Philips' 2026 LCD flagship features an RGB miniLED backlight with 3840 zones. MLED981 also offers Dolby Vision 2 Max, Ambilight and four HDMI 2.1 ports.
Update: Philips has now clarified that 11520 is the number of RGB controls while the number of dimming zones is 3840.
Philips' first LCD TV with RGB miniLED will compete with similar models from the likes of LG, Hisense and Samsung this year. Unlike some of the others, Philips was not hesitant to confirm the number of zones.
- "The RGB Mini-LED backlight includes 11,520 zones and offers an impressive peak light output of 2500 Nits – with the decision made to focus on overall picture quality with better control of halos and motion artefacts rather than drive a higher peak output," said Philips.
The company said that it will offer picture performance below its new OLED TVs for 2026 but above all of its current and former LCD models.
Philips MLED981MLED981 with Dolby Vision 2 Max
Philips confirmed that MLED981 will support Dolby Vision 2 Max, the higher-tier version of Dolby Vision 2, as explained in our article here. This makes Philips the first brand to offer Dolby Vision 2 in both OLED and LCD TVs. It also supports HDR10+.
The catch is that MLED981 will be available only in 85 inches. It is powered by the 10th generation P5 AI video processor and supports 165Hz for 4K (or 330Hz at 1080p). Powered by the MediaTek Pentonic 800, MLED981 offers four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K HFR and VRR support.
The TV features 3-sided Ambilight with the new AmbiScape feature and has built-in 4.1-channel 70W speakers. It is powered by Titan OS after Philips has abandoned Google TV. Titan OS offers access to most international streaming services but lacks some local apps.
Philips PQS9001'The One' with Dolby Vision 2
Philips is also upgrading 'The One', its upper mid-range model designed as the one model that offers the most essential features in an affordable package for average consumers.
In 2026, PQS9001 will be available starting in June in 43, 50, 55, 65 and 75 inches, with larger 85- and 100-inch models following in October. This will be Philips' first 100-inch TV to compete in the ultra-large TV segment, which has grown markedly in recent years.
PQS9001 is an LCD TV with quantum dots. It also features Dolby Vision 2, HDR10+, 144Hz support (or 240Hz at 1080p), 3-sided Ambilight with AmbiScape, up to 2.1 50W speakers in the largest sizes, the MediaTek Pentonic 800 chip, a 7th Gen P5 video processor, four HDMI 2.1 ports and a slim design.
- "The 9001’s design features a minimal bezel – reduced from 17.6mm depth to just 8.7mm - with a narrow strip on the lower edge of the screen finished in metal grey to match the narrow, ‘float’ feet design," said Philips.
More details and specifications for MLED981 and PQS9001 can be found below in the TV Database. Additional 2026 LCD models from Philips will be announced later and FlatpanelsHD will soon publish a full lineup overview.
Philips MLED981 & PQS9001 – specifications
FlatpanelsHD
