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 sales network), is a model from the popular series The One. Its biggest distinguishing feature is the Ambilight system, which continues to make a great impression. The three-sided lighting adapts to the picture on the screen, making films, series, or games literally spill over the edges of the television. The One is also a good option for gamers. The 120 Hz matrix and low input lag ensure that games run smoothly, and motion on the screen is clear. We tested several dynamic titles on the console, and the television handled them without any issues – no stutters or delays. Additionally, support for HGiG allows for better reproduction of HDR effects in games. This is an excellent solution if we care about consistency of the image with what the creators intended. The picture quality is at a good level, especially during the day. With a brightness of 550 nits, The One performs well even in well-lit rooms, and Dolby Vision in HDR films delivers vibrant colours and sharp details. However, the ADS matrix has its limitations – the black in dark scenes resembles a grey shade more, which can be noticeable when watching in a darkened room. When we watched films with the lights off, the lack of depth in the blacks was somewhat striking. The operating system Titan OS is something that still requires refinement. It is fast, but the limited number of applications can be frustrating for those accustomed to more robust platforms, such as GoogleTV. For daily use of Netflix or YouTube, it works flawlessly, but if we expect more advanced features, the system may not meet our expectations. Generally, Philips The One is a good choice in its price class. The Ambilight system impresses and significantly enhances the viewing experience, especially in the evening. It is also a solid option for gamers, thanks to the fluidity of the image and low input lag. While the black isn't perfect, and the operating system needs improvement, the television performs well in everyday use. For fans of unique solutions, such as Ambilight, it is a proposal that definitely deserves attention.

Advantages

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

Disadvantages

Poor black quality
Titan OS: Still in development, with a limited number of applications and less 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

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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 Philips PUS8959 television is based on ADS technology, which offers slightly different parameters compared to popular VA matrices. In the tested images, the contrast measured around 2000:1, making the black levels far from ideal. ADS panels are known for their weaker contrast compared to VA matrices, which in practice means that instead of deep blacks, we see more navy or grey shades. However, the ADS panel is still better than a 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, like those in the film "Sicario 2". Instead of intense blacks, the screen produces a silvery glow, which can be bothersome, especially when watching in darker conditions. All of this causes the visual experience to lose 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 something called 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 image from the film Oblivion. It is worth mentioning that the model we received for testing has quite significant patches resulting from uneven backlighting, although this is not a rule, one must consider that we may receive a unit like this when purchasing.

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 chart for Philips PUS8959 shows that the television is capable of achieving around 550 nits of brightness, which can be considered a satisfactory level. This brightness allows for the effects of HDR to be experienced, particularly standing out in more demanding scenes. In the tested test patterns, the television performed quite well, even in challenging sequences such as those from "Sicario 2". Due to the lack of local dimming, the television does not dim small bright elements, and they shine with the full "power" of the television but at the expense of the silvery blacks mentioned in the paragraph about black levels. It is also worth praising Philips PUS8959 for its good coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette, which amounts to approximately 94.5%. As a result, 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 television Philips PUS8959 was tested on two very demanding film scenes that are rarely found in televisions 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 Mr, the HDR effects are clearly visible, and the image is not additionally dimmed, which is a positive aspect. 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, taken from the film Billy Lynn, the television presents a satisfactory level of image compared to the reference, although the brightness is somewhat excessive. Despite this, the colours remain well-reproduced, and the overall colour intentions are 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 the function turned off, the television recovers details above its theoretical capabilities, without disturbing other elements of the image. Enabling dynamic tone mapping would lead to even greater excessive brightening of scenes, negatively affecting the quality of the entire image. Therefore, for the best HDR effect, we recommend keeping this option off to achieve a more natural and balanced picture.

HDR luminance chart:

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

In the first scene with horses, presented in HDR10 format, the overall image is quite bright, making it difficult to talk about any subtle details. The horses are clearly visible; however, the lack of shadows and details in the background means the scene loses depth and realism. When 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 background fragments. Nevertheless, even with Dolby Vision, the image is still far from reference level, showing that the Philips PUS8959 is not always capable of fully utilising the potential that this advanced format offers.

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. Sometimes minor issues can be observed, especially during transitions between certain colours, where slight unevenness is 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 sufficiently good 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 at its minimum setting performs quite well, effectively smoothing tonal transitions without excessive impact on other elements of the image. In tests, I did not notice that the reduction negatively affected the image structure, such as film grain or object details – everything remains in its place, which is a significant plus for users who appreciate the natural look of film materials.

As for digital processing, the image looks quite good, although it features very softened contours, giving it an almost "misty" character. This effect can 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 said that the Philips PUS8959 provides fairly subtle yet effective tools for improving tonal transitions without excessive interference in 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 television offers an additional motion smoother that allows adjusting the film's 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 is responsible for increasing the number of frames through interpolation, making the motion on the screen smoother, resembling the effect of so-called "soap opera." Meanwhile, "Motion Blur Reduction" focuses on minimising ghosting and improving motion clarity, which is particularly noticeable in dynamic sequences, such as action scenes or fast-paced sports shots.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

When it comes to blurring, the ADS matrix offers a fairly good response between pixels, resulting in relatively smooth motion representation. Some shortcomings are visible, especially on dark backgrounds, where slight traces of blurring may appear; however, overall the picture looks quite good. Thanks to the use of a 120 Hz matrix and precise adjustments for fluidity and motion blur reduction, the Philips PUS8959 television is able to provide satisfactory smoothness in the image whether watching films, sports broadcasts, or while 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 certainly satisfy gaming enthusiasts. It supports most modern technologies useful during gameplay, such as HGiG, allowing for better reproduction of HDR effects in games. As a result, the image is closer to what the game creators intended to achieve.

