TCL MQLED85 / C765 vs Philips OLED909

Direct compare

C765 / MQLED85

Info

OLED909

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”98”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Panel type: LCD VA

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

7.2

8.1

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.8

    8.2

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.6

    8.6

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.5

    8.8

  • Gaming on console

    8.6

    9.5

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    6.4

  • Watching in bright light

    6.3

    5.7

  • Utility functions

    7.1

    7.1

  • Apps

    10.0

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    6.9

    8.1

Advantages

  • Great choice for gamers - plenty of features, low input lag, 144Hz

  • High brightness of the panel - good performance during the day

  • Good black levels and contrast

  • Advanced Google TV

  • Premium build at a low price

  • Perfect blacks - OLED

  • High brightness HDR

  • Support for advanced HDR formats – HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HGiG

  • Good motion smoothness - 144Hz

  • Excellent gaming compatibility – ALLM, VRR, low input lag

  • One of the best viewing angles on the market

  • Excellent colour reproduction after calibration

  • Four-sided Ambilight system

  • GoogleTV operating system – rich selection of applications, voice control, easy operation

  • Good sound quality – built-in soundbar

Disadvantages

No like
  • Average viewing angles

  • Missing recording function

  • Visible tonal transitions

  • Infrared remote control

  • Font display issues (PC computer)

  • Lack of recording functions from built-in tuners and PIP

  • Price relative to competitors

Our verdict

TCL MQLED85, or model C765, is a television that can truly surprise, especially in this price range. It is one of the cheapest models with mini-LED technology, which is immediately evident from the picture quality. The blacks are deep, and the brightness is sufficient even in a brightly lit room. Thanks to the large number of dimming zones, watching films in the evening is a pure pleasure – the blacks are genuinely deep, and the image in dark scenes appears clear. However, it is not perfect – in some shots, you can notice minor issues with small bright elements, but this is really a trifle compared to what this model offers. Google TV works excellently here – there are plenty of applications, and using the system is simply convenient. Voice control in Polish operates flawlessly, which can be particularly useful if you don’t want to type film titles using the remote. Of course, there are minor shortcomings, like the lack of recording features, but these are not things that hinder everyday use. For gamers, it is also a great option. Support for HDMI 2.1, VRR, and low input lag make the television handle consoles well and compete effortlessly with more expensive models from Korean or Japanese manufacturers. It's hard to find something better in this price range concerning smooth and responsive gameplay. During testing, we encountered a few minor software issues, but it's difficult to say if this is a significant drawback. We hope that TCL will release updates, so there is a chance this issue will be resolved quickly. TCL MQLED85/C765 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a television with good picture quality and modern features at a reasonable price. This model combines accessible mini-LED technology with a convenient Google TV system, while also performing exceptionally well in gaming. The minor software shortcomings are something you can live with, especially considering what this television offers in its class.

The Philips OLED909 is certainly an engineering showcase from the Dutch manufacturer for 2024. When it comes to picture quality, the television delivers what one can expect from OLED technology – deep blacks and infinite contrast. Additionally, it is equipped with META technology (MLA micro-lenses), which significantly enhances its brightness and further improves the already excellent viewing angles of organic matrix televisions. As a result, HDR effects look phenomenal, and the TV will satisfy most users looking for great picture quality in this class of devices. In terms of motion fluidity, the OLED909 does not disappoint either. The 144 Hz panel, combined with a full set of gaming features such as HDMI 2.1, ALLM, and VRR, makes it the perfect choice for gaming enthusiasts. Both dynamic shooters and spectacular racing games will look smooth and responsive. Regarding usability, the television features the Google TV operating system, just like the OLED809 model. This solution is significantly better than TitanOS, which is found in the lowest series OLED 769 from the Dutch manufacturer. It provides access to a vast number of applications, easy navigation, and support for voice assistants. Additionally, there is a four-sided Ambilight system that adds magic to every movie night, creating a unique atmosphere. However, it is not a device without flaws. The biggest issue regarding the picture is the average fluidity of tonal transitions – colour banding is visible in subtle gradients, which may disturb more discerning viewers. In the context of PC compatibility, although it is phenomenal hardware for gamers, it may not be the best choice for text or graphic work, due to the lack of 4:4:4 chroma support. In terms of usability, it is worth mentioning a few disappointments. We really liked the remote control in this model – it is well designed, and the backlit numeric keypad is a great addition, especially when using the television in the evening. Unfortunately, it mainly operates on infrared, so we found ourselves getting annoyed a few times when we had to aim precisely at the screen. This is a bit strange, considering that in this price range we expected more modern solutions. The lack of recording features or picture-in-picture (PiP) also surprised us – these are functions that are often standard in this segment. Despite these flaws, the Philips OLED909 is a television that impresses with its picture quality, gaming features, and unique additions like Ambilight. The biggest question one has to ask is: is it worth it? It is great hardware, but its high price raises the question of whether it is the best choice in terms of price to quality ratio.

