The Philips OLED908 is the final flagship TV from last year to leave a mark. Introduced in January, it's taken a scenic route to our shelves, finally arriving at the threshold of 2024. Its fashionably late entry gave us just enough time to anticipate its successor, the Philips OLED909.

This timing might have you questioning the 908's relevance. Fear not, for our thorough review in our tech sanctuary reveals a hidden gem, particularly after a price adjustment that positions it as a standout choice for quality enthusiasts. The cutting-edge Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology, though we won't dwell on accolades, plays a significant role in its allure.

Price

Discover the Philips OLED908 in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch variants, a recent favorite that's rapidly gained traction for its competitive pricing. If you're keen on upgrading your home viewing experience, there's never been a better time.

Currently, the 55-inch Philips OLED908 is a steal at £1999 (£1699 for VIP Members), with the 65-inch and the grand 77-inch versions available at £2499 (£2199 for VIP Members) and £4299 (£3599 for VIP members) respectively. Securing these discounts is a breeze with a quick sign-up to the Richer Sounds’ VIP Club, which is complimentary.

As for alternatives, the LG G3 offers a similar price point to the Philips, standing strong in the market. However, the Panasonic MZ2000 commands a higher price, contrasting sharply with the competitive edge of the OLED908. Additionally, the Philips model significantly undercuts the Sony A95L QD-OLED, whose base model starts from a steep £2499, presenting an enticing option for savvy shoppers and tech enthusiasts alike.

Design

The Philips OLED908 stands out with its eye-catching appearance, bringing something extra to the viewing experience with its Ambilight LED bulbs that create a vivid backdrop. Adding to its distinctive look is the large speaker bar right beneath the screen, covered in a stylish, sound-permeable Kvadrat fabric, showcasing its premium vibe.

However, the speaker bar's positioning poses a challenge for those looking to add a soundbar beneath the TV. Philips suggests that the built-in speaker makes an external sound system unnecessary, but for audiophiles with existing setups, this might be a slight inconvenience.

Its design shares similarities with the Panasonic MZ2000, especially with the prominent speaker bar. Unlike other Philips models, like the newly reviewed Philips OLED808, the OLED908 sports a more compact stand, abandoning the traditional T-shaped design. This change not only reduces its footprint but also makes it easier to fit on various stands. Plus, the stand's swivel feature enhances convenience by allowing quick and effortless adjustments to the TV's angle and granting easy access to its ports.

The OLED908’s remote is another aspect we’re thrilled about. Its compact size, user-friendly controls, and durable metal construction are impressive. Moreover, the inclusion of backlighting in the remote demonstrates thoughtful design, catering to movie enthusiasts who prefer watching in low-light conditions—a feature surprisingly uncommon among high-end OLEDs.

Explore the Brilliance of Philips OLED TV Enhanced Features

Philips TVs, particularly the OLED908 model, stand out with a distinctive feature known as Ambilight. This innovative technology, a signature of Philips, utilizes LED lights around the TV's back to create an ambient lighting effect. The purpose? To lessen eye strain, deepen immersion, and boost contrast. Imagine watching a football match and seeing a soft green glow around your TV, extending the playing field right into your living room.

The OLED908 showcases the Ambilight version introduced in 2022. Though it's a step behind the latest 'Ambilight Plus' set to dazzle in the upcoming 909 model, it still offers an impressive range of lighting effects and responsiveness that significantly enhances the viewing experience.

Unique to the OLED908 is its three-sided Ambilight configuration, omitting illumination from the bottom edge. This might be a slight disappointment for enthusiasts keen on mounting their TV on the wall, especially since the four-sided Ambilight feature was present in some 2022 models and is promised to return in Philips' 2024 lineup.

The OLED908 not only shines with its exterior lighting but also heats up the competition with its interior prowess. Featuring a heat sink for optimal performance, this TV utilizes the first-generation MLA panel and Philips' custom picture processing, alongside LG Display's META algorithm, to achieve a remarkable max brightness of 2100 nits. This brightness level is a significant leap forward, especially when compared to older OLED models, and ensures that the OLED908 can handle almost any content with ease.

Underneath its sleek surface, the OLED908 is powered by a 7th Gen P5 AI processor. This drives both the superior picture processing and the Google TV OS, providing a smooth and intuitive interface. The operating system offers a seamless viewing experience, integrating well with current generation Chromecast with Google TV. Support for major streaming and gaming services is comprehensive, featuring Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Disney+, along with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos compatibility. Despite its strengths, there's a note of caution for local app availability which can be a mixed bag depending on your region.

