TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") vs Philips OLED909

Direct compare

C655 / C69B

Info

OLED909

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

6.3

8.1

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    5.7

    8.2

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    5.6

    8.6

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    5.2

    8.8

  • Gaming on console

    7.7

    9.5

  • TV as a computer monitor

    6.0

    6.4

  • Watching in bright light

    5.6

    5.7

  • Utility functions

    7.1

    7.1

  • Apps

    10.0

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    6.6

    8.1

Advantages

  • High brightness of 450 nits

  • High native contrast

  • Google TV support with access to multiple streaming apps

  • Features for gamers, such as ALLM, VRR, and Game Bar, as well as Dolby Vision support in gaming mode

  • Very low input lag, even in Dolby Vision mode (13 ms)

  • Support for Apple AirPlay and the ability to connect devices via Bluetooth

  • Relatively low price

  • 120/144Hz and HDMI 2.1 in the 98' variant *

  • Perfect blacks - OLED

  • High brightness HDR

  • Support for advanced HDR formats – HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HGiG

  • Good motion fluidity - 144Hz

  • Great gaming compatibility – ALLM, VRR, low input lag

  • One of the best viewing angles on the market

  • Excellent colour reproduction after calibration

  • Four-sided Ambilight system

  • GoogleTV operating system – rich selection of apps, voice control, easy operation

  • Good sound quality – built-in soundbar

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor viewing angles due to the VA panel – the image loses quality when viewed from the side

  • No USB recording feature and no picture-in-picture (PiP) option

  • Visible tonal transitions

  • Infrared remote control

  • Font display issues (PC computer)

  • Lack of recording features from built-in tuners and PIP

  • Price compared to competitors

Our verdict

TCL C655 / C69B in larger sizes (55"+) is a QLED television from 2024 by a Chinese manufacturer, offered at a very attractive price. This model has many advantages that can appeal to a wide range of users. The first big plus is the Google TV operating system. In the TCL C655 / C69B and beyond, it provides a modern and intuitive interface along with voice command support in Polish thanks to Google Assistant. Easy access to popular streaming applications such as Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video makes everyday use of the television exceptionally convenient. Support for AirPlay and the ability to connect peripheral devices via Bluetooth increase its versatility. A minor downside might be the lack of recording features and picture-in-picture (PiP), which may disappoint those accustomed to the full functionality of traditional television. Therefore, we recommend connecting an external decoder. As for gamers, the C655 / C69B, despite the lack of 4K support at 120 Hz, offers a lot. The television supports 120 Hz at lower resolutions (1080p and 1440p), so when smoothness of the image is more important than resolution itself, you can set the console to performance mode. As a gaming television, the C655 / C69B offers features such as ALLM (automatic low latency mode switching) and VRR (variable refresh rate), which ensure smooth images and minimize lag. It’s also worth mentioning Dolby Vision in low input lag gaming mode. The picture quality in the TCL C655 / C69B is also quite good, especially considering its price. The television boasts a high native contrast thanks to the VA panel and wide coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut with quantum dot (QLED) technology. Although the lack of local dimming (present in the C655 PRO version) sometimes affects the depth of black, in this price range, this model offers really solid picture quality that should satisfy most users.

Philips OLED909 is undoubtedly a highlight of engineering from the Dutch manufacturer for 2024. When it comes to picture quality, the television delivers what you can expect from OLED technology – deep blacks and infinite contrast. Additionally, it is equipped with META technology (MLA microlenses), which significantly enhances its brightness and further improves the already excellent viewing angles of organic matrix televisions. This makes HDR effects look phenomenal, and the television will satisfy most users looking for great picture quality in this class of devices. In terms of motion fluidity, the OLED909 does not disappoint either. The 144 Hz panel, combined with a full set of gaming features like HDMI 2.1, ALLM, and VRR, makes it a perfect choice for gaming enthusiasts. Both fast-paced shooters and spectacular racing games will look smooth and responsive. Regarding usability, the television is equipped with the Google TV operating system, just like the model OLED809. This solution is significantly better than TitanOS, which we find in the lower series OLED 769 from the Dutch manufacturer. It provides access to a massive number of applications, easy operation, and support for a voice assistant. Additionally, there's a four-sided Ambilight system that adds magic to every movie night, creating a unique atmosphere. However, it is not a device without flaws. The biggest issue regarding image quality is the average smoothness of tonal transitions – you can see the colour joins in subtle gradients, which may be bothersome to more demanding viewers. In terms of PC compatibility, while this is phenomenal equipment for gamers, it may not be the best choice for text or graphic work due to the lack of 4:4:4 chroma support. From a usability perspective, it’s worth mentioning a few disappointments. The remote control in this model really impressed us – it’s well designed, and the backlit numeric keypad is a great addition, especially when using the television in the evening. Unfortunately, it mainly operates via infrared, so we found ourselves getting irritated a few times when we had to aim precisely at the screen. This seems a bit odd, considering that in this price range we expected more modern solutions. The lack of recording functions or picture-in-picture (PiP) also surprised us – these are features that are often standard in this segment. Despite these flaws, the Philips OLED909 is a television that delights with its picture quality, gaming features, and unique additions like Ambilight. The biggest question to ask oneself is: is it worth it? It’s great equipment, but its high price raises the question of whether it is the best choice in terms of price to quality.

