Thats the spirit of the all-newSonyBravia 3, this years most affordable model in the Bravia TV lineup.
As an entry-level set, the Bravia 3 isnt overflowing with features, nor is it dripping with style.
Nevertheless, I do appreciate the Bravia 3.
But before you settle down with Sonys entry-level Bravia, its important to put it into perspective.
As mentioned, the Bravia 3 is the entry-level option in Sonys Bravia lineup.
Its available in six size options ranging from 43 to 85 inches.
According to our tests, our review unit a 43-inch Bravia 3 we purchased ourselves features an IPS-style display.
Not sure which size TV you need?
Check out our What TV size should you buy?
The Bravia 3 is no different: Its pretty much just a black rectangle on feet.
Thats not necessarily a mark against it, though, unless you were expecting a red-carpet rollout.
In other words, you might get a sleeker-looking TV at this price point.
The only other noteworthy aspect of the Bravia 3s design is the positioning of its feet.
You neednt look for HDMI 2.1 inputs as the Bravia 3 has none.
With an ATSC 3.0 tuner, broadcasts in ultra-high definition will meet the Bravia 3s 4K resolution.
Our benchmarks include technical and subjective tests designed to rate the sets performance.
We also use a Leo Bodnar 4K Input Lag Tester for determining the TVs gaming prowess.
What do I mean by pretty good?
(Sorry, Insignia.)
This measurement determines perceptible color error with a lower number being better.
It also offers exceptional color volume for its class.
Thats mighty impressive compared to just the 84% measurement we pulled from the Samsung Q60D.
It even edges out the U7N, which measures in at around 93%.
Its not all good news, unfortunately.
The Bravia 3s Achilles heel is its overall dimness, especially when compared to similarly priced TVs.
According to our test results, it never gets much brighter than about 450 nits, even in HDR.
It just doesnt stand a chance.
That the Bravia 3 lacks any sort of local dimming only adds to the TVs contrast-related woes.
Imagine a brightly lit spacecraft moving through starfield in a science fiction movie.
The deep, dark, vastness of space appears gray and shallow.
This was precisely my experience while watching some of the early space travel sequences in Interstellar.
Lets do a few thought experiments.
If you spend $100 less on theHisenseU7N, youll get far better brightness and overall contrast.
A 10% HDR window on Hisenses mid-range Mini-LED produces over 1,000 nits of brightness.
Both of these TVs one significantly cheaper and another priced fifty bucks higher feature Mini-LEDs and local dimming capabilities.
The Bravia 3 passes the eye test.
Its colors are accurate out of the box, and it presents content cleanly, regardless of resolution.
Once again, its worth noting that we were quite impressed with the Hisense U7Ns on-board audio.
This is another area in which the Bravia 3 isnt quite up to snuff.
Google TV is snappy and integrates well with Sonys selection of prefs menus.
It also offers a vast library of downloadable apps including all of the best streaming services.
Itd be nice if Sony followed suit.
