Philips OLED809/819 vs Sony Bravia 8 (XR80)

Direct compare

OLED809 / OLED819 / AMIBLIGHT TV

Info

BRAVIA 8 / XR80

Available screen sizes: 48”55”65”77”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Panel type: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Panel type: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

7.6

7.9

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.3

    7.5

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    7.8

    8.0

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    8.2

    8.1

  • Gaming on console

    9.2

    8.8

  • TV as a computer monitor

    6.4

    7.6

  • Watching in bright light

    5.5

    5.6

  • Utility functions

    7.8

    9.5

  • Apps

    10.0

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    7.1

    7.5

Advantages

  • Advanced Google TV system with good app support

  • Very good cooperation with the console

  • Good image fluidity, and an advanced system for its improvement

  • Multicoloured Ambilight backlighting

  • Excellent contrast

  • Google TV – intuitive system, easy access to applications, backlit remote.

  • Very good motion fluidity – 120 Hz, advanced smoothing system.

  • Great Dolby Vision support

  • Very good viewing angles

  • Superb built-in audio system

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor factory colour rendering (can be fixed through calibration)

  • Strongly contrasting tonal transitions

  • Average readability of fonts when connected to a computer

  • Poor gradation – visible transitions between dark and light colours

  • Brightness in daylight – better for night screenings than for use in daylight

  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports – one of which is ARC.

Our verdict

Philips OLED 809 is a quite versatile television that appeals to a wide range of viewers. Its greatest distinguishing feature among all the television models on the market is the multicolour Ambilight backlighting. This often allows for an even greater immersion and engagement in the world of film. What is most important in televisions, namely contrast, black levels, and colour reproduction, is at a high level, and this is something that will always impress in OLED televisions. The tested television, although it performed quite well in our test, has some shortcomings worth noting. These include the quality of tonal transitions and the abrupt operation of the dynamic tone mapping function. In some cases, these may slightly irritate sensitive eyes. However, Philips OLED 809 excels in other respects, particularly in two areas: gaming performance and motion smoothing. The former stands out particularly strongly, as each of the implemented functions operates without the slightest hesitation, allowing for an even more immersive gaming experience. As for motion fluidity, it is at a similarly high level as the gaming support. Thanks to two sliders, whose effects are noticeable at each position, every user can find the best degree of smoothing for themselves. It’s also worth mentioning the Google TV system, which operates very smoothly and during the tests there were no "stutters".

Bravia 8 XR80 is the only Sony OLED model from the 2024 production that will certainly attract the attention of image quality enthusiasts. The television offers excellent picture quality with the characteristic deep blacks of OLED, vibrant colours, and infinite contrast. This makes every scene incredibly realistic. Thanks to OLED technology, dark scenes look perfect, and the reproduction of black and bright elements stand out with great detail. This creates an amazing effect - a cinematic experience. While watching sports or action-packed films, we particularly appreciated the fluidity of the image. The 120 Hz panel performs excellently – no issues with blur, even in the most dynamic moments. This is a television that truly excels in situations where fast action and vivid details are important. The Google TV system is another strong point of Bravia 8. The interface is simple, clear, and easy to navigate. We had no trouble finding all the popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video. The USB-C rechargeable remote is a nice addition – it fits well in the hand, and the backlighting proved invaluable during evening use of the television. Of course, not everything was perfect. The SDR brightness of 330 nits is a result that does not impress, especially in well-lit rooms. This model definitely performs better during the evenings in darker conditions. We also noticed that the colour gradation is slightly worse than in previous Sony models - this is a very strange move because, after all, they have always been known for their superb digital processing. Another limitation is that there are only two HDMI 2.1 ports (including eARC) – with a larger number of devices, such as two consoles and a soundbar, it becomes problematic. Despite these minor downsides, Bravia 8 XR80 is a great television that is suitable for both everyday use and evening screenings. Excellent picture quality, motion fluidity, and an intuitive Google TV system make for a combination that makes a difference. If we are looking for a decent OLED in 2024, this model is definitely worth considering.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

10/10

10/10

Contrast:

Review Philips OLED809/819 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED809/819 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED809/819 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED809/819 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED809/819 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Philips OLED 809, as the name suggests, uses an organic matrix. Like the vast majority of manufacturers, it comes from the LG Displays factory, which is not surprising, as other leading manufacturers like Sony and Panasonic also use them. The application of this type of panel allows for achieving an ideal result in the contrast and black testing procedure. Thanks to such results, the image is incredibly vivid and free of any blooming effect from bright text on a dark background, which is already an indispensable element of televisions with local dimming. This is made possible by the very construction of the panel, which is not made up of many layers of filters, but from conductive organic polymers, controlled by electrical impulses. Thus, if we want to achieve black, the pixel dims to a value of 0, rather than being obscured. The lights present in the test image are perfectly separated from each other, which is extremely difficult, and often impossible, for LCD televisions. One of the strongest advantages of Philips OLED 809 is its ability to render contrasts. The Philips OLED809 test showed that the television excels at separating bright elements, such as headlights, from dark backgrounds.

The Sony Bravia 8 television, equipped with an OLED panel, offers exceptional black and contrast quality. Thanks to OLED technology, each pixel emits its own light, providing excellent black depth and precision in light reproduction. In tested scenes, such as sequences from the films Oblivion and Sicario 2, the television achieves perfect light separation, resulting in a very detailed and realistic image, even in challenging contrast conditions. The Sony Bravia 8 truly stands out among other models in this category.

HDR effect quality

6.8/10

6.6/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 99.0%, Bt.2020: 75.0%
DCI P3: 99.0%, Bt.2020: 74.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Philips OLED809/819 Brightness measurement

Result

921 nit

Review Philips OLED809/819 Brightness measurement

Result

970 nit

Review Philips OLED809/819 Brightness measurement

Result

1039 nit

Review Philips OLED809/819 Brightness measurement

Result

1022 nit

Review Philips OLED809/819 Brightness measurement

Result

425 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

849 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

865 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

888 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

880 nit

Review Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) Brightness measurement

Result

469 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:

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80)

Philips OLED809/819

Philips OLED 809 delivers a more than satisfying HDR effect. The television is capable of generating brightness exceeding 900 nits in almost every scene, and sometimes even over 1000. This result allows for a full experience of content with a wide tonal range. The only moment when Philips OLED 809 is unable to generate higher brightness is in a scene from the movie “The Meg,” which features a large amount of bright white across a significant portion of the screen. However, this cannot be regarded as a poor result, as it represents a considerable improvement over its predecessor. Generally speaking, such values for OLED panels produced by LG Display, which do not feature MLA technology, are very, very good. When combined with high coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, they allow for an exceptional HDR experience. The Philips OLED 809 test showed that this television supports popular HDR formats such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

Sony Bravia 8 performs reasonably well in terms of HDR brightness. A maximum brightness level of 880 nits is satisfactory and allows for enjoyable light effects in most scenes. In the tested segments of the films Life of Pi and Sicario 2, the television looks really good, offering vibrant and detailed images that fully convey the atmosphere of these productions.

However, a greater challenge is presented by a scene from the film The Meg, where the screen is entirely very bright. In such situations, the limitations of OLED technology are evident, as the television loses brightness, dropping to about 450 nits. This decline is less satisfactory, especially when the entire scene requires intense lighting. Despite these limitations, Sony Bravia 8 remains a competitive model, offering excellent coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and a BT.2020 standard coverage of 74%. As a result, colours are rich and details are precise, which significantly enhances the quality of HDR content consumption and makes viewing a pleasant experience.

Factory color reproduction

5.1/10

7.2/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode in which we conducted all our tests was "Filmmaker", which has become rather standard in televisions from this manufacturer. However, let's check what its characteristics were before we began the calibration process. The first aspect we will examine is white balance, as despite appearing unassuming, it determines whether the image will be free from any kind of tint. The graph clearly shows that both in SDR and HDR materials, there was a dominant presence of two colours: red and green, which resulted in a strong yellow tint that was ubiquitous across the entire image. This is perfectly visible on the "ColourChecker" palette, where all hues shifted towards their warmer counterparts. The second thing we will scrutinise is, in our opinion, the two most important graphs regarding image quality assessment: gamma and the EOTF curve. Both aim to maintain adequate brightness and contrast. The first one serves to describe the brightness level in SDR materials, while the second shows the rate of luminance increase. Analyzing the first one, we can observe that it was extremely lowered compared to the reference value marked by the orange line. This situation resulted primarily in a sharp increase in brightness and a significant reduction in contrast, almost reminiscent of that in OLED televisions. The EOTF curve exhibited greater "moderation" and only slightly brightened the entire image to 50% of the maximum brightness.

