Amazon.com: Customer reviews: TCL 32-inch 1080p Roku Smart LED TV

K.T.

Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2021

Ordered the 32” 1080p ROKU smart tv on Tue. evening and it arrived today (Sun.). Set up was pretty easy, although my son did come over and lend a hand as neither my husband nor I are that technologically savvy, and we still had it set up and running in less than an hour. In addition to ROKU, we also have it connected to Dish, and with three HDMI ports there is even room to connect our fire stick, so plenty of options for entertainment. A sound bar can also be connected but it really is not needed with this tv. I see myself cutting the cord in the near future. The picture quality is great and the sound is also for a tv this size. I set it at 18 (less than a quarter of the way up) and it was plenty loud enough to hear. The only con for me so far is the ROKU remote does not have a numeric keypad so you have to scroll through the channels until you find the one you want, but I was aware of this when I purchased the tv. Oh, and FYI, you DO NOT have to pay ANYTHING to set up an account with ROKU! It is absolutely free to set this up. There is plenty of free content but you will need a card number if you wish to purchase any of the paid content. If you do not wish to enter your credit card info all you need to do is scroll through to the bottom of the page without inputting that info and click where it says “skip this”. You will still have access to all of their free services. I hesitated buying this as there seemed to be a number of instances where the product was received with cracked or shattered screens but I decided to take a chance and am very glad I did. It was packed very well, with a protective cover over the screen and styrofoam casing around the tv, all packed snug in it’s box and with no damage to the packaging or contents when it arrived. Would highly recommend this tv at this time and will update if any issues arise.

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Vinnie V

Good TV for the price! (Updated 2/10/22)

Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2021

Size: 32-Inch 1080pVerified Purchase

Update 2/10/2022- The TV is still amazing and Roku actually released update 10.5 a few months ago that added AirPlay and improved the slowdown issue I was having over time. I have only had to reboot the TV once since the update- it is about as perfect as I could ask far! Highly recommended and my 5 star review would now be 6 stars if it could! Bravo to Roku for ADDING features for existing devices!

Original review: Roku TV's are awesome and this TV is a great package in a small chassis! It's hard to beat the price. I specifically bought the 1080p 32" version as I wanted the better image quality over the 720p set. I have three complaints, two are not the fault of TCL, but of the Roku implementation itself. AirPlay is not supported on non-4k Roku TV's as they essentially use the Roku Streaming Stick hardware to power the set and you only get AirPlay support when at least using hardware like the Steaming Stick+ (since it has 4K support). The other issue is just general laggyness of the OS and hang-ups during use- generally after powering on the TV after a couple days of Stand-by. Roku uses a stand-by profile for quicker boots, and I'm assuming the optimizations are just poor given the hardware. I normally remedy this by going into settings and Restarting the TV from there. The TV then is responsive and functions properly. The third thing could be remedied by TCL and that would be the remote. It includes an IR only remote which is not nearly as responsive as the wireless remotes Roku normally boasts, and it has to be aimed at the TV (First world problems, I know) but I ended up buying the $20 Roku wireless remote and pairing it to the TV. It is functionally identical, but is much more responsive and a joy to use, with voice searching capabilities if you're into it. Oh, and no more line of sight requirements!

I only wish manufacturers would incorporate better hardware into smaller TV's. I would love to see a 32" OLED Roku TV :)

All in all, I still recommend this TV- it gets the job done and I don't hate using it after a reboot.

