The Journey to the Best OLED TV Begins!

The prestigious What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 are here, and our team of audio-visual experts has dove headfirst into the exciting—but far from glamorous—testing phase. We've been locked in a testing room, diligently comparing some of this year's biggest hitters in OLED technology: the Sony Bravia 8 II, Samsung S95F, LG G5, and Panasonic Z95B.

A TV Showdown of Epic Proportions!

Now, I know what you might be thinking—how thrilling! But let me tell you, it’s a battle of precision and patience. As we tested these four flagship models, a surprising revelation emerged: one TV, in particular, didn't quite hit the mark.

While I won’t name names just yet—after all, we're still fine-tuning our assessments—it became clear that while it boasted impressive brightness, it ultimately let viewers down with its overall picture quality.

Brightness: A Double-Edged Sword

Brightness is a crucial aspect when it comes to TV performance. After all, higher peak brightness can make HDR content vibrant and striking. But, what happens when that brightness comes without finesse?

In our tests, one TV pushed its display far too bright, often overwhelming the aesthetic of the film itself. It’s like a chef over-salting a dish—sometimes, less is more.

A Case Study: Dune: Part 2

Let’s explore a couple of notable scenes. During the desert battle in "Dune: Part 2," this TV cranked up the brightness to impressive levels, ideal for a scorching desert setting. Yet, it struggled to limit that brightness to specific areas. Instead of enhancing the scene, it distracted from the film's narrative.

Fighting Fire with Fire: The Civil War Test

Switching gears to our evaluation of "Civil War," this TV continued to overdo it during high-octane scenes, which detracted from the visual storytelling. Bright highlights, like explosions, felt jarring rather than cinematic.

The Art of Subtlety in Picture Quality

The takeaway? A balance is essential. Every once in a while, a product comes along that dazzles with its specs but falters in execution. While the bright lights may initially wow viewers, they can create an artificial viewing experience if not handled properly.

Don’t Be Misled by Bright Numbers!

As we wrap up, let this be a cautionary tale. Don’t get swept away by the allure of peak brightness alone when choosing your next TV. If you desire an experience that aligns with the filmmaker's vision, focusing solely on brightness might steer you wrong.

Stay tuned as we continue refining our tests and bring you the full verdict on which of these next-gen OLED TVs reigns supreme!