It's fair to say that Philips had an excellent year in 2020, taking home two What Hi-Fi? TV Awards for its OLED805 model and receiving 5 stars for its ultra-premium OLED984 collaboration with B&W. The company is clearly keen to build on this momentum in 2021 with its recently announced flagship OLED+ TVs (the 986 and 936) to go with the OLEDs and new MiniLEDs launched at the beginning of the year.
We'll start by outlining the new technology and features that Philips has introduced this year, before getting into the details of specific models, but it's worth saying now that you'll be able to identify the 2021 models by the '6' at the end of their designation – e.g. 2021's OLED806 replaces 2020's OLED805.
MiniLED TVs
2021 is undoubtedly the year of MiniLED, with every major manufacturer – including Samsung, LG and TCL – announcing a new range of TVs that uses the new technology.
If you want chapter and verse, please do check out our complete MiniLED explainer, but the short version is that MiniLED is a new backlight technology that uses LEDs that are – you guessed it – significantly smaller than those used before. This allows far more of them to be crammed in, increasing the number of individual dimming zones and therefore improving contrast.
Philips' new MiniLED models, of which there are two, boast 1000 of these dimming zones, which is vastly more than the number of a typical LCD panel. Of course, we're not talking about OLED degrees of close contrast control (every one of an OLED's pixels can be individually lit or dimmed), but MiniLEDs can go far brighter than OLED models – Philips is claiming a 2000-nit peak brightness figure for its top MiniLED model, whereas even the brightest OLEDs tap-out at less than half of that.
Other than the underlying panel technology, Philips' new MiniLED models seem to match their OLED siblings, so it will be fascinating to see which TVs deliver the best overall performance when we test them later in the year.
HDMI 2.1 and gaming features
One thing Philips' otherwise excellent 2020 OLEDs were lacking was HDMI 2.1 features, but the company appears to be determined to not be left behind in 2021.
All of its new OLED and MiniLED models have two full-speed (48gbps) HDMI 2.1 connections, and the sets support 4K@120Hz (also known as HFR), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), all of which will be big news for gamers in particular.
5th Gen P5 AI processor
2021 will also see Philips introduce a new version of its picture processing engine. Referred to as the 5th Gen P5 AI processor, this new engine improves upon 2020's 4th Gen P5 through the addition of features such as a new AI Film mode that's designed automatically to get the best out of movie content, a more intelligently integrated light sensor that adjusts all content based on ambient lighting, and Fast Motion Clarity, which is said to improve the smoothness and sharpness of fast action, in particular that of sports and games.
The new OLED models also get a version of the anti-burn-in functionality first seen on the OLED935. This intelligently identifies and dims the intensity of static logos in order to extend the life of the panel.
Extra Ambilight
For those not already in the know, Ambilight is a Philips technology that extends the onscreen action onto the wall around the TV in the form of coloured light. Not only does it look fabulous, it also increases perceived contrast, makes the screen seem bigger than it really is, and draws the eye more effectively into the action. We love it.
For 2021, Philips is doubling-down on this exclusive tech by making it available across more of its TV range and adding an Ambilight strip to the bottom edge of more models. This fourth side of Ambilight probably won't make a huge difference if the TV is placed on a stand, but it should look fabulous if you go down the wall-mounted route.
Android TV 10
Philips has for a long time used the Android TV platform for its TVs, so it's little surprise that its 2021 models get the most recent 10 version. What is a little surprising, is that there's so far been no mention of Google TV integration. This new UI launched with the latest version of the Google Chromecast and is already confirmed to be coming to Sony's 2021 TVs, so we had expected Philips to announce the same.
That said, there's no reason to be majorly alarmed: while Google TV is an improvement over Android TV in terms of usability, its feature set is more or less the same. What's more, it essentially goes on top of Android TV 10, so there's no reason that Philips couldn't make it available as a software update if its TVs don't launch with it pre-installed.
Philips 2021 TV range breakdown
So that's the technology Philips is pushing in 2021; but what about specific models? Below, you'll find every new model announced so far along with the most relevant specs. We don't have all of the pricing information at the time of writing but we will update this page as and when it comes in.
Philips OLED+986 OLED TV
OLED+ is not a different panel technology. Instead this is Philips's way of indicating that this OLED TV has their very top picture performance for the year. It's based on the best OLED display tech around right now and is backed by a dual-chip version of the Philips P5 processor. That means the very best possible AI that Philips can muster. In real terms, the aim is for better 4K upscaling, motion processing, colour handing and anti-burn-in tech.
The OLED+986 is what Philips describes as a statement TV. It comes in just one size. It's a seriously premium build of all glass and metal, where possible, with a Bowers & Wilkins three-speaker sound system built into the floorstand. It's also possible to wallmount this set-up.
There are no upward-firing drivers for the Dolby Atmos audio but this is still very much positioned as the best AV solution and involves the top B&W TV sound on the market. The soundbar is built more like three individual speakers. The enclosures are isolated and feature decoupled tweeters (in the case of the right and left drivers) or the trademark 'tweeter-on-top' set up for the middle.
You can read more about it in our Philips OLED+986 hands-on.
Philips OLED+986 specs:
- Display type: OLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Sizes: 65-inch (65OLED+986)
- Processor: Dual 5th Gen P5 AI
- Ambilight: Four sides
- Sound: B&W three-speaker soundbar
- 4K@120Hz: Yes
- VRR: Yes
- ALLM: Yes
- eARC: Yes
- Operating system: Android TV 10
Philips OLED+986 prices:
- 65OLED+986 - £TBC
Philips OLED+936 OLED TV
The Philips OLED+936 has the identical OLED panel and processor set-up as the 986 above. It's the form factor and speaker system that differ.
This time there's a 3.1.2ch Dolby Atmos soundbar strapped onto the stand which makes for a very tidy flagship OLED TV solution indeed. It comes in 48in, 55in and 65in sizes and the satisfaction that each time the soundbar has been tuned to make sure that the audio sounds as if it's coming from the centre of the screen.
As with the 986, it still comes with all the features and modes that Philips can muster this year. That includes HDMI 2.1 ports, HDR10+ Adaptive, four-sided Amblight and the all-new Philips Home Cinema picture preset.
It's also worth noting that the 986 and 936 come with the top version of the anti-burn-in tech. It uses a grid of over 30,000 zones to detect any static images and reduce their on-screen intensity. You can read more about it in our Philips OLED+936 hands-on.
Philips OLED+936 specs:
- Display type: OLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Sizes: 48-inch (48OLED+936) 55-inch (55OLED+936), 65-inch (65OLED+936)
- Processor: Dual 5th Gen P5 AI
- Ambilight: Four sides
- Sound: 3.1.2ch B&W speaker
- 4K@120Hz: Yes
- VRR: Yes
- ALLM: Yes
- eARC: Yes
- Operating system: Android TV 10
Philips OLED+936 prices:
- 48OLED+936 - £1800
- 55OLED+936 - £2100
- 65OLED+936 - £3000
Philips OLED856 4K OLED TV
While listed as two separate models, this OLED856 and the OLED806 below are essentially the same TV except for the stand: the OLED856 has a T-bar pedestal while the OLED806 gets dainty little feet. The OLED856 is also available in fewer sizes than the OLED806, and will likely be available through fewer retailers.
The core technology is the same, though, with both models getting the new 5th Gen P5 AI processor, four-sided Ambilight and all of those lovely HDMI 2.1 features. To say we're excited to try out 4K@120Hz gaming with Ambilight is a bit of an understatement.
