- Matching (Score)
- Our verdict
- TV appearance
- Where to buy
- 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
- TV features
- Playing files from USB
- Apps
- Sound
Complete the survey to find out the result
Panel technology: WRGB OLED Brand: PHILIPS Resolution: 3840x2160 Operating system: Google TV Model year: 2024
Our verdict
7.6
Overall rating
The Philips OLED 809 is a versatile television that caters to a wide audience. Its standout feature is the multicoloured Ambilight backlighting, which enhances immersion and engagement, particularly when watching films. As expected from an OLED TV, key aspects such as contrast, black levels, and colour reproduction are excellent, providing impressive visual quality.
However, the television has some drawbacks, such as the quality of tonal transitions and the inconsistent operation of the dynamic tone mapping function, which can occasionally distract more sensitive viewers. Despite these shortcomings, the Philips OLED 809 excels in two key areas: gaming performance and motion smoothing. Gaming performance is particularly noteworthy, with each implemented feature functioning seamlessly to create a highly immersive experience.
Motion smoothness is also impressive, with two effective sliders allowing users to customise the motion settings. The inclusion of the Google TV system further enhances the user experience, offering smooth and lag-free operation during tests. Overall, the Philips OLED 809 strikes a solid balance between its strengths and minor imperfections.
Advantages
Advanced Google TV system with good app support
Very good cooperation with the console
Good image fluidity and an advanced system for its improvement
Multicolored Ambilight backlighting
Disadvantages
Poor factory color reproduction (can be fixed through calibration)
Strongly contrasting tonal transitions
Average readability of fonts when connected to a computer
Movies and series in UHD quality7.3
Classic TV, YouTube7.8
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)8.2
Gaming on console9.2
TV as a computer monitor6.4
Watching in bright light5.5
Utility functions7.8
Apps10.0
Sound quality7.1
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TV appearance
HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
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Contrast and black detail
10/10
Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).
Result
∞: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
Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).
Result
∞: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
Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).
Result
∞:1
The Philips OLED 809, true to its name, uses an OLED panel sourced from LG Displays, a common choice among major brands like Sony and Panasonic. This advanced panel technology enables the television to achieve outstanding results in contrast and black-level tests. The image produced is three-dimensional and entirely free of the blooming effect often seen in TVs with local dimming, where bright text on dark backgrounds can appear hazy.
This exceptional performance is due to the panel's structure, crafted from conductive organic polymers and controlled by electrical impulses. Unlike LCD TVs with layered filters, OLED technology allows individual pixels to turn off completely, creating true black levels with a value of 0. This direct control ensures the precise separation of bright and dark elements in the image.
In tests, the Philips OLED 809 showcased its ability to render contrasts with exceptional precision, such as isolating bright elements like headlights against dark backgrounds. This capability is one of the TV's strongest advantages, elevating its performance in scenarios where contrast and black levels are critical.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
HDR effect quality
6.8/10
Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 99.0%, Bt.2020: 75.0%
Luminance measurements in HDR:
The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).
Result
921 nit
The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).
Result
970 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
1039 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
1022 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
425 nit
The Philips OLED 809 delivers a highly satisfactory HDR effect. The television can reach luminance levels exceeding 900 nits in most scenes, and in some cases, even surpassing 1000 nits. This brightness ensures a rich and immersive experience for HDR content with a wide tonal range. The only exception occurs in a scene from the movie The Meg, where a large amount of bright white occupies most of the screen, preventing the TV from reaching higher brightness levels. However, this is not a significant issue, as the performance is still a considerable improvement over its predecessor.
Overall, these brightness levels, especially for an OLED panel not equipped with MLA technology, impress. Coupled with excellent coverage of the DCI-P3 colour spectrum, the Philips OLED 809 offers a truly spectacular HDR viewing experience.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
The calibration process on the Philips OLED 809 was undoubtedly one of the more successful ones. The scene from Billy Lynn, mastered at around 1100 nits, turned out very well, even though it exceeds the television's physical capabilities. This is due to the excellent performance of the television's tone mapping and the aforementioned calibration process. The combination of these two factors allowed for a nearly 1:1 representation of the director's intentions. Even the details in the blacks are visible without being overly pronounced, enabling viewers to experience the full suspense of the scene. This is a challenging scene not only for Mini LED televisions but also for cheaper organic panel-equipped sets. These weaker models tend to either raise the brightness too much or excessively darken the image.
