Sony X90L vs Panasonic Z95A

Direct compare

X90L

Z95A

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”98”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”

Panel type: LCD VA

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

7.8

8.4

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.5

    8.7

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    7.5

    9.0

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    7.4

    8.9

  • Gaming on console

    7.9

    9.6

  • TV as a computer monitor

    7.4

    8.6

  • Watching in bright light

    7.8

    6.2

  • Utility functions

    8.6

    7.6

  • Apps

    10.0

    7.9

  • Sound quality

    7.0

    8.7

Advantages

  • 120 Hz panel – great for gamers and sports fans

  • Good black and contrast reproduction thanks to advanced local dimming algorithm

  • Support for HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and Game Bar – ideal gaming features

  • High SDR brightness (785 cd/m²) – performs excellently in well-lit rooms

  • Google TV operating system – intuitive, rich in applications and customisation

  • TV programme recording function without the need for an external decoder

  • Natural image scaling – the image without excessive sharpness presents itself realistically

  • Great picture quality: Thanks to OLED technology with MLA, the image offers deep blacks and infinite contrast

  • Impressive HDR: Brightness of 1760 nits, support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+

  • Colour reproduction after calibration is truly reference-level

  • Excellent viewing angles

  • 144 Hz and gaming features: Support for ALLM, VRR

  • Low input lag

  • Built-in soundbar with Dolby Atmos: Provides spatial and dynamic sound

  • Support for user features: Recording to USB, AirPlay, PiP and Miracast

Disadvantages

No like
  • No support for HGiG

  • Cannot enable VRR and Dolby Vision simultaneously

  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, including 1 e-ARC

  • The television isn't the slimmest - this may be a drawback for those who prefer ultra-thin models

  • Issues with tonal transitions

  • Lack of Polish characters in the USB player

  • Only two HDMI 2.1 ports

  • No DTS despite the built-in Soundbar

  • FireTV in development phase: Inaccurate interface translations and missing several applications

  • Price relative to competing models (e.g. S95D or G4)

Our verdict

Sony X90L is a higher-end model from the Japanese manufacturer that premiered in 2023, but it will successfully continue into 2024 as well. The Sony brand and the name Bravia are associated with excellent picture quality, and this model confirms that reputation – it offers great brightness and very good black levels. Despite having fewer local dimming zones than its competitors, it makes up for this with an advanced algorithm. Additionally, after calibration, the television presents very well-rendered colours, resulting in a natural and cohesive image reminiscent of IMAX cinema. In everyday use, X90L performs excellently, mainly due to the image processor, which effectively scales lower resolution content, and the recording function from the built-in tuner, which is becoming increasingly rare in today’s televisions. Sony is also closely linked with the world of PlayStation, and in this regard, X90L Sony does not disappoint. It is equipped with HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and a convenient Game Bar, making it a good choice for gamers who expect smooth gameplay and quick response times. However, even in such a successful model, there are some drawbacks. Gamers may be disappointed by the lack of support for HGiG, which could enhance image quality in HDR games. Furthermore, Sony has yet to introduce an update that would reduce input lag in Dolby Vision mode – something achieved in the higher model, the A95L. Those who prefer slimmer devices should know that although Sony X90L looks elegant thanks to its aluminium frame, it is not one of the thinnest televisions on the market. Even though X90L is already a year old, it remains a solid piece of equipment that combines good picture parameters with functionality and support for gamers. It is a successful choice for those seeking a versatile high-end television.

During the Panasonic Z95A tests, we felt as though we were holding a television that deserves to be called one of the best on the market. When it comes to picture quality, it is exceptional! The OLED with infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and incredible brightness makes watching films a pure pleasure. The micro lens array (MLA) truly made a difference. Thanks to it, the picture gained not only in brightness, reaching a spectacular 1500 nits in HDR content but also improved viewing angles - which are already quite good in regular WOLED panels. As a result, every scene looked so realistic that we felt as if we were part of it. We also checked how it performs in various lighting conditions – it impressed without exception in both dark and bright rooms. We couldn't complain about the sound either. The built-in soundbar with Dolby Atmos surprised us with its spaciousness and dynamics, which is usually lacking in speakers integrated with televisions. This is really solid support for cinematic experiences. The Panasonic Z95A does not disappoint gamers either. We tried out its gaming features – support for ALLM, VRR, a 144 Hz panel, and playing in Dolby Vision at 120 Hz are things that every avid gamer will appreciate. Additionally, there are practical extras such as the ability to record to an external disk and a PiP function, which enhance everyday use of the television. Of course, we also noticed some downsides. The Fire TV operating system from Amazon, although better than in older models, still has its flaws. The absence of certain popular apps, such as Player.pl or TVP VOD, and poorly executed translations in the interface can be frustrating at times, especially in a television in this price range. Panasonic Z95A is a television with a capital "P" like premium. It impresses with its image quality, sound, and functionality. However, its high price may deter some, especially when there are devices on the market offering similar capabilities at a much lower price. However, if the budget is not an issue, Z95A is a television that delivers cinematic experiences at absolutely the highest level.

