Philips OLED809/819 vs Sony A95L

Direct compare

OLED809 / OLED819 / AMIBLIGHT TV

Info

A95L

Available screen sizes: 48”55”65”77”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Panel type: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: QD-OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2023

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Overall rating

7.6

8.4

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.3

    9.0

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    7.8

    9.3

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    8.2

    9.0

  • Gaming on console

    9.2

    9.3

  • TV as a computer monitor

    6.4

    5.0

  • Watching in bright light

    5.5

    5.4

  • Utility functions

    7.8

    9.5

  • Apps

    10.0

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    7.1

    7.9

Advantages

  • Extensive Google TV system with good app support

  • Very good collaboration with the console

  • Good image smoothness and an extensive system for improving it

  • Multicoloured Ambilight backlighting

  • Amazing Contrast

  • Great for HDR movies

  • Advanced Google TV system

  • Great Viewing Angles

  • Gaming Features: Support for ALLM, VRR, 120 Hz refresh rate, low input lag

  • Great sound

  • Camera included

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor factory colour reproduction (can be fixed through calibration)

  • Strongly contrasting tonal transitions

  • Average legibility of fonts when connected to a computer

  • Only Two HDMI 2.1 Ports: One of the HDMI 2.1 ports is used for eARC, which may limit the number of devices that can be connected, especially for those using a soundbar and console

  • Cherry black effect in bright light: The QD-OLED panel causes blacks to lose their depth in bright light

  • Not the sleekest design

  • Price compared to competitors

Our verdict

Philips OLED 809 is quite a versatile television that appeals to a wide range of consumers. Its standout feature among all the TV models on the market is the multicoloured Ambilight backlighting. It often allows for even greater immersion and engagement in the world of film. What is most important in televisions—contrast, black levels, and colour reproduction—are all at a high standard, which is something that will always impress in OLED TVs. The tested television, while performing quite well in our tests, does have some notable drawbacks. These include the quality of tonal transitions and the jumpy operation of the dynamic tone mapping feature. In some cases, these can be slightly irritating to sensitive eyes. However, Philips OLED 809 performs really well in other aspects, particularly in two areas: gaming performance and motion smoothing. The former stands out significantly, as each of the implemented features operates without the slightest hiccup, allowing for an even more immersive gaming experience. As for motion smoothness, it matches the high level of support for gaming. Thanks to two sliders, whose effects are noticeable at every position, every user is able to find the best level of smoothing for themselves. One cannot overlook the Google TV system, which operates very smoothly and during the tests, there were no instances of any "stuttering".

Sony A95L is a TV that has made a huge impression on us. Although a year has passed since its launch, it still deserves a spot among the best models on the market. When it comes to picture quality, it's simply brilliant. Deep blacks, vibrant colours, and excellent brightness in HDR make everything look incredibly realistic. The QD-OLED panel does its job – movies and games look so good that at times you forget it's just a screen. Using the A95L on a daily basis is a pleasure. Google TV runs smoothly, and there are plenty of apps available. The package includes two remote controls: one traditional and the other backlit – a really handy solution, especially in the evenings. Plus, the voice assistant makes life easier, allowing you to quickly search for a movie or control the home from the couch. Gamers will also be delighted. A refresh rate of 120 Hz, low input lag (below 10 ms even in Dolby Vision), and VRR support is a set that will satisfy any gaming enthusiast. And the sound? The Acoustic Surface Audio+ system makes the sound come straight from the screen, providing great, spatial experiences. Of course, there are no perfect things. Two HDMI 2.1 ports (including one for eARC) might be a bit limiting if someone wants to connect a console, soundbar, and other devices. In a bright room, the black can have a slightly cherry hue, which might bother more demanding users. Despite these minor notes, the Sony A95L is a piece of fantastic equipment. The picture, sound, and functionality are top-notch. It's a television that will satisfy both cinephiles and gamers, offering a true premium experience in the comfort of home.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

10/10

10/10

Contrast:

Review Philips OLED809/819 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED809/819 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED809/819 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED809/819 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED809/819 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Philips OLED 809, as the name suggests, uses an organic matrix. Like the vast majority of manufacturers, it comes from the LG Displays factory, which is not surprising, as other leading manufacturers, such as Sony and Panasonic, also use them. The application of this type of panel allows for achieving an ideal result in the contrast and black tests. Thanks to such results, the image is incredibly plastic and free from any blooming effect of bright texts on a dark background, which has become an inherent feature of televisions with local dimming. This is enabled by the very construction of the panel, which is not made up of many layers of filters, but of organic conductive polymers, controlled by electrical impulses. Therefore, if we want to achieve black, the pixel turns off to a value of 0, rather than being covered up. The lights present in the test image are perfectly separated from each other, which is extremely difficult, and often impossible for LCD televisions. One of the strongest points of Philips OLED 809 is its ability to render contrasts. Philips OLED809 test showed that the television handles the separation of bright elements, such as headlights, from the dark background excellently.

Sony A95L is an OLED television that truly impresses when it comes to contrast. With OLED technology, this model offers perfectly deep blacks – in dark scenes, there are no signs of colour bleeding or glow, making images look incredibly realistic. Additionally, QD-OLED technology allows for higher brightness, further emphasizing the difference between bright and dark elements. As a result, in scenes like those from the movies Oblivion and Sicario 2, A95L Sony excels at separating lights from shadows, giving the picture clarity and depth – the perfect solution for those seeking a cinematic experience at home.

HDR effect quality

6.8/10

7.7/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 99.0%, Bt.2020: 75.0%
DCI P3: 99.4%, Bt.2020: 89.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Philips OLED809/819 Brightness measurement

Result

921 nit

Review Philips OLED809/819 Brightness measurement

Result

970 nit

Review Philips OLED809/819 Brightness measurement

Result

1039 nit

Review Philips OLED809/819 Brightness measurement

Result

1022 nit

Review Philips OLED809/819 Brightness measurement

Result

425 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

1471 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

1498 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

1465 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

1527 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

626 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

HDR luminance chart:

Sony A95L

Philips OLED809/819

Philips OLED 809 delivers a more than satisfactory HDR effect. The television is capable of generating luminance exceeding 900 nits in almost every scene, and sometimes even over 1000. This result allows for a full experience of materials with a wide tonal range. The only moment when Philips OLED 809 cannot generate higher brightness is in a scene from the film "The Meg," which features a large amount of bright white across much of the screen. However, it cannot be said that this is a weak result, as it represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. Overall, such values for OLED panels produced by LG Display, which do not have MLA technology, are very, very good. Combined with high coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, they allow for an HDR experience in a remarkable dimension. Philips OLED 809 test indicated that this television supports popular HDR formats such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

Sony A95L offers an incredible HDR effect, achieving an impressive brightness level of 1500 nits in scenes such as those from Life of Pi and Sicario 2. These results are truly remarkable – the bright elements in these films practically come alive on the screen, providing the viewer with immersive visual experiences. The only thing to note is minor issues with maintaining brightness in the scene from The Meg, where the entire scene is flooded with light. However, this is a natural effect associated with OLED technology. A big plus also goes to the wide coverage of the BT.2020 colour palette at 89%, which places A95L Sony among the top TVs in terms of colour reproduction. All of this is made possible by the QD-OLED panel from Samsung Displays.

Factory color reproduction

5.1/10

7.9/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode in which we conducted all our tests was "Filmmaker", which is now quite standard in televisions from this manufacturer. However, let's take a look at its characteristics before we start the calibration process. The first aspect we will examine is white balance, as despite being inconspicuous, it determines whether the image will be free from any tints. The graph clearly shows that in both SDR and HDR content, two colours dominated: red and green, which caused a strong yellow tint that was pervasive throughout the image. This is perfectly visible on the "ColourChecker" palette, where all colours shifted towards their warmer counterparts. The second thing we will scrutinise are, in our opinion, the two most important graphs in the context of image quality assessment: gamma and the EOTF curve. Both are intended to maintain appropriate brightness and contrast. The first describes the level of brightness in SDR materials, while the second depicts the rate of luminance increase. Analysing the first one, we can see that it has been remarkably lowered compared to the reference value indicated by the orange line. This situation resulted primarily in a sharp increase in brightness and a significant decrease in contrast, reminiscent of what one would expect from OLED televisions. The EOTF curve showed greater "caution" and only slightly brightened the entire image to 50% of the maximum brightness.

