Explore all 134 feature scores for Sony BRAVIA 3 II, organized into pros and cons.
Scores by Feature
Summary
134 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.041 (31%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.453 (40%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.423 (17%)
-
Negative 1.5-2.416 (12%)
-
Very negative below 1.51 (1%)
Pros
Sort
-
Four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 inputs stand out even against pricier Sony models. They make multiple modern consoles and a gaming PC much easier to keep connected.
-
Native 4K/120Hz support gives modern consoles smooth, responsive play on any of the four HDMI inputs. There is no higher-than-120Hz option for demanding PC players.
-
Sony’s XR processing is a consistent highlight, making mixed-quality content look more refined without obvious artificial sharpening. Its improvements cannot fully overcome the native backlight limitations.
-
Natural skin tones and restrained saturation are recurring strengths, with strong SDR accuracy even before calibration. Some settings deliberately trade precision for brighter, punchier colors.
-
News, broadcast sports and brightly colored animation look lively yet largely natural. Good out-of-box tuning and image cleanup make routine viewing a standout.
-
Game Mode is impressively responsive, even in timing-heavy PlayStation games. Lag rises substantially outside Game Mode, making external navigation feel sluggish.
-
Voices remain intelligible through action sequences and at moderate TV volumes. This is a more consistent strength than music weight or bass impact.
-
Low-resolution broadcasts, older videos and DVDs come out surprisingly sharp and well controlled. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose the Sony over less expensive alternatives.
-
The 120Hz panel and Sony’s processing earn strong praise for sports and smooth camera movement. Lab testing is more cautious about blur at 60Hz, where transitions can look smeary.
-
Natural color and fine-detail processing make ordinary shows and daytime films pleasing to watch. More critical assessments find washed-out blacks and insufficient highlight punch on the 65-inch IPS model.
-
DVDs, 720p video and compressed streams are cleaned up well without heavy sharpening halos. Very low-resolution 480p images still have unavoidable softness.
-
Compression blocks and digital noise are cleaned up while preserving a surprisingly crisp image. Very fine source detail may occasionally soften in the process.
-
Bright animated scenes and vivid daylight colors look lively, but dark saturated colors and extreme HDR highlights are harder for this panel to reproduce.
-
Google TV is generally organized, fast and stocked with popular apps and voice features. Home-screen advertising and occasional software hiccups are the main downsides.
-
The recycled-plastic remote is generally comfortable, tactile and useful. Some users would prefer a smaller body or larger setting buttons.
-
The BRAVIA 3 II wins praise for polished everyday viewing and full-featured gaming, but opinions diverge sharply on whether its plain backlight justifies Sony’s price. Dark-room performance is the recurring sticking point.
-
The XR processor makes textures, faces and object edges impressively distinct. Compressed material can lose a little fine detail during cleanup.
-
Dolby Vision improves the balance of tone and detail for streaming movies and games, with bright and dark picture modes available. Physical brightness limits still hold back the most demanding highlights.
-
Ordinary programs look bright, clear and colorful with the lights on, especially on versions with a matte screen. It is less forgiving when a bright window reflects directly in a glossy model.
-
The chassis and stand feel sturdy in some size variants, and several owners describe a premium finish. Others think the plastic back and construction are merely adequate.
-
A dedicated on-screen game menu groups VRR, black equalizer, crosshair and motion controls in one convenient place.
-
The DCI-P3 and SDR coverage are impressive for a direct-lit set, giving images pleasing variety. More demanding BT.2020 colors, especially rich blues and greens, are less complete.
-
The remote can emit a sound after a command from the TV, turning a misplaced remote into a quick search rather than an inconvenience. It is especially welcome as a small everyday convenience.
-
The tested 65-inch IPS panel holds colors reasonably well for people sitting off-center, making group viewing practical. VA-panel sizes can shift more when watched from the side.
-
The TV can switch into low-latency play automatically when a compatible console starts. That removes the need to hunt through menus before gaming.
-
Black Equalizer, crosshair overlays and related controls are practical additions for fast gameplay and shadow-heavy games.
-
Fast Game Mode response and four high-bandwidth ports are major strengths. Lab testing nevertheless finds more blur at 60Hz than the smooth 120Hz experience suggests.
-
Uniform areas are relatively clean, with little obvious blotching or vertical banding in the screen tests. Slight edge darkening remains visible on some patterns.
