META 2.0 OLED Panel with Micro Lens Array Plus technology – A modern OLED panel providing excellent black depth, vibrant colours, and impressive brightness thanks to Micro Lens Array Plus technology.
P5 AI Dual Engine Gen 8 Processor – An advanced image processor that uses artificial intelligence to optimise image quality in real-time, adapting it to the content being displayed.
4-sided Ambilight – A lighting system surrounding the television on four sides, emitting a glow that is colour-matched to the displayed image, enhancing immersion while watching.
Bowers & Wilkins sound – A built-in audio system from the renowned Bowers & Wilkins ensuring clear sound and deep bass, enhanced with Dolby Atmos technology for three-dimensional sound effects.
Google TV – A Smart TV platform offering access to a wide range of streaming applications, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, with an intuitive interface that facilitates navigation.
Compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa – The ability to control the television using voice commands thanks to integration with Google and Amazon voice assistants.
HDMI 2.1 support with VRR and ALLM – Support for the latest HDMI 2.1 standards, including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), providing smoother and more responsive gameplay.
Compatibility with NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium – Image synchronisation technologies that reduce tearing and stuttering on the screen, resulting in smoother gameplay.
- Matching (Score)
- Our verdict
- Competing TVs
- 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
- Details about the matrix
- TV features
- Playing files from USB
- Apps
- Sound
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Panel type: WRGB OLED Brand: PHILIPS Resolution: 3840x2160 System: Google TV Model year: 2024
Our verdict
8.1
Overall rating
The Philips OLED909 is certainly an engineering showcase from the Dutch manufacturer for 2024. When it comes to picture quality, the television delivers what one can expect from OLED technology – deep blacks and infinite contrast. Additionally, it is equipped with META technology (MLA micro-lenses), which significantly enhances its brightness and further improves the already excellent viewing angles of organic matrix televisions. As a result, HDR effects look phenomenal, and the TV will satisfy most users looking for great picture quality in this class of devices. In terms of motion fluidity, the OLED909 does not disappoint either. The 144 Hz panel, combined with a full set of gaming features such as HDMI 2.1, ALLM, and VRR, makes it the perfect choice for gaming enthusiasts. Both dynamic shooters and spectacular racing games will look smooth and responsive. Regarding usability, the television features the Google TV operating system, just like the OLED809 model. This solution is significantly better than TitanOS, which is found in the lowest series OLED 769 from the Dutch manufacturer. It provides access to a vast number of applications, easy navigation, and support for voice assistants. Additionally, there is a four-sided Ambilight system that adds magic to every movie night, creating a unique atmosphere. However, it is not a device without flaws. The biggest issue regarding the picture is the average fluidity of tonal transitions – colour banding is visible in subtle gradients, which may disturb more discerning viewers. In the context of PC compatibility, although it is phenomenal hardware for gamers, it may not be the best choice for text or graphic work, due to the lack of 4:4:4 chroma support. In terms of usability, it is worth mentioning a few disappointments. We really liked the remote control in this model – it is well designed, and the backlit numeric keypad is a great addition, especially when using the television in the evening. Unfortunately, it mainly operates on infrared, so we found ourselves getting annoyed a few times when we had to aim precisely at the screen. This is a bit strange, considering that in this price range we expected more modern solutions. The lack of recording features or picture-in-picture (PiP) also surprised us – these are functions that are often standard in this segment. Despite these flaws, the Philips OLED909 is a television that impresses with its picture quality, gaming features, and unique additions like Ambilight. The biggest question one has to ask is: is it worth it? It is great hardware, but its high price raises the question of whether it is the best choice in terms of price to quality ratio.
