Review: Philips OLED809
Philips has launched a new generation of its 8-series OLED TV. OLED809 features Ambilight Next-Gen, 4K resolution, an expanded Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Google TV, and for the first time Apple AirPlay. Available in sizes ranging from 42 to 77 inches, OLED809 is set to compete directly with TV models such as LG's C4. FlatpanelsHD is reviewing the 65-inch version. Also read: Philips 2024 TV line-upPrice and retailers:
US retailerUK retailer
DE retailerFirst impressions
Philips OLED809 bears a resemblance to many other OLED TVs, featuring an extremely thin panel with an electronics box mounted at the bottom. The screen can be wall-mounted but also comes with a central swivel stand (except for 77", which has a dual-feet stand that can be raised – see above). The TV is framed by a narrow inner bezel and outer frame. The inner bezel is part of the OLED panel while the outer bezel is brushed-texture metal. The stand, also metal, is heavy enough to provide a solid base for the TV, despite only supporting the TV at its center. On the back, you find a bass port and all input and output ports, all pointing to the side or down to ensure flush wall mounting. This is as expected but we note that there are still only two HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K 120Hz. Additionally, the Ethernet port remains limited to 100 Mbps. HDMI ARC/eARC is on HDMI 2, so connecting a soundbar or receiver effectively leaves you with only one HDMI 2.1 port for devices like PS5 and Xbox Series X. The Ambilight LEDs are also located on the back, and Ambilight is such an increasingly prominent focus for Philips that the TVs are now officially branded 'Ambilight TVs'. OLED809 features a 3-sided "Next Gen" Ambilight system, first introduced last year, with LEDs that can illuminate the wall in even more shades. Ambilight Plus, which creates a wider Ambilight effect, is reserved for this year's flagship model, OLED959.User experience & features
While Philips has opted to replace Google TV with Titan OS in its LCD models (as well as the 7-series OLED), the 8-series and 9-series OLED models still come with Google TV. FlatpanelsHD can confirm that these models are powered by the so-called MediaTek Pentonic 1000 chip (MT5896), like last year. They are still running Android 12. Sony also uses the Pentonic 1000 chip in its 2024 Google TVs as wel as last year's A95L, but there are differences between Philips and Sony. Philips has chosen to pair the chip with 3GB of RAM, while Sony has 6GB. Philips also has less storage capacity – 6.5GB available to the user – compared to Sony’s 14GB. Storage for apps can be expanded with an external USB hard drive. FlatpanelsHD has benchmarked the CPU and GPU below:If you want to try it yourself, unfortunately the 3D Mark benchmark app no longer works with Google TV. GFXBench must be installed from the Play Store on Android TV and Google TV, then accessed via Settings -> All Apps, as the app does not appear on the homescreen after installation. Philips OLED809 features the same GPU as Sony’s Pentonic 1000 models, specifically the Mali G57, but Sony’s extra RAM will provide some performance advantages in practice. As shown in the table, the latest Google TVs are close to matching Nvidia Shield box in terms of the processor (CPU), but still lag significantly behind in graphics (GPU). They are far from matching even the first-generation Apple TV 4K from 2017. In a broader context, this means that Google and its partners still have not managed to lay the hardware foundation for console gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks on Google TV. Instead, you should look towards game streaming apps such as Nvidia's GeForce Now. Google’s own gaming service, Stadia, as you know, has been shut down. The Xbox app is not yet available for Google TV. Regarding Google TV as a whole, there are not any significant changes to report. The Pentonic 1000 chip ensures smoother operation (and might extend the device’s lifespan), but overall, Google TV looks and feels almost identical between manufacturers as well as the external Chromecast with Google TV (which, however, lacks TV tuner capabilities). Google TV offers access to nearly all local and international apps plus a built-in Chromecast function. 