The best factory mode available on the Sony Bravia 8 television is IMAX Enhanced, which provides the most cinematic experience, although it is not perfectly set up. The television tries to faithfully reproduce cinematic settings, but certain shortcomings are noticeable. Starting with the white balance, both for SDR and 4K materials, a pronounced blue tint can be observed. This causes the image to appear too cold, stripping it of its naturalness. Tests using Colour Checker show that colours shift towards cooler tones, which may affect the accuracy of colour reproduction and make the image less realistic.

As for brightness and contrast characteristics, the gamma shows a significant drop at the end of the chart. This means that dark details may be too dark and bright elements too bright, resulting in a loss of subtlety and becoming less visible. As seen in the sky - in the comparative photo. In turn, the EOTF curve is well above the reference value, causing bright elements of the image to be too intense. As a result, users may perceive the image as unnatural, and bright areas may lose details, negatively impacting the overall viewing quality.

Color reproduction after calibration

9/10

8.2/10

Philips, like most leading manufacturers, has been providing advanced tools for calibration processes for years. Here we will find both 2- and 20-point grey scale adjustments, as well as an advanced CMS (Colour Management System). As you can observe, this has brought about extremely beneficial results and profoundly changed the perceived image. Practically every one of the elements mentioned above has undergone a transformation and has been brought back to its natural state. This is particularly evident on the "ColourChecker" palette, where the measured samples are harmoniously in place. It must be said that the white balance has turned out exceptionally well, allowing us to enjoy a clean image free from any tint in both SDR and HDR materials. The biggest issue of OLED809, namely gamma, has been properly modelled and only shows minor errors here and there, which will not affect the overall picture. The EOTF curve, on the other hand, has been rid of that subtle brightening and now presents itself as reference-level.

The calibration process of the Sony Bravia 8 television has brought significant improvements in image quality. The white balance has been noticeably enhanced, for both SDR and 4K HDR content, with minimal errors in the middle of the graph. Gamma has proven to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of calibration – it has been completely rid of previous dips, which has significantly impacted brightness stability and better detail reproduction in the darker parts of the image. The EOTF curve has also been levelled, making bright elements of the image appear more natural, and the overall tonal dynamics are now more balanced.

However, the most attention should be paid to colour reproduction, where, despite calibration, certain issues still persist. Sony has omitted the use of a CMS system in this model, which allows for very precise control over colours. As a result, the Colour Checker test for 4K materials still shows significant errors in colour samples. Despite these difficulties, we recommend performing calibration, as the effects are noticeable and significantly enhance image quality, particularly in terms of brightness and contrast.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

2.4/10

5/10

Equally important as colours, blackness and contrast in the context of the image quality assessment process is its purity. This category can also include the quality of tonal transitions. How many of you have experienced the effect of "banding" of colours on your older receivers? It is extremely bothersome and often effectively hinders immersion in the series or film being watched. Philips OLED 809 unfortunately has one of those qualities that are better left unspoken. However, out of editorial duty, we should take a look at them and evaluate, which will be quite simple given their lack of complexity. As you can see, practically every scene demonstrated a lack of fluidity between colours. And just as in the film "Kingsman" this is still acceptable, in other productions it is really impossible to leave them with a clean conscience, especially when looking at "The Green Knight." There, the dense fog has practically been converted into horizontal stripes and vaguely defined geometric shapes. There are televisions that can manage tonal transitions perfectly, but Philips OLED 809 unfortunately does not belong to this group. During the tests, we could observe the colour banding effect, particularly in demanding scenes, which negatively impacts the reception of the film. Philips OLED 809 test indicates that even options for removing posterization do not help sufficiently, which can be considered a serious flaw.