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

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

7.7/10

10/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 720 (36 x 20)

Contrast:

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

30,150:1

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

17,500:1

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

9,500:1

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,750:1

Review Philips OLED909 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED909 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED909 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED909 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Philips OLED909 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

TCL MQLED85/C765 stands out due to its use of a VA panel and Mini LED backlighting, which makes a significant difference compared to traditional backlighting systems. Mini LED, with its considerably smaller diodes, allows for more precise control of the screen's backlighting, resulting in much better contrast and deeper blacks. The 55-inch model we are testing has an impressive number of over 700 local dimming zones, providing exceptional precision in image display. However, it is worth noting that the number of backlighting zones may vary depending on the screen size – for larger diagonals, the number of zones naturally increases due to the larger screen area, allowing larger displays to achieve better results in terms of contrast and black levels. Thanks to the vast number of zones, the TCL MQLED85/C765 achieved a performance comparable to OLED screens on our first test scene from the film "Oblivion," offering nearly reference-level contrast. But what happens when we test this model in even more demanding conditions? How will the television perform in more challenging scenarios? Overall, the TCL MQLED85/C765 performs very well in displaying blacks, but in some cases, the local dimming algorithm is not perfect. On dark backgrounds, smaller bright elements can lose clarity and brightness, as confirmed by our recent test scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc. Despite some imperfections in the local dimming algorithm and the slight occurrence of the HALO effect (which is a bright halo around bright objects on a dark background caused by screen local dimming deficiencies), the results achieved by the TCL MQLED85/C765 are impressive, especially considering its price. This television offers contrast and black depth that can compete with models that are even half again as expensive.

The Philips OLED909 presents exemplary achievements in the category of contrast and black levels, characteristic of OLED technology. Tests on five panels confirmed infinite contrast, making the television an ideal choice for film enthusiasts in darkened rooms. A scene from the film Oblivion impresses with the excellent separation of light from the lamp, allowing full appreciation of the precise reproduction of even the smallest details. The scene from the film Sicario 2 also performs well, where the bright lights of the helicopter have been perfectly separated from the dark background. However, in this same scene, the phenomenon of desaturation, or loss of colour saturation, is noticeable. Although this is not directly related to the assessment of contrast and black levels, it is worth mentioning, especially if perfect colour reproduction in every situation is crucial. Despite this minor flaw, the black levels generated by the Philips OLED909 remain incredibly deep and deserve top marks.

HDR effect quality

6/10

7.8/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 95.0%, Bt.2020: 79.0%
DCI P3: 95.5%, Bt.2020: 71.5%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

1016 nit

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

365 nit

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

765 nit

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

235 nit

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

1178 nit

Review Philips OLED909 Brightness measurement

Result

1394 nit

Review Philips OLED909 Brightness measurement

Result

1471 nit

Review Philips OLED909 Brightness measurement

Result

1594 nit

Review Philips OLED909 Brightness measurement

Result

1552 nit

Review Philips OLED909 Brightness measurement

Result

708 nit

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

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

HDR luminance chart:

Philips OLED909

TCL MQLED85 / C765

The television TCL MQLED85/C765 handles HDR well. In the tested movie scenes where the screen is covered with 100% brightness, the model achieves impressive results of around 1000 nits, providing intense and realistic rendering of HDR content. However, similar to contrast, the dimming algorithm may exhibit certain limitations. Despite a large number of Mini LED zones, the television does not always manage to "wow" the user with brightness in very challenging test scenes. For example, in the scene from the film "Life of Pi," where a bright moon appears against a dark background, and in another scene from "Sicario 2," where a very bright light effect is visible on a dark background, the television did not reach maximum intensity. For users expecting perfect HDR performance in such extreme cases, the TCL MQLED may be slightly disappointing. However, in terms of colours, the television stands out with very high coverage of the DCI P3 colour palette at 95%, which is an impressive result, comparable to much more expensive models. TCL MQLED85 / C765 offers support for various HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which is significant for cinema image enthusiasts. Although this model achieves brightness over 1000 nits, TCL MQLED85 may struggle to reflect details in very high-contrast scenes. For better HDR quality control, C765 is equipped with a dynamic tone mapping option, making the image more realistic and natural depending on the content.

Philips OLED909 impresses with its HDR quality, achieving up to 1500 nits of peak brightness in tested scenes. This is an excellent result, placing this television among the best OLED models on the market. The MLA panel, also used in models such as the Panasonic Z95A and LG G4, plays a key role here, allowing for exceptionally bright and detailed reproduction of dynamic scenes. However, it is worth noting that in the most demanding scene from the film The Meg, brightness drops to around 700 nits. This is a typical phenomenon in OLED technology, where intensely bright full-screen images cause a limitation in luminance. Nevertheless, the HDR effect still looks very good, and the television performs better than most of the competition under similar conditions. The wide colour gamut coverage also deserves praise. The OLED909 offers 95% coverage of DCI-P3, ensuring that the television can display vibrant and realistic colours.

Factory color reproduction

5.2/10

7.6/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The television TCL MQLED85/C765 was tested in movie mode, which, although it seems to be the best setting from the manufacturer, is not without flaws. The colour reproduction in HD/SDR mode MQLED85 shows some shortcomings. In the analysis of white balance, there is a significant lack of blue, which can affect the overall image quality, especially in bright scenes where blue shades are crucial for natural representation. The overall shape of the image may then appear too warm. Regarding gamma contrast, the graph shows a large jump above the reference line of 2.4 at the beginning, which may suggest significant dimming of brightness in darker areas, leading to loss of detail in black. Then, for most of the time, the values lie below this line, which may lead to loss of detail in brighter parts of the image. Such a distribution can negatively impact perceived image quality, particularly when watching regular television in HD quality.

In the case of 4K HDR image quality of the TCL MQLED85/C765, there is a noticeable excess of red in the analysis of white balance. This excess can significantly affect the viewer's experience, leading to several significant effects. Firstly, an excessive amount of red can make other colours, such as green or blue, appear muted or unnatural. This distortion of colour balance can result in an overall impression of "over-saturation," which detracts from the naturalness and authenticity of the image. As for contrast, the EOTF (Electro-Optical Transfer Function) graph indicates that most values are above the reference line, suggesting an intense boost in brightness in bright areas of the image. However, there is an exception at the beginning of the graph, where the EOTF line is below the reference line, which can lead to excessive dimming of small light elements.

Users should be aware that despite using the best mode, which is movie mode, the television is not free from flaws in terms of image settings, so it is worth considering adjusting the settings to achieve better results.

Just like with other televisions, the Philips OLED909 has been tested for colour reproduction in factory modes. The best mode turned out to be Filmmaker Mode, however, despite its name, it is not without flaws.

The biggest problem is the white balance. In both HD and 4K HDR content, there is a noticeable dominance of green and red hues, which causes a distinct yellowing of the screen. This effect is particularly evident in test materials, for instance in a scene with Tom Cruise in the foreground, where the difference compared to a calibrated image is very apparent.

