Panasonic TN-55W97CE7S 55-Inch Mini-LED TV

The Panasonic TN-55W97CE7S is a 55-inch TV with a QD Mini-LED panel that combines powerful picture quality and gaming capability under one roof. It's one of the first 2026 models to roll off the line under the new Panasonic-Skyworth partnership, and it positions itself as a bright, high-contrast alternative to the OLED models in Panasonic's lineup.

Why the TN-55W97CE7S?

The TN-55W97CE7S is Panasonic's new reach into the upper Mini-LED shelf: over 1000 local dimming zones deliver rich contrast, up to 1500 nits of peak brightness make HDR scenes full of fire and snow really shine, and a color gamut of around 110% DCI-P3 keeps colors rich rather than pale. Dolby Vision is on board, plus Glare Free technology that noticeably tames reflections and stray light – handy if your living room has more windows than curtains. With a 144 Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1, and VRR, the TV is also explicitly built for gaming, not just movie nights after work.

What you see and hear

Picture: the QD Mini-LED panel combines fine control over many small dimming zones with a wide color gamut – the result is deep black levels in dark scenes and rich, well-differentiated colors in bright ones. Sound: Dolby Atmos delivers surround sound straight out of the TV, and the built-in far-field microphone picks up voice commands from across the room – the remote is welcome to stay put if you like. The interface runs on Google TV, with an app store, voice assistant, and the familiar streaming services.

Who is the TN-55W97CE7S suited for – and who isn't it?

The TN-55W97CE7S fits well into bright living rooms, gamers who appreciate 144 Hz and VRR, and anyone who wants a powerful, high-contrast picture without reaching straight for an OLED budget. Honestly: if you're after the absolute reference black level of an OLED, or you're set on Fire TV, this isn't the model for you – here the platform is Google TV, and with Mini-LED there's, for physical reasons, a touch of halo effect around very bright objects on a very dark background. For everyday living room use, though, that's no dealbreaker.

Our verdict

The TN-55W97CE7S delivers a lot of picture for the money: strong contrast, decent brightness, genuine Dolby Vision, and 144 Hz on top for anyone who games too. That production now runs through the Panasonic-Skyworth partnership doesn't show in the picture – the tuning stays rich and coherent in typical Panasonic fashion. If you have a bright room and don't want to spend a fortune on OLED, this is a well-rounded overall package.

Technical data

• Screen diagonal: 139 cm / 55 inches
• Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3840 × 2160 pixels)
• Panel type: QD Mini-LED, over 1000 local dimming zones, Glare Free coating
• Peak brightness: up to approx. 1500 nits
• Color gamut: approx. 110% DCI-P3
• Refresh rate: 144 Hz
• HDR: Dolby Vision
• Gaming: HDMI 2.1, VRR, low input lag
• Sound: Dolby Atmos, far-field microphone for hands-free voice control
• Operating system: Google TV
• Connections: 3× HDMI (HDMI 2.1), 2× USB 2.0, 1× optical digital output, CI/CI+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (no LAN/Ethernet port)
• Dimensions with stand (W×H×D): 1233 × 762 × 261 mm (without stand: 1233 × 722 × 87 mm)
• Weight with stand: 16.6 kg (without stand: 16.2 kg)
• Energy efficiency class: F (SDR) / G (HDR) – energy consumption SDR 77 kWh/1000h, HDR 153 kWh/1000h
• Included: TV, stand, remote control, power cable, quick guide

Frequently asked questions

Does the TN-55W97CE7S run on Google TV or Fire TV?

The TN-55W97CE7S runs on Google TV. Unlike the current Panasonic OLED models, which use Fire TV, here you get Google's interface with the Play Store, Google Assistant, and the usual streaming apps. A bit of an adjustment if you're coming from a Fire TV device – otherwise it's purely a matter of taste.

Is the TN-55W97CE7S suitable for gaming?

Yes, thanks to HDMI 2.1, Variable Refresh Rate, and low input lag, the TN-55W97CE7S is well equipped for consoles and PC too. With a 144 Hz refresh rate, fast games run silky smooth, and VRR prevents stutter and tearing. That's plenty for competitive gaming, and even more so for a relaxed PlayStation session after work.

Why does this Panasonic have a different name – who actually makes it?

In 2026, Panasonic handed over TV production to the Chinese manufacturer Skyworth as part of a strategic partnership. That changes nothing about the unit itself: the TN-55W97CE7S is and remains a fully-fledged Panasonic TV with Panasonic picture tuning and software; the extra suffix in the model name simply marks the new manufacturing. A normal industry development, nothing to worry about.

Is the TN-55W97CE7S suitable for a bright living space?

Yes, the panel has a low-glare Glare Free coating, plus up to 1500 nits of peak brightness. The picture stays readable and high-contrast even against backlight from a window or ceiling spots, without you having to draw the curtains. For a darkened home cinema room, an OLED is generally the better choice anyway.

Do I need a streaming subscription to make good use of the TV?

No, a subscription isn't a requirement. Google TV brings you live TV reception, free media libraries, and free streaming channels right out of the box, and consoles, players, or a NAS connect normally via HDMI. Streaming services like Netflix or Disney+ are an option on top, not a must.

Why buy the Panasonic TN-55W97CE7S at HD Zürisee?

Because at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil you get personal advice, years of experience, and on-site service. We'll look together at whether the picture suits your room and your setup, our technician Mauri handles delivery, mounting, and setup on request, and you can reach us easily by phone, email, or WhatsApp.

Goes well with

Home Cinema · Speakers · Cables