Philips PUS8209 Review

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This TV was tested by:

Maciej Koper

Paweł Koper

Last updated::

9/1/2025 3:23:29 PM

PHILIPS PUS8209 - Our verdict

5.3

Overall rating

The Philips PUS8209 is a model that stands out primarily due to its unique Ambilight system. The three-sided backlighting behind the television dynamically adjusts to the image, adding an exceptional atmosphere while watching movies or gaming. This solution, for which Philips is renowned, makes a difference and could be a great choice for those looking for something more unique for everyday use. In terms of picture quality, the television performs quite well, especially in this price range. The VA panel provides solid contrast and decent black levels, which is particularly effective in the evenings in dimly lit rooms. Watching movies in such conditions is truly enjoyable, although the screen brightness (280 nits) leaves much to be desired – in bright rooms, the picture can look washed out, and HDR content does not impress. When it comes to gaming, the PUS8209 also has a few advantages. Support for VRR, ALLM, and a low input lag of 13 ms makes gameplay smooth and responsive. Of course, this is not hardware for advanced gamers, but for those who occasionally pick up a controller, it should suffice. The biggest downside is the operating system, Titan OS. Many popular apps are missing, and the interface doesn't always run as smoothly as one would like. The remote control, which requires pointing at the television, can be frustrating, especially in situations where quick access is expected. In summary: the Philips PUS8209 is a television that works well for basic applications. Ambilight adds uniqueness and enhances the atmosphere while watching. In everyday use or occasional gaming, it does the job, but its limitations – particularly in screen brightness and operating system – may be problematic for more demanding users. If we are looking for straightforward equipment with an unusual visual addition, this model is worth considering.

Advantages

High native contrast
Three-sided Ambilight system – unique backlighting for the wall behind the TV that enhances immersion while watching
Low input lag – around 13 ms
Has essential features for gamers - VRR and ALLM
Support for Polish characters and subtitle customization – built-in player allows for changing the colour and size of the font
Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS – wide range of supported audio codecs

Disadvantages

Titan OS operating system – limited number of applications
Poor brightness (280 nits) – issues with viewing in bright conditions
Poor viewing angles – typical of VA panels,
Issues with font rendering

Movies and series in UHD quality

5.4
Classic TV, YouTube

6.1
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

4.9
Gaming on console

6.6
TV as a computer monitor

2.0
Watching in bright light

4.4
Utility functions

4.7
Apps

6.2
Sound quality

5.0

PHILIPS PUS8209 - TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1 Outputs: eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Build quality: Average

Stand type: Legs

Bezel colour: Graphite

Review Philips PUS8209 Appearance of the TV

Stand: Fixed

Flat design: No

Accessories: Stand

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PHILIPS PUS8209 - Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

6.6/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: No

Review Philips PUS8209 Contrast and black detail

Result

8,050:1

Result

7,300:1

Result

10,200:1

Result

9,050:1

Result

8,200:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

Philips PUS8209 positively surprised us in terms of contrast, which is quite solid for its price class. Thanks to the use of a VA panel, it managed to achieve a contrast ratio of 8000:1, which is considered a very good result in this price category. In tests using scenes from the film Oblivion, the television performed well, offering visible light separation. Three independent light sources in the test scene were reproduced without major issues. Similarly, in the case of the film Sicario 2, the black levels, while not perfect, present reasonably well, allowing for the distinction of details in the darker areas of the image. The lack of local dimming technology is noticeable, however, the manufacturer has implemented a "global dimming" feature. This mechanism allows the television to automatically darken or brighten the entire screen depending on the content, which somewhat improves the perception of contrast. Philips PUS8209 offers solid contrast and decent results in tests. Although it lacks the precision of local dimming, its capabilities at this price point are satisfactory and will please most users.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The video accurately shows differences in contrast and black levels between TVs, as well as potential issues: halo around bright objects or Mini-LED zone operation visible as brightness jumps.

PHILIPS PUS8209 - HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

3.8/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 91.4%, Bt.2020: 67.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Philips PUS8209 Brightness measurement

Result

231 nit

Result

268 nit

Result

278 nit

Result

274 nit

Result

281 nit

Unfortunately, this is where the problems start. A maximum brightness of 280 nits is definitely too low to experience the true effect of HDR. In practice, the image resembles standard SDR more, so it's hard to talk about deeper visual experiences. On the plus side, the colour gamut coverage is 91.4% DCI-P3, which will be sufficient for most films. It's also worth noting that the image is stable and there are no issues with sudden brightness or colour changes. Overall, HDR on this television is more of a formality than an actual added value. If we're looking for genuine HDR emotions, this model may not meet expectations.

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

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

The photos show two HDR10 movies. 'Pan' is one of the brightest productions ever made, while 'Billy Lynn' (soldier) has brightness typical of streaming (Netflix, Prime, HBO MAX). Notice the intensity of effects and detail in whites.

We’re checking how the television handles adaptation to very demanding HDR scenes designed for high brightness values. In the first scene from the film Mr, the image, for this class of television, looks quite good. The darkest details are somewhat brighter than they should be, but the overall perception remains positive, and the tone of the scene is correct. On the other hand, in the film Billy Lynn, some problems can be noticed. Highly contrasting elements, such as fireworks effects, can be blown out and blend into a uniform whole. Aside from these shortcomings, the tonal quality of the image in the remaining parts is maintained at a good level.

HDR luminance chart:

HDR luminance

The television supports both static HDR10 and dynamic HDR10+, which theoretically should offer differences in image quality depending on the type of metadata used. However, in practice, due to low maximum brightness, it is difficult to see clear differences between dynamic and static metadata. It is possible that Dolby Vision implementation would improve HDR quality, but unfortunately this model lacks that format.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: HDR10+

The photos present the visibility of white details in various HDR formats. They do not show brightness differences between TVs (these can be compared in the previous gallery).

PHILIPS PUS8209 - Smoothness of tonal transitions

6.5/10

Philips PUS8209 presents a decent gradation in bright scenes, where the tonal transitions are smooth enough not to be jarring. Unfortunately, in darker scenes, such as red water, the TV struggles noticeably. Issues with blending shades and a lack of precision in reproducing subtle colour differences are very apparent here.

Review Philips PUS8209 Smoothness of tonal transitions — These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.5/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The match photo shows how the TV smooths weak tonal transitions in low-quality video. The model photo shows how it handles upscaling of SD material.

The television offers a “Distortion Reduction” feature that effectively improves the gradation of tonal transitions, particularly when set to the minimum level. Unfortunately, this comes at a cost – the feature also smooths out details like material textures. On the plus side, it’s worth noting that the operation of this option does not negatively affect the film grain, which remains intact.

As for image scaling (upscaling), the television generates a plastic, soft image that generally looks pleasant. However, in the background, issues with aliasing of certain elements, such as branches or small details, can sometimes be noticed, which may decrease the quality of the reception. Despite these minor imperfections, the overall experience of scaling is satisfactory.

PHILIPS PUS8209 - Blur and motion smoothness

3.8/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 60Hz

Film motion smoothing option: No

Blur reduction option: No

BFI function 60Hz: No

BFI function 120Hz: No

The 60 Hz panel in the Philips PUS8209 is mainly suited for watching movies, but here you can also feel a certain shortcoming. The television does not offer any motion smoothing that would allow you to adjust the fluidity of the picture to individual preferences, which for some users may be disappointing.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

When it comes to motion blur, the television performs moderately. The issues are not very bothersome, but they are noticeable – especially in tests where there is a slight stretching of objects, such as the distinctive “Ufoludek” in the motion fluidity test. Although motion blur does not interfere with everyday use, more demanding users may notice it.

PHILIPS PUS8209 - Console compatibility and gaming features

4.7/10

ALLM: Yes
VRR: Yes
VRR range: 48 - 60Hz
Dolby Vision Game Mode: No
Correct implementation of HGIG: No
1080p@120Hz: No
1440p@120Hz: No
4K@120Hz: No
Game bar: Yes

Philips PUS8209 offers basic features useful for gamers, such as variable refresh rate (VRR), automatic low latency mode (ALLM), and Game Bar, which makes managing settings easier.

Unfortunately, due to the 60 Hz panel, the TV will not meet the expectations of more demanding gamers who are looking for higher fluidity and precision of image. Additionally, this model does not support any HDR mode dedicated to gaming, such as HGiG or Dolby Vision, which further limits its capabilities in this regard.

PHILIPS PUS8209 - Input lag

10/10

Input lag in the Philips PUS8209 is one of its strongest points. With a value of around 13 ms, the TV provides a very quick response time, which should satisfy most gamers, both casual and more advanced. Such a result allows for comfortable gameplay even in dynamic games.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 13 ms	2160p60: 13 ms
2160p60: 13 ms

PHILIPS PUS8209 - Compatibility with PC

2/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Poor

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 13ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 60Hz

G-Sync: No

The photo shows the legibility of small fonts. Ideally, lines should be the same thickness on both light and dark text, with minimal pixel gaps.

On paper, collaboration with a PC seems promising, particularly due to support for 4:4:4 chroma, which should ensure good font readability and detail reproduction. In practice, however, the television has significant issues with displaying text, especially on dark backgrounds, where the so-called pixelation is clearly visible, negatively impacting work comfort.

Additionally, the lack of support for technologies like G-Sync means that gaming smoothness when connected to a PC leaves much to be desired, making this model less attractive for users looking for a television for gaming on a computer.

PHILIPS PUS8209 - Viewing angles

2.1/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 87%

The viewing angles on the Philips PUS8209 are poor, which is typical for a VA panel. When watched at an angle, the brightness of the image drops significantly, and the colours lose their depth, which can greatly affect viewing comfort, especially in larger groups or in an unusual setup of the television in relation to the viewer.

PHILIPS PUS8209 - TV efficiency during daytime

4.4/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Very Good

The Philips PUS8209 features a satin screen coating that only moderately suppresses reflections, which may be inadequate in bright room lighting. However, the biggest issue is the low brightness at just 280 nits. In practice, this means that watching content during the day, especially in strong sunlight, can be a challenge as the picture appears too dark to provide comfortable viewing.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Philips PUS8209: 277 cd/m2

PHILIPS PUS8209 - TV features

4.7/10

System: Titan OS

System performance: Poor

HDMI inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
Outputs: eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)

Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C

Classic features:

Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): No
Recording programming: No
Picture in Picture (PiP): No
RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): Infrared
Backlit remote control: Yes
Teletext: Yes
Audio only mode: Yes
Bluetooth headphones support: No
Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio: No

Smart features:

AirPlay: No
Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
Voice search: Yes
Voice search in native language: No
Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes

Philips PUS8209 uses the Titan OS operating system, which, while simple to use, remains limited in terms of functionality. The available number of applications is small compared to more developed ecosystems like Google TV, which may be disappointing for users accustomed to broader capabilities. Additionally, the lack of support for AirPlay restricts compatibility with Apple devices, reducing the flexibility of the television in streaming content. The remote, though interesting, requires aiming at the screen, which may not appeal to everyone.

The absence of more advanced features such as PiP (Picture-in-Picture) or program recording further limits the device's capabilities in everyday use.

Philips PUS8209 is a television that catches attention with its interesting feature of a three-sided Ambilight system, which is a dynamic backlighting of the wall behind the television that adjusts its colours and intensity to the content displayed on the screen. This effect creates the impression of greater image depth and enhances immersion, especially in darkened rooms. Unfortunately, its potential is limited by the Titan OS operating system, which leaves much to be desired. The limited number of applications and the lack of support for popular features such as AirPlay can be a significant drawback for more demanding users. While Ambilight distinguishes this model from the competition, shortcomings in the operating system significantly affect the overall functionality of the television.

Sound connection options

HDMI audio:

eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)

Other audio outputs:

Wireless audio:

Obsługiwane formaty audio:

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1: Yes
Dolby True HD 7.1: Yes
Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC): Yes
Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD: No
DTS:X in DTS-HD MA: Yes
DTS-HD Master Audio: Yes

Ułatwienia dla seniorów

Numeric keyboard on TV: Yes
Font size adjustment: No
Audio description: No

PHILIPS PUS8209 - Apps

6.2/10

PHILIPS PUS8209 - Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8/10

Video Photos Audio

Maximum photo resolution:	Supported photo formats:
4 Mpix	JPEG
6 Mpix	HEIC
8 Mpix	PNG
10 Mpix	GIF
12 Mpix	WebP
16 Mpix	TIFF
20 Mpix	BMP
24 Mpix	SVG
28 Mpix
32 Mpix

The built-in media player in the Philips PUS8209 performs well in everyday use. It smoothly handles Polish characters in subtitles and allows for adjustments to the colour and size of the font, which significantly enhances the comfort of using this feature. More demanding users may notice some limitations in the supported file formats, however, for most applications in everyday use, this player should be fully sufficient.

PHILIPS PUS8209 - Sound

5/10

Maximum volume

Supported codecs

(TV speakers)

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

Dolby True HD 7.1

Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

DTS-HD Master Audio

The sound on the Philips PUS8209 can be described as average, typical for televisions in this price range. The 2x10 W speakers do not offer exceptional quality or depth; however, they are sufficient for everyday TV watching. On the plus side, it should be noted that there is a wide range of supported audio codecs, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS, which can significantly enhance audio quality when paired with external sound systems, like soundbars or home theatre setups.

Acoustic Measurements

No acoustic data

PHILIPS PUS8209 - Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: TPN246E_V246.004.147.081

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Backlight Type: PFS LED

4K Ultra HD QLED Resolution (3840 x 2160): QLED technology provides vibrant colours, high contrast, and incredibly sharp images, making content more realistic and full of depth.
Ambilight Technology: The three-sided Ambilight system emits a glow that adjusts to the content displayed on the screen, creating a more immersive viewing experience.
Pixel Precise Ultra HD Graphics Engine: Optimises the quality of displayed content, ensuring smooth motion and excellent image sharpness.
HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG Support: Support for various HDR formats guarantees better contrast and more accurate colour reproduction, resulting in a more realistic image.
TITAN OS Operating System: An intuitive and fast Smart TV system that allows access to popular streaming apps and customises the interface.
Dolby Atmos and DTS Technology: Delivers spatial sound, creating an immersive audio experience without the need for additional speakers.
Gaming Features: The television offers features such as variable refresh rate (VRR), automatic low latency mode (ALLM), and Game Bar, making it easier to manage settings while gaming.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Provides wireless internet access and connections to other devices, enhancing the functionality of the television.
HDMI 2.1 and USB Ports: Three HDMI ports and two USB ports allow for connection of a variety of external devices, such as consoles, media players, or USB drives.