It is honest to say that Philips had a wonderful yr in 2020, taking residence two What Hello-Fi? TV Awards for its OLED805 mannequin and receiving 5 stars for its ultra-premium OLED984 collaboration with B&W. The corporate is clearly eager to construct on this momentum in 2021, with its not too long ago introduced lineup for the primary half of the yr together with new OLEDs with much more tech (and Ambilight), and an entire new MiniLED vary.
We’ll begin by outlining the brand new expertise and options that Philips is introducing this yr, earlier than stepping into the nitty-gritty of particular fashions, nevertheless it’s price saying now that you’ll establish the 2021 fashions by the ‘6’ on the finish of their designation – e.g. 2021’s OLED806 replaces 2020’s OLED805.
MiniLED TVs
2021 is undoubtedly the yr of MiniLED, with each main producer – together with Samsung, LG and TCL – asserting a brand new vary of TVs that makes use of the brand new expertise.
In order for you chapter and verse, please do take a look at our full MiniLED explainer, however the brief model is that MiniLED is a brand new backlight expertise that utilises LEDs which can be – you guessed it – considerably smaller than these used earlier than. This permits much more of them to be crammed in, rising the variety of particular person dimming zones and due to this fact bettering distinction.
Philips’ new MiniLED fashions, of which there are two, boast 1000 of those dimming zones, which is vastly greater than the variety of a typical LCD panel. After all, we’re not speaking about OLED levels of shut distinction management (each one in all an OLED’s pixels could be individually lit or dimmed), however MiniLEDs can go far brighter than OLED fashions – Philips is claiming a 2000-nit peak brightness determine for its high MiniLED mannequin, whereas even the brightest OLEDs tap-out at lower than half of that.
Aside from the underlying panel expertise, Philips’ new MiniLED fashions appear to match their OLED siblings, so it will likely be fascinating to see which TVs ship one of the best general efficiency once we take a look at them later within the yr.
HDMI 2.1 and gaming options
One factor Philips’ in any other case glorious 2020 OLEDs had been missing was HDMI 2.1 options, however the firm seems to be decided to not be left behind in 2021.
All of its new OLED and MiniLED fashions have two full-speed (48gbps) HDMI 2.1 connections, and the units assist 4K@120Hz (often known as HFR), VRR (Variable Refresh Fee), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), all of which will likely be massive information for players specifically.
fifth Gen P5 AI processor
2021 may even see Philips introduce a brand new model of its image processing engine. Known as the fifth Gen P5 AI processor, this new engine improves upon 2020’s 4th Gen P5 by the addition of options comparable to a brand new AI Movie mode that is designed to mechanically get one of the best out of film content material, a extra intelligently built-in gentle sensor that adjusts all content material primarily based on ambient lighting, and Quick Movement Readability, which is claimed to enhance the smoothness and sharpness of quick motion, specifically that of sports activities and video games.
The brand new OLED fashions additionally get a model of the anti-burn-in performance first seen on the OLED935. This intelligently identifies and dims the depth of static logos with a view to prolong the lifetime of the panel.
For these not already within the know, Ambilight is a Philips expertise that extends the onscreen motion onto the wall across the TV within the type of colored gentle. Not solely does it look fabulous, it additionally will increase perceived distinction, makes the display appear greater than it truly is, and attracts the attention extra successfully into the motion. We adore it.
For 2021, Philips is doubling-down on this unique tech by making it obtainable throughout extra of its TV vary and including an Ambilight strip to the underside fringe of extra fashions. This fourth aspect of Ambilight in all probability will not make an enormous distinction if the TV is positioned on a stand, nevertheless it ought to look fabulous when you go down the wall-mounted route.
Android TV 10
Philips has for a very long time used the Android TV platform for its TVs, so it is little shock that its 2021 fashions get the latest 10 model. What’s a bit shocking, is that there is to date been no point out of Google TV integration. This new UI launched with the most recent model of the Google Chromecast and is already confirmed to be coming to Sony’s 2021 TVs, so we has anticipated Philips to announce the identical.
