Philips PML8709 vs Hisense U7Q PRO

Direct compare

U7Q PRO / U78Q PRO

Info

Available screen sizes: 55”65”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: VIDAA

Model year: 2025

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Overall rating

6.1

7.4

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.3

    7.2

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.6

    7.1

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    5.6

    6.7

  • Gaming on console

    7.2

    8.3

  • TV as a computer monitor

    3.5

    8.2

  • Watching in bright light

    4.8

    6.2

  • Utility functions

    6.5

    9.4

  • Apps

    9.6

    7.7

  • Sound quality

    5.1

    7.8

Advantages

  • Google TV operating system - intuitive and versatile

  • Very good contrast

  • Very good coverage of the DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color gamut

  • Low input lag - about 13 ms

  • Support for ALLM, VRR, and HGiG in gaming mode

  • Great contrast and blacks - true Mini-LED backlighting with a VA panel (65")

  • Very good motion smoothness - 4K@165 Hz panel

  • Very high HDR brightness - even above 1500 nits

  • Perfect for gaming - Low input lag, VRR, ALLM, 4x HDMI 2.1, 288Hz at 1080p.

  • The Vidaa operating system has many features, e.g. Airplay, USB recording

  • Outstanding quality of tonal transitions

Disadvantages

No like
  • The quality of the HDR effect leaves a lot to be desired

  • No Dolby Vision

  • Not suitable for PC work

  • No Ambilight system

  • No support for HGiG

  • Average viewing angles

  • Missing apps on the VIDAA platform

Our verdict

Philips PML8709 is a model that stands out in the offering of the Chinese-Dutch manufacturer due to its unconventionality. Instead of the classic operating system from Philips - TitanOS, we find here the already known Google TV, which provides extensive customization options and access to a rich library of applications. This is a television that, on one hand, tempts with very good contrast, and on the other – surprises with several unusual design decisions. When it comes to image quality, the PML8709 offers very good contrast, which, combined with wide color gamut coverage, ensures excellent color reproduction – especially after calibration. Despite the 60 Hz panel, the television also performs well in occasional gaming thanks to support for features such as ALLM, VRR, and a low input lag of around 13 ms. On the other hand, Philips has stripped this model of one of the biggest advantages of its televisions – the Ambilight system. This is a surprising decision that may disappoint many fans of the brand. Another weak point is performance in HDR – despite promising contrast results, the television performs average in this category. Maximum brightness and issues with detail in brighter scenes give the impression that something has evidently gone wrong in the implementation of this feature. The Philips PML8709 is a television full of contrasts. On one hand, it offers solid black quality and interesting solutions for gamers, on the other – some limitations, such as the lack of Ambilight or average brightness, mean that it is not a model without flaws. It is a good choice for those who appreciate the versatility of Google TV and are looking for a television for everyday use.

The U7Q PRO is a television that, after just a few minutes, gives a clear signal: "speed matters here." Hisense surprised us with how much they managed to pack into a device that doesn’t cost a fortune. A refreshing rate of 165 Hz in 4K, and even 288 Hz in Full HD – not that long ago, such numbers were reserved exclusively for top gaming monitors. And here you go, we have a mid-range television with almost a full set of gaming features that confidently throws down the gauntlet to much more expensive competitors. However, it doesn't stop at speed-related qualities. The U7Q PRO also boasts a very bright screen, which peaks at even 1500 nits. Like every Mini-LED, it has its typical "moods" associated with this technology, sometimes slightly exaggerating the image, but the overall visual effect remains very positive – especially with HDR content. It's also worth mentioning the Vidaa operating system – fast, intuitive, and equipped with features such as AirPlay, a voice assistant, and a web browser. Although you won't find the full range of apps known from Android here, the system performs really well in everyday use. So why is it "almost" ideal for gamers? It’s just missing the HGiG feature, which allows for precise adjustment of brightness levels in HDR games. This is a minor flaw, but it may be significant for console purists. Nonetheless, the U7Q PRO remains a very solid offering – and at the same time proof that Chinese manufacturers have not only caught up with their competitors from Korea or Japan but have even begun to outpace them in some aspects.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 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
Build quality
BuildQuality-Good
BuildQuality-Good
Stand type
Legs
Central
Stand type
stand-type-Graphite
stand-type-Graphite
Stand
stand-Fixed
stand-Fixed
Accessories
accessories-Stand
accessories-Stand

