The TCL 3 Series 32-inch Roku TV (32S327) may be a good, cheap Roku TV. This set provides a comprehensive smart TV experience, but the low price reflects in its performance. Find details in TCL 32 Inch Roku TV 1080p Review.
Pros & Cons
FOR
Inexpensive
Good for gaming
Roku software
Alexa and Google voice control
AGAINST
Mediocre performance
Limited volume capacity
Lackluster design
No coaxial cable
TCL makes a number of the simplest cheap TVs around. We’re talking $170 cheap, just like the TCL 3 Series 32-inch Roku TV (32S327). While you sacrifice the 4K resolution found among the superb TCL 5 Series, the littlest of the three Series may be a highly capable, sub-$200, full-HD smart TV.
This TCL 3 Series TV performs up to par, sounds decent and is plenty smart. Roku, one among our favourite smart TV platforms, provides a user-friendly experience and expansive library to third-party streaming providers. The included TCL 3 Series remote even sports dedicated buttons for popular services, like Netflix and Sling TV.
And if you would like hands-free control, the TCL 3 Series 32-inch Roku TV (32S327) can pair with an Alexa or Google Assistant-enabled smart speaker, too. That’s more connectivity than competing TVs at this size and price currently offer.
TCL 3 Series 32-inch Roku TV (32S327) specs
Price $169.99
Screen size 32 inches
Resolution 1920 x 1080
HDR N/A
Refresh rate 120Hz
Ports 3 HDMI, 1 USB 2.0
Audio 2 Channel x 5-Watt, with Dolby Digital support
Smart TV software Roku TV
Size 28.8 x 17.1 x 3.0 inches
Weight 9.3 pounds
Price and availability
As of this writing, the TCL 3 Series 32-inch (32S327) Roku TV retails for $169.99. The 40-inch 3 Series (40S325) costs $269.99, and therefore the 43-inch 3 Series (43S325) goes for $319.99. the most important 3-Series model sports a 49-inch screen (49S325) and costs $389.99.
TCL 32 Inch Roku TV 1080p Review
Design
The TCL 3 Series 32-inch Roku TV (32S327) may be a compact 28.8 x 17.1 x 3.0 inches well-suited for a smaller space.Although its rear casing protrudes, this doesn’t add extra bulk to the 9.3-pound set: the straightforward , V-shaped feet expands the casing’s width to only 6.8 inches.
Keep in mind that the 40S325, 432325 and 29S325 3 Series models have larger specs. We made a guide to assist you select the proper TV size if you’re unsure which TCL 3 Series set works best for you.
When it involves appearance, this TCL 3 Series TV probably won’t impress you. There’s an odd curved triangle pattern on the rear , while the matte-plastic casing looks lackluster. However, the black bezel approach the front has a beautiful shine.
Ports
As mentioned above, this TV has 3 HDMI ports. One supports an audio return channel (ARC) that allows you to send a Dolby Audio signal to additional home-theater hardware, sort of a soundbar, with one cable connection.
The TV features a single USB-A port, an antenna port for a coax , a composite-video cable, an optical audio out and a headphone jack. The AC-power port is off to the proper .
Though an ethernet port would be a welcome addition, the TCL 3 Series TV does support dual-band, 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi to enable the set’s smart functions.
TCL 32 Inch Roku TV 1080p performance review
Based on its price and specs, I didn’t expect the TCL 3 Series 32-inch Roku TV (32S327) to perform nearly also because the TCL 6 Series on our greatest TVs list. But the 1920 x 1080p resolution satisfies for the set’s size. Plus, it seems like a radical intensify from the 720p TCL 32S325 32-inch Roku TV.
As Spidey hesitated on the splintering Washington Monument in Spider-Man: Homecoming, I could see his suit’s knitted texture against the marble stone. I struggled to catch the next action sequence’s details, though. the image blurred as Peter Parker propelled from the obelisk over the blades of a hovering helicopter and back through the Monument’s window. Expect clearer action and elevated performance from a 4K set, just like the TCL 5 Series 55-inch Roku TV (55S405).
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But his iconic red suit looked faithful color throughout the sequence. The scene’s blue didn’t reproduce in bands, love it did in our Vizio 24-inch D-Series review, and even delayed as I moved round the set, although it began to fade past 45-degree viewing angles.
