Philips PML9009 vs Samsung S85D

Direct compare

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

S85D

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Panel technology: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Titan OS

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Panel technology: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Tizen

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

6.6

7.8

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.4

    7.7

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.4

    8.6

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.6

    8.4

  • Gaming on console

    8.5

    9.4

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    7.6

  • Matrix brightness

    6.1

    5.3

  • Utility functions

    6.0

    7.7

  • Apps

    3.6

    8.6

  • Sound quality

    6.7

    7.0

Advantages

  • 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

  • Excellent Contrast: Thanks to OLED technology, you get deep blacks and vibrant colors.

  • Fast and Intuitive: The Tizen operating system provides a smooth and user-friendly experience.

  • Solar Remote: Conveniently controls other devices like decoders and gaming consoles.

  • Wide Viewing Angles: OLED ensures a great view from any seat in the room.

  • Smooth Motion: Equipped with a 120 Hz panel for fluid and clear motion, perfect for action scenes.

  • Ideal for Gamers: Packed with features designed to enhance the gaming experience.

  • Distinctive Design: A unique look that sets it apart from other models.

  • Affordable Price: Offers premium features without the premium price tag.

Disadvantages

No like
  • Significant halo/bloom effect

  • Poor viewing angles

  • TitanOs system is not as advanced as the competition

  • Average contrast and black levels

  • No recording function from built-in tuners

  • Average SDR brightness – 310 nits

  • No support for DTS audio tracks

Our verdict

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.

The S85D is the 2024 entry-level OLED model from Samsung, which offers a lot for its reasonable price tag. 

Thanks to OLED technology, you can enjoy excellent contrast, deep blacks, and impeccable viewing angles, ensuring a comfortable watch from anywhere in the room. 

The Tizen operating system provides easy access to applications and streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. At the same time, the solar remote permits control of other devices in the home - such as a satellite decoder, console, and more. 

Its AirPlay feature allows for connection to iPhones, iPads and Macs and Bluetooth support enables wireless pairing with headphones, soundbars and gaming controllers.

The design of the Samsung S85D stands out among its peers due to its unusual, rounded shape at the back, giving the TV an elegant appearance. High compatibility with other devices allows for easy transition into a home entertainment system without major issues. 

However, no device is without flaws. The lack of recording functionality and DTS audio support means that users who prefer this codec will need an external audio system, and the average SDR brightness may affect viewing in very bright rooms.

Despite these slight imperfections, the Samsung S85D is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a modern, versatile TV with outstanding picture quality. It offers many features that significantly enhance the user experience, leaving a positive impression. A lot for a little – the Samsung S85D proves you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy premium viewing from your TV.

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), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

6.6/10

10/10

Kontrast:

Result

132,000:1

Result

16,550:1

Result

14,450:1

Result

7,850:1

Result

6,650:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

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.

The Samsung S85D delivers exceptional black levels and contrast, making it worthy of top ratings. Leveraging OLED technology, it achieves infinite contrast, ensuring that dark scenes are displayed with perfect blacks and no halo effect. In demanding scenes, like those from the movie Oblivion, the TV shows a flawless separation of light and shadow, resulting in an incredibly lifelike image. Notably, the S85D uses a WOLED panel supplied by LG, similar to certain variants of the S90D model. This panel significantly enhances the contrast quality, especially in scenes with high dynamic range, making it an excellent choice for fans of visually striking films and series.

HDR effect quality

6/10

5.4/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 93.0%, Bt.2020: 73.0%
DCI P3: 98.9%, Bt.2020: 74.6%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Result

548 nit

Result

550 nit

Result

864 nit

Result

524 nit

Result

582 nit

Result

570 nit

Result

580 nit

Result

666 nit

Result

629 nit

Result

283 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:

Samsung S85D

Philips PML9009

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.


Brightness is an important factor in televisions, and the S85D offers a level similar to older OLED models. While it’s not outstanding in this area, it comes at a very competitive price. With peak brightness at 600 nits, HDR content looks sharp, delivering a hint of cinematic quality at home. Like many budget OLEDs, though, very bright, full-screen scenes—such as the final shot in The Meg—may cause the brightness to drop by nearly half, which is noticeable compared to pricier models. However, with 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage, the S85D delivers vibrant, accurate colours.

Factory color reproduction

5.3/10

6.6/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

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.

