TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") vs Philips PML8709

Direct compare

C655 / C69B

Info

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

6.3

6.1

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    5.7

    6.0

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    5.6

    6.6

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    5.2

    5.6

  • Gaming on console

    7.7

    7.2

  • TV as a computer monitor

    6.0

    3.5

  • Watching in bright light

    5.6

    4.8

  • Utility functions

    7.1

    7.1

  • Apps

    10.0

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    6.6

    5.1

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 *

  • Google TV operating system – intuitive and versatile

  • Very good contrast

  • Very good coverage of the DCI-P3 and BT.2020 colour gamut

  • Low input lag - around 13 ms

  • Support for ALLM, VRR and HGiG in gaming mode

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

  • The quality of the HDR effect leaves a big sour taste

  • No Dolby Vision

  • Not suitable for PC work

  • No Ambilight system

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 PML8709 is a model that stands out in the offering of the Chinese-Dutch manufacturer due to its uniqueness. Instead of the classic Philips operating system - TitanOS, we find the well-known Google TV, which provides extensive personalisation options and access to a vast library of apps. This is a television that, on one hand, entices with very good contrast, and on the other – surprises with several unusual design decisions. In terms of picture quality, the PML8709 offers excellent contrast, which combined with wide colour gamut coverage ensures great colour reproduction – especially after calibration. Despite having a 60 Hz panel, the television performs well in occasional gaming thanks to support for features such as ALLM, VRR, and a low input lag of around 13 ms. On the flip side, Philips has deprived this model of one of the biggest advantages of its TVs – the Ambilight system. This is a surprising move that may disappoint many brand fans. Another weak point is HDR performance – despite promising contrast results, the television performs averagely in this category. Average brightness and issues with detail in brighter scenes give the impression that something has clearly gone wrong in the implementation of this feature. Philips PML8709 is a television full of contrasts. On one hand, it offers solid black quality and interesting solutions for gamers, while on the other – some limitations, such as the absence of Ambilight or average brightness, mean that it is not a model without flaws. It is a good choice for those who appreciate the versatility of Google TV and are looking for a television for everyday use.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
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

6.1/10

7/10

Local dimming function: No

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 96 (16 x 6)

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 PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

58,650:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

37,150:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

10,850:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

6,150:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,100:1

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 model name 8709 “PML” refers to Philips' mini-LED technology, but can we truly call its backlighting that? In the 65-inch version, we counted only 96 local dimming zones. For mini-LED standards, this number seems too low, raising questions about whether we are indeed dealing with a full-fledged mini-LED here. However, if we look at the black quality, the TV performs quite well. On the first two test patterns and in less demanding scenes, the picture looks very decent – blacks are deep and the contrast is satisfactory. Problems begin with more complex scenes, such as the last three test patterns, where minor light elements appear on screen. The local dimming algorithm seems to “lose track,” unable to decide whether to brighten or darken a particular area. The result is noticeable errors – reduced black quality and unevenness in the image. An example of the operation of local dimming zones can be seen in a scene from the film Sicario 2. You can see how the dimming zones attempt to replicate details, but at the same time, this leads to a slight brightening around the helicopter lights. Nevertheless, despite these shortcomings, the black level in the Philips PML8709 turns out quite well, especially considering its price range.

HDR effect quality

5.2/10

3.3/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 94.0%, Bt.2020: 69.0%
DCI P3: 96.6%, Bt.2020: 83.1%

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 PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

367 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

126 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

309 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

119 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

348 nit

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

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: HDR10+

HDR luminance chart:

Philips PML8709

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.

Looking at the contrast results, we expected that the algorithms responsible for the zones in the Philips PML8709 would be at least decent. However, what we encountered during testing is difficult to explain. The average brightness we managed to achieve was just 350 nits, which is definitely too low to fully enjoy HDR effects. In practice, the TV barely stands out compared to an average SDR. The situation becomes even more surprising in test scenes, such as the second one from the movie Life of Pi or Sicario 2. Small light elements achieve just 120 nits there, making them practically imperceptible. Such a level of brightness is completely below modern HDR standards and significantly diminishes the experience of watching high-quality content. The only bright spot in this category is the very good coverage of wide color gamuts – DCI-P3 at 97% and BT.2020 at 83%. This ensures that colors are saturated and well-reproduced, which can somewhat improve the overall experience of watching HDR materials. However, the lack of adequate brightness means that even this cannot save the Philips PML8709 in this category.

