A How-to Guide on Choosing the Best 32-inch Smart TV

As our Television sets keep getting bigger and better with 65-inch to 85-inch sized expensive TVs available, ranging from 4k to 8k streaming options, the 32-inch model still remains a popular option for those who prefer a smaller TV screen at cheaper rates.

These small TV screens are ideal for those looking to save space, be it people living in small and mid-sized homes, who are looking to buy them for their offices, kitchen, guest room, kid’s room, or university students looking to save a few bucks.

While they may not seem like an attractive deal loaded with tons of advanced in-built controls and streaming features, these small TV sets remain a preferred new TV pick for many, especially during the sale seasons.

Benefits of buying a 32-inch Smart TV:

• Budget friendly
• Not space dominating
• Best upscaling of low-resolution video input due to Pixel density (Pixels per inch). These pixels are more noticeable in larger TV screens and sometimes show stretched-out video output that doesn’t fit the screen to match the low input quality.
• Ideal for students and those living alone
• Less hassle if you’re often relocating

1. Best 32-inch Smart-TV: Samsung 32″ Class Q60A QLED 4K Smart TV (2021)

This 32 inch Samsung QLED TV is one of the cheapest QLED TVs by far and offers a 4k resolution and HDR rendering capabilities. It’s one of the most feature-packed deals among its competitors in this screen size.

Samsung offers its Q60A range from 32 inches to 85-inch screen sizes. While other brands often compromise with the specs with their 32 inches smaller TV ranges, Samsung has made sure its specs are updated with all the latest features on offer among the larger screen sizes in the market.

Major specs on offer:

• Price: $499.99
• 100% color volume with Quantum Dot
• Dual LED
• Quantum HDR
• 4k resolution
• Solar-powered remote
• Quantum Processor 4k lite
• Built-in Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
• Streaming apps like Netflix, HBO Max, Vudu, Prime Video, and so on

Why you should consider it

It provides a solid 4k resolution movies and gaming experience, a rarity in this screen size, making it fairly more appealing than its competitors.

A minimalist solar-powered remote control is another great offering that makes it stand out.

HDR content delivery is one of the major pros. The Quantum dot feature provides excellent contrast and brightness, allowing for a much richer, deeper color output than others in the same category, even in bright rooms. In short, Samsung went all out to produce the best-in-class display quality, and it shows.

You don’t compromise much on added features and benefits, as compared to the larger screen variants.

If you’re into gaming and won’t mind splurging a slightly higher price, it’s probably the best 32-inch smart TV on offering for your gaming needs. Besides, it upscales low-resolution content very well.

Why you should NOT consider it-

While it packs a punch within a 32 inch, it does not come without a price tag, which is quite expensive considering the screen size, and in comparison to its other similar counterparts like TCL or Vizio.

It has three HDMI ports, input (one with eARC) port, and an ethernet port, but there are no analog inputs, so if you’re looking to connect it to your old DVD player or cable connection box, you will have to buy an adapter or HDMI converter.

Another limiting feature is its 60Hz refresh rate and a slow response rate, that doesn’t provide the sleekest gaming experience you might be looking for.

Despite the superior display quality and smart features, it doesn’t give you the full cinematic experience for watching movies with no local dimming feature, which is there in Samsung’s Q80 variants.

2. Best 32-inch Smart TV: TCL 32″ CLASS 3-Series FHD LED Smart ROKU TV

This TCL 32 inch Smart TV comes with a 1080p Full HD resolution. It was first released in 2019, with another version re-released in 2020.
It offers a built-in Roku TV platform which allows tons of apps on offer to download. It comes with a huge library of streaming apps like Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, Netflix, Hulu, and other online content.
It may not provide a host of technical specifications like the other TCL models, but it delivers fairly well for a 32-inch screen TV range.

Major specs on offer:

• Price: $219.99
• Full HD or High Definition (1080p) Resolution
• In-built Roku TV software with personalized home screen and a huge library of apps
• 3 HDMI ports (1 ARC)
• 60Hz refresh rate
• Dolby Digital Plus audio
• Dual-band Wi-Fi
• Listen privately with the free Roku mobile app
• Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant support

Why you should consider it

It’s a budget-friendly Full HD TV with a 1080p display, a direct full-array backlighting, a powerful dual-band 2.4GHZ processor, and a solid 5GH Wi-Fi connection that provides a reliable speed. It packs a lot of punch for a small screen TV.

