In the Philips TV lineup, the Xtra series carves out a space between standard LED TVs and premium OLED models. For 2024, the Philips PML9009 stands out as the only Mini LED TV equipped with Ambilight, a signature Philips feature. Available in 55″, 65″, 75″, and 85″ sizes, this TV isn’t just a step up from “The One”—it brings a host of premium features without the OLED price tag.
Overview: Philips 65PML9009 – A Mid-Range Marvel
The 65PML9009 uses Quantum Dot-enhanced Mini LED technology and boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, local dimming, and runs on Titan OS. It offers deeper contrast, brighter highlights, and a wide color gamut. While it doesn’t aim to compete with flagship OLEDs or ultra-bright Mini LEDs from Samsung or Sony, it offers an impressive balance of features for the price.
Where the Philips Xtra 2024 stands out from the competition is in its picture processing capabilities and excellent calibration out of the box.
Design & Build Quality
The PML9009 sports a clean, understated design finished in anthracite grey, with ultra-thin bezels and a slightly curved back. Though a bit bulkier than OLEDs, the construction feels solid. It can be wall-mounted via a VESA 300×300 bracket, and all ports are side or downward-facing for easy cable management.
The signature three-sided Ambilight system enhances immersion by projecting color-matched lighting behind the TV. You can also use it as ambient lighting, with customization options to adjust intensity, tone, or even sync it with music.
The included remote control is a refined version of the one shipped with the OLED809. It now uses standard batteries, replaces the Google Assistant button with Alexa, and includes shortcuts to Disney+ and Titan OS Channels. A clever touch: pressing the “123” key lights up hidden number buttons on the directional pad.
The 65PML9009 delivers higher peak brightness and, despite the very limited number of zones, excellent contrast thanks to the panel used.
Picture Performance
Panel & Brightness
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Panel type: VA with 6000:1 native contrast
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Mini LED zones: 75 (15×5 grid)
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Peak brightness: ~880 nits (10% window), ~490 nits (full screen)
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Color gamut: 93% DCI-P3
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HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, HDR10
While not class-leading in brightness, the PML9009’s picture quality holds up well thanks to quantum dot color richness, strong contrast, and accurate tone mapping. Despite a modest dimming zone count, blooming is relatively well-controlled—though still visible in extreme cases.
Compared to its competitors, it looks much less bright. Also, Titan OS is still too immature to be considered an added value.
HDR & Color
The TV lacks dynamic HDR10 tone mapping but performs very well with static HDR. Even in challenging scenes, it maintains detail and color integrity. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support means you’re covered on all major streaming platforms.
Limitations
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Viewing angles are narrow, as expected with VA panels.
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Reflection handling is average.
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Brightness isn’t as punchy as some competitors in the premium Mini LED segment.
Still, for SDR and general HDR viewing, the PML9009 delivers a crisp, colorful experience that’s satisfying in most lighting conditions.
Image Processing & Motion Handling
While it lacks the latest P5 processor used in Philips OLEDs, the NovaTek NT72676 chipset paired with P5 Gen 7 software delivers commendable processing.
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Deinterlacing & scaling: Clean and effective, especially for 1080i content
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Motion interpolation: Smooth with some minor artifacts
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Noise reduction: Good for random noise, limited with block/MPEG noise
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Banding reduction: Minimal
You can enhance upscaled detail by adjusting sharpness (2–4) and enabling “Texture Enhancement” in the settings.
Smart TV: Titan OS
Replacing Google TV, Titan OS is a proprietary platform aimed at streamlining user experience while allowing Philips more control and monetization.
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UI layout: Familiar, with rows of apps and recommendations by service
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Performance: Responsive, though still a bit immature
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Fast channels: Ad-supported streaming channels with decent quality but spotty guides
The top half of the home screen displays sponsored content, while the lower half is customizable. Titan OS still lacks the app ecosystem depth of Google TV, but core apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Apple TV are present.
Gaming Features
The PML9009 is well-equipped for gamers:
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HDMI 2.1 (x2) with 48Gbps bandwidth
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VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync compatibility
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Dolby Vision Gaming at low latency
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Game mode input lag: ~8ms (4K/120Hz), ~16ms with Dolby Vision
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GameBar UI: For on-the-fly tweaks (e.g., crosshair overlay, black level tuning)
Gaming feels fluid and responsive, making this TV an excellent choice for console and PC gamers alike.
Audio Quality
With a 2.0 channel setup and 40W of power, the PML9009 delivers adequate sound for casual viewing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and sound remains clear at high volumes. Bass is limited, and the virtual surround effects are basic.
For a fuller experience, consider pairing it with one of Philips’ 2025 soundbars.
With support for all HDR formats and excellent tone mapping, it produces a beautiful picture on the screen.
Connectivity
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HDMI: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.3 compliant)
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USB: 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0
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Audio: Digital optical out, headphone jack
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Networking: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, Ethernet
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CI+ slot, dual tuners, and support for all major DVB standards
Power Consumption & Dimensions
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Annual HDR usage: 215 kWh/1000h
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Standby: < 0.3W
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Dimensions (W x H x D):
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Without stand: 1451 x 844 x 85 mm
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With stand: 1451 x 904 x 313 mm
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Weight (with stand): 21.5 kg
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VESA mount: 300 x 300
Final Verdict: Is the Philips PML9009 Worth It?
The Philips PML9009 is a smart buy for users seeking quality without paying OLED premiums. It’s brighter and more contrast-rich than Philips’ “The One” series, with better motion handling and full HDR support.
Pros:
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Excellent contrast and color for the price
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Unique Ambilight immersion
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Robust gaming features
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Strong picture processing
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Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
Cons:
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Limited dimming zones
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Middling brightness vs flagship Mini LEDs
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Titan OS still maturing
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Narrow viewing angles
If you prioritize cinematic picture quality, gaming capabilities, and Ambilight immersion over sheer brightness or local dimming density, the PML9009 is a compelling mid-range TV—and one of the best in its class.
