Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949 vs Xiaomi S Mini 2025

Direct compare

PUS8959 / PUS8919 / The One / PUS8909 / PUS8949

Info

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

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”

Panel technology: LCD IPS

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Titan OS

Model year: 2024

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Panel technology: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Google TV

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

6.9

7.2

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.6

    6.4

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.3

    6.6

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    7.2

    6.5

  • Gaming on console

    8.5

    8.4

  • TV as a computer monitor

    9.0

    8.2

  • Watching in bright light

    6.1

    7.3

  • Utility functions

    6.0

    6.7

  • Apps

    6.5

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    6.4

    6.8

Advantages

  • Ambilight System: Triple-sided backlighting

  • 120Hz Panel - smooth image

  • Additional features for gamers

  • Satisfactory level of brightness that works well during the day

  • Wide viewing angles

  • VA panel with MiniLED backlighting – good contrast and deep blacks

  • High brightness (841 cd/m²) – great visibility even in bright rooms

  • Support for multiple HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+

  • Good motion fluidity - High refresh rate

  • Low input lag – perfect for gaming

  • Google TV system – versatile and extensive with wide access to applications

  • The remote does not require aiming at the screen

  • Pleasant sound with slight bass

  • Support for audio formats: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor black quality

  • Annoying "hybrid" remote

  • Titan OS: Still in development, with a limited number of applications and not very functional compared to more advanced platforms

  • Errors in the translation of the TV menu

  • Problems with aggressive dimming algorithms - noticeable in dynamic scenes

  • Image scaling and tone transition enhancement features are unstable

Our verdict

Philips PUS8959, also known by other designations under the PUS89 abbreviation (depending on the sales network), is a model from the popular series The One. Its biggest distinguishing feature is the Ambilight system, which still makes a great impression. The three-sided backlighting adapts to the picture on the screen, making movies, 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 ensure that games run smoothly, and the motion on the screen is clear. On the console, we tested several dynamic titles, and the TV handled them without any problems – no stutters or delays. Additionally, HGiG support allows for better reproduction of HDR effects in games. This is a great solution if we care about the image matching 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 vivid colors and sharp details. However, the ADS panel has its limitations – the blacks in dark scenes resemble a gray shade more, which can be noticeable when watching in a dimly lit room. When we watched movies with the lights off, the lack of depth in the blacks was somewhat evident. The Titan OS operating system is something that still needs refinement. It is fast, but the limited number of applications, such as the lack of Spotify or TVN Player, can be frustrating for those used to more advanced platforms like GoogleTV. When daily using Netflix or YouTube, it works flawlessly, but if we expect more advanced features, the system may not meet expectations. Overall, Philips The One is a good choice in its price category. The Ambilight system impresses and significantly enhances the viewing experience, especially in the evening. It is also a solid option for gamers, thanks to smooth image and low input lag. Although the blacks are not perfect and the operating system needs refinement, the TV performs well in everyday use. For fans of unique solutions like Ambilight, this is a proposition that definitely deserves attention.

Xiaomi, well known as a giant in the smartphone market, has decided to compete for the attention of high-end technology enthusiasts by presenting a MiniLED backlit television. Model S MiniLED 2025 looks really impressive on paper. A huge number of dimming zones ensures excellent contrast, and the brightness, reaching impressive values, can impress in both high-quality HDR materials and older SDR. The TV performs excellently where motion smoothness is key. The 120 Hz panel and low input lag make it a good choice not only for sports fans but also for gamers. Support for features like ALLM or GameBar further enhances the gaming experience. Google TV on this television works as it should – fast, smoothly, without unnecessary stutters, which we couldn't say about the model A Pro 2025. Additionally, with such a vast application library, it will satisfy even the most demanding users. However, not everything looks as good in practice. Despite solid hardware specifications, the TV has its issues. The biggest problem lies in the algorithms managing the dimming zones, which can be quite annoying when watching movies in the evening. The operation of individual zones is too visible in dynamic scenes, which can effectively draw our attention away from the image. Problems also arise in more demanding HDR scenes. Small, bright elements often lose brightness, which spoils the effect that should be provided by the highest quality image. The system is also not free from shortcomings – image enhancement features in lower quality materials work unevenly, and some options in Google TV are poorly translated or even untranslated. Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 has enormous potential, but in its current form, it seems underutilized. It is clear that Xiaomi wanted to create something really good, but several significant shortcomings make the final effect mixed. A device with high aspirations that needs better software to truly shine. It is an ideal television for brighter rooms, where high screen brightness plays a key role, and the issues with local dimming become less noticeable. It will also work perfectly as a screen for gamers and for those who value versatility and functionality in the Google TV system.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
0 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

