Philips 65OLED908/12 Review

The Philips 65OLED908/12 is the latest top OLED model from the popular TV brand, known especially for its unique Ambilight feature.

This three-sided ambient lighting is, of course, included here and is complemented by other high-quality features such as a single triple tuner for satellite, cable, and DVB-T2 HD reception, a Google TV interface with numerous streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+, HDMI 2.1 inputs for an optimal gaming experience, and comprehensive HDR support, including Dolby Vision.

The 4K OLED TV with a 65-inch (165 cm) screen also uses a third-generation OLED panel (META-OLED) to deliver even better picture quality, along with a premium sound system from Bowers & Wilkins.

The Philips OLED908 series is available in screen sizes of 55 inches (139 cm), 65 inches (165 cm, tested), and 77 inches (194 cm). All three models feature a META-OLED panel, so the test results we obtained are largely applicable to the other sizes as well. You can find the suggested retail prices for the three models in this review.

Design and Connections

Philips used recycled cardboard for the packaging of the 65OLED908/12. After unpacking, the TV can be mounted on the wall using an optional VESA-standard (300 x 300) bracket or placed on the supplied stand. The stand is made of metal and, despite its compact size, provides solid stability.

Additionally, the screen can be rotated on this stand, offering greater flexibility. The slim frame is also metal, adding to the elegant appearance. The sound bar at the bottom is covered with gray wool fabric, enhancing the overall premium design and build quality.

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Connectivity Check

Control

Network Functions

VoD Services & Media Libraries

Front The ultra-thin metal frame, the sound bar covered in gray wool fabric at the bottom, and the matte chrome stand give the Philips TV a sophisticated look. The TV can be rotated on its stand for added convenience.

Home Screen Google TV is installed as the operating system. Its well-organized home screen can be customized to suit individual preferences by prominently placing favorite apps and removing unused ones.

Remote Control The new battery-operated infrared remote impressed us with its premium aluminum construction. It features an illuminated keypad, and pressing the “123” button reveals a previously hidden numeric keypad, allowing the arrow keys to temporarily function as numbers. It also includes a microphone for voice commands via Google Assistant and quick-access buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and the app portal.

The back panel connections include three USB ports (one supporting USB 3.0), a LAN port, a digital optical S/PDIF output, a port for an external subwoofer, a headphone jack, and four HDMI inputs, one of which is an eARC port for uncompressed 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos.

Gaming

Two of the four HDMI ports fully support HDMI 2.1 specifications, allowing PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X consoles to display 4K games at up to 120 fps. Additional features for gamers include Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which automatically activates optimal settings for gaming performance, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, including AMD Free-Sync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gameplay without interruptions. HGiG compatibility also ensures optimal HDR presentation.

EPG When the EPG is called up, picture and sound unfortunately do not continue in the background, and no inset box is displayed. The program preview covers the next seven days and provides standard SI data for individual shows.

Operation The Google TV interface is based on Android TV 12. Logging in with a Google account offers benefits like the ability to install additional apps from the Play Store. The system ran smoothly in our tests, providing a wide range of features and customization options.

TEKKEN 8

TEKKEN 8 is an upcoming fighting game by Bandai Namco Entertainment and the eighth main entry in the TEKKEN series. Set six months after TEKKEN 7, it focuses on the final showdown between Kazuya Mishima and his son Jin Kazama. The game introduces a new “Heat” gameplay system, altering the fighting styles of some characters. TEKKEN 8 releases on January 26, priced at around $85 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PCs.

Quick Menu Pressing the “Menu” button on the remote opens a quick menu with the main options. By pressing the left arrow key, the user can access all settings.

The Philips 65OLED908/12 comes with a newly designed remote control that uses an internal battery and has a USB-C port for charging. The included cable allows for easy recharging, and the backlit keys light up when the remote is moved. The backlighting also offers another clever feature: pressing the “123” button brings up a numeric keypad, temporarily turning the arrow keys into number keys. With its compact size, the remote is easy to handle, fitting comfortably in the hand and taking up minimal space on the coffee table. It also includes a microphone for Google Assistant and quick-access buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and the app portal, adding to the high level of functionality.

TV and More

The Philips features a single triple tuner for satellite, cable, and DVB-T2 HD reception. In addition to free-to-air channels in SD, HD, and UHD, the TV also allows access to encrypted channels via a CI+ slot for conditional access modules. For those receiving TV through the Astra 19.2° East satellite position, private HD channels can be accessed without a module by enabling the built-in HD+ Live TV app.

¹ No private HD channels available.

Measurement Data

Power Consumption in Watts

• Cost per Year: €47.49¹

Boot Times in Seconds

Channel Switching Times

¹ At an electricity rate of €0.32 per kWh. The calculated costs are based on 365 days of mixed usage with an average daily usage of 195 minutes.

The Philips offers several picture modes, including “IMAX Enhanced” and “Filmmaker Mode.” We chose the latter for both SDR and HDR content, as it came closest to our ideal color temperature settings. We were able to optimize the Philips with a few further adjustments in the picture settings, which are listed. During our color space measurements, the coverage was very convincing at 98.2% for P3 and 74.4% for BT.2020. The brightness levels were measured at 2,133 nits in “HDR Crystal Clear” mode and 1,557 nits in our reference mode, setting new records in our tests.

