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

Description

Design and Build Quality

The TCL 32-inch 1080p Roku Smart LED TV – 32S327 has a compact and lightweight frame that’s surprisingly sturdy for its size. Weighing just 9.4 pounds, it’s easy to move and set up, even for someone like me who tends to fumble with heavy gadgets. The sleek black finish blends seamlessly with modern interiors, and the 7.1 x 28.8 x 19.1-inch dimensions make it perfect for small spaces like bedrooms or kitchen counters. The thin bezels are a nice touch, offering a more immersive viewing experience. However, I did notice that the plastic stand feels a bit flimsy and may not hold up well to accidental bumps, so wall-mounting might be a safer option.

Smart Functionality and Ease of Use

The Roku TV operating system is the standout feature here. It’s incredibly intuitive, and navigating through the personalized home screen feels natural. With access to over 5,000 streaming channels and 500,000 movies and TV episodes, I never run out of content to watch, whether it’s the latest Netflix series or a random YouTube rabbit hole. The remote is minimalistic, and the voice control feature works like a charm. I’ve used both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to switch channels and adjust settings, and it’s saved me a ton of time. The Roku mobile app is another handy addition, doubling as a remote and even allowing me to use my headphones for private listening.

Picture Quality and Performance

Watching movies on this TV is a treat. The 1080p Full HD resolution delivers excellent detail, vibrant colors, and decent contrast. While testing it with an action-packed movie, I appreciated the 60Hz refresh rate, which handled fast-moving scenes without noticeable motion blur. The direct-lit LED display ensures consistent brightness across the screen, although I did notice that the blacks aren’t as deep as those on some higher-end TVs. For a 32-inch screen, the picture quality exceeded my expectations, especially at this price point.

Audio Output and Sound Performance

Built-in speakers often get a bad rap, but the 5-watt output on this TV delivers surprisingly clear audio for a small room. Dialogues are crisp, and the sound doesn’t distort even at higher volumes. That said, the bass is almost non-existent, so action scenes or music-heavy shows can feel a bit flat. I paired it with a soundbar, and the difference was night and day. Thankfully, the TV offers multiple audio output options like a headphone jack and optical audio out, making it easy to connect external speakers or sound systems.

Connectivity Options and Inputs

One of the key benefits of this smart TV is its wide range of connectivity options. With 3 HDMI ports, 1 USB port, RF input, and a composite input, I had no problem hooking up my gaming console, Blu-ray player, and an external hard drive all at once. The dual-band 802.11n wireless connection ensures a stable internet connection, even in a house with multiple devices competing for bandwidth. The addition of a headphone jack was a pleasant surprise, letting me enjoy late-night movies without disturbing anyone else.

Good Points

• Compact and lightweight design fits well in small spaces.
• Intuitive Roku TV interface with tons of streaming options.
• 1080p resolution and direct-lit LED display offer great picture quality.
• Multiple connectivity options, including 3 HDMI ports and a headphone jack.
• Voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Drawbacks to Consider

While it’s a great TV overall, there were a few less favorable aspects I noticed during my time with it.

• Plastic stand feels flimsy and may not be very durable.
• Built-in speakers lack depth, especially in bass-heavy scenes.
• Black levels aren’t as deep as those on higher-end models.

Competing Products

This TV sits in a crowded market, and I’ve had the chance to compare it with a few direct competitors. The Samsung UN32N5300 offers similar features but comes with slightly better sound quality and deeper blacks. However, it’s priced higher and doesn’t have as user-friendly an interface as Roku TV. The Vizio D-Series 32-inch Smart TV is another option, featuring better motion handling and a more solid stand, but its app library is nowhere near as extensive. For those prioritizing ease of use and versatility, the TCL model pulls ahead.

Bang for the Buck

For the features it offers, this TV is a steal. The price-to-quality ratio is impressive, especially with the inclusion of smart functionality, full HD resolution, and multiple connectivity options. While there are some compromises, like the basic sound and less-than-premium build quality, they’re minor compared to the overall value. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly TV that doesn’t skimp on features, this is a solid choice.

Additional information