Roku TV is one of its biggest pros, considering the huge catalog of third-party apps it offers, especially for those without any streaming devices.

It uses remote control and voice control features to browse for channels and apps.

It’s also the best bet for gaming enthusiasts looking for a small screen with good picture quality and a decent response rate, but don’t want to invest in a 4k device.

Why you should NOT consider it-

It’s a decent entry-level model with smart features for the 32″ screen segment but leaves a lot to be desired in the technical aspects.

The built-in speaker’s sound quality is decent but not great, and you’d probably require a soundbar to fill in the gaps. It doesn’t have HDR or Dolby Vision support either.

Moreover, while it supports Google Assistant and Alexa, it doesn’t provide a built-in microphone to use it.

Besides, the display quality is not that bright. Live TV viewing could induce motion blur and distortion at times.

3. Best 32-inch Smart TV: Toshiba 32″ Full HD Smart TV (32LL3A63DB)

Toshiba’s offering is another feature-packed smart television that comes with a crisp Full HD resolution display.
It offers a built-in WiFi and Toshiba Smart Portal to access a large catalog of online entertainment services.
This Toshiba TV is specially designed with a built-in Alexa compatibility, so you have to use your voice via the remote control to browse the channels and apps.

Major specs on offer:

• Price £198
• Full HD TV with 1080p resolution
• 3 HDMI inputs
• Built-in Alexa compatibility
• Freeview Play with streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime on offer
• Dolby audio
• USB video recording

Why you should consider it

If you have an Alexa-powered home with most of your family engaging with it regularly, it’s a no-brainer that you should go for a Toshiba 32LL3A63DB.

Another major pro is its attractive price point, which can fight the others in this segment. The dual-core processor handles the HD image rendering pretty well.

It also has pre-loaded Freeview Play, a UK-based free-to-air broadcaster that provides free access to digital television, unlike Netflix and so on.

It provided access to likes of BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, My5, All4 without opening other apps.

It offers 3 HDMI ports, an ethernet port, and 2 USB ports. The sound quality is above average and combined with vibrant and fairly good picture quality, and it is a steal deal and a solid choice in small TV segments.

Why you should NOT consider it

What it makes up for in pricing, it loses out in the technical aspects and smart capabilities. It doesn’t support HDR, Dolby Vision, or UHD more upscale.

The display quality is average, not particularly the brightest. It’s not suitable for an incredible gaming experience, but the budget-friendly smart display makes it a viable option.

4. Best 32-inch Smart TV: VIZIO D-Series 32″ Class Smart TV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqReNgqOP6Y

Vizio’s 32 inch TV comes with an FHD 1080p display in an LCD panel technology and the SmartCast OS featuring the voice control from Google Assistant.

It’s designed with the Google Chromecast built-in and an intuitive smart TV interface where you can enjoy streaming thousands of Chromecast-enabled apps direct from your phone to TV.

Major specs on offer:

• Price $219.99
• Full HD 1080p display resolution
• Full array LED-backlit LCD TV
• .Browse top apps like Netflix with SmartCast TV
• Chromecast built-in
• Two HDMI ports
• Refresh rate- 60Hz

Why you should consider it –

Vizio’s power-packed Smart TV is a powerful option for those that already use and prefer Chromecast-enabled apps and streaming.

Vizio’s Smartcast platform provides an easy-to-use interface to access popular apps and services on a Full HD screen. The brightness is impressive, thanks to its full array of LED-backlit technology.

The built-in Chromecast and Apple Airplay is a great addition for better connectivity with tablets and smartphones. Both voice control and remote options can control it.

It also provides an Auto Game Mode and low latency gaming experience with a low input lag and a decent refresh rate, all within the budget.

In a nutshell, Vizio just goes on to prove its not necessary to make a choice between budget and technology, both can coexist if you’re willing to provide the best for your customers and this does just that.

Why you should NOT consider it –

It’s not easy to pinpoint flaws when you’re considering the budgetary constraints concerning technology and searching for a value for money (VFM) deal at the same time.

The SmartCast in its D series can get a bit slow to load if you don’t enable fast start and leave the TV turned on without using it for some time.

The low contrast and graininess become quite visible in darker scenes. You will probably need a Soundbar to make up for the below-par audio.

Moreover, it doesn’t have support for HDR and 4k. With only two HDMI inputs (USB ports), the connectivity options are limited, especially if you’re planning to hook up a gaming console.

