🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 114 (from laksa187)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa114.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c","crawl_time":1776349664,"first_indexed_time":1771952965,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,whathifi!www,\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c s443","src_root_hash":"11223160398512505114","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Hands on: Panasonic Z86C (Z85C) review | What Hi-Fi?","meta_descriptions":["Panasonic’s new OLED TV for 2026 wasn’t what we were expecting"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Early Verdict\nPros\n+\nSharp and bright image with punchy colours\n+\nFire TV has good app compatibility,\n+\nGood gaming specs for an entry-level TV\nCons\n-\nReflections could be a nuisance\n-\nCheaper and less refined build than other Panasonic OLEDs\n-\nNeeds further testing.\nWhy you can trust What Hi-Fi?\nOur expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget.\nFind out more about how we test.\nJump To:\nPrice\nBuild\nFeatures\nPicture\nSound\nEarly verdict\nIt’s been an open secret in the world of TV and AV that\nPanasonic\nhas been quietly struggling to keep up with the likes of\nSamsung\n,\nLG\n,\nHisense\nand\nTCL\n; and honestly, that’s not surprising, nor is it necessarily the company’s fault.\nPanasonic has always upheld a quality AV experience rather than cutting corners to achieve lower price tags; hence the reason its OLED TVs can be found in prestigious Hollywood editing bays and the homes of cinephiles around the world.\nWe’ve championed Panasonic’s excellent OLEDs for quite some time, but that hasn’t been enough to prevent the company from striking a deal to offload its TV business to Chinese AV giant Skyworth Shenzen due to presumably middling sales figures and challenging market conditions.\nThat partnership was announced at Panasonic Experience 2026 in Munich, and we were in the audience to hear the news first, as well as see the company’s surprisingly scarce OLED TV lineup for 2026.\nIt includes the existing (and very good)\nZ95B\nand\nZ90B\n, as well as this new entry-level model that we’re here to discuss today.\nThe Z85C, or Z86C as it’s known in the UK, is currently the only new OLED TV that Panasonic will be launching in 2026, and while we didn’t get a chance to test it properly at the company’s Munich campus, we do have some first impressions to share.\nGet the What Hi-Fi? Newsletter\nThe latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox.\nPrice\n(Image credit: Future)\nWe’re yet to receive pricing information for the Z85C\/Z86C, though Panasonic seems to suggest that it will be priced competitively, which makes sense considering it now has the backing to be more assertive in this space.\nWe presume the key rivals to this OLED set will include the upcoming LG B6 and Samsung S85H, and we could even see it take on the three-star\nToshiba XF9F\nin this arena as well.\nThere’s also the five-star\nPhilips OLED760\nto contend with, which could prove a thorn in Panasonic’s side here in Europe.\nBuild\n(Image credit: Future)\nThe cheapest option in Panasonic’s OLED lineup has an understandably more basic build compared to the eye-catching Z90B and Z95B models.\nIt feels more plasticky than the premium, fabric-clad flagship models, which is to be expected given that it's on the bottom rung of Panasonic's new OLED ladder.\nThat’s not to say it doesn’t look good from an aesthetic standpoint. The slender bezels around the display arguably look sleeker than the TVs mentioned above, as there is no built-in soundbar to add bulk to the chin of this set.\nHowever, the circular pedestal stand does jut out quite prominently, and it looked a little unwieldy on the 55-inch model we saw. The bonus here, however, is that it does support a rotation function if you need to angle your screen towards an off-centre sofa.\nSpeaking of screen sizes, the TV will only be available in 55- and 65-inches. That’s not uncommon in the budget OLED market, but a smaller 48-inch or larger 77-inch screen option would have been a nice touch.\nFeatures\n(Image credit: Future)\nWe’ll kick this section off with the most intriguing aspect of this TV: the panel. Panasonic confirmed (in a very roundabout way) that this TV uses LG Display’s new OLED SE panel, which removes the polariser and targets a lower peak brightness compared to OLED EX in order to keep costs down.\nDuring our\ncatch-up with LG Display at CES 2026\n, it confirmed that the new panel tech would be rolling out in entry-level OLEDs this year, and this is the first production model we’ve seen it featured in. It also said that while the panel tech won’t be as bright as the higher-end alternatives, it will be brighter than the older OLED panels found in current entry-level models.\nPanasonic is simplifying things by just referring to the Z86C as having a “new OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate”. On the subject of gaming features, the Z86C features two HDMI 2.1 sockets, which support up to 4K\/120Hz signals with VRR and ALLM.\nSound-wise, this TV sports a 2.1 channel built-in speaker system, with little in the way of specific details regarding its capabilities announced at the Panasonic Experience.\nWe do, however, know that this TV will feature the Fire TV operating system in the UK, whereas the international Z86C version will sport Google TV.\nPicture\n(Image credit: Future)\nConditions for viewing the Z86C were less than ideal, as we were in a brightly-lit event space with a looping reel of generic sci-fi demo content on screen. That being said, we can see a couple of promising signs coming from the Z86C.\nThe benefits of OLED SE appeared to be tangible to our eyes, as it managed to hold its own where brightness was concerned, despite the fairly harsh lighting conditions of the venue.\nThe trade-off was that reflections were more noticeable compared to the Z90B, which was also on display nearby.\nShots of planets, galaxies and other celestial entities looked good on this budget panel, with the deep inky depths of space contrasting nicely with rich colours.\nStars didn’t pop against the black depths of space quite as much as they did on the Z90B, which was handily synchronised to show the same content for comparison purposes, but that’s to be expected with a step-down model.\nGenerally speaking, the Z86C looked punchy, sharp and bright by budget OLED standards during our brief hands-on time with the TV; though much more testing is needed before we can pass a final verdict.\nSound\n(Image credit: Future)\nAs is often the case with these TV hands-on sessions, the sound was muted on the Z86C, which – as you can probably imagine – makes sound testing quite difficult.\nWe’ll need to test the TV fully to assess its sound capabilities, but we can hope that it’s similar to the Z90B and Z95B (both of which scored four out of five for sound) in the meantime.\nEarly verdict\n(Image credit: Future)\nIt’s too early to conclude our thoughts on the Z86C, but what we do know is that it signifies a very interesting shift for Panasonic.\nEarly signs point towards it being a promising entry-level OLED TV, which is good news, because it’s going to be putting in a lot of legwork as Panasonic’s only new OLED for 2026.\nIt probably won’t appeal to cinephiles in the same way that the Z95B and Z90B do, but in a world where cheaper TVs are becoming the biggest unit drivers, the Z86C could be exactly what Panasonic needs right now.\nMORE:\nRead our full\nPanasonic Z90B review\nAs well as our\nLG C5 review\nAnd check out the\nbest OLED TVs\nTOPICS\nPanasonic\nOLED\nLewis Empson\nSenior Staff Writer\nLewis Empson is a Senior Staff Writer on What Hi-Fi?. He was previously Gaming and Digital editor for Cardiff University's 'Quench Magazine', Lewis graduated in 2021 and has since worked on a selection of lifestyle magazines and regional newspapers. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, gigs and regular cinema trips.\nWhat is a hands on review?\n'Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it.\nIt may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use,\neven if it's only an embryonic view.\nJoin the Conversation\n|\nPlease follow our\ncommunity guidelines\n.\nAll Comments\nStart the conversation\nBack To Top","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p\/?c1=2&c2=10055482&cv=4.4.0&cj=1)\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#main)\n\nOpen menu\n\nClose main menu\n\n[![What Hi-Fi?](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/media\/img\/WHF_logo.svg) What Hi-Fi? 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[TV & Home Cinema](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema)\n2. [Televisions](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions)\n\n# Hands on: Panasonic Z86C (Z85C) review\n## Panasonic’s new OLED TV for 2026 wasn’t what we were expecting\nNot yet rated [Reviews](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/reviews)\n\nBy [Lewis Empson](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/author\/lewis-empson)\n\npublished\n\n24 February 2026\n\n[0 Comments Join the conversation](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#viafoura-comments)\n\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Here’s how it works](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/news\/about-us#section-affiliate-advertising-disclosure).\n\n[What is a hands on review?](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#handsondisclaimer)\n\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YEQWu3FXYz7k2oZRMzAzN4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: © Future)\n\n### Early Verdict\n#### Pros\n- \\+\n  Sharp and bright image with punchy colours\n- \\+\n  Fire TV has good app compatibility,\n- \\+\n  Good gaming specs for an entry-level TV\n\n#### Cons\n- \\-\n  Reflections could be a nuisance\n- \\-\n  Cheaper and less refined build than other Panasonic OLEDs\n- \\-\n  Needs further testing.\n\nBest picks for you\n\n- [Best Panasonic TVs 2026: the 3 sets we've tried, tested and recommend](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/best-buys\/tvs\/best-panasonic-tvs)\n- [Best TV 2026: flagship OLEDs and budget Mini LED sets tried and tested](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/best-buys\/best-tv)\n- [Best 65-inch TVs 2026: the top models we've tested](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/best-buys\/the-best-65-inch-tvs)\n\nWhy you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. [Find out more about how we test.](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/news\/how-we-test-and-review-products-on-what-hi-fi)\n\nJump To:\n\n- [Price](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-price)\n- [Build](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-build)\n- [Features](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-features)\n- [Picture](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-picture)\n- [Sound](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-sound)\n- [Early verdict](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-early-verdict)\n\nIt’s been an open secret in the world of TV and AV that [Panasonic](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/panasonic) has been quietly struggling to keep up with the likes of [Samsung](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/samsung), [LG](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/lg), [Hisense](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/hisense) and [TCL](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/tcl); and honestly, that’s not surprising, nor is it necessarily the company’s fault.\n\nPanasonic has always upheld a quality AV experience rather than cutting corners to achieve lower price tags; hence the reason its OLED TVs can be found in prestigious Hollywood editing bays and the homes of cinephiles around the world.\n\nHowever, in the current economic climate, many consumers are looking for value above all else, which is likely where Panasonic has fallen behind the aforementioned rivals, which have the capacity to pump TVs out at a much more rapid rate and charge lower prices.\n\nWe’ve championed Panasonic’s excellent OLEDs for quite some time, but that hasn’t been enough to prevent the company from striking a deal to offload its TV business to Chinese AV giant Skyworth Shenzen due to presumably middling sales figures and challenging market conditions.\n\nThat partnership was announced at Panasonic Experience 2026 in Munich, and we were in the audience to hear the news first, as well as see the company’s surprisingly scarce OLED TV lineup for 2026.\n\nIt includes the existing (and very good) [Z95B](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z95b-tv-65z95b) and [Z90B](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z90b-tv-48z90b), as well as this new entry-level model that we’re here to discuss today.\n\nThe Z85C, or Z86C as it’s known in the UK, is currently the only new OLED TV that Panasonic will be launching in 2026, and while we didn’t get a chance to test it properly at the company’s Munich campus, we do have some first impressions to share.\n\nGet the What Hi-Fi? Newsletter\n\nThe latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox.\n\nBy signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/terms-conditions\/)  and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/privacy-policy). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time.\n### Price\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuQ7bdE8yLeHuosLdaiUa4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nWe’re yet to receive pricing information for the Z85C\/Z86C, though Panasonic seems to suggest that it will be priced competitively, which makes sense considering it now has the backing to be more assertive in this space.\n\nWe presume the key rivals to this OLED set will include the upcoming LG B6 and Samsung S85H, and we could even see it take on the three-star [Toshiba XF9F](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/toshiba-xf9f-55xf9f53db) in this arena as well.\n\nThere’s also the five-star [Philips OLED760](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/philips-oled760-65oled760) to contend with, which could prove a thorn in Panasonic’s side here in Europe.\n\n### Build\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zCBaY8dUi2yzYnjzf2XoH4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nThe cheapest option in Panasonic’s OLED lineup has an understandably more basic build compared to the eye-catching Z90B and Z95B models.\n\nIt feels more plasticky than the premium, fabric-clad flagship models, which is to be expected given that it's on the bottom rung of Panasonic's new OLED ladder.\n\nThat’s not to say it doesn’t look good from an aesthetic standpoint. The slender bezels around the display arguably look sleeker than the TVs mentioned above, as there is no built-in soundbar to add bulk to the chin of this set.\n\nHowever, the circular pedestal stand does jut out quite prominently, and it looked a little unwieldy on the 55-inch model we saw. The bonus here, however, is that it does support a rotation function if you need to angle your screen towards an off-centre sofa.\n\nSpeaking of screen sizes, the TV will only be available in 55- and 65-inches. That’s not uncommon in the budget OLED market, but a smaller 48-inch or larger 77-inch screen option would have been a nice touch.\n\n### Features\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/adamdG4KFYERtknGWUSzw4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nWe’ll kick this section off with the most intriguing aspect of this TV: the panel. Panasonic confirmed (in a very roundabout way) that this TV uses LG Display’s new OLED SE panel, which removes the polariser and targets a lower peak brightness compared to OLED EX in order to keep costs down.