Philips OLED 959 (65OLED959/12) Review
Philips televisions are appreciated by numerous users for the dynamic ambient lighting Ambilight, which creates an atmospheric environment with colored LEDs that adapt in real time to the image content. The manufacturer has now exclusively equipped its new top model, the 65OLED959/12, with three-sided Ambilight Plus, an improved version that we have been eagerly awaiting.
The 4K OLED TV flagship is only available with a screen size of 65 inches (165 centimeters) and offers a triple tuner for satellite, cable, and DVB-T2 HD reception, an integrated 5.1.2 sound system by Bowers & Wilkins with a hefty 102 watts, quadruple HDR support including Dolby Vision, two HDMI 2.1 inputs for optimal gaming enjoyment, and the Google TV operating system with numerous streaming apps.
The Philips 65OLED959/12 is exclusively offered with a screen size of 65 inches (165 centimeters). It is also the first model to feature the improved three-sided Ambilight Plus. In this, the 196 colored LEDs on the back are controlled individually, while additional lenses bundle the light in different directions, creating a more dynamic light effect that is higher in resolution and projects four different image planes. Additionally, the menu offers numerous settings to adjust the ambient light to your own preferences, which we will discuss in more detail in the tips and tricks following this test report.
Design and Connections
The flagship from Philips comes appropriately with a tall stand, upon which it majestically sits. The stand consists of a plate made of brushed aluminum and a metal support. We recommend setting up the fairly massive TV, with a total weight of 44.5 kilograms, with three people. With the stand, on which the screen cannot be rotated, the TV reaches a stately height of around 134 centimeters, which should be considered if there are shelves installed above the desired placement. Alternatively, the TV is also suitable for wall mounting, for which an optional bracket according to VESA standard 300 × 300 is needed.
The 55OLED909/12, designed in elegant European style, stands on two flat, black-glossy metal feet. It features a slim metal frame and a soundbar at the bottom covered with acoustic fabric from Kvadrat, which houses the sound system from Bowers & Wilkins.
When navigating through the home page and the menus, as well as opening apps, the response times were decent. Apart from that, Google TV impresses with a wide range of functions and comprehensive individual customization options for the home screen.
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While most modern TVs rely on particularly slim frames, the one on the Philips is comparatively wide and covered with gray wool fabric on all sides. The depth is also unusually large at almost six centimeters for an OLED TV, which is due to the fact that additional surround and height speakers are located under the frame, creating immersive sound. The majority of the integrated speakers are housed in a soundbar at the bottom of the panel, which is also clad in gray wool fabric.
The battery-operated infrared remote control is made of aluminum and makes a high-quality impression. A special feature is its illuminated keypad, which displays a previously invisible numeric keypad when the “123” button is pressed, so that, for example, the arrow keys temporarily take on the function of the corresponding number. Additionally, the controller has an integrated microphone for voice commands via Google Assistant and four buttons for direct access to Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and the app portal.
As soon as a program in the tabular overview of the electronic program guide is selected, a text panel with the associated standard SI information is displayed below. Unfortunately, the TV picture is completely obscured by the EPG, and the TV sound is also not output during this time.
Since all the connections on the back are oriented downwards or to the side, they are easily accessible even when wall-mounted. There are two USB ports, one of which supports the 3.0 standard, a LAN port, a digital optical S/PDIF output, and a connection each for headphones and subwoofer. One of the total of four HDMI interfaces enables the transmission of 3D audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X as an eARC port, while it and another also fully support the other HDMI 2.1 specifications.
Gaming
Through these two connections, games in 4K resolution can be transmitted at frame rates of up to 120 frames per second, provided a next-gen game console like the PlayStation 5 Pro or Xbox Series X is connected. Those who instead connect their PC via HDMI can even enjoy 4K games at 144 frames per second. Furthermore, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which ensures the lowest latency when a game console is connected, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which guarantees a stutter-free image in games with variable frame rates, are supported. The latter is possible not only in the standard version but also in the form of AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. HGiG compatibility also guarantees optimal HDR display.
After pressing the “Menu” button on the remote control, a quick menu with the most important options opens. By then pressing the left arrow key, the user can access all the adjustment options.
Setup and Operation
The initial setup is guided by an installation wizard that asks for the most important settings. If the user already has a Google account, we recommend logging in directly, as the setup process can then also be carried out with an Android smartphone, which especially makes entering the Wi-Fi password easier. If not, it is certainly worthwhile to create the account for free, as a Google account is advantageous for further use anyway, to install numerous apps from the Play Store or to use voice control via Google Assistant. The installation procedure is completed with a channel search for the desired reception methods. For satellite reception, DiSEqC 1.0 for up to four satellite positions as well as the single-cable standards Unicable 1 (EN50494) and 2 (EN50607) are supported. In the practical test, the initial installation with channel searches for the satellite positions Astra 19.2 degrees East and Hotbird 13.0 degrees East, as well as the cable network from Vodafone, took about 30 minutes.
