Samsung S95D vs Philips PML9009

Direct compare

S95D

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

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Panel technology: QD-OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Tizen

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Panel technology: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Titan OS

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

8.4

6.6

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    8.9

    6.4

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    9.2

    6.4

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    8.9

    6.6

  • Gaming on console

    9.7

    8.5

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    8.6

  • Matrix brightness

    6.2

    6.1

  • Utility functions

    7.7

    6.0

  • Apps

    8.6

    3.6

  • Sound quality

    7.0

    6.7

Advantages

  • Revolutionary image depth and blackness (OLED)

  • Superb HDR effect

  • Excellent brightness

  • Saturated colours - high coverage of the wide colour gamut Bt.2022

  • Best viewing angles on the market

  • Matte matrix

  • Super slim design (Innovative One Connect solution)

  • 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
  • Colours during the day may be less intense due to the matte display

  • No support for DTS audio tracks (may be an issue with an external player)

  • Significant halo/bloom effect

  • Poor viewing angles

  • TitanOs system is not as advanced as the competition

  • Average contrast and black levels

Our verdict

The Samsung S95D stands out as a top choice in Samsung’s 2024 lineup, featuring an innovative matte display that minimises reflections and performs impressively in both low-light and daylight conditions. This model is among the brightest in the OLED segment, offering exceptional visibility in any room. With excellent motion fluidity, it handles fast-paced content like sports or gaming with precision, making it ideal for enthusiasts of dynamic visuals. Gamers will also appreciate the S95D's four HDMI 2.1 ports, fully compatible with the latest console features, as well as built-in access to the Xbox app for cloud gaming, allowing for gameplay without a console.

In daily use, the S95D proves user-friendly. Samsung’s Tizen system offers an intuitive interface with access to popular streaming platforms and is compatible with a range of smart devices via the SmartThings app, enabling control of home features like lighting and security directly from the TV. The S95D also supports MultiView, allowing two programs to be viewed simultaneously, and has a responsive interface for smooth switching between apps. An eco-friendly solar remote further enhances convenience, capable of controlling multiple devices from one place, including decoders, home cinema systems, and consoles.

Connectivity options, such as AirPlay and Bluetooth, enable easy streaming and pairing with accessories. Design-wise, the S95D impresses with its slim profile and One Connect solution, making it a sleek addition to any space. Although the matte display may slightly reduce colour intensity in bright daylight, this TV is packed with advanced features and high-quality performance. It’s a premium choice for anyone seeking top-tier home entertainment, deserving its reputation as one of the standout televisions of 2024.

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 (40Gbps)
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
Toslink (Optical audio)
Outputs
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:

Samsung S95D with QD-OLED technology stands out with incredible black levels, achievable due to self-emissive OLED pixels combined with a quantum dot layer. With this technology, each pixel on the screen can be individually turned off, resulting in absolute black with no light leakage. The result is an image with infinite contrast, where bright objects on a dark background are sharply visible, and details in the shadows are rendered with extraordinary precision. Compared to traditional LCD TVs and other OLEDs, S95D offers exceptional uniformity and depth of black, making it an ideal choice for the most demanding viewers. This provides extraordinary depth and "three-dimensionality" of the image when viewed in the dark.

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, HDR10+, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 99.6%, Bt.2020: 87.7%
DCI P3: 93.0%, Bt.2020: 73.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Result

1400 nit

Result

1521 nit

Result

1560 nit

Result

1385 nit

Result

804 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: HDR10+

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

HDR luminance chart:

Philips PML9009

Samsung S95D

Samsung S95D offers excellent HDR performance, providing uniform effects across all scenes exceeding 1500 nits, except for the fifth scene, where brightness drops to 800 nits. Despite this, the television maintains a high level of image quality. A significant advantage of QD-OLED technology is its ability to retain high brightness even in the smallest elements on a black background, which is uncommon in LCD and mini LED televisions. This ensures that every scene captivates with strong light effects, regardless of the size of the illuminated surface. Only in the brightest scenes with large light areas does brightness slightly decrease, which is typical even for standard LG-produced OLEDs. Additionally, the quantum dot coating has allowed for unprecedented high coverage of the BT.2020 colour gamut at 88%.

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

7.5/10

5.3/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The Samsung S95D’s Filmmaker mode excels in colour accuracy, making it ideal for true-to-life viewing and closely reflecting the intent of content creators. We rely on this mode for all testing, as it presents significantly more detail than the often oversaturated standard or dynamic modes. Initially, viewers may find the image slightly warmer in Filmmaker mode, but it brings out a more authentic, balanced display. Despite being in the premium segment, the factory settings aren’t perfect. For example, there is a dip in red tones in the white balance for both HD and HDR content, with Colour Checker tests showing a cooler colour bias that shifts the image towards blue, impacting the natural appearance of scenes. In the sample photo, the boy appears in cooler tones, which diminishes realism.

