PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) vs TCL C7L

Direct comparison

The One 2025 / PUS9060 / PUS9010 / PUS9000

Info

Available screen sizes: 75”

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

Panel type: LCD IPS

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Titan OS

Model year: 2025

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2026

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Overall rating

6.5

7.8

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    5.9

    7.2

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    5.6

    6.8

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.7

    6.7

  • Gaming on console

    8.1

    8.8

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.9

    8.4

  • Watching in bright light

    5.4

    8.8

  • Utility functions

    6.1

    7.8

  • Apps

    6.7

    9.6

  • Sound quality

    6.6

    7.7

Advantages

  • Very good viewing angles thanks to the IPS matrix

  • Excellent PC compatibility, 144 Hz mode, proper support for G-Sync and FreeSync

  • A wide range of features for gamers, variable refresh rate, automatic game mode, HGiG

  • Support for multiple HDR formats including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision

  • Support for Dolby Atmos

  • Low input lag

  • Effective P5 image processor for lower quality content

  • Ambilight system

  • Lighted remote control

  • Very high brightness

  • Good blacks and contrast (VA matrix + mini-LED)

  • Excellent color gamut coverage thanks to the new "Super QLED" filter

  • Full support for HDR formats including Dolby Vision and HDR10+

  • Top parameters for gamers (HDMI 2.1, low input lag)

  • High motion fluidity with low blur (up to 288Hz)

  • Google TV operating system (lots of apps, Gemini voice assistant)

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor black and contrast (typical for IPS panels)

  • Significantly lower brightness than in the VA panel variant

  • Visible backlight bleed at the edges of the screen in the tested unit

  • Limited number of applications in the Titan OS system

  • The remote control is still based on infrared, requiring aiming at the screen

  • Poor digital image processing due to the use of an older MediaTek Pentonic 700 processor

  • Only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is shared with the eARC channel for audio, e.g., soundbar

  • Sound losing dynamics above 40-50% volume

Our verdict

Philips PUS9010 (The One 2025) in the 75-inch version with an IPS panel is a television that clearly shows the differences resulting from the applied panel. Compared to the variant with a VA panel, it offers significantly better viewing angles, very good compatibility with consoles, and excellent text readability, but at the same time, it loses in terms of black levels and maximum brightness. This model is best suited for everyday use, gaming, and in larger living rooms where not everyone sits directly in front of the screen. The TV performs very well in terms of responsiveness and features for gamers, offering 144 Hz, low input lag, and full support for variable refresh rate. An additional advantage is Ambilight, which especially in the evening can enhance the viewing experience and partially mask the weaker black levels of the IPS panel. After calibration, the picture appears consistent and natural, and the differences compared to the VA version in color reproduction become hard to detect. On the other hand, it must be clearly stated that individuals focused on cinematic viewing in complete darkness may be disappointed. The weak black levels and increased brightness due to the quality of our particular unit made this variant of PUS9060 perform worse than the same model with a VA panel. Philips PUS9010 IPS is generally a sensible choice for users looking for a large, modern television for gaming, PC use, and everyday viewing with very good viewing angles. However, if deep blacks and better picture quality are a priority, it is worth considering other variants or a higher class of equipment, as often for a small additional fee, one can get a television equipped with mini-LED technology.

The TCL C7L is an incredibly successful Mini-LED television and a fully deserved successor to the hit model C7K. The list of advantages of this device is truly long. At the top is the extremely high brightness of the panel. Thanks to this, the television effortlessly handles brightly lit living rooms, offering an exceptional and dynamic picture in HDR format. Huge praise is also due for the use of the new Super QLED coating – after professional calibration, the colors can be not only natural but also incredibly saturated. The best part is that the screen does this regardless of what scene is being displayed, which is often not the case with all TVs that have RGB backlighting. The C7L is also a great piece of equipment for gamers; you could say it’s a true "media powerhouse." We get full support for consoles and PCs, a refresh rate of up to 288 Hz, G-Sync, and low input lag that doesn’t increase even when the very demanding mode of Dolby Vision Gaming is activated. The whole thing is tied together by a well-optimized Google TV system, which in this generation of TCL devices operates noticeably smoother and more efficiently (at least that’s the impression we got during our tests). Of course, the C7L is not a perfect device, and the manufacturer had to make certain compromises with this model. The biggest drawback of the C7L is the use of a less powerful image processor. Unfortunately, this translates to quite average digital processing and other design limitations in the form of only two HDMI 2.1 ports. A more powerful chip has been reserved this year for higher series, such as the C8L. From a business perspective, this is fully understandable. Why? Because if TCL had put a better processor here, most people would probably see no point in paying extra for the higher model. So even if certain compromises exist, the C7L series once again promises to be one of the most cost-effective Mini-LED televisions this year. If you are looking for a versatile, extremely bright screen for movies, series, television, or games – literally for everything – and at the same time do not want to overpay for the top series, then yes... the C7L is a brilliant choice that we can definitely recommend to you.