4.3/10

6.8/10

Local dimming function: No

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 308 (22 x 14)

Contrast:

Review Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949 Contrast and black detail

Result

2,350:1

Review Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949 Contrast and black detail

Result

2,400:1

Review Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949 Contrast and black detail

Result

2,600:1

Review Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949 Contrast and black detail

Result

2,550:1

Review Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949 Contrast and black detail

Result

2,200:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

182,000:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

38,050:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

18,300:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

10,150:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,450:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The television Philips PUS8959 is based on an ADS panel, which offers slightly different parameters compared to the popular VA panels. In the tested scenes, 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 gray 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 that could improve these parameters. The lack of this feature amplifies the effect of shallow black, particularly noticeable in dark scenes, like 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 makes the visual experience lose depth, and details in dark scenes are not as well visible as one might expect from higher-class 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 expense of details that may blend together, for example, lights in the test scene from the movie Oblivion. It is worth adding that the model we received for testing has quite large spots resulting from uneven backlighting, although this is not an exception, and one should take into account that we might also receive such a unit when purchasing.

Xiaomi S MiniLED is one of the most affordably priced televisions featuring MiniLED technology available on the market. The model we tested in a 55-inch size is equipped with as many as 308 local dimming zones, which is impressive for such a price. Additionally, it uses a VA panel, which naturally offers significantly better contrast than IPS panels. On static test screens, the television performed excellently, achieving an impressive contrast ratio of 182,000:1 in the film Oblivion. The black levels were deep, and details in both bright and dark parts of the image were clearly separated. However, in more demanding scenes, where the image is dynamic, the situation begins to complicate.

Where lies the problem? The main cause is the local dimming algorithms. Although their effects are promising on static images, during film playback – that is, in the television's natural working conditions – they operate too aggressively. In dynamic scenes, such as those from the tested film, one can observe how individual dimming zones "work and flicker," which detracts from the viewer's sense of image coherence. This effect is particularly noticeable in motion, when bright objects move against a dark screen. As a result, although Xiaomi S MiniLED offers a remarkable contrast on paper, in practice the effect is less satisfying. The aggressive operation of the algorithms diminishes the reception of dynamic scenes, making the television average in this category. It is a good example of how MiniLED technology requires not only good specifications but also proper optimization.

HDR effect quality

5.8/10

4.8/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 94.3%, Bt.2020: 70.1%
DCI P3: 93.0%, Bt.2020: 72.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

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

Result

501 nit

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

Result

514 nit

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

Result

553 nit

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

Result

544 nit

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

Result

569 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

852 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

140 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

385 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

97 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

1126 nit

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

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

HDR luminance chart:

Xiaomi S Mini 2025

Philips The One (PUS8959 / PUS8919 / PUS8909 / PUS8949

The luminance chart for Philips PUS8959 shows that the television can achieve around 550 nits of brightness, which can be considered a satisfactory level. This brightness allows the effects of HDR to be felt, particularly standing out 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 with the full "power" of the television but at the cost of the silverish blacks we mentioned in the paragraph about blacks. It is also worth praising Philips PUS8959 for its good coverage of the DCI-P3 color palette, which amounts to around 94.5%. This makes the colors vivid and close to the creators' intentions, further enhancing the quality of HDR effects and the viewing experience of high dynamic range content.

Since the Xiaomi S MiniLED boasts an impressive number of 308 dimming zones, it was time to see how it performs in HDR tests. Starting with luminance, or the ability to display bright scenes, the television achieved nearly 1000 nits of brightness – a result that can be considered outstanding in this class. However, do these numbers translate into real experiences in movie scenes? In the case of less demanding shots, like those from the film The Meg, the television indeed showed excellent results, reaching up to 900 nits. Such values are impressive and can truly convey the strength of HDR effects.

Unfortunately, similar to the contrast situation, there were issues. When smaller, brighter elements appear on the screen – as in challenging scenes from Sicario 2 – the aggressive operation of the dimming zones spoils the whole effect. Brightness during these moments drops to just 100 nits. This is definitely too little to capture the full magic of HDR. Instead of a dynamic and detailed image, the viewer gets a muted, almost flat impression, which diminishes the enjoyment of the viewing experience.

