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I tested the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF for two weeks and couldn’t get enough of its otherworldly performance
6:25 pm | April 30, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Two-minute review

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF gaming monitor resting on a desk with Marvel Rivals open

(Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Samsung’s Odyssey line of OLED gaming monitors provides some of the best displays in gaming, from the 32-inch G8 to the ultrawide monster that is the G9. For the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF, the South Korean electronics manufacturer delivers on its first 27-inch 4K OLED display by doing exactly what it does best when it comes to both image quality and sheer performance.

This begins with the overwhelmingly gorgeous display that offers an industry-leading 166 pixels per inch. On top of that, there’s HDR10+, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 and a panel with glare-free technology. This monitor can handle any tasks users will throw at it. From visually arresting single-player games to creative content making and everything else in between, the Odyssey OLED G81SF is something beautiful to look at. Having 1 billion max color support and 99% DCI coverage also makes this a fine choice for creatives as well.

Performance holds up just as impressively as image quality. The blistering 240Hz refresh rate delivers buttery smooth gameplay that’s ideal for competitive players, while the ultra-low 0.03ms response time ensures every action feels instantaneous. With support for FreeSync Premium Pro, the Odyssey OLED G81SF doesn’t just look incredible - it plays flawlessly too.

Together, these features set a new benchmark for what a high-end gaming monitor should be. Potential buyers with a suitable rig to play games like Marvel Rivals or Call of Duty Warzone at 4K/240 frames-per-second are going to find much to appreciate.

One of the main concerns for OLED gaming monitor owners is proper upkeep to preserve display longevity. That often means enduring long pixel refresh cycles or dealing with noisy fans meant to protect image quality. Thankfully, the Odyssey OLED G81SF takes a smarter approach with its Safeguard+ Dynamic Cooling System, which uses Pulsating Heat Pipe, which is said to cool five times faster than graphite.

Thermal Modulation also helps prevent overheating too. During my extended time with the monitor, I was impressed by how quiet it stayed and how I never had to interrupt gameplay for maintenance. When it comes to hassle-free upkeep, this is easily one of the best OLED gaming displays available.

Samsung’s cooling technology is packed into a fairly thin metal monitor that’s also good to look at when not in use. Bezels are small around the display while the back is fairly impressive. There are a nice amount of ports despite the lack of a USB-C port. That Odyssey’s classic light ring featuring CoreSync and CoreLighting+ in the back still looks nice. It’s also easy to set up.

All of that comes at a sizable $1,299 (£1,149 and AU $1,799) price point. That's a fairly steep cost of entry compared to similar gaming monitors in its class. Though there are some features like crosshair overlays, don’t expect more standard extras like KVM capability or speakers. Interestingly enough, unlike other displays in Samsung’s Odyssey line, it lacks Samsung Smart TV.

Despite those issues, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF stands out as one of the most impressive 27-inch gaming monitors to be released this year. It delivers a stunning visual experience with ultra-crisp 4K resolution, incredible color accuracy, and fluid motion that enhances everything from fast paced shooters to creative workflows. Add in near-silent operation, efficient thermal management, and a sleek design and it’s clear Samsung is looking to take the crown for this gaming monitor segment. Whether you're a competitive gamer or a visual creator, this monitor exceeds expectations in the ways that matter most.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Price and availability

  • How much does it cost? $1,299 (£1,149 and AU $1,799)
  • When is it available? April 28th
  • Where can you get it? US, UK, and Australia

The Samsung Odyssey will be available April 28th for $1,299 (£1,149 and AU $1,799) in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. Available through Samsung’s online store or other retailers like Newegg, this gaming monitor is definitely the upper crest of purchases when it comes to 27-inch 4K OLED displays. If a competitive advantage is of the upmost importance to you, then the high price makes this the best money can buy in its class. Anyone expecting a more robust feature set (more on that later), may leave disappointed.

Gamers who want a competitive edge while also dabbling in streaming may want to check out the MSI MPG 271QRX if they don’t mind having a 1440p resolution. Meanwhile, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K is nearly the same price as the Odyssey G81SF but offers KVM capabilities besides FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility. Though on the surface, it may sound better than Samsung’s offering, it lacks the forward design and level of maintenance options.

Value: 4 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Specs

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Design

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF stand and LED ring on back side

(Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)
  • Overall design is rightfully in line with Samsung’s Odyssey line of gaming monitors
  • Easy to set-up and adjustability is high
  • Lacks USB-C

Those familiar with Samsung’s Odyssey series of gaming monitors will immediately recognize the premium build quality and sleek design language the OLED G81SF gives. Crafted with a sturdy metal finish from the base to the neck and display, it delivers a clean, modern aesthetic.

The panel itself is impressively thin, with minimal bezels that enhance its futuristic look. At the back, Samsung’s signature RGB ring—powered by CoreSync and CoreLighting+ which adds a dynamic visual flair that fits perfectly with its top-tier price tag.

Assembly is quick and straightforward, with just a few screws to connect the base, neck, and display. Once set up, the monitor offers smooth height, swivel, and tilt adjustments to help you dial in the perfect viewing angle.

Port selection on the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF

(Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Power is delivered through a jack that connects an adapter while sitting next to two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, one USB-B for upstreaming, two USB-A and one 3.5mm headphone jack. That’s good enough for multi-console gamers who want to play full screen or utlize the display’s picture-in-picture capabilities.

Unfortunately, there's no USB-C port, which is fairly disappointing considering it’s a fairly standard connection now. A thumbstick sits along those ports for various controls for in-display gaming and features. During our time, the thumbstick felt great and the UI felt pretty snappy as well.

Design: 4.5 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S: Features

Samsung Odyssey G81SF on-screen display options

(Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)
  • Safeguard+ Dynamic Cooling System is a wonderful way of maintaining pixel quality without being intrusive
  • Light gaming related features including a crosshair overlay
  • Nothing much feature-wise outside of that

OLED gaming monitors often require periodic pixel refreshes to prevent burn-in, which can interrupt gameplay. The Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF sidesteps that issue with its advanced Safeguard+ Dynamic Cooling System. At the core is a pulsating heat pipe that actively releases coolant, offering more effective thermal management than traditional graphite sheets. This keeps internal temperatures in check while extending the life of the display.

Complementing the hardware is an intelligent Thermal Modulation System powered by algorithms that fine-tune brightness and heat levels in real-time. Features like Logo & Taskbar Detection also help minimize static image retention by subtly adjusting luminance in frequently displayed areas—all working together to maintain screen health without disrupting your experience. During my time with the Odyssey OLED G81S, I didn’t face one prompt to turn off my monitor - not once - during two weeks of usage.

There are some in-display options including the ability to choose a nice variety of crosshair overlays which are definitely helpful when playing shooters. Another highlight is the ability to do picture-in-picture with various other video inputs. Of course, users can change color options and the likes as well. Outside of that, don’t expect much in the feature set. Considering the price of the monitor, one would think KVM capabilities would be included but unfortunately, no. Then there’s the lack of other features like Samsung SmartTV which has been featured on other Odyssey monitors before. Just understand that the Odyssey OLED G81SF sticks to three important things; image quality, performance and maintaining both of them.

Features: 3.5 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S: Performance

  • Image quality is exceptional in SDR and HDR
  • Magnificent performance with 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time

Just by image quality and performance alone, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF is one of the best gaming monitors available at the moment, at least where 27-inch 4K options are concerned.

It starts by having the highest pixel density available in a display with 166 PPI. This goes an incredibly long way by making sure every detail is noticed when gaming, making graphics or video or typing documents. Colors are bold and gorgeous thanks to having one billion max color support at 1,000,000:1 contrast outside of 99% DCI coverage. There are various sliders for brightness, contrast, colors and the likes for those who want to fine tune their experience. Further than that, there are some pre-sets as well.

This means that it doesn’t matter if users are playing Assassin’s Creed: Shadows or creating social media graphics in Adobe Photoshop, color accuracy is tremendous. HDR+10 capabilities makes image quality even better with more defined lights and shadows. Thanks to VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, blacks are deep and rich as well. Pulling that all together is an anti-reflection film that goes a long way in making sure images look great regardless of lighting conditions.

This is a gaming monitor for competitive gamers who want a premium experience and the performance is top notch too. 240Hz and 0.03ms response time mean that gameplay is smoother than velvet. Fans of Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty and Fortnite are going to have a nice experience on the Odyssey OLED G81SF. To make sure screen tears aren’t an issue, the display has variable refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync Premium. Gameplay is superb in motion which is enhanced by the overall image quality.

Performance 5 / 5

Should I buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S?

Buy it if…

You require a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor with top-tier image quality and performance

This 27-inch OLED gaming display has some of the best image quality available thanks to features like 166 ppi, VESA Display HDR True Black 400 and anti-glare technology. Meanwhile, the 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time will provide a competitive edge.

You need some solid OLED display maintenance

Samsung’s OLED Safeguard+ technology has various ways to maintain monitor lifespan from its pulsating heat pipes, thermal modulation system and auto display adjustments among others.

You want a sleek yet functional design

This display is thin, has the same cool lighting that Samsung’s Odyssey series is known for and is pretty easy to set up.

Don’t buy it if…

You don’t want to pay over $1,000 for a 27-inch OLED Monitor

There are ways to get a quality 27-inch 4K OLED monitor without spending over a grand.

You’re more into streaming

Though this display has picture-in-picture mode for other outputs, lacking KVM at this price will be disappointing for streamers looking to use one monitor for two devices.

You require a more robust feature set

Outside of lacking KVM, there aren’t many extras like speakers, game assists beyond several aim overlay options and no USB-C port.

Also Consider

MSI MPG 271QRX

If comparable performance and feature set is important alongside a cheaper price, then the MSI MPG 271QRX does well with its 1440p native resolution alongside 360Hz refresh rate.

Read our full MSI MPG 271QRX review

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K

Anyone looking for a 27-inch 4K OLED that’s a bit more feature-rich should keep the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM, including KVM capabilities.

Read our full Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K review

How I tested the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S

  • Tested over two weeks
  • Games played included Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Street Fighter 6
  • Creative software used includes Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro

Over the course of two weeks with the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF, I put the monitor through a wide range of real-world use cases—from immersive gaming sessions to demanding creative workflows and everyday productivity.

To assess its performance with visually intense AAA titles, I started with Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Cyberpunk 2077, which helped me evaluate the display’s color accuracy, contrast, and overall image quality. I then shifted to faster-paced, competitive titles like Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Fortnite to test responsiveness and input latency.

During work hours, I leaned on the G81 for creative tasks like designing graphics and editing video content using Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. In between, I relied on it for general computing—browsing with Chrome, managing tasks in Asana, and streaming music via Tidal—giving me a full picture of the monitor’s versatility in day-to-day scenarios.

First reviewed April 2025

I tested the ViewSonic VP16 OLED – see what I thought of this portable OLED monitor
1:40 pm | April 22, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

This review first appeared in issue 345 of PC Pro.

There are dozens of 15.6in portable monitors available on Amazon, many costing around £100, so you may wonder why anyone would consider paying over four times that price for the ViewSonic VP16-OLED. The first clue is in the name: including an OLED panel rather than IPS immediately puts this display on a different pedestal.

But the real reason is quality. Cheap portable monitors usually reward you with poor color coverage, low brightness and lackluster color accuracy. What ViewSonic promises is much more in line with a professional monitor. With Pantone validation and a guaranteed average Delta E of less than two, you can be confident of the colors you see. This was borne out in the tests for our review unit, with typical averages of around 0.5.

I say “typical” because this monitor ships with numerous color modes: user, DCI-P3, sRGB, REC.709 and DICOM. DICOM is a medical standard, while REC.709 is used in broadcasting and similar to sRGB. That means it’s conservative in terms of coverage, so for the punchiest colors you should choose DCI-P3.

Full view of the ViewSonic VP16 OLED

Inputs include two USB-C ports and micro-HDMI (Image credit: Future)

When testing such profiles, we’re always looking for it to clamp down on the gamut as much as possible. That’s why it was comforting to see sRGB lock the panel to 96.4% coverage out of a 98.6% volume. So, only a tiny fraction of the colors you see on the VP16-OLED will sit outside the sRGB gamut when you’re in that mode.

Likewise in DCI-P3, where the monitor produced results of 95.4% and 96.9%.

It’s also easy to switch between profiles. ViewSonic places four buttons on the monitor’s base, and the text-based OSD is so simple to navigate that I was left wondering why all monitors don’t follow its lead.

Side view of the ViewSonic VP16 OLED propped up in its standard position

Height adjustment in pictures. STEP 1 Here’s the ViewSonic in its most basic position (Image credit: Future)

The panel’s only minor negative is that it isn’t a true 10-bit display but 8-bit plus FRC. FRC stands for frame rate control, and mimics colors not supported by the 8-bit panel by flashing alternate colors incredibly quickly. It’s effective, but purists prefer 10-bit panels.

ViewSonic has gained DisplayHDR 400 certification for this screen, but don’t expect images to burn your retina. Still, OLED is naturally easier to view in brighter conditions than IPS thanks to its “infinite” contrast ratio, so although the VP16-OLED peaked at 402cd/m2 in our tests I can’t imagine any situation where you won’t be able to see its contents.

There’s even a hood in the box. This is normally included with professional monitors to stop ambient light interfering with colors, but here it’s most useful to keep the screen’s light from interfering with your darker shoots. I was also hoping it would offer protection during travel, but the folding mechanism isn’t quite clever enough to perfectly wrap around the screen.