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
Toslink (Optical audio)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 1Gbit
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Build quality
Good
Good
Stand type
Legs
Central
Bezel color
Graphite
Graphite
Stand
Fixed
Height adjustment
Accessories
Stand
Stand

Contrast and black detail

2.9/10

7.7/10

Local dimming function: No

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 1152 (24 x 48)

Contrast:

Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

1,300:1

Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

1,400:1

Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

1,450:1

Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

1,500:1

Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

1,350:1

Review TCL C7L Contrast and black detail

Result

174,100:1

Review TCL C7L Contrast and black detail

Result

25,700:1

Review TCL C7L Contrast and black detail

Result

13,950:1

Review TCL C7L Contrast and black detail

Result

10,900:1

Review TCL C7L Contrast and black detail

Result

9,900:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Check the visibility of bright lights on a dark background. Mini-LEDs often struggle with this. The photo does not compare black levels – that’s what the video below is for.

The video accurately shows differences in contrast and black levels between TVs, as well as potential issues: halo around bright objects or Mini-LED zone operation visible as brightness jumps.

In the 75-inch version of the Philips PUS9010 that we tested, an IPS panel has been used, which is immediately evident in terms of black levels and contrast. Compared to the 55-inch variant with a VA panel that we tested earlier, the difference is noticeable right from the first images. The black levels are shallower, and in a dark room, the screen clearly tends to gray. The TV is not equipped with local dimming, so when the light is off, dark scenes lose depth. In practice, the picture looks significantly worse than in the smaller 55-inch variant, particularly during movie screenings watched in the evening. The situation is somewhat salvaged by Ambilight. The rear lighting can subtly "deceive" the eye, improving perceived contrast and making black seem a bit deeper. It's a simple trick, but it works. That's why this model is definitely better watched with Ambilight turned on. It doesn't have to be a multi-color mode that tracks the image. Even a solid white backlight can enhance the viewing of dark scenes.

TCL C7L is a Mini LED TV, which in the 65-inch variant we tested, is equipped with over 1000 local dimming zones. This, combined with a proprietary VA panel (referred to by TCL CSOT as HVA 2.0), delivers really decent results in terms of black levels and contrast. In most of the scenes we measured, black levels and contrast looked really good, and in the easiest shots, the black was deep enough to resemble that known from OLED screens. We are, of course, talking about the least demanding shots with a lot of black on the screen. However, when a larger number of bright elements appear on the screen, and black no longer dominates so strongly, it becomes clear that the TCL C7L – like most Mini LED TVs – has its issues with managing local dimming zones.

This is particularly evident in the standard black bars in movies recorded in the panoramic format 2.35:1. In this case, a clear halo effect, or bright light glow, can appear on the black bars or around small, bright objects. The contrast then drastically drops – from laboratory values of around 200,000:1 to about 10,000:1, which is quite noticeable in a completely dark room. It is worth remembering that this should not be treated as a flaw of the TV but rather as a characteristic of mini-LED technology. Of course, this effect becomes much less bothersome when we turn on at least some soft, diffused light in the room... which I definitely recommend doing during viewing sessions on any LCD TV.

