UPDATE: In a recent head-to-head test of four flagship OLED TVs, shocking performance disparities have emerged, leaving one model underwhelming compared to its competitors. The testing, conducted by the prestigious What Hi-Fi? Awards team, involved the Sony Bravia 8 II, Samsung S95F, LG G5, and Panasonic Z95B.
The evaluation, which took place in a controlled environment over the past weeks, confirmed that while all models showcased impressive technology, one TV notably struggled with picture quality, raising immediate concerns among testers.
During rigorous assessments, it became evident that one television consistently pushed its brightness to levels that detracted from its overall performance. Despite the benefits of higher peak brightness for HDR content, the aggressive brightness management led to a lack of finesse, making the viewing experience distracting rather than immersive.
The What Hi-Fi? team utilized high-demand scenes from films such as Dune: Part 2 and Civil War to assess each TV’s capability. In the intense desert battle of Dune: Part 2, the problematic TV exhibited excessive brightness across its entire panel, failing to isolate highlights effectively. This resulted in a loss of dynamic range and an overall artificial appearance, with highlights overpowering the intended cinematic experience.
Additionally, during the night scenes in Civil War, the television’s handling of explosions and tracer rounds became jarring, undermining the director’s artistic vision. Reviewers noted that while some enjoyed the heightened brightness, it often detracted from the narrative, focusing attention on the TV’s performance rather than the film itself.
As the What Hi-Fi? team continues their testing, they emphasize the importance of not being swayed by marketing claims centered around peak brightness.
“If you value an ‘as the director intended’ experience, brightness isn’t the primary metric you should be concerned with,”
an expert on the team cautioned.
The implications of these findings are significant for consumers looking to purchase a new TV, especially as the holidays approach. With the 2025 What Hi-Fi? Awards submissions now closed, the spotlight is on these models as potential gifts.
Watch for the full reviews to be released soon, where the team will reveal which TV truly stands out and which may not deserve a spot in your living room. As the consumer electronics market continues to evolve, understanding these nuances in performance will be crucial for making informed purchasing decisions.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the What Hi-Fi? team as they finalize their evaluations of the latest in OLED technology.