That stated, there is not any cause to be majorly alarmed: whereas Google TV is an enchancment over Android TV when it comes to usability, its characteristic set is kind of the identical. What’s extra, it basically goes on high of Android TV 10, so there is not any cause that Philips could not make it obtainable as a software program replace if its TVs do not launch with it already put in.
Philips 2021 TV vary breakdown
So that is the expertise that Philips is pushing in 2021, however what about particular fashions? Under, you will discover each new mannequin introduced to date (keep in mind that Philips has solely to date revealed TVs for the primary half of the yr) together with probably the most related specs. We do not but have pricing data however we are going to replace this web page when that is available in.
Philips OLED856 4K OLED TV
Whereas listed as two separate fashions, this OLED856 and the OLED806 beneath are basically the identical TV apart from the stand: the OLED856 has a T-bar pedestal whereas the OLED806 will get dainty little ft. The OLED856 can also be obtainable in fewer sizes than the OLED806, and can possible be obtainable by fewer retailers.
The core expertise is identical, although, with each fashions getting the brand new fifth Gen P5 AI processor, four-sided Ambilight and all of these beautiful HDMI 2.1 options. To say we’re excited to check out 4K@120Hz gaming with Ambilight is a little bit of an understatement.
Philips OLED856 specs:
- Show sort: OLED
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 55-inch (55OLED856), 65-inch (65OLED856)
- Processor: fifth Gen P5 AI
- Ambilight: 4 sides
- Sound: 2.1ch, 50W
- 4K@120Hz: Sure
- VRR: Sure
- ALLM: Sure
- eARC: Sure
- Working system: Android TV 10
Philips OLED806 4K OLED TV
As talked about above, that is basically the identical TV because the OLED856, however with dainty ft as a substitute of a pedestal stand. Crucially, although, this OLED806 will likely be extra extensively obtainable and could be purchased in 48-inch and 77-inch sizes, in addition to the extra typical 55-inch and 65-inch variations.
As a reminder, the OLED806’s predecessor received Awards at each 55 inches (55OLED805) and 65 inches (65OLED805).
Philips OLED806 specs:
- Show sort: OLED
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 48-inch (48OLED806), 55-inch (55OLED806), 65-inch (65OLED806), 77-inch (77OLED806)
- Processor: fifth Gen P5 AI
- Ambilight: 4 sides
- Sound: 2.1ch, 50W
- 4K@120Hz: Sure
- VRR: Sure
- ALLM: Sure
- eARC: Sure
- Working system: Android TV 10
Philips OLED706 4K OLED TV
Evidently we’re not speculated to know in regards to the OLED706: it is not attributable to hit retailers till September and was included in Philips’ vary breakdown in error. Assuming that the listed specs are right, this seems to be an OLED806 with one much less aspect of Ambilight, and will due to this fact be an interesting, extra reasonably priced possibility for many who aren’t wall-mounting. Extra on this one as we get it.
Philips OLED706 specs:
- Show sort: OLED
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 55-inch (55OLED706), 65-inch (65OLED706)
- Processor: fifth Gen P5 AI
- Ambilight: Three sides
- Sound: 2.1ch, 50W
- 4K@120Hz: Sure
- VRR: Sure
- ALLM: Sure
- eARC: Sure
- Working system: Android TV 10
Philips 9636 4K MiniLED TV
The upper-end of Philips’ two new MiniLED fashions has the identical processor, HDMI 2.1 options and four-sided Ambilight because it’s OLED856/806 siblings, however trades the OLED panel for an LCD display with a 1000-zone, 2000-nit backlight. It is acquired a extra highly effective sound system, too.
All advised, it should be fascinating to see whether or not the OLED806 or 9636 is the higher general TV.