-
The MediaTek-powered Google TV interface feels quick and responsive in normal use. Startup and occasional heavy-use stutters are less polished.
-
The built-in app lets owners stream gameplay from a PS5 located in another room or another home. It is a convenient addition for households that share a console.
-
VRR helps match the screen to changing console and PC frame rates, reducing tears without sacrificing 120Hz input support.
-
Some sizes and reviewers find the bezels pleasingly thin and unobtrusive, while the tested 65-inch unit has a thicker, dated-looking bottom edge.
-
The absence of local dimming avoids the usual isolated halos around subtitles and highlights. The compromise is an elevated glow across larger dark areas rather than genuinely deep blacks.
-
Navigation is generally quick, and several users report smooth animation. A few occasional stutters and slower source changes keep it from being flawless.
-
The clean front and slim trim win admirers, though the heavy plastic rear and fixed wide feet strike others as old-fashioned. Appearance varies somewhat by size and region.
-
Simple Google TV navigation and accessible quick settings keep daily operation straightforward. Advanced HDMI input formats may still require manual configuration.
-
The move to a native 120Hz panel is a substantial leap over the previous 60Hz model, especially for sports and consoles.
-
Raised controls help with eyes-free operation, and the familiar layout is easy to learn. Small or closely spaced buttons can cause accidental presses.
-
Google TV supplies a wide app catalogue, including major streaming services. Access and navigation are uncomplicated, making it well suited to routine streaming.
-
Moderate and fairly loud playback stays clean without much audible breakup. The low-end extension remains limited despite that clarity.
-
Film cadence is handled cleanly without extra setup for most 24p sources. Some 25p material and selected 60p inputs need extra care or settings.
-
Cinema and Professional favor natural images, while Standard and Vivid add punch for animation or sports. Selecting a preset is worthwhile because brightness and color differ noticeably.
-
The audio return channel passes high-quality formats to a soundbar or receiver, including lossless movie soundtracks. Its downward-facing port can be fiddly after wall mounting.
-
FreeSync support joins HDMI Forum VRR to help keep fluctuating game frame rates free of visible tearing.
-
PlayStation-oriented tuning produces a polished image and automatically selects low-latency settings. Custom picture controls are more limited than on higher-end Sony sets.
-
Assembly and initial configuration are uncomplicated, with stands that slot into place and secure with screws. Large sizes still need assistance with lifting and positioning.
-
Screen sizes from 43 to 100 inches cover small rooms through giant living-room installations. Coating and panel variations make size selection more consequential than usual.
-
Sony’s dedicated app offers high-bitrate streams and IMAX-enhanced titles; free credits add appeal, while some content needs rentals or purchases.
-
Metal-topped feet generally hold the panel securely and sit confidently on a wide cabinet.
-
The built-in speakers emphasize crisp voices and can sound fuller than expected. They still lack the deep bass and cinematic scale of an external sound system.
-
The 65- and 75-inch matte screens control direct reflections well, making them appealing in bright spaces. Glossy sizes are more vulnerable to windows or lamps facing the screen.
-
Direct reflections are well controlled on the matte 65- and 75-inch versions. Glossy sizes show brighter mirror-like reflections, so placement matters.
-
Hands-free commands and Google/Gemini tools make playback and search convenient, with a hardware microphone switch for opting out.
-
Sony’s motion smoothing can reduce cinematic stutter effectively at conservative settings. Pushing it harder may add artificial trails or compromise other frame rates.
-
Modern consoles can deliver 4K gameplay at 120Hz with VRR and automatic low-latency switching. Smooth responsiveness is the standout benefit.
-
The direct-lit LCD construction carries very low risk of permanent image retention, reassuring viewers who leave static graphics on-screen.
-
The standard DC-dimmed backlight is flicker-free, a welcome trait for viewers sensitive to ordinary PWM flicker.
-
Skin tones, greens and blues retain a believable balance without the artificial saturation common to more aggressive picture presets.
-
The 100-inch version offers a huge 120Hz Sony screen with XR processing for unusually accessible money, even though its black levels trail premium alternatives.
-
Many sports and gaming sequences look strikingly smooth, but instrumented tests describe pronounced 60Hz smearing and slower dark transitions.
-
The center stays relatively clean with minimal dirty-screen patches and no obvious near-black banding. Some edge darkening and clouding remain.
