The Complete Panasonic TV Buyers Guide
Panasonic’s 2024 TV lineup is here, and with an array of new TVs, they’re looking to take the fight to the likes of Sony, LG, and Samsung. Headed by the Panasonic Z95A, which earned the "Best in Class" award at CES earlier this year.
Panasonic's 2024 lineup also includes a range of other fantastic LED, Full Array, Mini LED, and OLED options to suit a variety of budgets and viewing preferences.
Along with their second-generation MLA OLED panel, Panasonic has also reiterated their commitment to cinema-like picture quality with their brand new and improved HCX Pro AI Processor MKII, boasting advanced features to ensure crisp, natural-looking visuals.
Panasonic has also gone a long way towards improving their smart software this year, with the majority of their new TVs powered by Amazon’s Fire TV OS.
Panasonic TVs have long been a top pick of ours at Smart Home Sounds, so we're eager to see what they have in store for 2024.
Know which TV model(s) you're interested in? Skip Ahead:
Panasonic W60A Panasonic W80A Panasonic W90A Panasonic W95A Panasonic MZ800 | Panasonic Z80A Panasonic Z85A Panasonic Z90A Panasonic Z93A Panasonic Z95A |
Panasonic TV Names Explained
As you probably know, TV model names can be a bit of a puzzle. Panasonic is no exception. We've put together a guide to make it easier to understand what you're getting.
TV = sale region, with ‘TV’ representing the UK
55 = screen size in inches (measured diagonally)
Z = Panel Type, with Z representing OLED (W = LCD
95 = Product series (the higher the number, the more premium the model)
A = Model Year (A = 2024)
EB = Retailer specific information
What's New This Year?
HCX Pro AI Processor MK III
For 2024, Panasonic has introduced their new flagship processor, the HCX Pro AI Processor MK II, a powerful chip that elevates the performance of many of the top-tier models in the lineup.
This processor features a revamped 4K Remaster Engine, which utilises AI and mathematical models to deliver crisper, more natural-looking streaming images. Additionally, the MK II version also improves colour gradation, reducing banding in HDR content.
Filmmaker Mode with Dolby Vision IQ Precision Detail
While not technically new, Panasonic's commitment to cinematic quality still remains pretty strong. Their Filmmaker Mode with Intelligent Sensing returns for 2024, ensuring accurate picture settings for a more authentic viewing experience. However, Panasonic has also introduced new Dolby Vision IQ Precision Detail, which leverages the same sensor to deliver more detail and contrast than before.
Fire TV OS
In previous years, Panasonic faced some criticism for their plethora of smart TV software. However, the company has made significant strides in 2024. The majority of their new TV models now run on Amazon's Fire TV OS, providing a more user-friendly and feature-rich experience across the board. While there are a few exceptions, the overall consistency is a positive development.
Panasonic 2024 TV Lineup Breakdown
Those are some of the standout features of the new lineup. But what are the specifics?
Panasonic W60A LED TV
Panel Type: LED
Available Sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch
Panasonic’s entry-level LED TV is the W60A. While we won't go into great detail, the W60A is a solid, entry-level smart TV, replacing last year's MX600, and is available in a range of sizes from 43” to 65”.
It's got a pretty basic 60Hz 4K HDR Bright panel and the entry-level 4K HDR Bright processor, but it does offer support for Dolby Atmos audio and a range of HDR formats, which is a nice plus.
Potentially the biggest new feature on this TV is the new Freely guide. It replaces Freeview Play, and it's on all of Panasonic's 4K TVs from here on up. However, the W60A boasts a TIVO operating system rather than the Fire TV found in models higher up in the range.
Naturally, as an entry-level TV, the W60A won’t offer top picture quality, but it does come with an entry-level price tag that will make it a great option for secondary spaces within the home.
Panasonic W60A Specs:
Operating system: TIVO
Display type: 4K HDR Bright Panel
Resolution: 4K
Processor: 4K HDR Bright Processor
Gaming features: Game Mode
Sound: Surround Sound
See Latest Panasonic W60A Pricing:
Panasonic TV-43W60AEB: £449
Panasonic TV-50W60AEB: £499
Panasonic TV-55W60AEB: £599
Panasonic TV-65W60AEB: £749
Panasonic W80A LED TV
Panel Type: LED
Available Sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch
The Panasonic W80A is the brand's ‘Core LED’ model, and this marks a decent step up as it’s the first TV in their 2024 lineup to feature Fire TV as standard. This ensures some added benefits like Alexa support, multiple user profiles, and Apple AirPlay and Google Homekit compatibility.