4K, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos worked in most apps that support the higher quality, including Netflix, Disney+, Max and Apple TV+. As a new feature, the Disney+ app streaming in DTS:X audio – more on this in the audio section. A new Philips tab has been added at the top of Google TV's homescreen, but there is not much there yet – currently just an introduction to Ambilight and a 'NFT Collection' section. Google TV is more flexible and versatile compared to, for example, Tizen and webOS in Samsung and LG Smart TVs, respectively. In our opinion, Google TV remains the best built-in TV platform. An extra bonus is that Android software is typically updated post-purchase, and Google TV sometimes receives new features directly from Google’s servers. However, you can easily add Google TV to any TV by purchasing the external Chromecast with Google TV – and soon the Google TV Streamer. Our main criticisms of Google TV remain its underpowered hardware and the many ads on the homescreen. In many countries, users are still spared to some extent compared to American users, who also see ads for cars and food in top carousel. However, the many "recommendations" on the Google TV homescreen are effectively ads that streaming services can pay for or otherwise earn to right to use, though they can also be relevant or useful when searching for new content. For the first time, Philips TVs now also feature Apple Home and AirPlay 2, from OLED809 and up. This means that certain TV functions can be controlled from an iPhone/iPad. You can also wirelessly send media files, such as pictures and videos, from an iPhone/iPad to the TV. The features worked in our test just as they do in other TV models (there are still no TV models with built-in Thread/Matter for Apple HomeKit). When we began testing OLED809, there was initially an issue with the HDMI control, i.e. HDMI CEC (Philips calls it EasyLink), the system that allows the TV to power on/off with an external box. A firmware update fixed most problems, although there were still some glitches, so another update may be needed to fine-tune things. The TV features WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, so it is up-to-date, although WiFi 7 is beginning to emerge. Bluetooth support ensures you can connect headphones and game controllers. In our test, decoding of AV1 video worked correctly, but decoding of VVC (H.266), the successor to the HEVC (H.265) video format, is not yet available. A major reason to choose Philips is, of course, Ambilight. Although alternative solutions have launched over the years requiring external LEDs, a box, and/or a subscription app, Philips remains the only TV maker to built mood lighting directly into their TVs.Google TV – CPU/GPU benchmark
CPU – Geekbench 4 (single-core & multi-core) MediaTek MT5887
Philips OLED805MediaTek MT5889
TCL C845 X1MediaTek Pentonic 700
TCL C805, X955MediaTek MT5895
Sony XH90, X90J, X90K, X90L, Philips OLED807MediaTek Pentonic 1000
Philips OLED809MediaTek Pentonic 1000
Sony A95LNvidia Shield TV Apple A10X
Apple TV 4K 1st GenFlatpanelsHD
GPU – GFXBench (1080p Manhattan 3.1 & Aztec Ruins), 3D Mark (Slingshot Extreme) MediaTek MT5887
Philips OLED805MediaTek MT5889
TCL C845 X1MediaTek Pentonic 700
TCL C805, X955MediaTek MT5895
Sony XH90, X90J, X90K, X90L, Philips OLED807MediaTek Pentonic 1000
Philips OLED809MediaTek Pentonic 1000
Sony A95LNvidia Shield TV Apple A10X
Apple TV 4K 1st GenOperation
Everything is operated with the new remote control that Philips introduced last year and has refined this year. It features a metal body with a significantly reduced number of buttons, though there are still more than we would like, including three sponsored buttons. A tip for Google TV users is that the 'Button Remapper' app can change the function of certain buttons, though the button logos on top will not change, obviously.
