TCL 32-inch 3-Series Roku Smart TV 32S335 review perfect for budget-friendly streaming

Description

Compact Design and Build Quality

I must say, the TCL 32-inch 3-Series 720p Roku Smart TV (32S335) is surprisingly lightweight and compact. Weighing just 8.2 pounds with the stand, it’s incredibly easy to move around, which was ideal for me since I kept switching it between the living room and bedroom. The dimensions, 28.8 x 18.9 x 7.1 inches with the stand, make it perfect for smaller spaces like dorm rooms or apartments. I appreciated the sleek black finish; it doesn’t scream luxury but blends in nicely with modern decor. Though the plastic build feels durable, it’s clear the focus here was on functionality over premium materials.

User-Friendly Smart Features

The Roku Smart functionality is where this TV shines. With access to over 500,000 movies and TV episodes, I found myself diving into streaming services I didn’t even know existed. Navigating through apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube was seamless, thanks to the intuitive Roku interface. I particularly loved the Easy Voice Control feature, which works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. All I had to do was say, “Find comedy movies,” and boom—it pulled up a whole list. This hands-free control felt like such a luxury, especially when I wanted to quickly switch inputs or pause while cooking.

HD Picture Quality and Performance

For a 720p resolution, I wasn’t expecting miracles, but I was pleasantly surprised by the color accuracy and decent contrast. Watching animated shows or colorful nature documentaries looked great. However, if you’re used to 4K UHD, the lack of sharpness might stand out. The 60Hz refresh rate is adequate for casual viewing. It handled fast-paced action scenes decently, though I did notice some motion blur during sports.

One standout feature was the dual-band Wi-Fi. I didn’t experience any buffering while streaming, even in a room far from my router. That was a huge plus since my old TV struggled with connectivity issues.

Connectivity Options Galore

This TV packs a surprising number of inputs for its size. With 3 HDMI ports, including one with ARC support, I connected my soundbar and gaming console without constantly swapping cables. The USB port was a lifesaver for playing photos and videos from my flash drive, and the headphone jack came in handy when I wanted to watch late at night without disturbing others.

That said, the Optical Audio Out was a nice touch for connecting external speakers. For anyone who loves setting up a mini home theater, this TV won’t disappoint in terms of connectivity options.

Merits

• Roku interface: Extremely easy to navigate, even for non-tech-savvy users.
• Lightweight and compact design: Perfect for small spaces or secondary rooms.
• Voice control compatibility: Works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Multiple input options: 3 HDMI ports, USB, headphone jack, and optical audio out.

Critiques

• 720p resolution: Falls short for those used to 4K or higher resolutions.
• Limited sound quality: The built-in speakers are functional but lack depth and bass.
• Plastic build: While durable, it doesn’t exude a premium feel.

Competing Products

When comparing this TV to competitors like the Insignia 32-inch Fire TV or the Vizio D-Series, it holds its ground in some areas but also reveals a few weaknesses. The Insignia Fire TV, for example, offers a slightly better sound experience and integrates Alexa more deeply. On the other hand, the Vizio D-Series boasts a slightly sharper picture quality, but its interface isn’t nearly as smooth as Roku’s.

What I found particularly advantageous with this TCL model was the dual-band Wi-Fi, which outperformed both competitors in maintaining a fast and stable connection. For those who prioritize ease of use and connectivity, this TV edges out its rivals.

Affordable Quality

This TV is a solid choice for the price-conscious buyer. It’s not going to blow you away with cutting-edge features, but considering its smart functionality, voice control, and multiple input options, it offers excellent value for money. If you’re looking for an affordable secondary TV or an entry-level smart TV, this one is worth considering.

While it’s certainly not perfect, TCL has managed to deliver a balanced product that caters to budget-conscious consumers without compromising too much on essential features.

Additional information