions the 85-inch BRAVIA 3 as a great option for casual gamers and cinematic enjoyment, but not for competitive or high-performance gaming.
Ecosystem and Value: Google TV and Competitive Pricing
This Sony BRAVIA TV delivers on the modern smart TV experience through the Google TV operating system, a robust platform that offers extensive app support, intuitive content curation, and seamless integration with other smart home devices. The inclusion of built-in Chromecast and support for Apple AirPlay ensures broad compatibility across different mobile ecosystems. A practical highlight is the hands-free Google Assistant functionality, allowing users to control the massive display and connected smart home devices using only voice commands.
Read This: Google TV vs. Tizen vs. webOS: Which Smart TV Ecosystem is Best for Indian OTT Bingers?
From a value perspective, the TV’s key selling point is its size-to-brand ratio. Sony has successfully created a product that brings an 85-inch screen under the esteemed BRAVIA umbrella at a price point significantly lower than its Mini-LED or OLED siblings (the BRAVIA 7, 8, and 9 Series). While competing budget brands might offer better panel specs like local dimming for a similar price in a slightly smaller size, the BRAVIA 3 targets the consumer who values the Sony pedigree, specifically its picture processing and reliable Google TV integration, above all else in a colossal format.