Philips' new metal remote control. Photo: FlatpanelsHDThe remote control is a lot more refined than most TV remotes, and we commend Philips for refocusing on this area – back in the CRT days, Philips had some of the most excellent remote control. The built-in battery can be easily rechargeable via USB-C. A small extra detail is that pressing the '123' button illuminates the 1-9 keypad above it, as seen to the right. This is useful when entering numerical codes, for instance. Also note the Ambilight button at the top, which provides quick access to the various Ambilight features.The glowing 1-9 keypad can be activated by pressing '123'. Photo: FlatpanelsHDTV audio
A while back, there was a trend towards phasing out DTS support in TV models, but it seems that things are now moving in the other direction. Philips supports both Dolby and DTS, and for the first time, we have support for the special variant officially known as DTS:X profile 2 (which is part of IMAX Enhanced), intended for streaming.We tested DTS:X on Disney+, which is the first streaming service with DTS:X audio, and it worked! See the photo where we are playing Avengers: Endgame. Be aware that you must manually select the IMAX Enhanced version of the movie in the Disney+ app under 'Versions' and then manually select the DTS:X track once the movie has started streaming (see photo). We also recently tested DTS:X with TCL, where it was supposed to work, but it just did not. So, it is good news that Philips has managed to fully implement it, providing viewers who want to experience, for example, Marvel movies with the DTS:X audio track based on the IMAX cinema soundtrack. How did it sound? Actually, a bit more IMAX-like, even on the built-in speakers. We did not have a full sound system connected to Philips OLED809 during our test. Also read: List: TV models with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X & IMAX Enhanced In addition, Philips supports Dolby Atmos, but obviously neither Dolby Atmos nor DTS:X can be fully realized on built-in TV speakers. Built-in support for Dolby Atmos and now DTS:X profile 2 for IMAX Enhanced in TVs is first and foremost meant to ensure that you get access to these soundtracks (and passthrough). For example, no streaming boxes can currently pull down DTS:X audio from Disney+ yet. In addition, we confirmed that decoding of DTS-HD MA, with or without DTS:X, worked. So, you get the complete audio package with Philips. As for the TV speakers in Philips OLED809, they are definitely better than average for TV models. There is actually some bass in the sound – helped by the bass port on the back – and the midtones are reasonably clear, including voices. This is adequate for movies and TV shows, but for music, there is a lack of bass and clarity – it sounds a bit muffled. For general TV use, many households will find the speakers sufficient, but for the big movie or gaming night, external sound is, of course, necessary, especially to fully realize Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.2024 Philips OLED TVs support DTS:X audio from Disney+Calibration
As always, Philips OLED809 has a myriad of picture modes, and you should ignore most of them, including the Eco picture mode that the TV ships with due to EU energy regulations. Our goal is always to make the picture match the video signals received. No personal preferences; if the signal calls for a specific shade of green, then that should be shown. We came much closer to the goal with Filmmaker Mode, although we had hoped for a bit more precision. It also required some extra adjustments. The Game picture mode, which the TV automatically switches to with Xbox and PS5, is however not good in terms of color accuracy. It pulls colors into a too wide a color gamut and makes the picture too bluish. Philips should adjust this, as it is important for gaming use to keep input lag to a minimum. We attempted to get Filmmaker Mode spot-on using 2-point calibration (as that is the limit of what we can share with readers), but there is currently a software error that prevents adjustment of the dark end of RGB (red, green, blue). The RGB Offset setting (dark end) instead controls the RGB Gain setting (bright end), which the RGB Gain setting also does. We encountered the same issue on TCL C855 (review to follow), so it seems to be a bug in the Google TV software. Philips TVs are Calman Ready if you want to calibrate yourself. As for HDR, the story is similar. Filmmaker Mode lacked that final touch of precision (the same goes for the IMAX Enhanced picture mode), although it is still far more color-accurate than the starting point. In HDR, the Game mode again has boosted colors and brightness, making the pictures overall a bit brighter than it should be. For Dolby Vision, we recommend 'Dolby Vision Filmmaker'. Additionally, 'Dolby Vision Game' has been introduced with Philips' switch to the Pentonic 1000 chip, which now supports gaming in Dolby Vision up to 4K 120Hz with Xbox Series X. OLED809 is based on an WOLED panel (without micro-lenses/MLA) from LG Display, so it is not surprising to see DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 color gamut coverage of 98% and 70%, respectively. However, we finally hit 1000 nits peak brightness, which is good news for both movie and gaming enthusiasts – more on that in the next section.Other picture modes