The Filmmaker mode on the Samsung S85D offers the best factory settings, but it is not free from flaws, particularly noticeable in colour reproduction. The white balance chart for HD and HDR content shows clear issues – both red and blue are significantly weakened, leading to a dominance of green. The result is an unnatural yellowish glow that can affect the perception of realistic scenes. The Colour Checker test also highlights issues, with colour samples deviating from expected values – for HD materials, colours tend to be too saturated, with a noticeable shift towards green, as seen in the white balance chart. In contrast, for 4K HDR content, colours appear too dull and lack depth, diminishing the attractiveness and naturalness of the image. This effect is particularly noticeable in delicate scenes where colour precision plays a key role, which can be disappointing for discerning viewers who expect faithful reproduction of details and colour intensity.

When it comes to brightness, the gamma chart for HD content produces positives, but there is a noticeable spike at the end, exceeding a value of 2.4. Although this is not a major problem in most scenes, in more demanding sequences it can affect the clarity of bright details. For 4K content, the problematic aspect is the EOTF curve, responsible for delivering brightness. The initial part of the chart shows a small spike. This phenomenon can result in excessive boosting of brightness in the brightest areas of the image, leading to loss of detail in very bright scenes.

Although the Samsung S85D’s factory settings are reasonable, especially in Filmmaker mode, it is worth considering a manual adjustment of settings to improve some imperfections, particularly in color reproduction.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.5/10

8.7/10

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.

After calibration, Filmmaker mode on the Samsung S85D truly stands out. White balance adjustments across all content types yield significantly more natural colour reproduction. In the Colour Checker test, colour reproduction errors are minimal and well within acceptable limits, reflecting precise and true-to-life hues. Factory settings fell short in this regard, but now colours appear realistic, as though accurately rendered according to the creators’ intent. This marks a substantial improvement over previous generations, where colours often appeared distorted or overly saturated.

Brightness also benefits from calibration, becoming sharper and more refined. The Gamma, already fairly consistent, is now even more stable, delivering a deeper and more natural image. Adjustments to the EOTF curve enhance detail visibility in darker areas and improve contrast balance. With these refinements, the television provides a nearly reference-quality image, greatly enriching the experience of movies and HDR content.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7/10

7.2/10

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.

The Samsung S85D handles tonal transitions very well. There are no major issues, and the transitions between different color levels are smooth and natural. The only minor drawback is slight problems around the reds, where in some scenes you can notice minor disturbances. Nevertheless, the overall effect is very positive – the television performs excellently with most materials.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

7.6/10

7.4/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

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.

Samsung S85D performs excellently in image scaling and smoothing tonal transitions. Like other Samsung models, the TV offers three noise reduction modes: off, standard, and high. While it improves gradation well, it unfortunately also removes film grain, which many viewers desire to give the image a cinematic character. Grain often adds authenticity and a certain rawness to films, which is lost after smoothing. Removing grain can make the image look too sterile and smoothed out, which takes away some of the charm of the original film material. As for image scaling, the Samsung S85D handles lower resolution content perfectly – the model in the photo and the branches in the background are shown correctly, without significant jagged edge issues. The only noticeable drawback is the presence of overscan, which can sometimes cut off parts of the image, which may not be to everyone's taste.

Blur and motion smoothness

7.7/10

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
120Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Nie
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
0%
49%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

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.

As expected from an OLED television, the Samsung S85D offers excellent motion fluidity. Equipped with a 120 Hz panel and a fast response time, the television delivers very smooth playback of dynamic scenes without visible blurring. For movie enthusiasts, there is a feature called "Image Clarity Settings," which allows you to adjust motion fluidity to individual preferences on a 10-point scale. Motion blur reduction increases the sharpness of fast-moving objects, while judder reduction smooths out motion, eliminating the "stuttering" effect. This allows every user to set the appropriate level of clarity that best suits their taste, from a more cinematic effect to clearer, smoother movements.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

9.5/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • 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 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.

The Samsung S85D is an excellent choice for gamers due to its many modern features that facilitate and enhance gameplay. The TV has four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing you to connect the latest consoles without worrying about image quality or frame rate limitations. This means support for 4K resolution at 120 Hz, which is ideal for modern titles. Additionally, the Samsung S85D has an ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) function that automatically switches to low latency mode when it detects a gaming device. This way, you don't have to manually switch settings—the TV takes care of ensuring a quick response time, which is crucial in games where every second counts.

The VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) feature and G-Sync support are further elements that make gameplay smoother. VRR adjusts the refresh rate to match the frame rate generated by the console or PC, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. This is particularly useful in dynamic games where the frame rate can fluctuate. Auto Motion Plus Game is a feature that Samsung has introduced with gamers in mind, and it's worth appreciating. Thanks to it, the image in games becomes smoother—30 frames per second looks like 45, and 60 Hz gains fluidity, approximating a 90 Hz effect. Meanwhile, there is no significant increase in input lag, which remains below 25 ms, distinguishing this feature from others available on the market. Gamers can enjoy smoother visuals without worrying about a decline in responsiveness.

