Panasonic Z90A OLED TV Review: A Step Forward with Fire TV Integration
The Panasonic Z90A OLED TV is a 2024 release that builds upon the brand's reputation for delivering subtle, natural picture quality and exceptional sound systems. With the addition of Amazon's Fire TV interface, this model is positioned as a versatile entertainment hub. However, competition in the OLED space is fierce, and the Z90A has a few shortcomings that potential buyers should consider.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the Panasonic Z90A’s pros, cons, and key features to help you decide if it’s the right TV for your needs.
Pros and Cons of the Panasonic Z90A
Pros
- Subtle, natural picture quality
- Excellent built-in sound system
- Fire TV integration provides extensive app support
- High-quality gaming features, including 144Hz refresh rate and low input lag
- Full support for HDR formats (HDR10, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive)
Cons
- Black crush issues out of the box
- Fire TV’s Amazon-centric interface can be overwhelming
- Green tint visible at wider viewing angles
- Upscaling performance could be better
Key Features of the Panasonic Z90A
1. Auto AI Processing
The Z90A uses Auto AI to analyze incoming signals and adapt picture and sound performance. This feature ensures that the TV delivers optimal results for various content types, whether you're watching movies, sports, or gaming.
2. Fire TV Integration
The addition of Fire TV puts the Z90A on par with competitors like Samsung’s Tizen and LG’s webOS platforms. With hundreds of apps available, including Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, you won’t need a separate streaming stick.
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Fire TV Devices
3. Advanced Intelligent Sensing
This feature adjusts the picture based on ambient room lighting, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience whether you're in a bright or dimly lit room.
Design and Build Quality
The Z90A retains a minimalist design with slim bezels and an integrated sound system at the bottom of the screen. Its central swivel stand allows you to adjust the viewing angle easily.
While the TV is lightweight at 24kg, making it easy to wall-mount, the cable management accessory feels flimsy and less intuitive to use.
Interface and Usability
Fire TV Interface
Replacing Panasonic’s My Home Screen, Fire TV offers a fast, user-friendly interface. Setup is seamless, especially for Amazon account holders. However, Fire TV’s focus on Amazon content can make it harder to discover shows on competing platforms like Netflix or Disney+.
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Fire TV Remotes
Remote Control
The included remote is functional but feels outdated compared to competitors’ USB-C rechargeable remotes. It’s large and easy to use but runs on batteries, which is less sustainable.
Performance: Picture Quality
Strengths
- Natural HDR Imaging: The Z90A excels in delivering lifelike colors and balanced contrast. Highlights are bright and distinct, enhancing depth and realism in scenes.
- Wide HDR Support: With HDR10, Dolby Vision IQ, and HDR10+ Adaptive, the Z90A is perfect for film enthusiasts.
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HDR HDMI Cables
Weaknesses
- Black Crush: Straight out of the box, some detail in darker scenes is lost. Adjusting settings can mitigate this issue.
- Green Tint at Wide Angles: While head-on viewing is excellent, a greenish hue appears when viewing from the side.
- Upscaling: The Z90A struggles slightly with upscaling lower-resolution content compared to competitors like Sony’s Bravia series.
Performance: Gaming Features
Gamers will appreciate the Z90A’s robust features:
– 144Hz Refresh Rate: Smooth motion for fast-paced games.
– Low Input Lag: Measured at 12.7ms, making it competitive with LG’s gaming-focused OLEDs.
– Game Control Board: Customizable settings for RPGs, FPS, and more.
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Gaming Accessories
Performance: Sound Quality
The Z90A’s built-in sound system delivers impressive audio quality, with punchy bass, clear dialogue, and a wide soundstage. While it may not replace a dedicated soundbar for audiophiles, it’s one of the best sound systems integrated into a flatscreen TV.
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Soundbars
Should You Buy the Panasonic Z90A?
Buy It If:
- You want a versatile OLED TV with excellent sound and gaming features.
- You’re a film enthusiast who values natural picture quality and full HDR support.
Consider Alternatives If:
- You need a TV for a bright room (Mini LED models like the Samsung QN90D are brighter).
- You’re sensitive to color shifts at wide viewing angles.
Shop the Panasonic Z90A here:
Panasonic Z90A OLED TV
Final Thoughts
The Panasonic Z90A is a solid OLED TV for 2024. While it has some minor flaws, such as black crush and a green tint at wide angles, its strengths in picture quality, gaming features, and sound make it a strong contender. The addition of Fire TV elevates its smart features, making it a great all-in-one entertainment hub.
For those seeking alternatives, consider the LG C4 OLED for gaming, Sony Bravia for upscaling performance, or Samsung QN90D for a brighter screen.
Explore more OLED TVs here:
OLED TVs
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