The new Philips OLED MiniLED TV line-up brings two fresh display technologies to the company's premium range, aimed at viewers who want brighter highlights and deeper contrast. Philips has confirmed two MiniLED sets and two new OLED models, all expected to arrive in the middle of 2021. Here is what these televisions offer and why the move matters.
Philips, one of the world's best-known electronics makers, is launching its first MiniLED televisions alongside an updated OLED range. The MiniLED 9636 measures 65 inches, while the 9506 comes in at 75 inches. On the OLED side, the new 806 and 856 sets follow last year's 805 and 855 models.
Philips OLED MiniLED TV: MiniLED models explained
MiniLED is a backlight technology that uses thousands of smaller LEDs for greater brightness control and stronger contrast than older LCD-LED televisions. It does not rely on the self-lit pixels found in OLED or MicroLED panels. Philips is not alone here: LG's new QNED range and Samsung's TVs are also adopting MiniLED this year.
Both the 9636 and 9506 use Philips' 5th generation P5 picture processor, a chip the company also fits to its OLED models. The latest P5 has been upgraded with a new film detection category as part of its anti-burn-in technology, and it can support the light-sensitive HDR10+ Adaptive mode that Samsung introduced last year.
- 9636: 65-inch MiniLED with a Bowers & Wilkins 3.1.2 sound system
- 9506: 75-inch MiniLED
- Both powered by the 5th generation P5 picture processor
- Expected availability around the middle of 2021
The new Philips OLED range
The OLED 806 and 856 join the line-up after last year's 805 and 855. The 806 comes in 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch and 77-inch sizes, while the 856 is offered only in 55-inch and 65-inch versions.
Both OLED sets support HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision. They feature a Razor-Thin Zero Bezel design, a 50W 2.1 sound system with DTS Play-Fi support, and HDMI 2.1 with eARC and VRR. The televisions run on the Android 10 smart TV platform.
Ambilight across the range
Every new MiniLED and OLED model gets 4-sided Ambilight, the unique Philips colour projection system. Standard Ambilight also appears on other sets, including the 9206 in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes and the 8506, which spans 43 to 75 inches. You can explore more from the brand on the Philips hub.
Specifications at a glance
| Model | Type | Sizes | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9636 | MiniLED | 65-inch | Bowers & Wilkins 3.1.2 |
| 9506 | MiniLED | 75-inch | Not specified |
| 806 | OLED | 48, 55, 65, 77-inch | 50W 2.1, DTS Play-Fi |
| 856 | OLED | 55, 65-inch | 50W 2.1, DTS Play-Fi |