TV appearance

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

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Contrast and black detail

6.1/10

10/10

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

6,850:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

6,750:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

6,350:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

6,750:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

4,800:1

Review Philips OLED909 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED909 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED909 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED909 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED909 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The television TCL C655 / C69B is equipped with a VA panel that offers above-average contrast, making the quality of black and depth of image distinctly better than with IPS panels. However, the lack of local dimming technology, which is available in the model with the "Pro" suffix, negatively impacts the quality of black. In some scenes, such as in the movie "Sicario 2," you can notice that the black takes on a navy hue, reducing the sense of immersion. Overall, the black is decent, but it could be better if the television were equipped with local dimming technology.

The Philips OLED909 sets a standard in contrast and black levels, characteristic of OLED technology. Tests on five screens confirmed infinite contrast, making the TV an ideal choice for film lovers watching in dark rooms. The scene from the movie Oblivion impresses with the excellent separation of light sources, allowing for a full appreciation of the precise rendering of even the smallest details. The scene from Sicario 2 also performs well, with the bright helicopter lights perfectly separated from the dark background. However, in this same scene, a desaturation phenomenon, or loss of colour saturation, is noticeable. Although it is not directly related to the assessment of contrast and black levels, it is worth mentioning, especially if perfect colour reproduction is critical in every situation. Despite this minor flaw, the black levels generated by the Philips OLED909 remain extraordinarily deep and deserve the highest marks.

HDR effect quality

5.2/10

7.8/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 94.0%, Bt.2020: 69.0%
DCI P3: 95.5%, Bt.2020: 71.5%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

364 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

416 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

484 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

400 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

450 nit

Review Philips OLED909 Brightness measurement

Result

1394 nit

Review Philips OLED909 Brightness measurement

Result

1471 nit

Review Philips OLED909 Brightness measurement

Result

1594 nit

Review Philips OLED909 Brightness measurement

Result

1552 nit

Review Philips OLED909 Brightness measurement

Result

708 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:

Philips OLED909

TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85")

Overall, the quality of the HDR effect in TCL C655 / C69B looks quite promising. The average value in the test patterns is around 450 nits, which already allows you to feel the light effects and better image dynamics. However, as mentioned earlier, this effect may be somewhat subdued by slight differences in bright and dark shades, resulting from the lack of local dimming technology. However, the DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage of 94% deserves high praise, and this is possible due to the use of a quantum dot (QLED) panel. This makes the colours vibrant and well-reproduced when watching HDR content.

Philips OLED909 impresses with its HDR effect quality, achieving up to 1500 nits of peak brightness in tested scenes. This is an excellent result, placing this television among the best OLED models on the market. The MLA panel, also used in models like the Panasonic Z95A and LG G4, plays a crucial role here, allowing for exceptionally bright and detailed reproduction of dynamic scenes. However, it is worth noting that in the most demanding scene from the film The Meg, brightness drops to around 700 nits. This is a typical phenomenon in OLED technology, where intensely bright full-screen images cause a reduction in luminance. Nevertheless, the HDR effect still looks very good, and the television performs better than most competitors under similar conditions. The wide colour gamut coverage also deserves praise. The OLED909 offers 95% coverage of DCI-P3, ensuring that the television guarantees the ability to display vibrant and realistic colours.