In summary, if we are looking for a television with high brightness for watching movies during the day, the Xiaomi S MiniLED will easily fulfill that task. However, its inability to precisely manage dimming zones means that watching movies in the evening, especially in demanding HDR scenes, can be more frustrating than satisfying.

Factory color reproduction

4.1/10

3.9/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The Philips PUS8959 television was tested in the best, theoretically most precise picture mode – Filmmaker. Although the name suggests cinematic quality, it unfortunately falls far short of the ideal. The biggest issue in this mode is white balance, both in HD and 4K content. It is characterized by a significant dominance of the red color and dips in the green level, resulting in an unnatural color reproduction. For example, white elements of the image have a distinctly pinkish hue, and the green is less intense, causing the overall image to lose its naturalness and color balance. The ColorChecker test confirms these errors – it is clearly visible how the color samples "deviate" from the correct values, which can be best observed on the sample squares that should accurately reproduce colors. The lack of accuracy in this regard affects the realism and fidelity of the image, which is particularly undesirable in Filmmaker mode.

Regarding brightness characteristics, the gamma chart resembles a real roller coaster – with small elements displayed on the screen, the brightness is excessive, causing details to become overly highlighted. Meanwhile, at higher gamma values, the image loses contrast and becomes too dark, making the overall appearance look less dynamic. Similar issues can be noticed in the EOTF characteristics – the television is unable to correctly reproduce the brightness level, negatively affecting the overall image quality.

Xiaomi, like many manufacturers, offers a wide range of picture modes. On the S MiniLED, we can find both IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker. We conducted our tests in Filmmaker mode, which theoretically is supposed to reference the original image, but the reality turned out to be somewhat different.

Let's start with the test of SDR materials. Here, the television had quite a few problems, especially with white balance. The clearly visible dominance of red made the image appear too warm, and all colors gained a reddish tint. This was particularly noticeable in a comparative scene from the Star Wars movie. The brightness characteristics (gamma) also left much to be desired – instead of a smooth transition, we had a real "rollercoaster," with a visible excessive brightening of the screen.

In 4K materials, the situation looked much better. The white balance, while still not perfect, was much more balanced, with a slight dominance of red and blue, but without excessive influence on the overall perception. The EOTF curve (responsible for brightness in HDR) showed some brightening in the brightest parts of the image, which was noticeable, for example, in the test scene from the Pan movie that we described above. These brightening effects can disrupt image precision, but in 4K, the overall effect was much more acceptable than in SDR.

Although the Xiaomi S MiniLED can positively surprise in 4K materials, its factory settings in SDR require significant adjustments, especially in terms of white balance and brightness. It is definitely a television that would benefit from calibration.

Color reproduction after calibration

8.1/10

8.4/10

After calibration, the Philips PUS8959 television shows a significant improvement in color reproduction, especially in HD content. The white balance is exceptionally even, and the Delta E error values are below 1, which can be considered an outstanding result. Additionally, the gamma, which is responsible for brightness in lower-quality materials, performs very well, maintaining a stable level at 2.4, leading to an appropriate balance between bright and dark areas of the image.

Regarding 4K HDR materials, a significant improvement is also noticeable. The white balance, although not as perfect as in HD content, no longer shows issues with excessive red exposure, making the image appear more natural and harmonious. Unfortunately, in the EOTF characteristics, it is difficult to speak of any significant improvement, due to the design limitations of the television that prevent significant enhancement in this aspect.

Nevertheless, the overall performance is much better after calibration, making the Philips PUS8959 one of those televisions where it is truly worth spending time on precise calibration to achieve satisfactory image quality.

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that gains a whole new life after calibration. The results are truly remarkable and show how much potential this model has.

In SDR mode, the white balance is nearly perfectly aligned. The errors are minimal enough that in many cases they can be considered negligible. This is confirmed by the Colour Checker palette results, where the errors did not exceed 2 ΔE – a result that is indeed quite rare. Gamma also looks very good, although at the beginning of the graph, there are slight brightenings in the darkest elements. However, this is a minor exception that does not significantly affect the image perception.

In 4K HDR materials, calibration also brought visible improvements, especially in white balance. The image looks natural and consistent. However, the brightness characteristic remains a problem. EOTF analysis in film materials shows that the television tends to over-brighten or darken the smallest elements on the screen. This is a result of limitations in the dimming algorithms that we previously discussed concerning HDR and contrast testing. Unfortunately, this is a technical feature of this model that cannot be completely eliminated.

