REVIEW: Philips PUG8807 Smart TV is the 4K Android TV with a light show c3p53

Anyone who follows the TV market knows that the Philips is the only company to sell devices from the factory with those lights on the back, the so-called Ambilight. You can even buy devices with LED strips that produce a similar effect, but it is done through “workarounds” and does not work natively like the manufacturer's TVs. 45j16

We received the PUG8807, also called THE ONE, a 4K TV with Ambilight on 3 sides, 120Hz, Android TV and other very interesting features. It's a mid-range TV with some TV features , like the 120Hz refresh rate and is excellent in almost everything, but fails in important aspects of image and sound quality.

See our video review:

Design 145g70

The Philips PUG8807 follows the minimalist design philosophy, with thin edges that provide a more immersive viewing experience (especially with Ambilight).

It is huge and may not fit on any piece of furniture, as happened here at home and I had to make an adaptation to it on top. Fortunately, the Philips offers the possibility of fitting the TV's feet in two places, exactly for this purpose: if you have a small piece of furniture, just place the feet closer together. But the model I received only allowed screws to be screwed into the furthest feet. The PUG8807 is being sold in 3 sizes: 55, 65 and 75 inches.

In the manual the Philips informs that the ideal distance to watch TV is two to five times the size of the screen diagonally, so you need to have at least 320 centimeters of space between you and it, as it has a diagonal of 164cm.

It's a gray TV on the front and edges and the feet are the same tone, but made of metal to guarantee it can hold its 20 kilos. The edges are very thin, which is important to accentuate the immersion effect of the Ambilight lights.

On the back we find the connections and the manufacturer positioned them on the left side and at the bottom, which can be useful for those who have devices positioned differently.

Image 5k2o1y

It's a LED VA LCD TV, which means right away that it has good viewing angles, in addition to brightness and contrast. The colors are spectacular, vivid and very natural, even without a specific color filter like the NanoCell models from LG or QLED for the others. The PUG8807 proves to be very competent in this regard. Perhaps due to the 90% of the DCI/P3 standard that it achieves.

From the factory it comes with ECO mode active to save energy, but there are other modes with more vivid colors, higher brightness, and other image settings that consume more energy.

Its brightness is very good, when I connected it to Windows it appeared to be 499 nits, and even when it is not at maximum level it is capable of generating very clear images

Even Micro Dimming Pro, which in theory optimizes the contrast from light areas to dark areas, does not generate spectacular results and black images are not as black. This is a limitation of LED s that have “lamps” illuminating larger areas of the entire screen, unlike OLED which has pixels that light up individually, generating infinite contrast. But this is common and is to be expected in an intermediate Smart TV.

One of the main image problems is the vertical banding, which is when you notice lighter vertical stripes in images with flat colors. The lighting is not uniform and you end up noticing one area brighter than the other. On the TV we received for testing, I didn't notice light leaks, but I saw reports from people with the problem.

The Philips PUG8807 features Dolby Vision, which offers greater image quality due to 12-bit color depth (4.096 tones per color). Dolby Vision HDR content quickly displays a notification on the TV (which can be deactivated) informing you that the content is in Dolby Vision/HDR. It is also compatible with all HDR formats, which helps with contrast as well as generating brighter and more vivid images.

For gamers, the images are super smooth and sharp, thanks to 120Hz and AMD FreeSync, which reduces aliasing when the processor (of the video game or PC) is faster than the screen is capable of displaying. If you have the PS5, the new Xbox or a PC, you will be able to make the most of the console's power.

Audio 3n1j5g

There are two outputs with 10W RMS power each, totaling 20W. Most of the time I used it with volume below 20%, no more than that was necessary, endorsing the power of its speakers. Despite having Dolby Atmos, DTS Play-Fi, AI sound and other sound features, it is not the PUG8807's strong point. Even increasing the volume, you don't feel that the sound is full or striking. It's very basic, not engaging or special.

If you have a soundbar, it won't be a problem. But if you really like sound effects, use the TV to watch clips and listen to music, or want to feel the sound impact of films, it would be important to invest in an extra device such as a soundbar or home theater.