In the Philips TV, Google TV serves as the user interface, with the Android TV 12 operating system as its base. Overall, the test candidate showed decent, if not record-breaking, response times in daily operation. Top marks were earned by the included infrared remote control. Although the controller has pleasantly compact dimensions and thus fits comfortably in the hand, it offers all the buttons needed for comfortable operation. This was achieved through an innovative trick: the buttons around the control pad are double-assigned and function as a numeric keypad when the “123” button is pressed, which is displayed through the backlight. Instead of using replaceable batteries, the remote control is powered by an integrated rechargeable battery. For charging, it therefore has a USB-C port at the front end and a corresponding cable is included.
Picture Measurements
We consider the “Filmmaker Mode” picture mode to be the most sensible for both SDR and HDR content, as only minor adjustments in the white balance settings are necessary afterwards to achieve a very good picture. In both cases, the Delta Error values could be reduced to very good average values of less than 4.0 compared to the pre-calibrated state with our adjustments, which are detailed in the table on page 32. With our reference settings, the Philips achieved an excellent peak brightness of 1,892 nits in our measurements. In the “HDR Crystal Clear” picture mode, even impressive 2,518 nits were achieved.
Philips Smart TV app
Tablet PC and Smartphone Version 2.2.42: Android 8.0+ Version 2.5.64: iOS 10.0+ The “Philips Smart TV” app, which is available free of charge for smartphones and tablets with Android and iOS (Apple) operating systems, basically only offers the ability to control the TV. Additionally, the Ambilight lighting of the 65OLED959/12 can be adjusted via it.
After pressing the “Options” button on the remote control during TV operation, a quick menu with some options opens. For example, the user can deactivate the HbbTV function for the selected TV channel.
Smart TV Functions
In the home network, the 65OLED959 recognizes media servers via DLNA and plays multimedia content such as videos and music from them. It is also compatible with the smart home standards Matter and Control4. With an existing internet connection, applications for streaming movies, series, and live sports can be used, with the Philips having all the apps from our extensive reference list on board, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, DAZN, WOW, and Dyn. The internal storage space totals 5.3 gigabytes, of which 2.1 gigabytes are available ex-factory to install additional apps, which should usually be sufficient. If more storage space is needed, this can be expanded via a connected USB storage device. The test candidate also offers HbbTV to access media libraries via the red button and use the replay feature to restart programs that are already running. The HbbTV function, and thus the sometimes annoying overlays for some users, can be enabled or disabled in general or for individual channels. Additional extras like mirroring an Android device’s display on the TV screen via Chromecast and the integrated voice control via Google Assistant complete the extensive smart TV functions.
Watching TV and More
Even on its flagship, the manufacturer sticks to its categorical omission of a recording function, which we find extremely unfortunate. Time-shifted television via timeshift is also not possible. The integrated single triple tuner covers the reception methods satellite, cable, and DVB-T2 HD. A CI+ interface for receiving encrypted programs is installed on the back of the TV, which recognized the common reference modules in our practical test. If TV reception is via the satellite position Astra 19.2 degrees East, the private HD channels can also be brought onto the screen without a module through activation of the integrated HD+ app. Subsequently, the 39 private HD programs and three UHD channels are available free of charge for six months.
Picture and Sound Quality
In both our visual tests and the extensive picture measurements, the combination of a P5 AI Dual Picture Engine processor of the 8th generation and a META OLED panel of the 2nd generation, including a META Multi Booster algorithm, delivered first-class results. The black level is, as expected from OLED TVs, beyond any doubt. Furthermore, thanks to the META OLED panel with measured 1,892 nits in the “HDR Filmmaker Mode” we recommend, the Philips also offers remarkable peak brightness, resulting in excellent contrast representation.
In the practical test with various HDR content, consistently brilliant images were reproduced, which included high-contrast images such as sun rays and reflections. Since the 65OLED959/12 supports all four relevant formats with HDR10, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), Dolby Vision, and HDR10+, this applies to all HDR content. Colors and gray tones are displayed almost perfectly and do not lose accuracy even when viewed from the side, thanks to the generous viewing angle, so that there is no struggle for the best seat during a shared TV evening with the family. The P5 processor ensures that not only native 4K HDR images look good. Lower resolution content is upscaled, which produced good results in the practical test with HD content. However, we advise against watching TV channels in SD quality, as the large screen diagonal represents an almost insurmountable obstacle for all upscalers.
