32 inch TVs

The 32 inch TV size is one of the most popular options for a mid-sized television. With a screen size that's not too big and not too small, 32 inch TVs strike a nice balance for many homes. They can fit well in bedrooms, home offices, kitchens, and other mid-sized rooms where you want the immersive viewing experience of a TV without dominating the space.

At 32 inches, the screen is large enough to appreciate HD and 4K resolution but the TV still remains fairly compact. This makes a 32 inch an ideal television for apartments or areas where you don't want an enormous big-screen. The size is also convenient if you plan to mount it on a wall.

Overall, 32 inch TVs combine versatility, quality, and affordability. Keep reading to learn more about what these televisions offer.

Screen Size

A 32 inch TV has a screen size of 32 inches diagonally. This means the screen measures 32 inches from corner to corner.

The dimensions of a 32 inch screen are:

• Width - 28 inches

• Height - 15.75 inches

This makes the screen wider than it is tall, with an aspect ratio of 16:9 which is the standard widescreen format used for most TVs today.

The 32 inch screen size is considered medium-sized by today's standards, fitting well in most living rooms and bedrooms. It's larger than smaller TVs like 24 or 28 inches, but more compact compared to giant 50, 60 or 70 inch screens.

32 inches hits a sweet spot between being big enough to provide an immersive viewing experience, while still being small enough to fit into most rooms and budgets. It's a versatile size suitable for everything from gaming to movies to regular TV watching.

Resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the picture on a TV screen. Resolution is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a TV, as it determines the level of detail and sharpness you'll see in the image.

The most common resolutions for 32-inch TVs are:

• 720p - This resolution has 720 horizontal lines of pixels from top to bottom. It is considered HD (high definition), but on a 32-inch screen 720p will look noticeably less detailed than higher resolutions.

• 1080p - With 1080 horizontal lines of pixels, 1080p resolution provides more detail and sharper image quality than 720p. For most people, 1080p offers an ideal balance of price and performance for a 32-inch TV.

• 4K - The latest resolution standard is 4K, which has over 8 million pixels and is also marketed as Ultra HD or UHD. While 4K does look incredibly sharp on large screen sizes, the difference is less noticeable on a 32-inch display. 4K is also a more expensive option.

When choosing a 32-inch TV, a 720p resolution will look adequate for casual viewing, while 1080p is recommended for a sharper, more detailed image. 4K offers diminishing returns on a small 32-inch screen, so for most buyers, 1080p hits the sweet spot between price and performance.

Display Types

When shopping for a 32-inch TV, you'll encounter different display technologies, each with their own pros and cons. Here's an overview of the main types of displays used in 32-inch TVs:

LED

LED TVs use light-emitting diodes for backlighting an LCD panel. This results in very thin displays with high brightness, deep blacks, and vivid colors. LED TVs also tend to be energy efficient compared to older LCD models.

LCD

Liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs were the dominant technology for many years. An LCD panel is illuminated by a backlight, producing an image by changing the alignment of liquid crystals. LCD TVs can deliver good image quality but don't have the same deep black levels as OLED or LED TVs.

OLED

OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TVs have self-illuminating pixels that can switch on and off individually. This allows for perfect blacks, excellent contrast, a super thin design, and wide viewing angles. OLED TVs can be very expensive, but deliver stunning picture quality especially in dark rooms.

When choosing among these display technologies, factors like price, viewing environment, and importance of deep blacks will help determine the best option. OLED TVs deliver the best overall image quality, but you'll pay a premium. LED TVs offer excellent performance at more affordable prices for most buyers.

Smart TV Features

Smart TVs in the 32 inch size offer a variety of built-in apps and smart capabilities. Most models come with popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more already installed so you can start streaming right out of the box.

Many also have built-in voice control through assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to change channels, search for content, control playback, adjust settings, and more completely hands-free. Just press the microphone button on the remote and speak your commands.

Some other common smart features include:

• Web browsing

• Casting content from your mobile device

• Using your TV as a smart hub to control other smart home devices

• Gaming through apps or casting from your phone

• Viewing photos and videos from your phone or cloud storage

• Content recommendation engines that suggest shows and movies based on your viewing habits

With smart capabilities built right in, a 32 inch TV can do a lot more than just watch traditional cable and satellite programming. The smart platform really expands your entertainment options.

Ports and Connectivity

When shopping for a 32-inch TV, you'll want to consider what types of ports and connectivity options it has. This allows you to connect the TV to other devices and access features. Key ports and connections to look for include:

HDMI

HDMI ports allow you to connect devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and cable/satellite boxes to your TV. These ports transmit high quality digital audio and video signals. Most 32-inch TVs will have at least 2-3 HDMI ports. The more HDMI inputs, the more devices you can hook up to the TV at the same time. Look for HDMI 2.1 ports to ensure compatibility with the latest standards like 4K/120 fps.

