The Panasonic Z90A series represents the latest iteration following the flagship model, featuring a display that utilizes Master OLED Pro technology for enhanced brightness. It succeeds the MZ1500E series and is now integrated with the Amazon Fire TV platform. Like the Panasonic Z95A, this new model stands as the pinnacle offering from the Japanese brand.
Equipped with an OLED panel sourced from LG Display, this television is designed to achieve impressive peak brightness, akin to the LG C4 series, while ensuring optimal calibration for an exceptional viewing experience of movies and television programs. This series also boasts the capability to display video signals from a PC at a refresh rate of 144Hz.
Design
The Panasonic series exhibits a consistent design language across its models. The Panasonic TV-65Z90A shares an identical aesthetic with the MZ1500 series from 2023, which closely resembles the LZ1000 series from 2022. A soundbar runs the full width of the screen, measuring 6 cm in height for the 65-inch variant, enhancing the overall visual experience.
The television is supported by a stand featuring a metal circular base with a diameter of 38 cm and a depth of 35 cm, allowing for a 15-degree swivel to either side for optimal viewing angles. It is important to note that the OLED technology provides wide viewing angles, ensuring that viewers positioned at the sides experience image quality comparable to those seated directly in front.
On the rear of the Panasonic 65Z90A, the built-in audio system found in the Panasonic Z95A is absent. The section of the back panel housing the electronics and subwoofer measures approximately 6.9 cm in thickness, while the OLED panel itself remains at a slim 4 mm, consistent with previous models. The TV is compatible with wall mounting using a VESA 300×300 bracket.
All ports and connectors are directed sideways or downwards so as not to interfere with the Z90A model being placed closer to the wall.
All ports and connectors are oriented either sideways or downward to facilitate closer wall placement of the Z90A model. The matrix frame is notably thin and black, measuring just 6 mm at the front, which maximizes the display area. The overall build quality of the television is exceptional.
The Panasonic Z90A series features a thoroughly revamped remote control. While it remains sizable and somewhat weighty, it still lacks backlighting for the buttons. A specific button is included for swiftly switching picture modes. Additionally, there are several keys assigned to popular streaming services, including Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Amazon Music, along with a button for a favorite app.
The blue button activates the Amazon Alexa voice assistant, allowing for quick access to TV settings and the home screen. The media playback controls are user-friendly, and there are number keys available for direct channel access when required.
Image quality
The TV-65Z90A features a Master OLED Pro WOLED panel equipped with a cooling plate, enabling it to achieve impressive peak brightness levels. This model serves as an alternative to the QD-OLED panels found in the Sony A95L, Samsung S95C, and Samsung S95D. The Panasonic Z90A series is compatible with various video formats, including HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, and Dolby Vision IQ, and it includes an ambient light sensor.
Panasonic Z90A
There is a broad selection of preset modes available, but the Filmmaker mode consistently delivers the best performance for both SDR and HDR content. The integrated artificial intelligence detects the type of content being viewed and automatically adjusts to the appropriate picture mode. The television is powered by the advanced HCX Pro AI MK II chipset, which enhances its performance significantly.
Scaling is executed with remarkable accuracy, resulting in satisfactory image sharpness. Motion compensation is handled adeptly, providing detailed and smooth visuals without any noticeable stuttering. Additionally, the previous series’ issues with posterization effects (irregular color gradients) have been effectively addressed.
The average Delta E color error for HDR is an impressive 0.93 right out of the box, indicating that no further calibration is necessary. The peak brightness has been improved from the previous series, reaching 930 nits, which is a commendable figure, nearly matching the LG C4’s 935 nits.
The Panasonic Z90A TV demonstrates a coverage of 97.60% within the Rec.709 color space for television programming. In comparison, its performance in the DCI-P3 and BT 2020 color spaces is 95.16% and 73.13%, respectively, while the QD-OLED panel achieves 99.88% for DCI-P3 and 89% for BT.2020.
Regarding the anti-glare filter, it is less effective than that of the Z95A model. While it manages to reduce glare from small light sources positioned in front of the TV, it falls short against bright windows during the day. Additionally, the processing capabilities of the Z90A do not match those of the Samsung S95D, which excels in managing various light sources, even in bright daylight conditions.
Games
The Z90A offers compatibility with 144Hz, making it an excellent choice for gaming PC users. It also features support for G-Sync (Nvidia) and FreeSync Premium (AMD). In terms of input lag, the Z90A series excels with a measurement of 12.6ms (8.9ms in 60Hz mode). However, gamers may find the limited number of HDMI 2.1 ports to be a drawback.
For those with multiple devices, such as a console and a gaming PC, the two available ports may not suffice, especially if they wish to connect a soundbar simultaneously. Additionally, the TV supports the Dolby Vision gaming format at 120 frames per second and accommodates HFR and VRR standards at 144 frames per second with Ultra HD resolution.
The Game Bar (or Toolbar) provides details about audio and video signals, but users must navigate through the settings to access it, with a loading time of approximately 2-3 seconds. A new feature for 2024 is the Night Visibility mode, which allows users to adjust the black level to their preference.
Smart TV
The Panasonic TV-65Z90A distinguishes itself from the brand’s earlier premium models by utilizing the Amazon Fire TV system for its controls. In partnership with Amazon, the manufacturer has successfully created an interface that provides access to a wide array of applications while maintaining high image quality—something that would not have been achievable with Google’s Google TV interface.
The Fire TV interface on the Panasonic Z90A offers a user-friendly overview of available content. It supports profile management for up to six family members, facilitates access to video inputs, enables quick navigation to favorite media, allows for content searches, and displays current television programs. Additionally, there is a customizable app feed.
The Fire TV interface on the Panasonic Z90A TV gives you a clear view of your content.
Fire TV features its own app store, addressing a significant limitation of the previous MyHomeScreen system used by Panasonic, which lacked certain applications. Users can access the settings dashboard directly from the Fire TV home page, where the control panels are extensive, catering to those who wish to tailor the TV experience to their preferences.
Sound
The primary distinction between the Z90A and the Z95A lies in their sound processing capabilities. The Z95A features a standard 2.1 audio system, comprising two 15W speakers and a 20W subwoofer, complemented by two passive radiators. This year, Panasonic has unveiled a new enhancement known as Dynamic Theater Surround Pro, which elevates the audio experience to a more immersive level.
Even at lower volume settings, dialogue remains crystal clear. The reproduction of high and mid frequencies is exceptionally precise, while the bass is adequately present. This television allows viewers to enjoy films without the necessity of an additional soundbar, except for models equipped with rear surround speakers. However, it lacks the option to connect these speakers wirelessly.
Connections
As usual, the ports are divided into two poles. Some of them are facing downwards, while others are facing the side.
The ports are typically organized into two distinct orientations. Some are positioned downward, while others are oriented to the side. The device includes four HDMI ports, two of which conform to the 2.1 standard, with one supporting eARC functionality. Additionally, there are three USB ports, one of which is USB 3.0, along with an Ethernet port. It also features a headphone output that can accommodate a subwoofer, a digital optical audio output, and antenna jacks. Furthermore, there is a PCMCIA port, in addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options.
Conclusion
Although it may not match the brightness of the Sony Bravia 9, the Panasonic Z90A stands strong against leading models from LG and Samsung. For optimal viewing, it performs best in a semi-dark environment, although its built-in sensors can still deliver a compelling picture in well-lit conditions.
Gamers will find this TV packed with features that cater to even the most advanced gaming PCs. Its integration with Fire TV is a notable highlight, enabling access to a wide range of apps with Alexa readily available. The Z90A excels across various content types, making it a versatile choice for all viewing preferences.