HDR effect quality

5.2/10

6.6/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 90.6%, Bt.2020: 66.9%
DCI P3: 97.3%, Bt.2020: 90.5%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

374 nit

Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

383 nit

Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

397 nit

Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

391 nit

Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

401 nit

Review TCL C7L Brightness measurement

Result

1236 nit

Review TCL C7L Brightness measurement

Result

401 nit

Review TCL C7L Brightness measurement

Result

831 nit

Review TCL C7L Brightness measurement

Result

352 nit

Review TCL C7L Brightness measurement

Result

1204 nit

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

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

The photos show two HDR10 movies. 'Pan' is one of the brightest productions ever made, while 'Billy Lynn' (soldier) has brightness typical of streaming (Netflix, Prime, HBO MAX). Notice the intensity of effects and detail in whites.

Static HDR10

The photos present the visibility of white details in various HDR formats. They do not show brightness differences between TVs (these can be compared in the previous gallery).

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

The photos present the visibility of white details in various HDR formats. They do not show brightness differences between TVs (these can be compared in the previous gallery).

HDR luminance chart:

TCL C7L

PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS)

In the Philips PUS9010 version with an IPS panel, HDR brightness unfortunately falls short compared to the previously tested 55-inch variant with a VA panel. The difference is about 100 nits, which is clearly noticeable given the relatively low values. While the VA version could exceed 500 nits, here the maximum brightness reaches around 400 nits. This level still allows for watching movies and series in HDR, especially on streaming platforms, but the effects are clearly more subdued. Bright elements do not have as much impact, and scenes requiring high luminance appear less impressive. On the positive side, the coverage of the DCI-P3 color palette is commendable. The IPS version offers about 91%, which is roughly 5% more than the variant with the VA panel. This translates to slightly better color saturation in HDR content, despite the lower brightness. Colors can appear more vivid and consistent, particularly in colorful scenes.

TCL C7L is undoubtedly an extremely bright television. In synthetic tests on static images, it can achieve peak brightness levels of around 2800 nits. This is an absolutely phenomenal result, considering the price range it falls into. Unfortunately, the tests with real film scenes are not as spectacular as the measurements of white squares. The brightness in actual HDR shots drops to around 1200 nits in the C7L model. This is still a very good result, as the vast majority of contemporary films are mastered at such a value. However, when small, pinpoint elements appear on the screen, the brightness of those details drastically drops – even to about 400 nits – which diminishes the HDR effect somewhat. The television does this intentionally to maintain a better level of black and prevent a huge glare of light. This is somewhat explainable, but it also shows that Mini LED technology is not completely uncompromising in this regard. As for the HDR effect itself – alongside brightness, colors are obviously key here. And these, thanks to the use of new, "super" quantum dots, are simply outstanding and among the best on the market. The television can achieve around 90% coverage of the ultra-wide color gamut BT.2020 and 99% of the DCI-P3 gamut, easily matching the best RGB MINI-LED screens. Best of all, the C7L can maintain such high color saturation regardless of the scene being displayed, which is often problematic in competing RGB Mini-LED televisions.

Factory color reproduction

5.9/10

5.6/10

This gallery shows how colors change after professional TV calibration. If you notice the difference, we recommend ordering this service at SkalibrujTV.com.

Factory Mode

After calibration

We assessed color reproduction, as always, using factory settings, focusing on movie mode, which in the case of Philips usually offers the best starting point. This is also a good moment to show how much the same TV model can vary depending on the panel used. Looking at white balance, the overall trend remains similar to the variant with a VA panel. There is still excessive red in the whites, but in the tested unit with an IPS panel, there are also deficiencies in the blue channel. As a result, the image has a slightly different color character, which can be clearly seen in the comparative materials. This is a very good example showing why ready-made settings downloaded from the internet may not always work even within the same model.

However, returning to the assessment itself, this unit performs quite well, especially in SDR content. Color tests show correct saturation and color consistency, without glaring errors that could interfere with everyday viewing. In HDR materials, slight deficiencies in reds are already noticeable, but these are not flaws that completely ruin the perception of the image. The biggest limitations do not stem directly from the colors but rather from whites and blacks. The use of an IPS panel and slightly lowered gamma results in the image being slightly boosted in brightness, while the weak black further affects perceived contrast. This makes the overall look brighter, but at the same time, it loses depth, especially during evening viewing.