Advantages
Perfect blacks - OLED
High brightness HDR
Support for advanced HDR formats – HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HGiG
Good motion smoothness - 144Hz
Excellent gaming compatibility – ALLM, VRR, low input lag
One of the best viewing angles on the market
Excellent colour reproduction after calibration
Four-sided Ambilight system
GoogleTV operating system – rich selection of applications, voice control, easy operation
Good sound quality – built-in soundbar
Disadvantages
Visible tonal transitions
Infrared remote control
Font display issues (PC computer)
Lack of recording functions from built-in tuners and PIP
Price relative to competitors
Movies and series in UHD quality8.2
Classic TV, YouTube8.6
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)8.8
Gaming on console9.5
TV as a computer monitor6.4
Watching in bright light5.7
Utility functions7.1
Apps10.0
Sound quality8.1
Complete the survey to find out what fits your preferences
Competing TVs in this price range
LG OLED G4 55”
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Go to reviewSony A95L 55”
Go to reviewLG OLED C4 55”
Go to reviewSamsung OLED S90D / S94D (WRGB OLED) 55”
Go to reviewLG 55 B4 55”
Go to reviewSamsung Neo QLED QN95D 55”
Go to reviewSony Bravia 8 (XR80) 55”
Go to reviewTV appearance
HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 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
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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
Visibility of details in the lights:
The Philips OLED909 presents exemplary achievements in the category of contrast and black levels, characteristic of OLED technology. Tests on five panels confirmed infinite contrast, making the television an ideal choice for film enthusiasts in darkened rooms. A scene from the film Oblivion impresses with the excellent separation of light from the lamp, allowing full appreciation of the precise reproduction of even the smallest details. The scene from the film Sicario 2 also performs well, where the bright lights of the helicopter have been perfectly separated from the dark background. However, in this same scene, the phenomenon of desaturation, or loss of colour saturation, is noticeable. Although this is not directly related to the assessment of contrast and black levels, it is worth mentioning, especially if perfect colour reproduction in every situation is crucial. Despite this minor flaw, the black levels generated by the Philips OLED909 remain incredibly deep and deserve top marks.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
HDR effect quality
7.8/10
Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 95.5%, Bt.2020: 71.5%
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
1394 nit
The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).
Result
1471 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
1594 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
1552 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
708 nit
Philips OLED909 impresses with its HDR quality, achieving up to 1500 nits of peak brightness in tested scenes. This is an excellent result, placing this television among the best OLED models on the market. The MLA panel, also used in models such as the Panasonic Z95A and LG G4, plays a key role here, allowing for exceptionally bright and detailed reproduction of dynamic scenes. However, it is worth noting that in the most demanding scene from the film The Meg, brightness drops to around 700 nits. This is a typical phenomenon in OLED technology, where intensely bright full-screen images cause a limitation in luminance. Nevertheless, the HDR effect still looks very good, and the television performs better than most of the competition under similar conditions. The wide colour gamut coverage also deserves praise. The OLED909 offers 95% coverage of DCI-P3, ensuring that the television can display vibrant and realistic colours.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
Philips OLED909, equipped with advanced technologies, has a solid foundation to handle even the most challenging scenes. We decided to check how the television performs in demanding conditions. A scene from the film Billy Lynn was presented without the slightest problems. The television achieves appropriate luminance, and the image looks very good – almost like on a reference display. However, we noticed a slight difference in white balance. Despite calibration, the image has a slight deficiency of green tint, which may be visible in some shots. Moving on to an even more demanding scene from the film Pan, the OLED909 also shows class. The sun in the distance is perfectly separated, and the details remain clear. The only reservation one might have is the slightly darker rendition of the "sun's glare" compared to the reference monitor. Such good results are the result of excellent implementation of dynamic tone mapping features. To fully exploit the television's potential, we recommend setting this option to "Enhanced". This way, the OLED909 will be able to better reproduce demanding HDR scenes.
HDR luminance chart:
The Philips OLED909 supports a full range of HDR formats, from static HDR10, through HDR10+, to Dolby Vision. This allows the television to adapt the picture to different sources and content, ensuring optimal quality in every situation. However, differences in the image may be noticeable depending on the metadata used. In the case of dynamic formats like HDR10+ or Dolby Vision, the image in the test scene with horses gained additional detail. Dynamic metadata allows for the observation of nuances that might be missed in static HDR, such as blades of grass or details in the background. Although with such high brightness Dolby Vision might seem less necessary, in extreme conditions, such as a scene "flooded with white", the benefits of using dynamic metadata are apparent. As a result, the television excels in managing brightness.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: Dolby Vision
Factory color reproduction
7.6/10
Just like with other televisions, the Philips OLED909 has been tested for colour reproduction in factory modes. The best mode turned out to be Filmmaker Mode, however, despite its name, it is not without flaws.
The biggest problem is the white balance. In both HD and 4K HDR content, there is a noticeable dominance of green and red hues, which causes a distinct yellowing of the screen. This effect is particularly evident in test materials, for instance in a scene with Tom Cruise in the foreground, where the difference compared to a calibrated image is very apparent.
As for brightness characteristics, in HD material the gamma was overly boosted – it was below the reference value of 2.4, which gave the image a “milky” filter and affected overall clarity. In the case of 4K HDR content, we noticed the opposite phenomenon – at the beginning of the EOTF curve, there is a noticeable drop, indicating problems with reproducing the smallest details in dark scenes. Although Filmmaker Mode offers acceptable quality, noticeable errors in white balance and brightness characteristics show that the television requires additional calibration to fully demonstrate its potential in colour reproduction.