As for brightness characteristics, in HD material the gamma was overly boosted – it was below the reference value of 2.4, which gave the image a “milky” filter and affected overall clarity. In the case of 4K HDR content, we noticed the opposite phenomenon – at the beginning of the EOTF curve, there is a noticeable drop, indicating problems with reproducing the smallest details in dark scenes. Although Filmmaker Mode offers acceptable quality, noticeable errors in white balance and brightness characteristics show that the television requires additional calibration to fully demonstrate its potential in colour reproduction.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.8/10

9/10

After the professional calibration of the television TCL MQLED85/C765, its colour properties in movie mode have significantly improved, resulting in a much more satisfying visual experience. Both in SDR and HDR modes, the white balance shows no serious errors, and the graph appears much better harmonised. Users can now enjoy natural colour reproduction, which is crucial for obtaining an authentic experience when watching films. It is worth noting that in HDR content, there may be slight colour reproduction errors at the end of the graph, but these are much smaller than before calibration. As a result, characters and landscapes become more realistic, enhancing the depth of immersion in the story.

In terms of contrast, the gamma curve, responsible for HD quality, has been completely free of drops below the reference line, meaning better detail visibility in dark scenes. Nevertheless, there is still a slight boost at the beginning of the graph, which may affect the perception of bright elements. For HDR content, the EOTF curve also exhibits smaller errors, although certain issues with medium tone reproduction may still be noticeable. The EOTF curve measured on actual movie scenes still shows a significant brightness boost, making the image appear more intense but artificially brightened. This is a typical problem for TCL televisions, which may appeal to inexperienced viewers, but can be irritating for those more familiar with an ideal image.

What benefits does professional calibration bring for film enthusiasts? Thanks to it, viewing becomes even more realistic and immersive, and each scene can be fully experienced, preserving details and natural colours.

Philips OLED909 offers tools for image calibration, which significantly improves its quality. After calibrating the Filmmaker Mode, the television presents a much more natural colour representation. The white balance after calibration looks very good. Although we noticed slight deviations in the blue tint in HD content, the errors are within acceptable limits, and the image gives a much better impression than in the factory settings. The brightness characteristics, including gamma and EOTF, have also been clearly improved. The television no longer has issues with excessive brightening or darkening of the image. Both dark and bright details are now rendered correctly, making the image look very good in every scene. After calibration, the Filmmaker Mode in the Philips OLED909 offers excellent image quality that will meet the expectations of even the more demanding users. Calibration fully utilises the potential of this model.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7/10

4.6/10

The fluidity of tonal transitions in the television TCL MQLED85/C765 is quite decent, although some issues are noticeable in both bright and dark test scenes. In particular, colour blending is evident in the scene from the film "The Green Knight", where the red colour of the water transitions to black. Despite these imperfections, the overall quality of gradation is acceptable and does not overly detract from the visual experience. The television handles most scenes well, offering satisfactory tonal transitions, which contributes to an overall pleasing visual experience that will not spoil our cinema enjoyment.

The Philips OLED909 performs average in terms of fluidity of tonal transitions. The WOLED panel used in this model is not known for handling tonal transitions perfectly, and in the case of the OLED909, it looks somewhat worse than in competing models with similar panels. There are noticeable subtle transitions and colour blends in the bright and dark areas of the image, which can be particularly visible in more demanding scenes with subtle gradients. This effect may influence the perception of content, especially for users who pay attention to such details.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.1/10

6.9/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Let’s take another look at the tonal transitions in the TCL MQLED85/C765 television, but in the context of poorer image quality. Despite the presence of the "Gradual Smoothing" option, when set to "low," the effects are practically invisible, disappointing users expecting an improvement in image quality. On the other hand, the "high" setting produces minimal results, and worse still, it can blur significant details, negatively affecting the sharpness and clarity of the displayed image. However, in the context of image scaling, the television successfully displayed the image without overscan, meaning we do not lose any part of the view. The image looks rather decent, and details such as tree branches or the outlines of models do not exhibit significant jaggedness, which positively impacts the visual quality.

The Philips OLED909 offers a distortion reduction feature aimed at smoothing tonal transitions. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of this function leaves much to be desired. Setting it to the "Medium" level brings certain effects, but it comes with the risk of blurring important details in the image. For this reason, we do not recommend using this option unless we are keen on mitigating visible artifacts at the cost of detail.

As for image scaling, the television presents a very plastic image, which may appeal to viewers who prefer a softer picture. Those expecting clearer sharpness will also find a solution, as image scaling can be adjusted according to individual preferences in the settings.

