If you’re in the market for a top-tier OLED TV, the Panasonic Z95A is a must-consider option. Combining superb picture quality, impressive Dolby Atmos sound, and sleek design, this flagship model from Panasonic’s 2024 lineup delivers on all fronts. With a premium price point, the Z95A aims to give the best OLED TVs a run for their money, particularly with its vibrant display and robust built-in sound system. In this detailed review, we’ll explore the Z95A’s features, performance, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Panasonic Z95A: Price and Release Date
Released on September 4, 2024, the Panasonic Z95A comes in two screen sizes: 65 inches in both the US and UK markets, priced at $3,100 and £3,899, respectively. There’s also a 55-inch model available in the UK for £2,999. This puts it firmly in the high-end category, directly competing with top models like the Samsung S95D and LG G4, which are available at a lower price due to recent discounts.
If you’re eyeing this OLED, it’s clear you’re looking for premium performance. However, mid-range OLED models, like the LG C4, are available for significantly less, so the decision to opt for the Z95A depends on your need for high brightness, advanced sound features, and next-gen gaming support.
Specs Overview: A High-End Experience
Screen Type: OLED
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Audio Support: Dolby Atmos
Smart TV Platform: Amazon Fire TV
HDMI Ports: 4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
Built-in Tuner: ATSC 3.0 (US-only)
These specifications showcase the Z95A’s robust hardware, particularly its Master OLED Ultimate panel and 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos speaker system. Let’s dive into how these features enhance the overall viewing and listening experience.
Picture Quality: Bright and Beautiful
The Panasonic Z95A shines in the picture quality department, thanks to its OLED MLA (Micro Lens Array) panel. This technology boosts brightness, making the Z95A one of the brightest OLED TVs available, perfect for both dimly lit movie rooms and bright living spaces.
Brightness and Contrast
In testing, the Z95A achieved 1,495 nits of peak brightness in HDR mode, ensuring that highlights in movies pop vividly. Its 10% HDR white window readings were similar to those of the LG G4, but slightly behind the Samsung S95D, which measured 1,688 nits. Despite this, the Z95A’s brightness is more than sufficient for most scenarios.
The contrast is exceptional, with perfect black levels that are a hallmark of OLED displays. Deep blacks and rich colors give content a dynamic and immersive quality, whether you’re watching the latest blockbusters or playing games.
Color Accuracy and HDR Performance
The Panasonic Z95A also excels in color reproduction, covering 97% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, ensuring accurate and vibrant colors for a wide range of content. Whether you’re watching an HDR movie or a sports broadcast, the colors look natural yet striking.
The TV supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, and HLG, so no matter what HDR format your content is in, the Z95A is ready to display it in the best possible quality. In Filmmaker Mode, which is designed for purists, the TV adjusts brightness based on ambient lighting, ensuring optimal viewing.
Sound Quality: Immersive Dolby Atmos
Perhaps the most standout feature of the Z95A is its 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos sound system, tuned by Technics. This system includes front-firing, side-firing, and up-firing speakers that work together to create a powerful and immersive audio experience.
Built-in 5.1.2-Channel System
Unlike most TVs, which require external soundbars for cinematic audio, the Z95A has a built-in 160W speaker array that eliminates the need for extra hardware. The dedicated up-firing drivers deliver convincing Dolby Atmos height effects, making sounds feel like they’re coming from above you.
For example, in a scene where rain is pouring, the TV delivers the sensation that the rain is falling directly from the ceiling. Dialogues are clear, even in action-packed sequences, and the bass has a punch that rivals some soundbars.
Sound Focus and Space Tune
The Sound Focus mode allows you to direct sound to different parts of your room, which is perfect for large living spaces or off-center seating. This feature ensures everyone, no matter where they’re seated, gets an optimal listening experience. Additionally, the Space Tune feature adjusts sound based on your room’s acoustics, further enhancing the audio.
Design: Premium and Practical
The Panasonic Z95A sports a sleek, modern design, typical of high-end OLED TVs. The panel is incredibly thin, but its built-in speaker system adds some bulk to the frame, measuring 2.7 inches (69mm) in depth. This bulk is a small trade-off for such advanced audio hardware.
Swiveling Stand
One feature that enhances the Z95A’s versatility is its circular swiveling stand. This allows you to adjust the angle of the screen without needing to move the entire TV, which is handy for different viewing setups.
Inputs and Connectivity
The Z95A is well-equipped for modern setups, with four HDMI ports, including two HDMI 2.1 ports, making it compatible with next-gen gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. There are also USB ports, an optical digital audio output, and a subwoofer jack if you want to expand your audio setup further.
Smart TV Features: Amazon Fire TV
In a shift from previous models, the Panasonic Z95A uses Amazon Fire TV as its smart platform. While not as streamlined as LG’s webOS or Samsung’s Tizen, Fire TV offers a robust range of apps and content.
Fire TV Interface
The Fire TV interface is simple and intuitive, with tabs for apps, live TV, and personalized content recommendations. You can access streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ with ease, and use Alexa for voice controls.
Ambient Experience and AI Image Generation
One of the Z95A’s more unique features is the Fire TV Ambient Experience, which turns your TV into a digital canvas when not in use. You can choose from pre-installed images, upload your own, or even create images using AI. This feature not only enhances your room’s aesthetic but also adds a personal touch to the setup.
Gaming on the Panasonic Z95A: Ready for Next-Gen
For gamers, the Panasonic Z95A delivers a smooth experience with its 4K 144Hz refresh rate, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD Freesync Premium. This ensures that even fast-paced action is rendered smoothly, with no screen tearing or judder.
Game Control Board
A dedicated Game Control Board allows for quick adjustments to gaming-related settings, such as dark visibility and motion smoothing. Input lag is a respectable 12.6ms, making it responsive enough for most gaming needs, though some competitive gamers may prefer a TV with slightly faster performance.
Panasonic Z95A vs. Competitors
At its price point, the Panasonic Z95A faces stiff competition from the Samsung S95D and LG G4. Both these models offer comparable picture quality at a lower price due to recent discounts, making the Z95A a pricier option.
However, if sound quality is important to you, the Z95A’s built-in 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos system is a huge plus. The Samsung S95D and LG G4 require additional soundbars to match the Z95A’s audio prowess.
Is the Panasonic Z95A Worth Buying?
The Panasonic Z95A is undeniably one of the best OLED TVs on the market in 2024. With its bright OLED display, vivid colors, and outstanding sound quality, it’s a top choice for anyone who values both picture and audio performance. The Fire TV platform might not be as refined as others, but it offers all the apps and features you need.
However, its premium price tag may give some buyers pause, especially when excellent models like the Samsung S95D are available for less. If budget is a concern, the LG C4 is also a great option, albeit without the same level of sound quality.
Final Verdict: Best for Premium Buyers
If you’re looking for a high-end OLED TV with the best sound system available, the Panasonic Z95A is a superb choice. It may not be the most affordable option, but its combination of high brightness, accurate colors, and Dolby Atmos sound makes it a fantastic all-in-one entertainment center for premium buyers.