Despite this minor flaw, calibration allowed extracting the maximum capabilities from this television. The image now looks phenomenal, and its quality impresses with every type of material. Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 demonstrates that with the right settings, it can compete with more expensive models.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8.9/10

8/10

The gradation on the Philips PUS8959 television looks very good, offering smooth tonal transitions in most scenes. Occasionally, minor issues can be noticed, especially during transitions between certain colors, where subtle unevenness is apparent. 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 avoiding glaring tonal distortions.

The fluidity of tonal transitions in Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is very good. Even in the theoretically most challenging scene with red water, the television performs excellently – we did not notice any significant issues. Minor imperfections appear in scenes such as Kingsman or The Martian, where subtle color transitions can be seen. Nevertheless, Xiaomi stands out in this category, offering one of the best qualities of tonal transitions in its price range. This is definitely a strong point of this television.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.5/10

6.7/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
Smooth transition function
OK
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

When it comes to smoothing tonal transitions, the "Distortion Reduction" function at the minimal setting performs quite well, effectively smoothing tonal transitions without excessive influence 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 place, which is a big plus for users who appreciate the natural look of film materials.

On the other hand, regarding digital processing, the image looks quite good, although it is characterized by very softened contours, giving it an almost "misty" quality. This effect can evoke mixed feelings – some users may enjoy the fluidity and delicacy of this type of presentation, while others may find it too gentle, losing detail. It is a matter of individual preferences, but it must be admitted that the Philips PUS8959 provides quite subtle yet effective tools for improving tonal transitions without excessive interference in the natural character of the image.

When it comes to color transitions in lower quality materials like YouTube or television, the Xiaomi S MiniLED is equipped with the "Color Contour Removal" feature. In the "low" setting, it works quite well, but its effectiveness can be uneven. Sometimes it seems like the TV struggles with smoothing, which creates a certain dissonance. On the plus side, we did not notice any visible side effects, although given the instability of this feature, one might suspect that unexpected issues could arise in some situations.

Image scaling also performs average. There is slight aliasing, especially on thin elements like branches, and subtitles can appear a bit jagged. While it may not be very bothersome, a more discerning eye will certainly catch these shortcomings. Overall, most users should be satisfied with the scaling and smoothing quality, but the TV may not satisfy those who expect perfection in every frame.

Blur and motion smoothness

8/10

7/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
240Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Nie
Nie
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
0%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Philips TV PUS8959 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 a significantly smoother image, 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 adjusting the frame rate of the film according to personal preferences. The Philips PUS8959 has a 10-step adjustment for the functions called "Smoothness" and "Motion Blur Reduction." The "Smoothness" function is responsible for increasing the number of frames through interpolation, making motion on the screen smoother, resembling the effect of so-called "soap opera." Meanwhile, "Motion Blur Reduction" focuses on minimizing blurring and improving motion sharpness, which is particularly noticeable in dynamic sequences, such as action scenes or fast sports shots.

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is equipped with a display that refreshes at 4K@120Hz (1080p@240Hz), providing sufficient smoothness for both watching dynamic sports broadcasts and playing the latest games. This level of refresh rate makes the image look smooth, even in the most intense scenes. Additionally, the TV offers a "Motion Smoothing" feature that allows users to adjust the way images are displayed in movies. We can choose a more frame-like effect, typical of cinematic experiences, or a smoother one reminiscent of the so-called "theatrical effect." This way, every user can tailor the settings to their preferences and enjoy smooth images in their favorite content.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

9.8/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 144Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    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 HDR effect reproduction in games. As a result, the image is closer to what the game developers intended to achieve.

The television also supports 120 Hz image display, ensuring smoothness and dynamism, which is 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 appropriate smoothness during gameplay.

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that has a lot to offer gamers. With two HDMI ports with 48 Gbps bandwidth, we can easily connect modern consoles or PCs, utilizing their full potential. Additionally, the ALLM feature automatically switches the television to low latency mode – something we will appreciate during dynamic games without annoying lags. No matter what we connect, it works smoothly, and the television handles various resolutions well. There is also GameBar, which may not look as impressive as the "bars" from the competition, but makes up for it with practicality. It's a simple settings panel that allows us to quickly change the most important options or check statistics – an ideal solution when time is of the essence.