Philips Smart TV

Version 2.2.11: Android 5.0+

Version 2.5.54: iOS 10.0+

The “Philips Smart TV” app is available for free on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. It primarily allows remote control of the TV and also lets users adjust the Ambilight lighting on the 65OLED908/12.

Model Sizes and Recommended Retail Price (RRP)

• Philips OLED908 Series
  • 55″ – €2,699
  • 65″ – €3,699
  • 77″ – €5,699

Setup Recommendations

• Recommended Viewing Distance:

  • SD: 4.1 m
  • HD: 3.3 m
  • 4K: 2.4 m

• Optimal Screen Height¹:

  • 0.64 m for an eye level of 1.10 m
  • 0.79 m for an eye level of 1.25 m

¹ Measurement from the bottom edge of the TV.

Apps

The Google TV app selection is among the best in the smart TV space, with numerous additional apps available for free in the Play Store. Except for the sports provider Dyn, all the essential streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ are included.

After setup, 39 private HD channels and three UHD channels are available for six months free. The integrated HbbTV function provides convenient access to media libraries by pressing the red button on the remote (Red Button), and selected programs can be restarted with the blue button (Replay function).

Unfortunately, even with Philips’ top model, there’s no recording function via USB; Timeshift and the ability to pause live TV are also unsupported. Users can opt for a paid subscription to live TV streaming services like Zattoo or waipu.tv, which offer cloud-based recording. These services, along with RTL+ and Joyn, are available as apps on the Philips TV. The app selection is one of the main advantages of the Google TV interface, offering an impressive variety, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, DAZN, and WOW. Only the relatively new Dyn sports streaming service was missing from our extensive reference list.

Picture and Sound Quality

In our test lab, the Philips 65OLED908/12 set new records with peak brightness values of 2,133 nits in “HDR Crystal Clear” mode and 1,557 nits in “Filmmaker Mode.” It also impressed with color reproduction, with measurements showing 98.2% of the P3 color space and 74.4% of the BT.2020 color space. Ultra HD content from 4K UHD Blu-rays, streaming services, and 4K channels displayed sharp, detailed images, with lower-resolution material upscaled to 4K by the P5 processor using a deep learning AI algorithm. The TV also delivered excellent contrast, thanks to perfect black levels and high peak brightness. Supported HDR formats include HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+.

Another advantage of the META-OLED panel is its top-tier anti-reflective coating. Even with ambient daylight, dark scenes remained visible with minimal reflection, enhancing usability in well-lit environments. The wide viewing angle also makes this TV ideal for family or group movie nights.

“META-OLED panel sets record brightness values”

The Philips-exclusive Ambilight feature, with 102 Ambilight LEDs around the screen, offers a unique experience, particularly in dimly lit rooms. These LEDs sync perfectly with the screen colors or even with music, creating an unmatched ambiance. Ambilight can also be turned off if desired. However, it’s unfortunate that the Ambilight on the 65OLED908/12 cannot be integrated with existing Hue components to create a coordinated lighting setup.

Connections For wall mounting, all connections are oriented sideways or downward, including a single triple tuner and a CI+ slot for TV reception, three USB ports, and four HDMI inputs, two of which support HDMI 2.1 specifications.

Thermal Imaging After three hours of operation in TV mode, the Philips reached a moderate maximum temperature of 28.8°C. Higher values were measured at the rear, with Ambilight LEDs reaching up to 43.9°C as hotspots.

The sound is powered by a 3.1 audio system from Bowers & Wilkins, featuring six front-facing drivers and a dedicated center channel supported by a rear subwoofer with two passive bass membranes. This setup provided clear dialogue and precise bass during our test. For even better dialogue clarity, the Mimi Sound Personalization technology allows sound adjustments based on individual hearing preferences. Additional audio highlights include Dolby Atmos support and DTS Play-Fi wireless multiroom technology, which lets users stream music wirelessly over Wi-Fi to multiple speakers.

Specs

Technical Data

Display

Hardware

Special Features

Software

Conclusion

The Philips 65OLED908/12 impressed in our tests with outstanding picture quality and powerful sound. The new META-OLED panel set new peak brightness records and delivered vibrant color accuracy. Its 3.1 Bowers & Wilkins audio system provided an equally strong acoustic experience, with the subwoofer delivering deep bass.

The TV’s refined design and build quality add to its appeal, especially in dark home theater settings where Ambilight creates a unique atmosphere. The Google TV app selection is also a highlight, although the lack of a recording function is a drawback. In our tests, the Philips 65OLED908/12 scored an impressive 93.7%, earning it the highest rating of “very good.” At an average market price of around $3,000, it offers excellent value for money.

Included: TV, stand · remote control · USB-C charging cable · quick guide · power cable · screws

Rating

Bonus Points:

• +1.0% Three-sided Ambilight
• +1.0% Dolby Vision
• +1.0% Mimi Sound Personalization
• +0.5% DTS Play-Fi

Price/Performance Index: 29.88
Test Rating: Very Good (93.7%)
Average Market Price: €2,800

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