Philips PUS8079

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Panel technology: LCD VA | Brand: PHILIPS | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Operating system: Titan OS | Model year: 2024

Our verdict

4.6

Overall rating

Philips PUS8079 is currently the cheapest model from the manufacturer, featuring multicolour Ambilight backlighting, which has a large following of fans. Operating on a tight budget for the device, this will certainly be a strength and a significant added value. However, when opting for such a budget, we must also consider some compromises that will be present in all TVs of this class. This television is primarily aimed at people who mainly watch television during the day. Why? The main reason is the contrast results, which, for a VA panel, were extremely low, as well as the television's luminance, hovering around 200 nits. Such brightness indicates that it will not be suitable for content with a wide colour palette, such as streaming platforms with the highest packages. However, it's also worth noting the positive aspects of the TV, as it would be unfair not to mention them. Notably, it has quite high tonal fidelity in materials that significantly exceed the capabilities of the television, as well as smooth gradation. The latter is the strongest point of the tested television, as it is practically hard to fault, and if we were to try, it would border on nitpicking. If we occasionally connect a console, we can expect low input lag, which facilitates comfortable, casual gaming. The contentious issue is the operating system itself. It is extremely simple, and for those who only need YouTube or Netflix, it will be perfectly adequate; however, in any other case, it may prove insufficient. So who is Philips PUS8079 for? Primarily for those looking for something that distinguishes the unit from others in this price range. And that something is certainly Ambilight.

Advantages

Unique Ambilight system
Great smoothness of tonal transitions
Low input lag values
Good built-in file player
Support for DTS sound

Disadvantages

Low display brightness
No Dolby Vision
IR remote - requires aiming at the screen
TitanOs system - limited number of apps

Movies and series in UHD quality

4.3
Classic TV, YouTube

4.9
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

4.5
Gaming on console

6.2
TV as a computer monitor

2.0
Watching in bright light

2.6
Utility functions

5.0
Apps

7.0
Sound quality

5.1

TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1 Outputs: eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Review Philips PUS8079 Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

4.3/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: No

Review Philips PUS8079 Contrast and black detail

Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).

Result

2,750:1

Contrast between the glare on the chameleon's skin and the black near the edge of the screen below. Scene from the Spears&Munsil test disc.

Result

2,550:1

Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).

Result

2,150:1

Contrast between the actress's face and the black film strip at the top edge of the TV. Scene from the movie Gravity (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

2,350:1

Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).

Result

2,350:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The Philips PUS8079 television is equipped with a VA panel. It’s worth noting that the size we tested is 43", as this manufacturer often changes panels depending on the size. While this type of panel should provide at least decent blacks, since we are dealing with a very budget unit, the results are rather predictable. Results around 2300:1 are among the lowest for this type of panel. More advanced units achieve results 2-3 times better in this regard. However, the current state of affairs shouldn't overly surprise us, as we are dealing with a very, very budget device. We should also mention that in this case, we have direct backlighting (Direct), the only plus of which is the uniformity of lighting. Unfortunately, it has not been divided into any zones, which is not surprising given the low class of the device. On the positive side, we can note the light separation in the test from the movie "Oblivion".

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

2.7/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 80.0%, Bt.2020: 59.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Philips PUS8079 Brightness measurement

The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

179 nit

The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

177 nit

The measured point is the flashlight on the rifle, which shines directly at the camera. Scene from the movie Gemini Man (Paramount Pictures).

Result

202 nit

The measured point is the tail light of a helicopter flying at night. This is a very small light point, the essence of the HDR effect. Scene from the movie Sicario 2: Soldado (Lionsgate).

Result

164 nit

The measured point is the sun visible directly between the clouds. The scene is very bright and should blind the viewer as in nature. Scene from the movie The Meg (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

193 nit

The maximum brightness in content with a wide tonal range at 202 nits is extremely low and practically prevents watching movies and series on streaming platforms in the highest quality. It's worth mentioning that in this case, using the HDR format equipped with dynamic metadata won't help either. Why won't it help? Because the only such format implemented in the television is HDR10+, which is extremely unpopular, and films recorded in this format are scarce. It’s also worth noting that PUS8079 uses WLED backlighting, which unfortunately is not the best solution, resulting in coverage of only 80% of the wide DCI-P3 colour gamut. The effect of this reality is significantly less intense colours in HDR content.