The television also supports displaying images at 120 Hz, ensuring smoothness and dynamism, which is especially important during action games and sports broadcasts. The Game Bar feature allows for 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, providing good image quality and adequate smoothness during gameplay.

Input lag

9.7/10

Philips PUS8959 TV offers impressive results in terms of input lag, making it an excellent choice for gamers. For content at 120 Hz, the lag is less than 6 ms, which is an absolutely outstanding result and allows for instantaneous reactions in games, especially in dynamic titles. For content at 60 Hz, the input lag is 15 ms, which is also an excellent 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 this result may be acceptable for less dynamic content, it may be insufficient for demanding gamers, affecting precision and responsiveness. Nevertheless, in standard modes, Philips PUS8959 still offers remarkable performance, making it a competitive choice in the market for gaming TVs.

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 is excellent as a monitor for use with a PC. With support for chroma 4:4:4, it provides full colour clarity, which is crucial for working with text – fonts are sharp and legible, 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 offered by the television ensures smooth and responsive operation, which is important both for everyday tasks and for more dynamic uses, such as gaming or media editing. Philips PUS8959 is an excellent choice for users looking for a television that will also serve 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 good viewing angles, definitely better than those found in VA panels. The image maintains its quality even when viewed from a greater angle – colours are clear, and the contrast does not deteriorate as much as with televisions featuring VA panels. As a result, watching the television from different spots in the room still allows you to enjoy well-saturated colours and overall image quality, making the Philips PUS8959 perfect for larger rooms and for watching together 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 screen that effectively reduces 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 affects the perception of image in darker scenes.

With a brightness level of 562 cd/m², it allows for comfortable viewing of the television during the day, even in well-lit rooms. The image is bright enough to cut through daylight, and the reduction of reflections provides 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 – the flagship patent of this brand, which has enjoyed a devoted fan base for years. Ambilight consists of dynamic backlighting 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.

As for the operating system, Philips PUS8959 uses Titan OS – a system that is still in its early stages of development. Here, we can see the issues of 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 lacks AirPlay functionality, which limits its compatibility with Apple devices and may be a drawback for users seeking a flexible way to stream content.

The usability features of Philips PUS8959 are a mix of advantages and disadvantages. 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 the English language. On the plus side, the remote is backlit, making it easier to use in the dark. The television does not have Picture-in-Picture (PiP) functionality or the ability to record programmes, which is a significant drawback. However, the television is equipped with Bluetooth, allowing for the connection of headphones or a keyboard, which can be useful – especially due to the limited number of available applications, which may encourage 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

Despite the fact that the Titan OS system in the Philips PUS8959 television is still in its infancy, it deserves praise for supporting Polish subtitles embedded in films, which is a significant convenience for users relying on external files. If we want to play a film from a connected USB device, the television will do so without major issues, providing comfortable viewing without the need for additional subtitle configuration.

When it comes to photos, the television 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, particularly from newer Apple devices, may require prior conversion to a more standard format for them 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 in Philips PUS8959 unfortunately leaves much to be desired. Although low tones can be heard in the playback, the bass is very weak, which translates to an overall unsatisfactory sound quality. The television plays at an average level, 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 using external home theatre systems. Thanks to compatibility with various audio formats, the Philips PUS8959 is able to provide good audio experiences if connected to the right external speakers or receiver, delivering a fuller, more cinematic sound.

Ambilight Technology: The three-sided Ambilight system emits light adapted to the content on the screen, creating an immersive atmosphere and enhancing the visual experience.
P5 Perfect Picture Processor: The advanced processor optimises picture quality, ensuring sharpness, contrast, and vivid colours in every scene.
Titan OS Operating System: The intuitive Smart TV platform allows quick access to popular streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video.
Support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos: These technologies guarantee cinematic quality of 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 fast-paced sports scenes or playing video games.
Stylish Design: The sleek construction with minimal bezels makes the television blend perfectly with modern interiors.

Philips PUS8959 Test

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

Philips PUS8959 - Gamers' Opinion

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

Philips PUS8959 - Picture Quality and Our Opinion

In our assessment, the Philips 55PUS8959 performs very well in terms of image quality. A brightness level of 550 nits allows the television to cope in well-lit rooms. Dolby Vision enables vibrant colours and precise details in HDR films. Although the ADS panel does not offer perfect black levels, in everyday use, the Philips 65PUS8959 and Philips 43PUS8959 still deliver high-quality images.

Philips PUS8959 - Daily Use Rating

The Titan OS operating system in the Philips 43PUS8959 provides fast and stable performance during everyday use of applications like Netflix and YouTube. Our review indicates that although the number of available applications is limited, the system operates seamlessly and meets the basic needs of users. The Philips 65PUS8959 and Philips 55PUS8959 offer identical experiences, making daily viewing pleasant and comfortable.

Our Rating of the PUS8959 Series - Ambilight System

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

Summary - Our Review of the Philips PUS8959 Series

The PUS8959 series is an excellent choice for gamers and film enthusiasts. In our tests, the Philips 65PUS8959, Philips 55PUS8959, and Philips 43PUS8959 stand out for their smoothness of image, excellent colour reproduction, and unique Ambilight system. Although the black levels aren't perfect, advantages such as Dolby Vision, HGiG support, and the 120 Hz panel make our assessment of this series very positive. The PUS8959 televisions 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 Test

Philips PUS8959 - Gamers' Opinion

Philips PUS8959 - Picture Quality and Our Opinion

Philips PUS8959 - Daily Use Rating

Our Rating of the PUS8959 Series - Ambilight System

Summary - Our Review of the Philips PUS8959 Series