“Ambilight Plus for even more dynamic ambient lighting”
Thanks to the aforementioned HD+ app, the user is not reliant on the SD versions of the private channels anyway. The only minor drawback in an otherwise excellent picture impression is the not entirely convincing anti-reflection of the panel, which does not completely prevent reflections in direct sunlight.
In addition to a CI+ slot for pay TV reception, the back also has two USB ports, a LAN socket, a digital optical S/PDIF output, one connection each for headphones and subwoofer, as well as four HDMI inputs, two of which fully support the 2.1 specifications. They are all oriented to the side or downwards, which proves practical when wall-mounted.
The Philips 65OLED959/12 has been equipped with a 5.1.2 sound system from Bowers & Wilkins, which offers an output power of 102 watts. Nine speakers are housed alone in the soundbar below the screen. Their separate allocation had the effect in the practical test of an absolutely clean reproduction without unwanted booming. For surround and height effects, eight more speakers are installed in the frame, which in practice provided a wide soundstage and an immersive acoustic experience. They were supported by powerful basses contributed by the subwoofer integrated into the back with two additional bass membranes. Overall, the Philips clearly outperforms most TVs in terms of sound. With DTS Play-Fi, there is also a special audio feature on board that opens up the possibility of receiving music wirelessly from a smartphone and outputting it via Wi-Fi to multiroom speakers or mobile devices with connected headphones. Alternatively, DTS Play-Fi as a Bluetooth alternative allows wireless transmission of music from a mobile device to the TV speakers.
Verdict
The Philips 65OLED959/12 ultimately secures the test verdict “very good” with 9.5 out of 10 points in our practical test. The 4K OLED TV, available exclusively in a screen size of 65 inches (165 centimeters), offers very good picture quality with perfect black levels and impressive contrasts. In addition, thanks to an integrated 5.1.2 system from Bowers & Wilkins, the sound also convinced us. In addition to the unique selling point Ambilight Plus, the flagship from Philips has other high-quality features on board, such as quadruple HDR support including Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The regrettable omission of a recording function prevented an even better rating. We determined an average market price of $3,850 for the Philips 65OLED959/12 at the editorial deadline of this issue.
PRO
Ambilight Plus, peak brightness, black level, viewing angle, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision & HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, DTS Play-Fi, IMAX Enhanced, app support, sound quality
CONTRA
no recording function, no timeshift, no picture and sound in EPG mode, no twin tuner
Specs
- Manufacturer: Philips
- Model: 650OLED959/12
- Dimensions (WxHxD in mm): 1444 x 863 x 58
- Weight (in kg), without stand: 29.0
- Firmware Version: TPM231WW_R.101.002.038.230
Display
- Technology: OLED
- Hertz / Motion Enhancement Technology: 120 Hz / Perfect Natural Motion
- Diagonal Size (inches / cm): 65 / 165
- Viewing Angle: Not available
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Hardware
- Speakers / Subwoofer / Total RMS Power: 17 / Yes / 102 Watts
- DiSEqC Support / Unicable / Unicable 2: 1.0 / Yes / Yes
- Tuner Type (Quantity) / HDTV Compatible: DVB-S2, DVB-C, DVB-T2 (each 1) / Yes
- Smart Card Reader / CI: No / Yes (1x CI+)
- Proximity Operation: Yes
- Power Switch: No
- Wall Mounting: Yes (VESA 300 x 300)
Special Functions
- Recording Function: No
- Storage Size: No
- Smart TV: Yes (Google TV)
- Surround Sound: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
- Picture-in-Picture (PiP): No
- Bluetooth: Yes (Audio, Input)
- Headphones Separately Controllable: Yes
Software
- Favorites Lists / Renamable: 8 (per reception type) / Yes
- Language Selection / Quantity: Yes / 43
- Electronic Program Guide (EPG) / Days: Yes / 7
Cost
- Recommended Retail Price (RRP) in €: 4,299
- Average Market Price in €: 3,500
Networking Check
- Control
- Smartphone App: Philips Smart TV
- Program Recording (Network/Internet): No
- Control / EPG: Yes / No
- Channel List Editor: No
Network Functions
- DLNA / UPnP: Yes (Client)
- Wireless Transmission (Mirroring & Throwing): Yes
- Online Software Updates: Yes
- Video on Demand Services & Media Libraries: Supports Apple TV+, DAZN, Discovery+, Disney+, Dyn, Magenta TV, Netflix, Paramount+, Prime Video, Rakuten TV, WOW (formerly Sky Ticket), HbbTV-Version / Public-Legal / Private: 2.0.3 / Yes / Yes
Top OLED TV 2024 I've reviewed | Philips 65OLED959 | 65OLED+959
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