Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 vs TCL C75B

Direct compare

The Xtra / PML9019 / PML9059 / PML9009 / PML9049 / AMBILIGHT TV

Info

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Titan OS

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

6.8

6.7

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.4

    6.3

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.3

    6.0

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.6

    6.2

  • Gaming on console

    8.5

    8.4

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    7.6

  • Watching in bright light

    6.1

    4.9

  • Utility functions

    6.0

    7.7

  • Apps

    7.0

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    6.7

    6.6

Advantages

  • Very good tonal quality of scenes exceeding the capabilities of the television

  • Well-functioning dynamic tone mapping feature

  • Colour reproduction after calibration

  • Functionality after connecting to console/PC

  • Great TV for gamers - HDMI 2.1: VRR, ALLM, Game Bar

  • Very high refresh rate - 240Hz in FullHD and 144Hz in 4K

  • Very low input lag - 9ms

  • Advanced operating system - GoogleTV

  • Support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+

  • Decent black levels thanks to VA panel

Disadvantages

No like
  • Significant halo/bloom effect

  • Poor viewing angles

  • The TitanOs system is not as developed as the competition

  • Average contrast and black levels

  • Limited brightness (350 cd/m²), making it difficult to watch in bright rooms

  • Issues with the smoothness of the Google TV system

  • Missing traditional features like USB recording or PIP

  • Average response time of the panel causing motion blur

Our verdict

Philips PML 9009 is the top LCD television from the manufacturer, featuring Mini LED backlighting. The device itself boasts excellent build quality, a stylish remote, and the manufacturer's exclusive multicolour Ambilight backlighting. In terms of picture quality, one could note a slight downside regarding black levels and contrast, which, to be honest, are not among the best and do not deliver as deep and vivid an image as seen in televisions from similar price ranges. However, it is worth mentioning that thanks to good algorithms responsible for the picture, its tonal quality was quite satisfactory. Therefore, the relatively low brightness of the display is well masked here and, with the implementation of Dolby Vision technology, allows access to the world of HDR content. What definitely deserves attention is the fluidity of transitions, which were truly outstanding and better than in some significantly more expensive units. The greatest advantage of this television is its performance in gaming. One cannot say a bad word about this aspect as the television truly shines here and will surely satisfy every user. The motion smoothing system is also one of those things for which the television deserves praise. With two sliders, the effect of which is noticeable at each position, every user can find the best degree of smoothness for themselves. Therefore, it can be confidently stated that when choosing a television for sports, one can point to PML9009 Philips as an excellent candidate. Although the TitanOS operating system is currently in the development phase and lacks a significant number of applications, we do not believe that the manufacturer will do nothing in this regard.

The mid-range television segment is expanding rapidly, and TCL C75B demonstrates that it’s possible to get really solid equipment in this price category. This model is clearly designed with gamers in mind – the HDMI 2.1 port offers a lot of potential, providing VRR, ALLM, and impressive 144 Hz refresh rate in 4K (or 240 Hz in Full HD), which will certainly please both gaming and sports fans. The TV’s operation is pleasant and intuitive, mainly thanks to the Google TV system. While there may be minor stutters, the wealth of available apps and features more than compensates for this – practically everything we need is at our fingertips or even at the sound of our voice if we wish to talk to the remote in Polish. As for picture quality, TCL C75B also performs well. Thanks to the VA panel, it boasts quite good contrast, and the presence of Dolby Vision allows for enjoyable HDR effects, even if the brightness isn’t mind-blowing. Of course, it isn't without its flaws – despite the fast panel, there is some motion blur, and the lack of traditional features (like USB recording) may disappoint some users. Nevertheless, in its price category, the C75B is a very attractive option, especially for those looking for a screen designed for high-level gaming.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
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

Contrast and black detail

6.6/10

5.9/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 75 (15 x 5)