Looking at the second image from Pan, the picture is slightly dimmed compared to the original intention of the producer. This is understandable, as the luminance of the scene itself is around 2800 nits, a level that only incredibly advanced models, nearly unavailable to the retail consumer, can display. Despite this, the overall tonality of the scene is preserved excellently, and it's hard to find anything to critique. It's also worth noting the quality of the colours themselves, as they were incredibly saturated, thanks to 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space.
HDR luminance chart:
As it turns out, the static metadata used by the HDR10 format poses no significant problem for the Philips OLED 809. Thanks to the efficient dynamic tone mapping function, images with a lot of white are very readable, with almost all details visible across the foreground, middle ground, and background. While there is a slight drop in brightness due to the nature of OLED panels lacking MLA technology, the overall performance is strong. However, a downside is a noticeable posterisation in tonal transitions, a slight decrease in contrast, and a subtle loss of detail.
While the dynamic tone mapping (DTM) function generally works very well, it has a flaw when it comes to quick scene changes. The TV's algorithms lag, and in the initial moments, the frame lacks details, only for them to return suddenly shortly after. Fortunately, thanks to the inclusion of Dolby Vision, which uses dynamic metadata, the scene looks exemplary. Details in the distance, surrounded by a lot of white, subtly and unobtrusively stand out, and the animals themselves regain their proper contrast, providing a much better viewing experience.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: Dolby Vision
Factory color reproduction
5.1/10
The best factory mode in which we performed all our tests was "Filmmaker," which is quite standard in televisions from this manufacturer. However, let’s first examine its characteristics before the calibration process. The first aspect we will focus on is white balance, as it is critical to ensuring the image remains free from any colour cast. The chart clearly shows that in both SDR and HDR materials, two colours dominated significantly: red and green, resulting in a strong yellow tint that affected the entire image. This was particularly noticeable on the "ColourChecker" palette, where all colours shifted towards their warmer counterparts.
The second aspect we will assess is what we consider to be the two most important charts for evaluating picture quality: gamma and the Electro-Optical Transfer Function (EOTF) curve. Both aim to maintain appropriate brightness and contrast. The first chart, which describes the brightness levels in SDR materials, shows that the brightness was significantly lower than the reference value marked by the orange line. This resulted in a sharp increase in brightness and a notable decrease in contrast, which was inconsistent with typical OLED television behaviour. The EOTF curve, on the other hand, showed greater "moderation," subtly brightening the overall image only up to 50% of the maximum brightness.
Color reproduction after calibration
9/10
Philips, like most leading manufacturers, has been providing advanced calibration tools for years. The inclusion of 2- and 20-point grayscale adjustments, along with an advanced CMS (Color Management System), has yielded extremely beneficial results and fundamentally improved the perceived image. Nearly every element previously mentioned has undergone a transformation and has been restored to its natural state. This is particularly noticeable in the "ColourChecker" palette, where the measured colour samples align harmoniously. Notably, the white balance has been excellently calibrated, ensuring a pure image free from unwanted tint in both SDR and HDR content. The previously problematic gamma has been well addressed, with only minor errors that do not impact the overall performance. Similarly, the EOTF curve has been refined, removing the subtle brightening effect, and now offers a truly reference-quality presentation.
Smoothness of tonal transitions
2.4/10
Equally important as colour accuracy, black levels, and contrast in the context of image quality is its purity. This includes the quality of tonal transitions. Many viewers will be familiar with the "stepping" effect of colours on older displays—a frustrating issue that can significantly disrupt immersion in films or series. Unfortunately, the Philips OLED 809 suffers from such a problem, and while it might be tempting to overlook, it warrants examination.
In almost every tested scene, a lack of fluidity between colours was evident. While this is somewhat acceptable in certain films, such as Kingsman, it becomes far more distracting in others, particularly in The Green Knight. In this film, the thick fog was rendered as horizontal stripes and indistinct geometric shapes rather than a smooth gradient.
