Philips OLED809 55"

Design & Build The OLED809 showcases Philips' commitment to elegant design with its minimalist aesthetic and premium materials. The ultra-slim bezels and sleek metal frame create a sophisticated look that belies its mid-range positioning. The central metal stand provides stable support while allowing for some swivel adjustment. The signature Ambilight system, now with more precise LED zones, is seamlessly integrated into the rear panel. Build quality is robust throughout, with attention to detail evident in the brushed metal finish and clean cable management solutions.

Performance The OLED EX panel delivers impressive picture quality with perfect blacks and vibrant colors. Peak brightness reaches around 800 nits in HDR content, which while not class-leading, provides enough punch for most viewing environments. The P5 AI processor handles motion processing admirably, with minimal artifacts in fast-moving scenes. Gaming performance is particularly strong, with 144Hz refresh rate support, HDMI 2.1 features, and low input lag measuring around 12ms. The sound system produces clear dialogue and reasonable bass, though it can't match dedicated audio solutions.

User Experience The Google TV interface offers a clean, intuitive experience with excellent app support and content discovery features. The redesigned menu system makes picture adjustments straightforward, though some advanced settings could be better organized. The new remote control is backlit and well-designed, with quick access to key streaming services. Ambilight control is seamlessly integrated, allowing easy customization of the immersive lighting effects. Initial setup is streamlined, with helpful guidance through key features and calibration options.

Value In the competitive mid-range OLED segment, the OLED809 distinguishes itself through its feature set and performance-to-price ratio. While slightly pricier than some competitors, the addition of Ambilight, comprehensive gaming features, and strong picture processing helps justify the premium. The build quality and design exceed expectations for its price point, though some rivals offer better peak brightness performance.