When it comes to colors straight out of the box, a new feature in TCL televisions – including the C7L model – is the presence of a new picture mode called Filmmaker Mode. This is significant news, as such a mode was previously unavailable from this manufacturer. By design, as the name itself suggests, the image in this setting is intended to be presented with the full intent of the film's creator. After our tests, we can confirm that it is undoubtedly the best built-in mode on this television if you care about faithful color reproduction straight out of the box. However, we definitely wouldn't say that it is perfect. Like most devices on the market, this C7L also had its factory flaws. The white balance in Filmmaker Mode strayed into a slightly greenish-yellow hue, mainly due to an excess of green component and a noticeable lack of blue color. Of course, for the average viewer, this may not be a drastic flaw, but if you care about perfect whites, natural skin tones, and fully unlocking the potential of these new "super" quantum dots, this television is in need of professional calibration.

Color reproduction after calibration

8/10

7.5/10

The photos show how movies look on the TV. Pay attention to black detail visibility, colors, and shadow tint.

The photos show how movies look on the TV. Pay attention to black detail visibility, colors, and shadow tint.

After calibration, the image was brought to a really reasonable level. Everything looks coherent and natural, and when it comes to color reproduction, it's hard to definitively state whether we have a VA or IPS panel. This is a good sign, showing that the TV has a solid foundation for further adjustments. It's worth noting the larger color gamut coverage in this variant, which can slightly improve the reception of colorful scenes, especially in HDR content. However, this advantage is largely counterbalanced by the elevated blacks, resulting from the use of an IPS panel. Limited black depth affects perceived contrast, especially when watching in a dark room. As a result, despite the noticeable improvement after calibration, the final assessment remains the same as in the variant with a VA panel. Better colors are not able to fully compensate for the weaker blacks.

After conducting a professional calibration, we managed to significantly improve the situation in the factory Filmmaker Mode. Following our adjustments, the errors in the ColorChecker test and across the entire wide color gamut dropped below the threshold of human perception – that is, below a value of 3, which is indeed a very good result. The TCL C7L definitely benefits from such an intervention in terms of color fidelity, and it's hard to dispute that. However, the management of brightness in HDR content post-calibration looks a bit worse. As I described earlier – even though we set up this model properly, when we turn on actual film scenes on the TV, it manages its brightness in a rather peculiar way. It often brightens certain elements on the screen contrary to the creator's intent, which is clearly visible in the EOTF graphs measured in specific films. Despite this defect – or rather a specific characteristic of this television – one cannot take away from it that after calibration, the C7L was able to reproduce the colors completely accurately.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8.5/10

8.6/10

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

When it comes to the smoothness of tonal transitions, in the 75-inch version with an IPS panel, we have mixed feelings. Looking solely at colorful gradients, the transitions perform even better than in the version with a VA panel. The colors blend more smoothly, and typical banding issues are less noticeable. However, the situation changes drastically in dark scenes. The tragic black characteristic of IPS effectively ruins the perception of tonal transitions in low brightness areas. The boosted blacks make it difficult to see subtle shades of colors, and the very unnatural blooming of the panel further worsens the situation. In the tested unit, the backlight blooming was particularly visible at the edges, where the light practically leaked onto the screen. This not only negatively affects the perception of dark scenes but also significantly complicates an accurate assessment of the grading itself.

Another element worth discussing is the fluidity of tonal transitions. Here, it's fair to admit that in the TCL C7L, it simply looks good. In most scenes – especially in the brighter shots – there are absolutely no issues with gradients. In native 4K HDR content, the picture is clear, and the transitions between shades are very smooth. It looks just as good in Dolby Vision mode, where we did not notice any digital defects or unpleasant color banding during testing. One could nitpick very dark shots where a heavily compressed signal is displayed on the screen. In such conditions, the C7L can sometimes show minor imperfections; however, in this model, it's not something that stands out too much. Especially during regular movie viewings.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.7/10

5.5/10

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

Smooth transition function

The match photo shows how the TV smooths weak tonal transitions in low-quality video.

Image scaling SD (576i)

The model photo shows how it handles upscaling of SD material.

