Philips has unveiled its flagship 2021 OLED TV at this year’s EISA Awards, and we’re in for quite a treat. The new Philips OLED936 is the successor to last year’s OLED935 and features the company’s latest dual-core P5 AI processor, Ambilight, a built-in Bowers & Wilkins soundbar, Android 10 and HDMI 2.1 ports.
Although the company describes the OLED936 model as an OLED+ TV, that doesn’t appear to signify that it’s using the new OLED Evo panel unveiled by LG Display earlier this year. At least, there's no mention that it does. But the TV does have the very best technology found in any of Philips’ models so far this year.
The Philips OLED936 will be available in three sizes, starting at 48-inches, with 55-inch and 65-inch models also set to go on sale later this year. It also boasts four-sided Ambilight, which is the company’s signature mood lighting tech, plus support for music synchronisation, Hue integration, Game Mode, Lounge Mode, adaptive wall colours and more besides.
As far as comparisons with its predecessor go, it seems there are two main differences. The biggest for many will be the inclusion of the HDMI 2.1 ports that enable 4K at 120 frames per second passthrough, plus next generation games features such as variable refresh rates, auto low-latency mode and enhanced Audio Return Channel. FreeSync is also supported, ensuring the very best, cutting edge gaming experience for anyone who hooks up a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X console to the TV.
The other new addition is Philips’ new P5 AI microprocessor that adds machine learning smarts for a more optimised on-screen picture.
Another premium feature, which sets the model apart from the Philips’ 8-Series OLED TVs, is the Bowers & Wilkins soundbar, which is a 3.1.2 channel system that supports Dolby Atmos and boasts upgraded drivers.
"A car chase. A whisper. The music. The exclusive Bowers & Wilkins sound enclosure brings a thrillingly lifelike performance to whatever you're watching. The iconic tweeter-on-top design keeps dialogue pristine. Up-firing speakers let you get the most out of immersive Dolby Atmos," Philips says in its marketing materials.
The OLED936 has everything else that sets Philips apart from the competition, including its OLED Anti Burn-In technology that debuted last year. That works by detecting static elements on the screen and darkening them to reduce the chances of burn-in if they’re present for an especially long time.
The TV also has top level high dynamic range support with Dolby Vision, HDR 10+ Adaptive, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG all on board. That means it supports all of the estabished standards with the exception of the new Dolby Vision IQ, which adjusts brightness and colour temperature depending on the environment. The TV also supports the DTS-HD and DTS Play-Fi sound formats, in addition to the aforementioned Dolby Atmos.
Powering the TV is the Android operating system, which provides access to all of the apps one would ever need including Amazon, Netflix, HBO, Disney+ et al. Built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant, plus support for AV1 video decoding, a first for Philips TVs.
Philips has said the OLED936 will go on sale on August 31, though it hasn’t said anything about pricing yet.
