Roku Smart TV 32R3B5 review Best 32-Inch Full HD streaming experience

Description

Bright and Compact Design Perfect for Any Space

The Roku Smart TV – 32-Inch Select Series grabbed my attention right out of the box. Its sleek and compact design fits effortlessly into smaller spaces like bedrooms, kitchens, or even a cozy living room setup. The black finish adds a modern touch without being overly flashy. At just 11.4 pounds, moving it around or mounting it was surprisingly hassle-free. I personally set it up in my guest room, and it felt like it belonged there, blending seamlessly with the decor. The 32-inch screen size is ideal for spaces where a larger TV might feel overwhelming. That said, if you’re looking for a home theater experience, you might find this screen size a tad limiting.

Seamless Streaming Experience and Customizable Home Screen

What really makes this TV standout is its Roku-powered smart system. As someone who’s been juggling various streaming platforms for years, I appreciated how the customizable home screen prioritizes your favorite apps and inputs. No more endless scrolling just to find Netflix or Hulu—it’s all right there. I could even add shortcuts for live TV and gaming consoles, which is a simple yet brilliant touch. Over 400+ live TV streaming apps are available, providing an endless selection of free and premium content. The speed at which apps launch is impressive, thanks to the fast Wi-Fi connectivity. I’ve used other smart TVs that lag, but this one had no such issues, even during peak usage hours.

Picture and Sound Quality that Exceeds Expectations

This TV doesn’t just look good—it performs well too. The 1080p Full HD resolution delivers a sharp and vibrant picture. Watching action-packed movies or colorful animations felt immersive, and the 16:9 aspect ratio ensured everything looked proportional. The brightness levels are well-calibrated, making it suitable for both dimly lit rooms and spaces with natural light.

On the audio front, the auto speech clarity feature was a lifesaver. I didn’t even realize how often I rewound TV shows to catch dialogue until I didn’t have to anymore. The night mode was another thoughtful addition, balancing the sound during late-night binge sessions without waking up the entire household. While the built-in speakers deliver clear and loud sound, I couldn’t help but feel that it lacked the bass depth found in higher-end models. Pairing it with a soundbar might be a good idea for those who want a richer audio experience.

Voice Remote Simplifies Everything

The included Roku Voice Remote was a game-changer for me. Searching for content across platforms using voice commands was not only faster but also more accurate than I expected. Commands like “Find comedies” or “Play music on Spotify” worked without any hiccups. It’s a small detail, but the fact that 2 AAA batteries come included made the initial setup even smoother. While the remote is user-friendly, it’s made of lightweight plastic that doesn’t feel particularly premium. A sturdier design would have been a nice upgrade.

Key Benefits

• Bright 1080p Full HD picture with sharp clarity and vibrant colors.
• Customizable home screen prioritizes your preferred apps and inputs.
• 400+ live TV streaming apps offer endless free and premium content.
• Voice remote makes searching and controlling the TV incredibly easy.
• Night mode and speech clarity features enhance the audio experience.

Caveats

• Built-in speakers lack bass depth, making external speakers or a soundbar necessary for audiophiles.
• The remote feels lightweight and less durable compared to competitors.
• Limited to 1080p resolution, which may not satisfy 4K enthusiasts.

Market Rivals

In the realm of budget-friendly smart TVs, this model competes with brands like TCL and Insignia. Having tested a similar TCL 32-inch model before, I found the Roku Smart TV to offer a more intuitive interface and faster app loading times. TCL, however, has a slight edge in audio quality, especially with its Dolby Audio support. Insignia’s Fire TV series provides comparable streaming options but lacks the seamless integration and user-friendly layout that this Roku TV excels at. If easy navigation and quick access to free content are priorities, this TV is a clear winner.

True Value

For its price point, this TV delivers more than you’d expect. The combination of impressive picture quality, intuitive smart features, and compact design ensures it punches well above its weight. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of higher-end models, its cost-effectiveness makes it a solid choice for anyone on a budget. Whether you’re outfitting a guest room, setting up a dorm, or just looking for a secondary screen, this TV is worth considering.

Additional information