Sony’s BRAVIA 3 series has always been positioned as an affordable entry point into Sony’s 4K TV lineup, focusing on reliable picture quality, Google TV integration, and Sony’s trusted image processing. However, with the introduction of the Sony BRAVIA 3 II, Sony appears to be pushing this lineup into a much more premium direction.
Compared to the original Sony BRAVIA 3, the new BRAVIA 3 II introduces several major upgrades, including a native 120Hz panel, HDMI 2.1 gaming support, and the far more advanced XR Processor. So the big question is: does the BRAVIA 3 II represent a true next-generation upgrade over the BRAVIA 3, or are the improvements smaller than they appear on paper?
In this article, we’ll compare the Sony BRAVIA 3 II vs BRAVIA 3 in detail and help you decide which one is the better TV for your needs.
Sony BRAVIA 3 II Short Overview
The Sony BRAVIA 3 II represents a major step forward compared to the original BRAVIA 3. While Sony still positions it below the company’s premium Mini-LED and OLED TVs, the BRAVIA 3 II now enters the mid-range performance category thanks to several substantial upgrades.
One of the biggest improvements is the switch from Sony’s older 4K HDR Processor X1 to the far more advanced XR Processor. This newer processor enables significantly better image analysis, smarter AI-based upscaling, improved contrast enhancement, and more accurate colour reproduction. Sony also equips the BRAVIA 3 II with XR Triluminos Pro, allowing it to display a wider range of colours with more natural gradation.
Another major improvement is motion handling. Unlike the original BRAVIA 3, which is limited to a native 60Hz panel, the BRAVIA 3 II upgrades to a native 120Hz panel with Motionflow XR 480. This allows smoother motion during sports, action scenes, and gaming while also reducing blur and judder significantly.
Gaming support is also dramatically improved. The BRAVIA 3 II includes HDMI 2.1 features such as 4K at 120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). It also supports Sony’s dedicated PS5 features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, making it a far more capable gaming TV than the original BRAVIA 3.
The TV still uses a standard Direct LED backlight without Mini-LED or advanced local dimming technology. However, the XR Processor helps improve perceived contrast and brightness through more advanced real-time object processing.
On the smart side, the BRAVIA 3 II runs Google TV with Gemini integration, alongside support for Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay, Apple HomeKit, and Wi-Fi 6E. Sony also equips it with Bluetooth 5.3 alongside HDMI 2.1 gaming support, creating a surprisingly strong connectivity package for this class of TV.
| Sony BRAVIA 3 II Prices | |
| 100-inch (K-100XR30M2) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 85-inch (K-85XR30M2) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 75-inch (K-75XR30M2) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 65-inch (K-65XR30M2) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 55-inch (K-55XR30M2) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 50-inch (K-50XR30M2) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 43-inch (K-43XR30M2) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
Sony BRAVIA 3 Short Overview
The Sony BRAVIA 3 is Sony’s more affordable 4K LED TV lineup designed for users who want Sony’s picture processing and Google TV platform without spending premium-TV money. It focuses more on balanced everyday performance rather than high-end gaming or flagship HDR performance.
The BRAVIA 3 uses Sony’s 4K HDR Processor X1, paired with Triluminos Pro colour technology and 4K X-Reality PRO upscaling. This setup delivers good overall picture quality for streaming, cable TV, and casual movie watching, especially compared to many budget competitors.
However, one of its biggest limitations is the panel itself. The BRAVIA 3 uses a native 60Hz panel with Motionflow XR 240, which means motion clarity is noticeably less smooth than higher-end Sony TVs. Fast-moving sports and action scenes can show more blur and judder compared to native 120Hz models.
Gaming support is also relatively basic. While the BRAVIA 3 supports ALLM and Sony’s PS5-specific features, it does not support VRR or 4K/120Hz gaming. Its HDMI ports are limited to standard HDMI 2.0 bandwidth, making it much less appealing for serious console or PC gamers.
Like the BRAVIA 3 II, the original BRAVIA 3 uses a Direct LED backlight without advanced local dimming. HDR support includes Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, but overall HDR brightness and contrast performance remain fairly modest.
Smart features are still excellent for the price. The TV runs Google TV, supports Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay, and includes a built-in microphone for hands-free voice control.
| Sony BRAVIA 3 Prices | |
| 85-inch (K-85S30) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 75-inch (K-75S30) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 65-inch (K-65S30) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 55-inch (K-55S30) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 50-inch (K-50S30) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 43-inch (K-43S30) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
Sony BRAVIA 3 II vs BRAVIA 3 Specs Comparison Table
The table below highlights the main specification differences between the Sony BRAVIA 3 II and the original Sony BRAVIA 3.
