Tech Torque Verdict
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆☆☆ 8.8/10 – Recommended
Large-screen televisions have become increasingly affordable, but that doesn’t always mean they’re good value. After several years as our primary living room TV, the Philips 70PUS8536 has proven that you don’t need to spend flagship money to enjoy an immersive home cinema experience.
While it lacks the perfect blacks and ultra-high refresh rates of premium OLED and Mini-LED models, its huge 70-inch display, Ambilight technology and dependable everyday performance continue to make it an excellent choice for families wanting a cinematic experience on a sensible budget.
At a Glance
Pros
✓ Massive 70-inch screen
✓ Three-sided Ambilight transforms movie nights
✓ Excellent value for money
✓ Sharp 4K picture
✓ Google Assistant & Alexa support
✓ Great with Apple TV 4K
Cons
✕ 60Hz panel
✕ HDR brightness could be higher
✕ Built-in speakers are average
✕ Android TV can occasionally feel sluggish
Specifications
- 70-inch LED LCD
- 4K Ultra HD (3840 × 2160)
- HDR10+
- Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos pass-through
- Three-sided Ambilight
- Android TV
- Google Assistant
- Alexa Compatible
- HDMI eARC
- HDMI 2.1 features (ALLM)
- Chromecast Built-in
Design & Build Quality
Despite being several years old, the Philips still looks modern.
Slim bezels ensure the enormous 70-inch panel remains the centre of attention, while the understated feet provide a clean, minimalist appearance.
For a television in this price bracket, build quality has held up impressively well.
Nothing creaks, nothing feels flimsy and, despite years of daily use, it still looks almost new.
Picture Quality
The first thing everyone notices isn’t the resolution.
It’s the size.
At 70 inches, movies, sport and gaming instantly become more immersive than on a traditional 55-inch television.
Native 4K content looks crisp, with excellent detail and pleasing colour accuracy.
Dolby Vision titles streamed through our Apple TV 4K look particularly impressive, bringing films to life with vibrant colours and improved contrast.
Brightness won’t rival today’s premium Mini-LED televisions, but for everyday viewing and evening movie sessions, it remains more than capable.
Ambilight Changes Everything
One feature continues to separate Philips from almost every other television manufacturer.
The LED lighting projected behind the television extends colours beyond the edges of the display, making the image appear larger while reducing eye strain during darker viewing sessions.
Initially it feels like a gimmick.
Within a week it becomes something you genuinely miss whenever watching another television.
Whether watching Formula One, blockbuster films or gaming on the Xbox Series X, Ambilight consistently enhances the experience.
It’s still one of Philips’ biggest strengths.
Gaming Performance
For competitive gamers chasing 120Hz refresh rates and VRR support, newer televisions offer better specifications.
However, for the vast majority of console players, the Philips remains an enjoyable gaming display.
Our Xbox Series X looks fantastic on the large screen, with detailed environments, punchy colours and responsive controls.
Games such as Forza Horizon 5 benefit enormously from the increased screen size, creating a more immersive driving experience.
Input lag has never been an issue during normal gameplay, making it an excellent television for casual and family gaming. It also fits neatly into a wider Xbox Series X home entertainment setup.
Audio Performance
The integrated speakers are adequate for news broadcasts and casual television viewing.
Films deserve more.
Pairing the Philips with the Samsung HW-Q930F completely transforms the experience.
Dolby Atmos sound, combined with the television’s Ambilight system, creates a genuinely cinematic environment that far exceeds what the TV can achieve on its own.
Living With It Every Day
After years of ownership, reliability has been excellent.
The panel remains free from noticeable defects.
No dead pixels.
No backlight failures.
No unexpected hardware issues.
Android TV can occasionally pause while loading apps, but because we primarily use an Apple TV 4K, this has rarely affected our daily viewing.
For us, the television has simply become a dependable centrepiece of the living room.
Value for Money
The Philips wasn’t the most expensive television when purchased, and that value has only improved over time.
Considering the size of the display, the inclusion of Ambilight and continued excellent picture quality, it has delivered years of dependable entertainment.
For families wanting a huge screen without flagship pricing, it remains an excellent example of buying smart rather than simply buying expensive. Our guide to building a home cinema on a budget covers more upgrade ideas.
Should You Buy It?
Buy it if:
- You want a huge screen on a sensible budget.
- You enjoy films and sport.
- You love Ambilight.
- You already own a quality soundbar.
- You primarily stream through an Apple TV or similar device.
Skip it if:
- You want OLED-level black levels.
- You need 120Hz gaming.
- You want the brightest HDR performance available.
Tech Torque Media Score
Tech Torque Media Score
Design: 9/10
Picture Quality: 9/10
Gaming: 8/10
Smart Features: 8/10
Audio: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Overall Rating: 8.8/10 – Recommended
Final Verdict
Several years after arriving in our living room, the Philips 70PUS8536 continues to prove that a great television isn’t defined solely by specifications.
Its combination of a huge 70-inch display, excellent value, Dolby Vision support and the unique Ambilight experience still makes it an enjoyable TV to own.
Yes, technology has moved on, and newer OLED and Mini-LED models deliver superior contrast and gaming performance. But those improvements often come at a significantly higher price.
For anyone wanting a genuinely immersive home cinema experience without spending a fortune, the Philips 70PUS8536 remains an easy recommendation.
It’s a television that’s quietly aged far better than many expected.
Tech Torque Media Award
🏅 Recommended – 8.8/10