Factory color reproduction

4.2/10

3.9/10

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.

Though theoretically the Filmmaker mode in the Philips PML8709 should provide natural colour reproduction, in reality it resembles a store mode more. In the white balance, both for HD and 4K content, there is a clear dominance of blue. This causes the image to appear washed out and cold, which is particularly noticeable in the comparative image below.

The brightness characteristics also leave much to be desired. Both gamma and the EOTF curve exhibit excessive screen brightness. As a result, there is a loss of detail in both the brighter and darker areas of the image, further diminishing its credibility and naturalness. Bright elements appear unnaturally flat and little varied.

These significant issues with white balance and brightness characteristics lead to noticeable errors in colour reproduction, which can easily be seen in films as well as the Colour Checker test. The colours are inaccurate, affecting the overall image quality and visual experience. The factory settings require significant improvement in order to fully enjoy the potential of this television.

Color reproduction after calibration

8/10

7.6/10

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 offers advanced image calibration tools in its televisions, which we decided to fully utilise. The results? Although we managed to improve many aspects, it wasn't without difficulties. White balance was one of the biggest challenges – despite our efforts, it could be called fighting against windmills. We were able to significantly correct it, so the picture now looks much better than in the factory settings, but it is still far from perfect. Especially in some scenes, a subtle dominance of blue is visible, although not as intense as before. We achieved a significant improvement in brightness characteristics – gamma now appears much more stable. The EOTF curve looks correct at first glance, however, when analysing movie content, it is evident that the television has trouble maintaining the proper characteristics. The algorithms are "struggling", trying to adjust brightness, which may be due to the limited number of dimming zones that do not always handle more complex scenes well. Overall, the picture after calibration looks much more pleasing to the eye – colors are more natural, and colour reproduction errors have been minimised. Although it is still not perfect, the Philips PML8709 now presents itself much better than in the factory settings.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

4.5/10

9.1/10

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 fluidity of tonal transitions in the Philips PML8709 is at a very high level. The colour gradation is incredibly smooth, and the transitions between shades look natural and detailed. Even in more demanding scenes, the television performs excellently. Minor issues may arise with bright elements, where the gradation can be slightly less precise. However, these are such subtle differences that only the most demanding purists will notice them. For most users, the effects will be fully satisfying, and the image will maintain its impressive quality.

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.

The distortion reduction feature in the Philips PML8709 smooths tonal transitions, but its effectiveness leaves much to be desired. We recommend setting this option to "Medium" - at this level, the effect is noticeable but not excessive. Unfortunately, compared to other Philips models, the smoothing effect is less effective, meaning that certain tonal transitions may still appear somewhat uneven. An additional drawback is that this feature also smooths other details, such as the textures of materials like shirts, which can affect image sharpness.

As for image scaling, the television performs very well. The image appears smooth and free of noticeable "jaggies". This effect may appeal to many users, although some might prefer a more vivid look. Fortunately, the television allows for adjustment of the sharpness parameter, enabling us to tailor the image to individual preferences.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.7/10

5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
60Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
No
No
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.

Philips PML8709 is one of the few models with mini-LED technology on the market, offering a refresh rate of 60 Hz. While it’s not a panel for the most demanding gamers, it should satisfy those who mainly watch movies. The TV is equipped with a “Motion Style” feature, which is a motion smoother that allows you to adjust the fluidity of motion according to your preferences – from a more “plastic” look to a cinematic aesthetic with clearly visible frames.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8/10

6/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 120Hz
    48 - 60Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    No
    No
  • 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 PML8709 is a television aimed more at casual gamers, mainly due to the 60 Hz panel, which won’t meet the expectations of the most demanding users. However, for those who appreciate gaming at a more moderate pace, this model may prove sufficient.

The television offers several gamer-friendly features, such as ALLM (automatic switching to game mode) and VRR (variable refresh rate), which help in providing smoother image display without annoying stutters. Furthermore, in terms of HDR, we find the implementation of HGiG, which adjusts the HDR effect to the specifics of games, ensuring a more natural image in appropriately optimised titles. Unfortunately, there is no support for Dolby Vision mode, which may be noticeable in games that utilise this format.

A nice addition is the presence of a basic "Game Bar," which allows for quick previewing and modification of the most important settings related to gaming. It’s a simple but useful touch, especially for those who frequently change their configuration between different types of gameplay. Despite some limitations, the Philips PML8709 offers a solid set of features for less demanding gamers.

Input lag

10/10

10/10

SDR

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

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
13 ms
2160p120 DV

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.

The Philips PML8709 performs very well in terms of input lag. With supported resolutions, results around 13 ms are more than sufficient to ensure a comfortable gaming experience. Such a reaction time means that even more dynamic games do not cause annoying delays. As a result, gamers can enjoy smooth gameplay without unnecessary stress.

Compatibility with PC

6/10

3.5/10

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
13ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
Max refresh rate
120Hz
60Hz
G-Sync
Yes
No

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.

Philips PML8709 offers a dedicated mode for PC, however, its capabilities are significantly limited. The TV does not support chroma 4:4:4, which greatly affects the readability of fonts – text appears blurry and is difficult to read, which disqualifies this model for those planning to use it as a monitor for work or document viewing. Additionally, even though in G-Sync tests the TV showed compatibility, the picture when using this feature is very unstable, with frequent stutters. Such unpredictability eliminates the benefits that should come with support for adaptive sync.

The only positive aspect in the context of PC collaboration is the low input lag, which may be an advantage for those using the TV mainly for gaming. Nevertheless, the limitations in chroma support and issues with G-Sync mean that PML8709 is not the best choice for PC users.

Viewing angles

2.5/10

2.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
81%
43%

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 PML8709, equipped with a VA panel, offers average viewing angles typical of this type of panel. The image deteriorates in quality when viewed from a greater angle – colours wash out and contrast noticeably decreases. This is a characteristic feature of VA panels and is worth keeping in mind, especially if we plan to watch the TV from different spots in the room. For viewers sitting directly in front, however, the image remains clear and well-reproduced.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.6/10

4.8/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Philips PML8709: 337 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.

The Philips PML8709 is equipped with a satin matrix, which average handles glare reduction. In moderately lit rooms, reflections won't be too bothersome, however, in strongly sunlit conditions, the situation may become problematic. An additional challenge is the relatively low screen brightness, at around 330 cd/m². This level may prove insufficient for comfortable viewing in bright rooms, where the image may appear too dark and unclear. The television will perform better in controlled lighting conditions, but for those looking for a model that handles daytime viewing well, this could be a significant limitation.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
PFS LED
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
v8-r75pt01-lf1v195.000731
TPM242WW_R.001.001.053.210
Image processor
RTD6748 2GB RAM
MT5896 3gb raM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

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.

Philips PML8709 runs on the Google TV operating system. This is quite a surprising choice, considering it isn’t the flagship model of the brand. Fortunately, it has avoided the implementation of the less popular TitanOS, which can be seen as a plus. Google TV offers a well-known, clear interface and wide capabilities in terms of app installation, making the television more versatile.

In terms of user features, the television performs solidly. Daily use of the device is enjoyable thanks to support for voice search in Polish. The ability to connect peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, or headphones via Bluetooth enhances its functionality. Unfortunately, the PML8709 does not offer more advanced options, such as USB recording or the PiP (picture-in-picture) feature, which may disappoint more demanding users.

An interesting fact, and quite a surprise, is the absence of the Ambilight system, for which Philips is commonly known. The decision to omit this technology in the PML8709 model seems puzzling, especially since Ambilight is often cited as one of the greatest strengths of televisions from this brand.

Playing files from USB

8.3/10

7.6/10

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 PML8709 handles playing multimedia files from USB well. The television shouldn't have issues supporting most popular video, audio, and photo formats, making it a versatile tool for home entertainment. Files are read smoothly, and the interface of the built-in player is simple and intuitive.

However, a significant downside is the lack of support for Polish diacritics in subtitles, due to the incomplete implementation of the UTF-8 standard. Subtitles with Polish characters are displayed incorrectly, which can be frustrating for those watching films in their native language. This shortcoming means that users seeking full compatibility with subtitles may have to resort to using external media players.

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

5.1/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.6/10
    5.1/10
  • 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 sound quality in the Philips PML8709 is average and standard for a television equipped with speakers rated at 2 x 10 W. The audio is sufficient for everyday viewing, but it's hard to expect deep bass or clear details in more demanding scenes. On the positive side, it does support Dolby Atmos and DTS.