Factory color reproduction

4.2/10

7.6/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The TCL C655 / C69B television offers a film mode that has been tested for colour reproduction quality. Although this mode is called film mode, it unfortunately has quite a few errors that the director would certainly not want to see when filming their work. Starting with image analysis, it's worth looking at the white balance – both in HD content and 4K HDR, the white balance has significant issues. In both cases, the red colour dominates, resulting in colours that are too warm, with an overall pink or yellow tint. This can be seen in the image below from the film "Star Wars." The Colour Checker test confirms these errors – the colour samples stray into incorrect shades, affecting the overall colour fidelity. The brightness characteristics are a lesser issue. However, they are not without flaws either. The gamma chart shows a strong spike at the beginning, which can cause the image to be overly bright, and the EOTF curve responsible for brightness in 4K HDR content also has significant fluctuations – it's evident how the television tries to maintain appropriate brightness, but it doesn't always succeed effectively.

Like other TVs, the Philips OLED909 has been tested for colour reproduction in factory modes. The best mode was found to be Filmmaker Mode; however, despite its name, it is not without faults.

The biggest problem is the white balance. In both HD and 4K HDR content, there is a noticeable dominance of green and red hues, resulting in a clear yellow tint on the screen. This effect is particularly visible in test materials, for example, in a scene with Tom Cruise in the foreground, where the difference compared to a calibrated image is very clear.

As for the brightness characteristic, in HD materials, the gamma was excessively boosted - it was below the reference value of 2.4, giving the image a “milky” filter and impacting overall clarity. For 4K HDR content, we observed the opposite phenomenon – at the beginning of the EOTF curve, there is a noticeable drop, indicating issues with reproducing the smallest details in dark scenes. Although Filmmaker mode offers acceptable quality, noticeable errors in white balance and brightness characteristics show that the TV requires additional calibration to fully realise its potential in colour reproduction.

Color reproduction after calibration

8/10

9/10

After calibrating the movie mode of the television TCL C655 / C69B , the white balance has been adjusted, and the colours look as they should – which is confirmed by only slight deviations in the Colour Checker test. The gamma is really good, which ensures that the television shouldn't have any issues with brightness in low-resolution material. Unfortunately, a similar EOTF characteristic is still noticeable, which is a natural occurrence in televisions that do not have local dimming – they simply struggle to "shine" brighter in a given part of the screen. Despite this design limitation, which cannot be bypassed, we recommend making adjustments in the settings, as the overall colour presentation looks really very good.

Philips OLED909 offers tools for image calibration, significantly improving its quality. After calibrating the Filmmaker Mode, the television displays a much more natural colour reproduction. The white balance after calibration looks very good. Although we noticed slight blue tint deviations in HD content, the errors fall within acceptable limits, and the picture is significantly better than in factory settings. The brightness characteristics, including gamma and EOTF, have also been clearly improved. The television no longer has issues with excessive brightening or dimming of the image. Both dark and light details are now rendered correctly, making the picture look very good in every scene. After calibration, Filmmaker Mode on the Philips OLED909 offers excellent picture quality that will meet the expectations of even the more demanding users. The calibration fully utilises the potential of this model.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

4.5/10

4.6/10

Tonal transitions in TCL C655 / C69B are really quite good and deserve a high rating; however, the score has clearly been lowered for another reason - the image is unnaturally sharp despite the "sharpness" setting being at 0. This makes viewing the image unpleasant. While this may be unacceptable for purists, those who are less concerned about perfect image reproduction may find this effect attractive.

The Philips OLED909 performs averagely in the category of fluidity of tonal transitions. The WOLED panel used in this model is not known for handling tonal transitions perfectly, and in the case of the OLED909, it appears to be slightly worse than competing models with similar panels. Subtle transitions and colour blends can be noticed in both bright and dark areas of the image, which may be particularly evident in more demanding scenes with subtle gradients. This effect may influence the perception of content, especially for users who pay attention to such details.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

6.9/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Television TCL C655 / C69B handles tonal transitions in low-quality materials fairly well. The "Gradual Smoothing" feature on low settings effectively smooths out tonal transitions, but it also blurs important details, such as the texture of objects. A positive aspect is that it does not negatively affect film grain, which helps to maintain the natural look of the image. In terms of digital processing, the television adds artificial sharpness, which some users who prefer a sharper image might appreciate. However, for those who prefer a softer look, this may be a drawback. Another downside is that the image has been significantly cropped due to the so-called overscan, which reduces the field of view and cuts off the edges of the image.