\n\nDuring our [catch-up with LG Display at CES 2026](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/lg-display-has-a-new-hope-for-cheaper-oled-tvs-and-its-taking-the-fight-directly-to-mini-led), it confirmed that the new panel tech would be rolling out in entry-level OLEDs this year, and this is the first production model we’ve seen it featured in. It also said that while the panel tech won’t be as bright as the higher-end alternatives, it will be brighter than the older OLED panels found in current entry-level models.\n\nPanasonic is simplifying things by just referring to the Z86C as having a “new OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate”. On the subject of gaming features, the Z86C features two HDMI 2.1 sockets, which support up to 4K\/120Hz signals with VRR and ALLM.\n\nSound-wise, this TV sports a 2.1 channel built-in speaker system, with little in the way of specific details regarding its capabilities announced at the Panasonic Experience.\n\nWe do, however, know that this TV will feature the Fire TV operating system in the UK, whereas the international Z86C version will sport Google TV.\n\n### Picture\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zwWWYHLoGGBp828zCGiSS4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nConditions for viewing the Z86C were less than ideal, as we were in a brightly-lit event space with a looping reel of generic sci-fi demo content on screen. That being said, we can see a couple of promising signs coming from the Z86C.\n\nThe benefits of OLED SE appeared to be tangible to our eyes, as it managed to hold its own where brightness was concerned, despite the fairly harsh lighting conditions of the venue.\n\nThe trade-off was that reflections were more noticeable compared to the Z90B, which was also on display nearby.\n\nShots of planets, galaxies and other celestial entities looked good on this budget panel, with the deep inky depths of space contrasting nicely with rich colours.\n\nStars didn’t pop against the black depths of space quite as much as they did on the Z90B, which was handily synchronised to show the same content for comparison purposes, but that’s to be expected with a step-down model.\n\nGenerally speaking, the Z86C looked punchy, sharp and bright by budget OLED standards during our brief hands-on time with the TV; though much more testing is needed before we can pass a final verdict.\n\n### Sound\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YMKifLcxYwQ6CxTubLDEK4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nAs is often the case with these TV hands-on sessions, the sound was muted on the Z86C, which – as you can probably imagine – makes sound testing quite difficult.\n\nWe’ll need to test the TV fully to assess its sound capabilities, but we can hope that it’s similar to the Z90B and Z95B (both of which scored four out of five for sound) in the meantime.\n\n### Early verdict\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZKgmTsJJoGUpCEQzG94Kb4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nIt’s too early to conclude our thoughts on the Z86C, but what we do know is that it signifies a very interesting shift for Panasonic.\n\nEarly signs point towards it being a promising entry-level OLED TV, which is good news, because it’s going to be putting in a lot of legwork as Panasonic’s only new OLED for 2026.\n\nIt probably won’t appeal to cinephiles in the same way that the Z95B and Z90B do, but in a world where cheaper TVs are becoming the biggest unit drivers, the Z86C could be exactly what Panasonic needs right now.\n\n**MORE:**\n\n**Read our full** [**Panasonic Z90B review**](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z90b-tv-48z90b)\n\n**As well as our** [**LG C5 review**](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/the-new-lg-c5-oled-is-a-fantastic-five-star-tv-but-heres-why-i-wont-be-upgrading)\n\n**And check out the** [**best OLED TVs**](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/best-buys\/tvs\/best-oled-tvs)\n\nTOPICS\n\n[Panasonic](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/panasonic)   [OLED](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/oled)\n\n[Lewis Empson](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/author\/lewis-empson)\n\nSocial Links Navigation\n\nSenior Staff Writer\n\nLewis Empson is a Senior Staff Writer on What Hi-Fi?. He was previously Gaming and Digital editor for Cardiff University's 'Quench Magazine', Lewis graduated in 2021 and has since worked on a selection of lifestyle magazines and regional newspapers. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, gigs and regular cinema trips.\n\n### What is a hands on review?\n'Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it. It may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use, even if it's only an embryonic view.\n\n## Join the Conversation\nFollow this conversation to be notified when new comments are postedfollow\n\nLog in\n\n\\|\n\nSign up\n\nPlease follow our [community guidelines](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/news\/about-us#section-community-guidelines).\n\n![Jump to log in or sign Up](https:\/\/cdn.viafoura.net\/assets\/defaultavatar.913f94a2fa72a280b0374131f1c9b175.png)\n\nAll Comments\n\nNEWEST\n\n**0**\n\n### All Comments\nStart the conversation\n\nPowered by\n\nView More\n\nYou must confirm your public display name before commenting\n\nPlease logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.\n\nLogout\n\n[Back To Top](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c)\n\nRead more\n\n[![Panasonic Z95B 65-inch OLED TV](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/36HtTdPnscwJtLhvJLfA9Y.jpg) Televisions Best Panasonic TVs 2026: the 3 sets we've tried, tested and recommend](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/best-buys\/tvs\/best-panasonic-tvs \"Best Panasonic TVs 2026: the 3 sets we've tried, tested and recommend\")\n\n[![The Panasonic W95C Mini LED TV, pictured against a white background.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iuwncdx85SuPqST2Xd74jn.png) Televisions New OLEDs and QD Mini LED TVs feature in Panasonic’s 2026 range, but there’s something missing](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/new-oleds-and-qd-mini-led-tvs-feature-in-panasonics-2026-range-but-theres-something-missing \"New OLEDs and QD Mini LED TVs feature in Panasonic’s 2026 range, but there’s something missing\")\n\n[![Panasonic Z95B 65-inch OLED TV](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qT6Mv6crxXZysQTuyjK2tX.jpg) Televisions The five-star Panasonic Z95B OLED TV has dropped to a record-low price](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/we-gave-it-five-stars-and-now-the-panasonic-z95b-oled-has-dropped-to-a-new-record-low-price \"The five-star Panasonic Z95B OLED TV has dropped to a record-low price\")\n\n[![Panasonic Z90B 48-inch OLED TV](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV3NnzdZMLiY2GiZHyJSmT.jpg) Televisions Move over, LG C5! 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All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.\n\nClose\n\nPlease login or signup to comment\n\nPlease wait...\n\nLogin\n\nSign Up","attrs_readable_markdown":"Early Verdict\n\n#### Pros\n- \\+\n  Sharp and bright image with punchy colours\n- \\+\n  Fire TV has good app compatibility,\n- \\+\n  Good gaming specs for an entry-level TV\n\n#### Cons\n- \\-\n  Reflections could be a nuisance\n- \\-\n  Cheaper and less refined build than other Panasonic OLEDs\n- \\-\n  Needs further testing.\n\nWhy you can trust What Hi-Fi?   Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. [Find out more about how we test.](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/news\/how-we-test-and-review-products-on-what-hi-fi)\n\nJump To:\n\n- [Price](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-price)\n- [Build](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-build)\n- [Features](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-features)\n- [Picture](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-picture)\n- [Sound](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-sound)\n- [Early verdict](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-early-verdict)\n\nIt’s been an open secret in the world of TV and AV that [Panasonic](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/panasonic) has been quietly struggling to keep up with the likes of [Samsung](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/samsung), [LG](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/lg), [Hisense](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/hisense) and [TCL](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/tcl); and honestly, that’s not surprising, nor is it necessarily the company’s fault.\n\nPanasonic has always upheld a quality AV experience rather than cutting corners to achieve lower price tags; hence the reason its OLED TVs can be found in prestigious Hollywood editing bays and the homes of cinephiles around the world.\n\nWe’ve championed Panasonic’s excellent OLEDs for quite some time, but that hasn’t been enough to prevent the company from striking a deal to offload its TV business to Chinese AV giant Skyworth Shenzen due to presumably middling sales figures and challenging market conditions.\n\nThat partnership was announced at Panasonic Experience 2026 in Munich, and we were in the audience to hear the news first, as well as see the company’s surprisingly scarce OLED TV lineup for 2026.\n\nIt includes the existing (and very good) [Z95B](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z95b-tv-65z95b) and [Z90B](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z90b-tv-48z90b), as well as this new entry-level model that we’re here to discuss today.\n\nThe Z85C, or Z86C as it’s known in the UK, is currently the only new OLED TV that Panasonic will be launching in 2026, and while we didn’t get a chance to test it properly at the company’s Munich campus, we do have some first impressions to share.\n\nGet the What Hi-Fi? Newsletter\n\nThe latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox.\n### Price\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuQ7bdE8yLeHuosLdaiUa4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nWe’re yet to receive pricing information for the Z85C\/Z86C, though Panasonic seems to suggest that it will be priced competitively, which makes sense considering it now has the backing to be more assertive in this space.\n\nWe presume the key rivals to this OLED set will include the upcoming LG B6 and Samsung S85H, and we could even see it take on the three-star [Toshiba XF9F](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/toshiba-xf9f-55xf9f53db) in this arena as well.\n\nThere’s also the five-star [Philips OLED760](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/philips-oled760-65oled760) to contend with, which could prove a thorn in Panasonic’s side here in Europe.\n\n### Build\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zCBaY8dUi2yzYnjzf2XoH4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nThe cheapest option in Panasonic’s OLED lineup has an understandably more basic build compared to the eye-catching Z90B and Z95B models.\n\nIt feels more plasticky than the premium, fabric-clad flagship models, which is to be expected given that it's on the bottom rung of Panasonic's new OLED ladder.\n\nThat’s not to say it doesn’t look good from an aesthetic standpoint. The slender bezels around the display arguably look sleeker than the TVs mentioned above, as there is no built-in soundbar to add bulk to the chin of this set.\n\nHowever, the circular pedestal stand does jut out quite prominently, and it looked a little unwieldy on the 55-inch model we saw. The bonus here, however, is that it does support a rotation function if you need to angle your screen towards an off-centre sofa.\n\nSpeaking of screen sizes, the TV will only be available in 55- and 65-inches. That’s not uncommon in the budget OLED market, but a smaller 48-inch or larger 77-inch screen option would have been a nice touch.\n\n### Features\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/adamdG4KFYERtknGWUSzw4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nWe’ll kick this section off with the most intriguing aspect of this TV: the panel. Panasonic confirmed (in a very roundabout way) that this TV uses LG Display’s new OLED SE panel, which removes the polariser and targets a lower peak brightness compared to OLED EX in order to keep costs down.\n\nDuring our [catch-up with LG Display at CES 2026](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/lg-display-has-a-new-hope-for-cheaper-oled-tvs-and-its-taking-the-fight-directly-to-mini-led), it confirmed that the new panel tech would be rolling out in entry-level OLEDs this year, and this is the first production model we’ve seen it featured in. It also said that while the panel tech won’t be as bright as the higher-end alternatives, it will be brighter than the older OLED panels found in current entry-level models.\n\nPanasonic is simplifying things by just referring to the Z86C as having a “new OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate”. On the subject of gaming features, the Z86C features two HDMI 2.1 sockets, which support up to 4K\/120Hz signals with VRR and ALLM.\n\nSound-wise, this TV sports a 2.1 channel built-in speaker system, with little in the way of specific details regarding its capabilities announced at the Panasonic Experience.\n\nWe do, however, know that this TV will feature the Fire TV operating system in the UK, whereas the international Z86C version will sport Google TV.\n\n### Picture\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zwWWYHLoGGBp828zCGiSS4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nConditions for viewing the Z86C were less than ideal, as we were in a brightly-lit event space with a looping reel of generic sci-fi demo content on screen. That being said, we can see a couple of promising signs coming from the Z86C.\n\nThe benefits of OLED SE appeared to be tangible to our eyes, as it managed to hold its own where brightness was concerned, despite the fairly harsh lighting conditions of the venue.\n\nThe trade-off was that reflections were more noticeable compared to the Z90B, which was also on display nearby.\n\nShots of planets, galaxies and other celestial entities looked good on this budget panel, with the deep inky depths of space contrasting nicely with rich colours.\n\nStars didn’t pop against the black depths of space quite as much as they did on the Z90B, which was handily synchronised to show the same content for comparison purposes, but that’s to be expected with a step-down model.\n\nGenerally speaking, the Z86C looked punchy, sharp and bright by budget OLED standards during our brief hands-on time with the TV; though much more testing is needed before we can pass a final verdict.\n\n### Sound\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YMKifLcxYwQ6CxTubLDEK4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nAs is often the case with these TV hands-on sessions, the sound was muted on the Z86C, which – as you can probably imagine – makes sound testing quite difficult.\n\nWe’ll need to test the TV fully to assess its sound capabilities, but we can hope that it’s similar to the Z90B and Z95B (both of which scored four out of five for sound) in the meantime.\n\n### Early verdict\n![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZKgmTsJJoGUpCEQzG94Kb4.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nIt’s too early to conclude our thoughts on the Z86C, but what we do know is that it signifies a very interesting shift for Panasonic.