Philips PUS8359 (IPS)

PUS8359 / PUS8349

Available screen sizes: 43”55”65”

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

Our verdict

5.2

Overall rating

Philips PUS8359 is a television that captures attention mainly thanks to its three-sided Ambilight system. The adaptive backlighting creates an impressive effect, especially in the evening – the light behind the screen adds atmosphere while watching movies and makes the interior look more interesting. It’s a really cool addition, especially if we enjoy unconventional solutions. For gamers, this model can be a good starting choice. The low input lag of less than 10 ms ensures quick responses, while the Automatic Game Mode adjusts the settings to make gameplay smooth. If we play occasionally, the TV does the job, but it’s probably not equipment for those looking for top-notch experiences. When it comes to everyday use, it’s not ideal. The Titan OS looks simple, but it lacks many popular apps, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the interface can run slower than we’d like – switching apps or jumping between settings may sometimes require patience. If we’ve previously used more advanced systems like Android TV, Titan OS may disappoint us significantly. And what about picture quality? Here lies the problem. The panel offers average brightness and low contrast, so in bright rooms, the picture can look washed out. In darker scenes, blacks become more grey, which takes away details. HDR? Don’t expect great effects – the lack of Dolby Vision and limited technical capabilities mean that HDR content doesn’t make a significant impression. Philips PUS8359 is a television that works well for Ambilight fans and those looking for basic features. It performs decently in gaming, and evening viewings with the impressive backlighting will gain an extra atmosphere. However, if we care about high picture quality or an advanced Smart TV system, it’s worth looking at other models. This TV is a suggestion for those who don’t expect too much and want something simple with an interesting visual effect.

Advantages

Ambilight 3
Illuminated remote control
Basic features for gamers
Low input lag
Support for all audio formats (Dolby and DTS)

Disadvantages

Poor black and contrast
Average brightness
Limited TitanOS system

Movies and series in UHD quality

4.3
Classic TV, YouTube

4.5
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

4.6
Gaming on console

6.2
TV as a computer monitor

6.0
Watching in bright light

4.3
Utility functions

5.7
Apps

7.0
Sound quality

6.1

TV appearance

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

Review Philips PUS8359 (IPS) Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

1.9/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: No

Review Philips PUS8359 (IPS) Contrast and black detail

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

Result

1,000:1

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

1,050:1

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

Result

900:1

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

1,050:1

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

Result

850:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

Philips PUS8359/12 in the 55" and 43" versions is based on an IPS panel, which significantly affects the contrast quality. Unfortunately, test results clearly show a very low level. The blacks, instead of resembling deep tar, appear more like silver ash, which is especially noticeable when watching dark scenes. Such a level of contrast limits the ability to fully enjoy the image, particularly for those who prefer viewing in dimly lit rooms.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

3.6/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 76.0%, Bt.2020: 55.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Philips PUS8359 (IPS) Brightness measurement

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

Result

240 nit

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

Result

225 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

285 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

236 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

280 nit

The quality of the HDR effect on the Philips PUS8359/12 television is also not impressive. A brightness level of 280 nits is too low, resembling standard SDR more than true HDR, which is clearly evident on the five tested test cards. Additionally, the television does not impress in terms of colour gamut coverage – just 76% DCI-P3 is a result that can be considered poor, especially compared to other models in a similar price range.

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

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

The results of maximum brightness in HDR materials affected the display quality in our more demanding test scenes. For example, in a scene from the film "Billy Lynn," key advantages such as the combination of high brightness and deep blacks were lacking. The image was clearly dimmed, making it difficult to capture details in darker areas, creating uneven, dark patches in places. Furthermore, low coverage of a wide colour palette negatively impacted the reproduction of skin tones. In contrast, in a scene from the film "Pan," the television performed better. Despite the overall dimming caused by insufficient brightness, the overall tonal balance was significantly better.