Philips OLED909 offers a distortion reduction feature designed to smooth tonal transitions. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of this feature leaves much to be desired. Setting it to "Medium" achieves some effects, but it comes with the risk of blurring important details in the image. For this reason, we do not recommend using this option unless you are looking to soften visible artifacts at the expense of detail.

As for image scaling, the TV presents a very pliable image, which may appeal to viewers who prefer a softer picture. Those expecting sharper clarity will also find a solution, as image scaling can be adjusted to individual preferences in the settings.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.7/10

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
No
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Nie
Nie
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
0%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Smużenie (1080p 120Hz):

Smużenie ():

The television C655 / C69B is equipped with a 4K@60 Hz panel, which means it's best suited for watching movies and less dynamic content. It also features a "Flicker Reduction" function, allowing users to adjust the smoothness of the image – they can choose whether they prefer smoother motion or a more cinematic, frame-like effect. The television can also adapt to lower resolutions, such as Full HD and 2K at 120 Hz, which will surely please gamers by offering a smoother image at the cost of resolution. It’s worth noting that this feature is available in sizes starting from 55"+. Additionally, the largest variant, 98", is equipped with a 144Hz panel with full motion smoothing.

The Philips OLED909 with a 144 Hz panel offers excellent image fluidity, which should satisfy both movie lovers and gamers. Additionally, the TV is equipped with a motion smoothing feature called "Motion Style," which allows for precise adjustment of image fluidity according to personal preferences. In the settings, we find two sliders: "Fluidity," which adjusts the smoothness of motion in films, and "Motion Blur Reduction," which helps eliminate minor artifacts and distortions in dynamic scenes. This feature works well, ensuring that even quick movements on the screen are clear and readable.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8/10

10/10

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

The TCL C655 / C69B TV offers an almost perfect set of features for gamers, supporting all the key technologies. It has an ALLM feature that automatically switches the TV to low latency mode, significantly improving responsiveness and minimising signal lag, which is especially important during dynamic gameplay. The VRR feature allows synchronisation of the screen refresh rate with the number of frames generated by the console, eliminating screen tearing and providing smoother gameplay.

The TV also supports Dolby Vision in gaming mode, ensuring better colour and contrast reproduction in games that support this format, and the Game Bar enables quick access to gameplay-related settings, such as response time, latency level, and other parameters. Unfortunately, the C655 / C69B does not support 4K resolution at 120 Hz (the 98" variant is the exception), which may be disappointing for more demanding gamers seeking the ultimate smoothness in high-resolution games. However, if we can forgo 4K, the TV offers support for Full HD and 2K at 120 Hz, providing a smoother image and serving as a great alternative for those who prefer higher refresh rates at the expense of resolution.

Philips OLED909 is a TV that meets practically all the requirements of gamers. Equipped with ALLM (automatic low latency mode), VRR (variable refresh rate), and support for Dolby Vision, it guarantees an excellent gaming experience. Additionally, the TV offers very low input lag, ensuring that the response to player movements is instantaneous, which fans of dynamic games will particularly appreciate.

The TV effortlessly supports any resolution at 120 Hz, and even higher refresh rates. The HGiG function, responsible for correctly displaying HDR content in games, works as it should, making the picture in game mode balanced and aligned with console manufacturers' guidelines.

The OLED909 is also equipped with a Game Bar feature, which allows for quick preview and adjustment of gaming settings. Although the interface of this solution seems less visually appealing than that of competitors, it serves its purpose by offering all the essential options in one place.

Input lag

10/10

10/10

SDR

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

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120
5 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120 DV
6 ms

TheTCL C655 / C69B television offers an exceptional response time across all supported resolutions and refresh rates. Of particular note is its support for Dolby Vision with a response time of 13 ms, which is rarely seen in the competition. This allows gamers to enjoy outstanding responsiveness even when using advanced HDR effects, significantly enhancing the gaming experience.

Philips OLED909 achieves outstanding results in the input lag category. Values of 13 ms at 60 Hz and 5 ms at 120 Hz are among the best results available on the market. This low input lag ensures immediate response, which is crucial for gamers expecting maximum precision in dynamic games. The performance in Dolby Vision mode deserves special praise, as it also maintains a low input lag. This allows gamers to enjoy not only smooth gameplay but also fully leverage the visual potential of HDR games without any compromises. In this regard, the Philips OLED909 is one of the best choices for gaming enthusiasts.

