Blind Test Reveals Top OLED TV in Head-to-Head Comparison

TechRadar conducted an unusual evaluation of four leading OLED televisions – the Samsung S95F, LG G5, Sony Bravia 8 II, and Panasonic Z95B – all considered among the best models for 2025. Departing from traditional expert reviews, the assessment involved a group of colleagues participating in a blind test to determine the superior performer. Each television’s branding was concealed, and they were designated by numbers (1: Samsung S95F; 2: LG G5; 3: Sony Bravia 8 II; 4: Panasonic Z95B) to eliminate bias.

The evaluation focused solely on picture quality across five key areas: black levels/contrast, color accuracy and vibrancy, performance with fast-paced action, motion handling during sports content, and upscaling capabilities. All televisions were initially configured using their Cinema/Movie picture presets, with the exception of sports viewing which utilized Standard mode. Brightness optimization and ambient light adjustment features were disabled to maintain consistency.

The first test involved assessing dark scene performance using a clip from “The Batman.” This segment’s low brightness level (400 nits) was intended to highlight any issues like black crush or elevated shadow levels. The Samsung S95F emerged as the winner, receiving nine votes out of twelve thanks to its Glare Free screen and ability to maintain strong contrast and deep blacks under various lighting conditions. The Panasonic Z95B secured two votes, with some testers praising its balanced accuracy. The LG G5 received a single vote but was criticized by several for appearing too bright, while the Sony Bravia 8 II struggled considerably, garnering no votes due to perceived dimness and lack of detail.

For color reproduction assessment, utilizing a scene from “The Wild Robot” – known for its vibrant and natural hues – the competition tightened between the Samsung S95F and LG G5. The panel found it challenging to differentiate between the two models’ color rendition in Cinema mode. Further details of this comparison and subsequent tests will be released later.