Side view of the ViewSonic VP16 OLED raised to a moderate height

STEP 2 Then, with a swivel of the stand, it’s raised a few inches (Image credit: Future)

Otherwise, I can’t fault ViewSonic’s design. One of the cleverest elements is the adjustable height stand. The photos below tell most of the story; all I need to add is that it moves smoothly through every stage and locks perfectly into position.

The VP16-OLED doesn’t include a battery, but it can draw power from a host laptop over USB-C or work the other way round: plug in the supplied USB-C power supply and then power your laptop. However, it only delivers 40W, so it’s better suited to keeping a laptop topped up than charging it from empty. There’s also a micro-HDMI input.

Side view of the ViewSonic VP16 OLED set up in its tallest position

STEP 3 And finally it’s at its peak height, elevated by around 100mm (Image credit: Future)

ViewSonic includes a pair of 1W speakers, and as that power rating indicates they aren’t going to fill a room. Sound quality is mediocre – no depth, weak bass – but if you’re on a video shoot and want to check the audio they’ll be up to the job, or you can resort to the 3.5mm jack.

There’s one final downside to this monitor, and that’s its 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. Again, hunt online and you’ll find 4K portable monitors for half the price. Personally, I didn’t find this a problem in practice as text, photos and videos still look sharp at normal viewing distances.

For its target audience, then, this OLED monitor is worth every penny. It’s accurate, flexible and images pack a punch you won’t see from IPS rivals.

We also ranked the best powerful laptops.

I reviewed the LG G5, and it’s bright enough to change my mind about OLED TVs
2:00 pm | April 12, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

LG G5: Two-minute review

The LG G5 is the company’s flagship TV for 2025, and it changes the game for OLED TV tech with a completely new panel design that delivers notably higher brightness than its LG G4 predecessor. I’ll get into the specifics of that in the Picture Quality section of this review, but what you need to know is that with its impressive, mini-LED TV-rivalling brightness, the G5 succeeds brilliantly in bringing the best OLED TVs out of the darkness as a viable option for daytime, bright room viewing.

LG’s G4 relied on a micro lens array (MLA) layer to boost brightness over what conventional OLED TVs were capable of, but the new LG G5 incorporates a new Primary RGB Tandem structure OLED display panel. This uses individual red, green, and blue layers to produce light, and the resulting brightness is not only leaps and bounds better than what the G4 achieved with MLA, but it also yields improvements in color reproduction.

You’d think that the G5’s revamped display panel would command a higher price, but the LG pricing is equivalent to its G4 predecessor. However, at $3,399 / £2,399 / AU$5,299 for the 65-inch model I tested, it’s still very much a premium TV.

Along with higher brightness and richer color, the LG G5 offers a range of features that make it a flexible option for viewing in a range of lighting conditions. These include a new, more effective anti-glare screen, and a Filmmaker Ambient Light Mode that uses the TV’s built-in light sensor to dynamically adjust brightness without sacrificing picture accuracy in the process.

LG’s Alpha 11 AI processor Gen 2 is responsible for a range of AI picture and sound enhancements on the G5. These include AI Picture and Sound modes, voice recognition, and personalized content recommendations.

LG’s webOS 25 smart TV interface has been tweaked with the ability to switch between customized home screen layouts that get triggered by the viewer’s voice, and there are now onscreen wizards to guide you through the process of setting up unique AI picture and sound presets to accompany your custom home screen.

LG’s flagship G-series OLEDs are designed for wall-mounting, and the G5 has an Always Ready mode that lets the TV be used as a frame for displaying photos and art (now including images generated by AI with the TV’s assistance). But it's also a highly capable gaming TV, with support for 4K 165Hz, Nvidia G-Sync, and AMD FreeSync Premium. The G5’s Quick Card gaming portal also provides over 500 titles plus Nvidia GeForce Now, Luna, and other apps, and Xbox Game Pass support should be added during the start of 2025.

While the LG G5 has turned out to be a best-in-class OLED TV option for 2025, many people will be equally pleased with its step-down LG C5 model, which is already looking to be one of 2025's best TVs. The C5 isn't as bright as the G5, but you’ll save quite a bit by going with LG’s mid-range OLED .

LG G5 review: Price and release date

LG G5 OLED TV showing image of landscape

The LG G5 is the brightest OLED TV we've yet reviewed (Image credit: Future)
  • Release date: April 2025
  • 48-inch: £1,799
  • 55-inch: $2,499 / £2,399 / AU$4,199
  • 65-inch: $3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299
  • 77-inch: $4,499 / £4,499 / AU$7,999
  • 83-inch: $6,499 / £6,999 / AU$9,999
  • 97-inch: $24,999

The LG G5 is widely available in 55- to 83-inch screen sizes. A 48-inch model is also available in the UK, and a 97-inch option in the US, though those models don’t use the same Primary RGB Tandem structure panel as the other sizes, and won't be as bright.

Prices for the G5 series are equivalent to last year’s LG G4 series, despite the inclusion of a new panel design, but are notably higher than the mid-range LG C5 series OLED TVs.

LG G5 review: Specs

LG G5 review: Benchmark results

LG G5 review: Features

LG G5 OLED TV back panel ports

The LG G5 has four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz support (Image credit: Future)
  • Fourth-generation panel with Brightness Booster Ultimate
  • Filmmaker Ambient Light Mode debuts here
  • 4K 165Hz gaming support on PC

A key feature of the LG G5 is a new fourth-generation OLED display panel with Primary RGB Tandem structure. In contrast to previous designs, which used two blue OLED layers plus a third layer with red, green, and yellow elements, the new panel uses individual red, green, and blue layers to produce light.

This “four-stack” structure benefits from increased brightness and enhanced color purity due to the panel’s use of separate OLED layers for the primary colors. Unlike the previous LG G4, the G5 doesn’t rely on a micro lens array (MLA) layer with microscopic lens elements to boost brightness.

LG refers to its new display panel tech as Brightness Booster Ultimate, and it’s accompanied by several other features to boost picture quality in a range of room lighting conditions. The first is an anti-reflective layer that LG says provides 30% higher glare resistance than last year’s G4.

Another is Filmmaker Ambient Light Mode, which uses the TV’s built-in light sensor to map gamma and PQ (the HDR equivalent of gamma) based on room lighting conditions. The G5 also has Perfect Black certification, which confirms that a TV can display less than 0.24 nits in conditions of up to 500 lux.

The G5’s Alpha 11 AI processor Gen 2 enables a range of AI-based picture and sound enhancements, including AI Picture and AI Sound modes. Picture and sound wizards guide you through setting up customized presets based on your response to a series of images and sound samples, and once completed, these can be automatically switched on for the specific users who created them based on voice recognition.

That also goes for the layout of the TV’s webOS 25 Home Screen – if you customize the app selection in your user profile, it'll switch to the layout you prefer when it detects your voice if you use the voice control system at all.

The G5 also gets a gaming boost over last year’s G4, with 4K 165Hz support for PC gaming along with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium. LG’s Gaming Portal offers over 500 game titles, with support for both Xbox and Luna controllers and Xbox Game Pass (coming in the first half of 2025, according to LG).

Usability features include AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in, along with hands-free voice control. The ThinQ screen in the webOS interface lets you configure devices to be controlled via Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Matter and Apple HomeKit, and there’s also a new, streamlined Magic Remote and more advanced AI Chatbot feature that can diagnose picture and sound issues.

  • Features Score: 5/5

LG G5 review: Picture quality

LG G5 OLED TV showing image of doctor in operating room

The G5's picture looks bright and punchy even in well-lit rooms (Image credit: Future)
  • Exceptional brightness for an OLED
  • Anti-reflection layer in the screen
  • Some issues with certain streaming formats

The LG G5 holds the distinction of being the brightest OLED TV we’ve yet measured at TechRadar. Peak brightness on a 10% HDR white window pattern in Filmmaker Mode measured 2,268 nits, and it was 1,850 nits in Standard picture mode. Those numbers are what we typically expect to see from higher-end examples of the best mini-LED TVs, and they best the Samsung S95D – our previous brightest OLED TV champion – by a sizeable margin.

The G5’s fullscreen HDR brightness measured 331 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 297 nits in Standard mode. That represents a boost over last year’s G4, which measured 257 in Filmmaker Mode, but it’s not the 40% fullscreen brightness boost that LG had previously cited for the G5. Measured in Vivid mode, the G5’s fullscreen brightness was 419 nits, a number closer to LG’s claim.

The G5’s color gamut coverage measured 99.6% for UHDA-P3 and 81.3% for BT.2020 in Filmmaker Mode. Those results are better than what we measured on the G4, and they match the Samsung S95D’s UHDA-P3 coverage.

The average Delta-E value (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for color accuracy was 1.2, which is excellent. (Any result under 3 is regarded as indistinguishable to the human eye.)

Given the LG G5’s high brightness, there was no need to dim the lights to make the picture look good – contrast, color saturation, and shadow detail all held up nicely even with my room’s overhead lighting on. That’s certainly not something you can say about all OLED TVs, which typically lag behind their mini-LED counterparts when it comes to brightness.

LG G5 OLED TV showing image of horses against green hills

The new G5's new "four stack" OLED panel offers enhanced color performance over last year's G4 (Image credit: Future)

Even with the comparatively subtle Filmmaker Mode active, The Pitt (streamed via Max), a TV show that mostly takes place in a brightly lit hospital emergency room, looked staggeringly bright on the G5.

And darker shows such as Severance (on Apple TV+) could be watched in brighter room lighting conditions without losing black depth and shadow detail. That’s partially due to the TV’s anti-reflective layer, which manages to reduce screen glare without elevating black levels, but also its Filmmaker Mode Ambient Light setting, which uses the G5’s light sensor to adjust gamma (or PQ for programs with HDR) based on room lighting conditions.

Viewing the season 2 final episode of Severance, a scene where Mark S and Helly R chat furtively in the Lumon office showed off all the LG G5's best aspects. The background of the dark workspace was a deep, rich black, and the light from the data terminals bathed their faces with a striking blue and green glow. The refined shadow detail gave the picture a powerful sense of depth that, for me, really drove home the point of why you would spend top dollar for a premium OLED TV like the G5.

An LG G5 review from our colleagues at What Hi-Fi? cited an issue with streamed Dolby Vision movies and shows, resulting in posterization and blocky picture artifacts when watching dark scenes. My G5 review sample showed the same posterization on at least one movie, Alien: Romulus (streamed via Apple TV), though it wasn't an issue on other streamed dark Dolby Vision content I watched.

What Hi-Fi? later reported that an LG software update scheduled for a late April release fixes this Dolby Vision glitch, and after installing a pre-released version of that update, the posterization on Alien: Romulus disappeared, though it created other picture quality issues when streaming from the G5's Apple TV app, adding strange horizontal lines in some dark scenes.

Without these problems, the TV would score five stars for picture quality. These problems are very situational, which means I'm still happy giving the TV an overall score that marks it as best-in-class. Once we've fully tested the wide release version of LG's software update, we will update this review, and if these problems are removed as expected, I'll update this section.

The G5’s motion handling was impressive, with a reference clip from No Time to Die – in which James Bond traverses a rugged hillside cemetery as the camera pans along – showing only minimal judder and blur. This same scene can look downright wobbly on some TVs.

Enabling the TV's Cinematic Movement setting in the TruMotion menu effectively removed any residual motion artifacts without introducing a 'soap opera' effect.

Sports also looked great – the NCAA basketball championship aired during my time testing the G5 – with fast motion looking solid and the TV’s bright, contrast-rich picture bringing out the vivid colors of the players’ uniforms.

  • Picture quality score: 4.5/5

LG G5 review: Sound quality

LG G5 OLED TV close up of frame

The G5's 1-inch-thin frame is designed for a flush-mount against a wall and the TV comes with wall-mounting hardware (Image credit: Future)
  • 4.2-channel speaker system
  • Effective AI Sound Pro mode
  • Sound Wizard for creating custom sound preset

The LG G5’s built-in 4.2-channel speakers take things up a notch from the 2.2-channel array built into the LG C5. An AI Sound Pro mode provides a virtual 11.1.2-channel upmix that makes a clear difference in the spaciousness of soundtracks when watching movies, but it also thins out the bass.

While Dolby Atmos is supported on the G5, DTS formats, disappointingly, are not. This is a step backwards from the G4, which had DTS support – though this won't be a problem for people using an AV receivers, and some soundbar setups.

Similar to the TV’s Picture Wizard, a Sound Wizard guides you through the process of creating a customized sound preset. This is entirely optional, and this preset doesn’t work when the TV is connected to a soundbar.

A useful WOW Orchestra mode lets you combine the output of the TV’s speakers with the speakers of a compatible LG soundbar when used together, for a bigger overall soundstage.

The movies and TV shows I watched on the G5 all sounded good, with clear dialogue and good spatial positioning of effects, especially with the AI Sound Pro mode active. The sound could also go fairly loud without coming across as strained.

Even so, given how good the G5’s picture looks, it would be a shame not to pair it with one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars or dedicated home theater speakers.

  • Sound quality score: 4/5

LG G5 review: Design

LG G5 OLED TV optional stand on TV stand

An aluminum pedestal may be an extra cost option for the G5 (Image credit: Future)
  • Wall-mount hardware included
  • Optional pedestal stand
  • New, streamlined AI Magic Remote control

The G5 comes with wall-mounting hardware at all screen sizes, and a pedestal stand is available as an optional extra in the US. In the UK, you can choose if you want the stand or the mount in some sizes.

LG’s sturdy aluminum stand, which I used during my G5 review, allows for both an elevated height to accommodate a soundbar, or a lower height where the TV sits directly on the stand’s surface.

G5 TVs are designed to be wall-mounted, with the thin, 1-inch panel aligning perfectly flat against a wall like a picture frame when you use the dedicated mount.