The grading in 4K materials is simply poor and clearly disappointing. There are noticeable seams both in dark and light colours, which affects the image quality and lowers the overall satisfaction with watching high-definition materials. Something that has always been a strong point of Sony's processor evidently fails this time.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.5/10

6.1/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Philips OLED 809 did not perform particularly well in the test of tonal transition fluidity. Moving on to the part of the test where we assess the behaviour of the television's algorithms, we will once again check the function responsible for removing posterization. Indeed, such a function exists in the menu and has several available options. As you can see in the picture on the left, although its presence has been confirmed by us, it is not useful. Only at the highest setting does it effectively remove stuttering; however, it blurs the entire image in the process. Therefore, it is completely useless.

It happens more than once or twice that you and we watch lower quality materials. In this case, the quality of the image upscaling algorithms can have a beneficial effect. We must admit that those implemented in OLED 809 work quite efficiently and improve image quality without visible artifacts. You can only notice slight edge fringing; however, it is unlikely to be visible during normal viewing.

The fluidity of tonal transitions in low-quality materials on the Bravia 8 is poor. Unfortunately, the soft gradation feature (which was available in previous models) is missing, which is a significant downside. The digital noise reduction feature can considerably improve tonal transitions; however, it also tends to remove some details, such as clouds in scenes from the film The Martian, which may not be to everyone's liking. As for digital processing, the Sony XR80 performs quite well. The model in test scenes was displayed without noticeable errors, and the branches in the background are not overly jagged. This shows that the Bravia 8 is capable of effectively processing complex low-resolution image details.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
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
-%
48%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

The maximum refresh rate we can set on the tested television is 144 Hz. This value can be achieved by connecting it to a really powerful PC. In the case of consoles or television, everything remains the same. For those who require high smoothness of motion or dislike the characteristic stuttering of films recorded at 24 fps, the manufacturer has prepared a fairly extensive motion smoothing system. In the dedicated tab, we will find a slider for “Smoothness” that is responsible for eliminating stutter, and “Motion Blur Reduction,” which helps increase the sharpness of dynamic elements. The function works very well and granularly, meaning that each setting has a real impact on the perception of motion. We also mention that it works at a refresh rate of 120 Hz, as it operates on multiples of film or television materials. With such an extensive set of options, every user will find their golden mean. In the picture, we present our choice, which is slight smoothing without the soap opera effect.

Motion is influenced not only by settings on the television but also by the response time of the panel itself. OLED televisions feature the best response time on the market, which in the case of 809 is about 0.1 ms. There are no IPS/ADS or especially VA panels that come close to the results of organic panels.

Sony Bravia 8 offers a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, which forms the basis for smooth viewing of dynamic content such as sports and games. This ensures that movements are sharp and fluid. For more demanding users, the Sony XR80 television is equipped with an advanced motion smoothing system, which is divided into three segments: Smoothness (Film), Smoothness (Camera), and Clarity. The first two are responsible for regulating the degree of blur and smoothness of the image. The third option, concerning clarity, will be described in more detail below. Each of the parameters can be adjusted to personal preferences, allowing users to find the optimal setting tailored to their individual needs.

Console compatibility and gaming features

10/10

8.1/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    40 - 144Hz
    48 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    No
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

The Philips OLED 809 television supports all technologies included in the HDMI 2.1 standard, and during our testing, each one activated without any problems. Therefore, we must state that this television is perfectly suited for all gamers, whether they are using a console or a computer. It is worth mentioning that the manufacturer has opted to implement the HGIG mode, which provides a great alternative to Dolby Vision, which unfortunately in the OLED809 is unplayable due to very high input lag.

A nod to gamers is also the inclusion of a dedicated GameBar, which allows for monitoring current gameplay parameters and quick changes to settings. We will also find a function to enable a crosshair, which will be very useful when shooting with a sniper rifle, but from the so-called hip. Additionally, we can also find a shadow enhancement function for better visibility in shadows and a colour filter for gamers with visual impairments.

In summary, the OLED 809 is a very good and versatile device for gamers. Anyone who purchases this television for gaming does not need to worry about anything, as it is simply made for gaming. Especially since features such as VRR, ALLM, G-Sync, FreeSync, or HDR Dolby Vision gameplay will allow for an even greater immersion in their favourite title. Lastly, we will add that the only downside of the television in game mode is the artificial image sharpening, regardless of the settings, and it cannot be 'softened'.