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Contrast and black detail

Result

132,000:1

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Contrast and black detail

Result

16,550:1

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Contrast and black detail

Result

14,450:1

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Contrast and black detail

Result

7,850:1

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Contrast and black detail

Result

6,650:1

Review TCL C75B Contrast and black detail

Result

5,400:1

Review TCL C75B Contrast and black detail

Result

5,700:1

Review TCL C75B Contrast and black detail

Result

6,600:1

Review TCL C75B Contrast and black detail

Result

6,250:1

Review TCL C75B Contrast and black detail

Result

4,100:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Philips PML9009 is equipped with a high-contrast VA panel. While it doesn’t deliver as deep and vivid an image as OLED televisions, it is still a much better solution for home cinema compared to IPS/ADS panels. The measured static contrast (without local dimming activated) of 6000:1 is considered very good and allows the Mini LED backlighting implemented in the tested television to shine. The results of the contrast and black measurement, as you can see for yourself, are not among the highest, and the only scene where the television exhibited satisfactory results was from the movie "Oblivion," where the unit deserves praise for its light separation, which is not such an obvious thing even in much more expensive models. We should also add that all tests were conducted at medium dimming power, as the lowest option provided unsatisfactory black levels, while the highest one lost significant detail. Unfortunately, our standard testing procedure with the film "Sicario 2" did not go as well as hoped. Yes, all the details in the second and third planes are very visible, but due to the operation of local dimming, the overall tonal balance was severely disrupted, not to mention the strong halo effect around the bright elements of the helicopter.

The TV we tested, TCL C75B in size X," is equipped with a VA panel, which naturally provides quite decent contrast results – and that’s what we observed during our tests. On each test pattern, the TV achieved a contrast level of around 5500:1. This is a result that can be considered very good in this price category. The black in this model performs really well, though of course, it’s far from perfect.

Due to the C75B belonging to the mid-range segment, we won’t find local dimming technology here. This is particularly noticeable in more demanding scenes, such as those from the film Sicario 2, where we noticed that the black takes on a navy hue instead of a pitch-black. This limitation of panels without local dimming can be particularly evident in evening viewings with the lights off, when dark elements of the image are more pronounced. It's worth keeping this in mind when choosing a TV in this category, especially if we care about the best quality of black while watching movies at night.

HDR effect quality

6/10

5.1/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 93.0%, Bt.2020: 73.0%
DCI P3: 95.0%, Bt.2020: 73.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Brightness measurement

Result

548 nit

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Brightness measurement

Result

550 nit

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Brightness measurement

Result

824 nit

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Brightness measurement

Result

491 nit

Review Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059 Brightness measurement

Result

582 nit

Review TCL C75B Brightness measurement

Result

368 nit

Review TCL C75B Brightness measurement

Result

382 nit

Review TCL C75B Brightness measurement

Result

429 nit

Review TCL C75B Brightness measurement

Result

404 nit

Review TCL C75B Brightness measurement

Result

425 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:

TCL C75B

Luminancja HDR

Luminance of RGB colors

Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059

Luminancja HDR

Luminance of RGB colors

Philips PML9009 doesn't really operate at the highest values in HDR materials. Most effects with brightness around 550 nits won't leave us thrilled with the lighting effects, although they are quite stable, which is a plus, and a considerable difference can be felt between SDR materials. It's worth noting that we can achieve a good result only in one scenario, that is in the film "Gemini," where the flashlight as the sole light source can really shine. Why in this scene? The answer is quite simple. The scene itself doesn't have a large amount of black, and the flashlight isn't as large an object as the sun in the first and last scenes. Overall, the brightness measurement results in HDR materials aren't a solid basis for recommending this television for viewing productions that use a wide color gamut. However, it's worth mentioning that this model can cover it in a not too bad 93% degree in the case of the DCI-P3 palette.

During our brightness test, the TCL C75B "spat out" around 380 nits of brightness. We recorded similar results while watching most of the films we tested. These can be considered average – the TV performs decently in this segment, but around 400 nits is definitely too low to fully experience the magic of HDR effects. Of course, such results are better than those of budget models, which can achieve nearly half the brightness values. However, for HDR enthusiasts seeking stronger lighting effects and greater realism, the C75B may prove insufficient. On the plus side, it's worth mentioning the coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut at 95%. This is a very good result that easily suffices to enjoy a wide range of colours in content available on popular streaming platforms. Vivid and rich colours are definitely a strong point of this model.