2 people found this helpful

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Rick T

Yep, it will work okay as a computer monitor

Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2021

Size: 32-Inch 1080pVerified Purchase

Update: I liked this tv so much better than my dedicated computer monitors that I purchased a second one in November 2021 for $199 and now have the two paired in my dual monitor setup. I tried four different monitors to match with the first one, but the TCL 32" 1080p was so superior to the one HP monitor and three Dells that I had previously tried along side the first one that I just bit the bullet and got another one even though the price went up significantly like so many other pandemic price increases. The display is so much brighter, colorful, and with better contrast than the dedicated monitors I had previously used that I had no idea just how bad my other monitors were until sitting side-by-side with this tv. Much less eyestrain with the two TCLs. So far the original one is working well about a year later. I hope they both last for years. You get good sound quality, a tv tuner, a great Roku streamer, and a very good 32" computer display for under $200. I did add two of these $18 WALI pedestal tv stands to make them fit better on my work table: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B071WN24YK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

Even with the additional cost of the stands, these are a couple hundred dollars cheaper than dedicated pc monitors that do not have all of the other functionality. This is a no-brainer. Caveat: I do not do any gaming so I have no idea if it works well for that.

Original review:
I bought this from Amazon for $129 on December 1, 2020 to be used primarily as a second display in a two monitor configuration, to use for my work while providing elder care to a parent at their house. It exceeded my expectations, as no other TV I had attempted to use as a monitor prior to this one was able to display text well enough to not produce eye strain. This one works fine for text. The only real negative I can find worth mentioning is that if viewed from very close as computer monitor (about 18 inches as I do), the viewing angles do cause the image to be a bit darker near the sides. From three feet or more away, the viewing angles are sufficient to not have this effect.

Occasionally I use it as tv as well, and it works very well as a tv. I am guessing that the people complaining about the controls and set up issues apparently are just unfamiliar with streaming devices and multi-source tv settings in general. While not the absolute sharpest picture, it works better than I expected and has good brightness and contrast, and colors are rendered much better than in my Dell or HP monitors. In fact, it is mostly superior to the 25 inch 1080p HP monitor it is paired with and my 27" monitor at work. While anything over 27 inches is a bit too big for my ideal monitor size (too much panning my head while using spreadsheets or email), it was so much less expensive than a dedicated 1080p monitor and has the dual function as a Roku smart tv that made it an easy choice. For the money and the purpose I bought this, I doubt that I could find a better deal.

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Stephan Maffia

Definitely some draw backs

Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2021

Size: 32-Inch 1080pVerified Purchase

First the good:

Setup was very easy, roku features work well. The software is pretty stable and it works well on Wi-Fi.

Picture quality is great given the price. Vivid colors and tone.

Good amount of inputs for the price. Ive seen more expensive tvs with only 2 hdmi ports.

Now the bad parts:

The settings are super limited. Only a few brightness and picture settings instead of sliders for backlight, color tone etc. There's really no audio options at all except for output choice.

Obviously the sound isn't great either, but I've never seen a tv with good onboard speakers anyway.

The absolute worst part is the remote. It comes with the worst remote I've ever used and I've been alive long enough to use remotes from the 80s. Firstly, it only works when it is pointed DIRECTLY at the screen, you can be off by centimeters and it won't register at all. Secondly, the way you naturally hold the remote to use the d-pad puts your fingers over the IR screen and it works even less of the time because of that. Lastly, and this is more personal to my use, the buttons click really loudly and since I have this tv in a bedroom it sounds like the loudest thing ever in the middle of the night when you're trying not to wake your partner. I just downloaded a roku remote app for my phone and use that instead.

