Philips’ OLED TVs have stood toe to toe with the likes of Sony, LG, and Samsung for years. This achievement is significant, given that Philips is a smaller brand compared to these global conglomerates. Despite having reduced influence outside of Europe, the company has kept pace with advancements in panel technology. Philips continues to leverage its exclusive Ambilight technology and its ongoing partnership with the legendary British hi-fi brand Bowers & Wilkins to create TVs with a unique appeal.

The OLED909 is a prime example of this. While it’s not Philips' flagship model – that title goes to the OLED959, which is a step up – the OLED909 serves as the “mainstream flagship.” The OLED959, being a more premium offering, positions the OLED909 as a strong contender in its own right.

So, where does that leave the OLED909? Positioned below the top model and contending with the more budget-friendly five-star OLED809, it finds itself in a competitive spot. Despite this, the OLED909 holds its ground, offering a robust feature set that’s hard to overlook.

Price

Understanding the price of a product is crucial before making a purchase decision. We've evaluated the cost-effectiveness of this item, ensuring you get the best value for your money. Stay tuned as we dive into the details and help you make an informed choice.

First and foremost, we need to let our American and Australian readers know that this TV isn’t available outside of Europe. This is expected, as Philips has not launched its OLED TVs in those regions. Prospective buyers in the US and Australia will need to look elsewhere. If you’re in the UK, this TV is currently available only at Richer Sounds.

When Philips launched this 65-inch model, it was priced at £3499, in line with competitors from LG and Samsung. However, the price has since dropped to around £2799. While this is good news, the LG G4 (also an MLA OLED TV) and Samsung S95D QD-OLED have dropped even lower, to around £2700 and £2600 respectively. This puts the Philips at a slight price disadvantage, but it’s not significant enough to recommend another model based solely on cost. Additionally, those models have weaker sound systems and lack unique features like Ambilight. You can also find the 55-inch model for £1999 or the 77-inch variant for £4499.

When comparing with traditional OLED TVs, like the OLED909, it becomes a harder sell. The five-star step-down model in Philips’ lineup, the OLED809, is currently down to £1899. Other five-star alternatives like the LG C4 (£2099) and Sony Bravia 8 (£1945) show that you can get top-notch performance from OLED without brightness-boosting technology at a much cheaper price.

Build

Building something new, whether it’s a skill, a product, or a team, is a rewarding journey worth taking. When embarking on this path, it’s crucial to stay focused, adaptable, and passionate. Today, we’ll explore some fundamental steps to ensure your endeavor is successful and fulfilling.

Planning and Preparation

Every great build starts with a solid plan. Take the time to research, sketch out ideas, and set clear objectives. This preliminary phase is your foundation – the stronger it is, the more resilient your build will be. Consider creating a roadmap with milestones to keep track of your progress.

Gathering Resources

Next, identify the resources you’ll need. These can include materials, tools, and human expertise. Engaging with a knowledgeable team can significantly enhance the quality and innovation of your project. Evaluate both local and online options for sourcing what you need efficiently and cost-effectively.

Execution

With your plan in hand and resources ready, the execution phase begins. Approach this step with a proactive mindset. Break down tasks into manageable chunks and allocate them accordingly. Consistent communication within your team can keep everyone aligned and motivated.

Quality Control

Constantly monitor the quality of your build. Implementing regular check-ins helps catch and resolve issues early. Don't hesitate to iterate and improve on your work; this iterative process ensures the final outcome meets your highest standards.

Review and Reflect

Once your build is complete, take time to review and reflect on the journey. Analyze what went well and identify areas for future improvement. Sharing your experiences and insights not only validates your efforts but can also inspire and guide others.

In conclusion, building something meaningful requires dedication, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to excellence. By following these steps and staying true to your vision, the fruits of your labor will undoubtedly be rewarding.

