Philips 6500 series review (55PFT6510/12)

Android TV

The 55PFT6510/12 runs the Android TV operating system. This is quite exciting; when I last looked at Android TV in the form of the Nexus Player, I was impressed by the user interface but underwhelmed by a thin range of content. That was months ago, though, and things are now looking a lot healthier, with a wide range of apps available including BBC iPlayer, Wuaki.tv, Google Play Movies and Netflix.

^Android TV’s interface is clean and easy to use, and movie rentals are just a few clicks away

These apps run smoothly and load quickly, although I initially had problems getting any apps to work because Philips’ terms of use document failed to load, and I wasn’t permitted to run most of the apps until the document finally appeared on screen.

The real boon of Android TV is that you get access to Android games and other apps – the same software you’ll find on your Android smartphone and tablet – if the developer has chosen to make it TV-compatible. I was looking forward to a quick game of Crossy Road but after downloading it, I was left very disappointed. Games do not run smoothly on the 55PFT6510/12, and while Philips was careful not to claim gaming prowess in its marketing material, it’s still disappointing to have access to such a wide variety of games but to be thwarted by an underpowered processor.

The way in which you control the TV isn’t consistent, though. Android TV handles all the smart TV functions, while Philips’ own software deals with TV settings, terrestrial TV and inputs. It’s a little confusing to begin with as there are several menu styles to get used to, and I had a few issues with Philips’ menus not performing particularly well, freezing and stuttering as I tried to change settings.

Connectivity & Ambilight

For a £800 TV, there’s a generous array of ports and connections, including four HDMI ports, three USB ports including a USB3 connector, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port. There are connectors for both satellite and terrestrial TV, a 3.5mm audio jack and an optical S/PDIF port, too.

You can also use the TV as a Chromecast, streaming YouTube, iPlayer Netflix and more from your phone, which might be preferable to using the fairly large, double-sided remote control to search and play content.

Another headline feature, although perhaps less useful to many, Ambilight mounts bright LEDs on the rear of the TV, changing colour based on what’s on screen and projecting onto your wall. It’s an interesting effect and while it’s certainly nice to have and increases your TV’s presence in the room, it’s not a deal-clincher by any means. I’ve yet to live with an Ambilight TV so remain unconvinced, but others in the team that have swear it makes a big difference to immersion in films and games.

Conclusion

The 55PFT6510/12 is a good-value TV for £800, with lots of extra features and respectable, if slightly fiddly, image and audio quality. Android TV is a great addition and is a massive improvement over Philips’ own clunky smart TV offering, although poor game performance is a bit troubling. If you want a large Full HD TV for your living room, I’d pick this over the Panasonic Viera TX-55CS520B largely because of the flexibility of Android TV. See our Best TVs and buying guide for other options.