In the Philips PUS9010, we find another iteration of the P5 Perfect Picture image processor, which aims to improve the quality of weaker materials. One of the components of this system is the distortion reduction function, responsible for smoothing tonal transitions. It works effectively and actually reduces visible color gradation. Unfortunately, it does so rather aggressively. In practice, it can dull details such as material textures or film grain. This is a clear compromise, so we wouldn't recommend it for movie screenings. It performs much better with looser content, like YouTube or regular television. The P5 processor also handles lower resolution materials quite well. The image is soft, sometimes even too soft, but it can easily be adjusted with the sharpness slider, tailoring the effect to personal preferences. Additionally, the lack of edge cropping in SD materials is a plus, which is still not standard in this class of televisions.

This point can be, in a sense, called the Achilles' heel of the C7L model. Unfortunately, this TV uses an older MediaTek chipset – the Pentonic 700 – which has never been known for exceptional digital image processing. This is clearly evident in the operation of the gradual smoothing feature, which is responsible for reducing jagged edges and removing digital noise. It simply works very poorly – after setting it to low, its effectiveness is practically nonexistent. The only small plus here is that the algorithm doesn't spoil anything additional in the image and doesn’t forcibly blur details. The upscaling, that is, scaling the image from lower resolutions to 4K, performs a bit better. It is simply adequate and doesn’t stand out in any particular way compared to the competition. However, it cannot be denied that the C7L would gain significantly in this aspect if the manufacturer decided to use the newer Pentonic 800 processor, which is now increasingly found in many competitive models.

Blur and motion smoothness

7.7/10

7.8/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
No
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
BFI function 120Hz
No
Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
52%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Blur (4K@144Hz):

Blur (4K@144Hz):

Philips PUS9010 has a 4K panel with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, which will be appreciated primarily by sports fans and gamers. This is especially evident in dynamic scenes where motion is sharp, and annoying trailing is nearly absent. When it comes to movies (standard 24 fps), Philips provides us with a proven set of settings known from higher series. Two sliders are used to control motion. The “Smoothness” slider allows you to adjust the image to your taste: at low settings, we maintain a cinematic character, while moving the slider to the right gives us a perfectly smooth, albeit slightly “theatrical” effect. On the other hand, the “Motion Blur Reduction” is a feature made for sports – it ensures that fast objects do not lose details and remain clear.

TCL C7L features a native 4K panel with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, which can even ramp up to 288 Hz at lower resolutions when using a PC. These are, of course, very high values and commendable on paper, but in everyday life, it's worth remembering that nearly all dynamic content you display on this television will still be running around a maximum of 120 Hz. To harness this dynamics, we find a motion smoothing system in the TV's menu called “Motion Clarity.” It offers several predefined modes, including a user mode, which we definitely recommend setting manually using our tried-and-true guides on our YouTube channel. There we have two key sliders at our disposal. The first one, “Blur Reduction,” is responsible for reducing blurring and improving sharpness in dynamic 60fps materials, such as sports broadcasts. The second slider, “Flicker Reduction,” allows for the addition of artificial frames in movies and series recorded at cinematic 24 or 30 frames per second. This, of course, completely eliminates the irritating stutter effect during camera movement shots.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

9.8/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 288Hz
  • 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

The Philips PUS9010 is truly a solid machine for gaming. It has everything that matters: VRR, automatic game mode (ALLM), and support for HGiG. The latter is a great feature—it allows HDR in games to be set exactly as the creators envisioned. The television handles 120 Hz refresh rates effortlessly at every popular resolution (1080p, 1440p, and 4K). It doesn't matter if you connect a PS5, Xbox, or a powerful PC—everything runs smoothly and just as it should. Gamers will also appreciate the Game Bar. It's a quick, clear menu that immediately shows whether low latency mode is active. This is especially useful when frequently switching between different consoles. The experience is completed by Ambilight. Evening sessions with this lighting are on a whole different level; the image seems larger, and dynamic scenes leave an even better impression. Even if someone isn’t a fan of such “gimmicks,” it’s hard to deny that it’s impressive.

