Sony BRAVIA 3 K43S3

The Sony BRAVIA 3 K43S3 is designed for those seeking a reliable, versatile, and affordable 4K TV without compromising on picture quality or smart features. This 43-inch model, positioned in Sony’s mid-range lineup, stands out for its color accuracy, comprehensive Google TV interface, and eco-friendly approach. It’s a smart choice for equipping a family living room, bedroom, or secondary space, while remaining suitable for most everyday uses.

Picture Quality: Faithfulness and Naturalness Above All

Sony relies on Triluminos Pro technology to deliver highly accurate color reproduction. This processing displays over a billion shades, with precise saturations and hues, whether you’re watching movies, series, or playing games. The X1 processor, enhanced by artificial intelligence, efficiently upscales HD content to 4K while preserving detail and minimizing digital noise.

The Direct LED backlighting and IPS panel ensure a wide viewing angle, ideal for living rooms where the couch isn’t always directly in front of the screen. Contrast is decent for this category, though blacks may appear slightly grayish in total darkness—a limitation inherent to this technology. HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision formats are supported, allowing you to enjoy the latest content with enhanced color and visual dynamics.

Audio: Clarity and Versatility

The audio system features two X-Balanced speakers positioned below the screen, delivering clear and balanced sound. Voices are well highlighted thanks to AI-powered Voice Zoom technology, a valuable asset for movie or show dialogues. Compatibility with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats enriches the soundstage, though adding a soundbar is still recommended for those seeking deeper immersion during movie nights.

Smart Features and Everyday Use

The BRAVIA 3 runs on Google TV, a smooth and intuitive interface that brings together over 10,000 apps, from streaming and gaming to live TV. Voice navigation is made easy with built-in Google Assistant, allowing you to search, control your smart home, or operate the TV hands-free. Apple users are also catered for, with support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.

The TV also offers USB recording, time shifting, accessibility modes for the hearing or visually impaired, and a dedicated game menu. Compatibility with TNT, cable, satellite tuners, and the CI+ port (FRANSAT) ensures optimal reception of French and European channels.

Gaming and PS5 Compatibility

Designed for family or occasional use, the BRAVIA 3 supports essential features for console gamers: ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), eARC for audio, auto HDR and auto picture mode for PS5, as well as PS Remote Play for remote gaming. However, the 60 Hz panel limits performance for very fast-paced or competitive games, and the lack of VRR or 4K120 Hz may deter demanding gamers. For adventure, sports, or family games, performance remains perfectly satisfactory.

Simple, Everyday Design and Ergonomics

The BRAVIA 3 features a sleek design, characterized by a slim, discreet frame, wide elevated feet, and an all-purpose black finish. Its compact size and controlled weight make installation easy, whether on furniture or wall-mounted thanks to standard VESA compatibility. Attention to ergonomics is also reflected in the recycled remote control and optimized packaging, which is lighter and less bulky, reducing the carbon footprint during transport.

Comparison with Previous Models

The BRAVIA 3 builds on the proven formula of the previous generation, with the same X1 processor and a philosophy focused on simplicity and reliability. Improvements mainly concern software integration (enhanced Google TV), eco features, and extended compatibility with streaming services and connected devices. Picture quality and color accuracy remain strong points, but the inherent limitations of LED IPS technology persist.

Technical Specifications

Display

• Screen size: 43” (108 cm)
• Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
• Screen technology: LED
• Backlighting: Direct LED
• Processor: X1 with AI enhancement
• HDR: HDR-10, HLG, Dolby Vision
• Smoothness:
  • Native panel 50/60 Hz
  • Motionflow XR 200/240 Hz
• Colors: Triluminos Pro, 12 picture modes
• Contrast: Dynamic Contrast Enhancer

Audio

• Power: 2 x 10 W
• Speaker type: X-Balanced Speaker
• Position: Bottom of the TV
• Supported formats: DTS:X, DTS Digital, Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos
• Surround sound: S-Force Front Surround
• Amplification: S-Master Digital Amplifier
• Voice Zoom V3: AI for voice clarity

Smart TV

• System: Google TV
• Voice assistant: Built-in Google Assistant
• Streaming and Cast: Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2
• PS5 compatibility: HDR and Auto Picture Mode, ALLM, eARC, PS Remote Play
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
• Memory: 16 GB (expandable via USB)
• Accessibility: Hearing/vision-impaired modes
• USB Recording / Time Shifting: Yes

Gaming

• Dedicated game menu
• Supported technologies:
  • ALLM: Yes
  • eARC: Yes
  • VRR: No
  • 4K120: No
  • HDMI 2.1: Yes

Connectivity and Reception

• Tuner: DVB-C / DVB-T/T2 / DVB-S/S2
• DTT tuner: 1 digital, 1 analog
• Satellite tuner: 2
• CI+ slot: Yes (FRANSAT compatible)

Cinema Features

• Dolby Vision and Atmos
• Netflix Calibrated Mode: Yes
• Prime Video Calibrated Mode: Yes
• SONY PICTURES CORE: 5 movies + 12 months streaming included
• Auto-calibration CalMAN / IMAX: No

Ecology and Power Consumption

• Eco Dashboard (Control Center): Yes
• Light sensor: Yes
• SORPLAS: Yes (recycled plastic)
• Power consumption: 114 W in use / 0.5 W in standby
• Energy class: E
• Annual SDR consumption: 46 kWh / 1000h

Design and Dimensions

• Feet: Wide position, slim elevated design, black color
• Dimensions (without feet): 96.4 x 56.3 x 6.9 cm — 9.7 kg
• Dimensions (with feet): 96.4 x 62.9 x 26.6 cm — 9.9 kg
• Packaging: 107.0 x 69.5 x 14.1 cm — 14 kg
• VESA: 200 x 200 mm (SU-WL450 compatible)