The TV’s nearly non-existent bezel gives it an 'all-picture' look that adds to the art-like quality, and a connection panel located on the back with bottom and side-mounted ports, along with cable management hardware, lets you hook up sources without detracting from the neat look.

Connections on the G5 include four HDMI 2.1 inputs, an RF antenna input, three USB ports and an Ethernet port.

LG’s new AI Magic Remote for the G5 is more compact and streamlined than previous Magic Remotes, with a flat surface, a reduced button layout, and a smaller central scroll wheel. Unfortunately, not all regions get this new, mostly improved design, though it was included with my review sample in the US.

The UK still gets a design with channel buttons, though it does include new AI keys.

The new AI button provides quick Chatbot access, and there’s also a dedicated button to call up the TV’s ThinQ screen. I never really had a problem with the previous Magic Remote, but some users may prefer the more traditional design of this new version.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

LG G5 review: Smart TV and menus

LG G5 OLED TV webOS 25 smart TV interface

LG's webOS 25 interface has been enhanced with multiple viewer profiles and picture settings that can be activated by voice (Image credit: Future)
  • webOS 25 smart interface
  • Always Ready feature with 'ambient mode' option
  • Quick Cards and Quick Menu for easy app and settings access

The G5 uses LG’s webOS 25 interface, which is one of the best smart TV systems going. Like other smart TV interfaces, the top third is dedicated to a promotional banner (in this case, one mostly directing you to the LG Channels free ad-supported TV portal), alas, but below that is a Quick Cards section that provides hubs for Sports, Games, Music, Home and more.

The Home Card hub provides information about connected wired and wireless sources, which can be accessed using the TV’s remote control. It also lets you connect to Google Home, Matter, and LG ThinQ smart devices, which can be controlled directly from the TV.

The order of apps in the home screen’s middle section can be edited according to which ones you use most, and there’s also a Live TV option that shows a grid of both broadcast TV channels pulled in by the best indoor antennas and ones available on the LG Channels portal.

An Always Ready feature that needs to be enabled in the General menu lets you display images (including from your personal photo library) when you’re not using the TV, including ones that can be generated using AI. When in Always Ready mode, the voice recognition and AirPlay/Chromecast remain active, so you don’t have to power it on to use those functions.

A very useful webOS feature is the Quick Menu, which appears as a transparent overlay on the screen’s left side that lets you select between picture and sound modes, among other settings. You can also access the TV’s AI Chatbot from here, which can be used to guide you through the G5’s many settings and features.

The TV’s AI Picture wizard can be useful for creating a preset that corresponds to your preferences, but I found that the one I dialed in was overly cool-looking for my preference, despite it theoretically following my preferences, and I stuck with Filmmaker Mode instead for most viewing.

While I generally found navigating the TV’s menus to be easy, and was satisfied with the wide range of options for adjusting picture and sound, I found it annoying that the new, redesigned Magic Remote control lacks an input button for switching sources.

It’s easy enough to do that by pressing the Home hub button on the remote and then navigating to a specific source, but input select is nonetheless a button that should be included on every TV remote.

  • Smart TV & menus score: 5/5

LG G5 review: Gaming

LG G5 OLED TV gaming menu

A Game Dashboard allows for easy gaming-related picture and sound adjustments (Image credit: Future)
  • Four HDMI 2.1 ports
  • 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync
  • 9.2ms input lag (Boost mode)

LG TVs have fantastic gaming credentials, and the G5 continues in that tradition of the best gaming TVs. Its four HDMI ports support 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. Input lag measured in Game Optimizer mode with a Bodnar 4K input lag meter was 9.2ms in Boost mode, which is about as low as TVs get.

The G5’s Game Card Gamung Hub offers over 500 games and apps, including Nvidia GeForce Now and Luna. (Xbox Game Pass support is coming in the first half of 2025, according to LG.)

When in Game Optimizer mode, a Game Dashboard pop-menu provides quick access to a range of adjustments and presets, which can be selected without pausing the game you’re playing.

The brightness level of the G5 is great here, again, because it means its good for playing in the day time without severe mirrored reflections distracting from what you're trying to focus on.

  • Gaming score: 5/5

LG G5 review: Value

LG G5 OLED TV remote control held in reviewer's hand

LG's new, streamlined Magic Remote (Image credit: Future)
  • Priced competitively with premium OLED competition
  • Step-down LG C5 OLED also excellent
  • Very good overall value

At $3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299 for the 65-inch model I tested, the LG G5 is priced higher than another 2025 premium OLED, the Samsung S95F, which has a similarly high brightness as the G5 plus a Glare-Free 2.0 screen that’s even more effective at eliminating reflections in bright rooms.

The G5 is also priced lower in the US than another 2025 premium OLED, the Sony Bravia 8 II, which will sell for $3,999 in a 65-inch screen size… however, in the UK, the Bravia 8 II is actually priced slightly lower than the 65-inch G5, just to mix things

If you don’t require super-high brightness and want to save some money, the LG C5 ($2,699 / £2,699 at 65 inches) is an excellent choice. The C5’s peak brightness is roughly half of what we measured on the G5, but it's full of features and its picture quality is still exceptional, especially when viewed in a light-controlled environment.

Given its fantastic all-around performance, great features, and more affordable cost compared to some of its high-end OLED competition, the G5 earns high ratings for value.

  • Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the LG G5?

LG G5 OLED TV showing image of trees lining road

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want to watch in bright rooms
The G5 OLED’s brightness rivals that of premium mini-LEDs. It also features an effective anti-glare screen and a Filmmaker Ambient Light Mode that compensates for brighter rooms without sacrificing picture accuracy.

You want a TV for wall-mounting
With a slim, wall-hugging design, the G5 is specifically designed for wall-mounting and a specially designed bracket is provided.

You want a great TV for gaming
With support for 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync, and an impressively low 9.1ms input lag, the G5 is about as good as gaming TVs get.

Don't buy it if…

You don’t want to use a soundbar
The G5’s 4.2-channel speakers deliver more than adequate sound, but a TV this impressive should ideally be paired with a soundbar or external speakers for a complete experience.

You want HDR10+ support
LG TVs support Dolby Vision, but not the HDR10+ high dynamic range format. That could be an issue if you have some 4K Blu-rays that include this format and not Dolby Vision.

You want to save money
LG’s mid-range C5 series OLED TVs aren’t as bright as the G5 series, but they cost considerably less and also provide excellent picture quality and a great array of features.

LG G5 review: Also consider...

Samsung S95F
We haven’t yet reviewed the Samsung S95F, but we have seen it in action extensively and, like the G5, it combines an impressively bright OLED picture with effective anti-screen reflection tech. Initial US pricing for the S95F is also lower than for the G5.

LG C5
The C5 isn’t as bright as the G5, but it’s a great all-around TV that’s also feature-packed for the price, as we observed in our LG C5 review. This mid-range OLED is a good alternative if you don’t need its picture to stand out high ambient light viewing environments.

Sony Bravia 9
Sony’s flagship TV is about as premium as mini-LED gets, and we appreciated its bright yet refined picture and powerful sound in our Sony Bravia 9 review. Like the G5, it’s a pricey option, but a good choice if you prefer to not use a soundbar.

How I tested the LG G5

Hisense U9N TV being measured for brightness by reviewer

Measuring a 10% HDR white window pattern during testing (Image credit: Future)
  • I spent about 20 hours in total measuring and evaluating
  • Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
  • A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests

When I test TVs, I first spend a few days or even weeks using it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-box picture presets and get familiar with its smart TV menu and picture adjustments. I next select the most accurate preset (usually Filmmaker Mode, Movie or Cinema) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software.

The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the TV can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources.

For the LG G5, I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, along with shows streamed from Max, Netflix, and other services.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar for more information.

I reviewed the LG C5 OLED TV for over a week, and it’s one of the best TVs of the year – but with one big reason not to buy it yet
10:13 pm | March 19, 2025
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LG C5 OLED TV review: Two minute review

The LG C5 is a feature-packed, mid-range OLED TV that continues the LG C-series legacy of offering real bang for your buck. Launching at $2,699.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$4,299, the 65-inch model I tested is priced exactly the same as its predecessor, the LG C4, one of the best TVs of 2024.

The LG C5 comes with a host of new AI features and an Alpha 9 Gen 8 AI Processor that leads to a modest picture brightness boost over its predecessor. LG’s C-series continues to lead the way when it comes to features in a mid-range OLED, and while there are not many new additions, it carries over what made the C4 great.

Picture quality is superb on the LG C5. Its vibrant, accurate color, strong contrast, and lifelike textures all combine to rival what you see on the best OLED TVs. Motion handling is good overall, but I did find some scenes where the C5 stumbled. (This was fixed with a quick trip to the picture settings.) One area where the C5 struggles is screen reflections in well-lit environments, which can impact darker images. It looks brilliant when viewed in dimmed conditions, however.

Sound quality has never been a strong point of LG C-series OLED TVs, and while the C5’s built-in 2.2-channel Dolby Atmos system sounds punchy and well-balanced, it won’t beat one of the best soundbars, which I’d recommend for the C5.

The C5 is easily going to be one of the best gaming TVs of 2025. It has a full suite of gaming features, including 4K 144Hz, VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming, smooth and responsive performance, and a ton of cloud gaming options for those without a console.

LG’s webOS 25 is the C5’s smart TV platform and alongside the previously mentioned new AI features, it continues to be one of the better interfaces on the market. Quick Cards in webOS 25 is a useful feature and LG’s Quick Menu continues to be excellent for those who like to regularly adjust picture settings.

The C5’s design is basic and safe, though a faux-marbled rear panel, solid aluminum stand, and trim profile help to give it a premium appearance. LG’s new AI Magic Remote is sleeker and more modern looking than previous Magic Remote versions but is only available in select regions.

LG C-series OLEDs are regularly among the best TVs when it comes to value for money. While pricey at launch, they will become more affordable over time as prices drop. It’s hard to ignore, however, that the still-available LG C4 is the better value option after numerous price drops as the C5 is only an incremental upgrade. Still, for anyone looking for a new TV, the C5 is a fantastic option.

LG C5 OLED TV review: Prices & release date

LG C5 with AI Voice search on screen

The LG C5 shows accurate colors (Image credit: Future)
  • Release date: March 2025
  • 42-inch: $1,399.99 / £1,399.99 / AU$2,199
  • 48-inch: $1,599.99 / £1,499.99 / AU$2,499
  • 55-inch: $1,999.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$3,299
  • 65-inch: $2,699.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$4,299
  • 77-inch: $3,699.99 / £3,699.99 / AU$5,999
  • 83-inch: $5,399.99 / £5,799.99 / AU$7,999

The LG C5 was released in March 2025. It is the mid-range series in LG’s 2025 OLED TV range, sitting above the LG B5 and below the flagship LG G5 and LG M5 series. It is available in 42 to 83-inch screen sizes.

Launch pricing for the LG C5 is nearly identical to that of its predecessor, the LG C4, except for the 42-inch model, which is $100 cheaper in the US. All other sizes in the US, UK and Australia have exactly the same launch price as the C4.

LG C5 OLED TV review: Specs

LG C5 OLED TV review: Benchmark results

LG C5 OLED TV review: Features

LG C5 ports

The LG C5's connections include 4 HDMI 2.1 ports (Image credit: Future)
  • Alpha a9 Gen 8 AI Processor
  • New AI features including AI Sound Wizard
  • Four HDMI 2.1 ports with up to 144Hz support

The LG C5 uses the same OLED Evo (EX) panel as its predecessor, the LG C4. It features LG’s upgraded Alpha a9 Gen 8 AI processor, which introduces new AI capabilities (more on those below) as well as a Brightness Booster that is not supported in the smaller 42- and 48-inch models. The C4 supports the Dolby Vision high dynamic range format, but not HDR10+. It also supports the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound formats.

For audio, the C5 features the same 2.2-channel, 40W Dolby Atmos built-in speaker system as the previous C4. Its range of sound modes includes Standard, Cinema and AI Sound Pro, as well as a new AI Sound Wizard (more on that below).

LG TVs are typically well-equipped for gaming and the C5 is no exception. While there are no upgrades from its predecessor, it still carries a full-suite of gaming features including 4K 144Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync), HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM. It also features a Game Optimizer mode where settings can be adjusted, including a boost mode to reduce input lag.

LG C5 with AI Voice search on screen

The LG C5 comes with a number of AI features, such as AI Search, AI Concierge and more. (Image credit: Future)

The LG C5 uses the latest iteration of LG’s smart TV platform, webOS 25. This offers a plethora of AI capabilities including AI Search, an advanced search feature that looks for content based on the user’s criteria and questions; AI Concierge, where content is recommended based on a user’s viewing history; and an AI Art feature where users can create AI artworks (creating artworks cost credits that can be bought, but 100 credits are provided to start with).

Alongside AI Picture Wizard, a feature that lets users create a personalized picture mode based on visual prompts, LG has introduced AI Sound Wizard, a similar feature where users react to audio clips to establish a personal sound profile. For the home screen, Quick Cards (a feature introduced in webOS 24 that lets users organize apps based on categories such as Sports, Games, etc.) has been further streamlined.

  • Features score: 5/5

LG C5 OLED TV review: Picture quality

LG C5 with Elemental on screen

The LG C5 delivers bold, vibrant and dynamic colors, as shown on Disney's Elemental. (Image credit: Future)
  • Vibrant color and strong contrast
  • Superb detail
  • Reflections in brighter environments

The LG C5’s peak HDR brightness (measured on a 10% white window) was 1,180 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 1,198 nits in Standard mode. Those results are an increase over the LG C4, which hit 1,065 nits and 925 nits in Filmmaker and Standard modes, respectively. Fullscreen HDR brightness (measured on a 100% white pattern) was between 195-200 nits, a slight drop from its C4 predecessor.

The LG C5’s upscaling of lower-resolution sources is impressive. An HD stream of Fight Club that I watched on Disney Plus got both a brightness and sharpness boost, giving the picture a 4K-like makeover. For standard-definition content (480p and below), the C5’s upscaling also managed to clean up textures, though they were still understandably on the fuzzy side.

Color on the LG C5 is superb. Watching a Dolby Vision stream of Elemental on Disney Plus, colors looked vibrant and dynamic, particularly in the scenes where Ember demonstrates her glass-making abilities and dances across the shimmering minerals. Another Dolby Vision stream, of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, showcased an abundance of reds in the throne room fight scene, which were displayed with real clarity and punch.

When I measured the C5’s HDR color gamut coverage, it hit 99.4% of the UHDA-P3 color space and 75.1% of BT.2020. These are both superb results and explain the C5’s excellent color.

LG C5 with The Batman on screen

The LG C5 has superb contrast between bright and dark tones, as shown here in The Batman. (Image credit: Future)

Shadow detail and contrast were also brilliant on the C5. Watching the opening crime scene investigation sequence on a 4K Blu-ray of The Batman, detail in clothing was maintained in even the darkest of scenes without compromising deep blacks. In the same sequence, the bright lamps and torches contrasted well with the dark surroundings, with an accurate balance between bright and dark tones. Also, aerial shots of Gotham displayed punchy highlights in street lamps and neon signs while still maintaining the murky, dark tones in the surrounding buildings.

In the black and white scenes in Oppenheimer, shadows and highlights looked refined and authentic, with a wide range of gray tones in between. For these scenes, I turned Dynamic Tone Mapping on (it’s off by default in Filmmaker Mode), which gave white highlights a bolder, brighter look without sacrificing the balance of the gray and black tones.

I found that textures and details were refined and lifelike in pretty much all my viewing on the C5. Facial features and skin tones looked accurate, particularly in close-up shots in movies such as The Batman and Top Gun: Maverick. Textures in objects and clothing were also realistic and gave pictures a real sense of depth.

LG C5 with snow covered fence on screen

The LG C5's textures and details are refined and natural. (Image credit: Future)

Motion is well handled on the C5. The intense flight sequences and long panning shots in Top Gun: Maverick looked smooth with only minimal blurring. I did find that the C5 struggled in some scenes, such as a panning shot of a rocky landscape in No Time To Die, but turning on Cinematic Movement in the TruMotion picture settings helped with this.

For viewing sports, I generally found Standard picture mode with TruMotion set to Natural to be the best option. With these settings active, back-and-forth action during a football game was accurately displayed. Those wanting a ‘smoother’ look can choose their own de-blur and de-judder settings, though I found it was best to keep these numbers low (around 3).

One area where the LG C5 does struggle is with reflections. With overhead lights on in our testing room, screen glare was very obvious compared to the best mini-LED TVs and more premium OLEDs such as the LG G4 and Samsung S95D, and resulted in a loss of black depth and shadow detail in darker scenes.

  • Picture quality score: 4.5/5

LG C5 OLED TV review: Sound quality

LG C5 with AI Personalized sound wizard on screen

The new Personalized Sound Wizard is a useful tool, but doesn't quite beat the built-in sound presets. (Image credit: Future)
  • 2.2-channel Dolby Atmos speaker system
  • Clear, detailed sound but limited bass
  • New AI Sound Wizard is hit-and-miss

The LG C5’s built-in 2.2-channel, 40W speaker array supports the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (via pass-through) sound formats, and its AI Sound Pro mode upmixes soundtracks to 11.1.2 channels – a step-up from the C4’s 9.1.2-channel upmixing.

My default choice for sound modes on TVs is usually the Movie/Cinema preset. With this active, placement of screeching tires and swerving traffic during the Batmobile chase in The Batman was accurate and well connected to the action on screen. There was a decent level of bass and good rumble to the Batmobile’s engine, but it still felt restrained compared to some of the best TVs for sound, such as the Sony Bravia 8. Dolby Atmos height effects were also limited and the soundstage could have been wider.

Interestingly, I found myself drawn to the TV’s AI Sound Pro mode. When activating this in the same scene of The Batman, everything was enhanced: the soundstage became wider and deeper, and bass, while still limited, was more tightly controlled. The overall sound was brighter, which some people may not like, but it felt more immersive. Still, the C5 could benefit from one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars to complement its picture.

One of the new AI features in webOS 25 is AI Sound Wizard (the audio equivalent of the AI Picture Wizard). This lets you create a personal sound mode, which is done by listening to different audio clips to select your preferred sound profile. I tested three different profiles: Balanced, Natural and Rich, and Rich and Vivid but found they were all a little flat-sounding and still preferred the AI Sound Pro and Movie presets. Still, having that level of customization available is appreciated.

  • Sound quality score: 4/5

LG C5 OLED TV review: Design

Image 1 of 2

LG C5 with AI Voice search on screen

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2

LG C5 rear panel with marble effect

(Image credit: Future)
  • Sleek, premium design
  • Solid, decent stand
  • New AI Magic Remote, but only for some regions

The LG C5’s design is what you’d expect from a mid-range OLED TV. Its slim frame gives it a sleek look, with a trim profile and bezel-less screen that allows the picture to take center stage. The connections, including four HDMI 2.1 ports, are all easily accessible on the side of the screen – something you don’t always find in TVs from other brands.

The C5 doesn’t beat the premium design of flagship OLEDs such as the Samsung S95D or the Philips OLED909, but it has a solid aluminium pedestal stand and a new AI Magic Remote (only available in select regions, including the US) that’s sleeker, with a matte finish, a less cluttered layout and new AI Home Hub and Accessibility buttons. UK users will have to settle for a slightly updated version of the old Magic Remote which looks the same (even the numbered buttons are still present) but does come with the new buttons.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

LG C5 OLED TV review: Smart TV & menus

LG C5 with webOS 25 home menu on screen

LG's webOS continues to be one of the best smart TV platforms on the market. (Image credit: Future)
  • webOS 25 smart TV platform
  • Quick Cards in home menu
  • Extensive AI features

The C5 uses LG’s webOS smart TV platform. The latest iteration, webOS 25, mainly adds a ton of AI features, including AI Search, AI Concierge, AI Art and AI Sound Wizard. There are also upgrades and improvements to the AI Chatbot introduced in webOS 24.

When I posed questions to the Chatbot about improving picture brightness or sound, it provided advice on how to make those improvements. It struggled with more in-depth questions, but is still undeniably a good tool for some users.

LG has taken customization and personalization a step further with the new Voice ID, which is a very useful feature for families. The C5 supports multiple profiles to make sure content recommendations and settings are personal for each user, and if Voice ID is enabled, webOs will automatically recognise who is talking and adjust to that user accordingly.

LG C5 with Game Quick Card on screen

Quick Cards, such as the Game one shown here, are still a great way to organise apps based on certain categories. (Image credit: Future)

Elsewhere, webOS 25 retains the Quick Cards feature, which provides useful hubs for categories such as Sports, Game and Accessibility. Choosing your favorite teams in Sports will link to any live or upcoming games, scores, and related content from YouTube and other streaming sites. The home screen’s layout looks very similar to webOS 24 and while the large banner image at top is annoying, the overall layout is user-friendly.

LG stands tall above the competition primarily through its Quick Menu, where settings can be quickly adjusted without moving away from the action on screen. There are plenty of picture and sound settings for those who like to experiment, and they are organized in a way that’s not too overwhelming for more casual users.

  • Smart TV & menus score: 4.5/5

LG C5 OLED TV review: Gaming

LG C5 with Battlefield V and Game Bar on screen

The LG C5 is a brilliant TV for gaming with responsive performance and handling with games such as Battlefield V (pictured). (Image credit: Future)
  • Full suite of gaming features
  • Game Optimizer menu
  • 9.2ms input lag time

The LG C5 is an excellent gaming TV. Its full suite of features include 4K 144Hz, VRR (both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync), HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM support, all across four HDMI 2.1 ports. There is also a Game Optimizer mode where gaming settings can be adjusted, and the home menu’s Game Quick Card houses cloud-based gaming apps such as Amazon Luna and Nvidia GeForce Now as well as other gaming features and settings.

Gaming performance on the C5 is superb. Playing Battlefield V on Xbox Series X, intense battle sequences that required fast movement and targeting felt smooth, resulting in a seamless gaming experience with no screen tearing or blur. The C5’s picture quality added an extra layer to the game, displaying gorgeous visuals filled with vibrant color, stunning contrast and refined detail.

  • Gaming score: 5/5

LG C5 OLED TV review: Value

Image 1 of 2

LG C5 AI Magic Remote

The latest LG AI Magic Remote has a design change from previous generations. But it's only available in certain regions including the US. (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2

LG C5 Magic Remote with AI button

UK users will have to settle for the original Magic Remote with a new AI button instead. (Image credit: Future)
  • Feature-packed for the price
  • Premium performance
  • LG C4 still available for significantly cheaper

LG’s C-series OLED is always tough to judge on value. On the one hand, it’s a feature-packed TV with nearly everything you could need for movies and gaming and an excellent set of smart features to match. Although we have no 2025 model prices yet for the C5’s usual mid-range Samsung, Sony and Panasonic OLED competitors, the C5 is most likely to deliver the best bang for your buck of the lot.

On the other hand, while boasting a slight brightness boost and a new set of AI features, the C5 is very similar to its C4 predecessor. At the time of writing, the 65-inch C5 I tested will set you back $2,699.99 / £2,699.99 (at launch), whereas a 65-inch C4 now costs $1,499.99 / £1,499.99 – a very significant price difference. The price gap between the C4 and its C3 predecessor was easier to justify as the new model was such a step-up, but the same can’t be said for the C5.

However, the C5 is undeniably an excellent TV that justifies its price. Prices are also sure to drop over the coming months, but while the C4 is still available, that’s the model we’d recommend. Once it’s gone, though, the C5 is a worthy replacement.

  • Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the LG C5 OLED TV?

LG C5 with landscape shot of city at night on screen

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want exceptional picture quality
With the LG C5's amazing contrast, bold colors and realistic detail, it feels more premium than its mid-range status suggests. View Deal

You want an OLED for gaming
With a full stock of gaming features, superb performance and a picture to match, the C5 is a perfect gaming TV. View Deal

You want an intuitive smart TV platform
webOS 25 is user-friendly with a great menu layout and now comes with a load of AI features that some will find very useful. View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You own the LG C4
While it is a great TV, the LG C5 is only an incremental upgrade over last year's LG C4. If you own the C4, you won't need to buy the C5. View Deal

You want HDR10+ support
The C5 supports Dolby Vision but does not support HDR10+, which is becoming a more widely used HDR format on streaming services. View Deal

You want the best built-in sound
While the C5's sound will be fine for most people, it doesn't match the C5's other aspects such as picture quality. View Deal

Also Consider

LG C4
The LG C4 is the C5's predecessor and while the C5 has some AI upgrades and other new features, the C4 is a very similar TV that delivers the same versatility and can now be found for a significantly cheaper price. Read our full LG C4 review.

LG G4
The LG G4 is the flagship 2024 OLED TV for LG, and it delivers higher brightness, better picture quality and better built-in sound than the mid-range C-series. You do usually have to pay a more premium price for the G-series, but at the time of writing, the C5 will be pricier at launch. Read our full LG G4 review.

Sony Bravia 8
Sony's mid-range OLED TV, the Bravia 8, is one of the LG C-series' closest rivals, offering similar picture quality but better built-in sound than the C-series. However, LG's C-series models offer better gaming performance and features and a better smart TV platform. This choice will come down to preference and price. Read our full Sony Bravia 8 review.

How I tested the LG C5 OLED TV

LG C5 with testing equipment connected

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested over a week
  • Tested using SDR and HDR sources
  • Measurements taken using Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software

I first began testing the LG C5 OLED TV over a couple of days with casual viewing to determine its most accurate picture and sound modes.

After this, I moved on to critical viewing, using reference scenes from movies and TV shows. This included SDR sources (broadcast TV, HD streaming, DVD) and HDR (4K streaming and 4K Blu-ray). I used these to test the C5's picture quality, looking at elements such as color, black levels, contrast, detail, motion and upscaling.

I used a Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Blu-ray player when playing discs including 4K Blu-ray. I also used an Xbox Series X to test the TV's gaming features and performance.

LG C5 with testing equipment attached and man testing

(Image credit: Future)

Moving onto objective testing, I took measurements using a colorimeter, test pattern generator and Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software to record measurements.

I first took measurements of the C5's brightness using both HDR and SDR white window patterns ranging in size from 1-100%. I also tested the C5's grayscale and color accuracy, taking an average of the Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what's shown on screen), looking for a result below 3.

I also tested the C5's coverage of the UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color spaces. Finally, I used a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Input lag Tester to test the C5's input lag in milliseconds.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link.

I’ve tested the Panasonic Lumix S1R II, and it beats its bulky predecessor in almost every respect
5:00 pm | February 25, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Cameras Computers Gadgets Mirrorless Cameras | Tags: | Comments: Off

Panasonic Lumix S1R II: two-minute review

The Panasonic Lumix S1R II is the new flagship model for Panasonic’s Lumix S series of full-frame mirrorless cameras, replacing the original, 2019-released S1R.

Built first and foremost for capturing massive amounts of detail (the ‘R’ in its name presumably referring to ‘resolution’), the S1R II features a new full-frame 44.3MP CMOS sensor and can record 8K video at up to 30fps, not to mention 4K video at 120fps – a significant video resolution and frame rate improvement over its predecessor.