5. Best 32-inch Smart TV: LG FHD TV LM6300

LG has been a well-known brand that keeps us up to date with the latest technology products, and this small TV with smart features here gives us just that. LG LM6300 proves that you don’t need to compromise with low-budget features and a small screen.

A simple yet sophisticated design–as claimed by LG itself gives it a modern look from the front at least. This flat-screen TV packs a lot of features in a small box, from HDR to a wide viewing angle display.

Major specs on offer:

• Price: $229.99
• FHD TV
• Quad-core Processor
• Active HDR
• DTS Virtual: X sound
• 3 HDMI inputs (1 rear, 2 sides), 2 USB ports
• webOS Smart TV operating system giving access to popular streaming apps and services
• Wide viewing angle
• Resolution Upscaler

Why you should consider it

LG LM6300 comes with a Quad-core processor that can handle HD video rendering quite smoothly. It offers both stand and wall mounting.

It’s loaded with the same LG smart platform known as webOS in other high-end LG TV models, including the Magic Remote. HDR support is great for brightness and contrast.

A built-in WiFi, 3 HDMI ports, and 2 USB port that opens up several connectivity options. It offers wide viewing angles that make sure the display quality remains excellent viewing from all angles.

Despite the budget-friendly pricing, it also offers eARC support that enables you to transfer the high-quality audio output to a supported receiver using a single HDMI connection.

Why you should NOT consider it

It’s a pretty straightforward offering for an average Smart TV user. LG doesn’t try too hard to cram too many unnecessary specs into a single device but just enough to appeal to the customers.

The refresh rate is only 50Hz that doesn’t provide the smoothest watching experience. It doesn’t come with IPS panels like the other LG models.

Not the best bet for watching in dark rooms as a low contrast ratio can distort the picture quality with black end up looking gray; it also doesn’t provide the local dimming feature. The display doesn’t do very well in too bright locations either.

6. Best 32–inch Smart TV: Panasonic 32″ HD Ready Smart LED Television – TX-32FS503B

The Panasonic FS503 reminds us of Sony’s products concerning its typical outlook and design. This is yet another well-crafted offering in the 32-inch Smart TV segment.

This HD Ready Smart LED television model uses adaptive backlight dimming with a bright panel to generate vibrant picture quality.

It comes with many other features and add-ons, including a Game/Sports Mode, HDR capability, and HDD recording.

Major specs on offer:

• Price: £ 349.99
• 32″ HD Ready Smart LED Television
• HDR10 support
• Adaptive Backlight Dimming
• 2 HDMI ports
• Refresh rate: 50Hz
• Sports and Game modes
• USB HDD recording
• my Home Screen 3.0 powered by Firefox OS

Why you should consider it –

HDR-ready content with a high dynamic range that provides life-like image quality. Moreover, top-notch image processing capabilities, including HDR and adaptive backlight dimming, provide rich and powerful video output.

My Home Screen 3.0 provides for a customizable personal home screen where you can access bookmarks, webpages, apps, etc you most often browse for.

The swipe and Share feature lets you transfer files and other content from your smartphone or tablet onto your TV screen directly with one swipe—other features like Freeview Play and Tuner.

Game/Sports Mode gives you an optimized viewing experience to enhance your sports watching time and gameplay. Not to forget, it also has virtual surround sound to go with it.

Why you should NOT consider it –

The display is limited to a 720p resolution with HD-only capability that’s kind of a deal-breaker considering the device’s price point and compared to what the other direct competitors are offering at this price tag.

While the Game Mode is a fine addition, with only two HDMI ports, it limits the connectivity options for gaming enthusiasts. No Dolby Vision support either, and the refresh rate is below average.

Bonus Points:

Although we often tend to look up online reviews and rankings when buying a new piece of technology, it’s always worth noting that it’s an objective opinion. What’s good for them might not be the best option for you, so it’s always worth doing your due diligence before buying new products.

For example, if you’re a hardcore gamer, it’s worth looking for smart monitors with minimal input lag and various input ports for your gaming consoles. Or, a family looking for a flat-screen might want an IPS panel with a wide viewing angle so they can get an accurate angle from all directions.

In conclusion, you should go for the one that suits your requirements, and buy accordingly. In case you need any help, our guide on the best 32-inch Smart TVs will always come in handy!

Suggested reading:

Best Streaming Setups for Beginners 2021 : An Ultimate Guide!!

Last Updated on November 20, 2021 by Megha