Panasonic MZ980 (TX-55MZ980B) OLED TV Review
The Panasonic MZ980 OLED TV emerges as a noteworthy successor to the award-winning Panasonic LZ980. As the most affordable model in Panasonic's current OLED lineup, it offers unique size options and competes with other high-end TVs like the Sony A80L.
Pricing and Market Position
- Launch Price: Originally priced at £2099 for the 55-inch model, mirroring the 2023 trend of expensive launches.
- Current Pricing: Now available for around £1399, making it competitive with the Sony A80L and LG C3.
- Comparative Models: Worth considering alongside the slightly pricier Panasonic MZ1500.
Design Aspects
- Stand Design: Unlike the MZ1500, the MZ980 comes with a simple rectangular base, lacking the swivel feature for easy access to ports.
- Speaker Bar Absence: Unlike its higher-end counterparts, the MZ980 does not include a dedicated speaker bar. This omission, while potentially seen as a drawback, offers a sleeker design and easier placement for external sound systems.
- Remote Control: The layout remains consistent with other Panasonic models, featuring a black finish for a more understated appearance.
Also Check Micron's Breakthrough with 128 GB DDR5-8000 RDIMMs Using Monolithic 32 Gb Die
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Authentic and subtle picture quality.
- Comprehensive HDR support enhances viewing experience.
- Solid gaming specifications, making it a good choice for gamers.
- Cons:
- Subpar audio quality, necessitating external sound solutions.
- Despite its merits, there are other TVs available at similar price points offering better performance.
Conclusion
The Panasonic MZ980 stands out as a viable option in the OLED TV market, particularly for those seeking a more budget-friendly model within Panasonic's range. Its design choices, focusing on simplicity and subtlety, may appeal to users looking for an understated yet capable TV. However, potential buyers should be aware of the competitive landscape, as there are other models available that might offer superior features or performance at a similar cost. Investing in a high-quality external sound system is also recommended to compensate for the TV's audio limitations.