The best factory mode for colour reproduction on the Sony A95L is IMAX Enhanced. This mode seems well-calibrated at first glance, but upon closer analysis, several areas for improvement become apparent. Firstly, the white balance for both SDR and 4K HDR content is marred by an excess of blue and red hues, leading to a subtle pink tint, particularly noticeable on neutral tones. As a result, skin tones are skewed, affecting the realism of the displayed image. This is clearly visible in the comparison photo below. Additionally, the Colour Checker test confirms the presence of these errors – the colour samples often deviate from their reference values, indicating some inaccuracies in the factory colour reproduction of the A95L Sony. The maximum deltaE error values reach up to 5.8, which is a clear indicator that colours are not always reproduced as accurately as they should be.

Regarding brightness characteristics, the gamma for HD/SDR content is generally quite good, maintaining an appropriate balance between brightness and contrast. Unfortunately, a significant jump is visible at the end of the graph, leading to a strong brightening of the image when the screen is fully flooded with white. This can make scenes with very bright backgrounds, such as snowy landscapes or intense daylight, appear too glaring and lose detail. For HDR content, the EOTF curve, which controls luminance, is slightly elevated compared to reference values. This, in turn, causes the image to be somewhat brighter than it should be, which can affect the perception of more subtle details in the darker areas of the frame.

Color reproduction after calibration

9/10

9.3/10

Philips, like most leading manufacturers, has been providing advanced tools for the calibration process for years. Here, we find 2- and 20-point grey scale adjustments as well as an advanced CMS (Color Management System). As you can see, this has brought extremely beneficial results and fundamentally changed the perceived image. Practically every one of the elements mentioned above has undergone a transformation and has been returned to its natural state. This is particularly evident on the "ColourChecker" palette, where the measured samples are harmoniously in their places. It must be said that the white balance has turned out exceptionally well, allowing us to enjoy a clean image free from any tint in both SDR and HDR materials. The biggest issue with OLED809, which is gamma, has been properly modelled and only occasionally shows minor errors that won't affect the overall picture. The EOTF curve, on the other hand, has been stripped of that slight brightening and now presents itself almost referentially.

Sony A95L offers excellent tools for professional screen calibration, allowing you to maximise the potential of the IMAX Enhanced mode. We used them to achieve an image quality that satisfies even the most demanding viewers. After calibration, the white balance for both 4K HDR and SDR content looks simply fantastic – nearly perfect. The Colour Checker test confirmed that deltaE errors do not exceed a value of "2", which means that colour reproduction is extremely accurate, and any deviations are practically imperceptible to the human eye.

The calibration also brought a significant improvement in brightness – gamma is now perfectly balanced, eliminating the previous problem of excessive brightening in scenes with very bright backgrounds. Thanks to this, even the brightest moments, such as snowy landscapes or intense daytime scenes, appear natural, without the risk of blown-out highlights. The EOTF curve, responsible for controlling luminance in HDR content, has also been improved – it now reaches reference levels in both synthetic tests and practical movie watching.

As a result of the calibration, A95L Sony provides an excellent experience, whether you are watching regular TV content or your favourite films. Every detail is reproduced exactly as the creators intended – without unnecessary brightenings, with perfectly rendered colours and appropriate depth. This shows that this television, after professional tuning, can compete with the best screens on the market, offering an image that truly impresses.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

2.4/10

9/10

Equally important as colours, black and contrast in the context of image quality assessment, is its purity. The quality of tonal transitions can also be included in this category. How many of you have experienced the “banding” effect on your older screens? It is extremely annoying and often effectively hinders immersion in the series or film being watched. Philips OLED 809 unfortunately has some of those issues that are better left unmentioned. However, out of editorial duty, they deserve to be examined and assessed, which will be quite simple given their lack of complexity. As you can see, practically every scene showed a lack of fluidity between colours. And just like in the movie “Kingsman,” this is still acceptable, but in other productions, you really cannot leave a dry thread on them, especially when looking at “The Green Knight.” There, the dense fog has practically been replaced by horizontal bands and indistinct geometric shapes. There are televisions that can manage tonal transitions perfectly, but unfortunately, Philips OLED 809 doesn't belong to that group. During testing, we could see the banding effect, particularly in demanding scenes, which negatively impacts the viewing experience. Philips OLED 809 test indicates that even the options for removing posterization are not sufficiently helpful, which can be considered a serious flaw.

