The Panasonic Z95B OLED TV, launched as the brand’s 2025 flagship, has garnered attention for its next-gen RGB tandem OLED display, Technics-tuned 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos sound system, and competitive pricing against rivals like the LG G5 and Samsung S95F. Available in 55-inch to 77-inch sizes, it boasts advanced features like Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, and a robust gaming suite with 4K/144Hz support. Its built-in speakers are among the best in any TV, potentially eliminating the need for a separate soundbar. However, despite these strengths, the Z95B has notable drawbacks that may make it less appealing for certain buyers.
Drawing from a detailed YouTube review, this blog outlines the top 5 reasons to avoid the Panasonic Z95B, while also highlighting its strengths and suggesting alternatives to help UK and US buyers make an informed decision in 2025.
Overview of the Panasonic Z95B OLED TV
Here’s a quick rundown of the Z95B’s key specifications:
- Price: Competitive with LG G5 and Samsung S95F (exact pricing varies by region and size, typically around £2,000–£3,500 for 55–77 inches in the UK).
- Display: Next-gen RGB tandem OLED, 55–77 inches, up to 2,100 nits peak brightness (10% window), 347 nits full-screen, 99.9% DCI-P3 coverage.
- Sound: 5.1.2-channel 160W Technics-tuned speaker system with Dolby Atmos, Space Tune, and Sound Focus beam-forming.
- Software: Amazon Fire TV with MagicOS 9, supporting personalized profiles and voice control.
- Gaming: Two HDMI 2.1 ports (4K/144Hz, VRR, AMD FreeSync, Nvidia G-Sync), 12.7ms input lag, True Game Mode.
- Other Features: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, Filmmaker Mode, Netflix/Prime Video calibrated modes, swivel stand.
The Z95B excels in sound quality and picture accuracy, but its limitations in usability, gaming, and bright-room performance could deter some buyers. Let’s explore the reasons to reconsider this TV.
Strengths of the Panasonic Z95B
To maintain fairness, the Z95B has several compelling features:
- Outstanding Audio: The 5.1.2-channel 160W speaker system delivers immersive Dolby Atmos sound with clear dialogue, strong bass, and precise spatial effects, outperforming most built-in TV speakers.
- Accurate Picture Quality: With 99.9% DCI-P3 coverage and near-perfect out-of-the-box color and grayscale accuracy, it’s a top choice for cinephiles, especially in dim lighting.
- Versatile HDR Support: Unique in the US for supporting both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, enhanced by adaptive modes for varying light conditions.
- Premium Design: A sleek dark gray fabric mesh over the speakers and a swivel metal stand ensure aesthetic and functional appeal.
- Robust Connectivity: Includes two HDMI 2.1 ports, optical audio, 3.5mm jack (with subwoofer support), ATSC 3.0 tuner, USB, Ethernet, and IR blaster.
Despite these strengths, the Z95B falls short in critical areas that impact its value proposition for a £2,000+ premium OLED TV.
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the Panasonic Z95B OLED TV
1. Overly Complex Picture Settings
The Z95B prioritizes picture accuracy over raw brightness, using modes like Filmmaker, True Cinema, and Cinema that cap peak brightness at 992 nits (10% window) for most HDR content mastered at 1,000 nits. While boosting the source can achieve 2,100 nits, matching the LG G5, this requires diving into complex HDR submenus to adjust EOTF, tone mapping, or luminance clipping—settings like Rec.2020, DCI-P3, or Adobe gamuts that are intimidating for casual users.
Unlike the Samsung S95F, which offers simpler bright-room presets, the Z95B’s reliance on manual tweaks makes it less user-friendly, especially for those who prefer plug-and-play simplicity. This complexity, designed for post-production professionals, overwhelms the average viewer.
2. Suboptimal Bright-Room Performance
Despite its advanced RGB tandem OLED panel and aerodynamic cooling, the Z95B struggles in bright rooms. Its anti-reflection screen reduces glare to an extent, but mirror-like reflections from lamps or overhead lights persist, and contrast diminishes in well-lit environments. Full-screen brightness in Filmmaker Mode is solid at 347 nits, but peak brightness (992 nits in default settings) lags behind the LG G5 (over 2,000 nits) and Samsung S95F.
For users with living rooms exposed to daylight or bright lighting, competitors like the LG G5 or Sony Bravia 9, with superior brightness and glare resistance, are better suited, making the Z95B less versatile for varied viewing conditions.
3. Limited Gaming Capabilities
The Z95B offers solid gaming features, including two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K/144Hz, VRR (FreeSync and G-Sync), and a 12.7ms input lag, alongside a True Game Mode and Game Board menu for quick adjustments. However, it falls short of rivals like the Samsung S95F and LG G5, which boast four HDMI 2.1 ports, lower input lag (around 9ms), and better cloud gaming support via apps like Xbox.
The Z95B’s gaming performance is adequate for most, but serious gamers or those with multiple next-gen consoles (e.g., PS5, Xbox Series X) may find the limited port selection and slightly higher lag restrictive, especially at this premium price point.
4. Flimsy and Dated Remote Control
The Z95B inherits the same flimsy remote as its predecessor, the Z95A, which feels out of place for a flagship OLED TV. Lacking a dedicated input select button (a notable annoyance in the US), it requires configuration to switch inputs, adding unnecessary steps. The remote’s lightweight plastic build and lack of premium tactile feedback contrast with the TV’s high-end design. Competitors like Sony and LG provide more robust, intuitive remotes with backlit buttons and direct input access, enhancing usability. For a £2,000+ TV, this outdated remote detracts from the premium experience, especially for frequent menu navigators.
5. Fire TV Interface Cluttered with Ads
The Z95B uses Amazon’s Fire TV platform, which offers personalized profiles, voice control, and extensive streaming app support. However, the interface is cluttered, with the top half dominated by ads for Amazon’s streaming and VOD services, reducing the premium feel of a high-end OLED. Navigation feels less intuitive than Samsung’s Tizen or LG’s webOS, and the ad-heavy layout can frustrate users seeking a streamlined experience. While Fire TV excels for antenna users with customizable channel grids, its cluttered design and lack of refinement compared to competitors make it a weak point for a TV of this caliber.
Additional Considerations
Beyond the core issues, the Z95B has other drawbacks. Its 2-inch depth, driven by the speaker array and cooling system, makes it bulkier than slimmer OLEDs like the LG G5. The Space Tune audio calibration produces overly bright presets, requiring manual tweaks via an 8-band EQ or user settings. The virtual 5.1 upmixing falls short of true rear-channel immersion, limiting its Dolby Atmos impact compared to dedicated soundbars. Additionally, the lack of a fingerprint sensor and reliance on voice or PIN for navigation adds minor inconvenience.
Alternatives to Consider
For buyers in the UK or US, these alternatives address the Z95B’s shortcomings:
- LG G5 OLED: Offers brighter peak performance (over 2,000 nits), four HDMI 2.1 ports, lower input lag, and a cleaner webOS interface, ideal for bright rooms and gamers.
- Samsung S95F OLED: Delivers superior brightness, four HDMI 2.1 ports, and a sleek Tizen OS, though its audio is less impressive without a soundbar.
- Sony Bravia 82 OLED: Matches the Z95B’s picture accuracy with better bright-room performance and a premium remote, though slightly pricier.
- Samsung QN90D Mini-LED: A brighter alternative for well-lit rooms, with excellent gaming features and a less ad-heavy interface.
These options provide better usability, gaming support, or bright-room performance, depending on your priorities.
The Panasonic Z95B OLED TV impresses with its class-leading 5.1.2-channel audio, accurate picture quality, and versatile HDR support, making it a strong contender for cinephiles and those prioritizing built-in sound. However, its complex picture settings, poor bright-room performance, limited gaming features, flimsy remote, and ad-heavy Fire TV interface make it a risky choice at £2,000+. Alternatives like the LG G5 or Samsung S95F offer better usability and versatility for most buyers. If audio and color accuracy are your top priorities, the Z95B is worth considering—but for a more balanced premium OLED experience, look elsewhere. Share your thoughts on the Z95B in the comments below!
