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The Philips 55OLED873/79 is a discontinued 55-inch 4K OLED television best considered as a used or remaining-stock purchase, not a current-model recommendation. Its standout feature is three-sided Ambilight; its age matters most if you need modern gaming inputs, dependable access to today’s streaming apps, or a set with verified condition.
Philips 55OLED873/79: key specifications
Philips’ product sheet, issued 30 April 2023, identifies the 55OLED873/79 as a 139 cm (55-inch) 4K Ultra HD OLED television with a 3840 × 2160 resolution and P5 Perfect Picture Engine. Philips also gives it a “4100 PPI” marketing designation; that figure is not a panel resolution or a directly comparable measurement of picture quality.
| Specification | Philips-listed detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 55-inch OLED, 3840 × 2160 |
| Picture processing | P5 Perfect Picture Engine |
| Ambilight | Three-sided; Ambilight+hue support listed |
| HDMI | Three connections. HDMI 2 and 3 accept up to 4K UHD at 60 Hz; HDMI 1 is listed up to 30 Hz |
| USB | Two connections; USB recording and pause TV are listed |
| Audio output | 30 W RMS |
| Other connections | Optical digital audio output and Ethernet |
| Wireless | Dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi |
| Wall mount pattern | 300 × 300 mm |
| Broadcast and smart features | DVB-T/T2 reception, Freeview Plus for Australia, Philips app gallery, online video apps and firmware upgrades |
These are specifications from Philips’ product sheet; Philips notes that specifications may change without notice. Freeview Plus, broadcast reception and online services vary by location, and the sheet does not establish that particular apps or services remain available now.
Picture quality and Ambilight
TechRadar’s historical review praised the television’s picture quality and Ambilight. It is useful as a record of that publication’s assessment, not as a present-day test: the review was last updated 14 August 2020 and was originally published under the name 55POS9002. TechRadar says the model was renamed 55OLED873 and otherwise remained unchanged.
#1 Best Overall
- Breathtaking picture: Sharp 4K brings out rich detail on our 55" flat screen TV, while the QLED screen and HDR10 create bright, accurate colors. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
Ambilight is the most distinctive feature in the specification. The LEDs on three sides of the screen cast light around the display, extending the visual effect beyond the panel. Philips describes the feature with the promotional line, “Ambilight. Take the emotion beyond the screen.” Philips also lists Ambilight+hue support. Its series manual describes locating a Philips Hue Bridge and configuring bulbs in relation to the TV, but confirm regional compatibility and current program availability before buying additional Hue equipment.
Philips describes the P5 processor as delivering “an image as brilliant as the content you love.” That is manufacturer promotional language, not an independent measured finding. CHOICE lists the same resolution and OLED panel type, but its detailed test results and expert rating are member-only; no public numerical score or recommendation can be inferred from its listing.
Rank #2
- BRIGHTNESS BOOSTER: Brighter visuals and vivid detail with Brightness Booster powered by the a11 AI Processor Gen 3
- PERFECT BLACK AND PERFECT COLOR: Over 8.3 million self-lit smart pixels with Perfect Black and Perfect Color technology¹.
- A11 AI PROCESSOR: Find and choose what to watch fast, without lag, and enjoy optimized picture with AI Director Processing powered by the LG a9 AI Processor Gen8, delivering 5.6x greater AI processing, 50% faster performance, and 70% improved graphics
- DOLBY VISION, DOLBY ATMOS AND FILMMAKER MODE: Loaded with Dolby Vision for extraordinary color, contrast and brightness, plus Dolby Atmos² for sound you can feel all around you. Land in the center of the action with FILMMAKER MODE with Ambient Light Technology, allowing you to see films just as the director intended.
- ULTIMATE GAMEPLAY: Delivers smooth, responsive gaming with a 0.1ms response time, up to 165Hz⁵ refresh rate, NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium and VRR.
Is it suitable for gaming?
Do not assume this television supports HDMI 2.1 or 4K at 120 Hz. Philips’ published input limits list 4K UHD up to 60 Hz on HDMI 2 and HDMI 3, and up to 30 Hz on HDMI 1. The cited sheet does not establish HDMI 2.1 support or 4K/120 Hz input.
The Tool Desk
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Rank #3
- MINI LED PROCESSOR 4K: Our advanced processor delivers brighter highlights and deeper blacks,* bringing every detail to life with stunning clarity
- PURE COLOR SPECTRUM: delivers one billion true-to-life colors, powered by advanced color technology and MiniLED precision. Enjoy rich reds, deep blues, and vibrant greens, making every scene leap off the screen with breathtaking realism.
- MINI LED HDR: Experience HDR picture quality with brighter highlights and deeper blacks than traditional HDR TVs.* Enjoy vibrant colors and lifelike details as this technology enhances brightness and contrast, making every image stand out with remarkable depth and realism.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- SUPREME MINI LED DIMMING: delivers deep contrast and bright highlights for a truly superb picture.*
Sound, connections and smart features
The listed 30 W RMS output and three HDMI inputs reflect an older-generation connection package. TechRadar’s 2020 review identified weaker sound as a compromise, so buyers who prioritize fuller audio should check whether an external sound system can connect through the TV’s optical digital audio output. The sheet confirms that output, but does not establish compatibility with every soundbar or receiver.
Philips lists Ethernet, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi and two USB ports, as well as USB recording and pause TV. It also names a Philips app gallery and online video apps. These are listed capabilities, not confirmation that current streaming apps still work: check the services you need in your region and consider whether an external streaming device would be needed.
Rank #4
- OLED HDR+ WITH GLARE FREE*: Experience incredible brightness and deep contrast. Advanced AI enhances details, while Glare Free technology eliminates distracting reflections.*
- NQ4 AI GEN3 PROCESSOR: Powered by 128 neural networks to deliver AI-enhanced picture and sound, resulting in an exceptional 4K experience for streaming, gaming, live sports and more.*
- ULTIMATE GAMING PACK*: Conquer the competition with ultra-smooth, tear-free, low-latency gameplay and real-time responsiveness. Unlock the ultimate gaming experience with the powerful combination of Motion Xcelerator 165Hz with NVIDIA G-SYNC or AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.*
- 4K AI UPSCALING PRO: See impressive details on screen. Our AI processor upscales everything you watch to 4K using 128 AI neural networks and ensures incredibly sharp and smooth picture quality.*
- AI MOTION ENHANCER PRO: The AI processor smooths the motion of fast-moving balls and text, reducing blur and flickering, so you don't lose sight of the action.*
What independent reviews said
TechRadar’s review praised the picture and Ambilight, while noting weaker sound, complicated usability, Android TV annoyances and more dynamic images from competing sets. Those observations belong to its review, last updated 14 August 2020; they should not be read as new testing of the television or its present software state.
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CHOICE marks the 55OLED873/79 as a discontinued model. Its page displays A$2,695, but that is historical page information, not a current offer or reliable guide to today’s used-market value. Remaining stock and used listings have not been established.
For a second-hand or old-stock set, the specifications cannot tell you the condition of the individual panel, whether it has burn-in, or how much useful life remains. Inspect the actual television and confirm the seller’s return terms rather than treating an old review or product sheet as evidence about a particular unit.
- Confirm the model suffix is 55OLED873/79 and check that the unit is intended for your region.
- Test the screen with varied content and solid colours; check for image retention, unevenness or other visible panel faults.
- Try the remote, speakers, HDMI and USB ports, network connection, and the broadcast or streaming services you plan to use.
- Check that the supplied stand or wall-mount hardware suits your installation. Philips lists a 300 × 300 mm mounting pattern; this does not validate a particular mount’s load rating or fit.
- Get the seller’s condition description and return terms in writing, especially for a used unit or unverified remaining stock.
Verdict
The 55OLED873/79 may appeal to someone who specifically wants OLED picture technology and three-sided Ambilight at a price that reflects its age. It is a less suitable choice when 4K/120 Hz gaming, current smart-TV support, modern connections, or confidence in a new and fully supported product is essential. Treat the decision as a purchase of a discontinued television whose present condition and service availability need checking, not as a recommendation based solely on its original specifications or historical reviews.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
