How well does this Philips TV adapt to your real-world home life? Is it just a showroom demo? Read the Philips TV review
First Look: Does It Impress Unboxed?
Also read: Unboxing of Philips’ New Google TV-powered Smart Television Series in India
Notably, the range introduces a Live TV Control function, enabling viewers to pause, rewind, and fast-forward broadcast content, which is undoubtedly a useful addition for everyday viewing. The latest television series by Philips are equipped with 1.5 GB RAM, 8 GB storage, a 120Hz refresh rate, and dual-band Wi-Fi, ensuring stable connectivity and smooth performance.
Installation and Set up: Is Professional Help Needed?
Setting up the television is fairly straightforward, particularly with the stand installation process. After unboxing, the TV needs to be placed screen-down on a flat, cushioned surface to avoid damage. The stands are marked (A/B) for alignment in models that support this, making it easier to match and attach them correctly. Using the screws provided in the box, the stands can be secured firmly in a few minutes. Depending on the variant or region, the stand design may differ, but overall, the installation process is simple enough for most users to manage without professional help.
While the television comes ready for easy stand installation, wall mounting is also an option for those who prefer a sleeker setup. The brand recommends using only the approved wall mount bracket, which can be purchased from authorized dealers. Installation should always be done on a solid wall, positioned perpendicular to the floor, ensuring stability and safety. For non-standard walls or materials, professional help is strongly advised.
The mounting bracket comes with detailed instructions, but one crucial guideline is to keep the screen upright or within a downward tilt range of 0° to -5°. Tilting beyond this angle requires auxiliary accessories, available through local dealers. Skipping this step could not only compromise safety but also void the warranty, which leaves the user responsible for any damage.
On the plus side, the recommended setup leaves enough clearance for connecting external devices, making it both safe and practical. Our takeaway? While DIYers might be tempted, wall-mounting this TV is best left to professionals for peace of mind and warranty protection.
Setting Up Your Google TV
Getting the TV up and running doesn’t take much effort. Users can either download the Google Home app on their smartphone or tablet for a guided setup, or simply log in directly with their Gmail ID. Both options are straightforward, ensuring that even first-time smart TV owners can complete the process without much hassle. The set up takes around five to ten minutes.
Pairing the supplied remote is equally straightforward; the TV prompts you to connect it during the initial setup, and once paired, the remote responds instantly to commands. With built-in voice control, users can activate Google Assistant by pressing the dedicated button and saying “OK Google” to search for content, control playback, or even manage compatible smart home devices. The combination of app-based setup and voice-enabled navigation makes the onboarding process simple, intuitive, and accessible even for first-time smart TV owners.
Picture Test: Real Shows, Real Scenes
Instead of relying on synthetic test clips, we put the TV through its paces with real-world content across genres such as a moody thriller, a bright animated film, and a fast-paced sports match. The results were impressive.
How’s the brightness in daylight?
The panel holds up well in a brightly lit room. The brightness is balanced and it doesn’t feel harsh or overwhelming, yet remains comfortably visible even during the day. Viewers won’t find themselves squinting or struggling to catch details.
Any motion blur in fast scenes?
Fast action sequences, particularly during sports, played smoothly without noticeable or only slight blur. The TV maintained clarity in quick movements, ensuring an uninterrupted and sharp viewing experience.
Overall, picture quality across genres was consistently strong, making the set versatile for different kinds of content.
Sound Without the Soundbar
Most TVs today assume that external speakers will be added. But how is the audio solo?
For an average-sized room, the built-in speakers perform well. Dialogue comes through clearly, and background music feels balanced enough for everyday viewing. Unless you’re placing it in a very large room, there isn’t an immediate need for external speakers.
Is it clear at low volume? Does it distort when loud?
The sound remains crisp even at low volumes, ideal for late-night viewing, and holds steady at higher levels without distortion, which is impressive for a TV in this segment.
Any options for private listening?
Yes, the set includes an audio port that allows users to connect headphones directly. This is a thoughtful addition for those who want a more personal experience or prefer not to disturb others in the room.
Overall, while home theatre enthusiasts may still want an external setup, the built-in sound quality and headphone option make the TV versatile for different listening needs.
Fit for the Family: For All Age Groups?
The remote is straightforward and well-suited for family use. Its voice functionality works reliably, picking up most commands without the need to repeat instructions, which us a big plus for both kids and elders who may prefer talking over navigating menus. The overall interface is clean and simple, making it easy to browse apps or switch inputs without confusion.
With its slim bezels and understated frame, the TV strikes a balance between modern and minimal. It blends seamlessly into most environments, whether placed in a living room, a child’s room, or even a professional office setup. Rather than drawing attention to itself, it complements the space. The smart TV that feels equally accessible to children, elders, and style-conscious users, without overcomplicating the experience.
Plug and Play Pain Points
When it comes to connectivity, Philips provides all the essential ports, but it’s worth noting that external equipment and cables are not included in the package. Users will need to rely on their own accessories for setup beyond the basics.
AV IN: Supports audio and video input from older AV devices, which is handy if you’re still holding onto a DVD player or set-top box.
Antenna In: A coaxial input allows connection to antenna, cable, or satellite signals, covering traditional broadcast needs.
USB: Lets you plug in external storage devices to access photos, videos, or music directly.
HDMI: Multiple HDMI ports are available for high-definition input, making it simple to connect gaming consoles, laptops, or streaming sticks.
Digital Audio Out: An optical port is included for users who want to route sound to a compatible audio receiver or soundbar.
LAN: While the TV supports Wi-Fi, the LAN port offers a more stable wired connection for uninterrupted streaming.
Headphone Jack: A welcome addition, this port allows for private listening; once headphones are connected, the built-in speakers automatically mute.
Final Call: Worth the Wall?
Summary
At its price point, the Philips smart TV delivers strong value, combining sleek design, solid picture quality, and user-friendly features that make it a worthy addition to most homes. It handles movies, shows, and everyday streaming with ease, while offering enough connectivity options for varied use. Serious gamers may find the 120Hz refresh rate limiting, but for families and casual viewers, it’s a budget-friendly option that feels worth the money.
Ratings
- Picture Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Sharp, vibrant, and consistent across genres
- Audio: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Clear at low volume, no distortion when loud, headphone port adds flexibility
- Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Slim bezels and minimalistic frame suit most spaces
- Smart Features & UI: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Google TV OS with smooth navigation, easy setup, strong voice control
- Gaming: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) – Adequate for casual play, but refresh rate may disappoint serious gamers
- For Movie Buffs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – HDR support makes thrillers, animations, and sports equally enjoyable
- For Casual Viewing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Easy setup, intuitive UI, and strong everyday performance
Final Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – A well-rounded smart TV that offers excellent value for money.