Built to replace last year's MX800, this TV boasts a sleek pedestal stand rather than the feet from that model, and it also benefits from an upgrade to the HCX Processor. Admittedly, this isn’t the best processor in the Panasonic range, but it is a decent upgrade that features Panasonic’s Hollywood cinema experience chip for a more natural picture across the board.
Again, while this is still a pretty standard 4K LED model, this TV supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Panasonic’s HDR Bright Panel Plus technology promises a 30% brightness boost over the W60A, according to Panasonic, and a QD-layer further enhances colour volume for a more vibrant picture overall.
If we’re talking gaming, this is also a pretty decent option for those looking to keep costs down. No, it's not the best out there; it’s capped at a 60Hz refresh rate, and there’s no full 2.1 HDMI support, but you will benefit from three HDMI 2.0 ports with a couple of extra features like a dedicated game mode, ALLM and VRR, so it's a pretty good mid-range gaming option.
Audio-wise, the W80A uses Panasonic's standard surround sound. You might be able to find a W83A version of this TV in certain regions, and this essentially steps up the sound processing to Panasonic’s Surround Sound Pro with a built-in subwoofer.
Panasonic W80A Specs:
Operating system: Fire TV
Display type: 4K HDR Bright Panel Plus
Resolution: 4K
Processor: HCX Processor
Gaming features: Game Mode Extreme with Game Control Board
Sound: Panasonic Surround Sound
See Latest Panasonic W80A Pricing:
Panasonic TV-43W80AEB: £599
Panasonic TV-50W80AEB: TBC
Panasonic TV-55W80AEB: TBC
Panasonic TV-65W80AEB: £999
Panasonic W90A Full-Array LED TV
Panel Type: Full Array LED
Available Sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch
Time to step out of entry-level LCDs and into that higher-performance bracket with the Pansonic W90A. This is one of Panasonic's premium 4K LED TVs, and it's a totally new addition to the lineup rather than a replacement.
The W90A is Panasonic's only Full Array model in the lineup, which, for those that aren’t aware, is a step up in panel technology as the whole panel is backlit rather than edge-lit. This technology also uses a feature called ‘Local Dimming Supreme’, which is a more precise way to dim certain areas of the screen, so you can expect darker, deeper and richer images with more accurate shadows that feel more lifelike and realistic.
It’s a big upgrade on the technology we’ve covered in the previous models and definitely a step in the right direction if you’re looking for improved visuals.
Along with the upgraded panel technology, the W90A is also where Panasonic's flagship HCX Pro AI Processor MK II comes in (the same chipset found in high-end OLED models in this lineup) and this helps to improve performance considerably, offering more accurate colour, contrast, and clarity that’s especially good for fast-moving content like sports and games.
The Panasonic W80A offers a wealth of features for both movie buffs and gamers. For stunning visuals, enjoy support for multiple HDR formats like HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive, and Dolby Vision IQ.
Gamers will appreciate the upgraded gaming features, including two HDMI 2.1 ports with up to 144Hz support, VRR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync certification. The new Enhanced Game Mode Extreme allows you to customise your settings for optimal performance.
The sound performance is similar to the W80A, with Dolby Atmos support. And while the design is slightly different with a split-leg stand, it's still available in the same size options (43–65 inches).
Panasonic W90A Specs:
Operating system: Fire TV
Display type: Full Array LED
Resolution: 4K
Processor: HCX Pro AI Processor MKII
Gaming features: Game Mode Extreme and Game Control Board
Sound: Panasonic Theatre Surround
See Latest Panasonic W90A Pricing:
Panasonic TV-43W90AEB: £899
Panasonic TV-50W90AEB: £999
Panasonic TV-55W90AEB: £1,199
Panasonic TV-65W90AEB: £1,499
Panasonic W95A Mini LED TV
Panel Type: Mini LED
Available Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch
Replacing last year’s MX950, the W95A is Panasonic’s top-of-the-range LCD TV this year, and it’s the sole Mini LED in the lineup.
This technology takes the Full Array concept of the W90A a step further by using thousands of ‘Mini LEDs’ to illuminate the screen. This means this TV has even finer control over the backlight than the previous model, dramatically improving brightness, contrast, black levels, highlights and its defence against haloing, pushing the picture quality much closer to something like OLED.
We also step up to ‘Local Dimming Ultra’ with this one too, which again, helps to give that backlight even more precise control over what you’re seeing on screen.
In terms of all the other specifications, the W95A isn’t all that different from the W90A. It's still powered by the same flagship processor with all the same HDR support, Fire OS and the same full suite of gaming features with up to 144Hz support. The main differences are that it's available in smaller screen sizes (55 and 65 inches) and includes Panasonic's Dynamic Theatre Surround Sound for improved audio quality with an additional subwoofer.
If you’re in the market for a 55” or 65” TV from Panasonic, we see the W95A as a bit of a dark horse in the lineup this year, especially if you’re not all in on OLED.
Mini LED as a whole is a fast-growing TV technology, and while the W95A might not yet be at the level of some of Panasonic's higher-end OLEDs, this model clearly demonstrates the technology's potential and, in particular, would be a good option if you’ve got a light, bright space.
Panasonic W95A Specs:
Operating system: Fire TV
Display type: Mini LED
Resolution: 4K
Processor: HCX Pro AI Processor MKII
Gaming features: Game Mode Extreme and Game Control Board
Sound: Dynamic Theatre Surround
See Latest Panasonic W95A Pricing:
Panasonic TV-55W95AEB: £1,599
Panasonic TV-65W95AEB: £1,899
Panasonic's OLED Options
When it comes to Panasonic’s OLED options, they’ve expanded their lineup. So, compared to last year’s four models, we now have six to choose from: the entry-level Z80A, Z85A, Z90A, Z93A, and the flagship MLA-OLED Z95A, as well as the returning MZ800 too.
Like a lot of brands, Panasonic has backed OLED for a while now. Unlike LED TVs, OLEDs don't require a backlight. Instead, each pixel is its own light source, which is important because it means we have far more control over picture quality with deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colours.
OLED TVs have traditionally faced challenges in reaching the same peak brightness levels as LED TVs, but recent innovations like the introduction of QD-OLED and MLA technology have significantly improved their performance in this area, hence why Panasonic has introduced MLA technology in the Z95A.
Panasonic MZ800 OLED TV
Panel Type: OLED
Available Sizes: 42-inch, 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch
Continuing on from 2023, the Panasonic MZ800 is one of only two models in Panasonic's lineup available in a 42-inch screen size.
As Panasonic's most affordable OLED and a carry-on model, naturally there’s some sacrifice to be made compared to the better models in the range. Namely, you've got a standard OLED panel and the 4K Colour Engine Pro processor instead of the beefier HCX Pro AI MK II.
The MZ800 also misses out on Filmmaker and True Game modes, sticking with Panasonic's regular game mode with HDMI 2.1 and ALLM. Sound-wise, it's got Panasonic's Dynamic Surround Sound with Dolby Atmos, but there is a built-in subwoofer with this one.
Design-wise, it features a minimalist frameless design, and it also runs on Android TV instead of Fire OS.
Panasonic MZ800 Specs:
Operating system: Android TV
Display type: OLED
Resolution: 4K
Processor: 4K Colour Engine Pro
Gaming features: Game Mode
Sound: Surround Sound
See Latest Panasonic MZ800 Pricing:
Panasonic TX-42MZ800B: £899
Panasonic TX-48MZ800B: £999
Panasonic TX-55MZ800B: £1,099
Panasonic TX-65MZ800B: £1,499
Panasonic Z80A OLED TV
Panel Type: OLED
Available Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch
The first new OLED this year is the Z80A, and this is only available in 55 or 65-inch screen sizes. However, keen-eyed readers will notice there is also a 48-inch model available outside of the UK.
Being the entry-level model, there are some compromises that have been made with this TV to keep the costs down. The first is that we’re looking at a standard WOLED panel, not the fancy technology we’ll see higher up the range. The processor is also a step down from the top-tier models, being the standard HCX version.
In terms of HDR, this TV does handle Dolby Vision, HLG and HDR10+ Adaptive and this is also coupled with audio enhanced by Panasonic’s Surround Sound Pro along with Dolby Atmos.