Contrast and black detail

7/10

8/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 96 (16 x 6)

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 560 (20 x 28)

Contrast:

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

58,650:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

37,150:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

10,850:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

6,150:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,100:1

Review Hisense U7Q PRO Contrast and black detail

Result

340,000:1

Review Hisense U7Q PRO Contrast and black detail

Result

62,850:1

Review Hisense U7Q PRO Contrast and black detail

Result

42,000:1

Review Hisense U7Q PRO Contrast and black detail

Result

11,100:1

Review Hisense U7Q PRO Contrast and black detail

Result

7,500:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The model name 8709 "PML" refers to Philips mini-LED technology, but can we really call its backlighting that? In the 65-inch version, we counted only 96 local dimming zones. For mini-LED standards, this number seems too low, raising questions about whether we are actually dealing with a full-fledged mini-LED here. However, if we look at the quality of black, the TV performs quite well. On the first two test screens, as well as in less demanding scenes, the image is quite decent – blacks are deep and the contrast is satisfactory. Problems start to arise in more complicated scenes, such as the last three test screens, where small light elements appear on the screen. The local dimming algorithm seems to "get lost," unable to decide whether to brighten or darken a certain area. The result is visible errors – reduced black quality and unevenness of the image. An example of the local dimming zones in action can be seen in a scene from the movie Sicario 2. You can see how the dimming zones try to reproduce details, but at the same time it leads to slight lightening around the helicopter lights. Nevertheless, despite these shortcomings, the blacks in the Philips PML8709 perform quite well, especially considering its price class.

The Hisense U7Q PRO is an mini-LED television with a VA panel and - in the 65-inch version we tested - 560 local dimming zones. It's worth noting that this number varies depending on the size - larger diagonals will have more zones, while smaller ones will have correspondingly fewer. But regardless of that, the dimming system itself works really solidly here.

The contrast performs really well, considering the price range this model falls into. Under the best conditions, the U7Q PRO can achieve results close to six-digit values, which until recently was reserved for much higher-end equipment. In practice - in scenes like the one from the movie Oblivion - the picture looks stunning. With a bit of light on in the room, it's hard at first glance to distinguish this television from organic screens. Of course, it's still an LCD with local dimming, so compromises are unavoidable. In more challenging scenes, where many small light sources appear, the U7Q PRO tends to dim too aggressively. Instead of a slight deterioration of black levels, some details that should be visible disappear. This is a side effect of the algorithm that strongly adheres to the principle of "black should be black," even at the cost of subtle image elements.

But all in all - contrast is one of the stronger points of this model.

HDR effect quality

4/10

6/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 96.6%, Bt.2020: 83.1%
DCI P3: 94.3%, Bt.2020: 73.3%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

367 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

126 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

309 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

119 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

348 nit

Review Hisense U7Q PRO Brightness measurement

Result

1129 nit

Review Hisense U7Q PRO Brightness measurement

Result

323 nit

Review Hisense U7Q PRO Brightness measurement

Result

721 nit

Review Hisense U7Q PRO Brightness measurement

Result

267 nit

Review Hisense U7Q PRO Brightness measurement

Result

736 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:

Hisense U7Q PRO

Luminancja HDR

Luminance of RGB colors

Philips PML8709

Luminancja HDR

Luminance of RGB colors

Looking at the contrast results, we expected that the algorithms responsible for the zones in the Philips PML8709 would be at least decent. However, what we encountered during testing is hard to explain. The maximum brightness we were able to achieve was only 350 nits, which is definitely too low to fully enjoy HDR effects. In practice, the TV barely stands out against an average SDR. The situation becomes even more surprising in the case of test scenes, such as the second one from the movie Life of Pi or Sicario 2. Small light elements reach only 120 nits there, making them practically invisible. Such a level of brightness is completely inadequate to modern HDR standards and significantly diminishes the viewing experience of high-quality content. The only bright spot in this category is the very good coverage of wide color gamuts – 97% DCI-P3 and 83% BT.2020. This ensures that colors are saturated and well reproduced, which can improve the overall viewing experience of HDR materials, even if just a little. However, the lack of appropriate brightness means that even this cannot save the Philips PML8709 in this category.

