Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949

PUS8959 / PUS8919 / The One / PUS8909 / PUS8949

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”75”

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Panel type: LCD IPS | Brand: PHILIPS | Resolution: 3840x2160 | System: Titan OS | Model year: 2024

Our verdict

6.9

Overall rating

Philips PUS8959, also known by other designations under the abbreviation PUS89 (depending on the retail network), is a model from the popular series The One. Its biggest standout feature is the Ambilight system, which continues to make a great impression. The three-sided backlighting adjusts to the image on the screen, making films, series or games literally extend beyond the edges of the TV. The One is also a good option for gamers. The 120 Hz panel and low input lag make games run smoothly, and the motion on screen is clear. We tested several dynamic titles on the console, and the TV handled them without any issues – no stuttering or delays. Additionally, support for HGiG allows for better rendering of HDR effects in games. This is a great solution if we care about matching the image with what the creators intended. The picture quality is good, particularly during the day. With a brightness level of 550 nits, The One performs well even in well-lit rooms, and Dolby Vision in HDR movies delivers vivid colours and sharp details. However, the ADS panel has its limitations – black in dark scenes more resembles a grey shade, which can be noticeable when watching in a darkened room. When we watched movies with the lights off, the lack of depth in the blacks was somewhat striking. The Titan OS operating system is something that still needs refinement. It’s fast, but the limited number of applications can be frustrating for those used to more extensive platforms like GoogleTV. In daily use of Netflix or YouTube, it works flawlessly, but if we're counting on more advanced features, the system may not meet expectations. Overall, the Philips The One is a good choice in its price range. The Ambilight system impresses and significantly enhances the viewing experience, especially in the evening. It’s also a solid option for gamers, thanks to the smooth image and low input lag. Although the black level isn't perfect, and the operating system needs improvement, the TV excels in everyday use. For fans of unique solutions like Ambilight, this is a proposal that definitely deserves attention.

Advantages

Ambilight System: Three-sided backlighting
120Hz Panel - smooth image
Extra features for gamers
Satisfactory brightness level that works well during the day
Wide viewing angles

Disadvantages

Poor black quality
Annoying "hybrid" remote
Titan OS: Still in development, with a limited number of apps and not very functional compared to more advanced platforms

Movies and series in UHD quality

6.6
Classic TV, YouTube

6.3
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

7.2
Gaming on console

8.5
TV as a computer monitor

9.0
Watching in bright light

6.1
Utility functions

6.0
Apps

7.0
Sound quality

6.4

TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 0 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) 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 The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949 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 The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949 Contrast and black detail

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

Result

2,350:1

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

2,400:1

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

Result

2,600:1

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

2,550:1

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

Result

2,200:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The television Philips PUS8959 is based on an ADS panel, which offers slightly different parameters compared to the popular VA panels. In the tested screens, the contrast was around 2000:1, making the black level far from ideal. ADS panels are known for their weaker contrast compared to VA panels, which in practice means that instead of deep black, we see more navy or grey shades. However, the ADS panel is still better than the standard IPS panel, which cannot achieve such a level of contrast. Additionally, the Philips PUS8959 is not equipped with local dimming technology, which could improve these parameters. The absence of this function exacerbates the effect of shallow blacks, particularly noticeable in dark scenes, such as those in the movie "Sicario 2". Instead of intense black, the screen generates a silvery glow, which can be bothersome, especially when watching in darker conditions. All of this leads to a visual experience that lacks depth, and details in dark scenes are not as well visible as one might expect from higher-end screens. Despite the lack of local dimming, the television is equipped with what is known as Global Dimming. The television is capable of completely dimming the panel to achieve higher contrast, but at the cost of details that may blend together, for example, lights in the test screen from the movie Oblivion. It’s worth noting that the model we received for testing has quite noticeable blobs resulting from uneven backlighting, although this isn't a dealbreaker; one should consider when purchasing that we might receive a similar piece.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

5.8/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 94.3%, Bt.2020: 70.1%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949 Brightness measurement

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

Result

501 nit

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

Result

514 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

553 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

544 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

569 nit

The luminance graph for Philips PUS8959 shows that the television can achieve around 550 nits of brightness, which can be considered a satisfactory level. Such brightness allows you to feel the effects of HDR, which stand out particularly in more demanding scenes. In the tested patterns, the television performed quite well, even in challenging sequences like those from "Sicario 2". Due to the lack of local dimming, the television does not dim small bright elements, and they shine at the full "power" of the television but at the cost of silvery blacks, which we mentioned in the paragraph about black levels. It’s also worth praising Philips PUS8959 for its good coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette, which is around 94.5%. This ensures that the colours are vivid and close to the creators' intentions, which further enhances the quality of HDR effects and the experience of watching high dynamic range content.