Factory color reproduction

5.3/10

7.3/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode used during our tests was "Filmmaker". Here, we will examine both SDR and HDR content. The key differentiator is primarily the EOTF curve in the wide colour gamut materials and gamma in those recorded "the old way". Starting with SDR films and series and the most basic thing we can observe, which is white balance, we see a significant red colour dominance. This led to a yellow tint across the whole image, causing unnaturally looking faces and yellowed whites. This issue is also clearly visible on the "ColourChecker" palette, where all colours have shifted towards their warmer counterparts. Looking at an even more significant graph, the gamma responsible for the contrast of the image, we see considerable errors beginning right from the start. From the left, the value we measured, indicated by a combined ellipsis, clearly spiked upwards, causing complete merging of details in the darkest scenes. This state of affairs persisted up to 10% brightness on the screen, after which it dove below the reference orange line, leading to a deterioration in contrast, which, as we know, Philips PML9009 is already lacking. In HDR materials, white balance issues were very similar to those in SDR content. The discrepancy appears when checking the EOTF curve, which governs the rate of brightness increase and severely limited it, resulting in an unnaturally dark image. As for the colours themselves, there were more reasons for concern here, as the television's low luminance caused a huge disparity between the actual state and the correct one, which is perfectly visible on the error graph, often exceeding the scale.

TCL C75B offers various picture modes, but in our opinion, the best choice is the “Film” mode. Although its settings are quite decent, the TV struggles with certain colour reproduction issues. In tests, we noticed that the image had a noticeably pinkish hue compared to what could be considered correct. This effect was particularly evident in skin tones, which appeared unnaturally flushed. The main culprit of this phenomenon turned out to be the white balance, characterised by an excess of blue and red in both HD and 4K HDR materials.

An additional problem was the way brightness was reproduced. The gamma, which is responsible for the visibility of details in darker materials, was definitely boosted, causing details in the darkest parts of the screen to be invisible, disappearing into complete black (e.g., the bottom part of the screen in the comparison image - the area around the actress's ear). The situation was similar on the EOTF curve, which was below the correct value, suggesting that a similar issue may be encountered in 4K HDR content.

Thanks to our experience and the appropriate tools, we decided to take matters into our own hands and check how much could be extracted from this model after professional calibration. The details are described in the next section.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.5/10

8.2/10

Philips PML9009, like most leading manufacturers, has been providing advanced tools for calibration processes for years. Here we find 2-point and 20-point greyscale adjustments, as well as an advanced CMS (Color Management System). The differences resulting from calibration are evident, and even someone who doesn't pay attention to image quality (although there probably aren't many like that here) will notice the positive difference. Both SDR and HDR materials have undergone quite a transformation. The former and the latter have primarily shed the ugly yellow tint resulting from the red colour dominance in white balance. As for the SDR materials and gamma, although it is not perfectly modelled and still loses dark details, the rest of it is at more than a decent level, and minor errors will not be noticeable. The colours themselves look far better, and with low deltaE errors, they are almost reference-quality. On the other hand, HDR materials, due to the unit's low luminance, have not been optimised as we would have liked. Although the white balance has been largely normalised, a slight blue tint can still be observed here and there. Fortunately, the EOTF curve turned out to be much more accessible, allowing for practically perfect geometry. Unfortunately, due to the screen's too low brightness, the colour errors remain quite high.

After calibration, TCL C75B has clearly improved when it comes to colour reproduction. Although the TV doesn't offer too many options for adjusting the white balance, we managed to improve its settings quite a bit. As a result, the image is no longer overly pink, and the colours now look much more natural and harmonious.

The gamma jump that was previously an issue hasn't completely disappeared, but we were able to significantly reduce it. This has made details in dark scenes more visible – both in HD and 4K HDR content.

Unfortunately, the lack of local dimming is still noticeable. The 'blooming black' effect remains, but that's a limitation of the display itself. Still, the colours post-calibration look significantly better, and the image is much more pleasant to watch.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7/10

8.2/10

There’s no doubt many of you have watched a movie or series where you noticed transitions that should be a smooth blend between colours. That’s why during our tests we also pay attention to tonal transitions. Philips PML9009 performed quite well in this area with each of the scenes we prepared, and while there are certain elements here and there that could have been processed better, it’s still good overall. It’s particularly worth noting the scene from "The Green Knight," which is definitely the most challenging. For the tested television, it wasn’t a "killer" and there are no significant unwanted stutters visible in it.

When it comes to tonal transition fluidity, TCL C75B performs really well. It particularly excels in gradation of the darkest colours – here the television does not disappoint and presents a high-quality image.