Blur and motion smoothness

7.5/10

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
Nie
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
50%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

TCL MQLED85/C765 is equipped with a panel featuring a standard refresh rate of 120 Hz, with the capability to increase to 144 Hz when connected to a powerful computer. The television also offers a multi-level motion smoother, primarily aimed at users wishing to enhance motion fluidity in films. It allows for the adjustment of effect intensity on a scale from 0 to 10, enabling precise tuning of image smoothness to individual preferences. The response time of the panel is decent, but not perfect. We can observe blurring occurring behind both dark and medium objects.

The Philips OLED909 with a 144 Hz panel offers excellent motion smoothness, which should satisfy both film enthusiasts and gamers. Additionally, the television is equipped with a motion smoothing feature called "Motion Style", which allows for precise adjustment of motion fluidity to personal preferences. In the settings, we find two sliders: "Smoothness", responsible for regulating motion fluidity in films, and "Blur Reduction", which helps eliminate minor artifacts and distortions in dynamic scenes. This feature works well, ensuring that even rapid movements on the screen are clear and readable.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

10/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    40 - 144Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

TCL MQLED85/C765 has received an impressive rating in the gaming features category, making it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts. The television supports all the latest technologies that significantly enhance the gaming experience. Among the key gaming features is ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which automatically switches the TV to low-latency mode, minimising response time and ensuring smooth gameplay. VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) functioning in the range of 48 to 144 Hz eliminates stuttering and screen tearing in dynamic game scenes. Additionally, the TV supports Dolby Vision Game Mode, which provides better image quality in games with exceptional colour depth and contrast. TCL MQLED85/C765 also features a decent if not the best implementation of HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group), optimising HDR game display; however, for TCL, it causes detail in whites to be brightened, resulting in some elements merging into a white blob - we can read more about this in the colour reproduction section. It supports various resolutions, such as 1080p@120Hz, 1440p@120Hz, and 4K@120Hz, allowing players to enjoy higher image quality and better fluidity. The Game Bar feature allows easy switching between game settings and quick parameter control, greatly simplifying the adjustment of the television to individual needs. With support for G-Sync and FreeSync technologies, users of NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards will be pleased with the refresh rate synchronisation capabilities, eliminating tearing and stuttering issues, thereby providing a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.

MQLED85/C765 is a television that combines advanced technologies and excellent support for gamers, making it the perfect choice for those who wish to maximise their gaming experiences.

The Philips OLED909 is a television that meets practically all the requirements of gamers. Equipped with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and support for Dolby Vision, it guarantees an excellent gaming experience. Additionally, the television offers very low input lag, ensuring that reactions to player movements are instantaneous, which will be particularly appreciated by fans of fast-paced games.

The television handles any resolution at 120 Hz without any issues, and even supports higher refresh rates. The HGiG feature, responsible for accurately displaying HDR content in games, works as it should, making the image in game mode balanced and aligned with the guidelines of console manufacturers.

The OLED909 is also equipped with the Game Bar feature, which allows for quick preview and adjustment of game-related settings. Although the interface of this solution appears less visually appealing than that of competitors, it serves its purpose well, offering all the essential options in one place.

Input lag

9.8/10

10/10

SDR

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

HDR

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

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
16 ms
13 ms
2160p120 DV
8 ms
6 ms

The latency time on the TCL MQLED85 television reaches impressively low levels in all conditions. Even the most demanding gamers will surely appreciate the minimal input lag of just 8 ms at 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR. Moreover, the latency remains at the same level even with Dolby Vision HDR turned on, which is not the case for many competing models.

Philips OLED909 achieves remarkable results in the input lag category. Values of 13 ms at 60 Hz and 5 ms at 120 Hz are among the best outcomes available on the market. Such low input lag ensures immediate response, which is crucial for gamers expecting maximum precision in dynamic games. Special praise is warranted for its performance in Dolby Vision mode, where low input lag is also maintained. This allows gamers to enjoy not only smooth gameplay but also the full visual potential of HDR games without any compromises. Philips OLED909 is one of the best choices in this regard for gaming enthusiasts.

