OLED TVs offer the best picture quality and gaming performance, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. Even if you opt for a slightly older model, such as the LG C4 OLED, a 65-inch or larger screen will still set you back well over $1,000. That’s why I was thrilled to find the 65-inch Panasonic Z85 OLED TV priced at just $998.
Originally $1,800, this TV is now sitting at its lowest price ever on Amazon with a whopping 45% off its list price. That’s over $800 in savings and a fantastic value for a TV that’s up there with thebest OLED TVs.
Why You Should Buy the Panasonic Z85 OLED TV
The Panasonic Z85A was released last year as part of Panasonic’s 2024 TV lineup, marking the brand’s return to the US. TV market after a decade-long absence. Featuring a WOLED panel, it competes directly with LG’s C4 OLED and the Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED, making it a great alternative if you’re looking for a high-quality OLED TV at a lower price.
Panasonic 65-Inch Z85A OLED TV
When it comes to picture quality, this OLED TV makes movies and TV shows come to life with brilliant contrast and rich, accurate colors. Plus, its HCX Pro AI Processor MK II automatically adjusts the color, clarity, and contrast, delivering stunning visuals whether you’re watching sports, movies, or gaming. It also supports Dolby Vision IQ and Filmmaker Mode, ensuring content appears exactly as creators intended.
The Panasonic Z85A is also an excellent TV to pair with a PS5 or Xbox Series X for high-FPS gaming. It has a 120Hz native refresh rate for smoother gameplay, along with near-instantaneous response times that deliver exceptional motion clarity in fast-paced games. It also supports FreeSync and G-SYNC VRR and includes a dedicated gaming bar for optimized performance.
That said, you may want to consider a brighter OLED, such as the LG C4, if your living room receives lots of sunlight during the day. Otherwise, the Panasonic Z85 delivers everything you need: a gorgeous display that will showcase your TV shows and movies in all their glory, plus a strong gaming performance to boot.
What Are Your Alternatives?
At this price point, you’d need to spend hundreds more to find a better OLED TV if you stick to a 65-inch size. That said, if you can stretch your budget, the LG C4 OLED (currently $1,170 after 10% off) makes an excellent upgrade. It can get much brighter, which should handle well-lit rooms better, and has a faster 144 Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for PC gamers.
Walmart has also marked down the 65-inch Samsung S90D OLED to $1,298right now. Featuring a brilliant QD-OLED panel, this TV has even richer, more vibrant colors than standard OLED TVs, making movies truly pop. However, you’re paying $300 more here over the Z85, making the Panasonic the clear choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want exceptional OLED performance.
