TechTvsPhilips OLED 809 review: Ambilight upgrades the appealIn a sea of well-priced OLED competitors, Philips' 809 stands apart for many great reasonsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)T3 VerdictThe Philips OLED 809 is a well-appointed and competitively priced TV that takes on its main mid-tier OLED competition and, in many cases, matches them for quality – while in other areas, such as integrated sound and the bundled remote, it betters most of them. Add in the fun and immersion of Ambilight which gives this Philips its unique edge and yet further appeal. There are some minor shortcomings – Google TV’s integration and not class-leading black-level handling – but when it comes to delivering impactful OLED image quality this Philips stuns straight out of the box.Reasons to buy+Ambilight adds a dramatism that’s as engrossing as illuminating+Generally delightful picture quality that shows off OLED’s abilities+Integrated audio is more capable than many (but could be better still)Reasons to avoid-Minor dark crush and fast-moving subject-tracking can unsettle picture-Google TV integration isn’t seamless and UK catch-up apps lack-Only two of four HDMI ports are 2.1 standardWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
TechTvsPhilips OLED 809 review: Ambilight upgrades the appealIn a sea of well-priced OLED competitors, Philips' 809 stands apart for many great reasonsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)T3 VerdictThe Philips OLED 809 is a well-appointed and competitively priced TV that takes on its main mid-tier OLED competition and, in many cases, matches them for quality – while in other areas, such as integrated sound and the bundled remote, it betters most of them. Add in the fun and immersion of Ambilight which gives this Philips its unique edge and yet further appeal. There are some minor shortcomings – Google TV’s integration and not class-leading black-level handling – but when it comes to delivering impactful OLED image quality this Philips stuns straight out of the box.Reasons to buy+Ambilight adds a dramatism that’s as engrossing as illuminating+Generally delightful picture quality that shows off OLED’s abilities+Integrated audio is more capable than many (but could be better still)Reasons to avoid-Minor dark crush and fast-moving subject-tracking can unsettle picture-Google TV integration isn’t seamless and UK catch-up apps lack-Only two of four HDMI ports are 2.1 standardWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
In a sea of well-priced OLED competitors, Philips' 809 stands apart for many great reasons
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)T3 VerdictThe Philips OLED 809 is a well-appointed and competitively priced TV that takes on its main mid-tier OLED competition and, in many cases, matches them for quality – while in other areas, such as integrated sound and the bundled remote, it betters most of them. Add in the fun and immersion of Ambilight which gives this Philips its unique edge and yet further appeal. There are some minor shortcomings – Google TV’s integration and not class-leading black-level handling – but when it comes to delivering impactful OLED image quality this Philips stuns straight out of the box.Reasons to buy+Ambilight adds a dramatism that’s as engrossing as illuminating+Generally delightful picture quality that shows off OLED’s abilities+Integrated audio is more capable than many (but could be better still)Reasons to avoid-Minor dark crush and fast-moving subject-tracking can unsettle picture-Google TV integration isn’t seamless and UK catch-up apps lack-Only two of four HDMI ports are 2.1 standard
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
T3 VerdictThe Philips OLED 809 is a well-appointed and competitively priced TV that takes on its main mid-tier OLED competition and, in many cases, matches them for quality – while in other areas, such as integrated sound and the bundled remote, it betters most of them. Add in the fun and immersion of Ambilight which gives this Philips its unique edge and yet further appeal. There are some minor shortcomings – Google TV’s integration and not class-leading black-level handling – but when it comes to delivering impactful OLED image quality this Philips stuns straight out of the box.Reasons to buy+Ambilight adds a dramatism that’s as engrossing as illuminating+Generally delightful picture quality that shows off OLED’s abilities+Integrated audio is more capable than many (but could be better still)Reasons to avoid-Minor dark crush and fast-moving subject-tracking can unsettle picture-Google TV integration isn’t seamless and UK catch-up apps lack-Only two of four HDMI ports are 2.1 standard
T3 VerdictThe Philips OLED 809 is a well-appointed and competitively priced TV that takes on its main mid-tier OLED competition and, in many cases, matches them for quality – while in other areas, such as integrated sound and the bundled remote, it betters most of them. Add in the fun and immersion of Ambilight which gives this Philips its unique edge and yet further appeal. There are some minor shortcomings – Google TV’s integration and not class-leading black-level handling – but when it comes to delivering impactful OLED image quality this Philips stuns straight out of the box.
