Panasonic Z95A — Brightness, Precision, and Surround Sound

The Panasonic Z95A is a 4K OLED TV that aims to dominate the premium segment with a compelling proposition: 144Hz panel, integrated surround sound system, and Fire TV as the control center. It’s designed for those who want a complete home theater experience without relying on peripherals, and also for gamers looking to play at 120 or 144Hz with smoothness.

During our testing, we were impressed by its brightness performance, reflection handling, and color fidelity. However, we also noticed design decisions that might not be for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know.

Design and Build — A Robust Unit with Swivel Stand

At first glance, the Z95A maintains clean, modern lines, but what stands out most is its size and weight. At 67.2 lbs and 65 inches, this is a TV that requires ample space.

It includes a robust stand with a 15.4 × 13.8-inch base and swivel function, which makes installation and port access easier. What would normally be a soundbar below the TV is now integrated into the unit itself.

Panasonic Z95A

The rear houses a surround speaker system, including side and top drivers. This makes it deeper than other OLED models, but it’s part of its all-in-one approach.

Pros

Swivel base that facilitates handling

Embedded sound system without needing a soundbar

Solid construction

Contras

Bulky and heavy for wall mounting

Only available in 65 inches

Performance and Features — A Leap in Brightness and Visual Precision

The heart of the Z95A is the HCX Pro MK II processor with artificial intelligence, which adjusts color, contrast, and sharpness based on content. In sports scenes or dark movies, performance was excellent: it not only adapts to content type but also to ambient room lighting thanks to its color and brightness sensor.

The Master OLED Ultimate panel with MLA layer reaches brightness peaks exceeding 1,600 nits in small windows, and in real content, the average is 1,200 nits—exceptional for an OLED. We noticed the image remains vibrant even in well-lit environments.

Colors appear very accurate and natural. While at very high brightness levels colors lose some intensity—expected in a WOLED panel—the overall experience was excellent. With Dolby Vision IQ, adaptive HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG support, we enjoyed HDR content from all platforms with high levels of contrast and detail.

Pros

Outstanding brightness for an OLED

Great color fidelity, even without calibration

Complete HDR format support

Contras

Slight banding in dark grays

Intense colors lose volume at high brightness levels

Gaming and Motion Performance — Speed and Total Control

Gameing - Panasonic Z95A

This TV targets gaming seriously. The 144Hz panel with VRR, HFR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync Premium delivered a very smooth experience, without tearing or ghosting. We tested titles at 120 and 144Hz and response was immediate, with no perceptible latency.

Even the sound adapts: FPS and RPG modes really add immersion and clarity in each situation.We also really liked the Gaming Control Panel, which allows monitoring and adjusting settings quickly. We activated it from the My APP button and it became part of our routine.

Pros

Excellent response and smoothness at 144Hz

Two HDMI 2.1 ports with 48 Gbps

Surround sound even without headphones

Cons

Only two HDMI inputs have full bandwidth

 

Do you want to take your gaming to the next level? Discover the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8.

Sound — A 5.1.2 Experience from the TV Itself

We were surprised that the Z95A offered such a rich sound experience without needing an external bar. With its 360° Pro Sound Landscape system, dialogue is clear and the surround effect feels real, thanks to the top and side speakers.

Panasonic Z95A sound

That said, bass doesn’t reach as deep as a dedicated soundbar. In action scenes or concerts, we missed a bit more impact. Still, for an integrated system, it’s one of the best we’ve tested.

Pros

Real surround audio without needing external bar

Dedicated sound modes for games and movies

Built-in subwoofer

Cons

Limited bass depth

Quality slightly inferior to dedicated mid-range soundbars

User Experience — Fire TV and Voice Control

The Fire TV system felt smooth and intuitive. We liked being able to create profiles and receive personalized recommendations. We could also control the TV with voice thanks to Alexa, without using the remote.

During use we noticed some minor bugs: on one occasion, picture settings wouldn’t save correctly within an app. However, it was solved with the good old trick of exiting and re-entering. The remote is simple, no frills, but functional.

Pros

Smooth Fire TV with personalized profiles

Integrated Alexa (hands-free)

AirPlay and HomeKit compatibility

Cons

Not compatible with Chromecast

Interface with minor app bugs

Conclusion

The Panasonic Z95A left us with a very positive impression. Its brightness level, image fidelity, gaming features, and integrated sound system position it as a complete option in the premium OLED segment.

It’s not perfect: Fire TV has some limitations, there are only two full HDMI 2.1 ports, and bass could improve. But if you want an all-in-one TV without depending on soundbars or external devices, this model delivers admirably.

Technical Specifications

FeatureDetail
Size65 inches (164 cm)
Resolution4K Ultra HD (3840 × 2160)
PanelMaster OLED Ultimate with MLA
Refresh RateUp to 144Hz
ProcessorHCX Pro MK II with AI
HDRHDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
Audio160W, 5.1.2 system with Dolby Atmos
Operating SystemFire TV
Voice AssistantAlexa (hands-free)
HDMI Inputs4 (2 with full HDMI 2.1, VRR, HFR, eARC)
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, HomeKit
Weight (with stand)67.2 lbs
Dimensions with stand (W × H × D)57.0 × 35.8 × 13.8 inches
USB RecordingYes
G-Sync and FreeSync CompatibleYes
Smart FeaturesAmbient mode, gaming panel, profiles

Alternatives

  • LG G4 OLED One of the Z95A’s main rivals. More size options, all HDMI ports with full 2.1, Chromecast support, and a slimmer design.
  • Sony A95L QD-OLED Better color volume and higher accuracy thanks to its QD-OLED panel. Google TV system, excellent image processing, and more professional calibration options.
  • Samsung S95D OLED Comparable brightness and better gaming features. Includes Game Hub, smooth Tizen interface, and four full HDMI 2.1 inputs. No Dolby Vision support.