However, we have to admit that operating the television itself – or rather finding the gaming features – was quite a challenge for us. We approached the Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 test several times to find all the necessary options. The hidden menu allowed us to discover the "GameBoost" feature, which enables switching the television to 240 Hz mode, activating VRR at 120Hz, and turning on the image in HGIG mode.

In summary, the Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that definitely deserves praise in the gaming hardware category. Its rich set of features – 240 Hz mode, VRR, HGIG, and "GameBoost" – provides exceptional gaming experiences. Unfortunately, the intuitiveness of the menu itself leaves much to be desired and may pose a certain challenge for the average user.

Input lag

9.7/10

9.8/10

SDR

1080p60
15 ms
17 ms
1080p120
6 ms
8 ms
2160p60
15 ms
17 ms
2160p120
6 ms
8 ms

HDR

2160p60
14 ms
17 ms
2160p120
6 ms
8 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
31 ms
17 ms
2160p120 DV
9 ms

Philips PUS8959 TV offers impressive results in terms of input lag, making it an excellent choice for gamers. For 120 Hz content, the lag is less than 6 ms, which is an absolutely outstanding result and allows for immediate reactions in games, especially in fast-paced titles. For 60 Hz content, the input lag is 15 ms, which is also a remarkable result and provides 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 prove insufficient for demanding gamers, affecting precision and reaction speed. Nevertheless, in standard modes, Philips PUS8959 still offers outstanding performance, making it a competitive choice in the gaming TV market.

Input lag in Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is one of its biggest advantages. 8 ms for 120 Hz content and 17 ms for 60 Hz is an outstanding result that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers. Moreover, the Dolby Vision mode in games deserves praise. Unlike many competing models, Xiaomi maintains low input lag even in this mode, making it an excellent choice for fans of high-quality HDR gaming experiences.

Compatibility with PC

9/10

8.2/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Very Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
7ms
8ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RGB
BGR
Max refresh rate
120Hz
240Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

Philips PUS8959 performs excellently as a monitor for use with a PC. With support for chroma 4:4:4, it provides full color 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 guarantees smooth and responsive operation, which is important for both everyday tasks and more dynamic applications, such as gaming or multimedia editing. Philips PUS8959 is an excellent choice for users seeking a television that will also serve as a PC monitor, providing high image quality and user convenience.

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a good choice if we need a television for working with a computer. Fonts are very clear thanks to 4:4:4 chroma support, making it perfect for office work or browsing documents. It also performs excellently in gaming – high refresh rate, G-SYNC, and low input lag ensure smooth gameplay, which will satisfy most gamers.

Viewing angles

6.9/10

3/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
82%
74%

Philips PUS8959, equipped with an ADS panel, offers quite good viewing angles, definitely better than those found in VA panels. The image retains its quality even when viewed from a greater angle – colors are vivid, and contrast does not deteriorate as much as in televisions with VA panels. As a result, when watching television from different spots in the room, one can still enjoy well-saturated colors and overall image quality, making Philips PUS8959 a perfect choice for larger spaces and for watching together with family or friends.

In terms of viewing angles, Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 does not impress. This is a typical problem for VA panels, which, without additional coatings to widen viewing angles, do not perform well. The image begins to lose quality when watching the TV from the side – colors fade, and contrast clearly decreases. However, the advantage of VA panels is significantly better contrast compared to IPS panels, which, on the other hand, win in terms of wider viewing angles. This is a classic compromise where one has to choose between deeper blacks and a more versatile image seen from different places in the room.

TV efficiency during daytime

6.1/10

7.3/10

Matrix coating
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Good
Average
Black levels during daytime
Average
Good

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Xiaomi S Mini 2025: 841 cd/m2

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

Philips PUS8959 has a satin coating on the screen that effectively reduces light reflections, which is advantageous when using the television in bright daylight conditions. However, such a coating causes blacks to take on shades of gray during the day, losing their depth and intensity, which affects the perception of the image in darker scenes.

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

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is equipped with a satin coating on the panel, which averages out well in reducing reflections. On the screen surface, one can notice light reflections, which can be somewhat distracting in brightly lit rooms. However, the key element that saves this television in daytime use is its brightness. With a value of 841 cd/m², the screen performs well even in very sunlit interiors. This is more than sufficient for comfortably watching television, movies, or sports events. Importantly, the television also handles more demanding materials, such as winter sports, where the dominating white can pose quite a challenge for other televisions. Here, Xiaomi definitely delivers.