When it comes to gaming, the TCL C7L is simply an outstanding television for gamers. With the presence of two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports at 48 Gbps, we have access to all the key features that console owners and powerful PC users require. It offers a well-functioning ALLM mode with very low input lag and VRR frame synchronization that operates impressively from 48 up to 288 Hz. Importantly, unlike some competitors, TCL has ensured proper implementation of the console HDR10 HGIG profile and support for Dolby Vision in games. This is complemented by a well-designed gaming panel, the Game Bar, which even allows for customization of its appearance and theme to perfectly match the aesthetics of your console.

The only thing that can – and indeed must – be criticized here is the fact that the television offers only two full HDMI 2.1 ports, while the other two are older HDMI 2.0. This creates quite a significant logistical problem. Why? Because one of those fast ports also supports the eARC audio return channel. In practice, this means that if you connect a soundbar or home theater system to the television, you will only have one free HDMI 2.1 port left. If you have two consoles or a console and a powerful computer at home, unfortunately, you will have to give up something or constantly juggle the cables at the back of the unit while maintaining convenient audio system control.

Input lag

9.5/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
18 ms
11 ms
1080p120
8 ms
7 ms
2160p60
18 ms
11 ms
2160p120
8 ms
7 ms

HDR

2160p60
18 ms
11 ms
2160p120
8 ms
7 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
34 ms
11 ms
2160p120 DV
7 ms

In terms of responsiveness, the Philips PUS9010 performs very well. The input lag is around 9 ms at 120 Hz and 18 ms at 60 Hz, so the response to movements on the controller is quick and predictable. In practice, even dynamic action games or e-sports titles pose no problems. Dolby Vision in games performs worse. The lag then increases to around 35 ms, which may still be acceptable for less demanding players, but more sensitive individuals might feel a slight sluggishness in controls. For this reason, HDR10 with HGiG enabled remains a better choice. In this model, it works correctly, providing lower latencies and more predictable brightness behavior, without the issues that can arise with Dolby Vision.

It is worth taking a look at the dry numbers here, because in terms of signal delay, the TCL C7L is absolutely at the top of the market. Our measurements showed that the input lag is extremely low and for a 60 Hz signal it is only about 10 ms. When we step up to a higher level and launch a game at 120 Hz, the delay drops to an imperceptible 6 to 7 ms. However, what is more important is that these values are maintained even after activating the Dolby Vision format in games.

Compatibility with PC

8.9/10

8.4/10

Chroma 444 (max. resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, max. refresh rate)
9ms
6ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RGB
RGB
Max refresh rate
144Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

The photo shows the legibility of small fonts. Ideally, lines should be the same thickness on both light and dark text, with minimal pixel gaps.

Philips PUS9010 (2025) is a very good TV for using with a PC. The manufacturer has provided a dedicated 144 Hz mode for PC gamers, and the TV correctly supports variable refresh rates for both NVIDIA and AMD cards. G-Sync and FreeSync features work seamlessly, making PC gaming smooth and free of screen tearing. Now that we know the TV is very suitable for gaming, it's worth noting the readability of text, especially during daily work with a PC. The use of an IPS panel is definitely a plus here. Chroma has been implemented correctly, allowing for nearly perfect font reproduction. Text is sharp, clear, and does not cause problems even during extended use. However, out of our thoroughness, we must point out a minor detail. For very dark text, vertical and horizontal lines can have slightly different brightness levels. This is purely a technical flaw, practically unnoticeable in practice, especially in the case of the 75-inch variant, where the distance from the screen further masks this effect.

When it comes to gaming on PC, as I mentioned earlier, it is truly seamless. The TV effortlessly supports high refresh rates: full 4K at 144 Hz, and at Full HD resolution, it can even ramp up to 288 Hz. Moreover, both G-Sync and FreeSync synchronization systems work here without any issues. For PC gamers, the C7L can serve as an excellent, gigantic monitor.

However, typical office work with text looks a bit worse, all due to the panel behaving quite strangely under these conditions. When the highest refresh modes are turned on, namely 144 Hz and 288 Hz, the readability and sharpness of dark text on a light background is rather average – fonts become slightly blurry and jagged. Fortunately, this can be very easily fixed by changing the refresh rate in the graphics card settings to a stable 120 Hz. Then the text becomes perfectly sharp again, which is definitely worth remembering if you plan to use the C7L as a work screen.