In terms of gaming specifications, these sets still retain Panasonic’s latest game features, including Game Mode Extreme, two HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, Nvidia G-Sync & AMD FreeSync Premium. The only thing to keep in mind is that this TV is limited to a 120Hz refresh rate, not the 144Hz of some of the other models mentioned in this blog.
Unlike last year's MZ800 OLED with Android OS, this year's Z80A runs Fire TV like the majority of the lineup, and it also comes with an elegant borderless design that can be either wall-mounted or free-standing with the included pedestal stand.
No, this isn't the top-of-the-range option for those who want the absolute best of the best. But if you're after a pretty competent OLED TV that doesn’t break the bank, it’s worth considering.
Panasonic Z80A Specs:
Operating system: Fire TV
Display type: OLED
Resolution: 4K
Processor: HCX Processor
Gaming features: Game Mode Extreme and Game Control Board
Sound: Surround Sound Pro
See Latest Panasonic Z80A Pricing:
Panasonic TV-55Z80AEB: £1,599
Panasonic TV-65Z80AEB: £2,099
Panasonic Z85A OLED TV
Panel Type: OLED
Available Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch
Available in the same 55 and 65” sizes as the previous model, the Z85A sits comfortably between the Z80A and the more premium Z90A.
While sharing the same WOLED panel and offering similar brightness and contrast levels as the Z80A, the Z85A benefits from the upgraded HCX Pro AI Processor MK II, meaning you can expect better colour accuracy and improved picture processing with this TV.
It also takes a step forward in audio, boasting Panasonic’s Theatre Surround Pro, supported by Dolby Atmos with a subwoofer built-in, so you can expect slightly more immersive audio.
The Z85A still delivers all the same impressive gaming capabilities as the previous model, but it’s capped at 120Hz like the previous model too, which is a bit of a shame.
Overall, the Z85A is a pretty balanced package and a good choice for those looking for a high-quality OLED TV without the premium price tag of the top-tier model. It’s a step up from the majority of the LEDs we’ve been through earlier, but if you’re looking to see what OLED can really do, we’d recommend stepping up in the range.
Panasonic Z85A Specs:
Operating system: Fire TV
Display type: OLED
Resolution: 4K
Processor: HCX Pro AI Processor MK II
Gaming features: Game Mode Extreme and Game Control Board
Sound: Theatre Surround Sound Pro
See Latest Panasonic Z85A Pricing:
Panasonic TV-55Z85AEB: £2,099
Panasonic TV-65Z85AEB: £2,499
Panasonic Z90A OLED TV
Panel Type: OLED
Available Sizes: 42-inch, 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch
Available in a wider range of sizes from 42” to 65", the Panasonic Z90A represents a big step up in both picture and sound quality in comparison to the Z85A.
While both models share the same flagship HCX Pro AI Mk II processor and WOLED screen, the 55 and 65” Z90A TVs feature a more refined OLED panel dubbed Master OLED Pro (the 42” and 48” versions have regular OLED).
This upgraded panel incorporates the heat sink brightness booster from Panasonic's top-tier OLEDs, which, as you might guess, considerably enhances brightness and overall picture quality.
In terms of sound, the Z90A gets a big step up with Panasonic's Dynamic Theatre Surround Pro system. This setup includes front-firing speakers integrated into the bottom of the screen (almost like a built-in 2.1ch soundbar) that’s available on all four screen sizes.
Now, this isn’t new technology for Panasonic, they’ve been pushing TVs with built-in soundbars for a while, but it's a sign of intent that they’re going all-in on it.
The Z90A also joins the Z80A in offering all the advanced gaming features, including 2 out of 4 HDMI ports with full 2.1 support, VRR, ALLM, and Panasonic’s Game Control Board. Plus, this one also steps up to a 144Hz refresh rate for ultra-low input lag, which is another nice plus too.
So, who’s it right for? Well, we see the Z90A tempting the same sort of people who would be interested in the LG C4, sitting just below the flagship model in the range. The built-in soundbar is a bonus, saving you money and space, and gamers will also appreciate the advanced featureset. While it might not be the absolute pinnacle of the range, it’s a very solid OLED TV to consider.