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Travis Vaughan

Best value for money

Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2021

Size: 32-Inch 1080pVerified Purchase

So I bought the 32" tcl roku tv model 32s327 for $199. Most 32" tv's are 720p. At this size 720p is pretty sharp, but for $20 more you can get this. This model is 1080p that's why I chose it. A 32 inch screen viewed from 6 feet away makes 1080p look like 4k. The picture is crystal clear. The contrast ratio (how black the blacks are, and how white the whites are) is excellent as well, which makes the picture very rich. There are a other tv's this size that have 1080 but not at this price. My only gripe with picture is that I wish the back light was brighter. Even at the highest setting, with sunlight in the room I want it just a little brighter. It arrived in perfect condition no damage to the box all parts were there. You have to put the legs on yourself, no big deal. The roku part of it works perfectly. Easy to set up and great app compatibility like any roku, even if it's not as feature packed as a fire TV or Google TV, but for a bedroom TV it's more than adequate. Sound quality is better than expected, gets really loud and actually has some bass. One thing to mention, there are a lot of fraudulent websites whose addresses are very similar to the actual roku site, so when you go to setup the TV, if you put the address in wrong you will very likely be sent you to a scam site where they try to charge you to enable the TV. There is no charge to setup a roku account so be careful here. I can't comment on longevity because I've only had it for a day but other than that this is probably the best you can get from a TV of this size if your priority is picture quality and ease of use.

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Whimsical

Love LOVE this TV, but do NOT buy it from secondary sellers here, prices are insanely overpriced!

Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2020

Size: 32-Inch 1080pVerified Purchase

I think all the reviews here speak for themselves so I will keep mine brief. First I bought a 43 inch, but it was too big till I get moved, so I came back and got the 32 inch, think I paid 129.00 ish? That was for the 1080p. This (these) were my first SMART TVs. I was worried about it, everything so techy esp. to us older, set in our ways people.

Set up was SUPER EASY, picture quality AWESOME, sound GREAT (I mean some might like a soundbar) but for me it has enough range and base for me to be VERY impressed compared to other TVs I own. Can set the volume lowish and its still quite loud and clear and balanced. Getting ROKU set up was easy and a WHOLE NEW world opened before me, streaming! Then I got brave and opted to -sort of- cut the cord, bye bye TV cable boxes, I just use the cable app and an antenna for local. That saved near 90 bucks off by cable bill. YAY!

Never could I say a TV was life changing but for me, these (I got 2) were! I came back to get another for a back bedroom and I see they are sold out and only with secondary sellers who have jacked up the price over 100.00 in all cases. Nope. I was sad. But off to Walmart.com I went and I got another even CHEAPER than here, for $119.00 for a 32 inch.

PRICE and QUALITY and teaching an old person to stream headache free for the first time in my life, FANTASTIC! But do NOT buy here from these secondary make a profit sellers. WAAAAY OVERPRICED from Amazon's original pricing! (I just bought a few months ago). Go to Walmart online!

The only thing I still can't move past and don't like, is no numbers on the remote. I also have my phone as a remote too which is neat, but it's hard letting go of numbers when watching cable app. I guess I will adjust.

One person found this helpful

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S. Jacobs

Easy user interface, Pefect for price and use

Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2021

Size: 32-Inch 1080pVerified Purchase

We ordered this TV (32" TCL with Roku) for our smallish bonus room that kiddo uses for watching her entertainment. It arrived perfectly from Amazon. The delivery person left it positioned in a safe way so it wouldn't fall over. I was a little nervous it might get damaged in transit (based on other reviews), but IT WASN'T! It was PERFECT. Unboxing was a cinch. My 8 YO helped to unbox and set it up. I mention kiddo age because that is who used the remote to control and enter all of the information. That is how easy the set up is. The TV for our space perfectly! It's not overpowering for the smallish space and it's large enough to camp out on the floor to watch a great movie.
We entered the network credentials, the email information, and confirmed via the email. The TV picked up from there and loaded all requested interest areas. Once it was loaded we explored the home screen and various movies available. Loading up amazon prime we selected a kids movie and started it. The picture is PERFECT for what we wanted. The speakers on the TV are perfect for the space. The remote is perfect for kiddo to use.
Overall, I could not ask for a better fit. For the money the quality is perfect. The size is perfect and ease of use is excellent. Now, the only problem is, to be able to pry my kiddo away! (Not really a problem, but happy it is being enjoyed, together).
I would recommend this TV to any of my friends. Two thumbs up!

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Steve S

Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2019

Size: 32-Inch 1080pVerified Purchase

The picture (1080p) is very good, tested it with streaming video (YouTube 1080 HD), Amazon Prime and MP4 (1080p) file. Purchased primarily as a computer monitor, still getting used to the larger display. Set the video to low power and dark due to sitting closer than if watching a movie and this made a positive difference (default is brighter -- not good as a computer monitor). Yes, the set up asks for credit card, can 'skip.' Set up is easy, the navigation on the home screen is well done. It found the WiFi and updated quickly. Can set it to power on to the computer screen, skipping the home screen. Did a test of the ATSC antenna; Found channels quickly, and picture was good on signals that had good strength, even shows the strength of the channels it finds. (note: used a simple indoor antenna that was not suited to get all the local channels) Did not test the pause feature - though could see its value for those viewing over the air channels. Was able to add YouTube app easily. Very smooth HD video over my WiFi. Even loaded the Roku/TCL remote app on android phone; worked fine; have not gone through all the features, but see a keyboard icon which might make navigating streaming channels a bit easier. Sound is very good for this size TV - tried on several genres of music videos; not sure what folks are expecting. It has headphone and optical sound out if you want better sound (have it on desk with good bounce from the desk and wall, probably helps a bit). It is not perfect, but nearly so. The back lighting can vary slightly depending on scene. Only noticeable on static images with areas of light colors like browser and windows desktop, not an issue with any moving video and not distracting. A lot of features for the price - highly recommended. (note: this is after 1st 24hr of use and wanted to test as much of every feature possible)

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Eric and Nichole

Responsive cheap TV. Roku signup FREE *Read notes*

Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2021

Size: 32-Inch 1080pVerified Purchase

So I was looking for a cheap 1080p TV to install in my garage over my workbench to watch youtube videos or put a game on tv when i'm out there working on stuff. Outlets are limited out in the garage (even with a power strip mounted to the wall) so I also needed a tv with a solid collection of native apps that were easy to navigate via a responsive menu. The first TV i tried was a Vizio D series and despite the picture being good - it was an AWFUL, AWFUL tv in terms if responsiveness and worse, you couldn't even add apps! Additionally that Vizio only recognized the old 2.4 band for wifi and could barely detect a signal in the garage (my other devices out there have zero issues so it was just a bad tv overall) So back that TV went and instead I tried this one out - and so far, I'm pretty pleased despite a few nagging issues. First off, set-up on this thing is SPEEDY, the menu is straight forward and if you have a cell phone you can just do the roku account set up online while you're standing in front of the TV. A word of advice, the ROKU account is 100% FREE to set up - you will undoubtedly see people saying it requires a credit card, etc. in the review - but these people were dunces and must have just wigged out and flown to their keyboard to write a poor review without actually just SCROLLING to the bottom of that page during the signup process and selecting "SKIP". Yes, there's a page that asks you to enter your banking info during Roku sign up but that's ONLY if you plan on purchasing content (redbox rental, etc.) later on down the road on this TV. If you don't want to put that info in then don't! Just scroll to the bottom and hit "Skip this step" No issues! Roku reps have done a poor job explaining this as well by saying these people must be on a "Scam" site. Nope, it's just people being dumb and not bothering to look = ) But I digress....so yes, the set up is pretty painless and the menu is very responsive - particularly for a TV in this price range and you can add apps! I was able to get Discovery+ and MLB TV on there with no issues and login times are only a bit longer than my Sony Bravia Flagship in our living room. So, what are the downsides to this TV? I found the picture quality to be a little underwhelming overall. I've seen some people say it's a 720p TV, even though TCL does claim it's FHD (1080p) - I've seen a lot of other 1080p TV sets that are indeed much clearer than the picture on this one. It's not as bad as 720p but it's not as good as an average 1080p set either. It seems to fall somewhere in between? I know there's no such thing but that's the best I can compare it to for anyone interested in buying this one. It's workable for my garage purposes though as it does check all the other things i wanted (including being only about $150). Additionally, the remote is ....meh. It has a few nice quick access buttons for Hulu, Netflix, Sling, and another that escapes me at the moment but there's NO numbered buttons on there - so if you have cable, antenna, etc. you can't type in a channel you want to go to. It's bizarre. Additionally, the volume is in an odd place - angled underneath and off to the side. My hand simply doesn't find it easily without feeling like I'm going to drop the remote. The volume is about what you'd expect from a flat screen tv - not loud and slightly tinny sounding. Not the TV's fault - only so much you can pack into these modern tv's. I'll probably grab a cheap soundbar on Black Friday this year to complete it. Anyway, overall, I'll give it about 4 stars. The responsiveness and apps were seriously impressive in a TV this cheap, picture quality is acceptable, and remote was ok. But for around $150? solid!