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Interestingly, the test in our two demanding films turned out to be extremely successful for Philips PUS8079. The scene with incredibly high luminance, titled "Pan," is somewhat noticeably dimmed and lacks contrast; however, the overall tonal quality of the scene has been preserved very well, and it’s quite hard to pick at anything more than those aforementioned issues. We must admit, it is quite a surprise as we were expecting something completely different. The scene from "Billy Lynn" also proved to be trouble-free for the tested television. Once again, there was a lack of contrast and brightness; however, everything else was rendered very well. All this is thanks to the excellently implemented dynamic tone mapping feature that even more expensive units would envy.

HDR luminance chart:

And as we expected, after the behaviour of the television in the previous test sequence, even static HDR10 is not a major issue for the algorithms, recovering details deep in the whites and showcasing secondary and tertiary elements. The situation does not change when the same material is played with dynamic HDR10+ — it performs just as well, with no noticeable major changes, if any exist at all.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: HDR10+

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7.5/10

It seems that the fluidity of tonal transitions will be the biggest plus of the tested television. Practically in every scene, they were at a very satisfactory level. The only moments where it is insufficient are around the blacks, but even in these areas, it is quite good, and overall it can still be rated very positively, especially considering the price of the tested device. A matter not related to the fluidity of tonal transitions, but well visible in the photos, is the noticeable backlight bleed in the corners. This is an issue with the artwork itself, but it's worth noting that these cheaper units may be more prone to visible effects.

Review Philips PUS8079 Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.3/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

We will return once again to the issue of tonal transitions, but in the context of overall image quality improvement. As we can observe in the photo on the left, the gradation enhancement feature works brilliantly. Furthermore, it offers several settings, and each of them, even the lowest, provides a beneficial effect, and, what’s more, does not soften the film grain effect. We will repeat once again that this feature is the biggest advantage of the tested television.

Secondly, we will look at image scaling. Here, the tested television performed worse. We can notice, above all, the strongly jagged fine details and the characteristic white glow around figures. We must not forget about the significant artificial sharpening of the image.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.2/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 60Hz

Film motion smoothing option: No

Blur reduction option: No

BFI function 60Hz: No

BFI function 120Hz: No

This paragraph, unlike the others, will be extremely short. The reason for this situation is the lack of implementation of even the most basic motion smoothing function, which was to be expected given the price of the device. We also note that we are dealing with a VA panel, whose sharpness will not be the best under the sun. This type of panel is mainly associated with high contrast, which goes hand in hand with a relatively slow response time, as we can clearly read from the panel analysis results. As you can see, from the images captured in quick motion, the picture is blurred, typical for this type of panel. Although it may not be the ideal option, it can conditionally be used for watching sports, although one must keep in mind the less than optimal sharpness in motion. It's worth mentioning that movies will exhibit stuttering, as the television does not have any, not even the simplest, motion smoother.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Console compatibility and gaming features

4.7/10

ALLM: Yes
VRR: Yes
VRR range: 48 - 60Hz
Dolby Vision Game Mode: No
Correct implementation of HGIG: No
1080p@120Hz: No
1440p@120Hz: No
4K@120Hz: No
Game bar: Yes

Philips PUS8079 offers only the most basic support for gaming in the form of ALLM, VRR, and Game Bar. The most important information is that thanks to the implementation of the feature responsible for dynamic refresh rate adjustment, the image is actually quite smooth for this price range and does not 'tear' the image.

A slightly greater nod towards gamers is the introduction of the Game Bar, allowing for settings adjustments 'on the fly'. This means we won’t have to exit the game to make any changes to the image. Importantly, it hasn’t been stripped of options known from higher models. We can find features such as shadow enhancement for better visibility in shadows and a colour filter for players with visual impairments.

Input lag

9.9/10

Results of input lag measurements in Philips PUS8079 stand at a high level, regardless of the signal or resolution. All gamers will undoubtedly appreciate the efforts of the manufacturer, which allow a game running at 4K60Hz with HDR to have only 13 ms of lag, which is virtually unnoticeable even in online games.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 14 ms	2160p60: 14 ms
2160p60: 14 ms

Compatibility with PC

2/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Poor

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 14ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 60Hz

G-Sync: No

After connecting the television to the computer and wanting to use it as a monitor, we can expect a low input lag of 14 ms, which is practically unnoticeable on the mouse-screen-eye line. Unfortunately, the readability of the fonts is at a very low level, which practically excludes the use of Philips PUS8079 as a monitor. Why? If you look closely at the photo of the grey text, you'll notice a phenomenon called dithering. It is clearly visible that not all subpixels are lit up on the adjacent pixels, whereas all should be active when displaying grey. Therefore, the text will be annoyingly blurry, effectively hindering work.

