Buying guide for best Philips TVs
Even if you aren’t aware of it, chances are you’ve either used or owned a product made by the Philips company. It produced carbon-filament lamps when the company was founded over a century ago in 1891, and it went on to improve lighting technology and make products like X-ray equipment, radios and shavers. By the late 1930s, TVs were on the list of products manufactured by Philips.
If you’re considering a Philips TV, it can be challenging to figure out which one is best suited for you. While there are a few considerations, the two most crucial for many TV viewers are the display size and resolution. Generally, a bigger display with a 2K or 4K display is the best, however, that might not be practical for everyone. It’s also worth considering its features and smart capabilities, and Philips offers plenty, including voice-activated remote controllers and Google’s Chromecast built in for streaming.
Our hands-down favorite Philips TV is the Philips 50-inch 4K UHD LED Smart TV. It has an amazing resolution of 4K with an LED display panel, ensuring almost everything you watch will seem lifelike. Some Philips TVs might have one or two better features, but those are usually designed for a specific use case. During our research, we found that our top choice includes most functions and capabilities that most people will use, with plenty of networking connections and excellent sound.
Which Philips TV is best?
Best overall Philips TV
Product specifications
Max Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Smart-Capable: Yes | Screen Size: 50 inches | Quantum Dot Color: No
For a great viewing experience, this Philips TV is an excellent choice. It uses an LED display panel for a maximum resolution of 4K, delivering ultra-definition content with a high-dynamic range. This makes the blacks darker, the whites brighter and the colors more vivid.
The gadget runs on Android TV, meaning that when you connect it to the internet through the Wi-Fi component, you can download streaming apps such as Netflix, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Prime. We also liked that it comes with a voice-activated remote controller, letting you use your voice to interact with Google Assistant.
For more streaming options, it has Google’s Chromecast built in, letting you connect your mobile phone to mirror and stream content directly to the TV. It is compatible with VESA mounts, and the Bluetooth connection easily pairs with wireless headphones.
Best Philips TV without breaking the bank
Product specifications
Max Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Smart-Capable: Yes | Screen Size: 43 inches | Quantum Dot Color: No
At only 3.6 inches thick, this Philips TV will fit perfectly on any TV stand without looking bulky. The 4K LED display panel is powered by Android TV, letting you install streaming and video apps from a huge library. It comes with a voice-activated remote controller for interacting with Google Assistant.
While it has built-in speakers, it also boasts a Bluetooth connection, letting you pair wireless headphones to the TV for listening in private. In addition, it has three HDMI ports, one USB port, one optical audio connection, a network cable port and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack.
In terms of technical specifications, it has a refresh rate of 60 hertz, a 16:9 aspect ratio, a response time of 16 milliseconds, a 178-degree viewing angle and a game mode for video games.
Best Philips TV for video games
Product specifications
Max Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Smart-Capable: No | Screen Size: 55 inches | Quantum Dot Color: No
This Philips TV is a must if you are a serious Xbox gamer. Specifically designed to work with Microsoft’s gaming console, it has a maximum resolution of 4K with a refresh rate of 120 hertz. However, when connected to a compatible PC and graphics card, it has a maximum refresh rate of 144 hertz.
Designed in partnership with the team at Microsoft, the TV taps into the power of the Xbox Series S to bring you vivid colors, a super-fast response time and high-dynamic-range visuals. It has a powerful Bowers and Wilkins sound bar underneath the display, which includes a subwoofer, mid-range speakers and tweeters.
For total immersion, the TV incorporates AmbiGlow into the back panel. A processor quickly analyzes the colors on the screen and creates a halo glow based on the continually changing hue.
Best compact Philips TV
Product specifications
Max Resolution: 720p | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Smart-Capable: No | Screen Size: 24 inches | Quantum Dot Color: No
This Philips TV is an excellent choice if you don’t want to spend a fortune and all you want to do is catch up on your favorite shows. The 24-inch LED panel has a maximum resolution of 720p, which also makes this TV a great option for a spare bedroom or an RV.
It has two HDMI ports, a USB 2.0 port, an optical audio connection, a headphone jack and connection points for RCA cables. It might not be the most technologically advanced TV, but it will no doubt serve the purpose of displaying good-looking content.
Best budget Philips TV
Product specifications
Max Resolution: 720p | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Smart-Capable: Yes | Screen Size: 32 inches | Quantum Dot Color: No
If you want a smart TV for streaming but don’t have the budget for the latest and greatest model, we think this 32-inch gadget is worth considering. It has a maximum resolution of 720p and a refresh rate of 60 hertz, which isn’t strictly high definition, but the quality isn’t terrible either.
Through the built-in Wi-Fi connection and the Roku software, it lets you download and access several streaming apps such as Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu and Disney+. It has a USB port, two HDMI connections, an optical audio port and is compatible with Google Assistant.
Why consider a Philips TV?
You have many options when it comes to purchasing a new TV, from budget-friendly models from obscure brands to pricey high-tech models from well-known manufacturers. Philips offers a bit of the best of both, with brand recognition and reasonably priced televisions. Here are some pros and cons to consider before you decide if a Philips TV is right for you.
Pros:
- Choice of basic or smart models
- Improvements in TV technology
- Recognized brand in technology and manufacturing
- Low- to mid-range price points
- Beautiful picture quality
Cons:
- Fewer features than some higher-priced models
- Some issues with remote control functions
- Middling sound quality on some models
- Less intuitive smart technology than higher-end brands
Philips TV features to consider
No two TV viewers are the same. While some people prefer the best 4K visual quality possible, others might be satisfied with a 1080p resolution. Audio is also incredibly important to some, where only the highest resolution sounds will do. For the less discerning, simply hearing the action is good enough. And that’s what makes Philips a popular choice: It caters to both film aficionados and casual viewers alike. However, there are several features to consider, not just for Philips models but TVs in general, if you want an enjoyable experience.
Display size
Generally, there is a correlation between the display size of the TV and the quality of the visuals. Displays larger than 40 inches tend to have a maximum resolution of 4K, with 32-inch or 38-inch TVs capable of 1080p. But the TV’s size isn’t just dependent on your quality preference, but also the available space where you’ll spend most of your time watching. For example, there is no point in getting a mammoth 51-inch TV if it’s going to block the walkway.
Image resolution
The image resolution is important if you value quality over cost. TVs with a maximum resolution of 2K or 4K are more expensive, but because they display more pixels with excellent color reproduction, the visuals are near-lifelike. On the other hand, a full HD TV is more affordable but has a resolution of 1920 x 1080p, with picture clarity that is more vibrant than classic HD.
Another aspect that determines the overall image quality and resolution is the display panel. While still available, plasma panels have fallen out of favor, being replaced by LCD and LED panels that provide better color clarity, high-dynamic range and viewing angles.
Features and smart capabilities
Most Philips TVs have the latest components and features, but not all of them might be useful to you. A smart TV is an excellent choice if you have a stable Wi-Fi connection and want to watch streaming content from services like Netflix or YouTube. However, if you play video games on a PlayStation or Xbox, you don’t need a smart TV, as the consoles give you similar functionality. Other useful features to look out for are upscaling of content, compatibility with high-speed HDMI cables or optical audio connections for a home theater system and USB ports.
Philips TV prices
If your TV budget is tight, you’ll like the prices of Philips TVs, which range from $100 to $600.
You can find a smaller, basic model for about $100, while a 65-inch screen with smart technology costs about $600. Other models in the middle of the range (40 to 55 inches) are priced from $375 to $500.
Tips
Consider the size of your room before you choose a new TV. You don’t want a small TV that’s hard to see from across a large room, but a large screen will take up too much space and be awkward to watch in a small room. Midsize models in the 40- to 50-inch range are versatile and practical for most TV lovers’ needs. If you’re putting together a home theater, consider a 65-inch model. Philips TVs are so affordable that you can set up a home theater without putting too much stress on your pocketbook.
Consider your budget. If price is your top concern, Philips TVs with 2K resolution are more affordable than 4K models. Smart technology also adds to the overall price, while a basic TV can be quite inexpensive.
Consider the number of ports on the TV. Whether you enjoy gaming or plan to connect other devices to your TV, consider the number of ports, including HDMI ports, USB connections and other auxiliary options.
Think of the maintenance of your TV. To keep any TV in the best shape, you should place it in an area where it can’t be easily knocked over or exposed to long periods of direct sunlight. If you want to mount the TV onto a wall, ensure that you have enough slots and cables available so you don’t have to fiddle at the back with a risk of the TV popping off.
Get some accessories. Smart TVs are great for watching content on different platforms, but navigating and searching for what to watch can be frustrating if you only use a remote controller. If your TV has built-in Bluetooth, you’ll get more enjoyment by connecting a wireless keyboard and mouse to browse faster and more efficiently.
How did we choose the best Philips TV?
Selecting the best Philips TV can be challenging, as there are several factors to consider. However, the most important feature that most prospective TV buyers will look for is the image quality and the makeup of the display panel.
For this piece, BestReviews technology reporter Charlie Fripp looked at numerous models and weighed the panels versus the maximum resolution, and then selected the TVs that span an excellent array, from budget-friendly 720p models to splurge-worthy 4K TVs with powerful sound.
Of course, he also considered additional built-in features that don’t necessarily improve the image quality but enhance your viewing experience. For this criteria, he looked at compatibility with virtual assistants such as Alexa, streaming functions like Google’s Chromecast and voice-controller remotes.
FAQ
Q. I’m seriously considering a Philips TV, but what if I don’t like the sound quality?
A. Owners of some Philips TVs have commented that the sound quality doesn’t quite match the picture quality on some models. However, there are ample ports to enable owners to easily add speakers or a sound bar, which will greatly improve and balance the sound.
Q. I’m looking for an affordable TV for a small bedroom. What size Philips TV should I consider?
A. Philips makes several options that would work nicely in your room. If you want a size that’s appropriate for a small space but provides a reasonable screen size suitable for movies and sports, check out the 40- and 43-inch models. If your space is limited, a 24-inch screen is basic yet practical for a small bedroom.
Q. What’s the difference between 2K and 4K screen resolution?
A. While both 2K and 4K offer excellent picture quality, the difference is in the horizontal and vertical pixels each has to offer. While a typical 2K resolution is 2048 x 1080 pixels, 4K offers an impressive 3840 x 2160p that delivers images that are super crisp and clear. It’s a matter of preference, but avid TV watchers, action-movie buffs and gamers often prefer the image quality that 4K offers.
Q. Which smart applications can you use on a Philips TV?
A. A huge variety of apps are compatible with smart Philips TVs, as they all use a modified version of the Android operating system. Apps like YouTube, Netflix, Vudu and Pandora are pre-installed, but when you access the app gallery, there are over 100 more streaming apps you can download.
Q. Can you connect your phone to a Philips TV?
A. If you have an Android mobile phone, it is possible to connect it to a Philips TV — if they are on the same Wi-Fi network. This lets you mirror content from your phone to the TV, like YouTube videos or photos.
