Panasonic Z85A OLED TV assessment: Two minute assessment
The Panasonic Z85A OLED TV is likely one of the entry-level fashions in Panasonic’s 2024 TV lineup, sitting under the Panasonic Z95A and Z90A. Together with the flagship OLED Panasonic Z95A OLED and W95A mini-LED, it is likely one of the first Panasonic TVs out there within the US in over a decade.
The Panasonic Z85A sells for $1,599 / £1,599 and $1,799 / £1,999 for its 55 and 65-inch fashions, respectively, placing it in the identical worth vary as a few of the best OLED TVs such because the LG C4, Sony Bravia 8 and Philips OLED809.
Panasonic makes use of a typical W-OLED panel within the Z85A, which options the identical HCX AI Professional II Processor present in step-up Panasonic fashions together with the Panasonic Z95A. Whereas its brightness ranges are solely common and there’s some black crush in darker scenes, the image high quality on the Z85A is up there with the best TVs, with wealthy distinction, vibrant but pure colours, deep blacks and real looking textures and particulars.
Sound high quality on the Z85A is nice total. It received’t beat the best TVs for sound, however it does ship punchy bass, clear dialogue and correct placement of results. These on the lookout for a cinematic expertise might wish to add one of many best soundbars, however for daily viewing, the Z85A’s built-in sound is completely high-quality.
The Panasonic Z85A makes use of Hearth TV as its built-in good TV platform, and it’s a welcome change from Panasonic’s personal my Residence Display screen interface used on earlier TVs. There are fewer image settings, however menus are extra user-friendly, navigation is smoother and Amazon options comparable to Ambient Expertise assist make the Z85A really feel like the entire package deal.
The Z85A carries most of the options we search for within the best gaming TVs. There are solely two HDMI 2.1 ports, however 4K 120Hz, VRR (together with AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia Gsync) ALLM and Dolby Imaginative and prescient gaming are all supported. Easy efficiency and gorgeous graphics make the Z85A a incredible OLED gaming TV.
The Panasonic Z85A is marginally pricier than rival mid-range OLEDs however largely justifies its worth because of its incredible options and the sheer brilliance of its image.
Panasonic Z85A OLED TV assessment: Costs & launch date
- Launch date: October 2024
- 55-inch Z85A: $1,599 / £1,599
- 65-inch: Z85A: $1,799 / £1,999
The Panasonic Z85A is likely one of the entry-level fashions in Panasonic’s 2024 OLED TV lineup. It’s out there in 55- and 65-inch sizes in each the US and UK. Panasonic TVs will not be bought in Australia.
The Panasonic Z85A has comparable specs and tech because the LG C4, Sony Bravia 8 and Philips OLED809, however is priced barely larger than these fashions. Costs have since dropped, nevertheless, with the 55-inch mannequin now out there for $1,499 / £1,299 and the 65-inch mannequin out there for $1,699 / £1,699, making it extra aggressive with its rivals.
Panasonic Z85A OLED TV assessment: Specs
| Display screen sort: | OLED |
| Refresh charge: | 120Hz |
| HDR help: | Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Audio help: | Dolby Atmos |
| Sensible TV: | Hearth TV |
| HDMI ports: | 4 (2x HDMI 2.1) |
| Constructed-in tuner: | ATSC 3.0 (US) |
Panasonic Z85A OLED TV assessment: Benchmark outcomes
Panasonic Z85A OLED TV assessment: Options
- W-OLED panel
- Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive help
- Hearth TV good TV platform
The Panasonic Z85A incorporates a W-OLED panel much like that present in TVs such because the LG C4 and Sony Bravia 8 versus the micro lens array (MLA) panel – a sort that yields larger brightness – discovered within the step-up Panasonic Z95A. Not like different OLED TVs within the US, it helps each the Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ high dynamic range codecs.
The brand new Panasonic HCX Professional AI MKII processor, which analyzes the image on display screen to regulate colour, distinction and readability on the fly, is utilized by the Panasonic Z85A, and It additionally has AI options that may be activated to observe image and sound high quality and modify primarily based on the content material being proven onscreen and the viewing setting.
For sound, the Panasonic Z85A has a 2.1-channel speaker array totaling 50W of energy. It helps Dolby Atmos however not DTS. There additionally aren’t as many sound options or presets as you’ll discover on the flagship Panasonic Z95A, although the Z85A does help Theater Encompass Professional and has a port for connection to an exterior subwoofer for these wanting extra bass.
The Panasonic Z85A options solely two HDMI 2.1 ports however in any other case has an intensive checklist of gaming options. It helps 4K 120Hz, VRR (each AMD FreeSync and Nvidia GSync), ALLM, and Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ gaming and likewise has a True Recreation Mode to optimize image settings and a Recreation Management Board the place these settings will be custom-made.
The Z85A’s Hearth TV good TV platform replaces the my Residence Display screen interface – the corporate’s personal good TV platform – discovered on earlier Panasonic TVs. It helps main streaming apps together with Netflix, Prime Video and Disney Plus, together with Max within the US. Within the UK, you get Freely, the free TV service that means that you can stream broadcast TV reside over Wi-Fi slightly than counting on an aerial, and it helps UK-based streaming apps together with BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Within the US, it moreover comes with an ATSC 3.0 tuner.
Panasonic Z85A OLED TV assessment: Image high quality
- Practical textures and particulars
- Excellent distinction and shadow element
- Dynamic, vibrant colours
Because the Panasonic Z85A makes use of a typical W-OLED panel slightly than the MLA OLED panel discovered within the Panasonic Z95A (and LG G4) or the Samsung S95D’s QD-OLED panel, I anticipated it to have peak brightness ranges extra according to the LG C4, B4, Sony Bravia 8 and Philips OLED809.
The Z85A’s outcomes had been roughly what I anticipated if not a little low. Measuring brightness on a ten% HDR white window sample, the Panasonic Z85A produced 697 nits in Normal mode and 778 nits in Filmmaker Mode. These outcomes put it above the LG B4’s 656 nits on the identical check however under the likes of the Philips OLED809’s 927 nits and the Sony Bravia 8’s 817 nits.
When measuring the Z85A’s grayscale and colour accuracy by taking a median of its Delta-E values (the margin for error between the check sample and what’s proven on display screen), it achieved phenomenal outcomes of 1.1 and 1.2, respectively (we sometimes search for under 3).
After biking by the Z85A’s image presets, I landed on Filmmaker as its most correct mode, although True Cinema mode was a superb image preset as effectively. Each offered unimaginable element and distinction, however I opted for Filmmaker attributable to its larger brightness.
When watching each lower-resolution and high-definition (HD) TV reveals, the Z85A did a strong job of upscaling them to 4K.
Shifting onto 4K films and TV reveals, the Panasonic Z85A demonstrated spectacular colour copy. Watching a scene the place the ship arrived in Numenor in season 1 of Rings of Energy on Prime Video (watched in Filmmaker Mode HDR), the blues and whites of the ocean and rocky landscapes dazzled whereas sustaining a pure look, and the gold of armor and buildings glistened within the vivid daylight.
A Dolby Imaginative and prescient stream of Star Wars: The Final Jedi by way of Disney Plus additionally demonstrated the Z85A’s wonderful colour copy. The reds of the throne room combat scene regarded daring and vibrant, however correct, and lightsabers had a dynamic punch. They didn’t fairly have the identical shiny HDR sheen as on brighter OLEDs such because the Samsung S95D, however the Z85A’s colours had been nonetheless superb. I opted for the Dolby Imaginative and prescient Darkish image mode right here as I felt it was extra correct, however these on the lookout for extra brightness can change to Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ mode.
When measuring the Panasonic Z85A’s HDR colour gamut protection in Filmmaker Mode, it yielded outcomes of 98.2% for UHDA-P3 and 73.6% for BT.2020. Each of those are wonderful outcomes, they usually barely high the 97% and 72.5% achieved by the flagship Panasonic Z95A.
Black ranges, shadow element and distinction had been additionally excellent. Watching a 4K Blu-ray of The Batman in Dolby Imaginative and prescient Darkish image mode, mild sources and lamps regarded completely balanced with the gloomy environment within the opening crime scene. I did be aware occasional black crush in some scenes, with objects shedding the odd element, however total The Batman regarded extremely correct on the Z85A.
The Z85A had excellent distinction within the black-and-white scenes in Oppenheimer, with a superb stability between darkish and lightweight tones with an ideal vary of grays in between.
One factor value noting is that the Z85A fared higher in dimmed or darkish viewing circumstances when watching darker films since reflections might be seen on its display screen in a vivid room.
Panasonic’s OLEDs sometimes excel in exhibiting particulars and textures, and the Z85A is not any completely different. No matter was on display screen, the Z85A displayed it in a sensible method that gave an unimaginable sense of depth to the picture. Watching High Gun: Maverick, close-ups of pilots revealed each facial function – sweat, hair, pores. The pure landscapes in Rings of Energy additionally had a 3D-like high quality because of the intricate, high-quality particulars within the waves and mountains.
As you’d anticipate from OLED, the Z85A’s movement dealing with is excellent total. When watching a stream of a soccer sport, I discovered that the majority image modes labored effectively, although I stayed away from the Sports activities mode attributable to its oversaturated colours. The best was Regular mode with the IFC (Clever Body Creation) in image settings set to Min (with Mid, Max and Off being the opposite ranges). With these energetic, lengthy, panning photographs up and down the pitch had been typically dealt with very effectively with solely extremely minor stutter occasionally.
Movement dealing with with films was wonderful all through, even with movement settings turned off. WatchingHigh Gun: Maverick, swooping digital camera photographs throughout coaching missions and Maverick’s bike rides by the desert had been displayed with no seen judder.
- Image high quality rating: 4.5/5
Panasonic Z85A OLED TV assessment: Sound high quality
- Punchy bass
- Correct sound placement
- Sound confined to display screen
The Panasonic Z85A’s 2.1-channel, 50W speaker array is a considerably smaller system than the one discovered within the flagship Panasonic Z95A, which boasts a 5.1.2-channel speaker system totaling 160W. There’s nonetheless help for Dolby Atmos and one thing that Panasonic calls Theater Encompass Professional, however extra superior sound options such because the Z95A’s Area Tune will not be featured within the Z85A.
One factor I discovered attention-grabbing is that there isn’t any preset supposed for films among the many Z85A’s sound modes. As an alternative, I opted for the Stadium preset which promised the most important sound.
The Z85A’s dynamic bass made the rumble of the Batmobile’s engine within the automobile chase scene in The Batman come by with loads of energy and punch, and loads of management as effectively. Dialogue was constantly clear and well-presented and sound placement was correct, with the sounds of swerving vehicles and tire screeches in The Batman and hovering jets in High Gun: Maverick immediately linked to the motion on display screen. I did discover the Samsung QN90D and Samsung S95D’s sound presentation to be extra correct after I examined these TVs, nevertheless
The Z85A’s sound demonstrated stability when watching La La Land, reproducing the brilliant, jazzy rating and the extra delicate piano-led moments with the identical stage of element. Attributable to its extra restricted speaker array, Dolby Atmos soundtracks weren’t given the identical stage of accuracy or area as on the step-up Panasonic Z95A. Pounding rain in The Batman was hardly ever audible all through my viewing, and whereas the sound did prolong past the display screen every so often, it nonetheless appeared considerably contained.
Panasonic Z85A OLED TV assessment: Design
- Stable, but light-weight construct
- Stand feels a bit low cost
- Dated distant
The Panasonic Z85A’s design is strong and reliable, if not a bit protected in locations. Whereas the highest of its body is trim sufficient, the underside half is on the bulkier facet to accommodate the bigger built-in subwoofer. Its display screen lacks the bezel-less design of different premium OLEDs however continues to be suitably trim. It feels sturdy when put in with its stand however can also be very mild for straightforward motion.
Talking of the stand, the Z85A’s is a combined bag. Whereas it has a glossy look that blends effectively with darkish furnishings and is well-made, the plastic and steel supplies don’t really feel as premium as on rival OLEDs, its predecessor the Panasonic MZ1500, which comes with a weighty, swiveling, all-metal stand, included.
The Z85A’s provided distant continues what has develop into a considerably sore topic for me with Panasonic TVs. It’s lengthy, cumbersome, lined in a load of buttons, and feels outdated. Whereas higher than the usual Hearth TV distant supplied with the flagship Panasonic Z95A, it nonetheless doesn’t look or really feel just like the premium distant you anticipate for an OLED TV like this – particularly when in comparison with the USB-C rechargeable, light-up, steel distant that Philips shares with its TVs just like the Philips OLED809.
Panasonic Z85A OLED TV assessment: Sensible TV & menus
- Hearth TV good TV platform
- Intuitive and responsive navigation
- An excellent variety of image settings for calibration
Panasonic has opted to modify from its personal my Residence Display screen good TV platform in favor of Amazon’s Hearth TV within the majority of its TVs this 12 months and whereas the variety of settings for image and sound have taken a success, the expertise total is an enchancment.
Signing in with an Amazon account means the house web page offers not solely suggestions for films and TV reveals however a simple method to soar again into viewing, with the power to check in with and change between a number of profiles for a extra custom-made dwelling display screen. Unsurprisingly, these suggestions are nearly completely centered on Amazon’s Prime Video platform. Due to the Z85A’s quicker processor, navigation of various menus and apps is smoother than my expertise with the Amazon Omni QLED TV and likewise simple and intuitive.
The Panasonic Z85A comes with different Amazon options comparable to Alexa voice management and the Ambient Expertise (the same idea to Samsung’s Ambient mode on its TVs) which helps you to show static and dynamic pictures and movies on the display screen when the TV enters idle mode, slightly than turning off. You’ll be able to add your private photographs after importing them by way of the Amazon Photographs app in your cellphone, and widgets for climate, information, sports activities and extra will be added to the Ambient display screen as effectively.
Regardless of not having as many image or sound settings because the earlier my Residence Display screen interface, there are nonetheless variety of settings for these trying to tweak their TV’s image.
- Sensible TV & menus rating: 4/5
Panasonic Z85A OLED TV assessment: Gaming
- 12.7ms enter lag time
- Excessive Recreation Mode that includes Recreation Management Board
- Solely two HDMI 2.1 ports
The Panasonic Z85A has solely two HDMI 2.1 ports however is in any other case a well-equipped TV for gaming, supporting 4K 120Hz, Dolby Imaginative and prescient gaming, VRR (AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia GSync) and ALLM.
Just like different Panasonic TVs, the Z85A has the Recreation Management Board, the place settings comparable to Shadow Enhancer permit for straightforward customization whereas taking part in. For non-Dolby Imaginative and prescient video games, there are additionally two sport image modes, Recreation and True Recreation, with True Recreation serving because the Filmmaker or Film image mode equal by choosing a hotter colour palette and extra correct textures that may higher go well with sure video games.
Gaming on the Z85A is responsive and clean, with fast-paced gameplay effectively dealt with. When taking part in Battlefield V at 4K 120Hz, concentrating on, motion and animations had been all fluid and seamless. It doesn’t beat the best 120Hz TVs such because the LG C4, however the Z85A’s 12.7ms enter lag time continues to be superb and under the 15ms threshold most avid gamers search for.
Graphically, the Z85A carries throughout the identical image high quality it brings to films, with loads of vibrant colour, wealthy distinction, real looking textures and high-quality particulars that give video games an additional sense of realism.
Panasonic Z85A OLED TV assessment: Worth
- Costs have dropped since launch
- Nonetheless barely pricier than rival mid-range OLEDs
- Excellent image for worth vary
Since launching at $1,599 / £1,599 for the 55-inch mannequin and $1,799 / £1,999 for the 65-inch mannequin, the Panasonic Z85A’s costs have dropped to $1,499 / £1,299 for the 55-inch mannequin and $1,699 / £1,699 for the 65-inch mannequin. That’s nonetheless pricier than different mid-range OLEDs such because the LG C4 ($1,199 / £1,199 for 55-inch and $1,499 / £1,599 for 65-inch) however typically truthful worth for the image high quality and efficiency you’re getting.
Though a brightness enhance much like the mid-range LG C4 would have been good, the Panasonic Z85A continues to be a superb OLED that delivers in key areas. It nonetheless might exceed some budgets, however its image high quality and gaming options alone make it a worthy mid-range OLED contender.
Ought to I purchase the Panasonic Z85A OLED TV?
| Attributes | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Options | Full HDR help together with a stacked checklist of gaming and good options | 4/5 |
| Image high quality | Glorious element, colour and distinction with some minor black crush in darkish scenes | 4.5/5 |
| Sound high quality | Punchy, clear and correct sound however Dolby Atmos soundtracks really feel contained | 4/5 |
| Design | Gentle and glossy design with trim bezel and profile. Stand feels a bit low cost and distant is outdated | 4/5 |
| Sensible TV and menus | Hearth TV is intuitive sufficient and provides Ambient Expertise. Image and sound settings have taken a success however there’s nonetheless quantity | 4/5 |
| Gaming | Glorious gaming options and good efficiency, however solely two HDMI 2.1 ports | 4.5/5 |
| Worth | Barely pricier than rivals however pretty priced for efficiency and options. | 4/5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Additionally take into account
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Panasonic Z85A | LG C4 | Sony Bravia 8 | Philips OLED809 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value (55-inch) | $1,599 / £1,599 | $1,299 / £1,299 | $1,399 / £1,499 | £1,299 |
| Display screen sort | OLED | OLED | OLED | OLED |
| Refresh charge | 120Hz | 144Hz | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| HDR help | Dolby Imaginative and prescient/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG | Dolby Imaginative and prescient//HDR10/HLG | HDR10+/HDR10/HLG | Dolby Imaginative and prescient/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG |
| Sensible TV | Hearth TV | webOS 24 | Google TV | Google TV |
| HDMI ports | 4 (2x HDMI 2.1) | 4 x HDMI 2.1 | 4 (2x HDMI 2.1) | 4 (2x HDMI 2.1) |
How I examined the Panasonic Z85A OLED TV
- Examined in various lighting circumstances
- Examined utilizing each SDR and HDR sources
- Measurements had been taken utilizing Portrait Shows’ Calman calibration software program
Earlier than testing, I did some informal viewing with the Panasonic Z85A to ascertain essentially the most correct image mode and after scrolling by presets, I made a decision on Filmmaker Mode as essentially the most correct, with True Cinema mode an in depth second.
After this, I started my crucial testing utilizing SDR sources, comparable to broadcast TV and commonplace Blu-ray and HD films, and HDR sources, comparable to 4K streaming and 4K Blu-rays. 4K Blu-rays had been performed utilizing the Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Blu-ray player.
For crucial testing, I used reference scenes from films and TV reveals. I examined image high quality, specializing in colour, distinction, black ranges, movement, element, and upscaling, in addition to the audio high quality of the built-in audio system.
I additionally examined the Panasonic Z85A’s gaming options and efficiency utilizing an Xbox Series X.
After subjective testing, I moved onto goal testing, taking measurements utilizing specialised tools. This consisted of a check sample generator, a colorimeter and Portrait Display’s Calman calibration software to file the measurements.
The measurements taken included HDR and SDR brightness, measured on white window patterns starting from 1-100% in dimension, with a give attention to 10% for peak brightness and 100% for full-screen brightness.
I took measurements for HDR colour gamut, analyzing the BT.2020 and UHDA-P3 colour areas. I additionally took measurements for colour accuracy and grayscale in HDR, taking a median of every’s Delta-E values (the margin for error between the check sample and what’s proven on display screen).
Lastly, I measured the Z85A’s enter lag utilizing a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Enter Lag Tester.
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