Panasonic has introduced the initial two models of its 2025 television lineup at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. The company seems to be maintaining its dual-track strategy, offering both an OLED model and a premium Mini LED screen variant, thereby providing consumers with options.
Panasonic Z95B: OLED flagship
The latest OLED flagship represents a significant redesign of the Z95 (previously known as the TX-MZ) series. The Z95B features a fresh aesthetic, advanced OLED panel technology, and an upgraded speaker system. According to the manufacturer, this television is entirely new.
Similar to the recently unveiled LG G5, Panasonic has moved away from MLA-OLED technology, opting instead for a new multi-layer OLED stack panel architecture. This new display is referred to as a “Primary RBG Tandem Panel” and is paired with an innovative ThermalFlow cooling system, inspired by the aerodynamics of Formula 1 racing. The manufacturer asserts that this combination results in a panel capable of delivering exceptional brightness, high contrast, and remarkable color volume. While Panasonic has not disclosed specific metrics regarding brightness in nits or percentage improvements over the Z95A, it is widely believed that the Z95B surpasses its predecessor in brightness, which raises the question of why Panasonic would introduce a new model otherwise.
The panel is driven by Panasonic’s latest HCX Pro AI Processor MK II, which incorporates the brand’s 4K Remaster Engine. This technology is designed to enhance picture quality during streaming by utilizing AI and mathematical modeling to produce sharp, natural images while minimizing streaming noise.
Additionally, the new processor supports Dolby Vision IQ with Precision Detail, utilizing an ambient light sensor to optimize the picture for enhanced texture, depth, and detail in darker scenes based on the surrounding light conditions. For gamers, Dolby Vision Gaming is available at up to 144Hz on PC, while console users can enjoy 4K/120Hz gaming with VRR and ALLM through the dual HDMI 2.1 ports.
Moreover, Panasonic has revamped the built-in Technics-tuned Dolby Atmos sound system, resulting in enhanced audio quality and a more streamlined design. By incorporating new line array side-firing and height speakers into the edges of the TV’s chassis, Panasonic has successfully replaced the bulky enclosure found on the Z95A and TX-MZ2000 with a sleeker, modern profile.
Panasonic asserts that the audio performance remains unaffected; in fact, it guarantees a broad and dynamic soundstage. The enhanced subwoofer, featuring a passive radiator, is designed to boost bass power from 20 watts to 30 watts. Additionally, the Z95B showcases a refined fabric mesh design that envelops the speakers, providing a sleek and subtle aesthetic that is likely to complement various living room settings.
Panasonic W95B: mini LED television
The W95B represents Panasonic’s latest flagship mini LED television. The manufacturer asserts that it provides an enhanced viewing experience characterized by superior contrast, an expanded dynamic range, and vibrant, realistic colors, along with advancements in Dynamic HDR.
Panasonic emphasizes its commitment to backlight control in this model. The W95B features 2.5 times the number of backlighting zones compared to its predecessor, the W95A. This increased number of zones, combined with more precise control over each LED, is expected to enhance black depth, improve contrast, and reduce blooming in darker scenes.
Additionally, this model boasts improved color stability through the incorporation of a high color gamut backlight system. This system utilizes a phosphor-based backlight that adjusts in real-time to deliver vivid and accurate colors. Moreover, the introduction of Hybrid Tone Mapping aims to enhance HDR performance by analyzing individual scenes and adjusting the tone mapping accordingly, resulting in vibrant, lifelike images even in brightly lit areas.
The W95B features a display driven by the same HCX Pro AI Processor MK II found in the Z95B OLED model, offering 144Hz support and Dolby Vision capabilities. Additionally, it includes a built-in 20W subwoofer, enhancing audio quality with richer bass.
The Z95B, W95B, and W70B (the latter being a budget-friendly LCD model exclusive to the US) all operate on Amazon’s Fire TV platform, a result of the collaboration between Panasonic and Amazon established last year. This partnership will also introduce the Prime Video Calibrated Mode picture feature to both models later this year.
Both flagship models are set to launch in the US, marking the second generation of Panasonic TVs to enter the American market since the company resumed operations there in 2024 after a ten-year absence.
Details regarding pricing and availability are still pending; however, it is confirmed that the Z95B will be available in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch sizes, while the W95B will be offered in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch options.