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing
PFS LED
Mini-LED PFS LED
Backlight Type
TPN248E_V248.003.025.151
UKM3.240326.001.490
Image processor
MT5896 2,5GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TV features

6/10

6.7/10

  • Operating system
    Titan OS
    Google TV
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    No
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    No
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    No
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    Yes
    No
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    No
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Philips PUS8959 is equipped with a three-sided Ambilight system – the flagship patent of this brand, which has delighted a dedicated group of fans for years. Ambilight relies on dynamic backlighting of the wall behind the TV, matching the content displayed on the screen, which significantly enhances the viewing experience, especially in dimly lit rooms. This effect is unique and adds a certain kind of "magic" to watching, causing many users to 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, you can see growing pains, especially since Philips has moved away from Android in most of its models. Titan OS has a limited number of available apps. This is frustrating for those accustomed to a broader ecosystem like GoogleTV. Additionally, the TV 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 included with the TV is quite annoying – it requires direct aiming 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 TV does not have PiP (Picture-in-Picture) functionality or the ability to record programs, which is a significant drawback. However, the TV is equipped with Bluetooth, allowing connection to headphones or a keyboard, which can be useful – especially due to the limited number of available apps, which may encourage the use of the built-in web browser.

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that stands out thanks to the Google TV system. It offers access to the most popular streaming services, music applications, and various useful features that significantly enhance everyday use of the TV. For those who like personalization, the system also provides plenty of configuration options.

The built-in voice assistant works smoothly – we can not only control the TV with it but also ask about the weather forecast or set a reminder for the next day. Unfortunately, we noticed during testing that some functions have trouble translating into Polish, which can be frustrating, especially for those less proficient in navigating the settings. Despite this, the overall impression is very good, and minor shortcomings can be addressed in updates.

The device handles connectivity well. Wireless connections with Windows computers or Apple devices are smooth, and thanks to Bluetooth, we can easily connect headphones, keyboards, or other accessories. The remote is simple and comfortable – it works from any position, so aiming at the screen is not necessary. However, there are certain shortcomings. If someone often uses traditional television, they may miss the recording feature from tuners or the PiP (picture-in-picture) option. This slightly limits capabilities, but for those focused on streaming and modern features, it shouldn't be a significant problem.

Xiaomi compensates for these shortcomings with an excellent operating system. Google TV is one of the most advanced and intuitive systems available on the market, which makes the TV really perform well in everyday use.

Playing files from USB

8.2/10

7.3/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
Yes
Yes
GIF
Yes
Yes
WebP
No
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
Yes
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
No
Yes
12 Mpix
No
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
No
Yes
24 Mpix
No
Yes
28 Mpix
No
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

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

When it comes to photos, the TV should have no significant difficulties in playing them. It supports most popular formats, although it lacks 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.

The basic file player in Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 fulfills its task for simple video materials. However, a noticeable drawback is the lack of support for Polish diacritics, which can be problematic for people using subtitles.

Fortunately, the presence of the Google TV system provides an easy way around this limitation. It allows you to install alternative file playback applications that handle Polish characters and offer much more advanced options. As a result, the limitations of the built-in player are not as burdensome as one might think.

Apps

6.5/10

10/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
No
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
No
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
No
Apple_TV_Plus
No
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
No
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi

Sound

6.4/10

6.8/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.4/10
    6.8/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    Yes
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    Yes

The sound of the Philips PUS8959 unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired. Although the low frequencies can be heard in the playback, the bass is very weak, which results in an overall unsatisfactory sound quality. The TV plays average, especially when compared to more advanced audio systems available on the market.

Despite the average quality of the speakers, the TV supports all the essential audio codecs, which may please users using external home theater systems. Thanks to compatibility with various audio formats, the Philips PUS8959 can offer good audio experiences when connected to appropriate external speakers or a receiver, providing a fuller, more cinematic sound.

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 sounds really pleasant and even offers a slight bass, reminiscent of the audio known from the lower model, the A Pro 2025. The sound is well balanced, making movie watching or music listening comfortable, even without additional audio equipment. Interestingly, the TV seamlessly supports audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and the less common DTS:X. This allows you to connect a home theater system or soundbar and enjoy spatial sound without any difficulties. A nice addition is also the presence of a standard speaker jack.