\n\nEarly signs point towards it being a promising entry-level OLED TV, which is good news, because it’s going to be putting in a lot of legwork as Panasonic’s only new OLED for 2026.\n\nIt probably won’t appeal to cinephiles in the same way that the Z95B and Z90B do, but in a world where cheaper TVs are becoming the biggest unit drivers, the Z86C could be exactly what Panasonic needs right now.\n\n**MORE:**\n\n**Read our full** [**Panasonic Z90B review**](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z90b-tv-48z90b)\n\n**As well as our** [**LG C5 review**](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/the-new-lg-c5-oled-is-a-fantastic-five-star-tv-but-heres-why-i-wont-be-upgrading)\n\n**And check out the** [**best OLED TVs**](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/best-buys\/tvs\/best-oled-tvs)\n\nTOPICS\n\n[Panasonic](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/panasonic)   [OLED](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tag\/oled)\n\n[Lewis Empson](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/author\/lewis-empson)\n\nSenior Staff Writer\n\nLewis Empson is a Senior Staff Writer on What Hi-Fi?. He was previously Gaming and Digital editor for Cardiff University's 'Quench Magazine', Lewis graduated in 2021 and has since worked on a selection of lifestyle magazines and regional newspapers. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, gigs and regular cinema trips.\n\n### What is a hands on review?\n'Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it. It may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use, even if it's only an embryonic view.\n\n## Join the Conversation\n\\|\n\nPlease follow our [community guidelines](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/news\/about-us#section-community-guidelines).\n\n### All Comments\nStart the conversation\n\n[Back To Top](https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/tv-home-cinema\/televisions\/panasonic-z86c-z85c)","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c
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Boilerpipe Text	Early Verdict Pros + Sharp and bright image with punchy colours + Fire TV has good app compatibility, + Good gaming specs for an entry-level TV Cons - Reflections could be a nuisance - Cheaper and less refined build than other Panasonic OLEDs - Needs further testing. Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test. Jump To: Price Build Features Picture Sound Early verdict It’s been an open secret in the world of TV and AV that Panasonic has been quietly struggling to keep up with the likes of Samsung , LG , Hisense and TCL ; and honestly, that’s not surprising, nor is it necessarily the company’s fault. Panasonic has always upheld a quality AV experience rather than cutting corners to achieve lower price tags; hence the reason its OLED TVs can be found in prestigious Hollywood editing bays and the homes of cinephiles around the world. We’ve championed Panasonic’s excellent OLEDs for quite some time, but that hasn’t been enough to prevent the company from striking a deal to offload its TV business to Chinese AV giant Skyworth Shenzen due to presumably middling sales figures and challenging market conditions. That partnership was announced at Panasonic Experience 2026 in Munich, and we were in the audience to hear the news first, as well as see the company’s surprisingly scarce OLED TV lineup for 2026. It includes the existing (and very good) Z95B and Z90B , as well as this new entry-level model that we’re here to discuss today. The Z85C, or Z86C as it’s known in the UK, is currently the only new OLED TV that Panasonic will be launching in 2026, and while we didn’t get a chance to test it properly at the company’s Munich campus, we do have some first impressions to share. Get the What Hi-Fi? Newsletter The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox. Price (Image credit: Future) We’re yet to receive pricing information for the Z85C/Z86C, though Panasonic seems to suggest that it will be priced competitively, which makes sense considering it now has the backing to be more assertive in this space. We presume the key rivals to this OLED set will include the upcoming LG B6 and Samsung S85H, and we could even see it take on the three-star Toshiba XF9F in this arena as well. There’s also the five-star Philips OLED760 to contend with, which could prove a thorn in Panasonic’s side here in Europe. Build (Image credit: Future) The cheapest option in Panasonic’s OLED lineup has an understandably more basic build compared to the eye-catching Z90B and Z95B models. It feels more plasticky than the premium, fabric-clad flagship models, which is to be expected given that it's on the bottom rung of Panasonic's new OLED ladder. That’s not to say it doesn’t look good from an aesthetic standpoint. The slender bezels around the display arguably look sleeker than the TVs mentioned above, as there is no built-in soundbar to add bulk to the chin of this set. However, the circular pedestal stand does jut out quite prominently, and it looked a little unwieldy on the 55-inch model we saw. The bonus here, however, is that it does support a rotation function if you need to angle your screen towards an off-centre sofa. Speaking of screen sizes, the TV will only be available in 55- and 65-inches. That’s not uncommon in the budget OLED market, but a smaller 48-inch or larger 77-inch screen option would have been a nice touch. Features (Image credit: Future) We’ll kick this section off with the most intriguing aspect of this TV: the panel. Panasonic confirmed (in a very roundabout way) that this TV uses LG Display’s new OLED SE panel, which removes the polariser and targets a lower peak brightness compared to OLED EX in order to keep costs down. During our catch-up with LG Display at CES 2026 , it confirmed that the new panel tech would be rolling out in entry-level OLEDs this year, and this is the first production model we’ve seen it featured in. It also said that while the panel tech won’t be as bright as the higher-end alternatives, it will be brighter than the older OLED panels found in current entry-level models. Panasonic is simplifying things by just referring to the Z86C as having a “new OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate”. On the subject of gaming features, the Z86C features two HDMI 2.1 sockets, which support up to 4K/120Hz signals with VRR and ALLM. Sound-wise, this TV sports a 2.1 channel built-in speaker system, with little in the way of specific details regarding its capabilities announced at the Panasonic Experience. We do, however, know that this TV will feature the Fire TV operating system in the UK, whereas the international Z86C version will sport Google TV. Picture (Image credit: Future) Conditions for viewing the Z86C were less than ideal, as we were in a brightly-lit event space with a looping reel of generic sci-fi demo content on screen. That being said, we can see a couple of promising signs coming from the Z86C. The benefits of OLED SE appeared to be tangible to our eyes, as it managed to hold its own where brightness was concerned, despite the fairly harsh lighting conditions of the venue. The trade-off was that reflections were more noticeable compared to the Z90B, which was also on display nearby. Shots of planets, galaxies and other celestial entities looked good on this budget panel, with the deep inky depths of space contrasting nicely with rich colours. Stars didn’t pop against the black depths of space quite as much as they did on the Z90B, which was handily synchronised to show the same content for comparison purposes, but that’s to be expected with a step-down model. Generally speaking, the Z86C looked punchy, sharp and bright by budget OLED standards during our brief hands-on time with the TV; though much more testing is needed before we can pass a final verdict. Sound (Image credit: Future) As is often the case with these TV hands-on sessions, the sound was muted on the