-
A physical microphone switch allows hands-free listening to be disabled. Google setup can also avoid a sign-in, though most connected services are then unavailable.
-
Picture processing can preserve attractive texture in dark scenes, but the tested panel’s raised blacks make some subtle shadow gradations inaccurate.
-
The remote’s raised, tactile buttons can be located without looking, helping make the TV easier to navigate for people with limited vision.
-
Wireless headphone listening is available, including a reported simultaneous speaker-and-headphone mode with separate volume adjustment.
-
G-SYNC Compatible operation is a useful addition for gaming PCs, complementing the set’s native 120Hz panel and low Game Mode input lag.
-
Every HDMI input carries the higher-bandwidth format needed for modern 4K/120Hz devices, a rare convenience in Sony’s lineup.
-
Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG give good access to mainstream streaming formats. HDR10+ remains absent, even for services that offer it.
-
The 100-inch option creates a particularly impressive, enveloping image at an unusually accessible price for a Sony with XR processing.
-
Proper RGB and chroma 4:4:4 rendering keep Windows or PC interface text readable at both 1080p and 4K.
-
Sharing photos or videos to the TV is convenient once connected, though responsiveness can differ between static images and moving footage.
-
AirPlay, HomeKit and voice commands add convenient control from phones and compatible home devices, including power and volume.
-
The speakers can project a surprisingly broad and lively sound for their size, though the presentation remains limited by a two-channel TV layout.
-
Useful app shortcuts and a customizable button speed common tasks. A few important controls could be larger and easier to distinguish.
-
Some speakers are clear and ample for regular room listening, while lab testing found the maximum output unimpressive. Loudness depends on the volume and expectations involved.
-
SDR output handles ordinary room lighting adequately and improves on the earlier generation. It is not powerful enough to compete with brighter Mini LED sets.
-
Google sign-in is optional for basic TV use, which also removes home-screen advertising. Giving up the account means losing most of the smart features.
-
The XR processor adjusts images based on the objects in a scene, and the resulting color enhancement is regarded as impressive rather than gimmicky.
-
Ambient-light sensing can keep the image comfortable when room lighting changes. Manual brightness control is available by choosing a different energy setting.
-
The Google TV home screen offers reasonably useful suggestions alongside its familiar app and show navigation.
-
Format compatibility helps the TV work with Atmos content and compatible external sound systems. The internal two-speaker setup does not deliver true room-filling surround on its own.
-
Broad DTS compatibility is useful for disc-based films and external audio gear, especially when paired with the full eARC passthrough.
-
The Eco Dashboard offers easy access to consumption controls, though higher-performance settings trade reduced automatic dimming for greater electricity use.
-
Google TV Freeplay adds readily accessible channels without a separate antenna, a useful bonus when the TV is online.
-
Without individually driven zones, the picture does not show zone pumping or flashing around moving highlights. The entire frame brightens together instead.
-
Factory SDR colors are particularly well tuned, and HDR color mapping is mostly good despite some midtone and luminance errors.
-
Gemini voice search can help locate content in conversational language without digging through several app menus.
-
Virtual surround gives the built-in speakers a greater sense of spread than basic stereo, but it is not a substitute for separate surrounds.
-
Factory white balance is good, if slightly warm with a touch of excess red in several shades. HDR color temperature is even closer to target.
-
Accessory policies differ by market: some installations provide a stand or mount during setup without extra charge, while another unit did not include either in the box.
-
Most gradients stay reasonably smooth, though mild visible banding prevents a truly spotless result.
-
Color transitions look generally smooth, with a little banding in difficult gradients rather than major posterization.
-
Direct-lit LCD hardware carries a low projected burn-in risk and resists some aging-related panel problems. A single backlight failure could affect a large screen area.
-
Slow camera pans can show mild stutter; conservative interpolation reduces it without completely removing it.
Cons
Sort
-
Without independently controlled dimming zones, bright details and dark backgrounds cannot be optimized separately. This puts cinematic HDR and night viewing at a disadvantage against locally dimmed sets.
-
The absence of local dimming makes black-heavy scenes much less immersive, especially on the 65-inch IPS model. Even enthusiastic owners often see a higher-tier backlight as preferable for nighttime films.
