Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) vs Panasonic Z95A

Direct compare

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Sony Bravia 9 (XR90)
$2 248

BRAVIA 9 / XR90

Z95A

Available screen sizes: 65”75”85”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”

Panel type: LCD VA (wide viewing angle)

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Amazon FireTV

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

8.9

8.4

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    8.4

    8.7

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    8.4

    9.0

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    8.5

    8.9

  • Gaming on console

    9.2

    9.6

  • TV as a computer monitor

    7.6

    8.6

  • Watching in bright light

    9.5

    6.2

  • Utility functions

    9.5

    7.6

  • Apps

    10.0

    7.9

  • Sound quality

    9.4

    8.7

Advantages

  • Amazing brightness results of HDR materials

  • Very good color reproduction after calibration

  • Advanced motion smoothing system

  • Noticeable positive effect of the image processor

  • Faithfulness to the source material

  • Versatile GoogleTV operating system

  • Good (for a VA panel) viewing angles

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

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

  • The color 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 functions: USB recording, AirPlay, PiP, and Miracast

Disadvantages

No like
  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports - including one ARC

  • Missing picture-in-picture (PiP) feature

  • Price

  • Problems 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: Inaccurate translations of the interface and lack of several applications

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

Our verdict

The Sony Bravia 9 is undoubtedly a top-tier product, with no hesitation in declaring it one of the best on the market. The manufacturer has clearly invested a great deal of effort into perfecting the dimming algorithms, ensuring they perform flawlessly. This results in an incredibly deep black and a strikingly vivid image. In HDR effects, the television excels, offering over 2000 nits of peak brightness that fills the room and immerses viewers in stunning visuals. While such figures are impressive on paper, the real-world experience surpasses expectations. Sony’s commitment to faithfully representing a film director’s vision is evident here, and the Bravia 9 succeeds. The television also provides an excellent user experience thanks to the Google TV system. The interface is intuitive, and with a vast library of applications, it offers access to a wealth of content tailored to individual preferences. Integration with Google Assistant makes it easy to search for movies, series, or music, and control other smart home devices. These features make using the television a pleasure and simplify daily life. However, not everything is flawless. The Sony Bravia 9 still has room for improvement, particularly with its HDMI port configuration. It includes only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which supports eARC, typically used for soundbars or home theatres. Given the premium price, one would expect at least four HDMI 2.1 ports with full bandwidth. The lack of Picture-in-Picture (PiP) functionality might disappoint some users. Despite these shortcomings, the Sony Bravia 9 remains an exceptional product. It’s the first LCD television that can truly compete with OLEDs, offering infinite contrast and a top-tier display without compromise. The Bravia 9 is nearly perfect, combining superior image quality, modern technology, and meticulous attention to detail, making every viewing experience feel like a special event.

During the Panasonic Z95A tests, we had the impression that 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 outstanding! The OLED with infinite contrast, perfect black, and incredible brightness makes watching movies a pure pleasure. The micro lens array (MLA) technology really made a difference. Thanks to it, the image not only gained brightness, achieving 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 different lighting conditions – it impressed us 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. It is truly solid support for cinematic experiences. The Panasonic Z95A does not disappoint gamers either. We tested its gaming features – support for ALLM, VRR, a 144 Hz panel, and gaming in Dolby Vision at 120 Hz is something every avid gamer will appreciate. Additionally, there are practical features like the ability to record to an external drive and the PiP function, which enhance everyday use of the television. Of course, we also noticed some drawbacks. The Fire TV operating system from Amazon, while better than in older models, still has its flaws. The lack of some popular apps, such as Player.pl or TVP VOD, and poorly executed translations in the interface can sometimes be irritating, especially in a TV in this price range. The Panasonic Z95A is a television with a big "P" for premium. It impresses with picture quality, sound, and functionality. However, its high price may deter some, especially when there are devices on the market offering similar capabilities at significantly lower prices. However, if the budget is not an issue, the Z95A is a television that provides 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
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

Contrast and black detail

8.6/10

10/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 1920 (60 x 32)

Contrast:

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

184,000:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

98,500:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

120,000:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

9,050:1

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Contrast and black detail

Result

5,800:1

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 Bravia 9 features a high-contrast VA panel supported by a backlight made of Mini LED diodes, with the 75" model boasting a remarkable 1920 zones. This combination, paired with advanced — and arguably the best — zone dimming algorithms, results in exceptional contrast and deep black levels. While it doesn’t quite match the black levels of OLED TVs, the performance is still impressive, especially compared to other televisions, which struggle to reproduce a director’s intended vision.

Looking at two test scenes from Oblivion and The Revenant, we can see the backlight algorithms at work, exhibiting mature handling of contrast that preserves black levels without compromising the original image. The blooming/halo effect observed in the second film is noticeably less pronounced in person, with the camera lens amplifying the effect. Additionally, challenging details in the second and third planes of the scene are clearly visible and not lost in the black, showcasing the Bravia 9’s ability to reproduce fine details.

The contrast and black level in the Panasonic Z95A television attract the attention of even the most demanding viewers. The Z95A, as befits an OLED, offers exceptional results in this regard. In every tested scene, the contrast is practically infinite, which translates to excellent picture quality in real-world conditions. During the screening of the film Oblivion, you can see how light sources, such as lamps, fall on the actor, creating an incredibly realistic effect. The Z95A Panasonic reproduces these details in black with impressive precision, making even subtle differences in brightness and lighting clear. This gives the viewer a sense of depth and naturalness in the image, which is hard to find in LED televisions that often offer various kinds of compromises.

HDR effect quality

8.5/10

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: 77.0%
DCI P3: 98.6%, Bt.2020: 74.5%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

2199 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1700 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1717 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1751 nit

Review Sony Bravia 9 (XR90) Brightness measurement

Result

1741 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

Luminancja HDR

Luminance of RGB colors

Sony Bravia 9 (XR90)

Luminancja HDR

Luminance of RGB colors

The brightness performance of the Sony Bravia 9 is exceptional. Each scene reaches over 1500 nits, and the television can shine even brighter during movie playback. This level of brightness provides an extraordinary viewing experience, allowing for immersive interaction with high-quality video content. Thanks to its extensive coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, the image is vibrant, and when combined with such high luminance, it almost feels alive. With its impressive peak brightness, viewers can fully appreciate the colour range, even in the most challenging scenes involving dynamic lighting changes. The Bravia 9 also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 formats, further elevating the viewing experience.

Panasonic Z95A demonstrates class when it comes to HDR performance. In brightness tests, it reaches a level of 1800 nits, which has a real impact on watching movies. Scenes from Life of Pi or Gemini Man look great – the television effortlessly reproduces details and the 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. Nonetheless, a result around 1000 nits can still be considered excellent, still providing very good picture quality. Additionally, the television offers excellent coverage of wide color gamuts – up to 98.6% for DCI-P3 and 74.5% for BT.2020. This ensures that colors are not only vibrant but also deeply saturated, allowing full appreciation of the richness of details, especially in HDR scenes. Such coverage makes colors appear 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. Thanks to this, the Panasonic Z95A offers HDR at a level that truly makes a difference.

Factory color reproduction

8.1/10

8.3/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The "IMAX Enhanced" factory mode has remained the best option in Sony televisions for years, and it was used throughout the entire testing process. While it aligns closely with the reference compared to other predefined settings, improvements could be made for a better viewing experience.

In SDR materials, the gamma shows a noticeable boost, which leads to over-contrasting the image. Additionally, the beginning of the graph deviates significantly from the reference, resulting in merged details in the darker areas, creating an unpleasant uniform blotch. The EOTF curve in HDR content, on the other hand, appears mostly correct, with only minor deviations from the reference.

However, the most prominent issues affect the white balance. There is a persistent green colour dominance, leading to problems with grey tones and overall colour misalignment. This imbalance in the white balance gives the image an unwanted greenish tinge, negatively impacting the overall visual quality.

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

In terms of gamma brightness characteristics, it performs very well, with only minor issues when lightening small details. The EOTF curve, which is responsible for controlling brightness in 4K HDR content, poses greater difficulty. Here, a slight boost in brightness above the reference value can be observed, making the image sometimes too bright, especially in more demanding scenes. Although the Filmmaker mode is definitely the best choice in the Z95A, these aspects require refinement to fully exploit the potential of the television.

Color reproduction after calibration

9.3/10

9.4/10

The colour reproduction after the calibration process on the Sony Bravia 9 is nothing short of excellent. Regardless of the signal, whether SDR or HDR, the image comes remarkably close to the director's intended vision. Nearly every flaw in the image has been meticulously modelled and corrected to a high degree.

This impressive result can be attributed to the advanced tools available for calibration, which Sony has been offering in its televisions for years. Notable tools include the 2- and 20-point grayscale calibration and a very comprehensive CMS (Colour Management System). These features allow for precise adjustments, ensuring that the colours and overall image quality are as accurate and faithful to the source material as possible.

After calibration, Panasonic Z95A shows its full potential, offering an almost perfect image. The television provides great adjustment capabilities, which we have fully utilized. The white balance after calibration is presented almost perfectly, and errors in SDR content at the level of 0.5 fall within an absolutely reference standard. The same is true for 4K HDR content – any pink tint on the screen has been completely eliminated, and the white balance is now exemplary.

The color palette and Colour Checker test confirm the excellence of the calibration. Errors below 2 is a result that will satisfy both professional calibrators and enthusiasts of cinema-quality images. Significant changes have also occurred in brightness characteristics – the EOTF curve has been leveled, eliminating previous issues with excessive image brightness. And the small error in gamma has been reduced.

Before calibration, the image was acceptable, but now it is a completely different league. It is a true 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 color reproduction.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7.1/10

6.5/10

The default quality of gentle gradation on the Sony Bravia 9 without enhancement, is relatively average for its price range and class. While the issue isn't evident with bright backgrounds, it becomes quite noticeable in darker scenes. This is demonstrated in the last two test scenes, where tonal transitions are visible, which may be off-putting to those particularly sensitive to image purity.

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

When analysing the quality of tonal transitions and image scaling, especially for lower-quality materials, the improvement after activating the function for tonal transitions is clear. By default, the quality is quite average, but once the function is turned on, even at the lowest setting, the results are among the best we've seen. This feature can be enabled without worrying about negative side effects, such as film grain blur.

Sony's "XR" processor, which the brand has been touting for several years, lives up to its reputation for image scaling. The image quality is incredibly sharp while maintaining a very natural look. This reinforces that Sony's processing technology is one of the best available, particularly when handling lower-resolution content.

In the case of lower quality materials, the "Gradient Smoothing" function 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 vibrant and pleasant to the eye, making lower quality content, such as standard television or YouTube, look quite decent. However, minor issues can be noticed, such as "jaggies" on edges, e.g. branches in the background. Nevertheless, this does not significantly impact the overall viewing experience, and the television handles this material in an acceptable manner.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

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, 240Hz (double contours)
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
1%
49%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

The maximum refresh rate of the Sony Bravia 9 is 120 Hz, the minimum for those primarily watching sports or other high-motion content. This refresh rate ensures the image remains sharp and smooth, even during fast-paced scenes. For more demanding users, Sony has implemented an advanced motion smoothing system, divided into three distinct segments: Smoothness (Film), Smoothness (Camera), and Clarity. These settings can be adjusted to various degrees, allowing users to fine-tune the picture to their preferences. For example, a setting with slight smoothing can be used to avoid the "soap opera effect," delivering a more natural and cinematic viewing experience. This level of customisation ensures that viewers can find their ideal balance between smoothness and clarity.

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

As a result, viewers can adjust the settings to their own preferences. Films and less dynamic materials appear smooth and natural, which should satisfy most users.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.4/10

10/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 120Hz
    40 - 144Hz
  • 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

The Sony Bravia 9 television is equipped with four HDMI ports, but what is puzzling for a device of this class is that only two of them operate in the 2.1 standard. Despite this, it should not detract from the fact that nearly all features work excellently, providing a positive experience when using them. Games running in HDR10 or Dolby Vision benefit from low input lag, ensuring a comfortable gaming session. The solid implementation of the HGIG mode is a noteworthy feature, as, after proper calibration, it closely aligns with Dolby Vision.

Sony introduced the GameBar feature to its televisions last year, a standard for many manufacturers. This feature allows for quick adjustment of settings without exiting the game. Its implementation has been seamless, offering conveniences such as a crosshair grid, black level adjustment, and reducing the screen to gaming monitor proportions.

The Sony Bravia 9 will find its fans, particularly among PlayStation enthusiasts. It is a natural pairing since the console and the television share identical capabilities. However, more broadly speaking, despite the minor issues with Dolby Vision in games, the Bravia 9 remains a very good television for gaming overall.

Panasonic Z95A this year shows that the manufacturer has made a huge leap forward in terms of support for gamers. The television offers practically everything one could expect from a device in this category. Support for ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) ensures smoothness and no tearing in dynamic games. The 144 Hz panel allows for incredible fluidity, and the additional support for resolutions other than 4K provides greater flexibility, which is a significant plus for gamers using various setups.

Attention should also be paid to the unique and somewhat specific "Game Bar." Its intuitive interface stands out from the competition and allows quick adjustments to key settings such as VRR, brightness level, or picture mode without interrupting gameplay.

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

Input lag

9.7/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
20 ms
14 ms
1080p120
10 ms
5 ms
2160p60
19 ms
14 ms
2160p120
10 ms
5 ms

HDR

2160p60
19 ms
13 ms
2160p120
10 ms
5 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
20 ms
13 ms
2160p120 DV
10 ms
5 ms

The delay time on the Sony Bravia 9 remains impressively low in all scenarios. Even the most dedicated gamers will appreciate the exceptionally low input lag, particularly when playing demanding 4K 120 Hz games with HDR, which measures just 10 ms.

Panasonic Z95A impresses with its outstanding 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

7.6/10

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)
9ms
5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
RWBG
Max refresh rate
120Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

The Sony Bravia 9 delivers excellent performance when combined with a PC, thanks to its low latency of just 9 ms, ensuring an immediate response between the mouse, eye, and screen. This is particularly beneficial for tasks that require precise, real-time feedback. The text readability on the TV is also commendable, especially when switched to "Game" mode, which provides the clearest display. In other modes, text might appear less readable.

The subpixel layout on the Bravia 9 is BGR, which doesn't significantly impact its use as a monitor. While operating systems aren't designed for this layout, causing slight blurring on edges in some cases, the difference is so minimal that only a few users might notice it.

Panasonic Z95A works great with computers, offering full support for chroma 4:4:4, which translates into very good font readability. However, one should remember the characteristic way of displaying text typical for WOLED matrices with a white subpixel, which may be noticeable during longer work with documents or browsing web pages. This is something to keep in mind if the TV is to be used as a work monitor.

Another advantage is the support for G-Sync technology, which is a great addition for gamers using NVIDIA graphics cards. Thus, the Z95A ensures smooth gameplay without tearing and delays, making it a versatile device for both work and play.

Viewing angles

7.4/10

9.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
54%
8%

The Sony Bravia 9 performs well in terms of viewing angles, thanks to the application of an angle coating. This reduces the typical colour degradation and contrast drop often seen in TVs with VA panels. While a significant deviation from the central axis does lead to some image instability, the overall viewing experience remains positive, offering better off-axis performance than many other VA panel-equipped televisions.

The viewing angles of the Panasonic Z95A are excellent, thanks to the use of an OLED panel with MLA technology. This ensures that the image remains clear, full of details, and without visible color changes even at large angles. In practice, this means that no matter where we watch the television from, the picture quality remains at the highest level.

In this regard, the Z95A ranks among the very best, competing for the title of leader with televisions based on QD-OLED panels (Samsung and Sony). It's hard 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

9.5/10

6.2/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Panasonic Z95A: 493 cd/m2

Sony Bravia 9 (XR90): 1609 cd/m2

The Sony Bravia 9 excels in bright environments, with a peak brightness of 1600 nits. This allows for a comfortable viewing experience even when the TV is exposed to harsh angled light. Reflections are minimal and do not significantly affect the viewing quality, making it highly suitable for watching during the day. As a result, the Bravia 9 earns an almost perfect score for its performance in well-lit conditions.

Panasonic Z95A is equipped with a glossy panel that does quite well in minimizing reflections. However, due to the use of micro lens array (MLA) technology, the black in bright surroundings may take on a slightly cherry hue, which is particularly noticeable in well-lit rooms. In terms of brightness, the average SDR value is around 500 cd/m², which easily allows for comfortable viewing of the television in most living rooms. However, it should be noted that in very sunny conditions or under intense artificial lighting, this brightness may prove insufficient to fully eliminate reflections and maintain ideal contrast. Nevertheless, in typical home conditions, Z95A performs very well.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
112.624.140.1EUA
FIRE OS 8.1.1.2
Image processor
mt5897 6gb ram

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Sony Bravia 9 (XR90)

Panasonic Z95A

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

The Sony Bravia 9 benefits from the Google TV system, which stands out compared to TVs with proprietary operating systems. Google TV allows for the easy installation of applications from the official store and external sources via APK files. This flexibility makes it a more accessible option for users who want to expand their TV's functionality.

Additionally, Google TV offers various user-friendly features, such as connecting a keyboard with a touchpad, which makes typing queries more convenient. Voice control via the remote also works effectively, though there are occasional minor issues with translation. Google TV is regularly updated, enhancing functionality and adding new features, although some users have reported occasional performance hiccups.

Overall, Google TV is one of the most popular and efficient systems, offering a smooth experience with minimal lag or freezing. For those seeking an open, feature-rich system that maximizes the potential of their TV, Google TV is the best option.

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 control and fast 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 an imprecise manner, giving the impression that the translation was done "on the fly." Some terms are incomprehensible, especially for people who have not previously interacted with other TVs, which may hinder the use of the device.

In terms of user features, the Z95A performs very well. Options such as USB recording, support for the PiP (picture-in-picture) feature, AirPlay, and Miracast can be found here. Thanks to this, the television offers versatility and meets most of the requirements 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

The built-in player in the Sony Bravia 9 performs well, handling a wide range of media files with ease. However, it does have a few limitations. Notably, it does not support certain subtitle formats like .sub or .txt, and its image format support is limited to JPEG and HEIC, which may be a drawback for users with diverse media collections. That said, these shortcomings are not major issues, as the ability to install third-party applications like VLC or KODI provides an easy workaround for those seeking broader compatibility. Overall, the built-in player offers solid performance, and with the flexibility of additional apps, users can enjoy almost any media format without trouble.

As we mentioned earlier, the Fire TV system in the Panasonic Z95A has some issues with supporting the Polish language, which unfortunately is also visible when playing files from USB memory. 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 movies. If correct display of Polish characters is important for 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

9.4/10

8.7/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    9.4/10
    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

We must admit that the sound from the Sony Bravia 9 impressed us. While we anticipated high-quality audio from such a top-tier product, the sound quality exceeded expectations. Every instrument is distinguishable, and the bass adds a solid depth to the overall experience. Without a doubt, this is the best-sounding television we've had the opportunity to test. Of course, we understand that many buyers of this kind of premium TV will already own a home theatre system. Thankfully, the Bravia 9 supports DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos, meaning there are no significant obstacles when connecting it to more advanced audio setups. This ensures a seamless integration for those looking to enhance their audio experience even further.

The sound in Panasonic Z95A is one of its strong points, mainly due to the built-in soundbar, which provides impressive audio experiences. The support for Dolby Atmos makes the sound spatial and deep, 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 movies 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.