Philips MiniLED 9636 specs:
- Show sort: LCD with MiniLED backlight
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 65-inch (65PUS9636), 75-inch (75PUS9636)
- Processor: fifth Gen P5 AI
- Ambilight: 4 sides
- Sound: 3.1.2ch, 70W
- 4K@120Hz: Sure
- VRR: Sure
- ALLM: Sure
- eARC: Sure
- Working system: Android TV 10
Philips 9506 4K MiniLED TV
The Philips 9506 is basically the 9636 with peak brightness downgraded barely to 1500nits. That is nonetheless vastly brighter than any OLEDs can handle, so this might nonetheless be a really engaging TV if the value is correct.
Philips MiniLED 9506 specs:
- Show sort: LCD with MiniLED backlight
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 65-inch (65PUS9506), 75-inch (75PUS9506)
- Processor: fifth Gen P5 AI
- Ambilight: 4 sides
- Sound: 3.1.2ch, 50W
- 4K@120Hz: Sure
- VRR: Sure
- ALLM: Sure
- eARC: Sure
- Working system: Android TV 10
Philips 9206 4K LCD TV
The 9206 is the place the MiniLEDs finish and the standard LEDs return. That is the highest customary LCD mannequin in Philips’ 2021 vary, and as such has that beautiful four-sided Ambilight and the HDMI 2.1 sockets. It is acquired a lesser model of the P5 processor, although.
Philips 9206 specs:
- Show sort: LCD with LED backlight
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 55-inch (55PUS9206), 65-inch (65PUS9206)
- Processor: P5 Good Image Engine
- Ambilight: 4 sides
- Sound: 2.1ch, 50W
- 4K@120Hz: Sure
- VRR: Sure
- ALLM: Sure
- eARC: Sure
- Working system: Android TV 10
Philips 8506 ‘The One’ 4K LCD TV
Philips created ‘The One’ TV a few years in the past, pitching it as a midrange, mainstream mannequin good for typical TV patrons. It is apparently been an enormous success, and this third-generation model will likely be obtainable in an unlimited collection of sizes. The important thing spec variations between it and the 9206 above are the lack of that fourth aspect of Ambilight and the an absence of assist for 4K@120Hz, nevertheless it in any other case seems to be like a robust proposition.
Philips 8506 ‘The One’ specs:
- Show sort: LCD with LED backlight
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 43-inch (43PUS8506), 50-inch (50PUS8506), 58-inch (58PUS8506), 65-inch (65PUS8506), 70-inch (70PUS8506), 75-inch (75PUS8506)
- Processor: P5 Good Image Engine
- Ambilight: Three sides
- Sound: 2.0ch, 20W
- 4K@120Hz: No
- VRR: Sure
- ALLM: Sure
- eARC: Sure
- Working system: Android TV 10
Philips 7906 4K LCD TV
Dropping from ‘The One’ to the 7906 includes a drop in processor, however the specs in any other case look very related. Do not be stunned if its backlight has fewer dimming zones, although.
Philips 7906 specs:
- Show sort: LCD with LED backlight
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 43-inch (43PUS7906), 50-inch (50PUS7906), 55-inch (55PUS7906), 65-inch (65PUS7906), 70-inch (70PUS7906), 75-inch (75PUS7906)
- Processor: Pixel Plus Extremely HD
- Ambilight: Three sides
- Sound: 2.0ch, 20W
- 4K@120Hz: No
- VRR: Sure
- ALLM: Sure
- eARC: Sure
- Working system: Android TV 10
Philips 7506 4K LCD TV
The entry-level 7506 is the one 2021 mannequin introduced (to date) that does with out Ambilight altogether. It additionally sacrifices Android TV for Philips’ personal Saphi working system, which can possible imply it has fewer streaming apps.
Philips 7506 specs:
- Show sort: LCD with LED backlight
- Decision: 4K
- Sizes: 43-inch (43PUS7506), 50-inch (50PUS7506), 55-inch (55PUS7506), 65-inch (65PUS7506)
- Processor: P5 Good Image Engine
- Ambilight: No
- Sound: 2.0ch, 20W
- 4K@120Hz: No
- VRR: Sure
- ALLM: Sure
- eARC: Sure
- Working system: Saphi
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