Another super cool and wireless possibility is to use Bluetooth to connect to speakers. I hate cables and the PUG8807 allows me to connect it, for example, with the excellent speaker Sony XM5 (which we already have a review too) and it was great, without delay and with very high quality.

I found it curious that when connecting to headphones, the TV stops showing the volume level when you increase or decrease it.

Operating system and special features 4dz63

When taking it out of the box, you need to do all those initial configurations of the Android TV, it is very extensive, just like a cell phone — so be patient — but the system update happens in the background and you can use it in the meantime, unlike TVs in the TCL where you need to wait for the update to finish before using it.

The amount of resources and the excellence in executing them is another positive point. It starts quickly, applications open and accept commands instantly, the system comes with several applications and there is for the main personal assistants in Brazil: Google Assistant e Alexa. I missed just one thing: AirPlay to mirror screens on devices. Apple , but if it's not something you need, you won't even need it, if so, you'll have to buy the Apple TV.

Android TV 11 2f3x4g

The operating system is the Android 11, whose interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. O Google also has the Google TV, which is shipped on TVs TCLLike Chromecast 4 (we also have a review). The main difference between them is the interface, some prefer the Google TV, there are those who prefer the Android TV, but it is not possible to change.

The TV comes with a variety of pre-installed apps — several unknown and useless goods — and allows quick access to the most popular streaming services. The system is very responsive and offers a good experience and because it is based on Android, offers you access to Play Store to a multitude of applications.

It has some modifications to the Philips, which included a space with a guide to use and explore some of the TV's features and functions, I found it very informative, it's a shame it's only in English.

It's interesting that it has a button that gives access to some settings, and on the control there is a configuration button that gives access to other settings.

Ambilight 2uif

It's been a while since I wanted to test a TV with Ambilight, which is the biggest differentiator of this product. Android TV 4K and what makes it so special, especially compared to TVs from other brands. The Ambilight version here is Trilateral, that is, on the sides and top there are LEDs that illuminate the wall where it is in accordance with what is on the screen.

The immersive experience is really greater, seeing the full colored wall extending the colors of the screen really makes you a little more immersed.

If you have light bulbs Philips Hue, you can create an even larger and immersive system of lights in your room. Check if it is necessary to purchase the Philips Hue Play Sync Box, an extra accessory to integrate your lights with the TV.

It works on everything on the screen, be it movies, series, even games, applications, music players or navigating through menus.

You can turn it off or control the intensity, change the styles and reaction modes of the lights. It's a really cool resource to explore. There's even a mode called “Dawn Alarm”, in which the TV uses Ambilight, music and weather information for a new wake-up experience.

When Ambilight is super cool 2b5q16

It's a resource very playful, and if you have young children at home, or love animated and fantasy films, look, it's a spectacular light show!

Watch Super Mario Bros. - The film It's epic, colorful lights illuminate the entire environment. Ditto for the battle between Dumbledore and Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

I love watching clips and it's super cool too. One of the clips that makes the most of the resource is It's alright, by Anitta with Silva. Made with solid colors in 16×9 format, the lighting effect adds a “tchan” to the experience.

When it's not so cool v5x3u

Every occasion has a dress code: you can't go to a funeral in swimming pool clothes and this is a metaphor that helps illustrate Ambilight. Even though it's super cool, it doesn't always fit.

Drama films and series, more serious content, even comedies, the light show does not fit, and it is better to turn it off or put it in neutral mode, which is a little weaker and more discreet than the standard mode that comes from the factory .

The screen aspect ratio is 16×9, but some films/videos/series are published in other formats, which generates those black bars at the top and bottom, or on the sides. This ends up taking away some of the magic of having a feature that “magnifies what you see on the screen”, since what happens is: there is something colorful > there is a black bar > then there are the Ambilight lights. This takes away the shine of the resource and there is nothing you can do about it.

Resources for gamers 4m5u

TVs nowadays need to be increasingly complete and bring specific features for those who play, and The One is well prepared in this sense, including in games and latest generation consoles.

With the HDMI 2.1 input you will be able to run games at a 120 Hz refresh rate, ideal for competitive and action games, as the faster it displays the image, the faster your reaction can be in the game. 120 Hz also offers smoother images than traditional 60 Hz screens.

