Expert review of the Philips OLED808
Philips OLED808
- Thanks to the OLED screen, you can enjoy true-to-life colors and really deep black levels.
- The P5 Gen5 image processor and 100Hz refresh rate ensure smooth images.
- Ambilight illuminates the wall behind the TV in the colors of the image for an atmospheric viewing experience.
- The television doesn't have AirPlay to stream content from your mobile device to your TV.
First impression of the Philips OLED808
I notice right away that the screen is thin. This is the case with most OLED televisions, and the Philips OLED808 is no exception. In addition, it was easy to assemble. First, I assembled the base. I then attached it to the bottom of the television with screws. After that, I downloaded Google TV and the accompanying apps. This takes about 10 minutes in total.
Bright colors
This means that the television has a higher brightness than last year's version. I notice this when I watch drone footage of Austria. The white and blue tones really stand out here. The green of the grass and trees is also clear and detailed. This makes the colors bright and lifelike.
High contrast
Thanks to the OLED technology, I can enjoy a high contrast. The pixels of the television light up individually and switch off individually as well. This makes dark colors truly dark. I notice this with nature documentaries, shadows stand out and the light colors are bright.
Smooth images
The television has a 100Hz refresh rate. This allows me to see smooth movements clearly in the World Cup final, for example. I can see each repetition clearly and in detail. I can even see this with fast movements of the football players. The high refresh rate is also useful if you often watch movies. For example, an explosion in slow motion looks even more intense.
Sturdy remote
Philips includes a sturdy remote with the TV. It has the same color as the television. It's a stylish remote that feels comfortable in your hand. With the remote, I can quickly navigate through the smart TV platform. I can also go directly to Netflix and YouTube. The remote has a built-in microphone that allows me to control Alexa or Google Assistant. I can use my voice to go to YouTube, for example.
Good viewing angle
OLED televisions are known for having a good viewing angle. This television is no exception. When I sit in front of the TV from an angle, I can see everything clearly. I can see that the colors remain clearly visible. From this angle, I do notice reflections of the light. I'd recommend you to place the TV in a spot without direct light on it, so you can avoid annoying reflections.
Vibrant Ambilight colors
Ambilight is a nice addition to the television. This 3-sided Ambilight shines light on the wall from the sides and top of the television. This causes the image to blend into the wall, which ensures an even more intense movie experience. At dusk, Ambilight ensures that the transition to the dark wall is pleasant for your eyes.
Decent sound
The Philips OLED808 has 2 built-in speakers, but doesn't have a subwoofer. I do miss this while watching a concert. A guitar or drum solo doesn't sound as intense as it would through headphones or earbuds. I also miss the depth of sound with movies. When I watch vlogs or TV programs, the sound is good. Want a complete home cinema experience at home? I recommend buying a soundbar with subwoofer.
Extensive smart TV
The Android smart TV menu fills the screen and looks clear. I can quickly switch between my apps. I can also easily download apps in the Google Play Store. In addition, the suggested movies and series from apps like Netflix are displayed on the main screen. Thanks to these functions, you can easily navigate to the content you want to watch.
Conclusion
The Philips OLED808 is a complete OLED television. Thanks to the 10-bit HDR resolution, I can enjoy a high contrast and bright colors. The brightness of this TV is higher than last year's Philips OLED. The colors look lifelike and ensure an intense viewing experience. This Ambilight function is a nice addition for your movies and series. It provides a more immersive movie experience. For an impressive sound experience, I do recommend a soundbar with a subwoofer.