32-Inch Smart TVs: Is Going for a Small Screen Size Worth It?
Buying a new TV nowadays can be a real pain in the neck. With so many features and sizes to choose from, it can be tough to wrap your mind around all the new tech and make an informed decision. However, this article explores a great option that you might not have considered yet.
While the flagship 4K and 8K 60+ inch giants can certainly put a spell on you, try not to sleep on the small yet mighty 32 inches smart TVs from trusted brands like Samsung, TCL and Hisense. These babies have so much to offer, and won’t put a dent in your budget. So, without further ado, let’s dive straight into the ins and outs of 32″ televisions.
Is 32 a Good Size TV?
Thanks to the relatively small screen size, these TVs can fit perfectly in almost any space, from a small apartment to a large living room. Why relatively small? Because it’s still large enough so you can enjoy your favourite shows, movies, and sports without feeling cramped, but you won’t have to dedicate a whole wall to it.
The smart TV 32-inch range is the epitome of functionality. You can use your TV as a main or secondary source of entertainment in the lounging area or in the bedroom, and even in your office as a second monitor.
Apart from being affordable, most 32-inch TVs nowadays are energy-efficient, meaning they won’t surge your power bill, which is always a plus. So, if you’re looking for a TV that’s versatile, functional, efficient, and budget-friendly, this may just be the perfect fit.
How Smart Are We Talking?
Smart technology is slowly becoming the norm in televisions, but what smart features should you look for in your TV? Built-in WiFi and a user-friendly, intuitive interface are a must for easy access to your favourite content. This will allow you to access the web and download apps so you can stream movies, shows, and music from popular services. Some smart TVs may also offer voice control, allowing you to take control of your device(s) and apps with simple voice commands.
LCD, QLED, or OLED
These are the most popular display technologies you’ll likely come across when shopping for modern TVs. The first acronym stands for Liquid Crystal Display which works by shining a backlight through a layer of crystal cells, creating the image. LCD displays offer decent picture quality and don’t cost an arm and a leg.
QLED stands for quantum light emitting diode, but some brands also market this technology as Quantum Dot. Since it’s a more recent technology, QLED displays may offer a wider range of colours and better brightness than traditional LCD TVs. Of course, that doesn’t come for free, but it’s still relatively cheaper than OLED.
Because of their steep prices, in the beginning, OLED TVs were humorously referred to as Only Lawyers, Engineers, and Doctors. This acronym, however, stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. OLED TVs have individual pixels that turn on and off independently, allowing for darker blacks, improved contrast, and a wider viewing angle.
VA or IPS Panels
You can read any TV review and watch any video, and somewhere in the top comments you’re guaranteed to see the question “Does it have VA or IPS panels?” Why is this so important to people? Because these two types of LCD panels offer different viewing experiences.
VA or vertical alignment panels are praised for their high contrast ratio, meaning they produce deep blacks and bright whites. However, that’s only one battle won in the war. Compared to IPS, VA panels have limited viewing angles and slower response times.
IPS or in-plane switching panels are ideal for fast-moving content like sports and action movies due to their response time. Be that as it may, they usually have lower contrast ratios which can result in poor colour vibrancy.
You can’t say that one is better than the other, just that you need to consider your personal viewing habits and preferences to determine what’s the right option for you.
HD, Full HD or Ultra HD
When it comes to the resolution, you may be wondering whether it’s worth investing in a UHD TV. While Ultra HD, also known as 4K, offers higher resolution and more detail than HD and Full HD, the difference may not be as noticeable on smaller screens from the 32 inches smart TVs range.
Why? Because the individual pixels are smaller and closer together, making it harder to notice the difference in resolution. So, if you neither want to splurge nor sacrifice picture quality, both HD (1280×720) and Full HD (1920×1080) can be good options for 32-inch TVs.
With all this in mind, now you can make an informed decision and enjoy a superb viewing experience that won’t break the bank. Make sure to compare different brands, models, and prices online and in stores to get the ultimate bang for your buck.