Sony Bravia 8 has significantly improved its compatibility with consoles compared to earlier models. The television supports variable refresh rate (VRR), which eliminates screen tearing, and it synchronises with graphics cards to ensure smooth image display. The automatic low latency mode (ALLM) reduces input lag, which is crucial in fast-paced games. Dolby Vision with low latency additionally provides impressive HDR effects that look stunning during gameplay.

The Sony XR80 television also features a Game Bar, allowing quick access to settings and monitoring parameters while gaming. An interesting option is the ability to enable a virtual crosshair on the screen, which can provide a slight edge in shooting games.

A downside is the lack of support for 1440p@120hz resolution, which could facilitate gaming for users with less powerful graphics cards. Additionally, the Sony XR80 only has two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is typically used to connect an audio system via eARC, limiting the number of available inputs for connecting next-generation consoles.

Input lag

9.5/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
13 ms
13 ms
1080p120
5 ms
5 ms
2160p60
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120
5 ms
5 ms

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120
5 ms
5 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
13 ms
14 ms
2160p120 DV
57 ms
5 ms

The results of input lag measurements in the Philips OLED 809 are at a high level, regardless of the signal or resolution. All gamers will certainly appreciate the manufacturer's efforts, which mean that a game running at 4K120Hz with HDR has only 5 ms of lag, which is practically unnoticeable even in online games. One should not forget the proper implementation of the gaming mode with Dolby Vision, which deserves praise for a similar reaction time of 13 ms. In this case, the Philips OLED 809 receives our highest rating.

Low input lag in Sony Bravia 8 is undoubtedly an advantage – results at the level of 13 ms are excellent and provide outstanding responsiveness. The Dolby Vision mode is also noteworthy, which performs remarkably well in this model. In many cases with other manufacturers, this mode looks much worse, but here you can enjoy its full potential, especially in gaming.

Compatibility with PC

6.4/10

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
No
Yes
Font clarity
Average
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
13ms
5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RWBG
RWBG
Max refresh rate
144Hz
120Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

Just like in games, the tested television performs excellently, but in everyday work with text, it doesn't do so well. Although its latency is very low, the problem lies elsewhere. The television does not support chroma 4:4:4, which results in unpleasant font blurring, regardless of the provided refresh rate. While this is not usually a problem in games, it can be quite bothersome during text work due to poor readability. Additionally, the pixel arrangement in WOLED panels does not make things easier for it.

The cooperation of Sony Bravia 8 with computers is very good, similar to most televisions with WOLED panels. The readability of fonts is at a high level, making work with documents or browsing websites comfortable. The low input lag of 5 ms makes an impressive impression and provides excellent responsiveness during gameplay. The only downside is that the fonts displayed on a dark background appear slightly muted.

Viewing angles

7.4/10

7.3/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
29%
28%

A widely known advantage of OLED matrices is their performance when viewed even at sharp angles. We do not experience a drop in contrast or colour saturation. However, a characteristic feature of panels produced by LG Display, which are not used in top models, is a tint in shades of sea or cyan when viewed at large angles.

The viewing angles on the Sony Bravia 8 are very good, as befits a television with an OLED panel. As a result, the image retains its colours and contrast even when viewed from a large angle. The only televisions that will be better in this category are models equipped with MLA (Meta-Lens Array) technology and QD-OLED, offering even wider viewing angles and better image quality at extreme angles.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.5/10

5.6/10

Matrix coating
Glare
Glare
Reflection suppression
Good
Good
Black levels during daytime
Very Good
Very Good

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80): 335 cd/m2

Philips OLED809/819: 322 cd/m2

For many years, the issue raised regarding OLED televisions has been their performance during the day. Many people still believe that these are not receivers intended for such use. They are probably right, except when it comes to screens from a few good years back. Technology advances, and currently there are no objections to recommending such a television for today. Admittedly, a glossy panel does not sound like something that would substantiate this claim; however, it is hard to stand against the images that you can see for yourselves. Another point we indicate to pay attention to is contrast during daytime use. This, unlike QD-OLED panels, and even OLEDs equipped with MLA technology, is higher. The reason for this situation is the lack of excited quantum dots and micro-lenses.