Panasonic trumpets meaningful advances in other areas too, most notably autofocus, continuous shooting speed and image stabilization, all while reducing the overall size and weight of the camera body in comparison to the Lumix S1R.

Having used the Lumix S1R II for over a week in a wide variety of photo and video shooting scenarios, I’m mightily impressed by what Panasonic has achieved here. The S1R II is surprisingly compact and lightweight for a full-frame flagship camera, immediately solving one of the S1R's biggest flaws.

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Panasonic Lumix S1R II on harbor wall

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The S1R II isn't perfect. Its battery life isn't the most impressive, and some of its more demanding hi-res video modes can cause the body to gradually overheat and require a shutdown and cooling-off period. It also requires that you own a pricy CFexpress Type B card to use some of its features.

None of these issues is a deal-breaker for me, though, especially when taking the camera's capabilities and strengths into account. There's the portability, which I've mentioned, but also much-improved autofocus talents in comparison to the S1R, thanks to the implementation of a fast, accurate phase hybrid system to replace the rather slow and spotty contrast detection system on the old camera.

Image stabilization is also more effective here, stills shooting speeds are higher (especially the new 40fps electronic shutter option) and there are far more resolution, bitrate and frame rate options for video shooters than on the S1R – including Apple ProRes HQ internal recording and the aforementioned 8K resolution.

The Panasonic Lumix S1R II feels like a big leap over its predecessor and just a brilliantly flexible all-rounder. Yes, it's expensive, but I can't think of many full-frame cameras I'd rather pick if I needed a device that can do it all.

Panasonic Lumix S1R II: price and release date

  • Lumix S1R II body only: $3,299 / £2,999 / AU$5,499
  • UK-only Lumix S1R II with 24-105mm lens bundle: £3,799
  • On sale March 2025

The Panasonic Lumix S1R II will be available from March 2025 priced at $3,299 / £2,999 / AU$5,499 body only. In the UK, it'll also be available in a kit with a 24-105mm f/4 standard zoom lens for £3,799. These prices aren't too different to what you'd have paid for the original Lumix S1R cost upon its launch in 2019, so it's hard to have too many complaints about the cost. Inflation hasn't had too much of an effect here.

Panasonic is also launching a battery grip accessory, the DMW-BG2, alongside the camera. This will be available from March 2025 also, priced at $349 / £299.

  • Price score: 4.5/5

specs

Panasonic Lumix S1R II: design and handling

  • Relatively compact and just 795g
  • Large, detailed OLED viewfinder
  • Front and rear tally lamps

The original Lumix S1R was a large, bulky camera, often annoying so – but I don’t feel the same way about the S1R II. It’s so much easier to live with, weighing only 795g including a battery and SD card. That’s over 200g lighter than the S1R, despite retaining its premium metal body and weather sealing.

Thanks to this lighter, more compact body, it feels much more like a camera you could take out with you on a daily basis, rather than one you’d reserve for special occasions. That does depend somewhat on the lens you choose, of course: the 16-35mm f/4 zoom Panasonic loaned to me for the purposes of review is a really chunky and weighty piece of glass, and makes the S1R II feel quite bulky, whereas the 85mm f/1.8 prime the company also lent me makes for a much more manageable, agile setup.

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Panasonic Lumix S1R II

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II battery charger

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The S1R II’s classic DSLR-style shape is a joy to handle. There’s a large grip to wrap one’s right hand around, and with the camera’s relatively low weight this meant I could even use it one-handed at times. Build quality feels solid and premium, although I was a little disappointed to note that Panasonic has eschewed metal lug rings for attaching the neck strap. The fixed rings used here feel a little cheap for a flagship camera.

The camera’s physical controls are all nicely placed; my day-to-day camera is a Panasonic Lumix GH6 II, so the S1R II’s similar control setup felt immediately familiar. There’s a dial to flick quickly between photo, video and S&Q (slow and quick) shooting modes, front and top record buttons and more than enough dials to ensure any setting can be swiftly adjusted with a minimum of fuss. The original S1R's top plate LCD info panel has been removed here, which helps keep the size down in this its successor – but I concede some people might miss its ability to deliver a quick rundown of the current settings.

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Panasonic Lumix S1R II menu screens

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II menu screens

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The on-screen UI, meanwhile, will be immediately familiar to anyone who has used a recent Lumix camera. The 3-inch screen itself is a pretty standard affair, able to tilt and swivel nicely in almost any direction, while the large, ultra-sharp OLED viewfinder is a highlight and a pleasure to hold your eye against.

Connectivity is solid. There’s a full-size HDMI plus USB-C, mic, headphone and wired remote sockets, now each with their own protective door. On the storage front, there’s a single SD card slot plus an additional slot for high-performance CFexpress Type B cards.

Finally, there are front and rear tally lamps to indicate when recording is active. That might seem like a basic feature and a must-have for a mirrorless camera with a big video focus, but so many cameras skimp on it that I’m pleased to see it here.

  • Design and handling score: 5/5

Panasonic Lumix S1R II: features and performance

  • Phase hybrid autofocus
  • Dual I.S. 2 image stabilization
  • 10fps / 40fps burst shooting

The S1R II comes with a number of performance improvements over its predecessor. First and possibly foremost is its phase hybrid autofocus system, which is faster, smoother and more accurate than the contrast-based system on the old model. It’s particularly great for video use, slickly keeping subjects in sharp focus without any of the hunting that was sometimes seen on older Lumix models. It can also identify and automatically track a variety of subjects, from humans to animals to motorcycles. I’ve tested it with humans and cats and it's never been less than effective and dependable.

The on-board image stabilization is Panasonic’s Dual I.S. 2 variety, combining sensor-shifting in-body and lens-based stabilization with user-configurable electronic stabilization tailored to specific shooting scenarios. Panasonic generally does stabilization particularly well and from my testing that seems to be the case here too, with vlogging and handheld video gaining an almost gimbal-like stability at the cost of a crop to the frame. Panasonic claims the system adds up to 8 stops of shutter speed compensation, as opposed to 5.5 stops on the original S1R. Numbers aside, I can say it's a very capable system that leaves the user more time to focus on the more important and enjoyable aspects of video or photo capture.

Shooting speed has likewise been given a boost. When using the mechanical shutter, it’s risen from 9fps to 10fps with AF-S and 6fps to 8fps with AF-C, while switching to electronic shutter now allows for 40fps bursts with AF-C. This speedy shooting works hand in glove with the new autofocus setup, allowing you to point and shoot at moving objects and rely on the camera to recognize, focus on and capture them in motion.

Panasonic Lumix S1R II

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Bucking the trend for improvements, battery life is slightly worse than that of the S1R, but you can still expect around 350 images on a full charge – or over 1000 when using the Power Save LVF mode. From my own personal use, where I switched fairly often between photo and video capture, plus made frequent use of potentially power-sapping modes like high-speed stills shooting and high resolution, high frame rate video recording, I did notice the battery bars dropping pretty fast. I think it’s fair to say that power users may need to invest in a spare battery or two – although with in-camera charging and the ability to use the USB-C port as a power supply, there may be alternatives.

The S1R II appears to have some kind of active cooling system, with fan noise audible at times, but it will overheat when pushed to its performance limits during video capture. When left recording 8K footage at 30fps or 4K footage at 60fps, it overheated and shut itself down after about 20 minutes, requiring a few more minutes of downtime to cool off before it could begin again. Worth noting if you're somebody who needs to record long uninterrupted videos.

  • Features and performance score: 4/5

Panasonic Lumix S1R II: image and video quality

  • 44.3MP stills and 8K/30p video
  • 177MP high-resolution mode
  • 10-bit color depth and wide range of bitrates for various qualities / file sizes

The S1R II is the resolution king for Panasonic’s Lumix S range, and both photos and videos are extremely rich in detail and dynamic range.

Photos are captured at 44.3MP which, while marginally smaller than the 47.3MP images captured by the S1R, are more than sufficiently detailed for creating huge prints or heavy cropping. Pixel peepers have absolutely nothing to fear from the images here: I found them richly detailed even when zoomed right in, with smooth color gradation and superb dynamic range. I shot both in JPEG and RAW, processing the latter in Adobe Lightroom. The majority of the photos I've included in the gallery here were captured in RAW, but even JPEGs allow for a nice measure of post-production tweaking.

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Panasonic S1R II photo sample

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II sample photograph

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II sample photograph

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic S1R II photo sample

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II sample photograph

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II sample photograph

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II sample photograph

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II sample photograph

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II sample photograph

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic Lumix S1R II sample photograph

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic S1R II photo sample

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic S1R II photo sample

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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Panasonic S1R II photo sample

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

As you'd expect from a modern day full-frame camera, the S1R II is quite capable in low light situations, if perhaps not among the best performers in its class in that regard. Fit a fast prime on here and you could certainly use it as a discreet camera for nighttime street photography or similar.

As with the Lumix S1R, there's also the option to shoot a burst of images that the camera then combines into a single super high-resolution shot, which is here around 177MP. This can be even be achieved handheld, thanks to clever algorithms stitching the image together, and I found the results to be quite impressive. There's a lot more detail present when you zoom right into the images, and only the odd strange artefact (I noticed a seagull appearing multiple times) to signal that this isn't derived from a single exposure.

On the video front, the camera can record 8K footage at up to 30fps, as well as a variety of ‘lesser’ resolutions at higher frame rates. It has an Open Gate recording option, which uses the entire surface of the sensor and results in up to 6.4K video now – and 8.1K or 7.2K options being promised via a future firmware update later in 2025.

It also offers an option to record video in Apple ProRes RAW and RAW HQ formats at up to 5.8K internally, provided you use a CFexpress Type B card. Panasonic claims videos can exhibit up to 14 stops of dynamic range too.

I was very impressed by the camera's video capabilities. Not only does it offer a wide range of options to suit creators of all stripes, but it performs in an unfussy and dependable manner. The above vlogging video was captured in Panasonic's flat V-log color profile and corrected and graded in post-production, but the process took very little time and effort on my part. The base video I was able to capture from the camera was a great place to work from, and left me very happy with the results in terms of color and contrast.

Factor in the S1R II's excellent stabilization and autofocus and it's a very, very strong package for video creators.

  • Image and video quality score: 5/5

Panasonic Lumix S1R II: testing scorecard

Should I buy the Panasonic Lumix S1R II?

Panasonic Lumix S1R II on harbor wall

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Buy it if...

You want a user-friendly flagship
The compact size, low weight and much improved autofocus make this a truly user-focussed flagship. Despite its capabilities and features, it’s a fairly portable camera that handles a lot of the hard stuff for you.View Deal

You’re serious about hi-res video
Beyond the headline-grabbing 8K recording, there’s also a 6.4K Open Gate option and various other higher-than-4K video modes available. If detailed video is important to you, the S1R II delivers.View Deal

You want a do-it-all device
With excellent photo and video skills, it doesn’t feel like the S1R II focusses on one to the detriment of the other. It’s a genuine hybrid camera that can handle all sorts of situations.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You’re looking for a simple mirrorless model
The S1R II is an advanced and expensive flagship camera, offering many features that casual users will never need or use. If you’re just starting out on your mirrorless camera journey, pick something simpler and cheaper.View Deal

You need epic battery life
While the S1R II’s battery life isn’t terrible by any means, it’s not the best among flagship mirrorless cameras – and 8K video capture drains it fast. You might need to buy additional batteries or a portable power bank if you’re planning on a long weekend of shooting.View Deal

You need unlimited video recording times
Longer video clips at higher resolutions and frame rates not only drain battery life fast but overheat the S1R II. If you need to record uninterrupted, this isn't the camera for you.View Deal

Panasonic Lumix S1R II: also consider

Nikon Z8

The list price of the Nikon Z8 started life around 25% more than the Lumix S1R II's starting price, but Nikon's flagship is available for the same price at the time of writing. On paper, the two full-frame cameras share many similarities; 45MP (approx) stills and 8K video. If we were pushed to suggest one model, we'd say the Z8 for photography-first users, and the Lumix S1R II for serious video work. The truth is though, both are very capable hybrids.

Read our in-depth Nikon Z8 review

Panasonic Lumix S5 II

Those for whom the Lumix S1R II features are a little overkill should consider the Lumix S5 II. The cameras share practically the same design and handling, but the pricier Lumix S1R II is the resolution king, with 8K video and 44MP to the Lumix S5 II's 6K video and 24MP stills. You pay twice the price for twice the detail.

Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix S5 II

How I tested the Panasonic Lumix S1R II

Panasonic Lumix S1R II

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
  • Pre-production model with latest firmware
  • Paired with wireless mic gear
  • Vlogging and photography in a range of scenarios

Panasonic loaned me a pre-production model of the Lumix S1R II running the latest firmware (the firmware that will be on the retail units on launch day), plus two L-Mount lenses: a 16-35 f/4 zoom and an 85mm f/1.8 prime.

I've used the camera for vlogging, both testing its internal mics and pairing it with a DJI Mic 2 wireless mic kit. I've also taken lots of photos in different scenarios, including a sunset walk along the East Kent coast and a day trip to Canterbury.

First reviewed February 2025

HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) review
2:33 pm | February 24, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

HP’s latest Spectre convertible is a pricey proposition – you could buy a decent laptop plus a separate tablet for the same cost. But if you’re looking for something that can fulfil both roles, this powerful, premium computer is a delight.