Viewing angles

3.8/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 41%

The biggest and most common flaw of VA panels is their viewing angles. This is particularly true for units lacking angle coatings, which would make a significant difference in this regard. Interestingly, the tested unit performed considerably better than, for example, the PML9009 we recently checked. Nevertheless, even a slight shift off-axis results in a strong degradation of colours and a drop in contrast.

TV efficiency during daytime

2.6/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Słabe

Black levels during daytime: Good

In our test sequence, there was also a place to check the performance of the television during daytime viewing. In fact, we also suggest this operational scenario, considering the insufficient contrast. Returning to the point: the use of a satin finish yielded poor results, which, combined with the low luminance of the television across all models, effectively disqualifies it for viewing in a sunny room.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Philips PUS8079: 192 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: TPN246E_V246.004.012.161

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Backlight Type: White LED

TV features

5/10

System operacyjny: Titan OS
TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): No
Recording programming: No
Picture in Picture (PiP): No
Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
AirPlay: No
Voice search in native language: No
Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV: No
Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker: No
Audio only mode: Yes
RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): Infrared
Backlit remote control: Yes
Teletext: Yes

One cannot fail to mention the biggest distinguishing feature of the manufacturer's televisions. We are, of course, talking about the multicoloured Ambilight backlighting, which is placed on the back of the device and displays colours adjusted to what is happening on the screen, often allowing for an even greater immersive experience. The operating system responsible for the television's functioning is Philips' proprietary system charmingly named TitanOs. It is definitely more closed and limited in terms of application resources than the televisions from this manufacturer that are based on the GoogleTV system. Besides the lack of important applications, its closed nature also manifests itself in another way. We won't be able to do such basic things as scheduling recordings or recording to USB. Those using devices from Apple may also feel disappointed by the absence of AirPlay functionality, which allows for easy screen streaming. Fortunately, there is an option to connect a keyboard and mouse for smoother navigation through the television menu. It is worth mentioning that there is an option to connect headphones, but only wired ones. If we connect them, we can also play sound through the television's speakers. It is also worth adding that the control of the television is done over IR, rather than Bluetooth, which is quite inconvenient in these times.

In summary: TitanOs has quite a few "buts," especially when we are conscious users needing and using many streaming platforms. It is rather an option for those limiting themselves to the so-called holy trinity, namely Netflix, YouTube, and CDA.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8/10

Video Photos Audio

Maximum photo resolution:	Supported photo formats:
4 Mpix	JPEG
6 Mpix	HEIC
8 Mpix	PNG
10 Mpix	GIF
12 Mpix	WebP
16 Mpix	TIFF
20 Mpix	BMP
24 Mpix	SVG
28 Mpix
32 Mpix

The default media player built into Philips PUS8079 offers quite a wide range of features but also has its limitations. It plays practically all video formats, with the obvious exception of Dolby Vision and the less obvious .asf, which is not commonly encountered. However, there are issues such as the lack of support for the H.265 HEVC codec at high bitrate and handling of .sub files, which are fairly popular. When it comes to photos, the player performs adequately, but it lacks support for some popular resolutions and formats, such as HEIC, used on Apple devices. The player performs best with audio, where it can't be faulted. Unfortunately, due to system limitations, there is no option to expand its features, meaning we are left with what the manufacturer has provided.

Apps

7/10

Sound

5.1/10

Subjective sound quality

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

Dolby True HD 7.1

Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

DTS-HD Master Audio

The best thing that can be said about the sound system in Philips PUS8079 is that it is present. There is practically a lack of mid-tones and bass. Meanwhile, the high tones stand out in a rather unpleasant way. Interestingly, we find a complete set of the most important audio codecs here, including Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio. Because of this, connecting our home theatre system will be merely a formality.