The fluidity of tonal transitions in A95L is truly remarkable – it’s one of the greatest advantages of QD-OLED panels. The image appears incredibly smooth, and all transitions between different shades are perfectly rendered, with no noticeable jumps or distortions. As of today, it's challenging to find a panel that handles tonal transition reproduction with such precision. Of course, if someone really looks closely, they might notice slight errors in the black areas, but they are subtle enough that hardly anyone will notice them during normal use of the Sony A95L. For most users, these minor imperfections will be completely unnoticeable, and the fluidity and detail of tonal transitions will satisfy even the most demanding enthusiasts of excellent picture quality.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.5/10

8/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
No
OK
Smooth transition function
OK
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Philips OLED 809 didn't perform too well in the test for the smoothness of tonal transitions. Moving on to the part of the test where we assess the behaviour of the TV's algorithms, we will again check the function responsible for removing posterisation. In fact, such a function exists in the menu and has several options available. As you can see in the photo on the left, although its presence has been confirmed by us, it is not useful. Only at the highest setting does it effectively remove disruptions, but it blurs the entire image in the process. Therefore, it is completely unusable.

Time and again, you and we find ourselves watching materials of lower quality. In this case, the quality of the image upscaling algorithms can have a salvaging effect. We must admit that those implemented in OLED 809 work quite efficiently and improve the image quality without visible artefacts. You can only notice slight edge blurring, but it is unlikely to be noticeable during normal viewing.

The tonal transition smoothing function in Sony A95L works really well and is worth noting. We recommend setting it to "Medium" level, as this value achieves an ideal compromise – no artifacts appear, and the image looks incredibly natural and pleasing to the eye. This ensures that transitions between different shades are smooth while maintaining scene detail, which further enhances viewing comfort.

When it comes to upscaling, you can see the full power of the XR processor here. Sony A95L handled our test material featuring a model exceptionally well – the image is remarkably clear, there are no excessive jagged edges, and the background details are perfectly preserved. The XR processor effectively improves low resolution, providing very good results that allow you to enjoy content in nearly high quality, even if its source is not perfect.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
120Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Nie
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Yes, 120Hz
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
50%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

The maximum refresh rate we can set on the tested television is 144 Hz. This value can be achieved by connecting it to a really powerful PC. In the case of consoles or television, everything remains the same. For those who require high movement fluidity or dislike the characteristic judder of films recorded at 24 fps, the manufacturer has prepared a fairly advanced motion smoothing system. In the dedicated tab, we will find the “Smoothness” slider responsible for eliminating judder and “Blur Reduction”, which helps increase the sharpness of dynamic elements. The function works very well and granularly, meaning each of the settings has a real impact on the perception of motion. We also mention that it works at a refresh rate of 120 Hz, as it operates on the multiples of film or television materials. Thanks to such an extensive set, every user will find their happy medium. In the photo, we present our choice, which is slight smoothing without the soap opera effect.

Motion is influenced not only by the settings on the television but also by the response time of the panel itself. OLED televisions feature the best response time on the market, which in the case of 809 is about 0.1 ms. There are no IPS/ADS or even VA panels that significantly come close to the results of organic panels.

