Sony A95L vs Panasonic Z85A

Direct compare

A95L

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”

Panel type: QD-OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2023

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Panel type: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Amazon FireTV

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

8.4

7.8

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    9.0

    8.1

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    9.3

    8.7

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    9.0

    8.5

  • Gaming on console

    9.3

    9.3

  • TV as a computer monitor

    5.0

    7.6

  • Watching in bright light

    5.4

    4.8

  • Utility functions

    9.5

    7.6

  • Apps

    10.0

    7.5

  • Sound quality

    7.9

    7.4

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

  • Perfect black and infinite contrast thanks to the WOLED panel

  • Great HDR quality with good coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut (98%)

  • Excellent picture quality after professional calibration

  • Full HDR package: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision

  • Low input lag: 5 ms (120 Hz) and 13 ms (60 Hz)

  • Support for ALLM, VRR, HGIG and Dolby Vision in games

  • Very good viewing angles

  • Smooth motion without blurring thanks to the 120 Hz OLED panel

  • Ability to record to USB and PiP function

  • AirPlay support

  • Pleasant sound quality with noticeable bass

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

  • SDR brightness at 300 nits – too low for brightly lit rooms

  • The Amazon Fire TV system has a limited number of apps

  • Some system functions are poorly translated into Polish

  • No support for external subtitles in USB player

  • No support for DTS:X audio on the television

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 Z85A is a basic OLED model from the Japanese manufacturer that fully utilises the potential of its panel. Thanks to OLED technology, we can expect phenomenal image quality in the highest resolution – perfect blacks, excellent contrast, and great HDR effect, especially after professional calibration. Additionally, it supports a full set of HDR formats, so we can easily choose a movie in the best possible quality. Although Panasonic is usually associated with home cinema equipment, the Z85A performs just as well with sports and games. The 120 Hz panel, support for VRR, ALLM, and even functional Dolby Vision in games ensure smooth gameplay without motion blur. The sound is also commendable – although there isn't an impressive soundbar like in the model Z95A, it is still quite pleasant with noticeable bass. Downsides? Primarily the Amazon Fire TV – the operating system that still has teething problems. Many popular apps are missing, and some features are either unavailable or poorly translated (e.g., lack of support for external subtitles). Another issue is the not-so-high brightness, typical of older WOLED panels – in a brightly lit room, this can be a problem. Despite these shortcomings, the Panasonic Z85A is a great option for movie enthusiasts and gamers looking for a versatile TV with outstanding image quality and solid sound. If we can overlook certain system limitations and the less-than-optimal brightness, the Z85A still has a lot to offer. However, if full comfort of use and a richer app ecosystem are crucial for us, then it's worth considering other OLED TVs from competitors as well.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
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

10/10

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 Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

: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 Z85A uses a WOLED panel, and that means one thing – perfect blacks and infinite contrast. Each pixel lights up and turns off independently, so there’s no smudging or halo effect around bright objects on the screen. Even in the most demanding scenes, the picture looks simply exemplary. In this regard, there’s no room for compromises, which are still present even in the most expensive LCD televisions. Here, Panasonic shines, utilizing organic technology supplied by LG Displays, and does so in truly impressive style.

HDR effect quality

7.7/10

6.4/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 99.4%, Bt.2020: 89.0%
DCI P3: 98.1%, Bt.2020: 73.0%

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 Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

812 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

775 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

812 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

808 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

390 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 Z85A

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.

The Panasonic Z85A is an OLED television, so you can immediately expect excellent effects in films. And indeed – our tests showed that the WOLED panel can achieve around 800 nits of peak brightness in optimal conditions. This is a solid result, performing well in most demanding HDR scenes, allowing viewers to enjoy a dynamic and detailed picture. However, like every OLED, the Z85A also has its limits. In very bright scenes that fill the entire screen – like the final sequence from the movie The Meg – the television reduces brightness to around 400 nits. This is standard behaviour for this technology, so if someone plans to watch films in a heavily sunlit living room, it is worth keeping this in mind. The coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut at 98% also deserves high praise. This allows the television to reproduce a wide range of colours that stand out with vibrancy and depth, while details in HDR scenes are sharp and precise. In short – the Panasonic Z85A delivers a solid HDR effect that will satisfy any film enthusiast.

Factory color reproduction

7.9/10

8.4/10

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 Z85A offers many picture modes, but the Filmmaker mode definitely stands out from the rest. It's rare for a TV straight out of the box to be so well calibrated, and the unit we had the opportunity to test truly impressed us.

However, there were some minor shortcomings. In the SDR signal, we noticed a slight deficit of red and blue, which made the picture appear cooler than it should have been. This is particularly evident in the comparison image. In contrast, with 4K HDR material, the situation was the opposite – the surplus of red made the image seem warmer than intended by the creators. In terms of brightness characteristics (gamma) and maintaining an appropriate EOTF curve, it's hard to find faults. There are slight deviations, but they are so minimal that the average viewer is unlikely to notice them.

It's also worth highlighting that our observations relate to a specific unit of the TV. Two identical models may differ from each other due to natural production variances. Nevertheless, the piece we had in hand looks really solid and deserves praise. Now it's time for our calibration – we'll see if we can squeeze even more out of this screen!

Color reproduction after calibration

9.3/10

9.4/10

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.

The Panasonic Z85A offers truly wide-ranging capabilities when it comes to picture settings, so we eagerly set about calibrating it. Although we mainly focused on adjusting the white balance, the final effect exceeded our expectations. Both HD and 4K HDR content now showcases nearly perfect colour reproduction, with minimal errors that are hard to catch with the naked eye. Well-calibrated TVs are a rarity, and we must admit – it’s truly satisfying. While the gamma and EOTF curve didn't require drastic adjustments, we managed to further stabilise their characteristics across the entire brightness scale. After calibration, the Panasonic Z85A is a true gem for home cinema enthusiasts. The picture is precise, the colours are natural, and every scene looks exactly as the director intended.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9/10

7.5/10

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.

The Panasonic Z85A handles tonal transition fluidity really well. Colours blend naturally together without noticeable disruptions or visible bands. However, in brighter scenes, such as the opening sequence in the film Kingsman, slight imperfections can be seen. This is typical for WOLED panels, which have their limitations compared to Samsung Display's QD-OLED designs due to the use of white sub-pixels. The differences aren’t colossal, but a discerning eye will catch them, especially in more demanding scenes with subtle colour gradients. Despite these minor reservations, the Z85A presents a level that will satisfy the overwhelming majority of users. Tonal transitions are smooth, and the image maintains consistency even in complex scenes. This is a solid result that will rarely cause issues in everyday viewing of movies or series.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8/10

7.4/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
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.

Now that we know how the Panasonic Z85A handles tonal transitions in 4K material, it’s time to take a look at its "Gradation Smoothing" function. It works, but unfortunately not entirely effectively. Regardless of the chosen value – whether it’s low, medium, or high level – we couldn’t achieve perfectly smooth tonal transitions in our test sequence. We recommend setting this function to an intermediate level. While this may slightly blur fine details, at least it avoids the problem of losing film grain, which can be crucial for many viewers when watching classic productions.

When it comes to image scaling, the TV performs quite well. It’s noticeable that the image is slightly sharpened, and thin lines can sometimes appear a bit jagged. However, this is standard for most TVs, and fortunately, it can be adjusted using the sharpness slider. This gives us full control – we can achieve a more vivid, blurred image or a clearer one, although it may appear more "harsh" and artificially sharp. It all depends on the user's preferences and the type of content we’re watching. Overall, the scaling is at a solid level and should satisfy most users who are using lower resolution material.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
120Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 120Hz
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
50%
37%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

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 Z85A features a 120 Hz panel, which will surely please both gamers and sports fans. Sure, it’s not 144 Hz like some gaming TVs, but in practice, the difference is really hard to notice. In games, the picture is stable and sharp, and during fast action, there’s no sign of any blurring. The same goes for sports – a player’s quick run or a car’s dynamic maneuver looks smooth and natural. The TV also has an “Intelligent Frame Creation” feature, which is a motion smoother. There are two sliders here – one controls motion blur reduction, while the other adjusts motion smoothness. With these, you can tailor the picture to your own preferences – whether you prefer a more cinematic effect with gentle transitions between frames or a maximally smooth image ideal for watching sport.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.4/10

10/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 120Hz
    40 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

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.

Panasonic is mainly associated with home cinema televisions, but the Z85A shows that it can also step into the gaming world with a truly strong punch. It's a device that can easily be called a gaming beast – it has everything needed for comfortable gameplay.

Even though it has only two HDMI 2.1 ports, both operate at full bandwidth, so we can easily connect both a next-gen console and a gaming PC. All the key features are supported: ALLM automatically switches the television into game mode, VRR provides smooth visuals without stuttering and tearing, and with properly implemented HGIG and Dolby Vision, HDR games look really good – colours are vivid, details are sharp, and dark scenes are clear. We also find a Game Bar in the form of a transparent, circular menu. It may not look as impressive as the competition's, but it's intuitive and includes all the most important settings we’d want at hand during gameplay.

In summary – the Panasonic Z85A is a device that truly surprises with its gaming capabilities. It's a television where both console gamers and PC gamers will feel at home. It's smooth, dynamic, and just good.

Input lag

9.8/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
17 ms
13 ms
1080p120
8 ms
5 ms
2160p60
17 ms
13 ms
2160p120
9 ms
5 ms

HDR

2160p60
17 ms
13 ms
2160p120
8 ms
5 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
18 ms
13 ms
2160p120 DV
8 ms
5 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.

Since the Panasonic Z85A has also been designed with gamers in mind, the input lag had to be refined. And indeed – the results are really excellent. At 120 Hz, the lag is just 5 ms, and at 60 Hz it's 13 ms. These are values that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers, whether we're talking about fast-paced shooters or precise fighting games. The responses to our movements on the controller are practically instantaneous, and the gameplay is smooth and responsive. Importantly, the Dolby Vision mode also works perfectly here. Just a few years ago, using Dolby Vision in games often came with high input lag, but in the Z85A, this problem has been effectively eliminated.

Compatibility with PC

5/10

7.6/10

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
5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RGB
RWBG
Max refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

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.

Using the Panasonic Z85A as a computer monitor performs really well. The text is readable and clear, making web browsing or working with documents not a major issue. However, one must keep in mind certain limitations of the WOLED panel – the characteristic way of displaying fonts may be bothersome for more demanding users, especially those who spend long hours working with text. In terms of gaming on PC, the television performs just as well as it does with consoles. Low input lag, 120 Hz refresh rate, and proper implementation of G-Sync and FreeSync ensure a smooth and responsive image without annoying stutters or tearing.

Viewing angles

9.7/10

7.4/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
12%
28%

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.

The viewing angles on the Panasonic Z85A are really good – after all, it’s OLED. Whether we’re looking at the screen straight on or at a steep angle, the colours remain vibrant, and the contrast hardly loses quality. Of course, the Z85A falls slightly behind TVs with MLA micro-lenses or Samsung's QD-OLED panels, which currently set the highest standard in this respect. However, the differences are subtle enough that most users won’t notice them during regular viewing.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.4/10

4.8/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Panasonic Z85A: 286 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 Z85A leaves a bit to be desired during the day. The panel, although satin finish, mediocrely suppresses reflections, which can be noticeable in bright rooms. The reflections are not excessively visible, but there is one catch – they take on a bluish hue. In some situations, especially in strong daylight, this can be slightly annoying and distract from the content on the screen. On top of that, the maximum brightness is just under 280 cd/m². That’s simply not enough to comfortably watch TV in a heavily sunlit room. If you plan to watch in the middle of a sunny day, you’ll need to close the windows to ensure the picture looks good.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Software version during testing
112.607.020.1EUA
FIRE OS 8.1.1.2
Image processor
mt5897 6GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TV features

9.5/10

7.6/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Amazon FireTV
  • 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
    Yes
  • Recording programming
    Yes
    Yes
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    No
  • 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.

The operating system in the Panasonic Z85A is Amazon Fire TV, which is still a relatively new solution in the Australian market. Until now, we mainly associated it with portable smart devices, and now it is also arriving on televisions – similar to the flagship model Z95A.

On the plus side, the system operates smoothly and responsively. It is also quite intuitive, so navigation poses no major problems. Unfortunately, when it comes to the availability of applications, it's somewhat lacking. While the Amazon store does have icons for popular services like SkyShowtime, Rakuten, or Viaplay, they cannot be downloaded. This is a significant disadvantage for those who use these platforms regularly. Additionally, some functions are poorly translated, meaning that in certain areas, you have to guess what they are referring to. However, we believe that these are just growing pains and that over time they will be improved – both in terms of translations and application availability.

As for user features, things are much better. The television supports USB recording and the PiP (picture-in-picture) function. There is also support for AirPlay, which will certainly please users of Apple devices. It also has Bluetooth, but unfortunately, you cannot connect headphones to it – it only works with a keyboard or other controlling devices. Fortunately, you can connect headphones or a home theatre system via wired connection, which resolves this issue.

In summary – the Panasonic Z85A offers a solid set of user features that will perform well in everyday use. The Amazon Fire TV system is a step in the right direction, especially when compared to Panasonic's old system. However, at this time, it is difficult to praise it unequivocally. There is potential, but the manufacturer still has a lot of work ahead to ensure everything functions as it should.

Playing files from USB

8.7/10

3.1/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
Yes
No
PNG
No
Yes
GIF
No
Yes
WebP
No
No
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.

In terms of playback of files from USB, the Panasonic Z85A performs rather mediocrely. The built-in media player does handle most popular video formats, but it has one significant drawback – it does not support external subtitles. So, if we have older films on our drive or USB stick with separate subtitle files, we have to reckon with the fact that the television simply won't display them. This is quite a downside, especially for those who rely on their own media library rather than streaming services. Of course, this issue can be circumvented by using an external media player (e.g. via a console or Smart TV box), but it's an extra step that could be avoided if the built-in application were better developed.

Apps

10/10

7.5/10

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
No
Viaplay
No
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
No
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
No
SkyShowtime
No
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

7.9/10

7.4/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    7.9/10
    7.4/10
  • 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.

In terms of sound, the Panasonic Z85A is pleasantly surprising. The television delivers enjoyable and clear audio, and can generate noticeable bass that adds depth to both movies and music. The surround effect is also quite well reproduced, making watching films or playing games more immersive. Unfortunately, there is one “but”. The television does not support the DTS:X format, which is quite popular among more advanced home theatre systems. So, if we plan to use this audio standard, it will be necessary to connect the audio equipment first to the amplifier or soundbar, and only then to the television.