TCL 32-inch 1080p Roku Smart LED TV 32S327 review with features and performance

Description

Design and Build Quality

The TCL 32-inch 1080p Roku Smart LED TV – 32S327 strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality. Its sleek and compact design, combined with a modern black finish, makes it an excellent addition to any room. Measuring 7.1 x 28.8 x 19.1 inches and weighing just 9.4 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to move around. The 32-inch screen size is perfect for smaller spaces like bedrooms, dorm rooms, or even a cozy corner in the living room. I appreciated how sturdy the stand felt during setup, though wall mounting is also an option for those looking to save space. The build quality doesn’t feel cheap, despite its affordable price point, and it manages to stay compact without sacrificing durability.

Positives

The TCL Roku TV has several features that make it a worthwhile purchase. Here are some of the key benefits I noticed while using it:

• 1080p Full HD resolution delivers excellent detail, vibrant colors, and impressive contrast for a TV in this size.
• The Roku TV operating system offers seamless access to more than 5,000 streaming channels, including 500,000+ movies and TV episodes.
• Easy voice control options through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or the Roku mobile app make navigation effortless.
• Multiple input options, including 3 HDMI ports, 1 USB port, and an optical audio out, provide versatility for connecting devices.
• The 60Hz refresh rate ensures smooth playback for action-packed scenes with minimal motion blur.

Picture and Sound Quality

The 1080p resolution on this 32-inch screen genuinely surprised me. The colors are vibrant, and the contrasts are sharp enough to make details pop, even in dimly lit scenes. While watching action movies or animated shows, the 60Hz refresh rate did a great job of eliminating motion blur. I tested it with fast-paced sports content, and the clarity remained consistent. The direct-lit LED technology ensures uniform brightness across the screen, and while it may not compete with OLED-level brilliance, it’s more than adequate for everyday viewing.

The built-in speakers, rated at 5 watts, provide decent audio quality for casual viewing. However, if you’re an audiophile or enjoy immersive sound, you might want to connect external speakers or a soundbar via the optical audio out or headphone jack. For a TV in this price range, the sound exceeded my expectations, but there’s room for improvement, especially with bass levels.

Smart Features and Usability

Navigating the Roku TV interface was an absolute breeze. I found the personalized home screen incredibly practical. It lets you pin your favorite streaming apps, inputs, and even cable TV channels to the front, saving time and effort. The dual-band wireless connectivity (802.11n) ensures a stable connection, even if your router isn’t in the same room. Setting up streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ was quick and intuitive.

The voice control feature stands out as a significant convenience. Whether I used Alexa, Google Assistant, or the Roku app, I could search for shows, change channels, or adjust settings without lifting the remote. This was a game-changer for me when multitasking or trying to find something specific.

Drawbacks

Despite its many strengths, there are a few areas for improvement worth noting:

• The built-in speakers lack depth, especially in terms of bass, which might disappoint those who prioritize audio quality.
• While the Roku TV operating system is user-friendly, it occasionally lagged when switching between apps or inputs.
• The plastic frame around the edges feels a bit flimsy, which may not inspire confidence in long-term durability.
• No Bluetooth support, which limits the ability to connect wireless headphones or speakers directly.

Product Comparisons

Comparing this 32-inch TCL Roku TV to similar models like the Samsung M4500 or LG 32LM570BPUA, it holds its own in several categories. The Samsung M4500 offers good picture quality but only supports 720p resolution, making the TCL’s 1080p Full HD display a clear winner. LG’s 32-inch model is known for its solid performance but lacks the streamlined Roku interface, which I found to be one of the standout features of the TCL.

On the downside, the Samsung and LG models often come with better audio quality and Bluetooth support, which the TCL lacks. However, considering the budget-friendly nature of the TCL TV, it provides an incredible mix of features for the price.

Financial Value

For anyone seeking cost-effectiveness, this TV is a fantastic choice. It packs a 32-inch Full HD display, a smart operating system, and a host of input options into a relatively affordable package. While you might need to invest in external speakers for better audio, the value proposition it offers is hard to beat. Compared to pricier competitors with similar functionality, this model proves you don’t need to break the bank for a quality viewing experience.

Additional information