The two-in-one laptop design doesn’t compromise the aesthetics at all. Its deep blue chassis stands out tastefully from the swamp of monochrome laptops, while sliced-off corners give a pleasing minimalist aesthetic, as do the thin bezels around the display. In tablet mode, magnets hold the screen secure against the chassis, and despite the 14in screen it’s not too heavy to carry around at 1.4kg. My one reservation about the design is a lack of ports: you get one USB-A port on the right-hand side, two USB-C ports on the left – and that’s it.

The keyboard has a comfortable layout and I quickly found myself typing at full speed, enjoying the action as my fingers bounced positively from each keystroke to the next. The haptic touchpad simulates clicking by producing a vibration; I can take or leave this, but I definitely like its smooth texture.

Full view of the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024)

A vibrant OLED screen and a superb keyboard give the Spectre a luxury feel (Image credit: Future)

The star of the design is the 14in, 2,880 x 1,800 OLED touchscreen. On paper it doesn’t appear all that exceptional: it covers 86% of the DCI-P3 color gamut with an average peak brightness of 366cd/m2. However, it delivers wonderfully vibrant colors, making games and videos look much richer, brighter and more solid than the numbers would suggest.

Tucked above the display sits a surprisingly good webcam. Excellent, in fact. Unusually, it offers an Ultra HD, 4K resolution, and image quality is a cut above most rival laptops: my cheeks looked rosy, my surroundings looked bright and colorful, and somehow the windows behind me weren’t blown out.

Audio performance is pleasing, too, thanks to a pair of top-firing speakers. I listened to “This Feels Like the End” by Nothing But Thieves and immediately got into the groove.

The opening percussion was thumping, vocals were crisp and loud and the guitar chords and riffs were bright and urgent.

The HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) folded into tablet mode

Whether it’s in tent, laptop or tablet mode, the Spectre is a joy to use (Image credit: Future)

The basic Spectre x360 14 comes with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for £1,499 inc VAT, but I reviewed the premium model with a Core Ultra 7 155H, 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage. Unsurprisingly, this high-end hardware let me open dozens of Chrome tabs and a handful of YouTube videos all at once, without the slightest stutter. In Geekbench, the Spectre scored a soaring 12,358, even outpacing the M3 MacBook Pro’s score of 11,968.

The one area of compromise is graphics performance. The HP Spectre x360 14 relies on an integrated Intel Arc GPU, and in the Civilization VI:

Gathering Storm benchmark, it averaged a merely acceptable 36fps at 1080p. In other words, it’s fine for casual titles, but hardcore gamers will demand something more capable.

A final strength is battery life. With a power-efficient processor and no separate GPU to drive, the Spectre x360 14 lasted 11hrs 1min of web surfing, longer than almost any Intel laptop we’ve previously tested – although the M3 MacBook Pro lasted a ridiculous 17hrs 16mins. Heat is well managed, too: after 15 minutes of video streaming, we measured a maximum temperature of 39°C on the underside of the chassis, which is on the warm side but easy to live with if you want to use the Spectre on your lap.

Performance of the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) compared to benchmarks

(Image credit: Future)

The new HP Spectre x360 14 is hard to fault. It’s a fast, beautifully designed laptop, with a sumptuous screen, excellent performance and battery life, and the convenience of tent and tablet mode. Gamers will want a more powerful graphics chip, but as a general-purpose productivity and entertainment companion, this laptop is a star that manages to justify its high price.

We also ranked the best gaming PCs.

Panasonic Z85A review: a superb OLED TV that delivers on nearly every front
5:30 pm | November 17, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Panasonic Z85A OLED TV review: Two minute review

The Panasonic Z85A OLED TV is one of the entry-level models in Panasonic’s 2024 TV lineup, sitting below the Panasonic Z95A and Z90A. Along with the flagship OLED Panasonic Z95A OLED and W95A mini-LED, it is one of the first Panasonic TVs available in the US in over a decade.

The Panasonic Z85A sells for $1,599 / £1,599 and $1,799 / £1,999 for its 55 and 65-inch models, respectively, putting it in the same price range as some of the best OLED TVs such as the LG C4, Sony Bravia 8 and Philips OLED809.

Panasonic uses a standard W-OLED panel in the Z85A, which features the same HCX AI Pro II Processor found in step-up Panasonic models including the Panasonic Z95A. While its brightness levels are only average and there is some black crush in darker scenes, the picture quality on the Z85A is up there with the best TVs, with rich contrast, vibrant yet natural colors, deep blacks and realistic textures and details.

Sound quality on the Z85A is good overall. It won’t beat the best TVs for sound, but it does deliver punchy bass, clear dialogue and accurate placement of effects. Those looking for a cinematic experience may want to add one of the best soundbars, but for day to day viewing, the Z85A’s built-in sound is perfectly fine.

The Panasonic Z85A uses Fire TV as its built-in smart TV platform, and it’s a welcome change from Panasonic’s own my Home Screen interface used on previous TVs. There are fewer picture settings, but menus are more user-friendly, navigation is smoother and Amazon features such as Ambient Experience help make the Z85A feel like the complete package.

The Z85A carries many of the features we look for in the best gaming TVs. There are only two HDMI 2.1 ports, but 4K 120Hz, VRR (including AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia Gsync) ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming are all supported. Smooth performance and stunning graphics make the Z85A a fantastic OLED gaming TV.

The Panasonic Z85A is marginally pricier than rival mid-range OLEDs but mostly justifies its price thanks to its fantastic features and the sheer brilliance of its picture.

Panasonic Z85A with landscape on screen

Textures and details on the Panasonic Z85A are very realistic. (Image credit: Future)

Panasonic Z85A OLED TV review: Prices & release date

  • Release date: October 2024
  • 55-inch Z85A: $1,599 / £1,599
  • 65-inch: Z85A: $1,799 / £1,999

The Panasonic Z85A is one of the entry-level models in Panasonic’s 2024 OLED TV lineup. It is available in 55- and 65-inch sizes in both the US and UK. Panasonic TVs are not sold in Australia.

The Panasonic Z85A has similar specs and tech as the LG C4, Sony Bravia 8 and Philips OLED809, but is priced slightly higher than those models. Prices have since dropped, however, with the 55-inch model now available for $1,499 / £1,299 and the 65-inch model available for $1,699 / £1,699, making it more competitive with its rivals.

Panasonic Z85A OLED TV review: Specs

Panasonic Z85A OLED TV review: Benchmark results

Panasonic Z85A connection ports

The Panasonic Z85A comes with a good number of connections, but only two HDMI 2.1 ports (Image credit: Future)

Panasonic Z85A OLED TV review: Features

  • W-OLED panel
  • Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive support
  • Fire TV smart TV platform

The Panasonic Z85A features a W-OLED panel similar to that found in TVs such as the LG C4 and Sony Bravia 8 as opposed to the micro lens array (MLA) panel – a type that yields higher brightness – found in the step-up Panasonic Z95A. Unlike other OLED TVs in the US, it supports both the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats.

The new Panasonic HCX Pro AI MKII processor, which analyzes the picture on screen to adjust color, contrast and clarity on the fly, is used by the Panasonic Z85A, and It also has AI features that can be activated to monitor picture and sound quality and adjust based on the content being shown onscreen and the viewing environment.

For sound, the Panasonic Z85A has a 2.1-channel speaker array totaling 50W of power. It supports Dolby Atmos but not DTS. There also aren’t as many sound features or presets as you’ll find on the flagship Panasonic Z95A, though the Z85A does support Theater Surround Pro and has a port for connection to an external subwoofer for those wanting more bass.

The Panasonic Z85A features only two HDMI 2.1 ports but otherwise has an extensive list of gaming features. It supports 4K 120Hz, VRR (both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia GSync), ALLM, and Dolby Vision and HDR10+ gaming and also has a True Game Mode to optimize picture settings and a Game Control Board where those settings can be customized.

The Z85A’s Fire TV smart TV platform replaces the my Home Screen interface – the company’s own smart TV platform – found on previous Panasonic TVs. It supports major streaming apps including Netflix, Prime Video and Disney Plus, along with Max in the US. In the UK, you get Freely, the free TV service that allows you to stream broadcast TV live over Wi-Fi rather than relying on an aerial, and it supports UK-based streaming apps including BBC iPlayer and ITVX. In the US, it additionally comes with an ATSC 3.0 tuner.

  • Features score: 4/5

Panasonic Z85A with The Batman on screen

The Panasonic Z85A has incredible contrast and very good shadow detail when viewed in dimmed conditions (Image credit: Future)

Panasonic Z85A OLED TV review: Picture quality

  • Realistic textures and details
  • Outstanding contrast and shadow detail
  • Dynamic, vibrant colors

Since the Panasonic Z85A uses a standard W-OLED panel rather than the MLA OLED panel found in the Panasonic Z95A (and LG G4) or the Samsung S95D’s QD-OLED panel, I expected it to have peak brightness levels more in line with the LG C4, B4, Sony Bravia 8 and Philips OLED809.

The Z85A’s results were roughly what I anticipated if not a little low. Measuring brightness on a 10% HDR white window pattern, the Panasonic Z85A produced 697 nits in Standard mode and 778 nits in Filmmaker Mode. Those results put it above the LG B4’s 656 nits on the same test but below the likes of the Philips OLED809’s 927 nits and the Sony Bravia 8’s 817 nits.

When measuring the Z85A’s grayscale and color accuracy by taking an average of its Delta-E values (the margin for error between the test pattern and what’s shown on screen), it achieved phenomenal results of 1.1 and 1.2, respectively (we typically look for below 3).

After cycling through the Z85A’s picture presets, I landed on Filmmaker as its most accurate mode, though True Cinema mode was an excellent picture preset as well. Both provided incredible detail and contrast, but I opted for Filmmaker due to its higher brightness.

When watching both lower-resolution and high-definition (HD) TV shows, the Z85A did a solid job of upscaling them to 4K.

Moving onto 4K movies and TV shows, the Panasonic Z85A demonstrated spectacular color reproduction. Watching a scene where the ship arrived in Numenor in season 1 of Rings of Power on Prime Video (watched in Filmmaker Mode HDR), the blues and whites of the sea and rocky landscapes dazzled while maintaining a natural look, and the gold of armor and buildings glistened in the bright sunlight.

A Dolby Vision stream of Star Wars: The Last Jedi via Disney Plus also demonstrated the Z85A’s excellent color reproduction. The reds of the throne room fight scene looked bold and vibrant, but accurate, and lightsabers had a dynamic punch. They didn’t quite have the same glossy HDR sheen as on brighter OLEDs such as the Samsung S95D, but the Z85A’s colors were nonetheless glorious. I opted for the Dolby Vision Dark picture mode here as I felt it was more accurate, but those looking for more brightness can switch to Dolby Vision IQ mode.

When measuring the Panasonic Z85A’s HDR color gamut coverage in Filmmaker Mode, it yielded results of 98.2% for UHDA-P3 and 73.6% for BT.2020. Both of these are excellent results, and they slightly top the 97% and 72.5% achieved by the flagship Panasonic Z95A.

Panasonic Z85A with Rings of Power on screen

The Panasonic Z85A's color and detail are stunning (Image credit: Future)

Black levels, shadow detail and contrast were also superb. Watching a 4K Blu-ray of The Batman in Dolby Vision Dark picture mode, light sources and lamps looked perfectly balanced with the gloomy surroundings in the opening crime scene. I did note occasional black crush in some scenes, with objects losing the odd detail, but overall The Batman looked incredibly accurate on the Z85A.

The Z85A had superb contrast in the black-and-white scenes in Oppenheimer, with an excellent balance between dark and light tones with a perfect range of grays in between.

One thing worth noting is that the Z85A fared better in dimmed or dark viewing conditions when watching darker movies since reflections could be seen on its screen in a bright room.

Panasonic’s OLEDs typically excel in showing details and textures, and the Z85A is no different. Whatever was on screen, the Z85A displayed it in a realistic manner that gave an incredible sense of depth to the image. Watching Top Gun: Maverick, close-ups of pilots revealed every facial feature – sweat, hair, pores. The natural landscapes in Rings of Power also had a 3D-like quality thanks to the intricate, fine details in the waves and mountains.

As you’d expect from OLED, the Z85A’s motion handling is very good overall. When watching a stream of a soccer game, I found that most picture modes worked well, though I stayed away from the Sports mode due to its oversaturated colors. The most effective was Normal mode with the IFC (Intelligent Frame Creation) in picture settings set to Min (with Mid, Max and Off being the other levels). With these active, long, panning shots up and down the pitch were generally handled very well with only incredibly minor stutter from time to time.

Motion handling with movies was excellent throughout, even with motion settings turned off. WatchingTop Gun: Maverick, swooping camera shots during training missions and Maverick’s bike rides through the desert were displayed with no visible judder.

  • Picture quality score: 4.5/5

Panasonic Z85A with La La Land on screen

The Panasonic Z85A has decent sound quality and does well with movies like La La Land, but it struggles with Dolby Atmos reproduction (Image credit: Future)

Panasonic Z85A OLED TV review: Sound quality

  • Punchy bass
  • Accurate sound placement
  • Sound confined to screen

The Panasonic Z85A’s 2.1-channel, 50W speaker array is a significantly smaller system than the one found in the flagship Panasonic Z95A, which boasts a 5.1.2-channel speaker system totaling 160W. There is still support for Dolby Atmos and something that Panasonic calls Theater Surround Pro, but more advanced sound features such as the Z95A’s Space Tune are not featured in the Z85A.

One thing I found interesting is that there is no preset intended for movies among the Z85A’s sound modes. Instead, I opted for the Stadium preset which promised the biggest sound.