On the connectivity front, the inclusion of only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one also serving as the eARC port, might be seen as a limitation for users with multiple high-end gaming consoles and Dolby Atmos sound systems. This setup may require frequent cable swapping, which could be a deterrent for the tech-savvy user. For those with extensive connectivity needs, considering alternatives like the LG G3, which boasts four HDMI 2.1 ports, could offer a more suitable solution.

Discover the Visual Excellence of Philips OLED908

Step into the realm of cutting-edge television technology with the Philips OLED908. Our detailed examination in professional test environments has revealed a remarkable shift towards precision and control, marking a significant evolution from previous generations. Philips has consistently been at the forefront of maximizing panel performance, achieving unparalleled brightness and vibrancy. This dedication to pushing technological boundaries is evident in their choice of MLA technology for the OLED908, aiming for peak brightness without compromising on quality.

Linking back to an insightful discussion with Philips' TV maven, Danny Tack, we delve into the strategic choice behind opting for MLA over QD-OLED, highlighting the quest for peak brightness. Explore further through our exclusive interview.

The transformation is palpable, with the OLED908's Filmmaker mode achieving an outstanding balance of color saturation, bringing forth an immersive viewing experience. Scenes from Blade Runner 2049 showcase the TV's prowess in displaying vivid whites, deep shadows, and lifelike colors, a testament to the significant progress made from its OLED808 predecessor. The implementation of MLA technology elevates contrast levels, particularly in brightly lit scenes, offering an enriched depth and clarity.

Despite its many strengths, the OLED908 displays a minor discrepancy in color saturation in darker scenes when compared to models like the Sony A95L and Samsung S95C QD-OLED. Nonetheless, it excels in portraying a broader spectrum of colors and intricate details, as seen in high-brightness scenes from Pan and Top Gun: Maverick, ensuring a captivating viewing experience.

While it shines with brighter content, darker materials present a slightly more challenging scenario. In films like The Batman, the advantages of MLA are subtle, though the increase in shadow detail and contrast is still evident in intensely dark scenes. Moreover, the OLED908 demonstrates commendable SD upscaling capabilities, making even challenging 1080p content like True Grit appear authentic, albeit with minor limitations.

Embark on a cinematic journey with the Philips OLED908, where technology meets the art of filmmaking, ensuring every scene is as breathtaking as its creators intended. Join us in celebrating the advancement of television technology, where precision, brightness, and color come together to create an unparalleled viewing experience.

Discover Unparalleled Sound Quality with OLED908

Step into the future of sound with the OLED908, equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system crafted by Bowers & Wilkins. This marvel of engineering features a sleek soundbar, adorned in a chic Kvadrat cover, attached seamlessly to the lower edge of the TV. The setup boasts an impressive front-firing 3.1 configuration, pushing the boundaries with an 80W capability.

Compared to its main competitor, the LG G3, with its concealed 60W, 2.1 sound system, the Philips OLED908 shines brighter. Through rigorous testing, including the intense bass of Blade Runner 2049's chapter two, we've uncovered that the OLED908 harbors one of the most advanced built-in sound systems available in the OLED market today. Its performance not only surpasses expectations but also outmatches competitors in handling complex audio scenes with finesse.

The real test comes with challenging scenes, like the adrenaline-pumping Batmobile chase in The Batman, where the OLED908's speakers flex their muscles, showcasing powerful, rumbling lows that eclipse those of last year’s contenders, notably the LG G3. This front-firing joy projects an audio experience that's both immersive and remarkably forward-reaching.

However, it's important to note that while the low-end thrives, the Sony A95L continues to hold the crown for the best overall sound experience. The Philips OLED908 makes a standout performance with its robust bass, yet when it comes to controlled and clean delivery, Sony leads the way.

But the journey through sound doesn’t stop there. Despite its incredible strengths, the OLED908 reminds us of the importance of balance. While it excels in lower frequencies, the higher pitches present a mixed bag, occasionally crossing from crisp to overly bright. This, coupled with occasional sibilance, poses a gentle reminder that while impressive, the system isn't without its areas for refinement.

Moreover, the audio experience, although significantly projected, finds a worthy competitor in the Sony A95L, which offers a more expansive soundstage and dynamism in directionality. This comparison highlights why some enthusiasts may still lean towards the A95L for an all-encompassing auditory experience.

In summary, the Philips OLED908 emerges as a formidable contender in the realm of integrated sound systems within OLED televisions, presenting a powerful option for those seeking depth and immersion in their audio experience. While not without its nuances, its performance signifies a major step forward in how we experience sound in our digital lives.

The Lowdown

Even though the Philips OLED908 is set to bow out soon, making way for its successor, the Philips OLED909, this piece of next-gen TV tech remains an unbeatable deal at its current markdown. Not only does it dazzle with its display, but it also takes the runner-up spot in the audio department, outdone only by the pricier Sony A95L - making it a powerhouse of both sight and sound.