Compatibility with PC

6/10

6.4/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
No
Font clarity
Very Good
Average
Readability of dark text and shapes
Average
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
13ms
5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
RWBG
Max refresh rate
120Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

Collaboration with PC on the TCL C655 / C69B TV works quite well, especially thanks to the 4:4:4 chroma support, which guarantees good readability of fonts. This is a significant advantage if the TV is intended to serve as a monitor for office work, where text display precision is key. Additionally, the low input lag ensures smooth operation, which both gamers and users who need quick responses to mouse or keyboard movements will appreciate. However, the TV has a 60Hz panel for 4K resolution, nevertheless TCL has ensured that users can enjoy smooth gameplay at 120Hz in 2K and Full HD.

One of the minor drawbacks that can be noticed is the fact that vertical lines sometimes show a one-pixel blackout. This can cause letters to appear slightly broken, which in certain situations may somewhat diminish work comfort, although overall this issue should not be very bothersome for less demanding users.

The Philips OLED909 is a good choice for gaming on the computer. The TV supports G-SYNC, provides very low input lag, and offers a refresh rate of 144 Hz in PC mode, making it an ideal solution for gamers who value smooth and responsive gameplay. However, when it comes to everyday work with text or graphics, the situation is a bit less favourable. While font readability is at an acceptable level, up close one can notice that they appear somewhat blurred. This is due to the lack of full implementation of chroma 4:4:4, which is responsible for perfect sharpness and clarity of fonts.

The OLED909 will work perfectly in gaming applications, but for those planning to use the TV mainly for text work, it may be less suitable. In such cases, it’s worth considering a device with full support for chroma 4:4:4.

Viewing angles

2.5/10

9.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
81%
5%

The viewing angles on the C655 / C69B are rather weak, which is typical for a VA panel. Compared to IPS panels, which offer significantly better viewing angles and more uniform picture quality regardless of the viewer's position, the VA panel loses contrast and colours even with a slight deviation from the axis. Watching from the side results in noticeable degradation of picture quality – blacks become more washed out and colours lose their intensity. This is definitely not a television that will perform well in large rooms where viewers watch content from various angles.

Philips OLED909 offers some of the best viewing angles available on the market. OLEDs are renowned for their excellent picture quality at various angles, but the use of micro-lens technology further enhances this capability. As a result, the television maintains outstanding colours, contrast, and brightness even when viewing the image at a significant angle. In practice, the OLED909 performs so well that it can compete even with televisions equipped with QD-OLED technology, which also provides wide viewing angles. This makes the television perfect for large rooms and group viewing from different positions, without the worry of losing picture quality.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.6/10

5.7/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Philips OLED909: 427 cd/m2

TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85"): 484 cd/m2

Generally, TCL C655 / C69B offers quite good brightness at around 480 nits, which allows for comfortable use of the TV during the day. This brightness is satisfactory and makes the picture well visible even in bright sunlight. Unfortunately, the satin finish of the panel struggles somewhat with glare reduction, which can affect the visibility of the picture in very bright surroundings.

Philips OLED909, despite the glossy surface of the panel, handles the suppression of reflections from direct light hitting the screen quite well. This is particularly useful in brighter rooms where reflections can interfere with viewing. However, the use of microlens technology has its limitations – the blacks during the day take on a slightly pinkish hue. A similar, albeit more noticeable phenomenon can be observed in QD-OLED panels.

When it comes to brightness, the OLED909 achieves an average brightness in SDR of 430 cd/m². This is sufficient for comfortable use of the television even in moderately challenging lighting conditions. Nevertheless, it's worth remembering that the brightness levels of OLEDs still fall behind televisions with mini-LED technology, which can be several times brighter.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
PFS LED
Software version during testing
v8-r75pt01-lf1v195.000731
TPM231WW_R.101.002.038.221
Image processor
RTD6748 2GB RAM
mt5896 3gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85")

Philips OLED909

TV features

7.1/10

7.1/10

  • 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
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • 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
    Yes
    No
  • Audio only mode
    No
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    Infrared
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    Yes
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

The TCL C655 / C69B television runs on the Google TV system, which is an extension of the popular Android TV. Google TV offers personalized content recommendations based on previously viewed materials and user preferences. Convenient and clear navigation in the interface makes it easy to find favorite movies, shows, and apps. This system supports the most popular streaming apps, such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+, giving users access to a wide range of content. Google TV also supports integration with the Google ecosystem, allowing control of the television using voice commands with Google Assistant. Additionally, users can easily sync the television with other devices within the smart home.