U7Q PRO is truly a bright television. In synthetic tests, it achieved over 1500 nits, which is an outstanding result for this price range. Such brightness – at least in theory – allows for displaying HDR content as intended by creators, even in more demanding scenes with strong light. In practice, it can be very good, but not always perfect. In bright scenes with a large surface area – such as the test screen with intense sunlight from the movie "Pan" – U7Q PRO makes a huge impression. It can almost blind with light, which is definitely an advantage in the context of HDR content. Unfortunately, this is not always maintainable when a lot of small bright details appear on a dark background. In such moments, local dimming algorithms decide to dim some bright elements to maintain good black levels – and the side effect is that some details simply disappear from the frame. This is a classic compromise in mini-LED televisions – and U7Q PRO is no exception. However, with such a large number of dimming zones, one could expect a somewhat more mature algorithm responsible for controlling them. Fortunately, the overall reception of HDR content is very positive. U7Q PRO is not only bright but also colorful; thanks to the PFS LED (QLED) coating, the coverage of the DCI-P3 color palette is at 95%, and BT.2020 is around 73%.

Factory color reproduction

3.9/10

6.2/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

Although theoretically the Filmmaker mode on the Philips PML8709 should provide natural color reproduction, in reality it resembles a store mode more. In the white balance, both for HD and 4K content, there is a clear dominance of blue. This makes the image appear washed out and cold, which is particularly noticeable in the comparison picture below.

The brightness characteristics also leave much to be desired. Both the gamma and the EOTF curve show excessive screen brightness. As a result, there is a loss of detail in both the brighter and darker parts of the image, which further diminishes its credibility and naturalness. Bright elements appear unnaturally flat and little varied.

These significant problems in white balance and brightness characteristics lead to noticeable color reproduction errors, which can be easily seen in films as well as in the Colour Checker test. The colors are imprecise, affecting the overall image quality and visual experience. The factory settings require substantial improvement to fully enjoy the potential of this television.

We tested the U7Q PRO in the best possible picture mode that this model offers – Filmmaker Mode. And indeed, it is this mode that performs best in terms of color reproduction. But that doesn't mean it's perfect. In our test unit, both in SDR and HDR content, the image had a slightly cooled tone. The white balance was shifted towards blue, which made the overall impression feel a bit "cooler." It's not glaring, but definitely noticeable – especially on white backgrounds that, instead of neutral, appeared slightly bluish. Additionally – as we mentioned earlier – the television tends to slightly brighten and oversaturate the image, which is also confirmed by the gamma and EOTF charts. All of this together means that without calibration the image may seem a bit unnatural – too cool, with slightly exaggerated dynamics. That's why we decided to conduct our own calibration – and its effects and charts can be seen below.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.6/10

7.5/10

Philips offers advanced image calibration tools in its televisions, which we decided to fully utilize. The effects? While we managed to improve many aspects, it was not without difficulties. White balance was one of the biggest challenges – despite our efforts, it can be called a battle against windmills. We managed to correct it significantly, making the image look much better than in the factory settings, but it is still far from perfect. Particularly in some scenes, a subtle dominance of blue is noticeable, though not as intense as before. We achieved significant improvement in brightness characteristics – gamma now presents itself much more stably. The EOTF curve looks correct at first glance; however, when analyzing film content, it becomes evident that the television has difficulty maintaining the appropriate characteristics. The algorithms "struggle" to adjust brightness, which may result from the limited number of dimming zones that do not always cope with more complex scenes. Overall, the image after calibration looks much more pleasant to the eye – colors are more natural, and errors in color reproduction have been minimized. Although it's still not perfect, the Philips PML8709 now presents itself much better than in the factory settings.

Thanks to calibration, we managed to tame the white balance in both SDR and HDR content. For SDR materials, the effect is really very good – the image becomes neutral, consistent, and simply pleasant to view. Everything looks as it should.

The performance in HDR is a bit worse. Although the white balance looks correct and overall the image gains in naturalness, unfortunately, delta E errors remain noticeable. Why? Because Hisense does not give us full control over how the U7Q PRO manages brightness in HDR mode. This is where the limitation appears. When we look at the EOTF curve for HDR content, we can clearly see what we mentioned earlier – at the beginning of the graph, there is a noticeable drop, meaning the television dims the smallest sections more than it should. On the other hand, the brightest elements can be illuminated a bit too much. As a result, some details are lost, others are too aggressive, and overall control over brightness does not always align with what we are trying to achieve during calibration.

Does the image look better after calibration? Definitely yes, in terms of color. But when it comes to managing brightness in HDR, we have to accept that the Hisense U7Q PRO will do it its own way.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9.1/10

9.5/10

The smoothness of tonal transitions in the Philips PML8709 is at a very high level. Color gradation is extremely smooth, and transitions between shades look natural and detailed. Even in more demanding scenes, the television performs excellently. Minor issues may arise with bright elements, where the gradation can be slightly less precise. However, these are such subtle differences that only the most demanding purists will notice them. For most users, the effects will be fully satisfying, and the image will maintain its impressive quality.

The U7Q PRO handles tonal transitions really well. Colors blend smoothly, without any banding, stripes, or strange artifacts. Even in more challenging scenes that usually bring out any imperfections—there was nothing to complain about here. The image simply looks clean. Gradients—both colorful and gray—are fluid, nothing tears, nothing distracts. It's one of those elements you don't notice while watching… certainly not in the case of the U7Q PRO.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.9/10

7/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The distortion reduction function in the Philips PML8709 smooths tonal transitions, but its effectiveness leaves much to be desired. We recommend setting this option to "Medium" – at this level, the effect is noticeable but not excessive. Unfortunately, compared to other Philips models, the smoothing effect is less effective, meaning that some tonal transitions may still appear slightly uneven. An additional drawback is that this function also smooths other details, such as material textures like shirts, which can affect image sharpness.

As for image scaling, the television performs very well. The image appears plastic and free of noticeable "jaggies." This effect may appeal to many users, although some may prefer a more pronounced look. Fortunately, the television allows for adjusting the sharpness parameter, enabling us to tailor the image to individual preferences.

If someone happens to come across older materials where the issue of color banding appears – Hisense has a solution for that. In the U7Q PRO, we find a feature called "Smooth and Gradient Picture." Set to the "Medium" level, it works really well – it eliminates most of the gradation issues while not smoothing out the entire image, like blur in Photoshop. 😉 Film grain remains, details do not disappear – this is exactly how it should work. Kudos for the implementation!

As for scaling weaker materials, it’s just good. It’s not at the level of the most expensive TVs with advanced upscaling, but older content looks good. There is some mild aliasing at very low resolutions, but that’s completely normal and hard to avoid. On the plus side – even with the oldest materials, there is no overscan effect; the image is not cropped or artificially stretched.

Blur and motion smoothness

5/10

7.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
60Hz
165Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
No
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Nie
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
60%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Smużenie ():

Smużenie (1080p 288Hz):

Philips PML8709 is one of the few models with mini-LED technology on the market that offers a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Although it is not a panel for the most demanding gamers, it should satisfy those who mainly watch movies. The television is equipped with the "Motion Style" feature, which is a motion smoother that allows you to adjust the fluidity of motion according to your preferences – from a more "plastic" appearance to a cinematic aesthetic with clearly visible frames.

“Speed” – this word was mentioned most frequently during our tests of the U7Q PRO. The television is equipped with a 165 Hz panel, which is impressive in itself – especially since we are talking about a model in the mid-price range. Of course, PC gamers will benefit the most from its full capabilities, but even during everyday viewing, it is evident that this is a fast and efficient panel. Like most modern televisions, the U7Q PRO can also enhance the smoothness of movies that are primarily shot in 24 frames. In the menu, there is a slider that allows you to adjust the effect to your preferences – from a more cinematic feel, with subtle motion, to stronger smoothing with the characteristic “soap opera effect.”

Console compatibility and gaming features

6/10

8.5/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 60Hz
    48 - 288Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    No
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    No
  • 1080p@120Hz
    No
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    No
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

Philips PML8709 is a television aimed more at occasional gamers, mainly due to its 60 Hz panel, which does not meet the expectations of the most demanding users. However, for those who appreciate gameplay at a more measured pace, this model may prove sufficient.

The television offers several gamer-friendly features, such as ALLM (automatic switching to game mode) and VRR (variable refresh rate), which help in displaying images more smoothly without annoying stutters. Moreover, in terms of HDR, we find here the implementation of HGiG, which adjusts the HDR effect to the specifics of games, providing a more natural image in appropriately optimized titles. Unfortunately, there is no support for Dolby Vision mode, which may be felt in games that utilize this format.

A nice addition is the presence of a basic "Game Bar," which allows for quick preview and modification of key settings related to gaming. It's a simple yet helpful feature, especially for those who often change their setup between different types of gameplay. Despite certain limitations, the Philips PML8709 offers a solid set of features for less demanding gamers.

The Hisense U7Q PRO is a television that seems almost designed for gamers. It has practically everything you could expect from a gaming screen: variable refresh rate (VRR), automatic mode (ALLM), and as many as four HDMI 2.1b ports with full bandwidth of 48 Gb/s. Additionally, there is a clear and quite functional Game Bar, as well as a well-implemented Dolby Vision GAMING mode that works seamlessly with Xbox Series S and X consoles.

Sounds like perfection? Well, almost. Unfortunately, Hisense has yet to implement the HGiG feature, which is the system's limit on tone mapping on the TV's side. This means that when configuring HDR brightness on the console, we do it "by eye" or look for settings in online guides because the screen doesn't show the real range of its brightness. It's a pity - because HGiG makes it easier to match the console to the TV and helps avoid clipping or overly dark scenes in HDR games.

Fortunately, the other elements work very well. Signal delay (input lag) is low, responsiveness is excellent, and the handling of other functions is flawless. And although not everything worked perfectly, the U7Q PRO can still be recommended to gamers without hesitation.

Input lag

10/10

9.8/10

SDR

1080p60
13 ms
18 ms
1080p120
9 ms
2160p60
13 ms
18 ms
2160p120
9 ms

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
18 ms
2160p120
9 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
18 ms
2160p120 DV
9 ms

The Philips PML8709 performs very well in terms of input lag. With supported resolutions, results of around 13 ms are more than sufficient to ensure comfortable gameplay. Such a response time means that even more dynamic games do not cause annoying delays. This allows players to enjoy smooth gameplay without unnecessary stress.

In terms of signal delay, the Hisense U7Q PRO performs really well. For 120 Hz content, the input lag stays below 10 ms, which translates into lightning-fast response – the screen reacts almost instantly to our movements, something that console and PC gamers will particularly appreciate. For 60 Hz content, the situation is slightly worse, as the response time doubles – this is natural and applies to almost all televisions. Nevertheless, it still remains below 20 ms, which can easily be considered a very good result, almost close to perfection – and in practice, it’s hard to feel this during gameplay.

Compatibility with PC

3.5/10

8.2/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
No
Yes
Font clarity
Average
Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Average
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
13ms
9ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
Max refresh rate
60Hz
165Hz
G-Sync
No
Yes

Philips PML8709 offers a dedicated mode for PC, but its capabilities are highly limited. The TV does not support chroma 4:4:4, which significantly affects the readability of fonts – text appears blurred and is difficult to read, disqualifying this model for those planning to use it as a monitor for work or document browsing. Additionally, although the TV demonstrated compatibility in G-Sync tests, the image while using this feature is very unstable, with frequent stuttering. Such unpredictability eliminates the benefits that adaptive sync support should provide.