Click the title to expand the view
Crystal Clear (SDR) Filmmaker Mode (SDR) Home Cinema (SDR) Game (SDR) Crystal Clear (HDR) Eco (HDR) Home Cinema (HDR) IMAX Enhanced (HDR) Game (HDR) Measurements
In our "measurements" section we include all measurements and our suggested calibration settings. If you want to learn more about our test methodology click here. Note: Starting last year, we implemented a new method for measurement of average power consumption in SDR and HDR, meaning that earlier measurements are not 1:1 comparable. The new method will be used in all TV reviews going forward.Note: We include calibration settings only for SDR, not HDR. For our calibration we have deactivated the ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the backlight setting according to your environment. You may prefer to have it enabled..Picture quality
We are approaching the point where almost all new major Hollywood movies and TV series as well as most major console games are released in HDR format; HDR10, HDR10+ or Dolby Vision. The situation is different for local content in Europe and elsewhere, obviously, but since the leaders in the market are moving towards HDR en masse, it is also where TV makers are putting their effort. So let us start with HDR. After 10 years of OLED technology, Philips OLED809 now reaches 1000 nits – actually a little over 1100 nits. 1000 nits is a milestone because most HDR content today is mastered to maximum 1000 nits peak brightness, or less. When a screen fully meets the peal brightness of the content, it can retain details in highlights, for example a bright sky, and details can be reproduced accurately so the viewer can discern them, without the TV having to used various tricks or clipping of the brightest tones… unless the content is mastered for 4000 or 10000 nits – the next milestones. At the same time, full-screen brightness can now exceed 200 nits on OLED809, meaning that the overall picture can be brighter than before. This is an advantage both for HDR content and in brightly lit living spaces in general. Also read: Sony sets its sights on 4000 nits as HDR's next frontier The same is true for LG's 2024 C-series, as demonstrated in our review of LG C4, so it appears to be the result of an improved 2024 WOLED panel from LG Display, likely driven by competition from QD-OLED. In practice, Philips OLED809 delivers excellent HDR picture quality, and enthusiasts will likely notice that the brightness level has improved compared to previous OLED TVs, including Philips OLED TVs that hovered around 700-800 nits for peak brightness and 160-180 nits in full screen. As always, OLED’s pixel-level control of luminance and color delivers a picture with precision close to the reference. Even after 10 years, we are still impressed by how great bright stars on a night sky look on an OLED TV, and it is in these types of scenes that OLED truly outshines miniLED LCD. We also double-checked dark gray scenes, where last year’s OLED908 had issues, and there were no issues on OLED809. That said, brightness is still not on par with the latest and more expensive MLA OLED and QD-OLED TVs. Philips' MLA OLED models this year are the OLED909 and OLED959. The lower brightness can become evident in very bright HDR scenes or in brightly lit rooms, or while watching football or ski sports. However, we no longer consider brightness to be a serious limitation in OLED TVs – more is just "nice to have". The reflections in the glossy OLED panel, however, can look distracting, especially if you have windows behind your sofa. The best solution is still to use curtains. Philips’ P5 video processor has several systems that can dynamically alter or adjust the picture in various ways. As said, our aim is to achieve the most accurate picture quality, so we turn off more or less all of them. 2024 Philips TVs can now automatically switch to, for example, Filmmaker Mode when a film is detected in the signal (provided the signal is sent correctly). Users have some customization options here, as shown in the photo. However, Philips does not have the "official" auto-switch to Filmmaker Mode with the Prime Video and Apple TV apps, likely due to the Google TV apps not having been updated by Amazon and Apple just yet. As mentioned in the calibration section, Philips TVs now also feature Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode for the first time. Filmmaker Mode has previously been reserved for SDR and HDR10 content. We have published this article with more information. For SDR content, meaning all non-HDR content, OELD809 also performs well. The higher full screen brightness is beneficial here, but as mentioned in the calibration section, we would have