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

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

The Philips PUS8959 TV was tested on two very demanding film scenes that are rarely found in TVs within a similar budget – particularly in terms of brightness, which can pose a challenge for equipment of this class. In the scene from the film Pan, the HDR effects are clearly visible, and the image is not excessively dimmed, which is a plus. However, due to the limited contrast of the ADS panel, the HDR effect is not as spectacular as one might expect, but it still looks quite decent. In the second scene, from the film Billy Lynn, the TV presents a satisfactory level of picture in relation to the reference, although brightness is somewhat excessive. Despite this, the colours remain well reproduced, and the overall colour scheme is maintained, allowing for a satisfying visual experience in this scene.

Philips PUS8959 also offers dynamic tone mapping, however, we recommend setting this option to static (off). Even with this feature turned off, the TV retrieves details beyond its theoretical capabilities, while not disrupting the other elements of the image. Turning on dynamic tone mapping would lead to even greater excessive brightening of scenes, negatively affecting the quality of the entire picture. Therefore, for the best HDR effect, we recommend keeping this option off to achieve a more natural and balanced image.

HDR luminance chart:

The Philips PUS8959 TV supports a wide range of HDR formats, including static HDR10 and dynamic HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. We decided to compare how the TV performs in the most popular formats, namely HDR10 and Dolby Vision, to see which one provides better detail reproduction.

In the first scene with the horses presented in HDR10 format, the whole image is quite bright, which makes it difficult to talk about any subtle details. The horses are clearly visible, but the lack of shadows and background details causes the scene to lose depth and realism. Using Dolby Vision, the same scene gains a bit more detail – you can see not only the horses but also subtler elements, such as shadows and parts of the background. Nevertheless, even with Dolby Vision, the image is still far from reference level, showing that the Philips PUS8959 is not always able to fully utilise the capabilities offered by this advanced format.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8.9/10

The gradation on the Philips PUS8959 television looks very good, offering smooth tonal transitions in most scenes. Occasionally, minor issues can be detected, especially in transitions between certain colours, where subtle inconsistencies are noticeable. However, these imperfections are subtle enough that they do not significantly impact the overall viewing experience and can be considered completely acceptable. In everyday use, the television provides good enough gradation quality to satisfy even more demanding users, maintaining the naturalness of the image and a lack of glaring tonal distortions.

Review Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949 Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.5/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

When it comes to smoothing tonal transitions, the "Distortion Reduction" function in the minimum position performs quite well, effectively smoothing tonal transitions without excessive impact on other elements of the image. In testing, I did not notice that the reduction negatively affected the structure of the image, such as film grain or details of objects – everything remains in its place, which is a big plus for users who value the natural look of film material.

As for digital processing, the image looks pretty good, although it features very softened contours, giving it an almost "leafy" character. This effect may evoke mixed feelings – some users will appreciate the fluidity and delicacy of this type of presentation, while others may find it too gentle, losing detail. It is a matter of individual preference, but it must be admitted that Philips PUS8959 provides quite subtle yet effective tools for improving tonal transitions without excessive interference with the natural character of the image.

Blur and motion smoothness

8/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: Yes

BFI function 60Hz: No

BFI function 120Hz: No

Brightness drop with BFI: 0%

Philips PUS8959 TV is equipped with a 120 Hz panel, which should satisfy more demanding users, especially those who love watching dynamic sports broadcasts or playing games. Such a high refresh rate allows for significantly smoother images, being a key aspect during dynamic scenes and fast actions.

For those who prefer watching movies, the TV offers an additional motion smoother that allows adjustment of the frame rate according to personal preferences. The Philips PUS8959 features a 10-step adjustment for functions called "Smoothness" and "Motion Blur Reduction". The "Smoothness" function increases the number of frames through interpolation, making movement on the screen smoother, reminiscent of the so-called "soap opera effect". Meanwhile, "Motion Blur Reduction" focuses on minimising streaking and improving motion clarity, which is particularly noticeable in dynamic sequences such as action scenes or fast sports shots.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

When it comes to ghosting, the ADS panel offers quite a good response between pixels, which results in relatively smooth motion rendering. Some shortcomings are noticeable, especially on dark backgrounds, where minor ghosting traces may appear, but overall, it looks quite good. Thanks to the use of a 120 Hz panel and precise adjustments for smoothness and motion blur reduction, the Philips PUS8959 television is able to provide satisfying image smoothness both when watching movies, sports broadcasts, and during gaming.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

ALLM: Yes
VRR: Yes
VRR range: 48 - 144Hz
Dolby Vision Game Mode: Yes
Correct implementation of HGIG: Yes
1080p@120Hz: Yes
1440p@120Hz: Yes
4K@120Hz: Yes
Game bar: Yes

Philips PUS8959 is a television that will surely please gaming enthusiasts. It supports most modern technologies useful during gameplay, such as HGiG, allowing for better representation of HDR effects in games. As a result, the image is more aligned with what the game developers intended to achieve.