Though some televisions handle tonal transitions with excellence, the Philips OLED 809 does not belong in that category. Tests revealed visible stepping effects in colours, especially in demanding scenes, which detract from the viewing experience. Even options designed to mitigate posterisation failed to deliver adequate improvements, making this a significant drawback of the model.
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
5.5/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
Philips OLED 809 struggled significantly in the smooth tonal transitions test. Focusing on the TV's algorithms, particularly the feature responsible for removing posterisation, the results were disappointing. This function, which offers several adjustable settings, proved ineffective in practice. The highest setting, while it does mitigate inconsistencies, it simultaneously blurs the entire image, rendering it virtually useless.
When dealing with lower-quality content, the performance of image upscaling algorithms becomes crucial. In this regard, the algorithms implemented in the OLED 809 perform admirably. They enhance image quality effectively, with minimal visible artefacts. Although slight edge fraying can occasionally be observed, it is unlikely to be noticeable during typical viewing sessions.
Blur and motion smoothness
8.5/10
Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 144Hz
Film motion smoothing option: Yes
Blur reduction option: Yes
BFI function 60Hz: No
BFI function 120Hz: No
The maximum refresh rate achievable on the Philips OLED 809 is 144 Hz, a feature that can be fully utilised when connected to a high-performance PC. However, when connected to consoles or used for standard television viewing, the refresh rate remains at typical values. For users seeking enhanced motion fluidity or wishing to eliminate the characteristic choppiness of films shot at 24 fps, Philips provides a sophisticated motion-smoothing system.
In the settings menu, there is a "Smoothness" slider designed to reduce choppiness, along with a "Motion Blur Reduction" option to enhance the sharpness of fast-moving elements. These features perform impressively and allow for granular adjustments, ensuring that each setting has a tangible impact on motion perception. Notably, the system operates effectively at a refresh rate of 120 Hz, taking advantage of multiples of video frame rates. With this comprehensive range of options, users can easily fine-tune the settings to suit their preferences. For example, slight smoothing without inducing the soap opera effect offers a balanced viewing experience.
Motion clarity on the OLED 809 is further bolstered by the exceptional response time of the OLED panel, measured at approximately 0.1 ms. This surpasses the performance of IPS/ADS or VA panels, making OLED technology unrivalled in this area.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
In terms of motion clarity, Philips OLED 809 does not include BFI (Black Frame Insertion) technology, which inserts black frames between regular ones to improve sharpness by "resetting" the retina. However, this omission is not a major drawback, as in most TVs, BFI often causes noticeable flickering, making it impractical for regular use.
Console compatibility and gaming features
10/10
- ALLM:
Yes
- VRR:
Yes
- VRR range:
40 - 144Hz
- Dolby Vision Game Mode:
Yes
- Correct implementation of HGIG:
Yes
- 1080p@120Hz:
Yes
- 1440p@120Hz:
Yes
- 4K@120Hz:
Yes
- Game bar:
Yes
- G-Sync:
Yes
The Philips OLED 809 fully supports all technologies included in the HDMI 2.1 standard, and during testing, each activated without issue. This makes the TV an excellent choice for gamers, whether on console or PC. Notably, it features HGIG mode as a strong alternative to Dolby Vision, which is less ideal for gaming on this model due to its high input lag.
The TV also includes a dedicated GameBar for monitoring gameplay parameters and adjusting settings quickly. Features like a crosshair overlay for sniper shots, shadow enhancement for better visibility, and a colour filter for gamers with visual impairments further enhance its gaming appeal.
In summary, the OLED 809 is a fantastic choice for gaming, equipped with VRR, ALLM, G-Sync, FreeSync, and HDR Dolby Vision gaming for a deeply immersive experience. The only drawback is the artificial sharpness in game mode, which cannot be fully softened, regardless of settings.
