Philips Century: new range to celebrate 100 years of audio

Philips' audio business dates back to the 1920s, with the Miniwatt radio tube and the first Pentode tube in 1925, the latter still used in tube amplifiers today. These components played a key role in the development of commercial radio. In 2025, Philips is celebrating 100 years in audio with the announcement of a new range of audio products called Century, each of which is named after an iconic artist and features [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] compatibility.

Philips Century, all-in-one vinyl audio system The Freddie and The Ringo££££

The Philips Century menu therefore includes The Tina and The Stevie vinyl turntables, two so-called all-in-one models, i.e. equipped with an integrated audio and amplification system. The Tina adopts a [abc]2.1[/abc] [abc]bass-reflex[/abc] configuration based on two full-range speakers and a 10.16-centimeter woofer. The total power delivered is 120 W RMS. Its specifications also mention a [abc]DAB+[/abc]/FM tuner, an aluminum platter and tonearm (extruded for the latter), a replaceable Audio Technica MM cartridge, an internal anti-vibration system, a [abc]USB[/abc] port, a stereo [abc]RCA[/abc] auxiliary input and the Bluetooth 5.3 [abc]Auracast[/abc] protocol. Finally, it is possible to add additional Bluetooth speakers to the Philips The Tina to widen and/or strengthen the soundstage. Of course, an application is available for full control of the commands.

The Philips The Stevie takes the recipe of the Philips The Tina but with a less sophisticated configuration. The bass-reflex audio system is [abc]2.0[/abc] via two wide-range speakers and the power displays 12 W RMS. And if the DAB+/FM tuner and the aluminum are no longer used, the replaceable Audio Technica MM cartridge is still present. The network compatibility is Bluetooth 5.4 and the stereo input is a 3.5 millimeter mini-Jack model. It should also be noted a 3.5 millimeter mini-Jack headphone output.

Philips Century, Bluetooth and DAB+/FM radio The Janet££££

Philips has also announced The Janet, a portable radio equipped with a 6.35 centimeter wide-range speaker. The power delivered displays 5 watts. Also present is a DAB+/FM (20 presets) and a 2.4" (6 cm) colour TFT screen. Finally, the Bluetooth 5.3 network function (standard SBC and AAC codecs supported), a 16-hour battery life (3.5 hours for a full charge) and the clock radio function are included.

Philips Century, The Freddie and The Ringo headphones££££ Finally, two headphones complete the Philips Century range. The Freddie, on the right in the photo below, is a wired circumaural open Hi-Fi model, ideal for home use. It has large 50 mm neodymium speakers promising to offer, according to its creator, a "wide, spacious and expansive sound". The Freddie aims to be durable and comfortable, through breathable ear cushions and a steel headband wrapped in double-layer padding. layer. Namely, the Philips The Freddie headphones come with a 3-meter detachable cable.

The Ringo, meanwhile, is an over-ear model straight out of the Walkman or Discman era of the 80s, with a small size and extreme lightness. Available in three colors, black, blue or white, the Philips The Ringo is Bluetooth 5.4 compatible, sports a 20-hour battery life, multipoint connectivity and the use of an AI-boosted microphone for clear calls. Namely, two pairs of replacement ear cushions are supplied with The Ringo and they support the Philips Headphones application.

Availability of products from the Philips Century range expected for the month of September. Indicative prices still unknown.