The glossy panel in the Sony Bravia 8 effectively dampens reflections, which take on a slightly bluish hue. Unfortunately, the brightness level of 330 nits is not particularly impressive, making this television better suited for evening viewing. During the day, to ensure optimal image reception, it is advisable to help by closing the curtains, which will reduce the impact of external light.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Software version during testing
TPM231WW_R.101.0091.227.211
112.624.140.1EUA
Image processor
mt5896
mt5897 6gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Philips OLED809/819

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80)

TV features

7.8/10

9.5/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Google TV
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    Yes
  • Recording programming
    No
    Yes
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    No
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    Yes
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Before we move on to the software that controls the television, it is impossible not to mention the manufacturer's biggest differentiator. We are, of course, talking about the multicoloured Ambilight backlighting, which placed on the back of the device displays colours adjusted to what is happening on the screen, often allowing for an even greater immersion experience. The Philips OLED 809 is powered by the Google TV system. This is an undeniable advantage compared to some other models from the manufacturer that use the proprietary TitanOS system, which is significantly more closed and limited in terms of available applications. With Google TV, we can install almost any application, both from the store and directly from online repositories via an APK file.

The Google TV system also offers many conveniences related to control. We can easily connect a keyboard with a touchpad, which significantly facilitates typing queries and navigation. Additionally, thanks to integration with Google, we can issue voice commands using the remote, which are quickly and accurately interpreted by the system.

In summary: Google TV is currently one of the most popular systems on the market. Thanks to the use of a powerful CPU, it operates very smoothly and stably, without freezing or experiencing lags during tests. It is definitely the best option for those who want to make the most of their television's capabilities and appreciate the openness and versatility of the system.

Sony Bravia 8 runs on the Google TV system, which provides very intuitive and quick use of the television as well as an almost unlimited number of applications. Google Assistant works in Polish, allowing for even better integration with the device. The interface is well-designed, and access to applications and features is simple and convenient. It is also worth mentioning the remote control – similar to solutions from Korean competitors, the remote can be charged via a USB-C port. Moreover, it is backlit, which makes it much easier to use at night.

The device offers a wide range of features that will satisfy most users. The Sony XR80 television allows for recording programmes, as well as easy connection of external peripheral devices via Bluetooth. Unfortunately, it lacks the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) function, which would allow for simultaneous viewing of two image sources, which could be useful in certain situations.

The television looks very good. It has a solid, metal frame that gives it an elegant appearance. The television stands on two adjustable feet, which can be adapted in terms of both width and height. This allows for easy placement of a soundbar underneath the screen. Although the Sony Bravia 8 is not the thinnest OLED television on the market, its careful finish and quality of materials make it look really good.

Playing files from USB

9.5/10

8.7/10

Supported photo formats:

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

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

The default media player in Philips OLED 809 is of a fairly high standard, although it is not without its flaws. It performs excellently in playing various types of video files, except for two less popular ones. The presence of all checkboxes confirming playback of different subtitle formats deserves a big plus. The television handles every resolution of images, making it an excellent screen for viewing family albums or studio photos. The rest, including supported photo and audio formats, is satisfactory, and those that the television cannot play are either uncommon or becoming obsolete. Anyway, this is not a problem, as we can download a program from the app store that will resolve these issues.

Sony Bravia 8 will satisfy most users when it comes to playing multimedia files. The built-in player handles most popular video and audio formats, allowing for seamless access to a wide range of content. Although there are some shortcomings in photo playback, the Google TV system allows for the installation of other players that will likely resolve this issue.

Apps

10/10

10/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi

Sound

7.1/10

7.5/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    7.1/10
    7.5/10
  • 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

At the outset of this paragraph, it should be noted that sound quality is always subjective. In our opinion, the audio system that the manufacturer has equipped the Philips OLED 809 with is of a fairly high standard. The bass is well-defined, but at the same time, it does not overshadow the mid and high tones. Looking at it from another angle, when opting for a television at this price point, we will likely already have a separate audio system. In this context, the tested television will certainly not disappoint, as it supports virtually every important standard, including Dolby Atmos and, more importantly, DTS-HD Master Audio.

Bravia 8 is equipped with a 50W sound system in a 2.2.1 configuration. The speakers are mounted behind the screen, and this system is called Acoustic Surface Audio. The sound is pleasant and well-balanced, which makes it perfectly complement the picture. When it comes to audio format support, Sony Bravia 8 has a lot to boast about – in our tests, it played all popular codecs without any issues, providing a full and rich audio experience.