Viewing angles

5.8/10

3.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
58%
78%

The viewing angles on the Philips PUS9010 are very good, and this is one of the biggest advantages of the IPS panel. Compared to the variant with a VA panel, the difference is clear. The image maintains much better consistency, and colors remain stable even when viewing from a wide angle. Of course, with a change in position, the brightness level does drop slightly; however, the degradation of the image is much less than in the VA version. It is not the level known from OLED screens, but among LCD TVs, it can be considered one of the better viewing angles available on the market.

Unfortunately, the powerful native contrast of the HVA 2.0 panel comes with a price. It concerns the viewing angles, which in the C7L model are simply poor. This is all, of course, due to the use of the aforementioned VA panel. It is a completely natural characteristic of this technology and something to be aware of when making a purchase. If you sit directly in front of the screen, the picture will impress you with its depth, but just shifting a few dozen degrees to the side on the couch will cause the colors to immediately begin to fade. By choosing this model, you are opting for a classic market compromise: you get brilliant black and fantastic contrast, but you lose out on viewing angles.

Daytime performance

5.4/10

8.8/10

Panel finish
Satin
Glare
Reflection suppression
Decent
Poor
Black levels during daytime
Good
Very Good

Panel brightness

TCL C7L: 1327 cd/m2

PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS): 398 cd/m2

In terms of usage in a bright room, the Philips PUS9010 performs decently. The satin matrix used effectively dampens reflections and does not create a mirror effect, which prevents the screen from being too distracting from light coming in from windows or lamps. Unfortunately, compared to the VA matrix variant, the television performs weaker. The screen is noticeably darker, which can be felt in a heavily sunlit room. Under normal daylight conditions, this does not pose a major problem, but in very bright surroundings, the difference compared to the VA version is noticeable.

It is also worth mentioning how the TCL C7L performs during everyday viewing in a sunlit living room. As we have established, this is an extremely bright television, and it is precisely because of such a powerful supply of luminance (up to 2400 nits in SDR!) that it manages to perform exceptionally well in very bright rooms – the image simply pushes through the incoming light into the room without any problems. The only thing to watch out for here is direct reflections on the screen. The coating applied to the panel this year is definitely glossier than the one we saw in last year’s C7K model. The screen significantly worsens the suppression of point light reflections, which in unfavorable conditions – for example, when a window is positioned directly opposite the television – can be quite irritating for some users. Nevertheless, in terms of raw brightness, the C7L is simply a demon for bright living rooms.

Panel details

Backlight Type
PFS LED
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
TPN258E_V058.002.236.151
v8-0012T01-LF1V626.003089
Image processor
MT5896 2,5GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS)

TCL C7L

TV features

6.1/10

7.8/10

  • System
    Titan OS
    Google TV
  • System performance
    Decent
    Very good
  • 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
    Toslink (Optical audio)
  • Outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
  • Network Interfaces
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 1Gbit
    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
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • RF remote control (no need to aim)
    No
    Yes
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Bluetooth headphones support
    Yes
    Yes
  • Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio
    No
    Yes

Smart features:

  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    No
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) TV features
Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) TV features
Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) TV features
Review PHILIPS PUS9010 (IPS) TV features
Review TCL C7L TV features
Review TCL C7L TV features
Review TCL C7L TV features
Review TCL C7L TV features

Sound connection options

  • HDMI audio
    eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
    eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
  • Other audio outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
    Toslink (Optical audio)
  • Wireless audio
    Bluetooth
    Bluetooth

Supported audio formats (external HDMI eARC audio):

  • 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
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
    Yes
    Yes

Senior accessibility

  • Numeric keyboard on TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Font size adjustment
    No
    Yes
  • Audio description
    No
    Yes

Classic TV Features

When it comes to classic features, the Philips PUS9010 is rather average. On board, you will find basics such as EPG, teletext, and the ability to connect headphones via Bluetooth. However, that's basically where the list of stronger points ends. Unfortunately, it lacks USB recording and a PiP (picture-in-picture) mode. These are features that are becoming less common, but they can still be useful in everyday use. On the plus side, there's a remote control with a numeric keypad. It's modern, backlit, and visually makes a very good impression. It's just a shame that it's still an infrared remote, so it requires aiming at the screen. With such a modern look, Bluetooth radio control would have been a welcome addition.