Panasonic Z90A Specs:
Operating system: Fire TV
Display type: Master OLED Pro
Resolution: 4K
Processor: HCX Pro AI Processor MK II
Gaming features: Game Mode Extreme and Game Control Board
Sound: Dynamic Theatre Surround Sound Pro
See Latest Panasonic Z90A Pricing:
Panasonic TV-42Z90AEB: £1,799
Panasonic TV-48Z90AEB: £1,899
Panasonic TV-55Z90AEB: £2,399
Panasonic TV-65Z90AEB: £3,099
Panasonic Z93A OLED TV
Panel Type: OLED
Available Sizes: 77-inch
Available only in a large-screen 77-inch size, the Panasonic Z93A is essentially a scaled-down version of the Z95A, and its sole purpose is to fill a much-needed gap in Panasonic’s lineup as a large-screen OLED option.
Now, while it shares the same sound and gaming capabilities with the top-tier Z95A (which we'll discuss shortly), the main thing you need to know about this model is that it doesn't feature MLA technology and therefore misses out on all the benefits that come with that.
Instead, this one uses the Master OLED PRO Cinema panel, which is essentially the same as the Z90A, just bigger, so you can expect pretty similar picture performance and brightness to that model.
Again, this is Panasonic’s answer to large-screen OLEDs, so if you’re looking for an OLED larger than 65 inches, this is your only option in the Panasonic lineup.
Panasonic Z93A Specs:
Operating system: Fire TV
Display type: Master OLED Pro Cinema
Resolution: 4K
Processor: HCX Pro AI Processor MK II
Gaming features: Game Mode Extreme and Game Control Board
Sound: Panasonic 360° Soundscape Pro
See Latest Panasonic Z93A Pricing:
Panasonic TV-77Z93AEB: £4,799
Panasonic Z95A MLA OLED TV
Panel Type: MLA OLED
Available Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch
As Panasonic's flagship OLED TV, the Z95A boasts a significantly brighter picture than any other OLED we’ve seen in the lineup so far, thanks to its cutting-edge Master OLED Ultimate panel with second-generation Micro Lens Array (or MLA) technology.
This second-generation MLA panel utilises 27 million tiny lenses to redirect all available light from inside the panel towards the user, resulting in a dramatically brighter image that doesn’t increase the TV's energy consumption.
Now, Panasonic claims the Z95A delivers the most accurate and natural colours of any TV while still maintaining truly accurate colours, and while we might have some more testing to do until we can confirm that, the fact of the matter is that the Z95A has the best panel Panasonic currently offers. It's a stunning display, but it does come with a premium price tag to match.
Along with all the visuals, this one once again boasts the Fire OS as well as all the best gaming features we’ve seen throughout all of the models, including that 144Hz support. It's worth noting that there’s still no step up to 4x HDMI 2.1 ports, which we would have liked to see at this price point.
In terms of sound quality, the Z95A sports a built-in soundbar, but we do step up to what Panasonic calls 360° Soundscape Pro with Dolby Atmos, which essentially allows users to make the most of this TV's 7.1-channel speaker system. So, alongside the front-firing speakers, it uses side- and up-firing speakers mounted to the rear with a unique beam-forming function to deliver the sound performance that has been tuned by Technics.
Design-wise, the Z95A’s blueprint is still very similar to last year’s MZ200; it has a slim black bezel with a slightly chunky back panel. The Z95A does have a circular, swivelable pedestal stand, whereas the Z93A has a square version that doesn’t swivel. All in all, though, a great flagship option, which will undoubtedly appeal to those after the best of the best.
Panasonic Z95A Specs:
Operating system: Fire TV
Display type: Master OLED Ultimate (MLA)
Resolution: 4K
Processor: HCX Pro AI Processor MK II
Gaming features: Game Mode Extreme and Game Control Board
Sound: Panasonic 360° Soundscape Pro
See Latest Panasonic Z95A Pricing:
Panasonic TV-55Z95AEB: £2,999
Panasonic TV-65Z95AEB: £3,899
Other Useful Content
Blog: LED vs OLED vs QLED - What do they mean and which is right for me?
Blog: How to Choose The Right TV Screen Size for You
Video: TV Panel Type Buying Guide: OLED vs QLED vs QNED vs Micro LED vs Mini LED & More
For more information about Panasonic TVs or any other TV products, get in touch and one of our Tech Guides would be happy to help!
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