Brightness performance for HD content is generally on point, though minor inconsistencies appear. However, the more noticeable issue arises with 4K HDR content. While the EOTF curve seems accurate in test patterns, real scenes sometimes reveal fluctuations, where some areas are overly brightened or darkened. Although the S95D offers reasonably good out-of-the-box colour reproduction, calibration is recommended to achieve a more precise, natural, and immersive picture, maximising the television’s potential.

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

9/10

7.5/10

Calibration can significantly elevate a television's image quality, enhancing both accuracy and overall viewing experience. For the Samsung S95D, calibration has notably refined the white balance, removing major colour inaccuracies to produce more natural and balanced tones, which allows for a closer representation of the filmmakers’ vision. The adjustments bring subtle improvements to contrast and gamma, with more pronounced distinctions between light and dark areas, adding depth and revealing finer details in both shadows and highlights. This creates a richer, more lifelike image with enhanced detail, particularly in darker scenes where shadows now hold greater clarity, while bright areas appear well-balanced rather than overly intense.

Despite these improvements, the EOTF curve remains slightly below ideal, which might influence the handling of dynamic scenes. However, the enhanced tonal transitions and boosted contrast post-calibration make the S95D an excellent choice for film and high-definition content, bringing it closer to reference-level quality. This calibration enables the television to deliver a more immersive, accurate visual experience in line with industry standards, ultimately offering a more rewarding viewing experience.

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

8.5/10

7/10

The tonal gradation in the Samsung S95D television is exceptional. Even in the most demanding scenes from tested films, the TV performs remarkably well, with minimal and nearly imperceptible issues related to smoothing tonal transitions. These minor imperfections are unlikely to be noticed by the average viewer, enhancing the overall positive visual experience during everyday use.

Furthermore, the incorporation of a QD-OLED panel enables the S95D to achieve superior results compared to the best WOLED panels produced by LG. This advanced technology contributes to a more vibrant and nuanced colour reproduction, allowing viewers to enjoy a richer and more immersive viewing experience. Overall, the Samsung S95D sets a high standard for tonal performance in televisions.

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

8/10

7.6/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The Samsung S95D handles tonal transitions in lower-quality materials exceptionally well. In tests featuring a screen with a light bulb, there are virtually unnoticeable transitions between shades of grey, positioning it among the best televisions we have evaluated in this aspect.

Regarding digital processing, the S95D excels in rendering the entire image—whether it's branches or figures—without any jagged edges or overly pronounced contours. However, one point to note is that the image appears slightly trimmed. Despite this minor issue, the television still performs admirably, ensuring that details in lower-quality materials remain noticeable and well-defined. This ability to maintain clarity and depth in various content types further solidifies the S95D's reputation for delivering a high-quality viewing experience.

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):

The Samsung S95D TV, featuring a refresh rate of 120 Hz (and even 144 Hz when configured correctly for PC use), guarantees exceptional motion smoothness. Samsung provides a range of image sharpness settings on a ten-point scale, enabling users to customise the display according to their preferences— favouring a more cinematic look or a smoother, theatrical feel.

In UFO tests, the OLED panel demonstrates its strengths by effectively eliminating any blurring. The rapid pixel response ensures that dynamic movements are replicated with remarkable precision, resulting in a fluid viewing experience that enhances fast-paced content, such as action films or competitive gaming. This combination of high refresh rates and superior pixel response makes the S95D an outstanding choice for those seeking crisp, clear motion in their visual media.

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

9.5/10

9.8/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 144Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    No
    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 Samsung S95D TV is expertly designed to meet the needs of gamers, featuring four HDMI 2.1 ports that support essential functionalities like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and HDR Gaming Interest Group (HGIG). While the HDMI 2.1 ports do not offer the full 48Gb bandwidth, they are still adequate for achieving the desired resolution and smooth performance.

These technologies enable players to experience smoother and more responsive gameplay, significantly enhancing comfort and performance during intense gaming sessions. A standout feature is the Xbox app, which facilitates cloud gaming without requiring a console. This allows gamers to access an extensive range of titles directly on the TV, enjoying high image quality and fluid gameplay.

Additionally, the S95D includes a Game Bar feature, making it easy to manage game settings with quick adjustments, such as changing the screen ratio—an extremely useful function for various games and gameplay modes. The support for G-Sync and FreeSync is another advantage, particularly for Nvidia and AMD graphics card users.

Although the S95D lacks support for Dolby Vision, it still provides an impressive array of features, making it an ideal choice for console gaming enthusiasts. Overall, the S95D combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional picture quality, creating a comprehensive package for any gamer seeking an immersive experience.

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

HDR

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

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
32 ms
2160p120 DV

The Samsung S95D TV excels with an exceptionally low input lag of just 5 ms for 120 Hz content and 9 ms for 60 Hz content. These impressive figures contribute to an incredibly smooth gaming experience, ensuring players can react quickly and accurately during intense gaming sessions. If our scale extended beyond 10 points, the S95D would undoubtedly warrant an even higher rating for its outstanding performance!

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
Good
Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
5ms
8ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement

The Samsung S95D is truly an excellent choice for computer use. With support for chroma 4:4:4, text on the screen is sharp and clear, making it ideal for both work and gaming. When connected to a computer, the input lag of just 5 ms ensures a smooth and responsive experience.

However, we did deduct some points due to the visibility issues with small fonts on a black background, which stem from the specific sub-pixel layout of QD-OLED panels. Despite this, the overall user experience is impressive, and the TV performs exceptionally well in both everyday tasks and more demanding scenarios.

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

9.8/10

2.6/10

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

The viewing angles on the Samsung S95D are truly outstanding—the best we've encountered in our tests. QD-OLED matrices excel in this area, setting a new standard. While standard WOLEDs offer impressive viewing angles, the S95D surpasses them easily. No matter the angle you're watching, the image remains bright, clear, and rich in detail. This remarkable performance solidifies the Samsung S95D as the absolute leader in viewing angle quality among televisions.

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

6.2/10

6.1/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Philips PML9009: 564 cd/m2

Samsung S95D: 508 cd/m2

The Samsung S95D television stands out with exceptional performance during the day, being the only OLED on the market with a matte screen. Thanks to this feature, light reflections are reduced, allowing for comfortable viewing in bright rooms. However, it is worth noting that the matte coating may slightly diminish colour intensity. Despite this minor drawback, the television remains very bright, offering up to 500 nits of brightness. This makes the picture clear and vivid even in well-lit spaces, making the S95D a great choice for everyday use.

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

7.7/10

6/10

  • Operating system
    Tizen
    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)
    No
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    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

The Samsung S95D television offers a range of features that significantly enhance user comfort, making it an ideal device for home entertainment. The Tizen system, on which this model is based, is a modern and advanced platform that provides an intuitive and smooth experience. Thanks to the user-friendly interface, navigation through applications and settings is quick and simple, making it easy to use the television even for those less familiar with technology. Tizen supports a rich set of applications, including all popular streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Alongside this, the support of AirPlay allows for easy content sharing from Apple devices such as the iPhone or iPad.

It is also worth noting that the S95D television works with the SmartThings app, enabling integration with other smart devices in the home. This app allows for the creation of automations and monitoring of home equipment, making the television an entertainment device and a smart home management centre all in one.

Another highlight is the included accessories, such as the environmentally friendly solar remote, which is also practical for everyday use. This remote can control multiple devices connected to the television, eliminating the need for several different remotes; it easily integrates with other decoders such as Canal+ and NC+. Additionally, the One Connect module in the Samsung S95D is a fantastic solution that makes the television incredibly sleek. With this device, you can hide all cables and connections. It is one of the slimmest devices that can be mounted on the wall, providing an aesthetic and modern look to your interior. If you wish to place the device on a sturdy metal base, you need not worry; this module can be mounted at the back of the base, creating a harmonious whole.

The only downside that can be pointed out is the lack of USB recording support. For some users, this may be a limitation. Despite this, the Samsung S95D television offers many advanced features and technologies making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking high-quality entertainment in their home.

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

8.8/10

8.2/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
No
Yes
GIF
No
Yes
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
Yes
No
12 Mpix
Yes
No
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
No
24 Mpix
Yes
No
28 Mpix
Yes
No
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

Samsung S95D stands out with its excellent built-in player, which handles most of the video and audio files we tested without any issues. The exceptions are files in Dolby Vision format and some less common codecs.

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

8.6/10

3.6/10

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
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

7/10

6.7/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    7/10
    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:
    No
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    No
    Yes

Despite being one of the slimmest televisions on the market, the Samsung S95D offers surprisingly pleasant sound quality. The television supports Dolby codecs, allowing for high audio fidelity. However, a notable downside is the lack of DTS support, which may be a limitation for some users who rely on external players. Nonetheless, the overall sound quality remains satisfactory, especially for such a slim device.

With advanced Dolby Atmos technology, users can enjoy immersive, three-dimensional sound that perfectly complements the high picture quality. In tests, the sound quality of the Samsung S95D QE65S95D model was characterised by exceptional clarity and detail, making it stand out among other models in this category. The integrated acoustic correction system further fine-tunes the sound to the size and acoustics of the room, ensuring optimal audio experiences. Overall, the Samsung S95D performs excellently whether watching movies or listening to music, providing an impressive audio-visual experience.

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.