Color reproduction after calibration
9/10
Philips OLED909 offers tools for image calibration, which significantly improves its quality. After calibrating the Filmmaker Mode, the television presents a much more natural colour representation. The white balance after calibration looks very good. Although we noticed slight deviations in the blue tint in HD content, the errors are within acceptable limits, and the image gives a much better impression than in the factory settings. The brightness characteristics, including gamma and EOTF, have also been clearly improved. The television no longer has issues with excessive brightening or darkening of the image. Both dark and bright details are now rendered correctly, making the image look very good in every scene. After calibration, the Filmmaker Mode in the Philips OLED909 offers excellent image quality that will meet the expectations of even the more demanding users. Calibration fully utilises the potential of this model.
Smoothness of tonal transitions
4.6/10
The Philips OLED909 performs average in terms of fluidity of tonal transitions. The WOLED panel used in this model is not known for handling tonal transitions perfectly, and in the case of the OLED909, it looks somewhat worse than in competing models with similar panels. There are noticeable subtle transitions and colour blends in the bright and dark areas of the image, which can be particularly visible in more demanding scenes with subtle gradients. This effect may influence the perception of content, especially for users who pay attention to such details.
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
6.9/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
The Philips OLED909 offers a distortion reduction feature aimed at smoothing tonal transitions. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of this function leaves much to be desired. Setting it to the "Medium" level brings certain effects, but it comes with the risk of blurring important details in the image. For this reason, we do not recommend using this option unless we are keen on mitigating visible artifacts at the cost of detail.
As for image scaling, the television presents a very plastic image, which may appeal to viewers who prefer a softer picture. Those expecting clearer sharpness will also find a solution, as image scaling can be adjusted according to individual preferences in the settings.
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 Philips OLED909 with a 144 Hz panel offers excellent motion smoothness, which should satisfy both film enthusiasts and gamers. Additionally, the television is equipped with a motion smoothing feature called "Motion Style", which allows for precise adjustment of motion fluidity to personal preferences. In the settings, we find two sliders: "Smoothness", responsible for regulating motion fluidity in films, and "Blur Reduction", which helps eliminate minor artifacts and distortions in dynamic scenes. This feature works well, ensuring that even rapid movements on the screen are clear and readable.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
Unfortunately, the television does not support the BFI (Black Frame Insertion) feature, however, in the case of OLED panels, its absence is not particularly noticeable. Organic technology itself minimises motion blur, ensuring that movement looks natural and fluid. Even in dynamic scenes, such as car races or intense games, the picture remains clear and free from bothersome artifacts. The test with "Ufoludek" demonstrates this perfectly.
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
The Philips OLED909 is a television that meets practically all the requirements of gamers. Equipped with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and support for Dolby Vision, it guarantees an excellent gaming experience. Additionally, the television offers very low input lag, ensuring that reactions to player movements are instantaneous, which will be particularly appreciated by fans of fast-paced games.
The television handles any resolution at 120 Hz without any issues, and even supports higher refresh rates. The HGiG feature, responsible for accurately displaying HDR content in games, works as it should, making the image in game mode balanced and aligned with the guidelines of console manufacturers.
The OLED909 is also equipped with the Game Bar feature, which allows for quick preview and adjustment of game-related settings. Although the interface of this solution appears less visually appealing than that of competitors, it serves its purpose well, offering all the essential options in one place.
Input lag
10/10
Philips OLED909 achieves remarkable results in the input lag category. Values of 13 ms at 60 Hz and 5 ms at 120 Hz are among the best outcomes available on the market. Such low input lag ensures immediate response, which is crucial for gamers expecting maximum precision in dynamic games. Special praise is warranted for its performance in Dolby Vision mode, where low input lag is also maintained. This allows gamers to enjoy not only smooth gameplay but also the full visual potential of HDR games without any compromises. Philips OLED909 is one of the best choices in this regard for gaming enthusiasts.
| SDR | HDR | Dolby Vision |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p60: 13 ms | 2160p60: 13 ms | 2160p60 DV: 13 ms |
| 1080p120: 5 ms | 2160p120: 5 ms | 2160p120 DV: 6 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): 5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement: RWBG
Max refresh rate: 144Hz
G-Sync: Yes
The Philips OLED909 is a good choice for gaming on a computer. The television supports G-SYNC, provides very low input lag and offers a refresh rate of 144 Hz in PC mode, making it an ideal solution for gamers who value smooth and responsive gameplay. However, for everyday work with text or graphics, the situation is slightly worse. Although the readability of fonts is at an acceptable level, up close, you can notice that they appear slightly blurry. This is due to the lack of full implementation of chroma 4:4:4, which is responsible for perfect sharpness and clarity of fonts.