Z86C, which – as you can probably imagine – makes sound testing quite difficult. We’ll need to test the TV fully to assess its sound capabilities, but we can hope that it’s similar to the Z90B and Z95B (both of which scored four out of five for sound) in the meantime. Early verdict (Image credit: Future) It’s too early to conclude our thoughts on the Z86C, but what we do know is that it signifies a very interesting shift for Panasonic. Early signs point towards it being a promising entry-level OLED TV, which is good news, because it’s going to be putting in a lot of legwork as Panasonic’s only new OLED for 2026. It probably won’t appeal to cinephiles in the same way that the Z95B and Z90B do, but in a world where cheaper TVs are becoming the biggest unit drivers, the Z86C could be exactly what Panasonic needs right now. MORE: Read our full Panasonic Z90B review As well as our LG C5 review And check out the best OLED TVs TOPICS Panasonic OLED Lewis Empson Senior Staff Writer Lewis Empson is a Senior Staff Writer on What Hi-Fi?. He was previously Gaming and Digital editor for Cardiff University's 'Quench Magazine', Lewis graduated in 2021 and has since worked on a selection of lifestyle magazines and regional newspapers. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, gigs and regular cinema trips. What is a hands on review? 'Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it. It may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use, even if it's only an embryonic view. Join the Conversation \| Please follow our community guidelines . All Comments Start the conversation Back To Top
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[TV & Home Cinema](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema) 2. [Televisions](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions) # Hands on: Panasonic Z86C (Z85C) review ## Panasonic’s new OLED TV for 2026 wasn’t what we were expecting Not yet rated [Reviews](https://www.whathifi.com/reviews) By [Lewis Empson](https://www.whathifi.com/author/lewis-empson) published 24 February 2026 [0 Comments Join the conversation](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#viafoura-comments) When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Here’s how it works](https://www.whathifi.com/news/about-us#section-affiliate-advertising-disclosure). [What is a hands on review?](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#handsondisclaimer) ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YEQWu3FXYz7k2oZRMzAzN4.jpg) (Image credit: © Future) ### Early Verdict #### Pros - \+ Sharp and bright image with punchy colours - \+ Fire TV has good app compatibility, - \+ Good gaming specs for an entry-level TV #### Cons - \- Reflections could be a nuisance - \- Cheaper and less refined build than other Panasonic OLEDs - \- Needs further testing. Best picks for you - [Best Panasonic TVs 2026: the 3 sets we've tried, tested and recommend](https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/tvs/best-panasonic-tvs) - [Best TV 2026: flagship OLEDs and budget Mini LED sets tried and tested](https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-tv) - [Best 65-inch TVs 2026: the top models we've tested](https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/the-best-65-inch-tvs) Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. [Find out more about how we test.](https://www.whathifi.com/news/how-we-test-and-review-products-on-what-hi-fi) Jump To: - [Price](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-price) - [Build](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-build) - [Features](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-features) - [Picture](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-picture) - [Sound](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-sound) - [Early verdict](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-early-verdict) It’s been an open secret in the world of TV and AV that [Panasonic](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/panasonic) has been quietly struggling to keep up with the likes of [Samsung](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/samsung), [LG](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/lg), [Hisense](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/hisense) and [TCL](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/tcl); and honestly, that’s not surprising, nor is it necessarily the company’s fault. Panasonic has always upheld a quality AV experience rather than cutting corners to achieve lower price tags; hence the reason its OLED TVs can be found in prestigious Hollywood editing bays and the homes of cinephiles around the world. However, in the current economic climate, many consumers are looking for value above all else, which is likely where Panasonic has fallen behind the aforementioned rivals, which have the capacity to pump TVs out at a much more rapid rate and charge lower prices. We’ve championed Panasonic’s excellent OLEDs for quite some time, but that hasn’t been enough to prevent the company from striking a deal to offload its TV business to Chinese AV giant Skyworth Shenzen due to presumably middling sales figures and challenging market conditions. That partnership was announced at Panasonic Experience 2026 in Munich, and we were in the audience to hear the news first, as well as see the company’s surprisingly scarce OLED TV lineup for 2026. It includes the existing (and very good) [Z95B](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z95b-tv-65z95b) and [Z90B](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z90b-tv-48z90b), as well as this new entry-level model that we’re here to discuss today. The Z85C, or Z86C as it’s known in the UK, is currently the only new OLED TV that Panasonic will be launching in 2026, and while we didn’t get a chance to test it properly at the company’s Munich campus, we do have some first impressions to share. Get the What Hi-Fi? Newsletter The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox. By signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https://futureplc.com/terms-conditions/) and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https://futureplc.com/privacy-policy). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time. ### Price ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zuQ7bdE8yLeHuosLdaiUa4.jpg) (Image credit: Future) We’re yet to receive pricing information for the Z85C/Z86C, though Panasonic seems to suggest that it will be priced competitively, which makes sense considering it now has the backing to be more assertive in this space. We presume the key rivals to this OLED set will include the upcoming LG B6 and Samsung S85H, and we could even see it take on the three-star [Toshiba XF9F](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/toshiba-xf9f-55xf9f53db) in this arena as well. There’s also the five-star [Philips OLED760](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/philips-oled760-65oled760) to contend with, which could prove a thorn in Panasonic’s side here in Europe. ### Build ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zCBaY8dUi2yzYnjzf2XoH4.jpg) (Image credit: Future) The cheapest option in Panasonic’s OLED lineup has an understandably more basic build compared to the eye-catching Z90B and Z95B models. It feels more plasticky than the premium, fabric-clad flagship models, which is to be expected given that it's on the bottom rung of Panasonic's new OLED ladder. That’s not to say it doesn’t look good from an aesthetic standpoint. The slender bezels around the display arguably look sleeker than the TVs mentioned above, as there is no built-in soundbar to add bulk to the chin of this set. However, the circular pedestal stand does jut out quite prominently, and it looked a little unwieldy on the 55-inch model we saw. The bonus here, however, is that it does support a rotation function if you need to angle