T3 Verdict
The Philips OLED 809 is a well-appointed and competitively priced TV that takes on its main mid-tier OLED competition and, in many cases, matches them for quality – while in other areas, such as integrated sound and the bundled remote, it betters most of them. Add in the fun and immersion of Ambilight which gives this Philips its unique edge and yet further appeal. There are some minor shortcomings – Google TV’s integration and not class-leading black-level handling – but when it comes to delivering impactful OLED image quality this Philips stuns straight out of the box.
Reasons to buy+Ambilight adds a dramatism that’s as engrossing as illuminating+Generally delightful picture quality that shows off OLED’s abilities+Integrated audio is more capable than many (but could be better still)Reasons to avoid-Minor dark crush and fast-moving subject-tracking can unsettle picture-Google TV integration isn’t seamless and UK catch-up apps lack-Only two of four HDMI ports are 2.1 standard
Reasons to buy+Ambilight adds a dramatism that’s as engrossing as illuminating+Generally delightful picture quality that shows off OLED’s abilities+Integrated audio is more capable than many (but could be better still)
Ambilight adds a dramatism that’s as engrossing as illuminating
Generally delightful picture quality that shows off OLED’s abilities
Integrated audio is more capable than many (but could be better still)
Reasons to avoid-Minor dark crush and fast-moving subject-tracking can unsettle picture-Google TV integration isn’t seamless and UK catch-up apps lack-Only two of four HDMI ports are 2.1 standard
Minor dark crush and fast-moving subject-tracking can unsettle picture
Google TV integration isn’t seamless and UK catch-up apps lack
Only two of four HDMI ports are 2.1 standard
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
If you’re on the hunt for one ofthe best OLED TVsthen you’re in for a treat: this year has been bountiful in delivering super sets from a wide range of manufacturers. Philips' OLED 809, on review here in its 65-inch size, may have arrived towards the end of 2024’s queue – but it’s an example of why waiting can be extra rewarding.
The Philips OLED 809 – which replaces the short-lived 808 model (that being one to avoid, as I experienced unworkable audio sync issues from that set) – competes with the likes ofLG’s OLED C4,Panasonic’s MZ1500andSony A80Lin offering a comparable panel, but better-integrated sound, and theaddition of Ambilight (read here why that’s no gimmick).
I lived with the Philips OLED 809 for four weeks for this review – including during the now-concluded 2024 Olympic Games – using the set at home to get a real taste of exactly what it can (and can’t) do. While there are minor downsides – Google TV and lack of UK catch-up apps, here’s looking at you – the overall picture and sound quality marks this Philips as a competitively priced panel with plenty of perks to its name.
Philips OLED 809 review: Price & Availability
As the OLED 809 is one tier down in Philips' range – the top-flight models are theOLED 909 and the free-standing OLED 959– it’s also a step down in price. The model also comes in far more size options than the typical large-panel top dogs.
Here, I’m reviewing the 65-inch version, priced at £2099 (a $2695 equivalent – noting that Philips doesn’t sell in the USA and you won’t find these sets in Australia either). The OLED 809 can also be purchased in 42-inch (£1399), 48-inch (£1399 – yes, the same price as the smaller model), 55-inch (£1599), and 77-inch (£3499) sizes. Check out the shopping widget embedded above for the current best prices.
In terms of the market that’s really competitive. I’ll get to the ‘also consider’ alternatives as a post-verdict sign-off, and also contextually throughout this review, but right now equivalent-size models from LG, Sony and Panasonic will cost you around the same or even more. And none of those offer Ambilight.
Philips OLED 809 review: Features & What’s New?
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Chances are you won’t have had the opportunity to buy the Philips OLED 808 predecessor, as it arrived late to market and, mere months later, this OLED 809 replacement has arrived – and all the better for it!
There are a number of subtle yet crucial changes in the OLED 809: the P5 AI processor is in its 8th Gen form, for example, upgrading the previous 7th Gen version. That brings with it a maximum 144Hz refresh rate in Game Mode, which the previous model lacked (not much can benefit from it, though, it’s for future-proofing and PC gamer rigs). Oh, and that 77-inch model is a new larger size for this series.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
While the Philips OLED 809 features four HDMI ports, only two of them arethe 2.1 standard (read more about that here)– but that’s typical of most models from Philips and its competition. As one of those is also theHDMI eARC port (read more about enhanced Audio Return Channel here), you’ll be a little restricted if you’re hoping to push 4K resolution content at 120Hz refresh rate from multiple inputs. I’ve not found it a major issue, although with one ofthe best soundbarsplugged into the eARC, I’ve had to forego eitherPlayStation 5orXbox Series Xto a lower-spec HDMI port.
A defining feature of the OLED 809 is, but of course, Ambilight. You can see in my pictures the various LED lights positioned on the set’s rear – these project coloured illuminations onto surrounding surfaces in real-time, relative to what’s happening on screen. It’s present on three sides in this model, so doesn’t upgrade to four-sided like on theOLED 909 (and this isn’t the incoming Ambilight Plus version)– noting that the higher-spec model also features an MLA panel (that’s Micro Lens Array, acronym lovers) for higher brightness than this 809’s ‘EX OLED’ panel.
Philips OLED 809 review: Picture Quality
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
While the OLED 809 can’t shout about having an MLA panel like its OLED 909 big brother, I still think what this set offers in terms of picture quality is often astounding. With the 65-inch model setup at home, I’ve tested it with all manner of media from multiple sources – and with a late-night 4K Blu-ray movie screening ofOppenheimerthe results were particularly stunning.
I always find it interesting how different manufacturers' takes on processing is a lesson in nuance: Sony tends to lean towards subtle, lifelike images; LG, which even makes the very panel in this Philips TV, goes for a little more pomp – but is even-handed in its approach; Philips, meanwhile, likes to ignite a few fireworks in its default settings, with brightness and colour uplifted – not to outlandish levels, mind, just with a little more pep than some of its competition.
I think that makes a lot of sense, though, especially with an Ambilight-backed visual experience, which posits the screen in its own field of illumination anyway (unless you opt to switch that feature off, of course). The dual impact of Ambilight and punchy on-screen visuals is immediately enticing. There are plenty of settings to dig into if you want it to deliver a different take though – and it’s here where you can apply your own nuance for a much more neutral picture, if you so wish.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
There are also Light Level Optimisation and Colour Temperature Optimisation settings to permit automatic adjustment based on ambient light, which is handy for living room conditions. Activate HDR Optimisation, too, and it’ll overrule HDR settings to adapt to bright ambient light conditions – allowing peak highlights to be even brighter. All of these settings have their valid uses, and are easily toggled on or off in the front of the Picture settings panel. However, the HDR Optimisation is constantly reading the room, so when jumping between scenes I often caught a visible ‘pass’ of processing – and this ‘flash’ per scene change ultimately led me to switch the mode off.
Overall, while I’ve highlighted some minor shortcomings here, in the context of its competitors, I think that the Philips OLED 809 delivers stellar image quality overall. It’s bright, it’s rich in colour, it’s got that Ambilight backing, and with some delicate adjustments the picture is very rewarding. It’s able to stand apart from the field in its own way, too, with Ambilight being Philips' shining star.
Philips OLED 809 review: Sound Quality
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Philips' higher-end TVs have a tie-in with British audio brand Bowers & Wilkins. Not this 809 model, though, which is one shy of that collaboration. But that doesn’t mean this set doesn’t consider audio somewhat differently to most of its competitors.
With a discreet 2.1 channel setup, the Philips OLED 809 delivers 70W of audio output (50W for the two smaller-scale models), with an integrated woofer to the centre rear of the panel permitting more bass than your average. That’s a key point: as many ofthe best TVshave gotten thinner and thinner over the years, there’s little space to insert a decent soundsystem.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
That’s room for improvement, then, in a sound design that otherwise outsmarts the majority of its rivals. Personally, I think Sony delivers a better soundstage, owing to its Acoustic Surface Audio technology, which uses vibrations through the actual screen to act as a speaker output. Still, Philips manages to deliver a more gutsy system than most, without compromising the design or visual appeal of this set.
