You are keeping the TV stock and only using HDMI devices (PS5, Cable box, Apple TV). No, skip if: You rely on the built-in browser for some weird legacy reason (you can't use it anyway) or if you have the TV rooted/jailbroken (this patch will break your root). The Verdict: Buy a Dongle Sony has effectively signaled that the "Smart" part of this Smart TV is end-of-life. The firmware change is a maintenance patch to make the TV a dumb monitor again.
The Final Curtain? Understanding the Firmware Change on the Sony KDL-50W800C Firmware Change Update on SONY KDL-50W800C
Plug it into HDMI 4 (the one that supports 4K at 60Hz). Set the TV to "Game Mode" on that input. You will get a modern interface, fast apps, and your KDL-50W800C will feel like a 2024 TV again. You are keeping the TV stock and only
The panel on the W800C is still gorgeous. Let the dongle handle the brain surgery. The firmware change is a maintenance patch to