Sony A95L vs Panasonic W70A

Direct compare

A95L

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”

Panel type: QD-OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2023

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Panel type: LCD IPS

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

8.4

5.8

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    9.0

    5.1

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    9.3

    5.2

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    9.0

    5.3

  • Gaming on console

    9.3

    6.8

  • TV as a computer monitor

    5.0

    6.0

  • Watching in bright light

    5.4

    4.0

  • Utility functions

    9.5

    5.8

  • Apps

    10.0

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    7.9

    6.6

Advantages

  • Amazing Contrast

  • Great for HDR movies

  • Advanced Google TV system

  • Great Viewing Angles

  • Gaming Features: Support for ALLM, VRR, 120 Hz refresh rate, low input lag

  • Great sound

  • Camera included

  • Wide viewing angles thanks to the IPS panel

  • Efficient and intuitive Google TV system

  • Supports Dolby Vision

  • Suitable for occasional gaming - VRR, ALLM, Low input lag of 12 ms

  • Readable fonts when working with PC thanks to chroma 4:4:4

  • Bluetooth and voice search on the remote

  • Decent sound quality for a TV in this class

Disadvantages

No like
  • Only Two HDMI 2.1 Ports: One of the HDMI 2.1 ports is used for eARC, which may limit the number of devices that can be connected, especially for those using a soundbar and console

  • Cherry black effect in bright light: The QD-OLED panel causes blacks to lose their depth in bright light

  • Not the sleekest design

  • Price compared to competitors

  • Poor blacks and low contrast - IPS panel

  • Brightness at 270 cd/m² is too low for comfortable viewing in a bright room

  • Software bugs (features are either poorly translated or are in the wrong places)*

  • No AirPlay support

  • No USB recording feature and no PIP mode

*This state of affairs applies at the time of publishing this review, which is December 2024. We hope that Panasonic will manage to address these significant shortcomings in future updates.

Our verdict

Sony A95L is a TV that has made a huge impression on us. Although a year has passed since its launch, it still deserves a spot among the best models on the market. When it comes to picture quality, it's simply brilliant. Deep blacks, vibrant colours, and excellent brightness in HDR make everything look incredibly realistic. The QD-OLED panel does its job – movies and games look so good that at times you forget it's just a screen. Using the A95L on a daily basis is a pleasure. Google TV runs smoothly, and there are plenty of apps available. The package includes two remote controls: one traditional and the other backlit – a really handy solution, especially in the evenings. Plus, the voice assistant makes life easier, allowing you to quickly search for a movie or control the home from the couch. Gamers will also be delighted. A refresh rate of 120 Hz, low input lag (below 10 ms even in Dolby Vision), and VRR support is a set that will satisfy any gaming enthusiast. And the sound? The Acoustic Surface Audio+ system makes the sound come straight from the screen, providing great, spatial experiences. Of course, there are no perfect things. Two HDMI 2.1 ports (including one for eARC) might be a bit limiting if someone wants to connect a console, soundbar, and other devices. In a bright room, the black can have a slightly cherry hue, which might bother more demanding users. Despite these minor notes, the Sony A95L is a piece of fantastic equipment. The picture, sound, and functionality are top-notch. It's a television that will satisfy both cinephiles and gamers, offering a true premium experience in the comfort of home.

The Panasonic W70A draws attention primarily because of its advanced Google TV operating system, which gives us access to a multitude of popular applications (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, etc.). In terms of picture quality, the IPS panel offers wide viewing angles, so colours do not lose their intensity even when you watch a film from an angle. Gamers will also not be disappointed, as it features VRR and ALLM, along with low input lag (around 12 ms) – all of this translates to pleasant experiences during occasional gaming, despite the standard 60 Hz refresh rate.

However, it's worth noting that this is rather a basic model and has its limitations. The contrast and blacks are simply weak, which is a typical phenomenon for IPS panels, especially in dark rooms. A brightness level of around 270 cd/m² is also insufficient in heavily sunlit rooms, so the picture can seem washed out. Certain shortcomings in the software itself cannot be overlooked either. Google TV is a great foundation, but sometimes settings are scattered in surprising places, and the quality of translations leaves a lot to be desired.

It must be considered that the competition is offering more and more in a similar (or slightly higher) price range. Can the Panasonic W70A hold its own in such an environment? On one hand, it tempts with a rich app base and decent support for gamers, but on the other – the market is flooded with more polished TVs equipped with better specifications. However, if wide viewing angles and straightforward access to Google TV services are priorities, we can give it a chance. In other cases, it’s worth exploring among competitive models that often offer better blacks, higher brightness, and fewer annoying issues in the menu at a similar price.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

10/10

2.5/10

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Sony A95L Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic W70A Contrast and black detail

Result

1,100:1

Review Panasonic W70A Contrast and black detail

Result

1,250:1

Review Panasonic W70A Contrast and black detail

Result

1,300:1

Review Panasonic W70A Contrast and black detail

Result

1,250:1

Review Panasonic W70A Contrast and black detail

Result

1,050:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Sony A95L is an OLED television that truly impresses when it comes to contrast. With OLED technology, this model offers perfectly deep blacks – in dark scenes, there are no signs of colour bleeding or glow, making images look incredibly realistic. Additionally, QD-OLED technology allows for higher brightness, further emphasizing the difference between bright and dark elements. As a result, in scenes like those from the movies Oblivion and Sicario 2, A95L Sony excels at separating lights from shadows, giving the picture clarity and depth – the perfect solution for those seeking a cinematic experience at home.

The Panasonic W70A is equipped with an IPS panel, which unfortunately is not the best choice if we care about deep blacks and high contrast. Additionally, the lack of local dimming means that instead of pitch-black areas on the screen, we see rather silvery and navy-blue patches. This was particularly noticeable in our tests on demanding screens with dark scenes. The contrast value, which hovers around 1000:1, is far from satisfactory – especially if we plan to watch movies in a darkened room. Scenes that should mesmerise with the depth of darkness instead look flat and lose their atmosphere.

HDR effect quality

7.7/10

4.4/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 99.4%, Bt.2020: 89.0%
DCI P3: 78.0%, Bt.2020: 57.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

1471 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

1498 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

1465 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

1527 nit

Review Sony A95L Brightness measurement

Result

626 nit

Review Panasonic W70A Brightness measurement

Result

247 nit

Review Panasonic W70A Brightness measurement

Result

257 nit

Review Panasonic W70A Brightness measurement

Result

278 nit

Review Panasonic W70A Brightness measurement

Result

289 nit

Review Panasonic W70A Brightness measurement

Result

293 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

HDR luminance chart:

Panasonic W70A

Sony A95L

Sony A95L offers an incredible HDR effect, achieving an impressive brightness level of 1500 nits in scenes such as those from Life of Pi and Sicario 2. These results are truly remarkable – the bright elements in these films practically come alive on the screen, providing the viewer with immersive visual experiences. The only thing to note is minor issues with maintaining brightness in the scene from The Meg, where the entire scene is flooded with light. However, this is a natural effect associated with OLED technology. A big plus also goes to the wide coverage of the BT.2020 colour palette at 89%, which places A95L Sony among the top TVs in terms of colour reproduction. All of this is made possible by the QD-OLED panel from Samsung Displays.

HDR on the Panasonic W70A unfortunately does not impress. A brightness level of 250–300 nits is simply too low to feel the true magic of cinematic effects in dynamic, bright scenes. Images that should “explode” with light appear rather flat, and fine details in bright areas often get lost in the average luminance of the panel. On the plus side, the HDR effect is at least stable. The TV does not suffer from excessive brightening nor lose details with sudden scene changes. Everything is predictable and calm, though unfortunately lacking in impact. Another issue is the colour gamut coverage. The W70A is not equipped with an additional layer of quantum dots (often known as QLED), which is why the colours appear rather average. There is a lack of depth in reds, saturation in greens, and precision in reproducing subtle shades.

Factory color reproduction

7.9/10

3.9/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode for colour reproduction on the Sony A95L is IMAX Enhanced. This mode seems well-calibrated at first glance, but upon closer analysis, several areas for improvement become apparent. Firstly, the white balance for both SDR and 4K HDR content is marred by an excess of blue and red hues, leading to a subtle pink tint, particularly noticeable on neutral tones. As a result, skin tones are skewed, affecting the realism of the displayed image. This is clearly visible in the comparison photo below. Additionally, the Colour Checker test confirms the presence of these errors – the colour samples often deviate from their reference values, indicating some inaccuracies in the factory colour reproduction of the A95L Sony. The maximum deltaE error values reach up to 5.8, which is a clear indicator that colours are not always reproduced as accurately as they should be.

Regarding brightness characteristics, the gamma for HD/SDR content is generally quite good, maintaining an appropriate balance between brightness and contrast. Unfortunately, a significant jump is visible at the end of the graph, leading to a strong brightening of the image when the screen is fully flooded with white. This can make scenes with very bright backgrounds, such as snowy landscapes or intense daylight, appear too glaring and lose detail. For HDR content, the EOTF curve, which controls luminance, is slightly elevated compared to reference values. This, in turn, causes the image to be somewhat brighter than it should be, which can affect the perception of more subtle details in the darker areas of the frame.

The Panasonic W70A was tested in movie mode, which theoretically should guarantee the most natural image reproduction. Unfortunately, as is often the case with budget televisions, reality turned out to be far from ideal.

In HD (SDR) content, the white balance was significantly disrupted by an excess of red and a noticeable drop in blue tones. The result? The image had a distinctly warm, almost yellowish glow, which is clearly visible in the comparison photo. In the case of 4K HDR materials, the situation reversed. Here, the image became excessively cold and bluish, causing scenes to lose their naturalness and depth. The differences are visible even to the naked eye, especially in the bright areas of the image. The Colour Checker palette test confirmed our observations. Most colour samples did not hit their intended points, 'drifting' towards warmer shades in SDR and cooler ones in HDR. In terms of brightness characteristics, both gamma and the EOTF curve showed significant issues. The image tended to excessively brighten certain areas, disrupting the balance and leading to a loss of detail in both darker and brighter regions.

In summary – the factory colour reproduction settings in the Panasonic W70A leave much to be desired. The image is far from neutral, and errors in white balance and gamma mean that solid calibration is needed to extract the full potential from this television.

Color reproduction after calibration

9.3/10

5.7/10

Sony A95L offers excellent tools for professional screen calibration, allowing you to maximise the potential of the IMAX Enhanced mode. We used them to achieve an image quality that satisfies even the most demanding viewers. After calibration, the white balance for both 4K HDR and SDR content looks simply fantastic – nearly perfect. The Colour Checker test confirmed that deltaE errors do not exceed a value of "2", which means that colour reproduction is extremely accurate, and any deviations are practically imperceptible to the human eye.

The calibration also brought a significant improvement in brightness – gamma is now perfectly balanced, eliminating the previous problem of excessive brightening in scenes with very bright backgrounds. Thanks to this, even the brightest moments, such as snowy landscapes or intense daytime scenes, appear natural, without the risk of blown-out highlights. The EOTF curve, responsible for controlling luminance in HDR content, has also been improved – it now reaches reference levels in both synthetic tests and practical movie watching.

As a result of the calibration, A95L Sony provides an excellent experience, whether you are watching regular TV content or your favourite films. Every detail is reproduced exactly as the creators intended – without unnecessary brightenings, with perfectly rendered colours and appropriate depth. This shows that this television, after professional tuning, can compete with the best screens on the market, offering an image that truly impresses.

Panasonic W70A, despite its limitations, gave us plenty of room to manoeuvre during calibration. Thanks to well-developed tools, we were able to achieve a much better white balance in both HD (SDR) and 4K HDR content. The issues with excessive red in SDR and overly cool images in HDR have disappeared. The gamma brightness characteristics have also been improved, now maintaining stability and not leading to excessive brightening or loss of detail in darker areas.

So where is the problem? Unfortunately, there are barriers that even professional calibration cannot overcome. Poor coverage of a wide colour gamut means the television cannot fully convey colours in HDR materials. There is a lack of saturation, and subtle colour transitions still appear somewhat “flattened.” Another limitation is the brightness management due to the IPS panel used. In a comparison photograph with an actress's face in colourful clothing, it is clearly visible how some shades are distinctly muted, and colours lose their depth and vibrancy.

Calibration has extracted from the W70A as much as it could. The image is now much more natural, and the factory setting errors have been effectively corrected. Unfortunately, the hardware limitations in the form of poor colour gamut coverage and an average panel mean that even after calibration, we are unable to achieve spectacular effects, especially in HDR content.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9/10

8.3/10

The fluidity of tonal transitions in A95L is truly remarkable – it’s one of the greatest advantages of QD-OLED panels. The image appears incredibly smooth, and all transitions between different shades are perfectly rendered, with no noticeable jumps or distortions. As of today, it's challenging to find a panel that handles tonal transition reproduction with such precision. Of course, if someone really looks closely, they might notice slight errors in the black areas, but they are subtle enough that hardly anyone will notice them during normal use of the Sony A95L. For most users, these minor imperfections will be completely unnoticeable, and the fluidity and detail of tonal transitions will satisfy even the most demanding enthusiasts of excellent picture quality.

In terms of the smoothness of tonal transitions, the Panasonic W70A performs really well. The transitions between colours are smooth, without any noticeable and annoying "banding" or sudden jumps in hue. Even more demanding scenes, where subtle gradients dominate, look surprisingly good. Of course, a trained eye will notice some imperfections, especially in the brighter areas of the screen, where slight colour banding can be observed. However, this is not something that significantly affects the viewing experience and will be practically unnoticeable for most users.

Unfortunately, what detracts from the overall effect is the unevenness of the backlighting of the panel, which is quite noticeable and can distract from the quality of the tonal transitions themselves. This is particularly evident on uniform backgrounds, where the differences in brightness between various areas of the screen become more pronounced.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8/10

7.8/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
No
Smooth transition function
OK
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The tonal transition smoothing function in Sony A95L works really well and is worth noting. We recommend setting it to "Medium" level, as this value achieves an ideal compromise – no artifacts appear, and the image looks incredibly natural and pleasing to the eye. This ensures that transitions between different shades are smooth while maintaining scene detail, which further enhances viewing comfort.

When it comes to upscaling, you can see the full power of the XR processor here. Sony A95L handled our test material featuring a model exceptionally well – the image is remarkably clear, there are no excessive jagged edges, and the background details are perfectly preserved. The XR processor effectively improves low resolution, providing very good results that allow you to enjoy content in nearly high quality, even if its source is not perfect.

We checked how the Panasonic W70A handles upscaling content that is lower quality than 4K, and I must admit that the TV performs quite decently in this regard. The feature responsible for smoothing tonal transitions is called "Zeroing Counter." The optimal setting turned out to be the Average option, which effectively smooths out colour gradation issues while not ruining the film grain. This is the setting we recommend for most users, as it provides a balance between enhancing the smoothness of transitions and maintaining the naturalness of the image.

When it comes to image scaling, the Panasonic W70A performed really well. The test chart with the model looked positive – details in her clothing were well reproduced, and the contours of her face maintained sharpness. In the background, we noticed a slight "jagginess" on thin branches, but these are details that only a very attentive eye will catch. However, it's worth noting a certain quirk of this model – the TV has a tendency to overscan, meaning it slightly crops the edges of the image. It’s not a very intense phenomenon, and for most users, it will be practically unnoticeable, but if we care about perfectly framing the shot, it's worth keeping this in mind.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

4.7/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
60Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
No
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
Nie
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 120Hz
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
50%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Sony A95L is a television that should satisfy both gamers and movie enthusiasts. When it comes to watching films, this model is equipped with Motionflow technology, which allows you to precisely adjust whether you want the image to be more "framey," like in traditional cinema, or exceptionally smooth, like in cinema TVs. The "Smoothness" slider allows you to control the level of fluidity – from subtle changes to more noticeable effects, while the "Clarity" slider reduces flicker and artifacts, helping to achieve more natural and clear movement. When it comes to gaming and watching sports, the A95L Sony offers a refresh rate of 120 Hz, making every dynamic action look incredibly smooth. Gamers will appreciate the lack of blur, and sports fans will see every movement in full clarity. Overall, the television performs excellently – both with fast-paced gameplay and emotionally charged film sequences.

The Panasonic W70A is equipped with a 60 Hz panel, which immediately suggests that the TV is best suited for watching movies, series, or everyday television content. In more dynamic scenes, such as sports broadcasts or games, the limitations of the panel become more noticeable. However, it is worth noting the presence of a motion smoother called “Effect”, which offers three levels of adjustment – low, medium, and high.

Each setting allows you to adjust the smoothness of motion to your own preferences, minimizing the motion blur effect and improving the clarity of dynamic shots. In practice, the Medium setting seems to be the most universal – it offers better smoothness without the excessive “soap opera effect” that can look artificial in feature films. The High setting may work well for sports broadcasts, but in movies, it can disrupt the natural character of motion.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.4/10

6.2/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 120Hz
    47 - 60Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • Game bar
    Yes
    No

Sony A95L is a television that will truly satisfy gamers, thanks to several key features that set it apart from the competition. To begin with, the 120 Hz refresh rate – this is something that anyone who loves fast-paced action games, racing, or dynamic shooters will appreciate. This makes the image exceptionally smooth, and gameplay more satisfying, without annoying stutters. The A95L Sony also has an ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) feature, which automatically activates low-latency mode when we start up a console. What does this mean? Primarily, faster reactions on screen, which in games where every second counts, is simply invaluable. Added to that is VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which ensures that the image refresh rate adapts to the number of frames generated by the console. The effect? No tearing of the image, and everything looks smooth and cohesive – even with varying FPS.

It's worth mentioning the support for Dolby Vision with low input lag in games – something we don't often see in televisions, but here it is included. As a result, the image in HDR-compatible games is incredibly vibrant, with vivid colors and excellent contrast. Both the brightest and darkest details are visible, making everything look just as the game developers intended. And there's also the "Game Bar" – a small but very practical convenience. It gives us all the essential gaming-related settings at our fingertips, such as VRR and lag information. There's no need to interrupt gameplay to adjust settings – everything is at hand.

However, it's important to note that the A95L offers only two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is allocated for eARC. This could be somewhat limiting if we plan to connect multiple devices – for example, a next-gen console and a soundbar simultaneously. In such cases, eARC occupying one of those ports may be a bit problematic, blocking the option to connect a second console.

The Panasonic W70A is a TV that is likely to suit casual gamers more than hardcore players. The 60 Hz refresh rate doesn't fully utilise the potential of next-gen consoles, especially in dynamic titles. The lack of HDMI 2.1 slightly limits its capabilities, but fortunately, it includes features like ALLM, which automatically switches to game mode, and VRR, which helps minimise screen tearing. It's also worth noting the support for Dolby Vision in games and HGiG, making HDR more predictable and looking solid. It's a pity, though, that it lacks Game Bar. This feature is now standard in many TVs and provides quick access to the most important settings for gamers. The W70A performs well for gaming, but it does have its limitations. It will do fine with more laid-back titles, but more demanding gamers may feel unsatisfied.

Input lag

9.8/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
17 ms
12 ms
1080p120
8 ms
2160p60
17 ms
12 ms
2160p120
9 ms

HDR

2160p60
17 ms
12 ms
2160p120
8 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
18 ms
12 ms
2160p120 DV
8 ms

When it comes to input lag, Sony A95L really delivers. Even in Dolby Vision mode, the latency is surprisingly low – results below 10 ms with 120 Hz content are quite impressive. Thanks to such low input lag, gaming is incredibly responsive, and every action in the game is instantly reflected on the screen. For those playing at 60 frames per second, an input lag of 17 ms is also very good. This is a value that practically has no impact on the gaming experience – it falls within the so-called "placebo effect." Sony deserves praise for updating the Dolby Vision Game mode, which solved the issue of high input lag that was present at the TV's launch in 2023.

In terms of signal delay, the Panasonic W70A performs really well. With a score of 12 ms, it's a value that is practically below the threshold where noticeable lag can be mentioned. Playing on this TV is responsive, and character movements or reactions in games are immediate. Interestingly, even in Dolby Vision mode, which often poses issues with input lag, the TV handled it very well. This is a pleasant surprise, as many manufacturers struggle with this, and HDR often increases the lag to a level that becomes noticeable during fast-paced games.

Compatibility with PC

5/10

6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Average
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
9ms
12ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RGB
RGB
Max refresh rate
120Hz
60Hz
G-Sync
Yes
No

Sony A95L TV offers compatibility with computers at 4K resolution at both 60 Hz and 120 Hz. In 4K mode at 60 Hz, the readability of fonts is at a good level, making it comfortable to use the TV as a monitor for office work or browsing content.

Unfortunately, when switching to 4K with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, the quality of the displayed text deteriorates – the resolution is reduced by 2 times, negatively affecting the clarity of the fonts. In 4K, fonts lose sharpness, which can make prolonged use of the TV as a computer monitor at higher refresh rates difficult. Of course, the problem disappears if we switch back to 60Hz, but this can be quite inconvenient when the TV forces us to "juggle" the settings.

The Panasonic W70A handles itself quite well as a work monitor. Thanks to its IPS panel and 4:4:4 chroma support, the text is clear, sharp, and readable. Even small fonts look good, without any blurring or jagged edges. For office work, web browsing, or document writing, this television is really suitable.

Gaming on PC is a bit of a different story. The 60 Hz panel means that more dynamic titles don’t look as smooth as they could on a higher refresh rate screen. The lack of G-Sync or FreeSync support doesn’t help either, so screen tearing may occur.

Viewing angles

9.7/10

6.2/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
12%
69%

The viewing angles on the Sony A95L are among the best on the market, thanks to the QD-OLED panel. With this technology, colours remain vibrant and contrast hardly changes, regardless of the viewing angle. This is a result that even standard OLED panels fail to achieve, making the A95L perfect for rooms where viewers change position or there is a larger group of spectators.

For a TV with an IPS panel, the viewing angles on the Panasonic W70A are really impressive. The image maintains decent quality even when viewed at a wider angle. Colours don't significantly lose saturation, and details remain well visible. Of course, everything comes at a cost. In this case, it's the weaker blacks, which become even more washed out when viewed at an angle. However, this is a standard compromise with IPS panels and is hard to consider surprising.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.4/10

4/10

Matrix coating
Glare
Satin
Reflection suppression
Very Good
Average
Black levels during daytime
Poor
Good

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Panasonic W70A: 272 cd/m2

Sony A95L: 387 cd/m2

Sony A95L performs quite well in daytime conditions. The QD-OLED panel effectively suppresses reflections and glare, making viewing comfortable even in bright sunlight. An average brightness of 380 cd/m² is a really good result, especially for an OLED TV – it holds up, although it still can't compete with Mini LEDs, which are unmatched in this regard. One of the issues that may bother some viewers is the characteristic QD-OLED effect, where blacks lose their depth and take on a slightly cherry hue in strong light.

The Panasonic W70A is fitted with a satin matrix that average manages to reduce reflections of light. Glare isn't overly bothersome, but in bright rooms, especially in direct sunlight, it can be noticeable. The main issue, however, is the brightness at a level of 270 cd/m². It's simply too little to comfortably watch television in full sun. The image becomes washed out, and darker scenes lose detail and depth.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
White LED
Software version during testing
112.607.020.1EUA
R3.1.1.0.0.V0.0.20.26
Image processor
mt5897 6GB RAM
m7632 2gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Sony A95L

Panasonic W70A

TV features

9.5/10

5.8/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Google TV
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    Yes
    No
  • Recording programming
    Yes
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    No
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    Yes
    No
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    Yes
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Sony A95L runs on the Google TV operating system, which provides easy access to a wide range of apps, streaming services, and various personalisation features. The interface is clear and user-friendly, and the wealth of available apps means that everyone will find something for themselves – from popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ or HBO Max, to various music and sports apps. Google TV also supports voice assistant functionality, allowing for easy content search, control of TV settings, and even management of other smart devices in the home – all through simple voice commands.

Sony A95L also offers a range of user-friendly features that make it even more versatile. The TV has the ability to record programs directly to USB memory, a convenient solution if you can't watch something live. It also supports AirPlay, making it easy to stream content from Apple devices, and additionally, you can connect various peripherals via Bluetooth, such as headphones or game controllers. The package includes two remotes – one traditional and one modern, backlit remote, which is particularly useful for evening viewing when the room is dark. It is worth mentioning the lack of PIP functionality, which allows watching multiple TV signals simultaneously.

In terms of appearance, A95L Sony may not be the thinnest OLED TV on the market, but it has its strengths. The package includes a practical stand that can be adjusted in various ways, allowing you to tailor the TV to your needs and space arrangement. Additionally, the manufacturer has included the Bravia Cam, which opens up further possibilities – from video calls to smart features such as optimising image and sound based on the viewer’s position. While it may not be the sleekest, its solid construction and useful accessories make the A95L look really good in any living room.

Panasonic W70A runs on the Google TV system and it's fair to say that this is one of its strong points. There are really a lot of applications – all the popular streaming services, YouTube, and even less known platforms. The system runs smoothly, and navigating through the menu is intuitive and hassle-free. The remote has a built-in microphone, so you can use voice search in Polish. This is a significant convenience, especially when you need to quickly find a movie or an application. Additionally, there's Bluetooth, which allows you to connect headphones or other wireless devices. However, there are some shortcomings. There's no AirPlay here, which could be a problem for users of Apple equipment. There's also a lack of USB recording options and picture-in-picture (PIP) functionality.

Panasonic W70A makes up for this with the functionality of Google TV and its straightforward operation. It has everything you need for using a Smart TV, but if someone is counting on more advanced options related to traditional television, they may feel slightly underwhelmed.

Playing files from USB

8.7/10

7.7/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
Yes
Yes
PNG
No
Yes
GIF
No
Yes
WebP
No
Yes
TIFF
No
No
BMP
No
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

Sony A95L does quite well when it comes to playing files from USB. The built-in media player will satisfy most users – it’s easy to use and supports popular formats, making it simple to play movies, photos, or music directly from a connected USB drive. The only thing missing is the ability to change the font colour in subtitles, which can be problematic in some situations. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows the installation of other media players that offer more advanced personalisation options, so you can easily customise everything to your needs.

The built-in media player in the Panasonic W70A unfortunately has its limitations. Firstly, it doesn't support Polish subtitles, which can be a significant issue for many people. Additionally, there are difficulties with playing certain file formats, which sometimes results in an error message or a lack of sound.

Fortunately, thanks to the Google TV system, it's easy to install alternative media players that can handle these shortcomings. In the Google Play Store, we can find several reliable apps that support both Polish subtitles and less popular video formats.

Apps

10/10

10/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi

Sound

7.9/10

6.6/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    7.9/10
    6.6/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    No

Sony A95L offers sound that definitely stands out from most televisions. For built-in speakers, the sound is truly impressive – full, with well-balanced bass and mid-tones. Dialogues are clear, and sound effects are well distributed, making the television great for both watching movies and gaming. The Acoustic Surface Audio+ system, which converts screen vibrations into sound, creates a more spatial impression, adding extra depth to the content being viewed.

The sound on the Panasonic W70A is surprisingly decent for a TV in this class. It's quite well balanced, and the low tones are subtly noticeable, which adds some depth when watching movies or listening to music. Dialogue is clear, and the overall sound quality is clean and pleasant. Of course, don't expect a cinematic experience or powerful bass – it’s still a standard audio system in a TV, and the physical limitations of its slim design take their toll.