Some imperfections can be noticed in the brightest areas of the screen, such as in a scene from the film Kingsman (sun in a blue sky). Nevertheless, the final effect should satisfy the vast majority of users.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

7.2/10

5/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Judging by how PML9009 Philips handled tonal transitions, the image scaling test should perform just as well. This time, we are checking the TV’s algorithms responsible for enhancing the quality of images that were recorded in lower quality. Such images can be found, for example, in various TV shows or older films. In this regard, Philips PML9009 performs quite mediocrely and drastically blurs the image. This is particularly noticeable on fine branches or the model's hair.

Let’s revisit the issue of tonal transitions, which performed remarkably well. Within the unit, we will find several levels of smoothing. Even the lowest one can effectively eliminate any jerky tonal transitions and will be suitable for the vast majority of materials. More importantly, none of the settings for this function soften the effect of film grain, which is extremely important in terms of alignment with the director's vision. However, we would like to point out that sometimes it may turn out that fine details are blurred.

TCL C75B has a feature for smoothing tonal transitions, but unfortunately, we cannot praise it. Regardless of the selected level – low or high – tonal transitions in older materials remained visible, as if the feature wasn’t working at all. It’s hard to say anything positive about it, as in practice it seems completely useless.

Image scaling is better. The TV handles it quite decently, although on thinner elements, like branches in the background, you can see slight jaggedness. However, this is not something that significantly hinders everyday viewing.

Unfortunately, a bigger problem turned out to be overscan, or cropping of the image edges. In our tests, it happened that news ticker or other elements close to the edge of the screen were cut off. This is definitely something to pay attention to, especially if we use the TV for watching news programs or content with text on the screen.

Blur and motion smoothness

7.7/10

7.3/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
240Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Nie
Nie
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
0%
0%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Philips PML9009 has been equipped with a panel that has a native refresh rate of 120 Hz. This is the essential minimum for watching all kinds of sports and is recommended for comfortable gaming in favourite titles on consoles or PCs. The manufacturer, for those who dislike the characteristic judder of footage recorded at 24 fps or those requiring a high degree of motion smoothness, such as when watching football matches, has prepared an effective system for improving the sharpness of moving images. In the dedicated tab, we will find a "Smoothness" slider responsible for eliminating judder and a "Motion Blur Reduction" setting that helps to increase the sharpness of dynamic elements. The function works very well and granularly, meaning each setting has a real impact on motion perception. With such a set, every user will find their sweet spot. In the picture, we present our choice, which is slight smoothing without the soap opera effect.

A matter directly related to motion is the response time of the pixels in the panel itself. The best in this regard are of course OLED panels, followed by units based on IPS and ADS screens, and lastly VA. Despite the generally good quality of the systems responsible for smoothening the image, the use of a VA panel carries consequences in the form of black smear behind fast-moving objects. Although in the tested television this should not occur frequently, it will be noticeable here and there.

TCL C75B definitely has something to offer gamers. The television is equipped with a panel that can display images with a refresh rate of 144 Hz in 4K, and even 240 Hz in Full HD. These are really impressive results, especially for a model from the budget range.

On top of that, there are features for improving smoothness and reducing motion blur in films. The "Motion" option allows for precise adjustment of the effect on a 10-point scale, providing significant personalisation possibilities – everyone can set the smoothness to their liking.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

9.8/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 240Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

Philips PML9009, equipped with HDMI 2.1 connections with full bandwidth, supports all functions dedicated to gamers. The most basic ones, such as VRR and ALLM, are a given, but G-Sync, FreeSync, or playing in HDR Dolby Vision with low input lag are not. These features activate without any problems, and during the tests conducted, they presented no obstacles. Such preparation of the television is certainly its strong point, and it can be said that it is a unit dedicated to gamers. For more advanced users, we also mention that the PML9009 is equipped with the HGIG mode, which will be particularly felt by gamers, as there are still relatively few games that support Dolby Vision. This mode primarily allows for the adjustment of HDR effects to the capabilities of the television on a special board, to prevent dimming and burning of the image.

The television additionally implements a special menu - GameBar. This allows for editing unit settings "on the fly," meaning without having to exit the game. In it, we will also find functions such as activating a crosshair or black level correction for better visibility of opponents in shadows.

In a brief summary of this paragraph, the Philips PML9009 is a unit that will undoubtedly attract gamers' attention. Thanks to its versatility, it will allow for playing any title in the highest quality without compromises. Especially since features such as VRR, ALLM, G-Sync, FreeSync, or gameplay in HDR Dolby Vision will provide an even greater immersion in the favourite title.

TCL C75B is undoubtedly a television designed with gamers in mind. It has almost everything needed for even the most demanding console users. With the implementation of full bandwidth HDMI 2.1, the TV supports features like ALLM (automatic low latency mode) and VRR (variable refresh rate) – operating within the full capabilities of the TV, up to 240 Hz in Full HD resolution.

Additionally, the television supports advanced HDR technologies, including Dolby Vision and HGiG, which allows for even better detailing in HDR-optimised games. C75B is also equipped with a very convenient interface for gamers in the form of Game Bar, where you can check all key parameters such as refresh rate, input lag, or picture settings – all just a click away.

In one sentence: C75B is a great choice for gamers, offering a wide range of features that fully enable enjoyment of the capabilities of modern consoles and games.

Input lag

9.6/10

9.8/10

SDR

1080p60
16 ms
17 ms
1080p120
8 ms
9 ms
2160p60
16 ms
17 ms
2160p120
8 ms
8 ms

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
17 ms
2160p120
8 ms
8 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
32 ms
19 ms
2160p120 DV
11 ms

The results of input lag measurements in Philips PML9009 are impressive, regardless of the signal or resolution. All gamers will certainly appreciate the efforts of the manufacturer, which have led to a game running at 4K120Hz with HDR having only 8 ms of delay, which is practically undetectable even in online games. One should also not forget about the proper implementation of game mode with Dolby Vision, which can be praised for a similar response time of 16 ms.

The input lag on the TCL C75B is something that truly impresses. With a refresh rate of 144 Hz, the lag is just 9 ms, making the TV's response to our actions on the controller or keyboard practically instantaneous. For 60 Hz, the result is 19 ms – it's not a record low value, but it still falls within a range where the lag is practically unnoticeable during gaming. One could say that the difference is hardly felt, which makes this TV a good choice even for more demanding gamers.

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Average
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
8ms
8ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
Max refresh rate
120Hz
240Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

Just like in games, the tested Philips PML9009 performs excellently in everyday use as well. Measured latencies of 8 ms allow for virtually instantaneous response between the mouse, screen, and eye. The correct implementation of chroma 4:4:4 enables working with text without any problems thanks to sharp fonts. The subpixel arrangement of the matrix is BGR, although this does not cause any discomfort when working on the Windows system. It may be different with other systems that may not be able to correctly convert text.

TCL C75B is quite a good choice for connecting to a computer. With high refresh rates, low input lag, and G-Sync support, the television performs exceptionally well in games – both fast-paced and more demanding ones. The image is smooth, and the response to our actions is quick, which gamers will undoubtedly appreciate.

For office work, the television also holds up well. Text is readable, although on a dark background some imperfections can be noticed – some fonts appear as if they are missing pieces of vertical lines. This may be distracting if we work a lot with documents or text editing. However, if the computer is mainly used for gaming or watching movies, TCL C75B will easily serve its purpose as a monitor. It’s a versatile device that can handle most applications.

Viewing angles

2.6/10

2.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
83%
86%

A commonly known drawback of VA panels that do not have an angle coating is their poor viewing angles. This time is no different. Even after a small shift off-axis, the image becomes washed out, and the colours undergo significant degradation.

The viewing angles on the TCL C75B are, unfortunately, very poor. This is a typical compromise with VA panels – better blacks at the expense of off-angle visibility. The picture quickly loses quality when viewed from the side, which is the complete opposite of what IPS panel televisions offer. If we plan to watch the TV mainly head-on, this won't be a big problem. However, with a larger number of viewers sitting at different angles, the picture quality may disappoint.

TV efficiency during daytime

6.1/10

4.9/10

Matrix coating
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Average
Black levels during daytime
Good
Good

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

TCL C75B: 366 cd/m2

Philips PML9009 / 9019 / 9059: 564 cd/m2

As far as the brightness of the TV itself in SDR content is good (let's face it, we watch movies in the evening or in the dark), the reflection suppression is at a rather average level. This is due to the satin finish of the panel, which is quite susceptible to all light sources and neither absorbs nor disperses them. However, it's worth noting that due to the quite high brightness in SDR content, the TV will overall perform fairly well in bright rooms, and certainly better than a large portion of OLED TVs.

TCL C75B performs okay during the day. The satin display somewhat limits reflections, but it's not an ideal solution. Brightness is also an issue – 350 cd/m² is simply not enough for comfortable viewing in a brightly sunlit room.

In less extreme conditions, for example, in a moderately lit room, the TV does alright. However, if the sun starts streaming directly onto the screen in summer, watching can become tiring. It's worth keeping this in mind when choosing this model.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
PFS LED
Software version during testing
TPN248E_V248.003.025.151
v8-t653t01-lf1v412
Image processor
mt5896 2,5gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TV features

6/10

7.7/10

  • System
    Titan OS
    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
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    No
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    No
    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
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    Infrared
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Before we dive into the software that controls the television, it's impossible not to mention the biggest standout feature of the manufacturer's TVs. We're talking, of course, about the multicoloured Ambilight backlighting, which is placed on the back of the device and displays colours that adapt to what's happening on the screen, often allowing for an even greater immersion experience. The operating system responsible for the TV's functioning is Philips' proprietary system, charmingly named TitanOs. It is definitely more closed off and limited in terms of application resources compared to other TVs from the manufacturer that use GoogleTV. Besides the lack of essential applications, its closed nature also reveals itself in another way. We won't be able to perform such basic tasks as programming recordings or recording to USB. People using Apple devices may also feel disappointed by the lack of the AirPlay function, which allows for easy screen streaming. Fortunately, there is the option to connect a keyboard and mouse for more efficient navigation through the TV's menu. It's also worth mentioning that while the remote pairs via BT, it only works for voice selection in English. The rest operates via IR...

In summary: TitanOs has quite a few "buts," especially for those of us who are aware users needing and using multiple streaming platforms. It's more of an option for those limiting themselves to the so-called holy trinity: Netflix, YouTube, and CDA.

TCL C75B is a television that primarily relies on the Google TV system. The platform offers access to most popular apps, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video, making it great for watching content from the internet. However, it's worth mentioning that the system can sometimes stutter slightly, which may be noticeable during everyday use.

In terms of smart features, the C75B performs well. Voice control with the help of the built-in assistant works smoothly, and thanks to AirPlay and Miracast, we can easily transfer content from our phone or laptop. Bluetooth allows for effortless connection of headphones, controllers, or other devices.

However, anyone expecting classic television features may be disappointed. There is no option to record programmes on a USB drive or a picture-in-picture (PiP) feature. TCL has been skipping such features for some time, which may not appeal to users who mainly rely on traditional television.

Playing files from USB

8.2/10

9.2/10

Supported photo formats:

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

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
No
Yes
12 Mpix
No
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
No
Yes
24 Mpix
No
Yes
28 Mpix
No
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

The default media player built into Philips PML9009 offers quite a wide range of capabilities but also has its limitations. It plays virtually all video formats except for .asf, which is not commonly encountered. However, there are issues with the lack of support for the H.265 HEVC codec at high bitrates and .sub files, which are quite popular. When it comes to photos, the player performs adequately, but it lacks support for some popular resolutions and formats, such as HEIC, which is used on Apple devices. The player handles audio the best, where it has no complaints. Unfortunately, due to system limitations, there is no possibility of function expansion, meaning we are left with what the manufacturer has prepared.

The built-in media player in TCL C75B works really well. It handles most popular image and audio formats with ease. Although there are some shortcomings in the support of certain formats, thanks to Google TV, you can easily install an alternative player that will solve this issue.

Apps

7/10

10/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
No
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
No
Apple_TV_Plus
No
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
No
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
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

6.7/10

6.6/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.7/10
    6.6/10
  • 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

To begin with, it is worth noting that sound quality is a subjective matter. The built-in audio system in Philips PML9009 stands out with clear high tones, but the bass is quite flat and significantly worse than in competing models in the same price range.

The sound on the TCL C75B is really pleasant, especially at lower volume levels. The bass is noticeable and complements the sound well, but only up to about 40% volume. At higher settings, problems start to arise – the bass causes unpleasant vibrations, and the speakers begin to crackle. If we plan to use higher volume levels more frequently, it’s worth considering purchasing a soundbar, as the built-in speakers may not meet more demanding situations.