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

6.4/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
No
Font clarity
Very Good
Average
Readability of dark text and shapes
Average
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
8ms
5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
RWBG
Max refresh rate
144Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

TCL MQLED85 will perform well as a computer monitor. With support for chroma 4:4:4, the text on the screen is sharp and legible, which is important for those working with word documents or spreadsheets. One of the greatest assets of this model is its exceptionally low input lag in "PC" mode, which is just 8 ms. This is a reference-level result that ensures fluidity and responsiveness, crucial for both gamers and those engaged in video editing. However, it is worth noting that there is a certain issue related to font display on dark backgrounds. When zooming in on the tested font image, one can see that the horizontal lines are darker compared to the vertical ones. This means that the sub-pixels in the television do not fully illuminate in this case, which can affect the quality of the displayed text. Nevertheless, the overall performance of TCL MQLED85 as a computer monitor is very good and will certainly meet the expectations of many users.

The Philips OLED909 is a good choice for gaming on a computer. The television supports G-SYNC, provides very low input lag and offers a refresh rate of 144 Hz in PC mode, making it an ideal solution for gamers who value smooth and responsive gameplay. However, for everyday work with text or graphics, the situation is slightly worse. Although the readability of fonts is at an acceptable level, up close, you can notice that they appear slightly blurry. This is due to the lack of full implementation of chroma 4:4:4, which is responsible for perfect sharpness and clarity of fonts.

The OLED909 will perform excellently in gaming applications, but for those planning to use the television mainly for text work, it may be less suitable. In such cases, it is worth considering a device with full support for chroma 4:4:4.

Viewing angles

3.2/10

9.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
80%
5%

The viewing angles on the TCL MQLED85 television are not its strong suit. The use of a VA panel means that the picture loses a significant amount of brightness when viewed at an angle. Changing the viewer's position, especially when watching with a larger group, can cause colours to appear less saturated and the contrast to become less pronounced. For this reason, it is recommended to sit directly in front of the screen to fully enjoy the picture quality. Although the television offers excellent colour reproduction from a direct view, the loss of brightness and detail at an angle can be problematic for those planning to use the television in a larger room or from different locations.

The Philips OLED909 offers some of the best viewing angles available on the market. OLEDs are known for their excellent picture quality from various angles, but the use of micro-lens technology further enhances this capability. As a result, the television maintains excellent colours, contrast, and brightness even when watching the picture from a significant angle. In practice, the OLED909 performs so well that it can even compete with televisions equipped with technology QD-OLED, which also provides wide viewing angles. This makes the television perfect for large rooms and watching together from various positions without worrying about losing picture quality.

TV efficiency during daytime

6.3/10

5.7/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Philips OLED909: 427 cd/m2

TCL MQLED85 / C765: 618 cd/m2

MQLED85 performs reasonably well in daytime conditions, and it is worth noting the satin finish of the panel. Although it doesn't handle reflections perfectly, it offers decent performance in various lighting conditions. An average brightness level of over 600 nits is an impressive achievement, allowing for comfortable viewing even in well-lit rooms. As a result, the television performs well both during the day and during evening movie sessions, providing satisfactory picture quality.

Philips OLED909, despite the glossy surface of the panel, handles the suppression of reflections from light falling directly on the screen quite well. This is particularly useful in brighter rooms where reflections can disrupt viewing. However, the use of micro-lens technology has its limitations – the black levels during the day take on a slightly pink tint. A similar, although more noticeable phenomenon can be observed in QD-OLED panels.

