4k-oled4 min read

Panasonic Z85 vs Cheaper 2026 OLED: $10.23/in vs $29.09/in

By Jon Levesque··Updated May 20, 2026

Key Takeaway

The Panasonic Z85 at $10.23/inch crushes the cheapest 2026 OLED ($29.09/inch) on price-per-inch. But does the newer processing justify the gap?

The Panasonic Z85 65″ OLED at $665 ($10.23/inch) massively undercuts the cheapest 2026 OLED we track—the LG C6 55″ at $1,599.99 ($29.09/inch). That’s a difference of $18.86 per inch. If you can still find the Z85 and don’t need 2026 processing, it’s the clear value winner on cost per screen inch.

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The Short Answer

The Panasonic Z85 wins on price per inch—$10.23/inch versus the cheapest 2026 OLED we track, the LG C6 55-inch at $29.09/inch. The Z85 is a 2024 model now being cleared out, while the LG C6 is a current‑year TV with newer processing and AI features. On pure $/inch, the Z85 is dramatically cheaper: you pay $18.86 less for every inch of screen real estate.

Price Per Inch Breakdown

We pulled the lowest in‑stock price for each model from our live data:

  • Panasonic Z85 65‑inch (2024) — $665 ÷ 65″ = $10.23/inch (in‑stock, retailer not specified)
  • LG C6 55‑inch (2026) — $1,599.99 ÷ 55″ = $29.09/inch (Amazon)

The Z85 costs $18.86/inch less than the LG C6. Even if you could find a larger 2026 OLED, none in our data drop below $29.09/inch, so the gap holds for every size we track.

For the LG C6, the $1,599.99 price is from Amazon as of May 20, 2026.

Same Size, Same Year?

No—the Z85 is a 65‑inch screen, the LG C6 is 55‑inch. Different model years, too. The Z85 is a 2024 panel being sold at a discount; the LG C6 represents the newest 2026 OLED with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR10, AI Super Upscaling 4K, Filmmaker Mode, and Wow Orchestra.

The larger screen size and lower total price ($665 vs $1,599.99) only widen the Z85’s value edge. If you want a bigger OLED and don’t care about the latest AI processing, the Z85 is far more affordable.

What the Extra Cost Buys You

The $18.86/inch premium for the LG C6 objectively includes:

  • Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR10, Filmmaker Mode, Wow Orchestra (explicitly in the LG C6 listing)
  • 2026 model — likely newer panel tech and faster smart‑TV platform

The Panasonic Z85 listing only states “OLED 4K Ultra HD.” No processor name or audio enhancements are claimed in our data. The LG C6’s extras are tangible, on‑paper upgrades — not subjective “better picture” guesses.

When Each Makes Sense

  • Choose the LG C6 (or any 2026 OLED) if you insist on the newest processing suite, AI upscaling, and the full HDR/audio format package, and are comfortable paying $18.86 more for every inch of screen. The 55‑inch size may suit smaller rooms, but per‑inch cost is steep. If you watch a lot of low‑resolution content (720p/1080p), the AI upscaling in the 2026 models could be worth the premium for you.

Verdict

This conclusion is based on in‑stock prices as of May 20, 2026. Stock on the Z85 is likely limited; if you find it at $665 and don’t miss the 2026 niceties, it’s an outlier value. For 2026 buyers who want the newest processing, the LG C6 is the cheapest in‑class option at $29.09/inch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price per inch of the Panasonic Z85?

In our current listings, the Panasonic Z85 65‑inch OLED costs $665, which works out to $10.23/inch.

Is the LG C6 55-inch the cheapest 2026 OLED TV?

Yes. Among the 2026 OLEDs we track, the LG C6 55‑inch is the cheapest at $29.09/inch (Amazon, $1,599.99). The next cheapest is the Samsung 48‑inch S90H at $1,497.99 ($31.21/inch), so the LG holds the value lead for 2026.

How does the Panasonic Z85 compare to the LG B4 in terms of picture quality?

We don’t assess picture quality—only price per inch.

Should I wait for a lower price on the Panasonic Z85 or buy a cheaper OLED like the LG C6?

At $665 for a 65‑inch OLED, the Z85 is already well below the 2026 $/inch floor. Waiting might mean missing out entirely, as 2024 models are being cleared. The LG C6 costs nearly three times the Z85’s $/inch, so if your goal is the lowest cost per inch, the Z85 is the one to buy now—assuming you can still find one.

What other 2024 OLEDs are still available at deep discounts?

However, the Panasonic Z85 remains the cheapest per inch among all 2024 models we track. If you can find it, the Z85 is the clear bargain.

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