Philips 4K HDR TV choices compared: OLED 806, 856, OLED+ 935, MiniLED 9636 and more
Philips frequently refreshes its TV lineup, with new designs and updates, and 2021 is no different.
A new range of Philips OLED TVs have started to hit stores – especially in time for Euro 2020. And, as well as a fine range of OLED TVs, it has introduced its own Mini LED models for the first time.
Here then are Philips’ top TVs, from the new 2021 models to 2020 sets you can still buy now – sometimes at a discount.
We’re not covering all of them, just those that stand out based on their features and positioning.
Philips OLED TVs
Philips OLED 806/856
- Available: TBC
- Screen sizes: 48in, 55in, 65in, 77in
- OLED, 3840 x 2160 pixels, HRD10+ Adaptive, Dolby Vision, HLG, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Atmos, DTS Play-Fi, Android TV
Philips will stick with its OLED+ 935 as the flagship model for the foreseeable future, but last year’s 805 and 855 will be replaced with OLED TVs with a few new features and improved picture processing.
The difference between the 806 and 856 is largely aesthetic – coming with different stands, basically. In addition, the 856 will only be available in 55 and 65-inches. The 806, on the other hand, adds 48 and 77-inch variants – the latter being the largest OLED TV from the Philips brand yet.
One of the main additions is the P5 AI Intelligent Picture Engine – a processor that analyses images and cross references different picture situations to apply the best settings. It also has a superb anti-screen burn technology that recognises and dims static logos on screen.
In addition, each of the new OLEDs come with 4K 120Hz and variable refresh rate (VRR) technology for gaming. Those combined with ALLM (auto low latency mode) ensure that those with next-gen consoles get the most from their machines. HDMI eARC and Dolby Atmos are on board too, for audio support.
The final string to each set’s bow is four-sided Ambilight.
Philips OLED 705
- Available: Now
- Screen sizes: 55in, 65in
- OLED, 3840 x 2160 pixels, HRD10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dolby Atmos, DTS Play-Fi, Android TV
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Philips 2021 entry-level OLED is the 705 – with the 55-inch model being sub-£1K.
It narurally skips some of the features of its pricier models, but still has the P5 Picture Engine and plenty of bells and whistles of its own. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are supported, for example, along with Dolby Atmos for sound.
And, unlike the previous entry-level model – the 754 – it runs Android TV for its smarts, so comes with a whole bevvy of apps pre-installed, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
There is three-sided Ambilight, plus Google Assistant on-board that you can activate through the microphone on the included remote. It is also compatible with DTS Play-Fi tech, so can be linked to other supported kit for multi-room audio playback.
An OLED 706 model is also on its way for the “summer”. It’s expected to be a slight step up from the 705. We’ll add it when we get more details.
Philips OLED+ 935
- Available: Now
- Screen sizes: 48in, 55in, 65in
- OLED, 3840 x 2160 pixels, HRD10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Atmos, Bowers & Wilkins Sound, DTS Play-Fi, Android TV
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While it has been around for a while, the current flagship comes with much of the tech functionality of the newer models. That includes anti-screen burn technology that can greatly help to reduce screen retention.
This TV also comes with a class-leading Bowers & Wilkins sound system that provides a 3.1.2 surround effect, including two Dolby Atmos elevation speakers that heighten audio.
Like the 806/856, the 935 has Filmmaker Mode. It is also DTS Play-Fi enabled, which means it can link to other Philips Wireless Home System speakers to either create a wider home theatre (with rear channels) or sync music around the home.
Philips Mini LED TVs
Philips MiniLED 9506
- Available: TBC
- Screen sizes: 65in, 75in
- Mini LED, 3840 x 2160 pixels, HRD10+ Adaptive, Dolby Vision, HLG, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Atmos, DTS Play-Fi, Android TV
Philips has embraced Mini LED technology for its top-end LCD/LED TVs this year. That means the backlight uses thousands of tiny LEDs in its backlight, which are grouped into 1,000 zones. These zones can be turned off, brightened or dimmed idependently, leading to more accurate colours and better contrast than previous LED panels.
ALso, thanks to the size of the LEDs, there is less light bleed, so black levels can be much deeper and darker than ever before. It’s the closest the tech can get to OLED, yet remains more affordable.
The MiniLED 9506 comes with four-sided Ambilight and the same P5 AI Intelligent Picture Engine as the 2021 top-end OLEDs. It is also 4K 120Hz, so is capable of playing PS5 and Xbox Series X games at their best. VRR and ALLM are on board too.
HDR10+ Adaptive is added to the HDR suite of standards, which adapts the picture depending on lighting conditions.
Philips MiniLED 9636
- Available: TBC
- Screen sizes: 65in, 75in
- Mini LED, 3840 x 2160 pixels, HRD10+ Adaptive, Dolby Vision, HLG, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Atmos, DTS Play-Fi, Android TV
The MiniLED 9636 is almost identical to the 9506 above, apart from the fact that it also comes with a Bowers & Wilkins sound system built into its stand.
This 3.1.2 system provides 70W of power across all channels, while two upfiring units provide extra height for Dolby Atmos tracks.
Like all of Philips premium models in 2021, it comes with DTS Play-Fi so can hook up to other wireless speakers around the home and become part of a multiroom audio setup.