The television also supports displaying images at 120 Hz, ensuring smoothness and dynamism, particularly important during action games and sports broadcasts. The Game Bar feature provides quick access to game settings, making it easier to adjust the image according to user preferences without interrupting gameplay.

Unfortunately, the Dolby Vision mode does not offer low input lag, which may be noticeable during dynamic scenes. Nevertheless, thanks to the HGiG feature and high refresh rate, the Philips PUS8959 remains an attractive choice for gamers, offering good image quality and suitable smoothness during gameplay.

Input lag

9.7/10

Philips PUS8959 TV offers impressive results in terms of input lag, making it a great choice for gamers. For 120 Hz content, the lag is less than 6 ms, which is an absolutely excellent result and allows for immediate response in games, especially in dynamic titles. For 60 Hz content, the input lag is 15 ms, which is also an outstanding result and ensures comfortable gameplay in most cases.

Unfortunately, the Dolby Vision mode does not perform as well, as the input lag increases to 31 ms. While such a result may be acceptable for less dynamic content, for demanding gamers it may prove insufficient, impacting precision and reaction speed. Nonetheless, in standard modes, Philips PUS8959 still offers remarkable performance, making it a competitive choice in the TV market for gamers.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 15 ms	2160p60: 14 ms	2160p60 DV: 31 ms
1080p120: 6 ms	2160p120: 6 ms
2160p60: 15 ms
2160p120: 6 ms

Compatibility with PC

9/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Very Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Very Good

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 7ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: RGB

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

Philips PUS8959 works excellently as a monitor for use with a PC. With support for chroma 4:4:4, it provides full colour clarity, which is crucial for text work – fonts are sharp and readable, regardless of the background they are on. This makes using office applications, browsing the internet, and graphic editing comfortable and precise.

Additionally, the low input lag provided by the television ensures smooth and responsive operation, which is important both during everyday tasks and in more dynamic applications, such as gaming or multimedia editing. Philips PUS8959 is an excellent choice for users looking for a television that also functions as a PC monitor, offering high image quality and user comfort.

Viewing angles

6.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 82%

Philips PUS8959, equipped with an ADS panel, offers quite decent viewing angles, definitely better than those found in VA panels. The image retains its quality even when viewing from a wider angle – colours are vivid, and contrast does not deteriorate as much as in VA panel televisions. Because of this, watching the television from different spots in the room still allows for enjoyment of well-saturated colours and overall image quality, which makes Philips PUS8959 perfect for larger rooms and during shared viewing with family or friends.

TV efficiency during daytime

6.1/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Good

Black levels during daytime: Average

Philips PUS8959 features a satin finish on the panel that effectively dampens light reflections, which is beneficial when using the television in bright daytime conditions. However, such a finish causes blacks to take on shades of grey during the day, losing their depth and intensity, which impacts the perception of the image in darker scenes.

A brightness level of 562 cd/m² allows for comfortable television use during the day, even in well-lit rooms. The image is bright enough to cut through daylight, and the reduction of reflections ensures decent visibility of content, making Philips PUS8959 a good choice for rooms where the lighting level cannot always be controlled.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949: 562 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: TPN248E_V248.003.025.151

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Backlight Type: PFS LED

TV features

6/10

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): No
AirPlay: No
Voice search in native language: No
Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV: Yes
Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker: Yes
Audio only mode: Yes
RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
Backlit remote control: Yes
Teletext: Yes

Review Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949 TV features

Philips PUS8959 is equipped with a three-sided Ambilight system – a flagship patent of this brand, which has been enjoyed by a dedicated group of fans for years. Ambilight is based on dynamic lighting of the wall behind the television, adapting to the content displayed on the screen, significantly enhancing the viewing experience, especially in a darkened room. This effect is unique and adds a certain kind of "magic" to watching, making many users choose Philips specifically for this feature.

When it comes to the operating system, Philips PUS8959 uses Titan OS – a system that is still in the early stages of development. There are visible growing pains, especially since Philips has moved away from Android in most of its models. Titan OS has a limited number of available applications. This is frustrating for those accustomed to a broader ecosystem like GoogleTV. Additionally, the television does not have AirPlay functionality, which limits its compatibility with Apple devices and may be a drawback for users looking for a flexible way to stream content.