HDR luminance chart:

The Philips PUS8359/12 television supports both static HDR10 and dynamic HDR10+. Unfortunately, with static HDR, the image quality is poor – for example, in the scene with the horses, the details are completely invisible, and bright elements merge into one large blob. The situation is salvaged by dynamic HDR10+ metadata, which clearly improves detail. This is evident in the details of the meadow and forest in the background, which become more visible and sharp. Unfortunately, the lack of support for Dolby Vision, the more popular HDR format, is a significant limitation and could help on many platforms.

Note: The images have been placed incorrectly and will be replaced soon. We apologise for the error.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: HDR10+

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8.4/10

The gradation of tonal transitions on the Philips PUS8359/12 television is at a good level, without any noticeable issues that could negatively affect the quality of content viewing. Upon closer inspection, one might notice slight imperfections in bright, colourful transitions; however, they are subtle enough that most users should not notice them or consider them a problem.

Review Philips PUS8359 (IPS) Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

In this paragraph, we'll take a look at two functionalities. We'll once again examine the function responsible for tonal transitions, but we'll also check how the television handles image scaling. The option responsible for smooth gradation is called "Distortion Reduction". As we've established, it does a pretty good job of smoothing out inconsistencies. However, we must point out two things: we are unable to enable it for HDR content, and it blurs details in films.

The television being tested cannot boast the best image scaling. There is a noticeable overall blurriness in the image, but worse still, it blurs details. This is particularly evident on the branches and the model's hair. A characteristic white halo around the figures is also visible.

Blur and motion smoothness

4/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 60Hz

Film motion smoothing option: No

Blur reduction option: No

Philips PUS8359 is not the best choice for watching sports. The lack of even basic motion smoothing features means that the picture in dynamic scenes isn't sharp enough. Despite using an IPS panel (43 and 55'), which theoretically should provide better clarity than VA panel variants, there’s no noticeable improvement in terms of motion blur. In photos of fast movement, it’s clear that the figure of the little green man is distinctly blurry, indicating that the TV struggles to maintain sharpness in dynamic shots.

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

In terms of console compatibility, Philips PUS8359 is mainly suitable for casual gamers. Although the TV is equipped with an HDMI 2.0 port, it offers features such as Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Game Bar. ALLM automatically switches the TV to low-latency mode, making quicker reactions during gaming easier, while VRR smoothly adjusts the refresh rate, eliminating screen tearing issues. The Game Bar provides quick access to game settings and ongoing parameter monitoring; however, in our opinion, it performs worse compared to competitors' solutions.

However, more demanding gamers may feel disappointed. Philips PUS8359 does not support advanced HDR formats in games or higher refresh rates, which is due to the use of a 60 Hz panel. These shortcomings limit the TV’s ability to deliver smooth and detailed experiences during fast-paced, dynamic gameplay.

Input lag

10/10

Philips PUS8359 offers an exceptionally low input lag of below 10 ms, which is a fantastic result. This makes the television perfect for dynamic gaming, providing quick responses and smooth gameplay, which will surely be appreciated by both casual and more demanding gamers.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 10 ms	2160p60: 10 ms
2160p60: 10 ms

Compatibility with PC

6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Good

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 10ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 60Hz

G-Sync: No

The Philips PUS8359/12 TV with an IPS panel offers quite good font readability thanks to 4:4:4 chroma support, making it suitable for office work and everyday computer use. Although the low input lag makes it friendly for gamers in terms of response time, the lack of support for G-Sync and the 60 Hz panel might not meet the expectations of more demanding users. For those looking for a gaming TV, this could be a compromise – quick response is present, but the absence of higher refresh rates and adaptive image sync affects the rating in the gaming category.

Viewing angles

6.3/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 60%

The viewing angles on the Philips PUS8359 TV are quite good, thanks to the IPS panel used (43' and 55'). The image remains clear and distinct even when viewed from a greater angle, which is beneficial when watching content with a larger group or in rooms with an unconventional layout.