-
Some rear inputs face downward and are awkward to reach after mounting, especially the eARC connection. Plugging in essential cables before hanging the set saves frustration.
-
Deep bass is consistently the weak link, with limited rumble in explosions, film scores and bass-heavy music. Speech and lighter material fare better.
-
The 65-inch IPS set struggles to deliver convincing blacks in dark rooms, where shadowy scenes can appear gray. Some other sizes or reviewers report better results, but panel differences make generalizations risky.
-
There is no HDR10+ decoding, so compatible services fall back to standard HDR10. That omission matters more because the display has limited brightness headroom.
-
The lack of local dimming leaves dark scenes flatter than on many Mini LED rivals. Some users find the contrast acceptable with room lights on, especially on regional VA-panel versions.
-
PlayStation checks found 1440p unsupported despite excellent 4K/120Hz operation. Players who specifically need that resolution should check their setup.
-
The two legs sit far apart and cannot be moved toward the center, so larger versions demand a wide media stand.
-
VESA mounting is supported, but downward and rear-facing inputs are awkward to access after installation. Connect eARC and other essential cables first.
-
Gaming audio delay has been reported through both internal speakers and a soundbar, while controller-connected headphones avoided it. This is an isolated but potentially important complaint.
-
The TV launched in several markets, but UK shoppers were specifically warned that there was no confirmed local release.
-
Four advanced-capable HDMI ports are useful, but enhanced input formats may need to be selected individually before a console can display 4K at 120Hz.
-
Moderately lit HDR scenes can look lively, but the measured output lacks the headroom to make tiny specular highlights sparkle. Opinions are more positive when judging against basic LCD sets.
-
Google TV includes on-screen ads even when personalized advertising is disabled. Basic offline setup removes them at the cost of smart functions.
-
There is no low-latency motion interpolation option, which is disappointing for players who want smoother retro games without added lag.
-
Near-black details appear raised and bright scenes can clip sharply at the panel’s peak output, reducing the intended HDR gradation.
-
A cold start can take a couple of minutes before full functionality returns, despite reasonably responsive operation afterward.
-
Bright HDR scenes can abruptly clip instead of preserving subtle gradations, while midtones remain more consistent.
-
The ATSC 1.0 tuner receives ordinary broadcasts but cannot handle the newer ATSC 3.0 4K over-the-air format.
-
An equalizer provides room for customization, but one assessment found the default tuning unpleasant enough to require several adjustments.
-
Optional strobing can reduce persistence blur, but its 120Hz flicker produces distracting duplicated images with 60fps footage.
-
Chromecast functionality can work well once the TV is discoverable. One owner had to switch networks before Android or Mac devices could find it.
-
The 65-inch version uses a matte IPS panel, while the confirmed 50-inch VA version is glossy. These changes alter contrast, off-axis performance and glare, so conclusions from one size may not transfer perfectly.
-
Fast transitions can show inverse ghosting and minor overshoot, even when most 120Hz motion looks clear. These issues are more apparent at 60Hz.
-
One regional screen showed a slight pink shift in a warm-toned game scene when viewed from the side, so important color work is better done head-on.
-
There is enough room for mainstream streaming apps, but estimates around 15–18GB usable space can feel restrictive for large app collections.
-
The tested matte 65-inch IPS panel shows substantial clouding and uneven blacks. A separate VA variant was described much more favorably, emphasizing the importance of screen size.
-
Sony’s processing can make bright objects appear clear, but genuinely small HDR highlights are too dim on the tested 65-inch panel.
-
The native 120Hz refresh delivers fluid play on current consoles. PC users seeking 144Hz, 165Hz or faster must look elsewhere.
-
Core adjustments remain useful, but higher-end Sony models offer more complete picture controls, including local-dimming and tone-mapping options.
-
The backlight maintains adequate output in ordinary and moderately bright scenes rather than delivering dramatic localized highlights.
-
Normal network speeds can remain solid even if casting devices cannot discover the TV. Switching to a mobile hotspot resolved the one reported problem.
-
Apple mirroring can be seamless on a suitable connection, but another setup failed to discover the TV on the home network. Results can depend on network configuration.
-
Chromecast and AirPlay make wireless sharing practical, but discovery failed on one home network even when ordinary Wi-Fi connectivity remained stable. A phone hotspot restored casting.