your screen towards an off-centre sofa. Speaking of screen sizes, the TV will only be available in 55- and 65-inches. That’s not uncommon in the budget OLED market, but a smaller 48-inch or larger 77-inch screen option would have been a nice touch. ### Features ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/adamdG4KFYERtknGWUSzw4.jpg) (Image credit: Future) We’ll kick this section off with the most intriguing aspect of this TV: the panel. Panasonic confirmed (in a very roundabout way) that this TV uses LG Display’s new OLED SE panel, which removes the polariser and targets a lower peak brightness compared to OLED EX in order to keep costs down. During our [catch-up with LG Display at CES 2026](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/lg-display-has-a-new-hope-for-cheaper-oled-tvs-and-its-taking-the-fight-directly-to-mini-led), it confirmed that the new panel tech would be rolling out in entry-level OLEDs this year, and this is the first production model we’ve seen it featured in. It also said that while the panel tech won’t be as bright as the higher-end alternatives, it will be brighter than the older OLED panels found in current entry-level models. Panasonic is simplifying things by just referring to the Z86C as having a “new OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate”. On the subject of gaming features, the Z86C features two HDMI 2.1 sockets, which support up to 4K/120Hz signals with VRR and ALLM. Sound-wise, this TV sports a 2.1 channel built-in speaker system, with little in the way of specific details regarding its capabilities announced at the Panasonic Experience. We do, however, know that this TV will feature the Fire TV operating system in the UK, whereas the international Z86C version will sport Google TV. ### Picture ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zwWWYHLoGGBp828zCGiSS4.jpg) (Image credit: Future) Conditions for viewing the Z86C were less than ideal, as we were in a brightly-lit event space with a looping reel of generic sci-fi demo content on screen. That being said, we can see a couple of promising signs coming from the Z86C. The benefits of OLED SE appeared to be tangible to our eyes, as it managed to hold its own where brightness was concerned, despite the fairly harsh lighting conditions of the venue. The trade-off was that reflections were more noticeable compared to the Z90B, which was also on display nearby. Shots of planets, galaxies and other celestial entities looked good on this budget panel, with the deep inky depths of space contrasting nicely with rich colours. Stars didn’t pop against the black depths of space quite as much as they did on the Z90B, which was handily synchronised to show the same content for comparison purposes, but that’s to be expected with a step-down model. Generally speaking, the Z86C looked punchy, sharp and bright by budget OLED standards during our brief hands-on time with the TV; though much more testing is needed before we can pass a final verdict. ### Sound ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YMKifLcxYwQ6CxTubLDEK4.jpg) (Image credit: Future) As is often the case with these TV hands-on sessions, the sound was muted on the Z86C, which – as you can probably imagine – makes sound testing quite difficult. We’ll need to test the TV fully to assess its sound capabilities, but we can hope that it’s similar to the Z90B and Z95B (both of which scored four out of five for sound) in the meantime. ### Early verdict ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZKgmTsJJoGUpCEQzG94Kb4.jpg) (Image credit: Future) It’s too early to conclude our thoughts on the Z86C, but what we do know is that it signifies a very interesting shift for Panasonic. Early signs point towards it being a promising entry-level OLED TV, which is good news, because it’s going to be putting in a lot of legwork as Panasonic’s only new OLED for 2026. It probably won’t appeal to cinephiles in the same way that the Z95B and Z90B do, but in a world where cheaper TVs are becoming the biggest unit drivers, the Z86C could be exactly what Panasonic needs right now. MORE: Read our full [Panasonic Z90B review](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z90b-tv-48z90b) As well as our [LG C5 review](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/the-new-lg-c5-oled-is-a-fantastic-five-star-tv-but-heres-why-i-wont-be-upgrading) And check out the [best OLED TVs](https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/tvs/best-oled-tvs) TOPICS [Panasonic](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/panasonic) [OLED](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/oled) [Lewis Empson](https://www.whathifi.com/author/lewis-empson) Social Links Navigation Senior Staff Writer Lewis Empson is a Senior Staff Writer on What Hi-Fi?. He was previously Gaming and Digital editor for Cardiff University's 'Quench Magazine', Lewis graduated in 2021 and has since worked on a selection of lifestyle magazines and regional newspapers. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, gigs and regular cinema trips. ### What is a hands on review? 'Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it. It may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use, even if it's only an embryonic view. ## Join the Conversation Follow this conversation to be notified when new comments are postedfollow Log in \\| Sign up Please follow our [community guidelines](https://www.whathifi.com/news/about-us#section-community-guidelines). ![Jump to log in or sign Up](https://cdn.viafoura.net/assets/defaultavatar.913f94a2fa72a280b0374131f1c9b175.png) All Comments NEWEST 0 ### All Comments Start the conversation Powered by View More You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. 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Readable Markdown	Early Verdict #### Pros - \+ Sharp and bright image with punchy colours - \+ Fire TV has good app compatibility, - \+ Good gaming specs for an entry-level TV #### Cons - \- Reflections could be a nuisance - \- Cheaper and less refined build than other Panasonic OLEDs - \- Needs further testing. Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. [Find out more about how we test.](https://www.whathifi.com/news/how-we-test-and-review-products-on-what-hi-fi) Jump To: - [Price](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-price) - [Build](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-build) - [Features](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-features) - [Picture](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-picture) - [Sound](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-sound) - [Early verdict](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c#section-early-verdict) It’s been an open secret in the world of TV and AV that [Panasonic](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/panasonic) has been quietly struggling to keep up with the likes of [Samsung](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/samsung), [LG](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/lg), [Hisense](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/hisense) and [TCL](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/tcl); and honestly, that’s not surprising, nor is it necessarily the company’s fault. Panasonic has always upheld a quality AV experience rather than cutting corners to achieve lower price tags; hence the reason its OLED TVs can be found in prestigious Hollywood editing bays and the homes of cinephiles around the world. We’ve championed Panasonic’s excellent OLEDs for quite some time, but that hasn’t been enough to prevent the company from striking a deal to offload its TV business to Chinese AV giant Skyworth Shenzen due to presumably middling sales figures and challenging market conditions. That partnership was announced at Panasonic Experience 2026 in Munich, and we were in the audience to hear the news first, as well as see the