AMD FreeSync is also present, decreasing response time and ensuring smooth images. tearing, which are those rendering tears that happen when the screen is unable to display image movements in the right way.

In the first two HDMI inputs you have the VRR, responsible for reducing the different refresh rates between the video card and the TV.

One of the many apps that comes installed is Boosteroid TV, which for a subscription of 10 euros you can play titles from Steam, Epic Games and others. If you prefer, you can use Geforce Now too.

It comes from the factory set to 60Hz, even with HDMI 2.1, you need to activate HDMI Ultra HD to enjoy AMD FreeSync, 120Hz and other gaming features. Just go to Settings, Advanced Settings, General Settings and HDMI Ultra HD.

Have a good video card, mine couldn't handle it when I activated 120Hz on the computer; I noticed that the sharpness dropped a lot, when changing the resolution to Full-HD (it was at 4K) it improved, but it wasn't as sharp as it was at 60Hz.

Keeping the Menu key active opens the settings menu with gaming features that displays the screen refresh rate, resolution and other information.

Personal assistants – Google Assistant and Alexa 2t5162

The two most used personal assistants in Brazil work on it and you can use them to control the TV. Here at home I have Alexa e Google Assistant and by both I can order it to turn off, reduce the volume and control other aspects.

Google Assistant 6h3jw

Using the Google Home app, you can change channels, increase volume, turn off the TV, and give other commands without having to speak, just pair the app with the TV. There is an off button on the remote too.

If you don't have a Google Assistant but have connected home items, here's some good news: by pressing the Google Assistant button on the remote control you can control the connected devices in your home.

It is useful to have the possibility of pairing the TV with the cell phone, even to use the cell phone keyboard when typing on the TV.

Alexa 502v2r

To use the Alexa you need to install the “Philips Smart TV Voice Control” skill, then you can use your Echo device to control the TV.

The commands are very similar to those of Google Assistant, turning off the TV, increasing volume, opening an application, etc.

Processor 1z5g6g

The processor has been an indispensable item when we talk about Smart TVs for a long time, after all, it is the one that will take care of all the TV's smart tasks and ensure that the system and image and sound resources work perfectly.

The image processor here is a quad core, the P5, from its own Philips, which according to itself is capable of offering “images with much more vivid, smooth and realistic colors for any content displayed on the screen".

He is also responsible for making Android TV and applications work, and the performance is very good. It turns on and starts the system quickly, applications open and work very well. In total there are 4 GB of RAM and there is 5.3 GB of free storage for you to install applications, photos, videos and whatever you want.

Perhaps the moment when he is least efficient is when he needs to do the Upscaling, which is to transform Full-HD images into 4K. The images are not that good, they generate a lot of color banding, especially in dark scenes.

Remote control 4f3o2v

It's a huge remote control, although it's very pretty. It will be difficult to lose him! Its highlight is the Ambilight button that lights up when pressed, reinforcing the idea of ​​the “illuminate” feature. Today's TVs have personal assistants and in control is the microphone that receives commands. You can also perform voice searches, if you don't want to type using the TV's keyboard. Out of curiosity, the control has Bluetooth for the voice features to work, so it is necessary to pair it with the TV, as it does not only work via infrared.

There are dedicated buttons for Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube, and a button for the Smart TV Collection, different from the Android TV system's app menu. I confess that I didn't quite understand its usefulness.

It works with 2 AAA batteries and despite having space, it doesn't have that area that captures light to recharge the control. Oh, it doesn't have a USB-C input to recharge it via cable, you just have to change the batteries.

Adjustable 5n4545

Once again, it is very complete when it comes to connections. There are 4 HDMI connections, perfect for connecting multiple devices.

Wired 3p1l5y

A TV with gaming features needs HDMI 2.1 and it is present here to offer a 120Hz refresh rate for anyone connecting their PS5 or Xbox (or even a computer).

in all are

• 4 HDMI connections – all ARC type (audio return channel);
• 2 USB 3.0 connections;
• Digital audio output (optical);
• Ethernet LAN RJ-45;
• Headphone output;
• Service connector;
• IEC75 antenna.

The first two HDMI connections are of the HDMI 2.1 type for 4K images at 120Hz, while the second has eARC, and is compatible with VRR/ALLM and FreeSync , for images without tearing in games.

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) represents a leap forward from its predecessor, ARC, and it's great to have here. In addition to incorporating all the features of ARC, eARC stands out for its greater bandwidth and speed. This means that eARC is capable of transmitting high-quality audio, with sampling rates of up to 192 kHz and 24-bit resolution. It also s uncompressed audio formats such as 5.1, 7.1 and even 32 channels. So this is where you will connect your stereos

to use HDMI cables that high data transfer rates, simpler cables do not reproducing 4K images at more than 60Hz, and then you will have a TV with capacity and features untapped by the cables you are using. Invest in a good cable, it’s worth it.

Wireless 704x2p

There's not much to say about wireless connections, it's compatible with dual band Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0, it's not the most modern but it has the main features and works almost wirelessly. delay, I used it to listen to music on headphones and bluetooth speakers.

It also has Chromecast compatibility, to mirror content you are viewing on your cell phone. Unfortunately, it doesn't have AirPlay for wireless mirroring of devices. Apple .

Price 4t2ce

It was missing in the Brazilian market but can now be found BRL 4.600,00 on the website of Giraffe. In stores like Magalu the value reaches R$ 5.500,00. Even though it is a 65-inch TV with 120Hz, it does not have features that increase image quality like the NanoCell from LG, or the QLED of models from TCL in the same price range.

In of comparison, the Q90T from Samsung 65″ has a QLED with 120Hz and is priced at R$5.599,00. Already the LG 65″ NanoCell 80QNED65SRA, with 120Hz is R$ 5.224,00. If you prefer size at 120Hz, the 65-inch Samsung Q70C with QLED is R$4.530,00. Or the TCL C645, 65″ with QLED , which costs R$ 3.998,00 and also does not have 120 Hz.

Conclusion 60664y

A Philips PUG8807 It's a TV packed with cool, high-performance features that stands out mainly for its Ambilight light show. It's an excellent option for those who don't just want to watch television, but are looking for a complete and immersive entertainment experience. The elegant design and features aimed at gamers (120Hz screen, for example) are positive points that justify the price. However, cost can be a limiting factor for some consumers.

Overall, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a complete, high-quality entertainment experience at home, whether for movies, games or whatever you want.

Technical specifications of the Philips PUG8807 Smart TV y5l1l

Córdoba	65PUG8807 (The One)
Screen diagonal measurement	164 cm
Screen diagonal measurement (inches)	65 inches
Viewfinder	Ultra HD 4K LED
Image resolution	3840 x 2160
Native refresh rate	120 Hz
Processor	Philips P5, quad core
Image Enhancement	Dolby Vision HDR10 + Micro Dimming Pro Filmmaker mode Natural Motion Wide color gamut with 90% DCI/P3
Operational system	Android TV™ 11 (R)
Memory Size (Flash)	16 GB, with 5,3 available for use
Cloud Gaming	Geforce Now Stadia
Output power (RMS)	20W, with two 10W full range speakers
audio resources	AI sound Clear dialogue Dolby Atmos Dolby bass boost Night Mode Dolby Volume Leveler EQ with AI DTS PlayFi Mimi sound customization Room calibration
Wireless connection	Wi-Fi 802.11ac, 2x2, dual band Bluetooth 5.0
Wired connection	4 HDMI ARC, with HDMI 2 being eARC, and HDMI 1 and 2 being type 2.1 with VRR Digital audio output (optical) Ethernet LAN RJ-45 Headphone output service connector IEC75 Antenna
HDR	Dolby Vision HDR10 HDR10 + HLG
Ambilight version	Very Narrow - Aisle
Size	1450,5mm x 842,2mm x 85,1mm
box size	1600.0mm x 995.0mm x 170.0mm
Weight	21,6 kg
Weight with box	28,9 kg
Other items included	Remote control quick start guide Leaflet with legal and safety information Cape of energy Table top Two AAA batteries
Price	R$4.600,00

Source: Philips, 55PUG8807 manual

Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim