Philips OLED+959 is its most impressive flagship TV yet

Philips has confirmed that the OLED+959, its new flagship OLED screen, will go on sale this October. Previewed earlier this year, the 65-inch model is the first to feature an 8th Gen P5 AI Dual Engine processor, META 2.0 OLED panel, integrated Bowers & Wilkins Dolby Atmos sound system and advanced Ambilight plus.

Ambient Intelligence V3 works to optimise HDR performance according to ambient lighting conditions. The system also improves contrast in real-time, providing optimal brightness levels without losing detail.

Inside CI had an early hands on the with new screen, at its European launch, held at Abbey Road Studios. In a direct comparison with the brand’s (already impressive OLED909), the new OLED959 demonstrated greater onscreen detail and clarity.

Utilising Micro Lens Array Plus technology, the META 2.0 panel improves light efficiency, resulting in a peak brightness of 3000 nits when measured with a 3 per cent HDR load, and includes a META Multi Booster Algorithm to help boost image quality in both bright and low-light conditions.

In a comparison shootout with the LG G4 and Samsung S95D, in respective Crystal Clear and Vivid/Dynamic picture modes, the new Philips also offered far better colour fidelity and skin tone handling, with less high brightness clipping.

The set incorporates an impressive 5.1.2 audio system engineered by Bowers & Wilkins. This features 18 drivers driven by a powerful 102W amplifier, and artfully accommodates dedicated front-firing left, centre, and right speakers, along with up-firing elevation speakers. All drivers are acoustically isolated in their own rigid enclosures.

At the set’s launch, the screen was demonstrated with music clips and a sequence from Bladerunner 2049. The resulting soundstage was unquestionably cinematic.

Integrators should note that the TV allows for an external subwoofer connection, for those seeking even more depth in the audio.

The OLED+959 also features an updated Game Bar, which here comes with five settings: Center Zoom, Edge Enhancer, Cross Hair, Colour Filter and Shadow Enhancer. There’s HDMI audio/video status information.

Game mode can be automatically activated for connected gaming devices, with features like MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) for smoother gameplay, and support for 144Hz VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) including Dolby Vision Gaming. The OLED+959 is said to offer exceptionally low latency, with only 5ms on a 120Hz input.

The Philips OLED+959 is a Richer Sounds exclusive, priced at £3,999.