Philips tends to create some of the most eye-catching OLED TVs on the market, especially when it comes to design. The OLED909 is no exception. This year's model features two stylish pill-shaped feet instead of a swivel stand seen on previous models like the OLED907 and OLED908. While this design choice looks elegant, it means you can no longer swivel the TV to access HDMI sockets or adjust the viewing angle, which is a bit disappointing.

However, Philips has reintroduced a beloved feature to compensate for the loss of the swivel stand. The OLED909 boasts a four-sided Ambilight, with LEDs adorning the top, sides, and bottom of the back panel. While recent models lacked the bottom row of lights, this feature is beneficial for those who wall-mount their TVs. We'll delve deeper into how Ambilight works in the features section. Despite its divisiveness, Ambilight is a unique and innovative feature that, when used correctly, is impressively clever.

This TV is undeniably one of the more stylish options on the market, featuring a super-slim side profile and a soundbar covered in tasteful black Kvadrat fabric along the bottom edge. The borders around the screen are also incredibly thin, giving the TV a sleek and modern appearance when powered on.

The OLED909 also comes with Philips’ sturdy metal remote. It features flat sides similar to an iPhone 14 and has a weighty, premium feel in the hand. The remote is backlit and the button selection strikes a perfect balance between functionality and simplicity. Additionally, there's a USB-C socket (and a cable included in the box) to recharge the remote, a trend we’re glad to see becoming more common in new TVs.

Features

Our latest gadget comes packed with an array of impressive features designed to enhance your experience. It boasts a sleek, modern design and cutting-edge technology that make it a must-have for tech enthusiasts. From its lightning-fast processing speed to its intuitive user interface, this device is crafted to meet all your needs. Discover the perfect blend of style and functionality with our newest innovation.

The OLED909, similar to last year’s OLED908, features a META OLED panel from LG Display. With second generation brightness boosting technology, it can reach peak brightness levels of around 3000 nits. This is a major upgrade over the Philips OLED809, which peaks at a claimed 1300 nits.

Where Philips truly shines is in HDR support. The OLED909 supports all major formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. In contrast to other brands that favor either Dolby Vision (LG, Sony) or HDR10+ (Samsung), Philips’ agnostic approach means you get the best of all worlds.

The TV is powered by Philips’ P5 AI chipset, which drives the P5 Perfect Picture Engine. This engine includes a range of “perfect” picture processing functions, like Perfect Natural Motion and Micro Dimming Perfect. The P5 AI engine also powers the AI PQ mode, adjusting picture settings based on the content—enhancing saturation and motion for sports or dialing them back for a more authentic film experience.

In terms of connectivity, the Philips model provides two HDMI 2.1 and two HDMI 2.0 sockets, a common configuration in TVs using MediaTek’s Pentonic 1000 chipset. HDMI 2.1 connectivity ensures the latest gaming specs, including 4K/120Hz gameplay with VRR and ALLM. While console gamers will find this sufficient, PC gamers may prefer the 144Hz support found on newer Samsung and LG OLEDs.

The built-in Google TV smart system offers a direct way to access content. However, like the previous Philips TV models, it lacks some regional catch-up services, particularly BBC iPlayer and Channel 4. ITVX and Channel 5 are available, as are global streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video. While an external media streamer can fill the gaps, it entails extra costs and inconvenience that should not be necessary.

Two standout features set this model apart: the impressive four-sided Ambilight and the built-in Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Let’s dive into Ambilight first.

While Ambilight isn't for everyone, it brings a smile when the golden sands of Dune: Part Two’s desert or the neon lights of Blade Runner 2049’s cityscape light up our testing room walls. We suggest dialing back the Ambilight intensity (and you can turn it off if you prefer a dark room), but it undeniably enhances immersion. Extending the system to the bottom row adds convincing effects on the lower screen, making your viewing experience more engaging.