Smart TV

Most Philips televisions from 2025, including the PUS9010, run on the Titan OS system. This is still a relatively young platform, and unfortunately, its limitations are still evident. The system itself runs quite smoothly, clearly better than in the manufacturer's cheaper models, and during testing, it did not have any issues with screen mirroring or AirPlay, which is still not a given. However, the biggest drawback remains the limited number of available applications. This can be partially circumvented by connecting a keyboard and mouse to the TV and using the built-in web browser, but this is more of an emergency solution than a convenient everyday option.

Google TV and Smart TV

The multimedia heart of the TCL C7L is, of course, the Google TV operating system, which provides access to a massive library of apps and all the most popular streaming platforms on the market. The Smart TV in this model works seamlessly, offering full support for useful network features such as Apple AirPlay and Chromecast. However, a huge and very pleasant surprise is the overall performance of the software. We noticed that Google's system on the new C7L operates much more efficiently, smoothly, and quickly than on TCL models from last year. Much of this is due to better optimization at launch. Unnecessary pauses and minor interface hiccups, known from older models, seem to have faded into oblivion.

TV Features

In terms of classic antenna or cable television, the TCL C7L does not offer many additional, advanced features. It is simply a straightforward receiver. The manufacturer did not strive for any revolutionary solutions here, so apart from the traditional program guide, you won’t find anything special. A significant nod to traditional viewers is the classic remote control, which, contrary to the current trend towards minimalism, is still equipped with a full numeric keypad, greatly facilitating quick channel switching.

Apps

6.7/10

9.6/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
No
Apple_TV_Plus
No
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
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

Playing files from USB

7.9/10

9.4/10

Supported photo formats:

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

The media player in the new Philips is a solid standard. It handles most popular video and audio files, operating stably and predictably. While fans of rarer subtitle formats or specific image resolutions may feel a bit deprived, the built-in software takes care of the average user. It's a convenient solution that allows us to avoid using external equipment to play materials from an external drive.

Finally, it's worth mentioning the playback of files from external USB drives in the multimedia section. During our tests, we didn't notice any unpleasant surprises here – the factory player handles all popular video and audio formats exactly as it should. Interestingly, the TCL C7L also played photos saved in Apple's native format, HEIC, without any issues. This is an extremely rare feature in manufacturers' factory applications. And while the Google TV system gives you unlimited options for installing external media player programs, in the case of the C7L, the built-in tool is refined enough that installing additional software is unlikely to be necessary for anyone.

Sound

6.6/10

7.7/10

  • Maximum volume
    85dB
    77dB
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1
    Yes
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
    Yes
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
    Yes
    Yes

The sound from the Philips PUS9010 is simply adequate. The tested unit offers a 2.0 setup with a total power of 40 W, which is completely sufficient for everyday watching of television, movies, or series. The sound quality is pleasant, but it's hard to speak of anything extraordinary, especially if you're looking for strong bass or greater dynamics. On the positive side, it should be noted that it supports a wide range of audio formats. When connecting a soundbar or home theater system, the TV easily handles Dolby Atmos and DTS without needing to fiddle with settings or losing sound quality. This is definitely good news for those planning external audio systems.

TCL C7L simply performs quite well and correctly. In terms of sound quality, there has practically been no change compared to last year's model C7K. The manufacturer still uses a speaker system branded with Bang & Olufsen in a 2.2 setup. The only thing that can be quite irritating during viewing sessions is the fact that after increasing the volume to higher levels – around above 50% on the scale – the volume stops correlating with the scale visible on the screen. The audio system from B&O works great for daily watching of news programs or series at moderate volume, but if you're looking for good sound, it's worth buying at least a basic soundbar for the C7L.

Sound Quality Test

Acoustic Measurements

No acoustic data

77dBC (Max)

75dBC