-
120Hz motion is usable but shows some pixel-transition overshoot; at 60Hz motion is substantially blurrier. Other evaluations of gaming response are more upbeat.
-
Slim feet and a clean metallic look appeal to some reviewers, but the support positions are fixed and can be inconvenient.
-
Color is already accurate in the preferred presets and can be refined further, with Calman support available. Missing granular color-management controls limit a full professional adjustment.
-
Plenty of reviewers like the Sony processing and four gaming-ready ports for the money, especially on sale. Others argue that cheaper Mini LED TVs or a closely priced BRAVIA 5 deliver better contrast.
-
Some users enjoy the natural color and refined details in Dolby Vision films. Others find HDR underwhelming because poor native contrast and limited peak output flatten highlights.
Use Cases
Best for
Sort
-
Four 4K/120Hz HDMI inputs, VRR, ALLM and PlayStation features create an unusually convenient console setup. Motion blur in 60Hz games and missing 1440p input support are the caveats.
-
All four HDMI ports support 4K/120Hz, so several consoles or a gaming PC can remain connected without repeated cable swaps. This is a distinctive feature in Sony’s range.
-
Google TV, clean SDR reproduction and Sony’s processing make mainstream streaming a strong everyday use. Darker HDR films are less convincing than on models with local dimming.
-
Smooth 120Hz motion, realistic color and effective upscaling make sport broadcasts enjoyable. For the best results, motion interpolation may need adjustment to avoid occasional artifacts.
-
With the 65- or 75-inch matte coating, daytime TV is a comfortable fit despite only moderate brightness. Glossy variants require more care about light sources facing the panel.
-
4K/120Hz, VRR and automatic PlayStation HDR optimization make games visually polished and responsive. Dark-scene limitations are still noticeable in the most demanding titles.
-
Legacy cable, SD broadcasts and 720p streams are a particularly good match for Sony’s careful upscaling and artifact cleanup.
-
A 120Hz 4K input, VRR and clear RGB text make the screen viable for PC gaming. Competitive players wanting 144Hz-plus or cleaner 60Hz motion may prefer another display.
-
In typical room lighting the blend of realistic color, convenient streaming and responsive gaming is easy to live with. It is considerably less impressive as a dedicated dark-room theater.
-
A PS5 can be streamed to this TV without moving the console, making short sessions in a second room or another home practical.
-
eARC and broad audio-format support make soundbar or receiver integration straightforward. The extra sound does not solve the panel’s weak dark-room contrast.
-
Speech is generally clear and usable for regular television, and some find the speakers surprisingly satisfying. Bass-heavy films and music benefit from an external sound system.
-
AirPlay and HomeKit offer useful ways to send media and control the set from Apple devices. One network-specific discovery problem prevents an unconditional recommendation.
-
With some lights on, the TV delivers colorful scenes without exposing black-level flaws as harshly as a dark theater does. It is a comfortable fit for a typical family space.
-
Bluetooth headphones offer a way to enjoy TV audio without disturbing others. One variant can reportedly keep speaker and headphone outputs active together.
-
Bright SDR animation looks strikingly vivid, with saturated yellows, blues and reds that make casual viewing especially enjoyable.
-
A wide group can watch the IPS-equipped 65-inch model without drastic color shifts. VA versions may look less consistent for people at the sofa ends.
-
Full HD footage looks crisp on the 4K panel, with smooth edges and pleasing detail. The results improve substantially over lower-resolution 480p material.
-
Sony’s upscaling gives DVDs a crisp, watchable presentation, avoiding most jagged or over-sharpened edges.
-
Voices and many instruments come through cleanly, but deep bass and some acoustic texture are subdued. A dedicated speaker system is preferable for critical listening.
Conditional or not ideal for
Sort
-
Acoustic and orchestral musicVoices remain articulate, but acoustic guitar detail can sound muted and the speakers lack the richness needed for layered music.
-
FPS gamingInput response is quick in Game Mode, but noticeable blur at 60Hz and some transition overshoot can soften fast-moving targets.
-
Budget-conscious buyersSony’s XR processing and complete HDMI 2.1 offering can be attractive on sale, but other models offer local dimming for considerably less. The recommendation rests heavily on the local price.
-
Movie watchingSony’s natural colors, detail enhancement and Dolby Vision can make films enjoyable in regular lighting. Dark cinema scenes expose limited contrast and subdued HDR highlights.