liked Filmmaker Mode to be just a bit more color-accurate. Nevertheless, OLED809 delivers great pictures across movies, series, sports, TV shows, and more. No further comments. For moving images, we have often highlighted how OLED can make certain movies and series in 24fps, or even sports in 50fps, appear juddery or "stroboscopic" as we have called it. This is a result of a combination of the content's low frame rate and OLED’s extremely fast pixel response time. If you feel that this becomes too pronounced, you can try activating Philips' 'Movie' setting under Motion -> Motion Styles. This smooths out the picture abut while keeping "soap opera" effect at a low level. Also read: Why 24fps is not enough for HDR movies Switching our focus to gaming, the Pentonic 1000 chip in Philips 2023 and some 2024 TVs enables Dolby Vision up to 4K 120Hz with Xbox Series X. This is in addition to HDR10 and HDR10+, which already worked up to 120Hz. You can even reach up to 144Hz with a PC if you manually activate it. This is in addition to all the features HDMI 2.1 has introduced, including gaming up to 4K 120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (auto-switching to Game mode). We measured input lag to around 13 ms in Game mode (and over 130 ms in other picture modes). It is a solid package of gaming features, combined with the OLED panel, ensuring that console games look amazing – nothing less. In gaming, OLED TVs stand out significantly from typical miniLED LCD TVs because a Game mode reduces the TV to a much more raw form, where OLED’s control of colors and light on a pixel level still work almost without compromise. A game in HDR, such as Ori and the Will of the Wisps, looks fantastic – and sounds magical too. I say "almost without compromise" because enabling VRR with PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or PC still results in some flicker and raised black levels in dark scenes. This applies to all OLED TVs (and all miniLED LCD TVs too). Philips has built in a new gaming menu with quick access to relevant gaming features. Here, you can activate, for example, a fixed crosshair in the middle of the screen and get information about the signal (note that bit-depth and frame rate are not always reported correctly). Compared to LG OLED TVs, which are currently the reference TVs for gaming performance and functionality, Philips is closer than ever, while also offering certain advantages such as HDR10+ and Ambilight for gaming. However, Philips TVs still lack four HDMI 2.1 ports, so you are limited to one gaming console with 4K120 if you also want to use the eARC port for a soundbar or receiver. Philips should also provide a more color-accurate Game picture mode (though it is nowhere near as poor as Samsung’s). Our sample of OLED809 did not have issues with color/brightness homogeneity, or banding in the OLED panel. And as you know, viewing angles are not really a problem on OLED.Conclusion
Philips OLED809 is an even better OLED TV for the masses and a serious competitor to LG's C4, whether it is for movies, series, gaming, or using other features modern TVs offer. The biggest differences are that Philips has the Ambilight mood lighting, which continues to evolve, and the Google TV platform, which is significantly more versatile and flexible than webOS (LG) and Tizen (Samsung).Ad:This year, OLED809 hits over 1000 nits peak brightness for HDR, and full screen brightness has also been boosted. Only a few years ago, such performance was the pinnacle of OLED technology, but it is now available at much more affordable prices – though the MLA OLED and QD-OLED flagship have evolved considerably since. Nevertheless, Philips OLED809 delivers excellent picture quality in both HDR and SDR. This year, it also adds Apple Home, AirPlay 2, Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode and Dolby Vision up to 4K 120Hz. The speakers are better than the average built-in speakers, and OLED809 is the first TV we have tested that supports the IMAX version of DTS:X on Disney+. In other words, you get both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The new remote control is also a significant improvement – now Philips just needs to remove the sponsored buttons. One of the main limitations right now is that 2024 Philips TVs still feature only two HDMI 2.1 ports. They lack support for HDMI QMS, and Filmmaker Mode could have been a bit more color-accurate. We initially encountered issues with HDMI CEC control. A firmware update resolved most of it, but another firmware update might be necessary to fully resolve HDMI CEC issues. Overall, the Philips OLED809 is one of this year's best value-for-money OLED TVs. It deserves our Highly Recommended Award.Price and retailers:
US retailerUK retailer
DE retailerExcellent SDR & HDR w/ +1000 nits
Google TV and AirPlay 2
Ambilight expanded, flexible
HDMI 2.1 & gaming features
DTS:X (IMAX Enhanced) audio support
Remote controlOnly two HDMI 2.1 ports
Filmmaker Mode is not spot-on
Nothing over 77"
Raised black / flicker in VRR