Samsung has also taken care of something extra—the TV has a built-in Xbox Game Pass app, which means you can play in the cloud without the need for a console. This is a great solution for those who want to enjoy gaming without investing in additional hardware. All you need is internet access, and you have a vast library of games at your fingertips. This makes the Samsung S85D a great choice for both casual gamers and more advanced ones.

Input lag

9.6/10

9.9/10

SDR

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

HDR

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

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
32 ms
2160p120 DV

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.

The Samsung S85D achieves excellent results in terms of input lag, regardless of refresh rate or resolution. This means that the screen responses are almost instantaneous, which is particularly important in fast-paced, dynamic games. Players can count on the television's lightning-fast response to controller movements, providing an advantage in competition and greater satisfaction with the gameplay. Low input lag is a significant advantage of this model, making the Samsung S85D an ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts.

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

7.6/10

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

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.

The Samsung S85D performs very well as a computer monitor. Thanks to the clear visibility of the fonts, regardless of the background type, using it is convenient and comfortable. The 4:4:4 chroma support ensures precise reproduction of text and graphics, which is important during office work, web browsing, or document editing. The Samsung S85D is a versatile television that easily serves as a monitor for everyday applications.

Viewing angles

2.6/10

7.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
83%
28%

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.

The viewing angles on the Samsung S85D are excellent, as befits an OLED. The image remains sharp and does not lose quality even when viewed at wide angles, making the television perfect for larger rooms and watching together with family or friends. The only televisions that offer better viewing angles are those with QD-OLED or MLA OLED panels.

TV efficiency during daytime

6.1/10

5.3/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung S85D: 313 cd/m2

Philips PML9009: 564 cd/m2

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.

The Samsung S85D performs quite well with reflections thanks to the satin coating of the panel, which effectively dampens them. Unfortunately, the SDR brightness of 310 nits is rather average, meaning that in very bright rooms, the TV's effectiveness may be limited. This is not an impressive result, so this model will definitely perform better during evening viewing when such brightness will be sufficient. During the day, to get better comfort, it may be necessary to draw the blinds or curtains.

TV features

6/10

7.7/10

  • Operating system
    Titan OS
    Tizen
  • 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
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    No
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    No
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    Infrared
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Before 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.

The Samsung S85D runs on the Tizen operating system, which is intuitive and provides easy access to many applications and streaming services. The system offers smooth and fast navigation, significantly improving the comfort of using the TV. The television is equipped with a solar remote control that allows for the control of other devices, such as decoders and home theater systems, enabling the management of all home equipment with a single device. In terms of connectivity, the Samsung S85D supports AirPlay, making it easier to stream content from Apple devices, and has a built-in Bluetooth module that allows for the connection of peripheral devices such as keyboards, headphones, or speakers.

When it comes to everyday use of the television for regular TV viewing, the S85D model offers several useful features, but it also has some shortcomings. One of its advantages is the PIP (Picture-in-Picture) function, which allows for simultaneous viewing of two contents – for example, a match in a small window and a favorite series on the rest of the screen. This is a convenient solution for those who want to keep up with various programs. However, the lack of recording capability from the built-in tuners is disappointing. This limitation means that favorite shows or movies cannot be saved for later, which can be problematic for those who want to flexibly adjust their TV watching to their schedule – however, we believe that the absence of this function is becoming less burdensome as users now have wide access to various content online, making the need for recording less significant.

The design of the Samsung S85D television is distinguished by its characteristic, rounded shape at the back, setting it apart from most OLED TVs, which usually have a flat back. This unusual design gives it a unique look and attracts attention, making the TV appear modern and elegant. The package includes a remote control, a CI+ module, a stand in the form of two legs, and a power cable, allowing for quick and convenient usage of the television without the need to purchase additional accessories.

Playing files from USB

8.2/10

8.9/10

Supported photo formats:

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

Maximum photo resolution:

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

The default media player 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.

Playing multimedia files on the Samsung S85D will satisfy most users. The television offers wide compatibility with popular video, audio, and image file formats, ensuring smooth playback from both USB drives and the local network. The built-in media player operates efficiently and is easy to use, although there may be issues with some less common formats.

Apps

3.6/10

8.6/10

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

Sound

6.7/10

7/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.7/10
    7/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    Yes
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    No

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.

The Samsung S85D delivers decent sound quality, despite its built-in speaker system (2x10W) not being particularly remarkable. It supports Dolby Atmos technology, which enhances spatial audio, although it does not accommodate the DTS format. The sound is clear and adequate for everyday use; however, connecting an external audio system is recommended for those seeking a richer and more dynamic audio experience.