TV efficiency during daytime

4.3/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Good

In terms of performance during the day, Philips PUS8359 performs average. The satin matrix coating moderately suppresses reflections, which may be noticeable in bright rooms. A brightness level of 300 cd/m² is acceptable in this price range, but one should not expect exceptional results in more challenging lighting conditions.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Philips PUS8359 (IPS): 305 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: V246.004.012.161

Subpixel Structure:

Backlight Type: White LED

TV features

5.7/10

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): RF
Backlit remote control: Yes
Teletext: Yes

Review Philips PUS8359 (IPS) TV features

Philips has decided to change its approach to the operating system this year, replacing the previous open system GoogleTV with its own TitanOS. As is often the case with new solutions, TitanOS is grappling with typical teething problems. Currently, it only offers basic apps, and the app store leaves much to be desired, which may disappoint users expecting a rich programme selection. Additionally, the lack of support for AirPlay features and the inability to record to USB are further limitations that could impact the overall user experience.

A notable feature in models with TitanOS is the new remote control, which is very convenient to use thanks to its backlighting. Unfortunately, its wireless operation is not entirely consistent. The hybrid design means that sometimes you have to aim at the television, while at other times you don’t—this depends on which buttons are being used. It’s just plain annoying.

The most important feature of the Philips PUS8359 television is the three-sided Ambilight system, which significantly enhances the viewing experience. The LED lighting placed on the sides and top of the television creates an immersive effect, extending the image beyond the screen and matching colours to the content being displayed. For many users, this is a key element that makes viewing sessions more engaging, and the television stands out from the competition.

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 PUS8359 offers quite a wide range of capabilities but also has its limitations. It plays virtually all video formats, with the obvious exception of Dolby Vision and the less obvious .asf, which isn't commonly encountered. However, the problem lies in the lack of H.265 HEVC codec support at high bitrates. When it comes to photos, the player performs adequately, but it lacks support for some popular resolutions and formats like HEIC, used on Apple devices. The player performs best with audio, where it can't be faulted. Unfortunately, due to system limitations, there's no possibility to expand functions, meaning we have to stick with what the manufacturer has prepared.

Apps

7/10

Sound

6.1/10

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 audio system in the Philips PUS8359 is a standard configuration with 2x10 W speakers, which is unlikely to impress audiophiles. At moderate volume levels (up to 50% of maximum), the sound remains acceptable and does not produce significant distortion. For better audio experiences, we definitely recommend connecting even a simpler soundbar. With support for Dolby Atmos and DTS, the TV works well with external audio systems.

4K Ultra HD Resolution (3840 x 2160): Delivers four times the resolution of Full HD, offering a sharp and clear image with a wealth of details.
Ambilight Technology: The three-sided Ambilight system emits a glow that adapts to the content displayed on the screen, creating a more immersive viewing experience.
Supports HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG: Support for various HDR formats ensures 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 allows access to popular streaming apps and customisation of the interface.
Dolby Atmos Technology: Delivers spatial sound, creating the impression of surround audio and enhancing the quality of multimedia content reception.
HDMI 2.1 Ports: Three HDMI ports enable the connection of modern devices with high-speed data transfer and support for advanced features.
Gaming Features: Support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) provides smoother gameplay with less input lag, which is beneficial for gamers.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Provides wireless connection to the internet and other devices, enhancing the functionality of the television.

Philips 55PUS8359 – Advanced Features for Gamers

Testing of the Philips 55PUS8359 model reveals that this television offers a range of features dedicated to gamers, which can significantly improve gameplay comfort. The low input lag of less than 10 ms ensures quick responses to commands, which is crucial in fast-paced games. In television tests, attention was drawn to its compatibility with next-generation consoles, making the Philips PUS8359 an attractive choice for video game enthusiasts.

Philips PUS8359 – Limitations of the Titan OS

Tests of the Philips PUS8359 television indicate some limitations associated with the Titan OS operating system. While the interface is easy to use, it lacks many popular apps, which can be frustrating for users accustomed to more comprehensive Smart TV platforms. The PUS8359 test highlighted slower system performance, manifested as delays when switching between apps or settings. For those who value a fast and responsive interface, the Philips 55PUS8359 may not meet expectations.

Philips PUS8359 (IPS)

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 55PUS8359 – Advanced Features for Gamers

Philips PUS8359 – Limitations of the Titan OS