Verdict
Panasonic is on attack with the Z95A. This unapologetically expensive flatscreen is able of arresting , cinematic sound and vision , has next generation TV capabilities and come with upgraded gambling chops . It ’s vivid , if not a bargain …
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
The Panasonic Z95A is a flatscreen determined to impress . boast the late high brightness MLA ( Micro lens Array ) OLED gore , an promote HCX picture central processor and tried and tested multi - canal Dolby Atmos sound scheme , it was always going to be an Ab wow .
But what really typeset this telecasting asunder from its precursor is the espousal of Amazon ’s Fire TV chic platform , and ( for UK buyers ) the inclusion of IP - delivered public Robert William Service program channel , in the form of Freely .
Has Panasonic bewilder a winning combining on its hired man , or is the accumulative cost just too high , even for well - heeled house celluloid fans ?
Availability
Heading into memory board shortly , theTV-55Z95AEB retail for £ 2,999 in the UK . The same set is not presently scheduled to appear in the US , although Panasonic has announced its 65 - inch stablemate , price at $ 3,199 . The Z95A is also available in the UK in 65 - inch guise , priced at £ 3,899 .
Design
When it come to design , the Z95A is as fashionable as it is functional . An ultra - flimsy bezel lends the TV a modern , minimalist esthetic . The panel rests on a round swivel stand , which allows for well-situated adjustment to the perfect viewing slant .
I ’ve seen ( and heard ) the 360 Soundscape Pro sound system before , but it ’s no less telling in full flight . A forrard - facing verbaliser array is hidden behind a micro - perforated grill , while on the back is an upward - firing enclosure flourish a Tuned by Technics logotype , as well as two side - firing driver for surround and width , plus a woofer . 150W total gain see it ’ll be heard in the average living room .
Connectivity comprise four HDMI ports , but only two supportHigh frame of reference Rategaming , and one of these also serves as aneARC embrasure . There ’s an optical digital audio recording output signal , Ethernet , dual earpiece / subwoofer minijack output signal , a trio of USBs , and CI card slot .
away from Freely , there ’s the option of either two satellite sweetheart inputs , as well as a traditional TV ethereal labourer .
The Z95A descend with a substantial distant control , which feels great in hand . Unlike criterion , more canonical , Fire TV zappers , this remote offer tactile ascendance over the TV ’s multiplicity of function , with consecrate buttons for Prime Video , Netflix , Disney Plus , YouTube , andFreely . There ’s also a customisable apps button .
Features
Overall serviceability is secure , with the sum between Amazon ’s institute Fire TV experience and Panasonic ’s own configurations being largely unruffled .
Naturally , Alexa is resident and responds to all the usual prompt , and is able to ascertain other attached Alexa gadget . The Z95A has built - in far field of force mics , so you’re able to talk now to the TV , without using a remote control condition as your microphone . There ’s also compatibility with Apple Home andAirPlay .
When it comes to HDR , the Z95A stick out HDR10,Dolby Vision IQ , HDR10 + Adaptive , andHLG . An ambient light detector , working in alignment with the HCX Pro AI Processor MK II , appropriate the lot to dynamically adjust its flick preferences based on ambient viewing light storey . The sensor makes elusive tweaks rather than dramatic dial shifts .
Panasonic has upgrade its Game Mode Extreme splasher , and introduce audio recording presets for game RPG and FPS genres . The RPG mode presents an immersive soundscape with dialogue brought to the bow , while the FPS mode has been tuned to accent game pool stick , like creeping step . I ’d be felicitous if it just made weapon voice more badass .
Latency can be considered good . I measured input stave at 12.08ms in Game mode ( 1080/60 ) . There ’s also a True Game modal value , but this depend rather duller and did n’t improve on my value 60Hz input stave figures .
The Z95A is also NVIDIA G - Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium certified .
Picture Quality
Where Panasonic really ups its game though , is onscreen . The Z95A delivers the best image performance yet from a Panasonic OLED , when it comes to dynamics and color ringing .
The Master OLED Ultimate panel , which usesMicro Lens Array(MLA ) technology to better direct its brightness outwards , delivers a banzai carrying out .
I measured peak HDR luminance , in Dynamic picture mode with a 5 per centime window , at 1858 nits . Even using the Normal picture show preset , brightness approaches 1600 nit . This is more than enough to well manage the HDR content you ’ll find on streaming services . Specular high spot , like night lamps , car headlight and bright sun , are accurate and tight .
The HCX Pro AI Processor MK II also does a lot of heavy lifting . grade banding has all but disappeared , and grain and skin tone look sublime . The Netflix reworking of Greek mythology , Kaos , provide a gorgeous showcase for the Z95A ’s talents . From its high contrast black and white depiction of Hades , to the vibrancy of eternally sunlit Mount Olympus , this panel is just sensational to look at .
The Z95A handle complex textures , skin tones , and lifelike hues with ease . Whether you ’re embroiled in the lavish color palette of Emily in Paris ( Netflix ) , or the dark , glum artwork of Batman Caped Crusader ( Prime Video ) , the set adapts to every humour .
It does n’t necessitate a smashing spate of stage set - up either . icon presets comprise Dynamic , Auto AI , Normal , Sport , Cinema , Filmmaker mode , True Cinema and a couple of Professional options . There are check audio presets , including Auto AI , Standard , Music , Speech , Stadium , and User .
There are no especial duffers here , but for ease of use I ’d advise opting for the Normal and True Cinema picture presets , and leave audio on Standard .
Dolby Vision IQ with Precision Detail comes in several flavours : Dolby Vision IQ , Dolby Vision Dark , and Dolby Vision Vivid . in person , I think the Vivid mount is overcranked , while the Dolby Vision Dark setting count a turn crushed , especially when feed dismal vista like those in Rebel Ridge ( Netflix ) . The IQ option is always the good option .
ANetflix Calibrated mode , essentially a bespoke Cinema presets , is also usable . This work in conjunction with Dolby Vision , but I found there ’s a slender drop in average picture spirit level when it ’s engage , so I suggest leaving it off .
Sound Quality
Sound , often an Achilles heel on even the most agiotage of sets , is n’t compromise here . The Technics - blessed 360 Soundscape Pro system , which combines a forward - face array with upward - release and side - mounted number one wood , and passive radiator for enhanced bass , does a mighty all right line of work .
Calling on 150W of elaboration , and Dolby Atmos decoding , the Z95A delivers powerful , light , and immersive sound .
Latest deals
Should you buy it?
With Dolby Vision IQ with Precision Detail , HDR10 + support and an astonishingly polished picture mainframe , the Z95A competes at the high level .
The 360 Soundscape Pro audio organisation could be surplus to essential if you intend to incorporate the Z95A into an exist home theatre system .
Final Thoughts
The Panasonic Z95A is an exceptionalOLED TVthat sets a high streak for 4 K HDR in 2024 . It ’s not the bright OLED out there , descend behind the Samsung’sS95D , but it ’s a good deal more cinematic .
inky-black blacks , nuanced shows and specular highlights really zing . The Seth ’s sound system is also best in course . It ’s not just cinephiles who will do good . This is a superb gambling television receiver with leading edge games hardware bread and butter .
The adoption of Fire telly is a piddling more contentious , and represents a big pivot from Panasonic ’s own My Home Screen wise platform . You ’re very much in the Amazon ecosystem with the Z95A , so you ’ll either palpate comfortable or besieged by advertizement . Functionality is solid though .
While its price may be exorbitant , especially for a 55 - column inch example , ultimately its AV performance warrant the investment funds .
Trusted Score
How we test
We test every TV we review thoroughly over an extended stop of time . We use industry standard tests to compare features properly . We ’ll always tell you what we find . We never , ever , take on money to review a merchandise .
Find out more about how we essay in ourethics insurance policy .
FAQs
Panasonic has said that the 65 - inch Z95A will go on sale in the US but there ’s no tidings on the 55 - in model .