company’s surprisingly scarce OLED TV lineup for 2026. It includes the existing (and very good) [Z95B](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z95b-tv-65z95b) and [Z90B](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z90b-tv-48z90b), as well as this new entry-level model that we’re here to discuss today. The Z85C, or Z86C as it’s known in the UK, is currently the only new OLED TV that Panasonic will be launching in 2026, and while we didn’t get a chance to test it properly at the company’s Munich campus, we do have some first impressions to share. Get the What Hi-Fi? Newsletter The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox. ### Price ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zuQ7bdE8yLeHuosLdaiUa4.jpg) (Image credit: Future) We’re yet to receive pricing information for the Z85C/Z86C, though Panasonic seems to suggest that it will be priced competitively, which makes sense considering it now has the backing to be more assertive in this space. We presume the key rivals to this OLED set will include the upcoming LG B6 and Samsung S85H, and we could even see it take on the three-star [Toshiba XF9F](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/toshiba-xf9f-55xf9f53db) in this arena as well. There’s also the five-star [Philips OLED760](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/philips-oled760-65oled760) to contend with, which could prove a thorn in Panasonic’s side here in Europe. ### Build ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zCBaY8dUi2yzYnjzf2XoH4.jpg) (Image credit: Future) The cheapest option in Panasonic’s OLED lineup has an understandably more basic build compared to the eye-catching Z90B and Z95B models. It feels more plasticky than the premium, fabric-clad flagship models, which is to be expected given that it's on the bottom rung of Panasonic's new OLED ladder. That’s not to say it doesn’t look good from an aesthetic standpoint. The slender bezels around the display arguably look sleeker than the TVs mentioned above, as there is no built-in soundbar to add bulk to the chin of this set. However, the circular pedestal stand does jut out quite prominently, and it looked a little unwieldy on the 55-inch model we saw. The bonus here, however, is that it does support a rotation function if you need to angle your screen towards an off-centre sofa. Speaking of screen sizes, the TV will only be available in 55- and 65-inches. That’s not uncommon in the budget OLED market, but a smaller 48-inch or larger 77-inch screen option would have been a nice touch. ### Features ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/adamdG4KFYERtknGWUSzw4.jpg) (Image credit: Future) We’ll kick this section off with the most intriguing aspect of this TV: the panel. Panasonic confirmed (in a very roundabout way) that this TV uses LG Display’s new OLED SE panel, which removes the polariser and targets a lower peak brightness compared to OLED EX in order to keep costs down. During our [catch-up with LG Display at CES 2026](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/lg-display-has-a-new-hope-for-cheaper-oled-tvs-and-its-taking-the-fight-directly-to-mini-led), it confirmed that the new panel tech would be rolling out in entry-level OLEDs this year, and this is the first production model we’ve seen it featured in. It also said that while the panel tech won’t be as bright as the higher-end alternatives, it will be brighter than the older OLED panels found in current entry-level models. Panasonic is simplifying things by just referring to the Z86C as having a “new OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate”. On the subject of gaming features, the Z86C features two HDMI 2.1 sockets, which support up to 4K/120Hz signals with VRR and ALLM. Sound-wise, this TV sports a 2.1 channel built-in speaker system, with little in the way of specific details regarding its capabilities announced at the Panasonic Experience. We do, however, know that this TV will feature the Fire TV operating system in the UK, whereas the international Z86C version will sport Google TV. ### Picture ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zwWWYHLoGGBp828zCGiSS4.jpg) (Image credit: Future) Conditions for viewing the Z86C were less than ideal, as we were in a brightly-lit event space with a looping reel of generic sci-fi demo content on screen. That being said, we can see a couple of promising signs coming from the Z86C. The benefits of OLED SE appeared to be tangible to our eyes, as it managed to hold its own where brightness was concerned, despite the fairly harsh lighting conditions of the venue. The trade-off was that reflections were more noticeable compared to the Z90B, which was also on display nearby. Shots of planets, galaxies and other celestial entities looked good on this budget panel, with the deep inky depths of space contrasting nicely with rich colours. Stars didn’t pop against the black depths of space quite as much as they did on the Z90B, which was handily synchronised to show the same content for comparison purposes, but that’s to be expected with a step-down model. Generally speaking, the Z86C looked punchy, sharp and bright by budget OLED standards during our brief hands-on time with the TV; though much more testing is needed before we can pass a final verdict. ### Sound ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YMKifLcxYwQ6CxTubLDEK4.jpg) (Image credit: Future) As is often the case with these TV hands-on sessions, the sound was muted on the Z86C, which – as you can probably imagine – makes sound testing quite difficult. We’ll need to test the TV fully to assess its sound capabilities, but we can hope that it’s similar to the Z90B and Z95B (both of which scored four out of five for sound) in the meantime. ### Early verdict ![Panasonic Z85C with sci-fi images on screen sitting on a wooden tabletop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZKgmTsJJoGUpCEQzG94Kb4.jpg) (Image credit: Future) It’s too early to conclude our thoughts on the Z86C, but what we do know is that it signifies a very interesting shift for Panasonic. Early signs point towards it being a promising entry-level OLED TV, which is good news, because it’s going to be putting in a lot of legwork as Panasonic’s only new OLED for 2026. It probably won’t appeal to cinephiles in the same way that the Z95B and Z90B do, but in a world where cheaper TVs are becoming the biggest unit drivers, the Z86C could be exactly what Panasonic needs right now. MORE: Read our full [Panasonic Z90B review](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z90b-tv-48z90b) As well as our [LG C5 review](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/the-new-lg-c5-oled-is-a-fantastic-five-star-tv-but-heres-why-i-wont-be-upgrading) And check out the [best OLED TVs](https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/tvs/best-oled-tvs) TOPICS [Panasonic](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/panasonic) [OLED](https://www.whathifi.com/tag/oled) [Lewis Empson](https://www.whathifi.com/author/lewis-empson) Senior Staff Writer Lewis Empson is a Senior Staff Writer on What Hi-Fi?. He was previously Gaming and Digital editor for Cardiff University's 'Quench Magazine', Lewis graduated in 2021 and has since worked on a selection of lifestyle magazines and regional newspapers. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, gigs and regular cinema trips. ### What is a hands on review? 'Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it. It may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use, even if it's only an embryonic view. ## Join the Conversation \\| Please follow our [community guidelines](https://www.whathifi.com/news/about-us#section-community-guidelines). ### All Comments Start the conversation [Back To Top](https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/televisions/panasonic-z86c-z85c)
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