The only positive aspect regarding PC compatibility is the low input lag, which can be an advantage for those using the TV mainly for gaming. Nevertheless, the limitations in chroma support and issues with G-Sync mean that the PML8709 is not the best choice for PC users.

Playing on a PC using the Hisense U7Q PRO is pure fun. Low input lag, full 165 Hz at 4K, and even 288 Hz at Full HD – these are numbers we wouldn't expect from a TV at this price. In this regard, it's really hard to complain about anything. If someone is looking for a large screen for gaming from a PC, the U7Q PRO can confidently serve as a monitor. It performs a bit worse for everyday work with text. Although chroma 4:4:4 is present, so theoretically everything should look good. But in practice, gray fonts on a dark background look strange – vertical lines are sharp, but horizontal ones can blur, disappear, or look slightly dimmed. However, it must be honestly added that if you use the TV as usual – that is, from a few meters away – you probably won't notice this. The problem only becomes apparent when someone places the U7Q PRO on a desk, a meter from their face, and starts working with text or spreadsheets. If you plan to use it this way – it's worth keeping this in mind.

Viewing angles

2.9/10

3/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
43%
70%

Philips PML8709, equipped with a VA matrix, offers average viewing angles typical of this type of panel. The picture loses quality when viewed from a larger angle – colors fade, and contrast significantly decreases. This is a characteristic feature of VA matrices and should be kept in mind, especially if we plan to watch the TV from different places in the room. For viewers sitting directly in front, however, the image remains clear and well reproduced.

In this regard, the U7Q PRO is average. The television is equipped with a VA panel, which is not known for its wide viewing angles. When we start to look at the screen from an angle, the image clearly loses brightness, and the colors begin to wash out. This is a completely normal phenomenon in VA panels without additional coatings to widen the angles – so if you plan to watch from the side or with a larger group, it's worth keeping this in mind. On the other hand, head-on – the image looks great, with deep blacks and very good contrast, much better than on IPS/ADS panels.

TV efficiency during daytime

4.8/10

6.2/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Hisense U7Q PRO: 472 cd/m2

Philips PML8709: 337 cd/m2

The Philips PML8709 is equipped with a satin matrix, which handles glare suppression moderately well. In moderately lit rooms, reflections will not be too bothersome, however, in very sunny conditions, the situation can become problematic. An additional challenge is the relatively low screen brightness, which is about 330 cd/m². This level may prove insufficient for comfortable viewing in bright rooms, where the image can appear too dark and unclear. The TV will perform better in controlled lighting conditions, but for those looking for a model that copes well during the day, this may be a significant limitation.

As we mentioned earlier – the U7Q PRO is truly a bright television, especially when it comes to HDR content. In the case of SDR material, the television dims a bit, but an average brightness of around 500 nits is still a very solid result. This means that you can easily watch TV or movies even in a quite bright room. Only in very extreme lighting – for example, strong sunlight directly on the screen – visibility may suffer a bit. Fortunately, Hisense has applied a satin anti-reflective coating that effectively reduces glare, and blacks maintain their depth even during the day. This makes a difference and allows for comfortable use of the television in various lighting conditions.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
Mini-LED PFS LED
Software version during testing
TPM242WW_R.001.001.053.210
V0000.09.01T.P0528
Image processor
MT5896 3gb raM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

TV features

6.5/10

9.4/10

  • HDMI inputs
    3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
    0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 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
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C

Classic features:

  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    Yes
  • Recording programming
    No
    Yes
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    No
    Yes
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    Yes
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    No
    Yes

Smart features:

  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Wyszukiwanie głosowe
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes

The Philips PML8709 runs on the Google TV operating system. This is quite a surprising choice, considering it is not the flagship model of the brand. Fortunately, it has avoided the implementation of the less popular TitanOS, which can be seen as a plus. Google TV offers a well-known, clear interface and extensive capabilities for installing applications, making the television more versatile.

