Roku Smart TV 32-Inch Select Series Review Bright Picture and Customizable Features

Description

A Streamlined Streaming Experience with the Roku Smart TV – 32-Inch Select Series

I’ve been diving into the world of the Roku Smart TV – 32-Inch Select Series lately, and it’s safe to say it’s left quite an impression. Whether I’m catching up on my favorite shows, playing games, or just browsing through endless free content, this 1080p Full HD smart TV has made everything feel seamless. It’s not just a TV; it’s the centerpiece of my entertainment setup, and I’m here to share what stands out—and what doesn’t.

Bright Picture and Crisp Clarity

Picture quality is where this smart TV truly shines. The 1080p Full HD display delivers vibrant colors, sharp details, and exceptional clarity. Watching fast-paced action movies, I noticed how the bright picture settings handled darker scenes without losing detail. It’s not as advanced as some 4K options out there, but for a 32-inch screen, the clarity is more than sufficient. Gaming sessions also felt immersive, thanks to the stunning brightness levels that kept visuals crisp even in a well-lit room.

However, if you’re someone who demands ultra-high-definition or OLED-like contrast, this might not completely check those boxes. It’s a solid performer in its category, but it’s not aiming to compete with premium tier screens.

Customizable Home Screen for Convenience

One of my favorite features is the customizable home screen. Unlike some TVs that bury your favorite apps behind layers of menus, this one puts everything front and center. I’ve arranged my most-used streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube alongside live TV input options, so I’m spending less time scrolling and more time enjoying. The interface is straightforward, and with Roku’s delightfully simple experience, even the least tech-savvy in my family found it intuitive to navigate.

If you often switch between gaming consoles, streaming, and traditional TV, this design is a game-changer. However, I did notice it could take a second or two longer to switch between inputs compared to pricier models.

Endless Free TV and Streaming Options

The sheer volume of free content available blew me away. With over 400+ live TV streaming apps, I’ve explored everything from local news to award-winning Roku Originals. The in-season shows and hit movies are great, but I was equally impressed by the variety of kids’ programming and family-friendly options. It’s like having an endless buffet of entertainment without the hefty subscription fees.

That said, some of the free apps contain ads, which can interrupt the viewing experience. It’s a minor trade-off, but if you value uninterrupted content, you might lean toward premium subscriptions instead.

Voice Remote: Simple and Effective

The Roku Voice Remote has been a surprisingly handy addition. I’ve used it to search across thousands of apps, control playback, and even adjust the volume—all with simple voice commands. It’s especially helpful when I can’t find the remote (which, let’s face it, happens more often than I’d like). The remote is lightweight, and the buttons are laid out intuitively, making it easy for anyone in the household to use.

While the voice commands work well, they’re not as advanced as some AI-driven assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. If you’re looking for a remote that can do more than control the TV, you might find this one a bit limited.

How Sound Should Sound

The audio quality on this TV caught me off guard. Most TVs in this price range leave you scrambling for a soundbar, but this one delivers clear speech and louder sound right out of the box. Dialogue during movies was easy to follow, and I didn’t have to crank up the volume during quieter scenes. That said, the bass could use a little more depth for music or action-heavy sequences.

For an average-sized room, the built-in speakers do the job. If you’re setting this up in a larger space or crave cinematic sound, you might still want to invest in external speakers.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional picture quality with bright and clear Full HD visuals.
• User-friendly interface with a customizable home screen.
• Access to over 400+ free live TV apps and award-winning content.
• Voice remote for hassle-free navigation and control.
• Built-in speakers provide clear and loud audio without additional gadgets.

Areas for Improvement

• Limited to 1080p resolution, which might not satisfy those seeking 4K or higher.
• Transitioning between inputs feels slightly slower than on premium TVs.
• Ads on free apps could be distracting for some users.
• Audio lacks deep bass, especially for action-heavy or musical content.

Product Competitors

Comparing this smart TV to similar options like the TCL 32-Inch 3-Series or the Samsung M4500, it holds its own in terms of usability and free content access. The TCL model often competes with its Roku integration, but it doesn’t seem to offer the same level of endless free TV options. On the other hand, Samsung’s M4500 series may have slightly better sound quality, but its interface isn’t as intuitive, and it lacks the voice remote convenience. If simplicity and a massive selection of entertainment are your priorities, this TV is tough to beat.

Cost-Effectiveness

Looking at the features offered, this TV feels like a smart spending choice. It manages to pack in a ton of functionality—customizable settings, seamless streaming, and a bright, clear display—at a price point that’s surprisingly affordable. While it doesn’t compete with high-end models, the value it provides for its size and capabilities makes it an excellent pick for bedrooms, dorms, or secondary spaces. For anyone on a budget or just looking for a reliable, no-frills smart TV, this hits the mark.