The Z85A’s dynamic bass made the rumble of the Batmobile’s engine in the car chase scene in The Batman come through with plenty of power and punch, and plenty of control as well. Dialogue was consistently clear and well-presented and sound placement was accurate, with the sounds of swerving cars and tire screeches in The Batman and soaring jets in Top Gun: Maverick directly connected to the action on screen. I did find the Samsung QN90D and Samsung S95D’s sound presentation to be more accurate when I tested those TVs, however

The Z85A’s sound demonstrated a good balance when watching La La Land, reproducing the bright, jazzy score and the more delicate piano-led moments with the same level of detail. Due to its more limited speaker array, Dolby Atmos soundtracks weren’t given the same level of accuracy or space as on the step-up Panasonic Z95A. Pounding rain in The Batman was rarely audible throughout my viewing, and while the sound did extend beyond the screen on occasion, it still seemed somewhat contained.

  • Sound quality score: 4/5

Panasonic Z85A stand

The Panasonic Z85A has a light, sleek design but its stand feels a little cheap. (Image credit: Future)

Panasonic Z85A OLED TV review: Design

  • Solid, yet lightweight build
  • Stand feels a little cheap
  • Dated remote

The Panasonic Z85A’s design is solid and dependable, if not a little safe in places. While the top of its frame is trim enough, the bottom part is on the bulkier side to accommodate the larger built-in subwoofer. Its screen lacks the bezel-less design of other premium OLEDs but is still suitably trim. It feels sturdy when installed with its stand but is also very light for easy movement.

Speaking of the stand, the Z85A’s is a mixed bag. While it has a sleek look that blends well with dark furniture and is well-made, the plastic and metal materials don’t feel as premium as on rival OLEDs, its predecessor the Panasonic MZ1500, which comes with a weighty, swiveling, all-metal stand, included.

The Z85A’s supplied remote continues what has become a somewhat sore subject for me with Panasonic TVs. It is long, bulky, covered in a load of buttons, and feels outdated. While better than the standard Fire TV remote provided with the flagship Panasonic Z95A, it still doesn’t look or feel like the premium remote you expect for an OLED TV like this – especially when compared to the USB-C rechargeable, light-up, metal remote that Philips stocks with its TVs like the Philips OLED809.

  • Design score: 4/5

Panasonic Z85A with Fire TV home screen on display

Panasonic Z85A uses Fire TV as its smart TV platform, replacing my Home Screen 8.0 (Image credit: Future)

Panasonic Z85A OLED TV review: Smart TV & menus

  • Fire TV smart TV platform
  • Intuitive and responsive navigation
  • A good number of picture settings for calibration

Panasonic has opted to switch from its own my Home Screen smart TV platform in favor of Amazon’s Fire TV in the majority of its TVs this year and while the number of settings for picture and sound have taken a hit, the experience overall is an improvement.

Signing in with an Amazon account means the home page provides not only recommendations for movies and TV shows but an easy way to jump back into viewing, with the ability to sign in with and switch between multiple profiles for a more customized home screen. Unsurprisingly, these recommendations are almost entirely centered on Amazon’s Prime Video platform. Thanks to the Z85A’s faster processor, navigation of different menus and apps is smoother than my experience with the Amazon Omni QLED TV and also easy and intuitive.

The Panasonic Z85A comes with other Amazon features such as Alexa voice control and the Ambient Experience (a similar concept to Samsung’s Ambient mode on its TVs) which lets you display static and dynamic images and videos on the screen when the TV enters idle mode, rather than turning off. You can add your personal photos after uploading them via the Amazon Photos app on your phone, and widgets for weather, news, sports and more can be added to the Ambient screen as well.

Despite not having as many picture or sound settings as the previous my Home Screen interface, there are still a good number of settings for those looking to tweak their TV’s picture.

  • Smart TV & menus score: 4/5

Panasonic Z85A with Battlefield V on screen

The Panasonic Z85A has a good number of gaming features and great performance. (Image credit: Future)

Panasonic Z85A OLED TV review: Gaming

  • 12.7ms input lag time
  • Extreme Game Mode featuring Game Control Board
  • Only two HDMI 2.1 ports

The Panasonic Z85A has only two HDMI 2.1 ports but is otherwise a well-equipped TV for gaming, supporting 4K 120Hz, Dolby Vision gaming, VRR (AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia GSync) and ALLM.

Similar to other Panasonic TVs, the Z85A has the Game Control Board, where settings such as Shadow Enhancer allow for easy customization while playing. For non-Dolby Vision games, there are also two game picture modes, Game and True Game, with True Game serving as the Filmmaker or Movie picture mode equivalent by opting for a warmer color palette and more accurate textures that will better suit certain games.

Gaming on the Z85A is responsive and smooth, with fast-paced gameplay well handled. When playing Battlefield V at 4K 120Hz, targeting, movement and animations were all fluid and seamless. It doesn’t beat the best 120Hz TVs such as the LG C4, but the Z85A’s 12.7ms input lag time is still very good and below the 15ms threshold most gamers look for.

Graphically, the Z85A carries across the same picture quality it brings to movies, with plenty of vibrant color, rich contrast, realistic textures and fine details that give games an extra sense of realism.

  • Gaming score: 4.5/5

Panasonic Z85A remote

Panasonic's remote, shown here, feels outdated compared to other remotes supplied with OLED TVs (Image credit: Future)

Panasonic Z85A OLED TV review: Value

  • Prices have dropped since launch
  • Still slightly pricier than rival mid-range OLEDs
  • Very good picture for price range

Since launching at $1,599 / £1,599 for the 55-inch model and $1,799 / £1,999 for the 65-inch model, the Panasonic Z85A’s prices have dropped to $1,499 / £1,299 for the 55-inch model and $1,699 / £1,699 for the 65-inch model. That’s still pricier than other mid-range OLEDs such as the LG C4 ($1,199 / £1,199 for 55-inch and $1,499 / £1,599 for 65-inch) but generally fair value for the picture quality and performance you’re getting.

Although a brightness boost similar to the mid-range LG C4 would have been nice, the Panasonic Z85A is still an excellent OLED that delivers in key areas. It still may exceed some budgets, but its picture quality and gaming features alone make it a worthy mid-range OLED contender.

  • Value score: 4/5

Panasonic Z85A with butterfly on screen

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Panasonic Z85A OLED TV?

Buy it if...

You want superb picture quality
The Panasonic Z85A delivers spectacular contrast and color and realistic details and textures, bringing movies and TV shows to life.

You want a great OLED TV for gaming
The Panasonic Z85A is well stocked for gaming, with 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming all supported. Plus, it delivers great performance.

Don't buy it if…

You watch in bright rooms
The Panasonic Z85A does suffer from reflections when watching darker content in bright rooms. Look at brighter OLEDs such as the LG C4 if you want a brightness boost.

You want the best value OLED TV
While it is still a brilliant TV, the Panasonic Z85A doesn't deliver the same value overall as the LG C4, the best mid-range OLED available.

Also consider

LG C4 OLED
The LG C4 has higher brightness and more gaming features than the Panasonic Z85A, including four HDMI 2.1 ports and 144Hz support. In terms of picture and sound quality, it's close between the two. This is the Panasonic Z85A's closest rival.

Read our full LG C4 OLED reviewView Deal

Sony Bravia 8 OLED
The Sony Bravia has bolder colors than the Panasonic Z85A, but the Z85A takes the crown for contrast and detail. Sound is another area where the Bravia 8 has the Z85A beat. In terms of gaming features, they're even.

Read our full Sony Bravia 8 OLED reviewView Deal

Philips OLED809
Both the Philips OLED809 and Panasonic Z85A are close to one another in terms of picture quality and gaming features, but the Philips has the added benefit of Ambilight and marginally better sound. If you're in the UK, it'll be a close call between these two.

Read our full Philips OLED809 reviewView Deal

Panasonic Z85A with testing equipment attached

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Panasonic Z85A OLED TV

  • Tested in varying lighting conditions
  • Tested using both SDR and HDR sources
  • Measurements were taken using Portrait Displays' Calman calibration software

Before testing, I did some casual viewing with the Panasonic Z85A to establish the most accurate picture mode and after scrolling through presets, I decided on Filmmaker Mode as the most accurate, with True Cinema mode a close second.

After this, I began my critical testing using SDR sources, such as broadcast TV and standard Blu-ray and HD movies, and HDR sources, such as 4K streaming and 4K Blu-rays. 4K Blu-rays were played using the Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Blu-ray player.

For critical testing, I used reference scenes from movies and TV shows. I tested picture quality, focusing on color, contrast, black levels, motion, detail, and upscaling, as well as the audio quality of the built-in speakers.

I also tested the Panasonic Z85A's gaming features and performance using an Xbox Series X.

After subjective testing, I moved onto objective testing, taking measurements using specialized equipment. This consisted of a test pattern generator, a colorimeter and Portrait Display's Calman calibration software to record the measurements.

The measurements taken included HDR and SDR brightness, measured on white window patterns ranging from 1-100% in size, with a focus on 10% for peak brightness and 100% for full-screen brightness.

I took measurements for HDR color gamut, analyzing the BT.2020 and UHDA-P3 color spaces. I also took measurements for color accuracy and grayscale in HDR, taking an average of each's Delta-E values (the margin for error between the test pattern and what's shown on screen).

Finally, I measured the Z85A's input lag using a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Input Lag Tester.

Honor X60 and X60 Pro arrive with 108MP cameras, Pro model has a curved OLED display
6:43 pm | October 16, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

Honor unveiled two new models in the X60 series and they diverge more than their X50 counterparts. There is a Pro model with a fancier screen and more processing power (which also has an effect on the camera capabilities). The Honor X60 Pro has a curved OLED display, a 6.78” 120Hz panel with 1,224 x 2,700px resolution (19.9:9). It has 10-bit colors and can reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, which are controlled with 3,840Hz high-frequency PWM dimming. The display can work with wet fingers (the phone itself is waterproof but without an official IP rating). X60 Pro with a curved...

Panasonic Z95A review: a stunning, bright OLED TV with best-in-class Dolby Atmos sound
6:00 pm | October 12, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Panasonic Z95A: Two-minute review

The Panasonic Z95A is the company’s flagship OLED TV, sitting above the company’s mid-range Z90A and entry-level Z85A in the company’s 2024 OLED lineup. There are two big changes for Panasonic TVs this year. The first is that the company has switched from its own My Home Screen smart TV interface to Amazon Fire TV. The second is that Panasonic has re-entered the US TV market, though the selection of models and screen sizes is more limited in the US than in the UK and Europe.

The Panasonic Z95A arrives stateside exclusively in a 65-inch screen size, though a 55-inch model is also available in the UK. Pricing is set at $3,100 / £3,899, putting the Z95A very much in the premium TV camp, but if you have the cash, its performance and features rank it among the best OLED TVs.

The Z95A’s 'Master OLED Ultimate' display panel uses the same micro lens array (MLA) tech found in the flagship LG G4 OLED TV and features a new HCX Pro AI Processor MK II to enhance HDR tone mapping, color accuracy, detail, and motion handling. Images on the Z95A are bright, with strong contrast and rich color – it looks every part the premium TV.

Sound is also a standout Z95A feature. It has a 5.1.2-channel 160W speaker system with front and side-firing speakers, along with up-firing ones to deliver Dolby Atmos height effects. The Z95A’s sound is powerful and immersive enough that you could easily get away without using one of the best soundbars, and there’s also a clever and effective Sound Focus mode to ensure people sitting off-center still get great sound. It's probably the best TV for sound if money is no object. Packing in so many speakers adds to the TV’s bulk, but its design is otherwise appealing and it sits on a sturdy circular stand that can swivel in either direction.

The Z95A’s Fire TV interface isn’t the best smart TV platform, because it’s edged out by more sophisticated systems like LG’s webOS and more streamlined ones like Roku, but it gets the job done for streaming and features a new Ambient Experience that displays a wide range of pre-installed images when the TV is in sleep mode and also lets you upload your own images as well as create new ones using AI. There are plentiful settings to dial in the TV’s picture and sound – perhaps too many depending on your level of patience for tweaking.

Gaming is well represented on the Z95A, which has two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz, VRR (including Nvidia G-Sync and AMD Freesync Premium), and Dolby Vision Gaming (up to 144Hz). A Game Control Board menu overlay lets you make quick gaming-related settings, and it can be assigned to the remote control’s My App button for easy pop-up access.

The Panasonic Z95A earns its high price compared to even the best TVs, and if you want a single unit that delivers elite sound as well as pictures, it's hard to beat. But the magnificent Samsung S95D is available for a lot less, so you need to want its particular mix of sound and visuals.

Panasonic Z95A review: Price and release date

Panasonic Z95A OLED TV showing image of a landscape

(Image credit: Future)
  • Release date: 4 September 2024 
  • 65-inch: $3,100 / £3,899
  • 55-inch: NA / £2,999

Panasonic’s Z95A is the company’s flagship OLED TV for 2024. It is available in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes in the UK and 65 inches in the US. Panasonic TVs are not sold in Australia.

The Z95A series sits above the company’s Z85A series, which is available in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes in both the US and the UK, with the 65-inch model priced at $1,799 / £2,499. 

As a flagship OLED TV sold in both the US and the UK, the Z95A’s key competitors are the Samsung S95D ($3,399 / £3,399) and LG G4  ($3,399 / £3,299) – however, both those TVs are available for much less than their asking price now. You can find them both for around $2,600 / £2,600, so they offer a big saving compared to the Z95A.