These observations reflect our Tom’s Guide TV lab test, during which the TCL 32S327 reproduced 98.2% of the sRGB color gamut. That’s a touch better than the Vizio 24-inch D-Series’s 97.9%, establishing this TCL unit one among the highest performers among less costly sets.
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And with a lag time of 12.3 milliseconds, the 32S327 may be a viable gaming vehicle, too. Bayek’s hand-to-hand combat felt precise as I played Assassin’s Creed Origins on an Xbox One X. This set may be a good option for gamers that want one among the simplest gaming TVs, but don’t need or need 4K.
TCL 3 Series 32-inch Roku TV (32S327) audio
As with performance, I didn’t expect the TCL 3 Series 32-inch Roku TV’s audio to blow me away. It only holds dual 5-watt speakers; without a subwoofer, i used to be prepared for a dismal bass bump.
But Kevin MacLeod’s Fearless First thumped as I launched it on the set. The midranges sounded full, while the flute’s reedy highs remained clear on low to medium volumes.
As I approached 75% volume, the sound began to distort. The bass gained a layer of static and therefore the midranges absorbed the flute. to not mention, the set didn’t seem to supply louder sound once I scaled to full volume.
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You’re ready to connect the TCL 32S327 to an external speaker or a whole entertainment system for an enhanced listening experience using the HDMI ARC port. The TV supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS, and also auto-detects the capabilities of your audio system .
TCL 32 Inch Roku TV 1080p – smart features
Setting up the TCL 3 Series 32-inch Roku TV (32S327) smarts may be a painless process. You’ll just need a computer or phone nearby to verify your Roku credentials. you’ll add your preferred channels en bloc during initial found out , or install them individually later .
Roku offers several streaming channels for free of charge , while others – like Google Play – allow you to purchase or rent recent movie releases or popular TV series. quite 4,000 services such Netflix, HBO Now and Disney Plus are often accessed by signing in with existing credentials.
Roku also uses automatic content recognition to gather information from your viewing habits on cable or connected devices to personalize your recommendations and show you more relevant ads. you’ll opt in or out of knowledge collection at any time within the Roku Settings menu. Choose “Privacy,” then “Smart TV experience” and uncheck ‘Use info from TV input.’
Check out our in-depth Roku user guide for more on making the foremost of your Roku TV experience.
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Though voice assistants aren’t for everybody , I’m keen on the TCL 3 Series 32-inch Roku TV’s compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa. While the set itself doesn’t house a microphone for fielding queries, I could say “Hey Alexa, show me rom-coms” near my Echo speaker and receive a variety of my favorite movies across Roku channels.
TCL 32 Inch Roku TV 1080p – remote
I’ve never seen a more spare, proprietary TV remote than the TCL Roku TV’s “Easy-to-Use”’ one. It’s hierarchical, top-heavy structure is agreeable to the attention , plus the royal-blue directional pad and oblong, dedicated-streaming service buttons pop off the matte black body nicely.
I like how I can call up Netflix, Sling, Hulu and Amazon Prime TV with the push of a fanatical button. But if you don’t use these services frequently, you would possibly feel limited by the TCL 3 Series’ included remote. For $20, ready to “> you’ll upgrade to a Roku voice remote and be able to launch content by chatting with it.
The remote that comes within the box fared fine for testing, though. It’s sufficiently small to use one-handed, but large enough that it shouldn’t stray within the couch. The plastic directional pad responds quickly, even once I tried scanning content faster than I could read the show titles. The rubber-coated buttons, though, require a stern press to hold out functions.
Bottom line
TCL 3 Series 32-inch Roku TV (32S327) may be a capable, full-HD, smart TV that you simply can get on a decent budget. For $170, and sometimes less, you’ll have unyielded Roku access and a sensible home device that cooperates together with your Alexa or Google Assistant ecosystems. If you’re trying to find alittle , cheap, streaming TV or gaming monitor, the TCL 3 Series 32-inch Roku TV (32S327) is a superb place to start out .
However, because the price rises for larger 3 Series variants, you would possibly want to think about one among our greatest cheap 4K TVs. for instance , you’ll find 2018’s TCL 5 Series Roku Smart 4K TV for fewer than $300. It’s an older model, but its performance is way from dated.
