Panasonic Z95A OLED TV Review

Review Summary

The Panasonic Z95A OLED TV stands as one of Panasonic’s flagship models for 2024, featuring a combination of Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology and a refined Master OLED Ultimate panel that delivers top-tier picture quality. Designed for movie enthusiasts, gamers, and those seeking an all-in-one entertainment hub, the Z95A impresses across various categories, from vibrant image reproduction to immersive sound.

Picture Quality

The MLA OLED panel stood out during our testing, producing significantly enhanced brightness, especially when compared to earlier models. The peak brightness of 1,495 nits delivered in HDR modes made highlights pop while retaining the deep blacks that OLEDs are known for. Whether watching movies, sports, or gaming, the Z95A provides exceptional contrast and color reproduction, which created a more immersive experience in darker scenes without losing detail.

We tested content across Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, and Filmmaker Mode, and each format looked stunning, thanks to the HCX Pro AI MK II processor, which optimized brightness and adjusted settings based on the room’s ambient lighting. In our real-world use, the TV handled motion brilliantly in fast-paced scenes without noticeable stutter or judder, making it ideal for both cinematic experiences and live sports.

Sound Performance

Audio was another area where the Z95A performed admirably. Its 360 Soundscape Pro system, with 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos, provided an immersive sound experience. During testing, we found the upward-firing speakers delivered excellent spatial audio, bringing scenes to life with rich, detailed sound that filled the room. Dialogue clarity remained crisp, and bass-heavy action sequences had satisfying depth, making an external soundbar unnecessary for most users.

The Precision Positioning feature also proved useful. We experimented with different seating arrangements, and this feature adjusted the audio to ensure an optimal sound experience, no matter where we were seated.

Smart Features

The move to Amazon’s Fire TV OS was a welcome improvement over Panasonic’s previous My Home Screen platform. Navigation was smooth, and setting up personalized profiles for different household members was intuitive. Alexa voice integration worked seamlessly, allowing us to control not just the TV but also connected smart devices around the home. We particularly enjoyed the Fire TV Ambient Mode, which adds a layer of personalization with widgets and background visuals when the TV is idle.

The app library was vast, with popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ readily available. Switching between apps was quick, and we didn’t experience any lags or hiccups.

Gaming Performance

In our gaming tests, the Z95A’s support for 4K at 144Hz was a highlight, providing smooth gameplay for PC users. Console players on the PS5 and Xbox Series X also benefited from 4K at 120Hz, with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) ensuring responsive and fluid visuals. We tested the TV with games like Horizon Forbidden West and Call of Duty, and the low input lag and crisp motion handling made for an excellent gaming experience.

However, the TV’s two HDMI 2.1 ports did present some challenges when connecting both a gaming console and a sound system via eARC, forcing us to swap cables during testing. This limitation could be an inconvenience for users with multiple high-end gaming devices.

Who It’s For

• Movie Enthusiasts: Stunning color accuracy and deep blacks make the Z95A a top choice for home theater setups.
• Gamers: The support for 4K/144Hz, VRR, and G-Sync ensures smooth, responsive gaming, perfect for high-performance setups.
• Smart Home Users: Fire TV OS with Alexa integration allows for seamless control of smart devices, making it ideal for users who want their TV as a smart home hub.

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

From our testing, the Panasonic Z95A OLED TV consistently impressed with its MLA technology for superior brightness, 360 Soundscape Pro audio, and Fire TV OS integration. While the limited HDMI 2.1 ports may be a downside for users with extensive setups, its overall performance in both picture and sound quality makes it one of the best OLED TVs available. The Z95A delivers a premium, cinematic experience perfect for cinephiles, gamers, and tech-savvy users.