The C655 / C69B television provides convenience for daily use thanks to features that facilitate connectivity and interaction with other devices. It supports Apple AirPlay, enabling quick content sharing from Apple devices like iPhone or iPad directly to the television screen. The ability to connect peripheral devices via Bluetooth, such as keyboards, mice, or headphones, further enhances user comfort. Unfortunately, the television does not offer USB recording capabilities or picture-in-picture (PiP) options, which may disappoint traditional TV users who are accustomed to these features. The lack of these options means that the TCL C655 / C69B may not be the ideal solution for those expecting full functionality, especially regarding recording favorite programs.

The TCL C655 / C69B boasts a solid design. The television is not one of the thinnest, and its bezels are not the narrowest, but they look modern and aesthetically pleasing. The legs included in the package deserve special praise – they are metal, adding stability, and also offer the possibility of adjustment, even for very narrow setups. This allows the television to be easily adapted to different types of TV stands, which is a practical convenience in many living rooms.

In the OLED909 model, Philips has replaced its proprietary Titan OS with Google TV. This solution provides users with significantly greater opportunities, especially in terms of app availability. Google TV offers a vast library of programs to download, from popular streaming services to tools and games. The system also supports voice commands, making it easier to search for content and manage the device, enhancing everyday user comfort.

In terms of features, the television performs well. Here, we find support for AirPlay and Miracast technologies, which enable easy streaming of video and audio from other devices. Additionally, the television effortlessly supports external accessories like mice and keyboards, allowing it to serve as a more versatile entertainment centre. However, it's worth noting that the OLED909 lacks the PiP (picture-in-picture) function or the ability to record programs from built-in tuners. A novelty in this model is the backlit remote, which looks attractive and operates in hybrid mode – it can function as a smart remote, and when the appropriate button is pressed, the numeric keypad also lights up. Unfortunately, its operation can be annoying, as it relies on standard infrared control, and the only function supporting RF (radio) technology is the handling of voice commands.

The Philips OLED909 also stands out from other models with its four-sided Ambilight system. This allows the television to create dynamic lighting around the screen that adapts to the displayed content. This solution not only enhances the feeling of immersion but also improves viewing comfort in darker rooms. Ambilight remains one of the most distinctive features of Philips televisions, which is hard to find among competitors.

Playing files from USB

8.3/10

7.9/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
Yes
PNG
No
Yes
GIF
No
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

Thanks to the built-in player, the TCL C655 / C69B TV is capable of playing most file formats found on external storage, making it a versatile tool for consuming media. However, there may be some limitations in handling certain formats, which can be a hassle for more demanding users. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows the installation of other media players from Google Play, which helps eliminate compatibility issues. This gives users the option to choose applications that best meet their needs, significantly increasing the functionality of the TV.

Philips OLED909 has a built-in media player that handles most popular video, audio, and subtitle file formats with ease. However, it is worth noting that the pre-installed player does not support Polish characters in subtitles, which can be a nuisance when watching content from USB. Fortunately, thanks to the Google TV system, this shortcoming can be easily bypassed. You just need to download an alternative player from a wide range of available apps, which will provide full support for Polish characters and additional features such as more advanced subtitle settings or support for less common formats. This means that even minor shortcomings of the factory software are not a major problem for users.

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

6.6/10

8.1/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.6/10
    8.1/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    Yes

The sound in TCL C655 / C69B is surprisingly good, especially for this class of device. The 2x10W speakers combined with a 15W Onkyo subwoofer (for sizes 55"+) offer surprisingly good sound quality, including noticeable bass. The sound remains clear across the entire volume range, although the high tones could be a bit clearer. The support for DTS audio format is also a plus.

The Philips OLED909 stands out with its built-in soundbar featuring a navy fabric finish, branded by the renowned company Bowers & Wilkins. At the bottom of the screen, we find a solid speaker system, further supported by a built-in subwoofer at the back of the casing. The sound quality is truly impressive for the class of this device. The soundbar delivers clear and detailed sound that handles both dialogues and sound effects in films or games exceptionally well.