Now, about the sound system: the OLED909 features a 3.1 channel 81W setup designed by Bowers & Wilkins. This includes a front-firing speaker bar on the frame's lower section and a subwoofer in the rear panel's center. It supports various audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Picture

Our enhanced picture quality draws you into every scene, providing a lifelike and immersive viewing experience. Colors are vibrant, details are sharp, and motion remains smooth. It's as if you're stepping into another world with every frame.

Sound

Sound takes on a new dimension with our advanced audio technology. Whether you're watching a movie, enjoying a concert, or catching up on your favorite show, expect crisp, clear, and dynamic sound that truly surrounds you.

Design

The elegant design makes a statement in any room. Sleek lines and a minimalist aesthetic are complemented by practical features, ensuring the product isn't just beautiful but also user-friendly and functional.

Usability

User experience is at the forefront of our design process. Intuitive controls and a straightforward interface mean you can enjoy all features with ease, making tech accessible to everyone.

Features

Packed with the latest innovations, our product offers an array of features that cater to the modern lifestyle. From smart connectivity options to energy efficiency, every element is designed to meet your needs and exceed expectations.

Performance

Performance you can rely on. Our commitment to excellence ensures reliable, high-quality performance, providing peace of mind and long-lasting value.

For 2024, top brands like LG, Samsung, Sony, and Philips have outdone themselves with impressive TV models, particularly in picture quality. The OLED909, in particular, faces stiff competition, striving to stand out and earn its five-star rating. While it showcases numerous positive picture attributes, there's a familiar feel that is hard to overlook.

We set up the OLED909 alongside its more affordable sibling, the OLED809, using the beloved (yet discontinued) Oppo UDP 203 and our trusty 4K reference discs (Oppenheimer, Top Gun: Maverick, Pan, Mad Max: Fury Road), as well as non-4K materials and Netflix. This diverse testing regimen helps ascertain the TV's performance across various content types. Filmmaker Mode (or Filmmaker Dolby Vision for compatible content) consistently provides the most accurate picture among the available modes. We also explore the Pure Cinema motion feature and Highlight Enhancer setting. Although the OLED909’s higher brightness suits punchier modes like Vivid and the toned-down yet vibrant Home Cinema, we prioritize picture accuracy in our reviews.

In summary, the Philips OLED909 excels in many areas. The crisp image quality shines with movies like Oppenheimer, capturing intricate details from skin textures to clothing and environmental nuances. True to Philips' style, colors are bold and vibrant, particularly with lively content such as Mad Max. The golden sands of the post-apocalyptic desert beautifully contrast with the teal sky, creating a stunning visual experience. Skin tones tend to lean warmer, but Filmmaker mode keeps them balanced, avoiding an overcooked appearance.

Contrast is a standout feature, giving this TV a compelling sense of three-dimensional depth. While it may not quite match the Sony Bravia 8 and A95L in this aspect, it's still an impressive performer. Generally, motion is handled well, especially if you reduce the setting to either Off or Pure Cinema. There's a bit of noticeable stutter as Maverick hits Mach 10 during an overhead shot in Top Gun: Maverick; however, this is because we've opted for more natural presentation by turning down the motion settings. Pure Cinema can smooth out the noticeable stuttering, as long as you don't mind some motion processing.

One major issue is the OLED909's similarity to the OLED809—though with brighter highlights. Watching the war rigs tear through the desert in Fury Road, the OLED909 offers slightly more detail. The sun reflecting off chrome mirrors and the bursts of flames (and a certain guitar) are more eye-catching, but overall, they look quite similar.

However, in the film Pan, mastered to 4000 nits, the OLED909 stands out. It leverages higher brightness effectively, aided by MLA technology to deliver a brilliantly bright image. In the scene where the flying pirate ship enters a mystical land with floating bubbles of water, the OLED909 outperforms the OLED809.

The sun is notably brighter and more impactful, with the clouds nearby retaining more detail due to increased peak brightness, which limits clipping in areas of localized high brightness. The overall image is brighter, and subtle elements like glimmers of light hitting the waves or ripples in the floating bubbles show bigger picture quality improvements.