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Yon

Excellent performance, poor remote

Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2019

Size: 32-Inch 1080pVerified Purchase

I chose this model because it appeared to be the only 32” TV (or one of the very few) to satisfy my main requirements: full HD, three HDMI inputs (cable, DVD, and computer), good reviews, and low price. On performance alone I would give it five starts: the picture is excellent, the sound is good for a TV of its size (much better than my two previous ones), and it has a full range of adjustments in its settings and options menus. Still, nothing is perfect, and I have a series of complaints that force me to give it at most four stars.
Only one complaint relates to the actual performance: in spite of the TV’s relatively good sound, I still prefer to play anything musical through my external amplifier and speakers. That worked perfectly with my previous TVs which had analog audio outputs. With this one I have to use a digital to analog converter, and the sound level I get is rather low, so I often have to use the built-in speakers to boost the sound to a satisfactory level (admittedly, I don’t know whether that is the fault of the TV or of the converter).
The most serious shortcomings of this TV are in the remote control. It is tiny and implements only a few functions; for others one has to go through the on-screen menus. In addition, the on-button doesn’t work some of the time, do I must use the physical on/off button located on the bottom of the TV. One of the worst features of the remote are the sound volume controls: they are narrow switches on the edge of the remote, like those on telephones. These switches are hard to find and one often presses the wrong one. Furthermore, the volume scale is very finely gradated, which means that one has to press the switch for a long time to get any noticeable change in volume.
The shortcomings of the remote can be somewhat alleviated by downloading the ROKU app to a mobile device, such as an IPhone, which can then be used as a remote. This gives a much more visible display, and the usual iPhone keyboard can be used in searches – much more convenient than dragging a cursor around the on-screen virtual keyboard. A great advantage of the app vs the remote is that the app provides virtual volume controls on the I phone's screen. However.It would have been nice if several additional functions had been implemented as virtual buttons instead of menu options, specifically functions that one wants to apply while the TV is playing, such as aspect ratio changes and captions on/off.
The app also suffers from being unable to turn the TV on if it has been off for more than 12 minutes, because the WIFI connection is then severed automatically.
The following comments about the video streaming experience do not, strictly speaking, apply to the TV’s performance, but they are relevant since ROKU puts its label on the product. I think this experience isn’t all it could be. For example, the forward, backward, and pause buttons don’t work on many streaming programs. In some cases, they work on the program, but not on the ads. Even when the buttons work they give very little control – there is no fast forward and back, only jump to the next or previous segment. One has much better control when watching a program on YouTube through the computer.
Finding material to stream is easy when one knows what movie or performers one wants, since one can search for them. On the other hand, browsing through available material is frustrating, since one has to go through an enormous amount of material from many different sources, and because one is presented with a large icon for each item, the lists require scrolling through many screens. I wish one could get simple alphabetic lists, as one does in most VOD implementations.
In summary, this is an excellent TV for the price, but it could be significantly improved by perfecting the user interface. I would have gladly payed a few more dollars for better user controls with a better remote.

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TCL 32-inch 1080p Roku Smart LED TV - 32S327, 2019 Model

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