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
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
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

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Contrast and black detail

7.6/10

10/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 88 (11 x 8)

Contrast:

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

87,500:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

14,400:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

99,250:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

9,550:1

Review Sony X90L Contrast and black detail

Result

6,300:1

Review Panasonic Z95A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z95A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z95A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z95A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z95A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The Sony X90L television is equipped with a VA panel and in the tested size of 65', it has 88 local dimming zones. It may seem that such a number of zones does not make a great impression, but thanks to the local dimming algorithm, the television handles blacks excellently. This is clearly visible in the first and third test patterns, where the contrast reaches nearly 100,000:1. In more demanding scenes, the X90L does not achieve such spectacular results – a contrast level of 6000:1 is just fine. Light separation performs really well, as confirmed by a scene from the film "Oblivion." However, the small number of dimming zones means that the halo effect is noticeable, especially in the test film from "Sicario 2," where the lights of the helicopter cause quite a significant flare over a large portion of the screen. Despite the limited number of dimming zones, the Sony X90L manages to reproduce blacks quite well. Although it does not match the highest series of miniLED or OLED televisions in terms of black depth and contrast level, it offers solid results that are sufficient for most demanding users.

The contrast and black levels in the Panasonic Z95A television are at a level that captures the attention of even the most discerning viewers. The Z95A, as befits an OLED, delivers remarkable results in this area. In every tested scene, the contrast is practically infinite, translating into excellent image quality in real-world conditions. During the screening of the film Oblivion, one can see how light sources, such as lamps, fall on the actor, creating an incredibly realistic effect. The Z95A Panasonic reproduces these black details with impressive precision, making even subtle differences in brightness and lighting stand out clearly. As a result, viewers experience a sense of depth and naturalness in the image that is hard to find in LED televisions, which often offer various types of compromises.

HDR effect quality

6.5/10

8.2/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 96.0%, Bt.2020: 76.0%
DCI P3: 98.6%, Bt.2020: 74.5%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

912 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

680 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

678 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

640 nit

Review Sony X90L Brightness measurement

Result

797 nit

Review Panasonic Z95A Brightness measurement

Result

1667 nit

Review Panasonic Z95A Brightness measurement

Result

1738 nit

Review Panasonic Z95A Brightness measurement

Result

1792 nit

Review Panasonic Z95A Brightness measurement

Result

1798 nit

Review Panasonic Z95A Brightness measurement

Result

999 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 Z95A

Sony X90L

HDR on the Sony X90L TV looks promising. The luminance chart showed that the television has a solid power reserve, reaching a maximum of 1000 nits in synthetic tests. However, how does this perform in real-world scenarios? In scenes such as the opening of Life of Pi or the final sequence from The Meg, the TV is able to deliver this power on HDR content, reaching about 800 nits. Unfortunately, displaying small light elements on a black background, as seen in the scene from Sicario 2, poses greater challenges for the X90L – here the results drop to around 600 nits. Despite this, when compared to competing models with mini-LED technology, the effect looks very good and can shine just enough to impress us. Notably, the colour gamut coverage is commendable, with a score of 96% for DCI-P3 and 76% for BT.2020, indicating good colour reproduction in HDR content.

Panasonic Z95A showcases class when it comes to HDR performance. In luminance tests, it achieves a level of 1800 nits, which has a real impact on movie watching. Scenes from Life of Pi or Gemini Man look fantastic – the television effortlessly renders details and intensity of bright spots, impressing with its power. In more demanding moments, like the final scene from The Meg, one can see how bright light floods the screen. In such moments, brightness drops, which is typical for organic matrices. Nevertheless, a result around 1000 nits can still be considered excellent, still providing very good image quality. Additionally, the television offers excellent coverage of wide colour palettes – as much as 98.6% for DCI-P3 and 74.5% for BT.2020. Thanks to this, colours are not only vivid but also deeply saturated, allowing for a full appreciation of the richness of details, especially in HDR scenes. Such coverage makes the hues look more realistic, and the HDR effect gains in intensity and accuracy. All this impressive HDR effect is thanks to MLA technology, which enables achieving such high luminance and excellent image detail. Because of this, the Panasonic Z95A offers HDR at a level that truly makes a difference.

Factory color reproduction

6.2/10

8.3/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best mode in Sony televisions is the IMAX Enhanced mode. Although IMAX is mainly associated with the cinematic experience, here the colour reproduction out of the box is average. In the case of lower quality content, such as HD – regular television or YouTube – it is worth paying attention to the white balance. It is characterised by a deficiency in red and an excessive dominance of blue, which gives the image a pinkish hue. The brightness characteristic, or gamma, for HD content is quite decent, but a slight boost could make the image appear washed out and look as if it is behind a light fog.

In 4K HDR content, the situation looks somewhat different. The white balance shows a significant boost in blue, which causes the image to become unnaturally sharp and seem artificial. Such an exaggeration in colour reproduction may not appeal to everyone, especially if one prefers more realistic shades. Additionally, the EOTF curve in Sony X90L appears quite correct at first glance. However, at the end of the graph, some fluctuations can be seen, suggesting that the television is trying to maintain appropriate brightness to avoid overexposing larger elements.

The best picture mode on the Panasonic Z95A is undoubtedly the Filmmaker mode. It offers quite a good image reproduction, but it is not free from certain issues that require improvement. Firstly, the white balance, for both 4K and HD content, tends to have a dominance of red and blue hues. This causes a slight pinkish tint to the image, particularly noticeable in bright, white scenes. Such deviations can be seen in the comparative photo below, which illustrates this issue well. The Colour Checker test also confirms these discrepancies, showing slight shifts in the dots towards the mentioned shades.

In terms of gamma brightness characteristics, it performs very well, with only minor problems when brightening small details. A greater challenge is posed by the EOTF curve, which is responsible for controlling brightness in 4K HDR content. Here, there is a slight boost in brightness above the reference value, which sometimes makes the image too bright, especially in more demanding scenes. Although the Filmmaker mode is definitely the best choice on the Z95A, these aspects require refinement to fully utilise the television's potential.

Color reproduction after calibration

9.1/10

9.4/10

Sony offers a range of tools for improving image quality, including two additional picture modes that we decided to utilise during testing and to apply calibration to. This solution significantly facilitates the calibration process and is very effective, provided the appropriate tools are available. In the case of HD content, the white balance was almost perfectly aligned – only one shade of grey exceeds the error value of "1", which is an excellent result. The same can be said for the brightness characteristic (gamma), which presents itself nearly perfectly, with microscopic deviations on the order of 0.01.

In the case of 4K HDR content, the situation is not quite so ideal. Although the white balance has been greatly improved, it has not been possible to completely eliminate the dominance of blue colour. Nevertheless, the errors on the Colour Checker test only occasionally exceed the value of "2", which means that image distortions are practically imperceptible. As for the EOTF curve, it is worth activating the filter in the top right corner "EOTF in Films" – the graph looks correct, but the television encounters difficulties when illuminating very small elements, which is due to the limited number of dimming zones. Despite these minor errors, it is thanks to the calibration that the IMAX Enhanced mode on the Sony X90L makes watching films feel like a true cinema experience.

After calibration, Panasonic Z95A shows its full potential, offering an almost perfect picture. The television provides immense adjustment capabilities, which we have fully utilised. The white balance after calibration is positively perfect, and errors in SDR content at the level of 0.5 place it in an absolutely reference standard. The same is true for 4K HDR content – the screen tint has been completely eliminated, and the white balance is now exemplary.

The colour palette and Colour Checker test confirm the excellence of the calibration. Errors below 2 are a result that will satisfy both professional calibrators and enthusiasts of cinematic picture quality. Significant changes have also occurred in the brightness characteristic – the EOTF curve has been flattened, eliminating previous issues with excessive brightness. And a small gamma error has been reduced.

Before calibration, the picture was decent, but now it's an entirely different league. It's a real feast for the eyes, the quality of which is hard to compare to anything else. Panasonic Z95A, after fine-tuning the settings, becomes a true master of colour reproduction.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9.2/10

6.5/10

The fluidity of tonal transitions in Sony X90L is excellent. The gradation is beautiful on high-quality sources such as 4K streaming. One can only notice slight cuts on more demanding gradients, but the overall effect is very good and should satisfy even the more discerning viewers.

The tonal transitions in Panasonic Z95A are not disastrous, but in this class of devices, one can expect more. The television struggles with smoothly blending colours, both in dark and light shades. In more demanding scenes, minor imperfections are visible, which can affect the visual experience, particularly for more discerning users. While this is not a disqualifying factor, it is an aspect that needs improvement, especially considering the price and ambitions of this model.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8.5/10

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 Sony X90L television features a tone transition smoothing function known as Soft Gradation, which is extremely effective. Even at the "low" option, the effects are satisfactory, but at the "medium" setting, it works like a dream – we recommend using this option for the best results. The image scaling on the Sony X90L is simply excellent. The image is not overly sharpened, which provides a natural effect and ensures that everything looks cohesive. It's clear that the engineers really focused on this aspect, creating a solution that is impressive and performs well in daily use. Because of this, even when watching content such as regular television or YouTube, where the image is not inherently stunning, one can enjoy a smooth, cohesive, and visually pleasing experience.

In the case of lower quality materials, the function "Gradation Smoothing" is responsible for smoothing tonal transitions. The best results are achieved with an intermediate setting – although they are not spectacular, the function works correctly and does not introduce unwanted effects into the image. It can be rated as average, but sufficient to improve the quality of tonal transitions.

As for digital processing, or upscaling, the image looks surprisingly good. It is vivid and pleasant to the eye, which makes lower quality content, such as standard television or YouTube, look quite decent. However, minor issues can be noted, such as "jagged" edges, for example, branches in the background. Nevertheless, this does not significantly affect the overall viewing experience, and the television handles these materials in an acceptable manner.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.1/10

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 120Hz
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
55%
49%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

Sony X90L with a 120 Hz panel is an excellent choice for both gamers and cinema enthusiasts. The television is equipped with the Motion Flow smoothing feature, which allows for adjusting motion fluidity using two sliders: "smoothness" and "clarity." The "smoothness" slider controls the level of fluidity in motion, which helps reduce image stuttering, while "clarity" is used to minimize blur and enhance motion sharpness, which is particularly useful in dynamic scenes.

Panasonic Z95A, thanks to its 144 Hz panel, offers excellent image fluidity. For films, there is an "Intelligent Frame Creation" feature that enhances fluidity and reduces motion blur. The user has two sliders at their disposal: "Motion Blur Reduction" – responsible for clearer and sharper details in rapidly moving scenes. "Film Smoothness" – adds fluidity by creating additional frames between the originals, making motion appear smoother and more natural with a "soap opera" effect.

Thanks to this, viewers can adjust the settings to their own preferences. Films and less dynamic material look smooth and natural, which should satisfy most users.

Console compatibility and gaming features

7.8/10

10/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 120Hz
    40 - 144Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Warning Tak (wysoki input lag)
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    No
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

Sony X90L is a television that performs well in terms of compatibility with consoles and features for gamers. Its 120 Hz panel and two HDMI 2.1 ports with a bandwidth of 48 Gb/s allow for smooth playback of high-resolution games at a high frame rate. Gamers can also take advantage of the ALLM feature, which automatically switches the television to low latency mode, and VRR, which ensures smooth gameplay without image stuttering. The Game Bar is an additional advantage – an intuitive tool that provides quick access to the most important gaming settings and features, facilitating control over gameplay.

Unfortunately, when it comes to HDR in games, the Sony X90L has its limitations. There is a lack of support for HGiG, a standard that many gamers consider crucial for precise HDR reproduction in games. While the television supports Dolby Vision, which could theoretically improve image quality in games, the practical application of this feature is problematic. Dolby Vision in game mode is associated with very high input lag, making gameplay less comfortable and precise movements more difficult. Additionally, it is not possible to enable Dolby Vision alongside VRR. This means that despite its numerous advantages, gamers seeking the ideal HDR in games may feel a sense of disappointment.

Panasonic Z95A this year shows that the manufacturer has made a huge leap forward in terms of support for gamers. The television offers virtually everything one could expect from a device in this bracket. Support for ALLM (automatic low latency mode) and VRR (variable refresh rate) ensures smoothness and eliminates tearing in dynamic games. The 144 Hz panel allows for incredible fluidity, and additional support for resolutions other than 4K provides greater flexibility, which is a significant advantage for gamers using various configurations.

A unique and quite specific feature is the "Game Bar." Its ball-shaped interface stands out from the competition and allows for quick adjustments of key settings such as VRR, brightness level, or picture mode, without having to interrupt gameplay.

However, in this class of device, there is a minor disappointment – the Panasonic Z95A offers only two HDMI 2.1 ports, instead of four. This is definitely too few for a premium television, especially at a time when many people own more than one device requiring full HDMI 2.1 support, such as a next-gen console or an advanced computer. In this category, it's hard to accept this limitation, especially given the high aspirations of this model. Nevertheless, the television is an excellent choice for gamers, offering versatility and functionality at the highest level.

Input lag

8.7/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
25 ms
14 ms
1080p120
12 ms
5 ms
2160p60
25 ms
14 ms
2160p120
12 ms
5 ms

HDR

2160p60
25 ms
13 ms
2160p120
12 ms
5 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
145 ms
13 ms
2160p120 DV
5 ms

Input lag in Sony X90L can be assessed as decent, although it is not outstanding. In Dolby Vision mode, the television operates only at 60 Hz, and the additional high input lag complicates matters as it makes gameplay practically unplayable. For games at the popular frequency of 60 Hz, the input lag is about 25 ms – this is an acceptable result, but for more demanding gamers, it may prove disappointing.

However, those more advanced gamers who have equipment supporting higher refresh rates can expect better results. With a 120 Hz signal, the input lag drops to around 12 ms, providing significantly better responsiveness and smoother gameplay, meeting the expectations of more demanding users.

Panasonic Z95A delights with an exceptional level of input lag, making it one of the best choices for gamers in its class. Regardless of the mode, the television achieves results of around 13 ms at 60 Hz and just 5 ms at 120 Hz, ensuring incredibly smooth and responsive gameplay. Moreover, Panasonic allows playing in Dolby Vision mode with minimal delays. Well done!

Compatibility with PC

7.4/10

8.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
12ms
5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
RWBG
Max refresh rate
120Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

Cooperation with the PC in Sony X90L is at a good level. The X90L television supports chroma 4:4:4, which ensures quite good font visibility, important while working or browsing content on a large screen. Although there are minimal issues with font legibility on a dark background, it is not bothersome enough to pose a major problem in everyday use.

An additional advantage for PC users is the 120 Hz refresh rate and support for G-Sync functionality. As a result, gamers can expect smoother gameplay without the effect of stuttering or tearing, which significantly enhances comfort and the gaming experience.

Panasonic Z95A works excellently with computers, offering full chroma 4:4:4 support, which translates to very good font readability. However, one should bear in mind the characteristic way of displaying text of WOLED matrices with a white subpixel, which may be noticeable during prolonged work with documents or browsing websites. This is something worth considering if the television is to be used as a work monitor.

Additionally, the support for G-Sync technology is a plus, which is a great addition for gamers using NVIDIA graphics cards. This means that the Z95A provides smooth gameplay without tearing and delays, making it a versatile device for both work and play.

Viewing angles

2.9/10

9.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
64%
8%

The viewing angles on the Sony X90L are unfortunately very poor, which is typical for VA panels. The picture quality degrades when viewed at an angle, which can be problematic when watching from a greater distance or with a larger group of people. It's a shame that the manufacturer did not use a coating to widen the viewing angles, which could significantly improve this aspect and make the television more versatile for different room layouts.

The viewing angles on the Panasonic Z95A are excellent, thanks to the use of an OLED panel with MLA technology. This ensures that the picture remains clear, full of detail, and without visible colour shifts even at large angles. In practice, this means that regardless of where we are watching the television from, the picture quality remains at the highest level.

In this respect, the Z95A ranks among the very best, competing for the title of leader with televisions based on QD-OLED panels (Samsung and Sony). It is difficult to find anything better on the market, making this model an ideal choice for larger rooms or screenings with family and friends, where everyone can enjoy a perfect picture.

TV efficiency during daytime

7.8/10

6.2/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Panasonic Z95A: 493 cd/m2

Sony X90L: 784 cd/m2

The performance of the television Sony X90L during the day is very good. The satin matrix effectively dampens reflections, which minimises glare and keeps the image clear even in bright rooms. An SDR brightness level of 785 cd/m² allows for comfortable viewing of standard television and lower quality materials regardless of the time of day. As a result, the X90L will perform excellently in both well-lit living rooms and more sunlit spaces.

Panasonic Z95A is equipped with a glossy panel that manages to reduce reflections quite well. However, due to the use of micro lens array (MLA) technology, blacks in bright environments may take on a slightly cherry hue, which is particularly noticeable in brightly lit rooms. In terms of brightness, the average SDR value is around 500 cd/m², which comfortably allows for enjoyable viewing of the television in most living rooms. However, it should be taken into account that in very sunny conditions or with intense artificial lighting, this brightness may prove insufficient to fully eliminate reflections and maintain perfect contrast. Nonetheless, in typical home conditions, Z95A performs very well.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
PFS LED
Software version during testing
PKG6.7612.0875EUA
FIRE OS 8.1.1.2
Image processor
mt5895 3GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TV features

8.6/10

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
    No
    No
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Sony X90L offers a rich set of features, starting with the Google TV system, which is the heart of entertainment. This solution provides access to a vast array of applications and streaming services, and the interface is intuitive and straightforward. With the support of a voice assistant, using the television becomes even more convenient – just one command is enough to find your favourite films, series, or music. Google TV operates smoothly and allows for full personalisation, making everyday use enjoyable and hassle-free.

The television also offers a number of user-friendly features. It supports AirPlay and Miracast, enabling easy content sharing from mobile devices. Additionally, other devices can be connected via Bluetooth, which enhances versatility and user convenience. For those who prefer traditional television viewing, there is even a recording feature available without the need for an external decoder, which is a significant advantage for fans of live shows.

In terms of design, Sony X90L may not be the sleekest, but its appearance is impressive thanks to a metal frame that adds elegance. The television is equipped with a base that can be positioned in three different ways, allowing for adjustments according to different spaces and user preferences.

Panasonic Z95A introduces a new operating system, which we believe is a very good move compared to last year's MZ2000 model. The system is called Fire TV and was created by Amazon. It is a novelty in the Polish market, distinguished by its fluidity and responsiveness, providing convenient operation and quick performance in everyday use.

Despite numerous advantages, the system still has a few shortcomings. We won’t find some popular applications on it, such as SkyShowtime, as well as Polish streaming services like Player.pl or TVP VOD. Another drawback is the quality of the interface translation – many functions have been translated in a rather imprecise manner, giving the impression that the translation was done "on the fly". Some names are incomprehensible, especially for those who haven't previously encountered other televisions, which can complicate the use of the device.

In terms of user functions, Z95A performs very well. It includes options such as USB recording, support for the PiP (picture-in-picture) function, AirPlay, and Miracast. As a result, the television offers versatility and meets most of the demands of modern users, although the Fire TV system still requires refinement to fully compete with more established solutions on the market.

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 X90L handles the playback of most popular file formats from USB without any issues, which is a big plus for those who often access external content. However, it is worth mentioning a slight downside – the built-in player does not allow for changing the font colour in subtitles, which may be problematic for some. Fortunately, thanks to the extensive Google TV system, users have a wide range of options. Alternative media players, which offer more personalisation options, can be easily installed.

As we mentioned earlier, the Fire TV system in the Panasonic Z95A has some issues with support for the Polish language, which is unfortunately also noticeable when playing files from a USB drive. The built-in media player does not allow for the correct display of Polish characters, such as "ź", "ć" or "ł", which can be inconvenient for users relying on local subtitles for films. If the correct display of Polish characters is important to the user, it may be necessary to use an external application available in the Amazon store or to stream content through other devices.

Apps

10/10

7.9/10

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
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

7/10

8.7/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    7/10
    8.7/10
  • 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

The sound on the Sony X90L is pleasant and clear, and the presence of bass makes the audio richer. The television performs well when playing music, offering satisfactory audio experiences. An additional advantage is the support for Dolby Atmos and DTS technologies, which provide a more spatial and immersive sound. As a result, films, games, and music gain depth and realism, creating a better experience for the user.

The sound in Panasonic Z95A is one of its strong points, mainly thanks to the built-in soundbar, which provides impressive audio experiences. Dolby Atmos support makes the sound spatial and full of depth, perfectly fitting into the cinematic experience. Both dialogues and sound effects are clear and dynamic, which will satisfy even the most demanding users. Unfortunately, there is a lack of support for the DTS format, which may be disappointing for those using films or content that require it. Nevertheless, the overall sound quality in Z95A is at a very high level and successfully replaces external audio systems (at a reasonable price) in most home applications.