Sony A95L is a television that should satisfy both gamers and movie enthusiasts. When it comes to watching films, this model is equipped with Motionflow technology, which allows you to precisely adjust whether you want the image to be more "framey," like in traditional cinema, or exceptionally smooth, like in cinema TVs. The "Smoothness" slider allows you to control the level of fluidity – from subtle changes to more noticeable effects, while the "Clarity" slider reduces flicker and artifacts, helping to achieve more natural and clear movement. When it comes to gaming and watching sports, the A95L Sony offers a refresh rate of 120 Hz, making every dynamic action look incredibly smooth. Gamers will appreciate the lack of blur, and sports fans will see every movement in full clarity. Overall, the television performs excellently – both with fast-paced gameplay and emotionally charged film sequences.

Console compatibility and gaming features

10/10

9.4/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    40 - 144Hz
    48 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

The Philips OLED 809 supports all the technologies included in the HDMI 2.1 standard, and during our tests, each one activated without any problems. Therefore, we must state that this television is perfect for all gamers, both those using a console and a computer. It's worth mentioning that the manufacturer has implemented the HGIG mode, which is a great alternative to Dolby Vision, which unfortunately on the OLED809 is unplayable due to the very high input lag.

A nod to gamers is also the inclusion of a dedicated GameBar, which allows monitoring of current gameplay parameters and quick adjustments of settings. There is also a function to activate a crosshair, which will be very useful when shooting from a sniper rifle, but from the so-called hip. Additionally, we can also find a shadow enhancement function for better visibility in shadows and a colour filter for gamers with visual impairments.

In summary, the OLED 809 is a very good and versatile device for gamers. Anyone who purchases this television for gaming does not need to worry about anything, as it is simply designed for gaming. Especially since features such as VRR, ALLM, G-Sync, FreeSync, and HDR Dolby Vision gameplay will allow for an even deeper immersion in their favourite title. Lastly, we should note that the only downside of the television in game mode is the artificial sharpening of the image, regardless of the settings, and it cannot be 'softened.'

Sony A95L is a television that will truly satisfy gamers, thanks to several key features that set it apart from the competition. To begin with, the 120 Hz refresh rate – this is something that anyone who loves fast-paced action games, racing, or dynamic shooters will appreciate. This makes the image exceptionally smooth, and gameplay more satisfying, without annoying stutters. The A95L Sony also has an ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) feature, which automatically activates low-latency mode when we start up a console. What does this mean? Primarily, faster reactions on screen, which in games where every second counts, is simply invaluable. Added to that is VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which ensures that the image refresh rate adapts to the number of frames generated by the console. The effect? No tearing of the image, and everything looks smooth and cohesive – even with varying FPS.

It's worth mentioning the support for Dolby Vision with low input lag in games – something we don't often see in televisions, but here it is included. As a result, the image in HDR-compatible games is incredibly vibrant, with vivid colors and excellent contrast. Both the brightest and darkest details are visible, making everything look just as the game developers intended. And there's also the "Game Bar" – a small but very practical convenience. It gives us all the essential gaming-related settings at our fingertips, such as VRR and lag information. There's no need to interrupt gameplay to adjust settings – everything is at hand.

However, it's important to note that the A95L offers only two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is allocated for eARC. This could be somewhat limiting if we plan to connect multiple devices – for example, a next-gen console and a soundbar simultaneously. In such cases, eARC occupying one of those ports may be a bit problematic, blocking the option to connect a second console.

Input lag

9.5/10

9.8/10

SDR

1080p60
13 ms
17 ms
1080p120
5 ms
8 ms
2160p60
13 ms
17 ms
2160p120
5 ms
9 ms

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
17 ms
2160p120
5 ms
8 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
13 ms
18 ms
2160p120 DV
57 ms
8 ms

The results of the input lag measurements on the Philips OLED 809 are at a high level, regardless of the signal or resolution. All gamers will surely appreciate the manufacturer's efforts, thanks to which a game running at 4K120Hz with HDR has only 5 ms of lag, which is practically unnoticeable even in online games. One should not forget about the proper implementation of the game mode with Dolby Vision, which can be praised for a similar response time of 13 ms. In this case, the Philips OLED 809 receives our highest score.

When it comes to input lag, Sony A95L really delivers. Even in Dolby Vision mode, the latency is surprisingly low – results below 10 ms with 120 Hz content are quite impressive. Thanks to such low input lag, gaming is incredibly responsive, and every action in the game is instantly reflected on the screen. For those playing at 60 frames per second, an input lag of 17 ms is also very good. This is a value that practically has no impact on the gaming experience – it falls within the so-called "placebo effect." Sony deserves praise for updating the Dolby Vision Game mode, which solved the issue of high input lag that was present at the TV's launch in 2023.

Compatibility with PC

6.4/10

5/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
No
Yes
Font clarity
Average
Average
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
13ms
9ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RWBG
RGB
Max refresh rate
144Hz
120Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

Just like in games, the tested television performs excellently, but when it comes to everyday text work, it doesn't quite measure up. Its latency is very low; however, the issue lies elsewhere. The television does not support chroma 4:4:4, which results in unpleasant font blurriness, regardless of the given refresh rate. While this is not usually a problem in games, it can be quite annoying during text work due to poor readability. Additionally, the pixel layout in WOLED matrices doesn't make things easier for it.

Sony A95L TV offers compatibility with computers at 4K resolution at both 60 Hz and 120 Hz. In 4K mode at 60 Hz, the readability of fonts is at a good level, making it comfortable to use the TV as a monitor for office work or browsing content.

Unfortunately, when switching to 4K with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, the quality of the displayed text deteriorates – the resolution is reduced by 2 times, negatively affecting the clarity of the fonts. In 4K, fonts lose sharpness, which can make prolonged use of the TV as a computer monitor at higher refresh rates difficult. Of course, the problem disappears if we switch back to 60Hz, but this can be quite inconvenient when the TV forces us to "juggle" the settings.

Viewing angles

7.4/10

9.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
29%
12%

A widely known advantage of OLED panels is their efficiency when viewed even at sharp angles. There is no noticeable drop in contrast or colour saturation. However, a characteristic feature of panels produced by LG Display, which are not used in top models, is a tint in marine or cyan shades when viewed from a wide angle.

The viewing angles on the Sony A95L are among the best on the market, thanks to the QD-OLED panel. With this technology, colours remain vibrant and contrast hardly changes, regardless of the viewing angle. This is a result that even standard OLED panels fail to achieve, making the A95L perfect for rooms where viewers change position or there is a larger group of spectators.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.5/10

5.4/10

Matrix coating
Glare
Glare
Reflection suppression
Good
Very Good
Black levels during daytime
Very Good
Poor

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony A95L: 387 cd/m2

Philips OLED809/819: 322 cd/m2

For many years, the issue of the performance of OLED TVs during the day has been raised. Many people still believe that these are not receivers intended for such use. They probably have a point, particularly when it comes to screens from several years ago. Technology has advanced, and currently, there are no objections to recommending such a TV for today. Admittedly, a glossy screen doesn't sound like something that would support this claim, however, it's hard to argue against the pictures that you can see for yourself. Another point we would like to highlight is the contrast during daytime use. This, in contrast to QD-OLED panels, and even OLEDs equipped with MLA technology, is higher. This is due to the absence of excited quantum dots and micro-lenses.

Sony A95L performs quite well in daytime conditions. The QD-OLED panel effectively suppresses reflections and glare, making viewing comfortable even in bright sunlight. An average brightness of 380 cd/m² is a really good result, especially for an OLED TV – it holds up, although it still can't compete with Mini LEDs, which are unmatched in this regard. One of the issues that may bother some viewers is the characteristic QD-OLED effect, where blacks lose their depth and take on a slightly cherry hue in strong light.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Software version during testing
TPM231WW_R.101.0091.227.211
112.607.020.1EUA
Image processor
mt5896
mt5897 6GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Philips OLED809/819

Sony A95L

TV features

7.8/10

9.5/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Google TV
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    Yes
  • Recording programming
    No
    Yes
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    No
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    Yes
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Before we dive into the software that controls the television, it’s impossible not to mention the biggest distinguishing feature of the manufacturer's televisions. This is, of course, the multicoloured Ambilight backlighting, which is located on the back of the device and displays colours tailored to what's happening on the screen, often allowing for an even greater immersive experience. The Philips OLED 809 is powered by the Google TV system. This is an undeniable advantage compared to some other models from the manufacturer, which use the proprietary TitanOS system, significantly more closed off and limited in terms of available applications. With Google TV, we can install practically any application, both from the store and directly from online repositories via an APK file.

The Google TV system also offers many conveniences related to control. We can easily connect a keyboard with a touchpad, which greatly simplifies typing queries and navigation. Additionally, thanks to integration with Google, we can issue voice commands using the remote, which are quickly and accurately interpreted by the system.

In summary: Google TV is currently one of the most popular systems on the market. Thanks to a powerful CPU, it runs very smoothly and stably, without freezing or stuttering during testing. This is definitely the best option for those who want to get the most out of their television's capabilities and appreciate the openness and versatility of the system.

Sony A95L runs on the Google TV operating system, which provides easy access to a wide range of apps, streaming services, and various personalisation features. The interface is clear and user-friendly, and the wealth of available apps means that everyone will find something for themselves – from popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ or HBO Max, to various music and sports apps. Google TV also supports voice assistant functionality, allowing for easy content search, control of TV settings, and even management of other smart devices in the home – all through simple voice commands.

Sony A95L also offers a range of user-friendly features that make it even more versatile. The TV has the ability to record programs directly to USB memory, a convenient solution if you can't watch something live. It also supports AirPlay, making it easy to stream content from Apple devices, and additionally, you can connect various peripherals via Bluetooth, such as headphones or game controllers. The package includes two remotes – one traditional and one modern, backlit remote, which is particularly useful for evening viewing when the room is dark. It is worth mentioning the lack of PIP functionality, which allows watching multiple TV signals simultaneously.

In terms of appearance, A95L Sony may not be the thinnest OLED TV on the market, but it has its strengths. The package includes a practical stand that can be adjusted in various ways, allowing you to tailor the TV to your needs and space arrangement. Additionally, the manufacturer has included the Bravia Cam, which opens up further possibilities – from video calls to smart features such as optimising image and sound based on the viewer’s position. While it may not be the sleekest, its solid construction and useful accessories make the A95L look really good in any living room.

Playing files from USB

9.5/10

8.7/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
Yes
Yes
PNG
Yes
No
GIF
Yes
No
WebP
Yes
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
Yes
No
SVG
Yes
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

The default file player on the Philips OLED 809 is quite impressive, although it does have some drawbacks. It handles a wide range of video file formats exceptionally well, except for two less common ones. It deserves high praise for its inclusion of all the checkboxes confirming playback of various subtitle formats. The TV can manage any photo resolution, making it an excellent screen for viewing family albums or studio photos. The rest, including supported photo and audio formats, is satisfactory, and those formats the TV cannot play are either uncommon or obsolete. Moreover, it's not a problem, as we can download an app from the app store that will solve these issues.

Sony A95L does quite well when it comes to playing files from USB. The built-in media player will satisfy most users – it’s easy to use and supports popular formats, making it simple to play movies, photos, or music directly from a connected USB drive. The only thing missing is the ability to change the font colour in subtitles, which can be problematic in some situations. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows the installation of other media players that offer more advanced personalisation options, so you can easily customise everything to your needs.

Apps

10/10

10/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi

Sound

7.1/10

7.9/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    7.1/10
    7.9/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    Yes
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    Yes

At the outset of this paragraph, it should be noted that sound quality is always subjective. In our opinion, the audio system that the manufacturer has equipped the Philips OLED 809 is at quite a high level. The bass is well-defined, but at the same time, it does not overshadow the mid and high tones. Looking at it from another perspective, when choosing a TV in this price range, we are more likely to already have an additional audio system. In this context, the tested television will definitely not disappoint, as it supports practically every important standard, including Dolby Atmos and, more importantly, DTS-HD Master Audio.

Sony A95L offers sound that definitely stands out from most televisions. For built-in speakers, the sound is truly impressive – full, with well-balanced bass and mid-tones. Dialogues are clear, and sound effects are well distributed, making the television great for both watching movies and gaming. The Acoustic Surface Audio+ system, which converts screen vibrations into sound, creates a more spatial impression, adding extra depth to the content being viewed.