The user features of Philips PUS8959 are a mix of pros and cons. The remote control that comes with the television is quite annoying – it requires aiming directly at the screen, which can be inconvenient. On the other hand, the voice function works without the need to aim, but it only supports English. On the plus side, the remote is backlit, making it easier to use in the dark. The television lacks PiP (Picture-in-Picture) functionality and the ability to record programs, which is a significant omission. However, the television is equipped with Bluetooth, allowing users to connect headphones or a keyboard, which can be useful – especially given the limited number of available applications, which may encourage the use of the built-in web browser.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8.2/10

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

Although the Titan OS system on the Philips PUS8959 TV is still in its early stages, it deserves praise for supporting Polish subtitles embedded in films, which is a significant convenience for users dealing with external files. If we want to play a film from a connected USB device, the TV will do this without any major issues, providing a comfortable viewing experience without the need for additional subtitle configuration.

As for photos, the TV should have no major difficulties playing them. It supports most popular formats, although there is a lack of support for less common standards, such as HEIC used in Apple devices. This means that some photos, especially from newer Apple devices, may require prior conversion to a more standard format in order to be played on the Philips screen.

Apps

7/10

Sound

6.4/10

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 sound on the Philips PUS8959 unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired. While you can hear low frequencies in the playback, the bass is very weak, which results in overall unsatisfactory sound quality. The television performs averagely, especially when compared to more advanced sound systems available on the market.

Despite the average quality of the speakers, the television supports all essential audio codecs, which may please users utilizing external home theatre systems. Thanks to compatibility with various audio formats, the Philips PUS8959 can offer a good audio experience when connected to the right external speakers or amplifier, providing a fuller, more cinematic sound.

Ambilight Technology: The three-sided Ambilight system emits light that adapts to the content on the screen, creating an immersive atmosphere and enhancing the visual experience.
P5 Perfect Picture Processor: The advanced processor optimizes image quality, ensuring sharpness, contrast, and vibrant colours in every scene.
Titan OS Operating System: The intuitive Smart TV platform provides quick access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video.
Support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos: These technologies guarantee cinematic quality of both image and sound, offering realistic visual effects and spatial audio.
High Refresh Rate: The 120 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion, which is particularly important when watching dynamic sports scenes or playing video games.
Sleek Design: The slim construction with minimal bezels makes the TV a perfect fit for modern interiors.

Philips PUS8959 Review

The TV from the PUS8959 series is a modern solution for demanding users. In our review of the Philips 65PUS8959 and Philips 55PUS8959, we highlighted the innovative Ambilight system that perfectly adapts to the image on the screen. This creates a unique visual effect that makes movies, series, and games look even more impressive. The Philips 43PUS8959 does not disappoint in this category either, offering experiences that go beyond traditional viewing.

Philips PUS8959 - Gamers' Review

During tests of the Philips 65PUS8959, we appreciated its 120 Hz panel and low input lag, making it an excellent choice for gamers. Our rating confirms that motion on the screen is smooth, and details in dynamic scenes are clear. Support for HGiG enables realistic reproduction of HDR effects, according to the vision of game developers. The Philips 55PUS8959 and Philips 43PUS8959 offer similar advantages, making the entire PUS8959 series meet the expectations of even the most demanding gamers.

Philips PUS8959 - Image Quality and Our Opinion

In our assessment, the Philips 55PUS8959 performs very well in terms of image quality. Brightness at 550 nits ensures that the TV performs well in well-lit rooms. Dolby Vision allows for vibrant colours and precise details in HDR films. Although the ADS panel does not offer perfect black, in everyday use the Philips 65PUS8959 and Philips 43PUS8959 still present images at a high level.

Philips PUS8959 - Daily Use Rating

The Titan OS operating system in the Philips 43PUS8959 ensures quick and stable performance during everyday use of apps like Netflix or YouTube. Our review indicates that although the number of available apps is limited, the system operates smoothly and meets basic user needs. The Philips 65PUS8959 and Philips 55PUS8959 offer identical experiences, making everyday viewing enjoyable and convenient.

Our Assessment of the PUS8959 Series - Ambilight System

The Ambilight system is the biggest highlight of the PUS8959 series. Both the Philips 65PUS8959, Philips 55PUS8959, and Philips 43PUS8959 have three-sided screen lighting that significantly enhances the viewing comfort. Our opinion clearly indicates that Ambilight creates a unique atmosphere during movie sessions, evening viewing, or gaming.

Summary - Our Review of the Philips PUS8959 Series

The PUS8959 series is an excellent option for gamers and movie lovers. In our tests, the Philips 65PUS8959, Philips 55PUS8959, and Philips 43PUS8959 stand out for their fluid image, excellent colour reproduction, and unique Ambilight system. Although black is not perfect, advantages such as Dolby Vision, HGiG support, and a 120 Hz panel make our rating of this series very positive. The PUS8959 TVs are definitely a choice worth considering.

Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949

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 PUS8959 Review

Philips PUS8959 - Gamers' Review

Philips PUS8959 - Image Quality and Our Opinion

Philips PUS8959 - Daily Use Rating

Our Assessment of the PUS8959 Series - Ambilight System

Summary - Our Review of the Philips PUS8959 Series