USB

USB ports enable you to connect devices like hard drives and flash drives to play media files directly on your TV. You can also use them to view photos, listen to music, and update the TV's software. At least 2 USB ports is recommended for a 32-inch TV. USB 3.0 is preferable for faster data transfer speeds.

WiFi and Ethernet

Having built-in WiFi allows you to connect your 32-inch TV to the internet wirelessly. This gives you access to smart TV apps and streaming services. Ethernet ports are also useful for establishing a wired internet connection if needed. Connecting your TV directly to your router via ethernet cable can provide faster, more reliable internet speeds compared to WiFi.

Audio Quality

The audio quality on 32 inch TVs can vary quite a bit depending on the type of built-in speakers and supported sound formats. Most 32 inch TVs have basic down-firing speakers that project sound downward from the bottom or rear of the TV. While these speakers allow you to hear dialogue and audio effects, they generally don't provide a premium listening experience.

Higher-end 32 inch TVs may include special audio features like Dolby Atmos for more immersive surround sound. This uses overhead speakers to create the effect of audio coming from above you. Some TVs also support advanced sound formats like DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X for a more cinematic audio experience at home.

To get the best possible sound, many people choose to connect their 32 inch TV to a dedicated sound bar or home theater system. Sound bars come in a range of prices and include a variety of speaker configurations like 2.1, 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. With the right external audio setup, a 32 inch TV can deliver an audio experience on par with what you get in the movie theater.

Popular Brands for 32 inch TVs

The TV market is dominated by a handful of major brands that lead in technology, design, and quality. The top brands to look at for 32 inch TVs include:

• Samsung - The Korean tech giant is the world's largest TV manufacturer. Samsung offers 32 inch smart TVs with sharp image quality, rich colors, and intuitive interfaces. Popular models include the Samsung 32 inch TU7000 Crystal UHD TV. Samsung TVs feature smart platforms like Tizen for app streaming and built-in voice assistants.

• LG - This Korean manufacturer is another TV leader, known for OLED display technology with self-lit pixels. LG's 32 inch TVs like the LG 32LM6300PUA Full HD IPS LED TV provide vivid colors and wide viewing angles. LG smart TVs use the user-friendly webOS platform and work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

• Sony - The Japanese conglomerate produces premium, stylish TVs with top-notch picture processing. Sony's 32 inch TVs include the Sony KLV-32W662D Full HD Smart LED TV with crisp visuals and smooth motion flow. Sony TVs run on the Android TV platform for access to Google Play apps and Chromecast built-in.

• TCL - This Chinese brand offers affordable TVs with good performance, like the TCL 32S325 32-inch 1080p Smart LED Roku TV. TCL's sets use Roku's platform for streaming apps and smart home control. TCL is known for solid image quality at lower price points.

The major brands continuously upgrade their display tech and smart platforms. Choosing among them comes down to your budget and desired features. It's a good idea to read reviews of the latest 32 inch models.

Prices

How much do 32 inch TVs cost? There is quite a range when it comes to pricing for 32 inch TVs. On the low end, you can find basic 720p models for $100-150. The average price for a mid-range 1080p 32 inch TV tends to be $150-250. Higher-end 32 inch TVs with 4K resolutions and advanced smart features like webOS or Roku TV start around $300 and go up to $500 or more.

Within a given series, the 32 inch model is generally the most affordable option. Moving up to 40, 50 or 55 inches increases the price considerably. So if you want a good balance of screen size and value, a 32 inch TV hits that sweet spot without breaking the bank. Just remember that image quality, features, brand reputation also impact cost. While entry-level 32 inch TVs are very inexpensive, they won't offer the same performance and longevity as a more premium model. Paying a bit more upfront can get you better picture quality, smarter software, and a TV that will last for years to come.

Conclusion

32 inch TVs offer a great middle ground for most households in terms of screen size, resolution, features, and price. Key takeaways:

• The 32 inch screen size provides ample real estate for viewing from most rooms and seating positions, without dominating the space like larger TVs.

• A 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) resolution delivers a detailed high-definition picture that looks great from a normal viewing distance.

• Both LED and LCD display types are common at this size. LED often provides better contrast while LCD has more affordable options.

• Smart TV capabilities like streaming apps and voice controls are standard now at this size. Look for built-in WiFi and the latest version of the operating system.

• At least 3 HDMI ports allow you to easily connect all of your devices like a cable box, game console, and Blu-ray player simultaneously.

• Decent 20W+ speakers provide clear audio for most users, but connecting a soundbar can further enhance the experience.

• Stick with well-known, reliable brands like Samsung, Sony, LG, and Vizio to ensure you're getting a quality model with all the latest features.

• Prices range from around $200-500 at this size, with budget options sacrificing features and long-term reliability compared to premium models.

Overall, a 32 inch TV hits the sweet spot for general use in most living spaces. Focus on the display tech, smart features, connectivity and sound that matter most to you within your budget.