| Specification | Sony BRAVIA 3 II | Sony BRAVIA 3 | |||||||||||||
| Resolution | 4K (3840 × 2160) | 4K (3840 × 2160) | |||||||||||||
| Available Sizes | 43″, 50″, 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″, 100″ | 43″, 50″, 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″ | |||||||||||||
| Backlight Type | Direct LED | Direct LED | |||||||||||||
| Processor | XR Processor | 4K HDR Processor X1 | |||||||||||||
| Colour Technology | XR Triluminos Pro | Triluminos Pro | |||||||||||||
| Panel Refresh Rate | Native 120Hz | Native 60Hz | |||||||||||||
| Motion Technology | Motionflow XR 480 | Motionflow XR 240 | |||||||||||||
| Gaming Features | 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM | ALLM only | |||||||||||||
| HDMI Version | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.0 | |||||||||||||
| PS5 Features | Auto HDR Tone Mapping, Auto Genre Picture Mode | Auto HDR Tone Mapping, Auto Genre Picture Mode | |||||||||||||
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | |||||||||||||
| Smart Platform | Google TV with Gemini | Google TV | |||||||||||||
| Chromecast Built-in | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||
| AirPlay / HomeKit | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 5 | |||||||||||||
| Bluetooth | Version 5.3 | Version 5.3 | |||||||||||||
| HDMI Inputs | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||||
| Audio System | X-Balanced Speaker | X-Balanced Speaker | |||||||||||||
| Price | Higher | Lower | |||||||||||||
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The Differences Between Sony BRAVIA 3 II and BRAVIA 3
If you are deciding between these two TVs, here are the most important differences you should know:
1. Processor and Picture Quality
The biggest upgrade in the BRAVIA 3 II is clearly the move to Sony’s XR Processor. Compared to the older 4K HDR Processor X1 used in the BRAVIA 3, the XR Processor delivers noticeably better AI upscaling, contrast enhancement, and colour accuracy.
This means lower-resolution streaming content looks sharper and cleaner on the BRAVIA 3 II, while HDR scenes appear more dynamic and realistic.
2. Native 120Hz vs 60Hz Panel
This is arguably the most important hardware difference.
The original BRAVIA 3 uses a native 60Hz panel, which is perfectly fine for casual TV watching but less ideal for sports, fast action scenes, and gaming.
Meanwhile, the BRAVIA 3 II upgrades to a native 120Hz panel, allowing much smoother motion and significantly improved clarity during fast-moving content. Sports fans and gamers will notice this difference immediately.
3. Gaming Features
The BRAVIA 3 II is a dramatically better gaming TV.
Unlike the original BRAVIA 3, the BRAVIA 3 II supports:
- 4K gaming at 120fps
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
- ALLM
- HDMI 2.1 bandwidth
- PS5-exclusive gaming features
The original BRAVIA 3 only supports ALLM and lacks both VRR and 4K/120Hz support. This makes the BRAVIA 3 II far more future-proof for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and gaming PCs.
4. Motion Handling
The BRAVIA 3 II also offers superior motion performance thanks to its Motionflow XR 480 system combined with the native 120Hz panel.
In comparison, the BRAVIA 3’s Motionflow XR 240 and native 60Hz panel can struggle more with motion blur during sports broadcasts and fast-paced movies.
5. Connectivity and Smart Features
Sony upgrades connectivity significantly on the BRAVIA 3 II with:
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Full HDMI 2.1 support
- Google TV with Gemini integration
The BRAVIA 3 still offers a very good smart TV experience, but the BRAVIA 3 II clearly feels more modern and future-ready.
6. Price and Value
Naturally, the BRAVIA 3 II is more expensive because of its upgraded hardware and gaming capabilities.
The original BRAVIA 3, however, may still represent better value for casual users who mainly watch movies, YouTube, cable TV, or streaming content and do not need advanced gaming features.
Is There Any Significant Improvement in Sony BRAVIA 3 II?
Yes, the Sony BRAVIA 3 II is a very significant upgrade over the original BRAVIA 3. The addition of a native 120Hz panel, HDMI 2.1 gaming features, and Sony’s much more advanced XR Processor elevates the BRAVIA 3 II into a completely different class of TV. Motion looks noticeably smoother, gaming performance is dramatically better, and overall picture processing is more refined with improved upscaling, colour accuracy, and HDR performance. If you want the more future-proof and premium experience—especially for gaming, sports, and high-quality streaming content—the BRAVIA 3 II is clearly the better TV and the one we recommend.
However, the original Sony BRAVIA 3 still remains a solid option for many buyers, particularly those who prioritize affordability and larger screen sizes. It still offers good 4K picture quality, reliable Google TV performance, Dolby Vision support, and Sony’s trusted image processing for everyday streaming and casual viewing. If you don’t need advanced gaming features like 4K/120Hz or VRR, and simply want a dependable Sony TV at a lower price, the BRAVIA 3 continues to provide very good value for the money.
| Sony BRAVIA 3 Prices | |
| 85-inch (K-85S30) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 75-inch (K-75S30) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 65-inch (K-65S30) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 55-inch (K-55S30) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 50-inch (K-50S30) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 43-inch (K-43S30) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |