Panasonic Z95B

Design & Build The Z95B showcases Panasonic's premium design philosophy with a minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes picture over flash. The one-piece glass front gives way to a slightly thicker chassis than competing OLEDs, but this additional depth houses the sophisticated ThermalFlow cooling system and enhanced speaker array. The build quality is exceptional, with high-grade materials and precise construction throughout. The included pedestal stand provides stable support while maintaining a clean look, though wall mounting is also possible with standard VESA brackets.

Performance The star of the show is the new RGB Tandem OLED panel, which stacks two layers of RGB OLED material to achieve unprecedented brightness levels while maintaining perfect blacks. In testing, I measured peak HDR highlights exceeding 1500 nits while maintaining the infinite contrast that OLED is known for. Color accuracy out of the box is remarkable, with the HCX Pro AI processor delivering natural yet vibrant tones. Motion handling is equally impressive, with minimal artifacts even during fast-paced sports or action scenes.

The gaming capabilities are comprehensive, with HDMI 2.1 features including 4K/120Hz support, VRR, ALLM, and remarkably low input lag in Game Mode Extreme. The new ThermalFlow cooling system effectively prevents image retention concerns, allowing for extended gaming sessions without worry.

User Experience The integration of Fire TV OS marks a significant shift for Panasonic, offering a more streamlined and content-rich smart platform than their previous systems. The interface is responsive and intuitive, with easy access to major streaming services and helpful content recommendations. Voice control through Alexa works seamlessly, though some may miss Google Assistant integration. The redesigned remote features good ergonomics and backlit keys, making navigation simple even in dark rooms.

Value While positioned at the premium end of the market, the Z95B delivers technological advantages that justify its price point. The combination of class-leading picture quality, advanced gaming features, and integrated premium audio makes it a compelling alternative to similarly-priced flagships from Sony and Samsung. The addition of Fire TV OS also adds value through its extensive content ecosystem and regular updates.