Philips OLED856 specs:
- Display type: OLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Sizes: 55-inch (55OLED856), 65-inch (65OLED856)
- Processor: 5th Gen P5 AI
- Ambilight: Four sides
- Sound: 2.1ch, 50W
- 4K@120Hz: Yes
- VRR: Yes
- ALLM: Yes
- eARC: Yes
- Operating system: Android TV 10
Philips OLED856 prices:
- 55OLED856 - £1699
- 65OLED856 - £2399
Philips OLED806 4K OLED TV
As mentioned above, this is essentially the same TV as the OLED856, but with dainty feet instead of a pedestal stand. Crucially, though, this OLED806 will be more widely available and can be bought in 48-inch and 77-inch sizes, as well as the more typical 55-inch and 65-inch versions.
As a reminder, the OLED806's predecessor won Awards at both 55 inches (55OLED805) and 65 inches (65OLED805).
Philips OLED806 specs:
- Display type: OLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Sizes: 48-inch (48OLED806), 55-inch (55OLED806), 65-inch (65OLED806), 77-inch (77OLED806)
- Processor: 5th Gen P5 AI
- Ambilight: Four sides
- Sound: 2.1ch, 50W
- 4K@120Hz: Yes
- VRR: Yes
- ALLM: Yes
- eARC: Yes
- Operating system: Android TV 10
Philips OLED806 prices:
- 48OLED806 - £1299
- 55OLED806 - £1599
- 65OLED806 - £2299
- 77OLED806 - £TBC
Philips OLED706 4K OLED TV
It seems that we're not supposed to know about the OLED706: it's not due to hit shops until September and was included in Philips' range breakdown in error. Assuming that the listed specs are correct, this appears to be an OLED806 with one fewer side of Ambilight, and could therefore be an appealing, more affordable option for those who aren't wall-mounting. More on this one as we get it.
Philips OLED706 specs:
- Display type: OLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Sizes: 55-inch (55OLED706), 65-inch (65OLED706)
- Processor: 5th Gen P5 AI
- Ambilight: Three sides
- Sound: 2.1ch, 50W
- 4K@120Hz: Yes
- VRR: Yes
- ALLM: Yes
- eARC: Yes
- Operating system: Android TV 10
Philips OLED706 prices:
- 55OLED706 - £1399
- 65OLED706 - £1799
Philips 9636 4K MiniLED TV
The higher-end of Philips' two new MiniLED models has the same processor, HDMI 2.1 features and four-sided Ambilight as its OLED856/806 siblings, but trades the OLED panel for an LCD screen with a 1000-zone, 2000-nit backlight. It's got a more powerful sound system, too.
It's going to be fascinating to see whether the OLED806 or 9636 is the better overall TV.
Philips MiniLED 9636 specs:
- Display type: LCD with MiniLED backlight
- Resolution: 4K
- Sizes: 65-inch (65PML9636), 75-inch (75PMLS9636)
- Processor: 5th Gen P5 AI
- Ambilight: Four sides
- Sound: 3.1.2ch, 70W
- 4K@120Hz: Yes
- VRR: Yes
- ALLM: Yes
- eARC: Yes
- Operating system: Android TV 10
Philips 9636 prices:
- 75PML9636 - £TBC
- 65MLS9636 - £TBC
Philips 9506 4K MiniLED TV
The Philips 9506 is essentially the 9636 with peak brightness downgraded slightly to 1500nits. That's still vastly brighter than any OLEDs can manage, so this could still be a very enticing TV if the price is right.
Philips MiniLED 9506 specs:
- Display type: LCD with MiniLED backlight
- Resolution: 4K
- Sizes: 65-inch (65PML9506), 75-inch (75PML9506)
- Processor: 5th Gen P5 AI
- Ambilight: Four sides
- Sound: 3.1.2ch, 50W
- 4K@120Hz: Yes
- VRR: Yes
- ALLM: Yes
- eARC: Yes
- Operating system: Android TV 10
Philips 9506 prices:
- 75PML9506 - £2599
- 65PML9506 - £2099
Philips 9206 4K LCD TV
The 9206 is where the MiniLEDs end and the traditional LEDs return. This is the top standard LCD model in Philips' 2021 range, and as such has that lovely four-sided Ambilight and the HDMI 2.1 sockets. It's got a lesser version of the P5 processor, though.
Philips 9206 specs:
- Display type: LCD with LED backlight
- Resolution: 4K
- Sizes: 55-inch (55PUS9206), 65-inch (65PUS9206)
- Processor: P5 Perfect Picture Engine
- Ambilight: Four sides
- Sound: 2.1ch, 50W
- 4K@120Hz: Yes
- VRR: Yes
- ALLM: Yes
- eARC: Yes
- Operating system: Android TV 10
Philips 9206 prices:
- 55PUS9206 - £1199
- 65PUS9206 - £1399
Philips 8506 'The One' 4K LCD TV
Philips created 'The One' TV a couple of years ago, pitching it as a midrange, mainstream model perfect for typical TV buyers. It has apparently been a huge success, and this third-generation version will be available in a vast selection of sizes. The key spec differences between it and the 9206 above are the loss of that fourth side of Ambilight and the lack of support for 4K@120Hz, but it otherwise looks like a strong proposition.
Philips 8506 'The One' specs:
- Display type: LCD with LED backlight
- Resolution: 4K
- Sizes: 43-inch (43PUS8506), 50-inch (50PUS8506), 58-inch (58PUS8506), 65-inch (65PUS8506), 70-inch (70PUS8506), 75-inch (75PUS8506)
- Processor: P5 Perfect Picture Engine
- Ambilight: Three sides
- Sound: 2.0ch, 20W
- 4K@120Hz: No
- VRR: Yes
- ALLM: Yes
- eARC: Yes
- Operating system: Android TV 10
Philips 8506 prices:
- 43PUS8506 - £649
- 50PUS8506 - £699
- 58PUS8506 - £829
- 65PUS8506 - £949
- 70PUS8506 - £1099
- 75PUS8506 - £TBC
Philips 7906 4K LCD TV
Dropping from 'The One' to the 7906 involves a drop in processor, but the specification otherwise looks very similar. Don't be surprised if its backlight has fewer dimming zones, though.
Philips 7906 specs:
- Display type: LCD with LED backlight
- Resolution: 4K
- Sizes: 43-inch (43PUS7906), 50-inch (50PUS7906), 55-inch (55PUS7906), 65-inch (65PUS7906), 70-inch (70PUS7906), 75-inch (75PUS7906)
- Processor: Pixel Plus Ultra HD
- Ambilight: Three sides
- Sound: 2.0ch, 20W
- 4K@120Hz: No
- VRR: Yes
- ALLM: Yes
- eARC: Yes
- Operating system: Android TV 10
Philips 7906 prices:
- 43PUS7906 - £499
- 50PUS7906 - £599
- 55PUS7906 - £699
- 65PUS7906 - £849
- 70PUS7906 - £999
- 75PUS7906 - £TBC
Philips 7506 4K LCD TV
The entry-level 7506 is the only 2021 model announced (so far) that does without Ambilight altogether. It also sacrifices Android TV for Philips' own Saphi operating system, which will likely mean it has fewer streaming apps.
Philips 7506 specs:
- Display type: LCD with LED backlight
- Resolution: 4K
- Sizes: 43-inch (43PUS7506), 50-inch (50PUS7506), 55-inch (55PUS7506), 65-inch (65PUS7506)
- Processor: P5 Perfect Picture Engine
- Ambilight: No
- Sound: 2.0ch, 20W
- 4K@120Hz: No
- VRR: Yes
- ALLM: Yes
- eARC: Yes
- Operating system: Saphi
Philips 7506 prices:
- 43PUS7506 - £430
- 50PUS7506 - £450
- 55PUS7506 - £650
- 65PUS7506 - £830
MORE:
