LG 55 G4 vs Philips PML9009

Direct compare

G45 / G42

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

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”83”97”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Panel technology: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: WebOS

Model year: 2024

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Panel technology: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Titan OS

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

8.6

6.6

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    8.4

    6.4

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    9.0

    6.4

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    9.0

    6.6

  • Gaming on console

    9.5

    8.5

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    8.6

  • Matrix brightness

    6.0

    6.1

  • Utility functions

    9.5

    6.0

  • Apps

    9.7

    3.6

  • Sound quality

    8.6

    6.7

Advantages

  • Phenomenal image fidelity to the director's intent

  • Reference color reproduction after calibration

  • Very high brightness in HDR materials

  • Remarkable compatibility with console and computer

  • The panel suppresses reflections very well

  • Perfect viewing angles

  • Superb tonal quality of scenes exceeding the capabilities of the television

  • Well-functioning dynamic tone mapping feature

  • Colour reproduction after calibration

  • Performance when connected to a console/PC

Disadvantages

No like
  • Visible tonal transitions

  • Sound of the built-in audio system - could be better in this class of television

  • Significant halo/bloom effect

  • Poor viewing angles

  • TitanOs system is not as advanced as the competition

  • Average contrast and black levels

Our verdict

LG G4 is a strong contender for the best television of 2024. With a combination of OLED black and MLA technology, we will get an incredibly dynamic and detailed image that will surely captivate us entirely. LG G4 is also proof that TVs equipped with an OLED matrix supported by MLA technology are perfectly suitable for viewing in sunny rooms. The operating system, although not as open as the competition, allows for many possibilities. Its biggest advantage is the well-known remote control with a cursor, which makes controlling the unit one of the most convenient on the market (in our opinion). The color reproduction out of the box, while not at a high level, can be considered almost reference quality after calibration, providing a truly cinematic image. It is no coincidence that post-production studios choose TVs from this manufacturer. They are the only ones offering such deep intervention capabilities through 3D LUT calibration. It seems that the biggest (and perhaps only) drawback of this television is the tonal transitions, which, although far from ideal, cannot be said to detract from the viewing experience. The remedy is provided by the manufacturer itself, and enabling the "Smooth Gradation" function will eliminate the vast majority of stuttering. LG G4 also performs excellently when watching all kinds of sports or other dynamic scenes. The motion smoother is extremely advanced and allows adjustments to fluidity according to personal needs. With HDMI 2.1 ports boasting full functionality and the manufacturer's attention to detail, the tested television will find its place in many passionate gamers' homes. Every significant function works flawlessly, and the low input lag in every mode is very pleasing. In summary, LG G4 is an incredibly versatile television that allows for entertainment of excellent quality both at night and during the day.

The Philips PML 9009 is the brand's flagship LCD television with Mini LED backlighting. It boasts impressive build quality, a stylish remote, and Philips' unique multicoloured Ambilight feature. In terms of picture quality, black levels and contrast could be improved—they don’t quite match the depth and vibrancy offered by similarly priced competitors. However, thanks to effective image algorithms, tonal quality remains satisfying. The screen’s relatively low brightness is well managed, and the inclusion of Dolby Vision provides a gateway to HDR content. The TV’s smooth colour transitions are noteworthy, surpassing some higher-end models. The PML 9009 truly excels in gaming performance, offering an experience that will please any gamer. Its motion-smoothing system also deserves praise, with two adjustable sliders allowing users to select their preferred smoothing level, making it a solid choice for sports viewing. Although the TitanOS operating system is still evolving and lacks a wide range of apps, the manufacturer is expected to address this over time.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
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

No links

Contrast and black detail

10/10

6.6/10

Kontrast:

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

132,000:1

Result

16,550:1

Result

14,450:1

Result

7,850:1

Result

6,650:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

LG G4, thanks to its OLED panels produced for over 10 years, delivers perfect results in contrast, black levels, and detail reproduction in the darkest scenes. It is worth mentioning that the matrix itself has been equipped with MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology, which LG presented just a year ago at the launch of its predecessor. The use of an organic matrix not only allows for achieving deep blacks but also provides remarkable immersion and a three-dimensional effect in the image, which is hard to find even in the best Mini LED televisions. Such image quality is closely correlated with OLED matrix technology, as each pixel is controlled by an electric impulse rather than by blocking filters on the matrix. Therefore, to achieve black, the pixel is not activated at all. This is very well visible in test images, where the reflective lights produce high brightness while being perfectly separated from each other. The situation remains unchanged in challenging scenes from "The Revenant," where the television remarkably captured secondary and even tertiary details. Television Tests have shown that the black in LG OLED G4 is nearly perfect, which further enhances the sense of depth in high-contrast films. MLA technology in LG G4 not only improves brightness but also handles light reflections excellently, making the television perform well even in sunlit rooms. With high contrast and deep blacks, the LG OLED G4 test recorded an exceptionally high level of immersion, which particularly distinguishes this television among competing models.

The Philips PML9009 features a high-contrast VA panel. While it doesn’t produce the same depth and dimensionality as OLED displays, it remains a solid choice for home cinema, outperforming IPS/ADS panels in this regard. The measured static contrast ratio, at 6000:1 without local dimming, is commendable and showcases the Mini LED backlighting capabilities of this model. Though the contrast and black level measurements aren’t among the highest, the television performed well in certain scenes, such as Oblivion, where it effectively separated light – an achievement not always seen in much pricier units. Testing was conducted at medium power dimming; the lowest dimming level didn’t achieve satisfactory black levels, while the highest setting led to detail loss. Unfortunately, our test with The Revenant highlighted some issues. While background details were clear, the dimming zones disrupted the overall tonal balance, resulting in a noticeable halo effect around the subtitles.

HDR effect quality

7.8/10

6/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 98.3%, Bt.2020: 74.7%
DCI P3: 93.0%, Bt.2020: 73.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Result

1474 nit

Result

1467 nit

Result

1403 nit

Result

1441 nit

Result

850 nit

Result

548 nit

Result

550 nit

Result

864 nit

Result

524 nit

Result

582 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 PML9009

LG 55 G4

LG G4 guarantees an exceptionally vivid HDR effect, allowing the television to rank among the very best. The highest-end model from the manufacturer's 2024 portfolio, equipped with the second generation of micro-lens technology (MLA), achieved a maximum brightness of 1474 nits in real scenes. The only area where the Korean manufacturer's product may fall short compared to Mini LED backlit LCD TVs is during full-screen scenes with a lot of white. If we disregard the latter scenes, the average score would be even higher. It's also worth noting the scenes with very fine details, where each of them shone at full power, which is not so obvious in non-OLED televisions. The combination of such brightness and wide coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut makes HDR materials more engaging than ever before.

The Philips PML9009 struggles to deliver the highest HDR performance. Scenes with effects around 550 nits don’t provide particularly impressive lighting, though the effects remain stable, an improvement over SDR materials. A notable exception is in Gemini Man, where a flashlight as the sole light source stands out. This is likely due to the absence of large dark areas and the relatively small size of the light source compared to scenes with larger, brighter elements like the sun. While the brightness results in HDR content aren’t quite strong enough to recommend this TV for productions utilising a wide colour gamut, it’s worth mentioning that the model does achieve decent coverage, reaching 93% of the DCI-P3 spectrum.

Factory color reproduction

8.4/10

5.3/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode in terms of color reproduction was "Filmmaker". This was the mode we used during our tests. Let's check what its characteristics looked like before the calibration process. Taking a closer look at the white balance, we can notice a significant dominance of red and green colors. The result was a warm-yellow shade of the image. This is the kind of characteristic we can usually observe in "Cinema", "Filmmaker" or similarly named counterparts. The effect of such color balance was clearly visible in both SDR and HDR content, which, after switching from "Standard" mode, were distinctly yellowed. Now let's move on to two charts that are responsible for brightness characteristics, and consequently, the contrast of the image. The first one (Gamma), representing materials with a standard color palette, performed decently. For most of the time, mid-tones and bright whites were reproduced very accurately, however, it noticeably lost the darkest details, which merged into a black blob. On the other hand, HDR materials, represented by the EOTF curve chart, exhibited a significant drop in contrast due to a strong increase in brightness. The colors themselves turned out to be a problem, as can be seen in the "ColorChecker" chart, as they were noticeably under-saturated.

During testing, the Philips PML9009 performed best in the factory "Filmmaker" mode, which we evaluated across both SDR and HDR content. A key characteristic observed in this mode is the EOTF curve’s behaviour in HDR content and gamma settings in SDR, designed to enhance image accuracy. However, the PML9009 presented noticeable issues, particularly with white balance, as a pronounced red dominance created a yellow tint across the entire image. This affected skin tones and white areas, with faces and whites appearing unnaturally warm. The colour shift was confirmed through the "ColourChecker" palette, where colours leaned towards warmer shades.

In the gamma analysis, responsible for image contrast, we noticed considerable inaccuracies early on. Our measured values spiked above the reference, causing dark scenes to lose detail and merge visually up to about 10% screen brightness. Following this, the values dropped below the target line, further degrading contrast—an area already challenging for this model.

In HDR content, the white balance remained similarly flawed, and the EOTF curve also restricted brightness levels, resulting in a dim, muted image. Colour inaccuracies were even more pronounced here, with lower luminance levels causing large deviations from accurate colours, which were clearly visible on the error graph, often exceeding acceptable limits. While aiming for cinematic quality, this mode ultimately fell short in delivering balanced colour and contrast fidelity.

Color reproduction after calibration

9.5/10

7.5/10

The manufacturer has been implementing extensive support for the calibration process in its LG televisions for many years. Therefore, we utilized 2- and 20-point grayscale adjustment as well as an advanced CMS (Color Management System) and got to work. As you can see, thanks to the conducted procedure, each parameter has significantly improved. Using the tools allowed for achieving extremely favorable effects, which include: studio color reproduction, recovery of details in dark areas of the image, appropriate brightness characteristics, and proper color saturation. Thus, we achieved maximum proximity to the reference image, which is what the film director saw on the preview monitor. It is worth noting that the LG G4 televisions are the only ones that allow for even deeper interference in image quality thanks to the ability to calibrate with 3D LUT matrices. This solution is, however, recommended only for post-production or graphic studios.

Philips has long provided sophisticated calibration tools, including 2-point and 20-point grayscale adjustments as well as an advanced CMS (Colour Management System). These allow users to make significant improvements, and even those less attentive to image quality will likely notice a positive difference post-calibration. Both SDR and HDR content benefit from this process, notably eliminating the prominent yellow tint caused by an overemphasis on red in the white balance.

For SDR content, although gamma adjustments don’t entirely resolve the loss of detail in dark areas, the overall improvements bring most content to an impressive standard, with minimal, hardly perceptible errors. Colour accuracy is notably enhanced, achieving nearly reference quality with low deltaE errors.

HDR content, however, remains somewhat limited due to the display’s lower brightness capability. While the white balance has largely been corrected, a slight blue tint can occasionally appear. The EOTF curve aligns very well, providing accurate geometry, though colour errors persist due to the limited luminance. This calibration offers a substantial improvement but may still fall short for viewers who expect high brightness levels in HDR.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

5.5/10

7/10

The tonal transitions presented on the LG G4 are not among the top performers. Each scene played from a BluRay disc with 10-bit HDR exhibited noticeable inconsistencies in color transitions. This was particularly evident in the case of the film "The Green Knight," where issues related to posterization were especially noticeable. This effect could also be observed in films with moderate and high brightness, such as "The Martian" or "Kingsman," which is rarely encountered in televisions (especially of this class), surprising us. Such results suggest that in scenes with low luminance and a lot of black, this issue will be bothersome, even for an amateur.

In many films or series, you may have noticed instances where colour bands appear in areas that should exhibit smooth transitions. This is why we evaluate tonal transitions as part of our testing. The Philips PML9009 performed admirably in this area across all test scenes. While a few elements could benefit from finer processing, the overall result was impressive. Notably, it handled the challenging scene from The Green Knight exceptionally well, with no significant stuttering or unwanted artefacts visible, proving the TV’s capability to maintain smooth gradients even in demanding scenes.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8.2/10

7.6/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
Smooth transition function
OK
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The tested television did not perform well with materials rich in tonal transitions, resulting in a strong posterization effect. However, there is a partial remedy for this issue. The manufacturer has equipped the LG G4 with a smoothing system called "Gentle Gradation," which we can apply at three levels: Low, Medium, and High. Each of these options guarantees a fairly high effectiveness of smoothing on bright colors, but low on darker ones. We recommend using primarily the first one, as the other two interfere with the director's intentions by removing film grain.

When watching lower-quality material, the efficiency of the television during upscaling is extremely important. The image from the tested television is sharp and clear. However, attention should be paid to the jagged edges of fine details and minor issues around figures, such as the creation of a halo effect, which occurs due to the sharpening imposed by the LG G4 even when we set the lowest value on the slider, which is 0. It is worth noting that this is a change compared to the LG G3, which did not impose such strong image sharpening, even when the corresponding slider was set to position 0.

Given the impressive handling of tonal transitions by the Philips PML9009, one might expect similar success in the image scaling test. However, the results were less than stellar. When upscaling lower-quality images, like those from certain TV programmes or older films, the Philips algorithm tended to blur fine details noticeably, especially in intricate elements like fine branches or a model's hair.

On the other hand, the tonal transition performance remains noteworthy, with the TV offering several levels of smoothing. Even at the lowest setting, it effectively addresses non-smooth transitions in most materials, and crucially, it preserves the film grain effect, maintaining fidelity to the director's vision. However, it’s worth noting that some fine details may still appear slightly softened.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

7.7/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
120Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
Nie
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
50%
0%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

The maximum refresh rate that we can set on the LG G4 is 144 Hz. Naturally, this is possible only when connecting the LG G4 television to a very powerful PC. Otherwise, we will operate at a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is recommended if we want to watch sports or materials with a lot of motion dynamics. For those who require high image fluidity, the manufacturer implemented a multi-stage motion smoother called "TrueMotion." It has been divided into two separate sliders that adjust the sharpness of moving images (De-Blur) and judder (De-Judder). Both sliders can be set in the range from 0 to 10, with each degree affecting the level of smoothing, so everyone can find their sweet spot.

The LG OLED G4 panel features an average response time of 0.78 ms (which directly results from our measurements), allowing for an extremely clear image that is unattainable for LCD televisions, which can have response times of up to several milliseconds. This is clearly visible in images from the "UFO Test," showing no trailing blur behind moving objects. Moreover, the LG OLED G4 test showed that the television offers the ability to precisely adjust the motion smoothing function, allowing users to choose the ideal level of image interpolation. We particularly appreciated this during fast actions in video games, where the LG G4 performed exceptionally well, minimizing any blurring. Thanks to OLED technology, this model eliminates the so-called ghosting, ensuring that the image remains clear even in the most dynamic sports or movie scenes.

The Philips PML9009 has a 120 Hz native refresh rate, a baseline standard for watching sports and an ideal setting for gaming on consoles or PCs. Philips includes an effective motion-enhancement system for users who want to reduce the stutter of 24 fps content or need fluid motion for fast-paced scenes, like in football matches. The dedicated "Smoothness" slider effectively mitigates stuttering, while "Motion Blur Reduction" enhances the sharpness of dynamic content. Each setting produces a noticeable difference, so users can tailor the motion effects to their preferences. Our recommended setup achieves a moderate smoothing effect, avoiding the exaggerated “soap opera” appearance.

Regarding pixel response time, VA panels like this generally fall short compared to OLED or even IPS panels, which can lead to a slight "black halo" trailing behind fast-moving objects. Although not a frequent issue with this TV, the effect can be seen in certain scenes.

Console compatibility and gaming features

10/10

9.8/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    40 - 144Hz
    48 - 144Hz
  • 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
  • G-Sync
    Yes
    Yes

The LG G4 TV supports all the features that make up the HDMI 2.1 standard. During tests, each one activated without the slightest problem, which allows us to consider the TV to be built for gaming. Its performance will certainly be appreciated by both console users and those connecting the LG G4 to a computer. It’s also worth mentioning the correct implementation of the HGIG mode (HDR Gaming Interest Group), which allows games mastered to brightness higher than the maximum luminance of the LG G4 TV to correctly map tones, keeping the game image true to the original.

An added bonus is the existence of a special GameBar, which we can call up at any moment to check game parameters, but most importantly, to change them quickly. More importantly, enabling VRR technology does not worsen contrast, which is very common in TVs with local dimming or Mini LED backlighting. Of course, this is thanks to the OLED panel itself, characterized by pixel self-emission. Out of editorial duty, we will only mention a slight grey flicker, which is somewhat of a norm after enabling VRR.

In summary, the LG G4, like practically all OLED TVs, is an ideal product for all kinds of games and online competitions. With full-fledged HDMI 2.1 ports with full bandwidth of 48 Gbit, features such as VRR, ALLM, G-Sync, FreeSync, or gameplay in HDR Dolby Vision will bring a lot of joy.

The Philips PML9009, with HDMI 2.1 ports supporting full bandwidth, is thoroughly equipped with gamer-focused features. Core functions like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) are included, as well as the additional perks of G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility and low-lag HDR Dolby Vision support. All these gaming features activate seamlessly, proving this model’s suitability for gaming. The TV’s HGIG mode, particularly beneficial for gaming, adjusts HDR effects to the television’s capabilities to avoid image dimming and blooming, an advantage given the still limited number of games supporting Dolby Vision.

For added convenience, the PML9009 has a GameBar menu, allowing in-game setting adjustments without needing to exit. This menu includes features like a crosshair option and black level correction, which can enhance the visibility of shadowed areas—ideal for competitive play.

Overall, the Philips PML9009 offers a comprehensive setup for gamers, supporting VRR, ALLM, G-Sync, FreeSync, and HDR Dolby Vision to deliver immersive, high-quality gaming experiences across a wide range of titles.

Input lag

10/10

9.6/10

SDR

1080p60
14 ms
16 ms
1080p120
5 ms
8 ms
2160p60
14 ms
16 ms
2160p120
5 ms
8 ms

HDR

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

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
13 ms
32 ms
2160p120 DV
5 ms

Lag time LG G4 is at an incredibly low level in every scenario. Even the most avid gamers will surely appreciate the very low input lag at demanding 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR, which is just 5 ms. It is also worth noting that the lag at the same settings but with Dolby Vision HDR enabled remains unchanged, which is not so obvious with the competition. Therefore, it deserves the highest score and recommendation.

The Philips PML9009 excels in input lag measurements, showcasing impressive performance across various signals and resolutions. Gamers will appreciate the manufacturer’s optimisation, with an exceptionally low input lag of 8 ms when playing at 4K120Hz with HDR—virtually imperceptible even in fast-paced online games. Furthermore, the game mode with Dolby Vision also maintains a commendable response time of 16 ms, ensuring that players experience minimal delay during gameplay. This combination of low input lag and effective game mode implementation solidifies the PML9009 as an excellent choice for competitive gamers seeking a responsive, immersive experience.

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

8.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Very Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
5ms
8ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RWBG

LG G4 in combination with a PC works excellently, thanks to a very low latency of just 5 ms, which is practically instantaneous reaction between the mouse, the eye, and the screen. A crucial aspect during work on the screen is primarily the readability of the text, which is very good for the tested television.

The RWBG pixel arrangement has no significant impact on the display of fonts or letters, which is a significant advantage over Samsung's QD-OLED matrices. Users of both Windows-based PCs and macOS will surely be satisfied with the performance on the tested LG G4 screen.

The Philips PML9009 also excels in everyday tasks, with measured delays of just 8 ms providing nearly instantaneous reactions in the mouse-screen-eye connection. Its proper implementation of chroma 4:4:4 ensures crisp, sharp fonts, making it ideal for text work. While the subpixel layout of the matrix is BGR, this doesn't create any issues when using the Windows operating system. However, users on other systems may encounter challenges with text rendering, as those platforms may struggle to convert text accurately. Overall, the PML9009 is a versatile display suitable for gaming and daily productivity tasks.

Viewing angles

9.7/10

2.6/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
9%
83%

The undeniable advantage of OLED screens equipped with MLA technology is their efficiency in viewing conditions from various angles. The eye cannot notice any changes, regardless of the position from which we watch. This type of screen maintains consistent brightness, saturation, and shade of white, unlike LCD panels or OLEDs without micro-lens array (MLA) technology. The only panels that can match them are those produced by Samsung Displays, using quantum dots, i.e., QD-OLED.

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

TV efficiency during daytime

6/10

6.1/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Philips PML9009: 564 cd/m2

LG 55 G4: 482 cd/m2

The glossy display coating of the LG G4, although it sounds like a negative, is actually the opposite. Thanks to it, the LG G4 TV maintains very high efficiency and effectively suppresses all reflections, "holding" them only at their source. It is also worth mentioning the quality of black during the day, which in the case of WRGB panels produced by LG Displays is exceptional. OLED MLA panels, despite having many advantages, are somewhat inferior in this case, but still better in the context of competition from Samsung, whose QD-OLED panels grow gray when exposed to light. The combination of brightness at around 500 nits and the glossy coating allows for using the TV during the day, unless the user has a living room with large glazing.

While the Philips PML9009 offers good brightness levels for SDR materials—making it suitable for evening or dark-room viewing—the reflection suppression is only average. This can be attributed to the satin finish of the panel, which is prone to reflections from various light sources, as it neither absorbs nor diffuses them effectively. However, the relatively high brightness in SDR mode enables the television to perform adequately in brighter rooms, often outperforming many OLED models in this regard. This makes it a viable option for users who might watch content in well-lit environments.

TV features

9.5/10

6/10

  • Operating system
    WebOS
    Titan OS
  • 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)
    Yes
    No
  • Recording programming
    Yes
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    Yes
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    No
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    No
  • 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)
    RF
    Infrared
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    Yes
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

LG uses the well-known proprietary system WebOS, which has been around for many years. The system itself offers virtually all the most important applications, and those that are missing can be counted on one hand, such as CDA or KODI.

WebOS also includes a highly appreciated feature allowing operations to be performed using a cursor that appears when the remote control is moved. The convenience of this feature is invaluable when entering queries or passwords for portals. WebOS, like most systems, also supports functions such as screen mirroring, AirPlay, voice search in Polish, and the ability to connect headphones via Bluetooth. More down-to-earth, WebOS allows us to use headphones and the TV speaker LG G4 simultaneously, which will certainly be a great help for people with hearing impairments. Among the more interesting features that sports fans will particularly appreciate, there is the ability to activate an alert for an upcoming match, ensuring we never miss a broadcast. The home panel is also commendable, allowing control of all smart devices connected to the home network. For example, the completion of a laundry cycle will be signaled by a notification in the upper right corner.

In summary, the WebOS system, although less well-known and having certain limitations compared to Android TV, offers stable and fast operation and supports most functions that users may need. It is a solid solution for those looking for a simple and effective operating system in a television.

Before delving into the software that powers the Philips PML9009, it’s essential to highlight one of the standout features of the manufacturer’s TVs: the multicoloured Ambilight backlighting. This unique feature enhances the viewing experience by projecting colours from the back of the TV that correspond to the on-screen action, creating a more immersive atmosphere.

The operating system used in the PML9009 is Philips' proprietary TitanOs. While it offers some benefits, it is notably more closed and limited when compared to other models that use the Google TV system. One significant drawback is the absence of essential applications such as Apple TV, MAX, Canal+, and Player. Additionally, TitanOs restricts users from performing basic tasks like scheduling recordings or recording to USB. Apple device users may also be disappointed by the lack of AirPlay functionality, which allows for easy screen sharing.

On a positive note, the TV supports connecting a keyboard and mouse, which can simplify navigation through the menu. However, it's worth noting that while the remote pairs via Bluetooth for voice selection in English, all other functions rely on infrared (IR) connectivity.

In summary, TitanOs has its limitations, especially for users who frequently utilize a variety of streaming platforms. It seems better suited for those who primarily engage with a few key services—what one might refer to as the "holy trinity" of streaming: Netflix, YouTube, and CDA.

Playing files from USB

8.5/10

8.2/10

Supported photo formats:

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

Maximum photo resolution:

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

The default file player on the LG G4 definitely handles most photos well, although it is surprising that a few equally popular formats are missing. We can successfully play videos recorded in almost all popular formats, including Dolby Vision. The only codec that the G4 cannot play is H.266 VVC, although this is currently rather unused. However, attention should be paid to the supported photo formats, which are only two: JPEG and PNG. Users of Apple phones may feel disappointed by the lack of support for the HEIC format, which is the default format when taking photos. A remedy for this is to use the built-in AirPlay feature. We will also briefly mention the lack of support for TXT subtitles.

The default media player integrated into the Philips PML9009 provides a fairly comprehensive set of features but does have certain limitations. It supports nearly all common video formats except for the relatively rare .asf format. However, users may encounter issues due to the absence of the H.265 HEVC codec for high-bitrate content and a lack of support for .sub subtitle files, which are popular among many users.

With photo playback, the media player performs adequately, though it does not support some widely used resolutions and formats, such as HEIC, commonly found on Apple devices. The player excels in audio playback and leaves little room for criticism.

Unfortunately, the system's limitations prevent users from extending the player’s functionalities, meaning users are confined to the capabilities the manufacturer has included. This can be a drawback for those who rely on specific formats or additional features not provided by the built-in player.

Apps

9.7/10

3.6/10

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

Sound

8.6/10

6.7/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    8.6/10
    6.7/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    Yes

Audio quality assessment is always subjective. However, we must give LG G4 credit for maintaining a quite good level of sound clarity. The biggest drawback of the audio system built into the TV is the low bass range. However, it is essential to look at it from a different perspective — anyone deciding on this TV will likely own a home theater system. Key in this case will be the broad support for audio codecs, including DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos.

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