Panasonic Z95A review: Specs

Panasonic Z95A review: Benchmark results

Panasonic Z95A review: Features

Panasonic Z95A OLED TV back panel ports

The Z95A has two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support. (Image credit: Future)
  • MLA OLED panel and HCX Pro AI Processor MK II
  • Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ adaptive HDR
  • Two HDMI 2.1 inputs with 4K 144Hz support

The Panasonic Z95A features a 'Master OLED Ultimate' display panel equipped with the same brightness boosting micro lens array (MLA) tech used in LG’s G4 OLED TV, along with a heat-management configuration developed in-house by Panasonic engineers. It also has Panasonic’s new HCX Pro AI Processor MK II, which uses dynamic 3D LUTs (Look-Up Tables) to display accurate colors in bright and dark images and a 4K Fine Remaster and Smooth Motion Drive Pro feature to enhance detail and motion clarity.

The Z95A has comprehensive HDR support, with Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, and HLG all accounted for. In the US, this is the only OLED TV range to offer both advanced HDR formats (in the UK, Philips does as well). A Filmmaker Mode with intelligent sensing optimizes that picture mode for a range of room lighting conditions using the TV’s built-in sensors, and there’s also a Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode that’s meant to accurate display programs streamed from Netflix.

Sound quality is given special attention on the Z95A, which features '360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics.' This basically is a built-in 5.1.2-channel 160W speaker system with a dedicated center speaker and up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos height effects. There are extensive settings for tuning the Z95A’s sound, and it has a beam-forming feature that lets you direct the TV’s sound output with Pinpoint, Area, Spot, and Ambient modes.

For its new TVs, the Z95A included, Panasonic has swapped its unloved My Home Screen smart TV platform for Amazon’s Fire TV. This uses a Voice Remote with Alexa for control, and it now features the Fire TV Ambient Experience, which lets you add various information widgets to the TV’s ambient mode screensaver, and even create your own custom images using generative AI.

Gaming is also a highlight of the Z95A, which supports 4K 144Hz, VRR (including Nvidia G-Sync and AMD Freesync Premium), and Dolby Vision Gaming (up to 144Hz) and also has a Game Control Board pop-up menu for making quick gaming-related settings. The Z95A only has two HDMI 2.1 inputs, however, which is less than the four HDMI 2.1 ports we look for on the best gaming TVs.

  • Features Score: 4.5/5

Panasonic Z95A review: Picture quality

Panasonic Z95A OLED TV showing image of a landscape

The Z95A's picture is bright enough for viewing in well-lit rooms and it has an anti-reflection screen. (Image credit: Future)
  • High brightness for an OLED TV
  • Excellent overall picture quality
  • Anti-reflection screen

With an OLED MLA panel similar to the one used in the LG G4 OLED TV, I expected the Panasonic Z95A to have similarly high brightness and my measurements proved that. Brightness on a 10% HDR white window pattern in Filmmaker Mode was 1,495 nits and a full-screen pattern measured 221.8 nits. Those numbers match what we measured on the G4, though they fall a bit short of the Samsung S95D’s 1,688 nits and 318 nits in the same picture mode.

In other measurements, the Z95A’s UHDA-P3 color gamut coverage in Filmmaker Mode was 97.0 and its BT.2022 coverage was 72.5%. Again, those results match what we measured on the LG G4, though the Samsung S95D with its QD-OLED display panel managed full P3 coverage and an impressive 87.9% BT.2020 coverage. Grayscale and color accuracy  (see “How I tested” section for details) in the same mode were 3.3 and 1.7, respectively – again matching the G4’s performance.

The Z95A did a good job upconverting standard-definition broadcast TV channels, and high-definition ones looked super-clean and finely detailed. The TV’s anti-reflection screen also effectively reduced glare from overhead lights in my room when I had them switched on. With sports such as football, the Z95A displayed punchy colors and crisp-looking highlights, though I preferred the TV’s Normal picture preset here rather than Filmmaker Mode, which looked comparatively muted with non-HDR content including broadcast TV.

One note about Filmmaker Mode on the Z95A: The intelligent sensing feature it uses automatically turns on the TV’s ambient light sensor for adjusting picture brightness based on room lighting. For this reason, I preferred to use the True Cinema preset when available, which has similar settings to Filmmaker Mode minus the intelligent sensing.

Another picture mode worth discussing is Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode, which needs to be enabled in the TV’s picture setup menu. When streaming Ripley from Netflix, I strongly preferred the TV’s Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode to its Dolby Vision Dark mode, which compressed highlight and shadow detail to a degree. Otherwise, I used Dolby Vision Dark for viewing most programs with Dolby Vision HDR, making tweaks to the Black Level and Black Expansion adjustments in the Brightness menu to optimize pictures.

The Z95A’s bold, detailed color reproduction is beautiful for movies such as I Saw the TV Glow, which regularly uses a neon-like color palette in dark, nighttime scenes. Watching one such scene where smoke billows out from an ice cream truck, the bright green of the truck and the lurid purple smoke looked vivid and intense.

Motion handling is also impressive on Panasonic’s top OLED TV. When I watched a scene from No Time to Die where James Bond traverses a rocky hilltop cemetery, there was only a faint level of judder visible as the camera tracked his motion, and details in the landscape remained intact. And the same thing held for sports, with a Bills vs Ravens football game looking completely solid and blur-free.

As you’d expect from a flagship OLED TV, blacks looked deep and there was a high level of shadow detail visible in dark images from shows like The Penguin on Max. As mentioned above, I found myself regularly making adjustments to the TV’s advanced brightness settings to dial this in just right, but even without making black-level tweaks, shadows generally were well-defined. 

  • Picture quality score: 5/5

Panasonic Z95A review: Sound quality

Panasonic Z95A Sound Focus screen

The Z95A's Sound Focus interface. (Image credit: Future)
  • 5.1.2-channel 160W speaker system
  • Effective Dolby Atmos presentation 
  • Sound Focus mode

Panasonic calls the Z95A’s built-in speaker system '360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics.' This is a 5.1.2-channel 160W array that uses dedicated left, center, right and side-firing speakers, along with a pair of up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos height effects and a built-in subwoofer plus two passive bass radiators. A subwoofer output jack is also provided on the TV if you want make a hard-wired connection to an external sub.

Packing that many speakers into the TV’s frame adds to its depth and height, with a thick grille running beneath the full width of the screen where the front speaker array is located. And while it increases the TV’s bulk, the benefit to the Z95A’s audio hardware is that it can play loud and clear enough that you can easily do without a soundbar. 

Dialogue is consistently clear, and Atmos soundtracks have a true sense of spaciousness, with sound effects such as rain falling in a scene from I Saw the TV Glow literally sounding like they were falling from the ceiling. Bass depth and impact is very good for a TV, and it noticeably improved after running Space Tune, a feature that uses the mic built into the remote control to analyze your room’s acoustics and adjust the sound accordingly.

Along with Space Tune, another key audio feature is Sound Focus, which lets you adjust the direction of the sound for off-center seating. There are four settings, Pinpoint, Area, Spot and Ambient, which each one providing a different range of soundfield width. To test it out, I selected Pinpoint and adjusted it to align with a seating position at the far end of my sofa, and the TV’s sound clearly shifted 30 degrees over from the center. Impressive!

  • Sound quality score: 5/5

Panasonic Z95A review: Design

Panasonic Z95A TV close up of stand

The Z95A's circular swiveling stand. (Image credit: Future)
  • Sturdy, swiveling stand
  • Wide array of input and control ports
  • Flimsy remote control

OLED TVs typically have a thin form factor, but at 2.7 inches (69mm),  the Z95A’s frame is necessarily deep owing to its built-in 5.1.2-channel speaker array, and there is a wide grille running along the bottom of the screen where the TV’s front-firing speakers are located. It’s balanced on a sturdy, swiveling stand, which is a great feature if you want to position the TV’s screen to accommodate different seating situations.

The Z95A has an impressive array of input and control ports. There are four HDMI ports (including two HDMI 2.1), optical digital and 3.5mm headphone/subwoofer audio outputs, two powered USB, and an antenna input for the TV’s ATSC 3.0 digital TV tuner (US-only). On the control side, it has an Ethernet port and IR blaster output.

Panasonic’s remote control is disappointing given the Z95A’s otherwise premium build quality (and price!). It’s the same type you’d get with any cheap Amazon Fire TV set, with a thin plastic case, limited button array, and no backlighting. Its main feature is a blue button at the top to summon Alexa for voice commands, which, to be fair, is a key feature of the Fire TV smart TV platform.

  • Design score: 4/5

Panasonic Z95A review: Smart TV and menus

Panasonic Z95A Fire TV smart interface

Panasonic has switched to the Amazon Fire TV smart interface for its 2024 TVs. (Image credit: Future)
  • Amazon Fire TV is great for streaming service support
  • Fire TV Ambient Experience with AI image generation
  • Extensive picture and sound adjustments

Amazon’s Fire TV smart TV interface hasn’t changed much since we reviewed the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED. The home screen is divided up into a top panel with ads, mostly for shows on Amazon’s Prime Video and Freevee free TV platforms and other streaming services, while a grid of recommended movies and TV shows takes up the bottom half. In between is a horizontal bar with a row of apps that you can customize, along with Inputs, My Stuff, Search, and Live tabs.

When on the Live screen, you’ll find a wealth of options, including news channels and other live TV programs that are free to stream. You can also select a grid format that displays a cable TV-style time-based guide that can be populated with programs available on local broadcast TV channels when using an antenna.

The Fire TV Ambient Experience is a recent addition, and it’s one of the platform’s most appealing features. When the TV hasn’t been in use for a certain period of time (you can specify how long in the setup menu) it will display a curated range of images and artworks, or your personal photos (via the Fire TV Photos app after uploading using the Amazon Photos app on your phone). You can add weather, news, sticky notes, and other widgets to the Ambient screen, and even create your own images using AI. Be careful with this, however: I prompted Amazon’s AI with “clowns juggling pineapples on a soccer field,” and the terrifying image it generated cannot be unseen.

One area where Fire TV on the Panasonic goes well beyond Amazon’s own TVs is the picture and sound settings, which can be accessed by pressing a gear icon button on the remote control. There are extensive picture presets, including numerous ones to adjust HDR tone mapping and black detail in dark images. The same goes for sound settings, which include a range of Sound Field Creation options, Space Tune room EQ, and the Sound Focus mode described above in the Sound Quality section. If anything, there may be too many options provided for tweaking the TV’s picture and sound.

  • Smart TV & menus score: 4/5

Panasonic Z95A review: Gaming

Panasonic Z95A Game Bar screen

The Z95A's Game Control Board pop-up menu. (Image credit: Future)
  • Two HDMI 2.1 ports
  • Game Control Board menu
  • 12.6ms input lag

The Panasonic Z95A provides two HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K 144Hz, VRR (including Nvidia G-Sync and AMD Freesync Premium), and Dolby Vision gaming (up to 144Hz). While we generally look for four HDMI 2.1 ports on high-end TVs to accommodate multiple gaming consoles plus a soundbar connection, the Z9A’s excellent built-in sound makes its limited HDMI 2.1 port count less of an issue.

A nice gaming feature on the Z95A is its Game Control Board pop-up menu. This can be activated via the setup menu when in Game mode (it can also be assigned to the remote control’s My App button), allowing you to make gaming-related picture adjustments such as Dark Visibility.

The Z95A’s input lag as measured with a Leo Bodnar 4K Input Lag meter was 12.6ms. That’s a perfectly good result, although the best TVs for gaming typically yield a result under 10ms.

  • Gaming score: 4/5

Panasonic Z95A review: Value

Panasonic Z95A remote control held in hand

Panasonic's remote control is notably flimsy for a premium-priced TV. (Image credit: Future)
  • Priced higher than premium OLED competition in practice
  • Good mid-range OLEDs available for much less
  • Great performance and features enhance the value

At $3,100 / £3,899 for the 65-inch model, the Panasonic Z95A sits at the premium end of the TV price spectrum, beyond even the LG G4 and Samsung S95D due to their price cuts.

You can now buy a mid-range 65-inch OLED TV such as the LG C4 for around $1,699, and it will also have great picture quality plus a better overall set of gaming features. Paying more for a flagship OLED TV such as the Z95A will get you better picture brightness, however, and that’s going to make a difference when viewing in rooms with a high level of ambient lighting, and it also gives 4K movies with HDR a more dynamic look.

Ultimately, the Z95A ranks the same for value as its flagship OLED competitors. Like them, it has powerful built-in audio for a TV – but here it's further cut above the rest – and when you combine that with its top-notch picture quality and features, it’s a sound investment if you can afford it.

  • Value score: 4/5 

Should I buy the Panasonic Z95A?

Panasonic Z95A Live TV grid guide

The Z95A's Live TV grid guide. (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if…

Panasonic Z95A review: Also consider...

How I tested the Panasonic Z95A

Panasonic Z95A OLED TV showing colorful abstract image

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested over the course of two weeks
  • Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
  • A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests

When I test TVs, I first first spend a few days or even weeks using it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-box picture presets and get familiar with its smart TV menu and picture adjustments. I next select the most accurate preset (usually Filmmaker Mode, Movie or Cinema) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the TV can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources.

I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy after I'd assessed its out-of-the-box performance. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, and 4K HDR shows streamed from Max, Netflix, and other services.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar for more information.

iPhone 17 Slim to feature a new kind of OLED display
5:00 pm | October 5, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

With the diminishing iPhone Plus sales over the years, Apple is looking to substitute the Plus lineup with something more exciting. Or that's at least according to the rumors this year. Enter the iPhone 17 Slim, a new iPhone lineup, rumored to be even more expensive than the Pro Max series. New information coming from DigiTimes suggests the upcoming iPhone 17 Slim will feature a new kind of OLED display that could allow an extremely thin build. A lesser-known Taiwanese brand, Novatek, recently introduced a new TDDI OLED panel that combines the touch sensor layer and the display driver...

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