New Philips TVs have been announced for 2021, including new OLED and MiniLED sets. And yes, Ambilight is back in earnest.
What’s new for Philips TVs in 2021? The electronics manufacturer has now unveiled its new 2021 TV range, which contains some big changes – as well as a continuation of what worked so well in previous years. The arrival of MiniLED is the most notable change, even if it shows Philips walking in step with the likes of LG with its new QNED range, and the new Samsung TVs that will be making use of the advanced backlight technology. Philips‘ is mainly known for its proprietary Ambilight projection system, though, which throws onscreen colors and shades onto the wall around the screen – and 2021 will see it return in earnest, with four-sided Ambilight coming to all 2021 OLED and MiniLED TVs. The company set a high bar last year, with the Philips OLED+935, a high-end OLED TV with four-sided Ambilight and 70W of sound from audio specialist Bowers & Wilkins – as well as the competitively priced OLED 754, which was the cheapest OLED TV in the UK when it launched. We’ve only heard about successors to the 805 OLED and 855 OLED, though, so stay tuned for more news about updates to these other impressive models. We’re yet to try out any of these sets in person, but will be sure to update this guide when we’ve had the chance to review key Philips TVs from this year’s range. In the meantime, read on to see what’s on its way. Philips OLED 806 (48,55,65,77-inch): This year’s successor to the 805 packs in a 50W 2.1 sound system, HDMI 2.1 ports, and a „razor thin, zero bezel“ design – and, naturally, an OLED panel as well as Philips‘ P5 picture processor. There’s no pricing yet, but the introduction of a 48-inch size (previously only available for the flagship OLED+935) should help keep cost down for some. Coming in the first half of 2021. Philips OLED 856 (55,65-inch): This step-up model is more limited in sizes, but comes with a sleeker „wedge mount metal dark chrome T bar stand“ rather than the feet of the model above. Expect other specs to match up with the 806, though, including the early 2021 release date. Philips MiniLED 9506 (65,75-inch): This TV packs in Philips‘ latest 5th-gen P5 picture processor, as well as MiniLED backlight to help improve contrast and brightness control. We’re told that the backlight will „create local deep blacks and spectacular highlights with an impressive peak light output of 2000 nits. Colour reproduction is also impressive thanks to the high-quality VA panel with a wide viewing angle and a wide colour gamut of 95% DCI-P3.“ Coming mid-2021, with a peak brightness of 1,500 nits. Philips MiniLED 9636 (65,75-inch): Same as above, but this model includes a 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos sound system, courtesy of audio specialist Bowers & Wilkins, and will no doubt be a better choice for those after more of an all-in-one home cinema system. Also coming mid-2021, with a higher 2,000 nits peak brightness – but certainly at a higher price.
