Panasonic Z85C OLED TV: the "budget" series arrives, with a software surprise

If the flagship models of the 2025 range, namely the excellent Z95B and Z90B (click on the following link to read the full review of the Panasonic TV-55Z95B), remain in the 2026 catalog (no Primary RGB Tandem 2.0 OLED panels in 2026 Panasonic OLED TVs), Panasonic will occupy the entry-level OLED TV market with the Z85C series. The Panasonic Z85C features an OLED SE panel from LG Display. To achieve an ultra-competitive price, Panasonic/Skyworth is relying on the new OLED SE panel from LG Display, presented by the manufacturer at CES 2026 in Las Vegas last January (see our article "LG OLED SE TVs: the ultimate weapon to lower prices and compete with Mini LED?"). For your information, this OLED SE panel will also be used in the LG B6 and Samsung S85H televisions. While this panel is more prone to reflections than the Master OLED Ultimate panels of the higher-end series, it promises very high image quality. Incidentally, regarding the anti-reflective system demonstrated yesterday in Munich by Panasonic/Skyworth, while it applies to all of the brand's 2026 Mini LED LCD series, it will be necessary to wait until 2027 to find it on OLED displays. As for screen sizes, Panasonic/Skyworth remains cautious, with only a 55" (140 cm) and a 65" (165 cm) model planned. Panasonic Z85C, the grand return of Google TV. This is another surprise from the Z85C series. While Panasonic's 2025 OLED models include Fire TV (Amazon), such as the Z80B series which the Z85C replaces, the latter Z85C will include Google TV for European Union countries (a Z86C version with Fire TV is planned for the UK). This choice allows for one of the richest app ecosystems on the market, while simplifying the interface for the general public. Panasonic Z85C: Features, the essentials are there. Despite its advertised "budget" positioning, the Panasonic Z85C OLED TV series offers HDR Dolby Vision and HDR10+ compatibility, Filmmaker Mode, and Dolby Atmos decoding for 2.1 surround sound. Gamers haven't been forgotten; Panasonic confirms support for 120Hz, HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM on its three HDMI ports (yes, three). Also worth noting is the swivel stand. However, to keep the price down, some features are omitted: no Calman Ready certification here, nor True Game Mode (the brand's expert-calibrated gaming mode), nor the advanced functions of Game Mode Extreme, reserved for more expensive models. Panasonic Z85C, what role in the range and on the market? With the Z85C, Panasonic (now supported by Skyworth's industrial power for its logistics and manufacturing) demonstrates its desire to regain market share in the €1,000-€1,500 segment. By combining its historical expertise in image processing with a high-performing OLED SE panel on paper and the user-friendliness of Google TV, the brand aims to challenge the leaders of the affordable OLED segment. Availability and indicative prices are still to be confirmed.