If you're exploring mid-range 4K smart TVs, the Sony BRAVIA 3 Series (65-inch model) deserves a careful look. Positioned as an accessible entry into Sony’s premium picture-processing ecosystem, this model brings a mix of strengths and trade-offs. Here’s a deep dive into how it performs and whether it’s the right pick for you.
Design & Build Quality
From the moment you unpack the BRAVIA 3 Series, it strikes you as a well-constructed piece of hardware. The bezel is slim on three sides, providing a modern look that fits into living room aesthetics without dominating them. Sony’s typical understated elegance is present: matte black finish, discreet branding, and sturdy build. According to Digit’s review, the connectivity ports are all side-facing for convenient access, and the remote retains Sony’s ergonomic design.
The stand configuration on this size (65″) means you’ll need a wide enough media console — something to keep in mind for proper setup. If you choose to wall-mount, you’ll appreciate the tidy cable management and overall integration.
Picture Performance
SDR (Standard Dynamic Range)
One of the standout aspects of the BRAVIA 3 is its colour accuracy in SDR. Reviews report excellent colour fidelity out of the box: average delta error in SDR measured around 2.3, which is impressive for its price tier. For a living room with moderate lighting, the image is crisp, natural, and pleasing.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) & Black Levels
However, moving into HDR territory, the model shows its limitations. Multiple reviews highlight that brightness is modest (around ~400–450 nits in typical testing) which means HDR highlights don’t “pop” as dramatically as higher-end models. More importantly, the black levels are raised — shadows tend to appear greyish rather than deep black. For dark room movie nights this means less immersion.
Viewing Angle & Upscaling
On the positive side, the viewing angle is relatively wide for the class, making this TV a good choice when multiple viewers are seated off-axis. Upscaling of lower-resolution content is also a strong suit thanks to Sony’s image-processing engine.
Smart Platform & Features
The BRAVIA 3 comes equipped with Google TV (based on Android 12) and includes popular smart functionalities: Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay, and voice control. Digit noted the software felt “reasonably smooth” and the user interface is clean and familiar for most users.
Connectivity-wise, you get 4 HDMI ports (though only HDMI 2.0 spec, no HDMI 2.1), eARC support, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and good app support.
Gaming & Audio
From a gaming perspective, the BRAVIA 3 is decent for casual play — it supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), so consoles detect and switch to a low-lag mode automatically. But it lacks more advanced gaming features: no 120 Hz refresh rate, no VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), no HDMI 2.1 support. So if you’re a serious gamer using a PS5/Xbox Series X or a gaming PC, this might feel limiting.
On the audio front, built-in speakers are serviceable — dialogue clarity is above average — but bass is modest and for full immersive sound you’ll want a soundbar.
Also Read: Samsung 138 cm (55 inches) Crystal 4K Vista Ultra HD Smart LED TV UA55UE81AFULXL Review
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Excellent colour accuracy in SDR out of the box.
- Clean and capable smart platform with Google TV, AirPlay, Chromecast.
- Sony build quality, good upscaling and processing of content.
- Wide viewing angle for group settings.
Weaknesses
- Black levels and contrast are not deep; shadows appear greyish in dark rooms.
- HDR brightness is limited; viewing in bright ambient light or for HDR-heavy content shows compromises.
- Gaming features are basic — no 4K@120 Hz, no VRR, no HDMI 2.1 — so not ideal for hardcore gamers.
- In bright rooms with strong direct light or reflections, image can be adversely impacted.
Verdict — Is It Worth Buying?
If you’re looking for a well-rounded 65″ 4K smart TV from a premium brand and you primarily watch regular TV shows, streaming movies, sports, and occasional gaming — and you sit in a moderately lit room — then the BRAVIA 3 Series (K-65S30B) emerges as a solid choice. It offers reliability, clean processing and the smart features you’d expect from Sony, at a more accessible price point. Digit summarises nicely: “a thoughtfully engineered mid-range TV that delivers impressive colour accuracy, strong SDR performance, and a refined HDR experience.”
However, if you watch a lot of HDR movies in a dark room, care deeply about deep blacks and contrast, or are a serious gamer chasing high refresh rates and ultra-low input lag, then you may want to stretch the budget for a higher tier model (for example Sony’s Bravia 7 or 8 series) or consider competitor models with stronger hardware in those areas.
Final Thoughts
The Sony BRAVIA 3 Series 65-inch model delivers strong value in its class. Its smart platform, colour fidelity, and general usability are very good. It shines where it counts for everyday viewing. Just enter the purchase with full awareness of its limitations — especially black level and gaming features — so you can match expectations accordingly.
Disclaimer
This review is based on publicly available third-party reviews and specifications (see sources below) and reflects general performance characteristics of the Sony BRAVIA 3 Series line. Individual units may vary slightly and software updates may change performance over time. Before purchase, check the exact model number (K-65S30B in India) and confirm availability of features, warranty conditions, and local service support in your region.
Sources
- RTINGS – Sony Bravia 3 TV Review
- Consumer Reports – Sony K-65S30 TV Review
- Digit – Sony Bravia 3 65-Inch TV Review
- Tom’s Guide – Sony Bravia 3 LED TV Review
- Reddit – User feedback on Sony Bravia 3