The Panasonic Z85A marks a pivotal entry in Panasonic’s 2024 OLED lineup, positioning itself as a mid-range offering in a fiercely competitive market. With Panasonic’s re-entry into the U.S. television market after more than a decade, the Z85A aims to balance top-tier visual performance and modern features while keeping its price in check. Available in 55-inch and 65-inch variants, this model competes against industry stalwarts like the LG C4, Sony Bravia 8, and Philips OLED809. But does it justify its slightly higher price point? Let’s dive in.
The Panasonic Z85A features a standard W-OLED panel, similar to its competitors like the LG C4 and Sony Bravia 8. Powered by the HCX Pro AI MKII processor, it promises advanced picture adjustments tailored to content and viewing environments. Key specifications include:
- Panel Type: W-OLED with HCX Pro AI MKII Processor
- HDR Formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG
- Smart Platform: Fire TV (replacing Panasonic’s my Home Screen)
- Sound System: 2.1-channel, 50W with Dolby Atmos support
- Gaming Features: 4K 120Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync and Nvidia GSync), ALLM
- Connectivity: Two HDMI 2.1 ports, ATSC 3.0 tuner (US only)
Priced initially at $1,599 for the 55-inch model and $1,799 for the 65-inch model, recent price cuts make the Z85A more competitive.
Table of Contents
User Experience: A Detailed Look
Picture Quality
The Z85A excels in delivering rich, lifelike visuals thanks to its AI-enhanced HCX Pro processor. During tests, it demonstrated impressive grayscale and color accuracy, with Delta-E values of 1.1 and 1.2—phenomenal figures for this price range. Its HDR performance was a mixed bag, though:
- Brightness: Measuring 778 nits in Filmmaker Mode, it outshines budget OLEDs like the LG B4 (656 nits) but lags behind the Philips OLED809 (927 nits).
- Color Gamut: It covers 98.2% of DCI-P3 and 73.6% of BT.2020, delivering vibrant yet natural hues.
- Contrast and Shadow Detail: While black levels are deep, occasional black crush was noted in complex shadow scenes.
When tested with films like The Batman and Rings of Power, the Z85A’s reproduction of intricate details and lifelike textures stood out, though reflections in brighter settings slightly marred the experience.
Gaming Performance
Gamers will appreciate the Z85A’s responsive input lag of 12.7ms at 4K 120Hz, which ensures fluid gameplay. Features like True Game Mode and a Game Control Board enhance the gaming experience, offering customizable settings tailored to various genres. However, the presence of only two HDMI 2.1 ports may limit setups involving multiple gaming consoles or sound systems.
Sound Quality
The 2.1-channel, 50W speaker system is adequate for everyday viewing, delivering clear dialogue and impactful bass. That said, the soundstage feels limited compared to more premium models like the Panasonic Z95A. Audiophiles or movie enthusiasts will benefit from pairing the Z85A with a high-quality soundbar.
Smart Platform
Panasonic’s adoption of Fire TV over its my Home Screen interface is a significant upgrade. The Fire TV platform offers smooth navigation, personalized recommendations, and access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. Features such as Ambient Experience add a touch of sophistication, allowing users to display artwork or widgets when the TV is idle.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning Picture Quality: Vibrant, natural colors and deep blacks enhance cinematic experiences.
- Robust Gaming Features: Low input lag, VRR support, and Dolby Vision gaming make it a strong choice for gamers.
- Improved Smart Platform: Fire TV integration is user-friendly and responsive.
- Build Quality: Sleek, sturdy design with a lightweight frame for easy setup.
Cons
- Brightness Limitations: Struggles to compete with brighter OLED models like the Philips OLED809.
- Limited HDMI Ports: Two HDMI 2.1 ports may frustrate users with extensive setups.
- Underwhelming Sound: The built-in speakers lack the depth and spatial accuracy of higher-end systems.
- Basic Remote Design: The remote control feels outdated compared to competitors.
Comparisons with Rivals
LG C4
The LG C4 is a natural competitor, priced slightly lower than the Z85A. While the C4 offers better brightness and a superior webOS platform, the Z85A’s advanced color accuracy and support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ give it an edge for cinephiles.
Sony Bravia 8
The Sony Bravia 8 boasts better motion handling and slightly higher peak brightness, but the Z85A’s gaming features and Fire TV integration make it more versatile for a broader audience.
Philips OLED809
With its brighter panel and more premium sound system, the OLED809 edges out the Z85A in terms of raw performance. However, the Z85A’s color accuracy and detailed textures are on par, if not slightly better, for certain content types.
Final Recommendation
The Panasonic Z85A is a compelling mid-range OLED TV that delivers excellent picture quality, robust gaming features, and a user-friendly smart platform. Its slight brightness limitations and basic sound system prevent it from dethroning some of its rivals, but for those seeking a cinematic experience with rich, natural colors, it’s a fantastic option. Gamers will also appreciate its responsive performance and feature set.
While its initial price may have seemed steep, recent reductions make it a competitive choice in its category. If you’re looking for a versatile OLED TV that performs well across movies, games, and streaming, the Z85A deserves a spot on your shortlist.