Regarding brightness, the OLED909 achieves an average brightness in SDR of 430 cd/m². This is sufficient for comfortable use of the television even in moderately challenging lighting conditions. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that the brightness levels of OLEDs still fall short of televisions with mini-LED technology, which can be several times brighter.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
V8-T653T01-LF1R134
TPM231WW_R.101.002.038.221
Image processor
MT5896 2,5GB RAM
mt5896 3gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TCL MQLED85 / C765

Philips OLED909

TV features

7.1/10

7.1/10

  • 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
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • 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
    Yes
    No
  • Audio only mode
    No
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    Infrared
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    Yes
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

TCL MQLED85 television offers many features that enhance user comfort, with the centrepiece of its functionality being the Google TV system. This modern interface allows for easy content searching as well as access to applications available in the Google Play store. Users can utilize voice search in Polish, which greatly facilitates navigation and allows for the quick discovery of interesting programmes, films, or applications. It is also worth noting that Google TV is currently the only system on the market that does not restrict Polish users in accessing applications, offering the greatest availability among all platforms. However, in the context of traditional television viewing, this television has its limitations. It does not offer recording functionality, which may be a significant drawback for those who would like to save their favourite programmes. Additionally, the absence of the Picture-in-Picture (PIP) option limits the ability to simultaneously follow several video sources. On the other hand, the television features the "MultiVision" function, which allows for screen division between the television and a mobile device. This enables users to use applications on their phone while simultaneously watching a television programme. This solution will certainly appeal to those who enjoy multitasking and want to watch television while using social media or browsing the internet on their smartphone. Despite certain limitations, the TCL MQLED85 presents itself as a solid option for users who value modernity and functionality.

In the OLED909 model, Philips has opted for Google TV instead of its proprietary Titan OS. This solution provides users with significantly greater capabilities, especially concerning the availability of applications. Google TV offers a vast library of programs to download, from popular streaming services to tools and games. The system also supports voice commands, making it easier to search for content and manage the device, enhancing the comfort of daily use.

In terms of user functions, the television also performs well. It features support for AirPlay and Miracast technology, which allow for easy transmission of images and sound from other devices. Additionally, the television easily supports external accessories such as mice and keyboards, enabling it to serve as a more versatile entertainment hub. However, it is worth noting that the OLED909 does not include a PiP (picture-in-picture) feature or the ability to record programmes from its built-in tuners. A new feature in this model is the backlit remote, which looks attractive and operates in hybrid mode – it can function as a smart remote, and when the appropriate button is pressed, the numerical keypad also lights up. Unfortunately, its operation can be irritating, as it is based on standard infrared control, and the only function supporting RF (radio) technology is the voice command feature.

The Philips OLED909 stands out from other models with its four-sided Ambilight system. This allows the television to create dynamic lighting around the screen that adapts to the content being displayed. This solution not only enhances the sense of immersion but also improves viewing comfort in darker rooms. Ambilight remains one of the most distinctive features of Philips televisions, which is difficult to find among competitors.

Playing files from USB

8.9/10

7.9/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
Yes
PNG
Yes
Yes
GIF
Yes
Yes
WebP
Yes
Yes
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
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

Thanks to the built-in player, the television is capable of playing most file formats found on external storage devices, making it a versatile tool for consuming multimedia. However, there may be certain limitations in supporting some formats, which could be annoying for more demanding users. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows the installation of other media players from Google Play, which helps eliminate compatibility issues. As a result, users have the option to choose applications that best meet their needs, significantly enhancing the functionality of the television.

The Philips OLED909 features a built-in media player that handles most popular video, audio, and subtitle file formats with ease. However, it is worth noting that the pre-installed player does not support Polish characters in subtitles, which can be cumbersome when watching content from USB. Fortunately, with the Google TV system, this limitation can be easily bypassed. It is sufficient to download an alternative player from the wide range of available applications, which will provide full support for Polish characters and additional features, such as more advanced subtitle settings or support for less common formats. This means that even minor shortcomings in the factory software are not a major issue for users.

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

6.9/10

8.1/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.9/10
    8.1/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    Yes

The sound of the television TCL MQLED85 can be described as decent, making it sufficient for daily viewing of films, television programmes, and games. The speakers branded by Onkyo offer surprisingly good audio quality, and the sound does not screech or distort even at higher volumes.

The Philips OLED909 stands out with its built-in soundbar featuring a navy fabric finish, branded by the renowned name Bowers & Wilkins. At the bottom of the screen, we find a solid speaker system, additionally supported by a built-in subwoofer at the back of the casing. The sound quality is truly impressive for the class of this device. The soundbar delivers clear and detailed audio that performs well with both dialogues and sound effects in films or games.