Resolution 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels): Provides four times the resolution of Full HD, offering a sharp and clear image with a wealth of detail.
Ambilight Technology: The three-sided Ambilight system emits a glow tailored to the content displayed on the screen, creating a more immersive viewing experience.
Pixel Precise Ultra HD Engine: Optimises the quality of the displayed content, ensuring smooth motion and excellent image sharpness.
Support for HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG: Support for various HDR formats guarantees better contrast and more accurate colour reproduction, resulting in a more realistic image.
TITAN OS Operating System: An intuitive and fast Smart TV system that provides access to popular streaming apps and interface customisation.
Dolby Atmos Technology: Delivers spatial sound, creating the impression of surround sound without the need for additional speakers.
Gaming Features: The TV offers features such as variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low latency mode (ALLM), ensuring smooth and responsive gaming.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Provides a wireless connection to the internet and other devices, enhancing the functionality of the TV.
HDMI 2.1 and USB Ports: Three HDMI ports and two USB ports allow for connection to various external devices such as consoles, media players, or flash drives.

Philips 43PUS8079 review – advanced gaming features

As indicated by the Philips 43PUS8079 review, this model offers low input lag, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for a responsive screen. This ensures that even dynamic games run smoothly, providing satisfying experiences. Additionally, the review shows that the TV supports basic gaming features, such as a game mode that minimises signal delays. It’s also worth noting that the Philips PUS8079 has three HDMI 2.0 ports, allowing for simultaneous connection of multiple devices.

PUS8079 review – sound quality and operating system analysis

The PUS8079 review reveals that the TV is equipped with the Titan OS system, offering basic apps like YouTube and Netflix. However, for users expecting a broader range of apps, this system may prove insufficient. The Philips 43PUS8079 review highlighted the sound quality, which is average but sufficient for daily TV viewing. To gain a fuller picture of the capabilities of the Philips PUS8079, it’s worth checking out other available TV reviews.

Is the Philips PUS8079 suitable for a bright living room?

The Philips PUS8079 has a VA panel, which provides good contrast, but its brightness of around 200 nits may be insufficient for brightly lit rooms. Under intense daylight, colours may lose intensity, and the image may appear less clear. The PUS8079 lacks local dimming features, which affects the quality of black in bright interiors. If the TV is to be placed in a sunlit living room, it may be worth considering models with higher brightness. However, in the evening, the PUS8079 Philips performs very well, offering deep colours and impressive Ambilight effects.

Is the PUS8079 easy to mount on the wall?

Mounting the Philips PUS8079 on the wall is straightforward thanks to standard VESA holes that fit most brackets. Its slim design ensures that the TV looks aesthetically pleasing and does not protrude excessively from the wall. Before installation, it’s advisable to ensure that the wall and bracket can support its weight. The PUS8079 has well-placed ports, but once mounted, accessing them may be more challenging, so it’s best to connect necessary cables before hanging it. The PUS8079 review shows that its lightweight and compact build make it a good choice for wall mounting.

How to set up the PUS8079 Philips for the best picture quality?

To achieve optimal picture quality on the Philips PUS8079, it’s advisable to select the "Film" or "Cinema" mode, which provides natural colours. Due to the limited brightness of the PUS8079, it’s best to avoid overly high contrast to prevent losing detail in darker scenes. Adjusting sharpness and noise reduction will improve the image quality with poorer sources. The PUS8079 review indicates that it performs best when watching films in the evening, where its Ambilight creates a unique atmosphere.

Is the Philips PUS8079 a choice for years to come?

When opting for the Philips PUS8079, it’s worth considering its future usefulness. The Ambilight system enhances viewing comfort, and the low input lag makes the TV suitable for gamers. However, the PUS8079 does not fully support modern HDR formats, which may affect picture quality in the future. Titan OS, while user-friendly, has fewer apps than competitor systems. The PUS8079 Philips is a good choice for those looking for an attractive image and Ambilight effect, but if long-term versatility is a priority, it may be worth considering other models.

Philips PUS8079

Our verdict

Advantages

Disadvantages

Competing TVs in this price range

TV appearance

Buy in the best price

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound

Philips 43PUS8079 review – advanced gaming features

PUS8079 review – sound quality and operating system analysis

Is the Philips PUS8079 suitable for a bright living room?

Is the PUS8079 easy to mount on the wall?

How to set up the PUS8079 Philips for the best picture quality?

Is the Philips PUS8079 a choice for years to come?