From Panasonic OLED to Samsung QD-OLED: The Features I Miss the Most

For many tech enthusiasts, upgrading to the latest display technology can evoke both excitement and anxiety. After spending a year with a Panasonic LZ1500 OLED in my living room—a television highly praised for its balanced performance—I made the leap to the Samsung S95C QD-OLED. While I expected certain improvements, I soon realized there was a particular feature I was sorely missing.

An elegant home viewing experience with Panasonic OLED.

Em bracing Change

The transition was rooted in a desire for change, amplified by the limitations of the Panasonic’s two HDMI 2.1 inputs. Over time, I’ve developed an itch for innovation in my gadgets, and the allure of the QD-OLED technology beckoned. More pressing, however, was my quest to declutter my living space—a challenge heightened by the cumbersome array of cables strung between my media unit and the Panasonic.

I envisioned a streamlined setup when the time came to wall-mount the TV. Opting for the Samsung meant adopting its One Connect box, consolidating all vital connections into a single, sleek cable running to the display. While not a complete solution, this compromise has eased some of the visual clutter.

Adapting to New Technology

Despite its fresh look and advanced technology, the S95C took longer to adapt to than I anticipated. The divergent philosophies of Samsung and Panasonic in display settings became apparent quickly. The Samsung’s impressive brightness and vibrant HDR performance elevated my viewing experience, yet a crucial feature from the Panasonic—its ambient light sensor—was noticeably absent.

In controlled lighting, I found the clarity and color accuracy of the Panasonic astonishing. Its Filmmaker Mode, when combined with automatic brightness adjustments, delivered a remarkable viewing experience that adapted seamlessly to room light, all while maintaining rich detail in shadows.

The Challenge of Brightness Optimization

Samsung, on the other hand, required a manual workaround for adjusting the picture based on ambient light. Despite its Brightness Optimization feature, which aims to adapt content dynamically, I find it limits personal preferences. Unlike Panasonic’s empathetic adjustments, the S95C’s settings often result in a washed-out image that doesn’t serve the cinematic experience I desire.

“…the Samsung S95C struggles to keep up with the nuanced adjustments I had grown accustomed to.”

This AI-powered “Adaptive Picture” option results in a color representation that can feel uninviting—certain presets are locked, forcing a cool, stark image when all I want is a warm cinematic tone.

Custom Solutions for Optimal Viewing

To counteract these frustrations, I devised a multi-preset approach: creating specific settings for brightly lit and darker environments. While this solution lacks the nuanced adaptability of the Panasonic, it provides a practical way to switch between different viewing conditions. Each tweak becomes a minor hassle that breaks the immersive experience.

It’s also important to note that gaming picture settings require distinct configurations for each input, adding yet another layer to the setup process. This meant a tedious night configuring presets, ensuring smooth transitions whether I was binge-watching or diving into an intense gaming session.

A smart way to enhance your viewing experience with technology.

Finding Balance

Despite these challenges, now that I’ve become accustomed to the S95C, I revel in the crisp, vibrant imagery it brings to my screen. The film watching experience—whether it’s classic sci-fi like Alien: Romulus—is undeniably rich, but I must remember to reset my picture presets depending on the light level in the room. It’s a necessary adjustment that, while slightly irritating, is worth the trade-off for a higher quality view.

Conclusion

As I continue to embrace my new setup, I reflect on the importance of integrating technology into home entertainment. The journey from Panasonic to Samsung has revealed both the advancements in OLED technology and the small but significant features that enhance our viewing experiences. In tech, as in life, sometimes the simplest adjustments can have the most profound impact on enjoyment.

Learn More: Discover more about the Samsung S95D in our detailed review and explore our comprehensive QD-OLED vs MLA analysis, as well as and the best TVs to consider right now.