In terms of user functionality, the television performs solidly. Daily use of the device is enjoyable thanks to support for Polish voice search. The ability to connect peripheral devices, such as keyboards, mice, or headphones via Bluetooth, increases its functionality. Unfortunately, the PML8709 does not offer more advanced options such as USB recording or PiP (picture-in-picture) functionality, which may disappoint more demanding users.

An interesting fact, and also a significant surprise, is the lack of Ambilight technology, which Philips is widely known for. The decision to omit this technology in the PML8709 model seems incomprehensible, especially since Ambilight is often cited as one of the biggest advantages of televisions from this brand.

Classic Features of U7Q PRO

If you plan to use the television in a more "classic" way, meaning for watching daily programs or connecting headphones, the Hisense U7Q PRO has almost everything you could expect. The TV supports USB recording without any issues, you can connect headphones via Bluetooth, and the remote control is backlit, which still isn't standard even in more expensive models. While many people today forego these classic features in favor of streaming applications, it's good to know that the U7Q PRO still does this properly and without compromises (aside from the lack of a PiP feature).

SmartTV System: Vidaa

As for smart features, in Europe, this model operates on the VIDAA system. The system works smoothly, has a built-in web browser, supports voice control (also in Polish), and AirPlay, which will please users of Apple devices. However, it should be noted that VIDAA is a closed system, so you won't find all the popular applications that Android TV or Google TV have accustomed us to. Before purchasing, it's worth checking if the apps you actually use are available.

Playing files from USB

7.6/10

8.2/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
Yes
No
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
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

The Philips PML8709 handles multimedia file playback from USB well. The TV should have no problem supporting most popular video, audio, and photo formats, making it a versatile tool for home entertainment. Files are read smoothly, and the interface of the built-in player is simple and intuitive.

However, a significant downside is the lack of support for Polish characters in subtitles, due to the incomplete implementation of the UTF-8 standard. Subtitles with Polish characters are displayed incorrectly, which can be irritating for people watching movies in their native language. This shortcoming means that users seeking full compatibility with subtitles may have to turn to external media players.

The built-in media player in the VIDAA system worked very smoothly and without any issues on our U7Q PRO unit. The television effortlessly read external video and audio files, as well as subtitles, making it convenient to watch movies from a USB flash drive or external hard drive. Most popular formats worked flawlessly, so there was no need to convert anything. The only point of contention is a certain selectiveness in handling high-resolution images – not all of them opened. Therefore, you will find an exact list of supported image resolutions (Mpix) in our comparison chart.

Apps

9.6/10

7.7/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
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
HBO_MAX
OK
Kodi
No
Apple_music
OK
Eleven_sports
No
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce Now!
No
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
OK
Steam Link
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
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
No
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
HBO_MAX
No
Kodi
No
Apple_music
No
Eleven_sports
No
Xbox Game Pass
No
GeForce Now!
No
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
No
Steam Link

Sound

5.1/10

7.8/10

  • Maximum volume
    -
    85dB
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1
    No
    Yes
  • 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 quality in the Philips PML8709 is average and standard for a television equipped with 2 x 10 W speakers. The sound is sufficient for everyday viewing, but it's hard to expect deep bass or clear details in more demanding scenes. On the plus side, it does support Dolby Atmos and DTS.

For the standards of built-in television speakers, the U7Q PRO sounds surprisingly good. The sound is clear, with distinct mid and high tones, and the bass – while obviously limited – does not completely disappear. One could say that for "TV speakers," the level is more than satisfactory. However, it’s worth noting that in our test model, we were unable to play DTS:X audio from local files – the television simply does not support it. This means that if you are counting on a cinematic spatial effect solely from its built-in speakers, there may be a bit of disappointment. Fortunately, the television seamlessly transmits DTS signal to an external amplifier, so if you have a home theater – just connect it, and everything works as it should.

Acoustic Measurements

No acoustic data

85dBC (Max)

75dBC