Philips OLED 809 review: Design & Setup
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
TV design has come a long way over the years, with many panels' front-on visual being little more than the panel itself. It’s much the same with the OLED 809’s design: there’s a barely-visible lip around the edge of the panel that’s a couple of millimetres; then within the panel the image begins around 6-8mm from the edges and a tad more from the bottom. You’ll not even think to notice.
The 65-inch model comes with a central pedestal stand that’s easy to screw into place. It sits at a single raised height, allowing for a soundbar to sit beneath if you have one. The stand swivels to the left or right, and while I doubt many will position the set off-axis, it does make reaching the HDMI ports around the rear far easier.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
The Philips remote is a lovely piece of design though. It features illuminating Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and a further apps button (the last of which is “not available” either), while the also-illuminating volume and channel up/down buttons are raised toggles for really nice tactile adjustment.
It’s rare to have such a nicely designed controller bundled with a TV these days, which only makes the sometimes disconnect with Google TV all the more irksome. There’s no local/UK catch-up apps, either, so BBC iPlayer and whathaveyou will need to be sourced via an alternative device – worth noting in case you’re depending on the TV’s native system for all your catch-up viewing.
Philips OLED 809 review: Verdict
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Overall, the Philips OLED 809 is a well-appointed and competitively priced TV that takes on its main mid-tier OLED competition and, in many cases, matches them for quality – while in other areas, such as sound, it betters most of them. Add the fun and immersion of Ambilight and this Philips gains its unique edge.
There are some minor misgivings – Google TV’s integration isn’t on point, there are no local/UK catch-up apps, and it’s not the best-in-class with black-level nuance – but when it comes to delivering impactful OLED image quality that stuns straight out of the box, this Ambilight set has oodles of appeal.
Also consider
Today’s best LG C4 OLED TV, Panasonic MZ1500, Sony A80L and Philips OLED809 4K Ambilight Smart TV dealsLG C4 48-inch$1,196.99ViewSee all pricesSony XR-83A80L$5,299$3,998ViewSee all pricesMonster Cable bund…Sony XR-65A80L$1,998ViewSee all pricesSony XR-77A80L$3,199.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best LG C4 OLED TV, Panasonic MZ1500, Sony A80L and Philips OLED809 4K Ambilight Smart TV dealsLG C4 48-inch$1,196.99ViewSee all pricesSony XR-83A80L$5,299$3,998ViewSee all pricesMonster Cable bund…Sony XR-65A80L$1,998ViewSee all pricesSony XR-77A80L$3,199.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best LG C4 OLED TV, Panasonic MZ1500, Sony A80L and Philips OLED809 4K Ambilight Smart TV dealsLG C4 48-inch$1,196.99ViewSee all pricesSony XR-83A80L$5,299$3,998ViewSee all pricesMonster Cable bund…Sony XR-65A80L$1,998ViewSee all pricesSony XR-77A80L$3,199.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best LG C4 OLED TV, Panasonic MZ1500, Sony A80L and Philips OLED809 4K Ambilight Smart TV deals
LG C4 48-inch$1,196.99ViewSee all pricesSony XR-83A80L$5,299$3,998ViewSee all pricesMonster Cable bund…Sony XR-65A80L$1,998ViewSee all pricesSony XR-77A80L$3,199.99ViewSee all prices
LG C4 48-inch$1,196.99ViewSee all prices
LG C4 48-inch$1,196.99ViewSee all prices
LG C4 48-inch
LG C4 48-inch
$1,196.99View
$1,196.99
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Sony XR-83A80L$5,299$3,998ViewSee all prices
Sony XR-83A80L$5,299$3,998ViewSee all prices
Sony XR-83A80L
Sony XR-83A80L
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Monster Cable bund…Sony XR-65A80L$1,998ViewSee all prices
Monster Cable bund…
Monster Cable bund…
Monster Cable bund…
Monster Cable bund…
Monster Cable bund…
Sony XR-65A80L$1,998ViewSee all prices
Sony XR-65A80L
Sony XR-65A80L
$1,998View
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Sony XR-77A80L$3,199.99ViewSee all prices
Sony XR-77A80L$3,199.99ViewSee all prices
Sony XR-77A80L
Sony XR-77A80L
$3,199.99View
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