Input lag
9.5/10
The input lag measurements on the Philips OLED 809 are impressively low across all signals and resolutions. Gamers will undoubtedly value the manufacturer’s efforts, as a game running at 4K120Hz with HDR achieves a latency of just 5 ms—virtually imperceptible, even in online gaming. Additionally, the game mode with Dolby Vision deserves praise, delivering a comparable response time of 13 ms. In this regard, the Philips OLED 809 earns top marks.
| SDR | HDR | Dolby Vision |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p60: 13 ms | 2160p60: 13 ms | 2160p60 DV: 13 ms |
| 1080p120: 5 ms | 2160p120: 5 ms | 2160p120 DV: 57 ms |
| 2160p60: 13 ms | ||
| 2160p120: 5 ms |
Compatibility with PC
6.4/10
Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): No
Font clarity: Average
Readability of dark text and shapes: Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 13ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement: RWBG
As in gaming, the Philips OLED 809 delivers excellent performance, but its capabilities falter with everyday text work. Despite its impressively low latency, the issue lies in its lack of chroma 4:4:4 support, leading to noticeable font blurriness regardless of the refresh rate. While this is not a problem during gaming, it can significantly affect text work by making fonts less readable and more straining to the eyes.
Viewing angles
7.4/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 29%
An advantage of OLED panels is their excellent performance at sharp viewing angles, with no noticeable drop in contrast or color saturation. However, a characteristic feature of panels produced by LG Display, which are not used in top models, is the appearance of a teal or cyan tint when viewed from a wide angle.
TV efficiency during daytime
5.5/10
Matrix coating: Glare
Reflection suppression: Good
Black levels during daytime: Very Good
For many years, the efficiency of OLED TVs during the day has been a topic of debate, with many still believing these screens aren't suitable for daylight use. While that may have been true for older models, current technology has advanced significantly. Today, there are no major objections to recommending an OLED TV for daytime use. Despite the glossy panel, which might seem like a drawback, the real-world results speak for themselves. One aspect to consider is contrast which remains higher during daytime use, unlike QD-OLED panels or OLEDs with MLA technology. This is due to the absence of excited quantum dots and micro-lenses.
Matrix brightness
Average luminance SDR
Philips 55 OLED809: 322 cd/m2
TV features
7.8/10
System operacyjny: Google TV
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:
Yes
- Voice search in native language:
Yes
- 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:
No
- Audio only mode:
Yes
- RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen):
RF
- Backlit remote control:
Yes
- Teletext:
Yes
Before we dive into the software that controls the TV, it’s important to highlight one of the standout features of Philips OLED 809 is the multicoloured Ambilight. This unique system, positioned on the back of the device, adjusts its colours according to what's happening on the screen, enhancing immersion and overall viewing experience.
The Philips OLED 809 runs on the Google TV system, which is a significant advantage over some of the manufacturer's other models that use the proprietary TitanOS, a more closed system with fewer available apps. With Google TV, users can install virtually any application, from the store or via APK files directly from online repositories.
Additionally, Google TV offers convenient control options, such as easy integration with keyboards and touchpads for smoother typing and navigation. Voice commands can also be issued using the remote, with quick and accurate interpretation by the system.
In summary, Google TV is one of the most popular systems available today. Powered by a robust CPU, it operates smoothly and stably, without freezes or stutters. For those who want to make the most of their TV’s capabilities, Google TV offers the openness and versatility needed to enhance the overall experience.
Playing files from USB
9.5/10
| 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 on the Philips OLED 809 is of a high standard but has shortcomings. It excels in playing a wide variety of video files, with the exception of two less commonly used formats. A key advantage is the inclusion of options to confirm playback for various subtitle formats. The TV handles images of any resolution effortlessly, making it a great choice for browsing family albums or studio photos. In terms of supported photo and audio formats, the performance is satisfactory, with only a few outdated or rare formats being unsupported. However, this isn't a significant issue, as users can easily download an app from the store to handle those formats.
Apps
10/10
Sound
7.1/10
7.1/10
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
At the outset, it's important to note that sound quality is always subjective. In our opinion, the audio system in the Philips OLED 809 is of high quality. The bass is well-defined without overpowering the mid and high tones. From another perspective, considering the price range of this TV, most users will likely have an additional audio system. In this context, the television will not disappoint, as it supports nearly all major standards, including Dolby Atmos and, notably, DTS-HD Master Audio.