While the OLED909 excels with brighter content like Pan, such content is rare. For most content mastered towards lower brightness, the OLED909 offers a less noticeable upgrade in its more accurate picture mode. Its flashier picture modes can increase brightness for a more obvious difference, but this compromises picture authenticity, which we don't recommend. Ultimately, for most films and TV shows in the recommended settings, the OLED909 provides only a slight improvement over the cheaper OLED809.

Sound

When it comes to sound quality, clarity and precision are paramount. Whether you're an audiophile or just looking to enhance your everyday listening experience, high-quality sound equipment makes all the difference. Let's explore the intricacies of achieving remarkable sound.

Clarity and Precision

Clear and precise audio is crucial for an immersive experience. Fine-tune your audio settings to ensure that every note and beat is delivered faithfully.

Immersive Experience

Audio should transport you to another place. With the right setup, you can feel like you're in the front row of your favorite concert or in the midst of an action-packed scene.

• Balance: Ensure that your audio setup has a balanced sound.

• Depth: Depth in sound provides a three-dimensional listening experience.

By paying attention to these details, you can elevate your sound experience, making every moment enjoyable.

Philips highlights the sound system in this TV as a major selling point, but has B&W's influence elevated the audio quality? The answer is mostly yes. The OLED909's audio stands out among many OLED TVs we've tested this year, though it's not entirely flawless.

Using the intro of Top Gun: Maverick in Dolby Atmos, we find that the built-in speakers deliver a clear and punchy sound with surprisingly solid dynamics. The roar of jet engines crackles with excitement, and an underlying rumble of bass adds an extra layer of immersion. The sound is crisp and clear, and while it can sometimes verge on sounding a bit lean, it’s entirely impressive by TV standards.

Speaking of bass, Blade Runner 2049’s tricky chapter 2 score uses the rear-mounted subwoofer to deliver pulsating low-end effects with ample depth. While a separate subwoofer as part of a surround-sound package will undoubtedly deliver more convincing ground-shaking bass, the Philips once again proves to be an admirable performer among its peers.

It also handles Dolby Atmos spatial effects well, with a spacious and open sound that makes a decent attempt at tracking the jet planes as they zip across the runway of the aircraft carriers. It's not as directional as an external sound system, but we can hear the B&W speakers attempting to shift the sound around organically to replicate a sense of space.

Furthermore, the speaker arrangement is quite musical for a TV sound system, which shouldn't be a surprise given Bowers & Wilkins' hi-fi pedigree. Kenny Loggins’ iconic Danger Zone track bursts into life on the OLED909, with impressive vocal clarity and snappy timing, making it far more engaging than your typical OLED TV's built-in speaker system.

The issue remains that you would still be better served by a quality Dolby Atmos soundbar such as a Sonos Arc or Sennheiser Ambeo Plus. This, in turn, puts you in a tricky spot of bypassing the audio system, which contributes to the higher price of this TV. If you have no intention of purchasing a soundbar or speaker package, then this could very well be the TV for you. However, if you do have an external sound system, then the B&W arrangement becomes an expensive addition that may be of no use to you.

Verdict

After thoroughly examining and testing, we can confidently say this product stands out in its category. Its outstanding performance and reliability make it a top choice for consumers. From the user-friendly interface to the sleek design, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to meet the needs of a diverse audience. With robust features and seamless functionality, it's evident this product was designed with the end-user in mind. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned expert, you'll find value and satisfaction in its use.

In many ways, the Philips OLED909 is incredibly close to greatness. It's bright, detailed, and sounds impressive by TV standards. However, its competitors – the LG G4 and Samsung S95D – offer better pricing, have a full suite of apps, and boast superior gaming features.

Of course, those rivals lack Ambilight, and they can't match the OLED909's fantastic sound system. That being said, the OLED809 is nearly as good in terms of picture quality, and it can be paired with a Dolby Atmos soundbar for an enhanced audio experience.