The OLED909 will perform excellently in gaming applications, but for those planning to use the television mainly for text work, it may be less suitable. In such cases, it is worth considering a device with full support for chroma 4:4:4.
Viewing angles
9.7/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 5%
The Philips OLED909 offers some of the best viewing angles available on the market. OLEDs are known for their excellent picture quality from various angles, but the use of micro-lens technology further enhances this capability. As a result, the television maintains excellent colours, contrast, and brightness even when watching the picture from a significant angle. In practice, the OLED909 performs so well that it can even compete with televisions equipped with technology QD-OLED, which also provides wide viewing angles. This makes the television perfect for large rooms and watching together from various positions without worrying about losing picture quality.
TV efficiency during daytime
5.7/10
Matrix coating: Glare
Reflection suppression: Good
Black levels during daytime: Average
Philips OLED909, despite the glossy surface of the panel, handles the suppression of reflections from light falling directly on the screen quite well. This is particularly useful in brighter rooms where reflections can disrupt viewing. However, the use of micro-lens technology has its limitations – the black levels during the day take on a slightly pink tint. A similar, although more noticeable phenomenon can be observed in QD-OLED panels.
Regarding brightness, the OLED909 achieves an average brightness in SDR of 430 cd/m². This is sufficient for comfortable use of the television even in moderately challenging lighting conditions. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that the brightness levels of OLEDs still fall short of televisions with mini-LED technology, which can be several times brighter.
Matrix brightness
Average luminance SDR
Philips OLED909: 427 cd/m2
Details about the matrix
Software version during testing: TPM231WW_R.101.002.038.221
Image processor: mt5896 3gb ram
Subpixel Structure:
Panel uniformity:
TV features
7.1/10
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):
Infrared
- Backlit remote control:
Yes
- Teletext:
Yes
In the OLED909 model, Philips has opted for Google TV instead of its proprietary Titan OS. This solution provides users with significantly greater capabilities, especially concerning the availability of applications. Google TV offers a vast library of programs to download, from popular streaming services to tools and games. The system also supports voice commands, making it easier to search for content and manage the device, enhancing the comfort of daily use.
In terms of user functions, the television also performs well. It features support for AirPlay and Miracast technology, which allow for easy transmission of images and sound from other devices. Additionally, the television easily supports external accessories such as mice and keyboards, enabling it to serve as a more versatile entertainment hub. However, it is worth noting that the OLED909 does not include a PiP (picture-in-picture) feature or the ability to record programmes from its built-in tuners. A new feature in this model is the backlit remote, which looks attractive and operates in hybrid mode – it can function as a smart remote, and when the appropriate button is pressed, the numerical keypad also lights up. Unfortunately, its operation can be irritating, as it is based on standard infrared control, and the only function supporting RF (radio) technology is the voice command feature.
The Philips OLED909 stands out from other models with its four-sided Ambilight system. This allows the television to create dynamic lighting around the screen that adapts to the content being displayed. This solution not only enhances the sense of immersion but also improves viewing comfort in darker rooms. Ambilight remains one of the most distinctive features of Philips televisions, which is difficult to find among competitors.
Playing files from USB
7.9/10
| 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 Philips OLED909 features a built-in media player that handles most popular video, audio, and subtitle file formats with ease. However, it is worth noting that the pre-installed player does not support Polish characters in subtitles, which can be cumbersome when watching content from USB. Fortunately, with the Google TV system, this limitation can be easily bypassed. It is sufficient to download an alternative player from the wide range of available applications, which will provide full support for Polish characters and additional features, such as more advanced subtitle settings or support for less common formats. This means that even minor shortcomings in the factory software are not a major issue for users.
Apps
10/10
Sound
8.1/10
8.1/10
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 Philips OLED909 stands out with its built-in soundbar featuring a navy fabric finish, branded by the renowned name Bowers & Wilkins. At the bottom of the screen, we find a solid speaker system, additionally supported by a built-in subwoofer at the back of the casing. The sound quality is truly impressive for the class of this device. The soundbar delivers clear and detailed audio that performs well with both dialogues and sound effects in films or games.