Available to buy here:
Welcome to Reviews inside tv, your go-to channel for tech insights and honest product reviews. Today, we’re looking at the TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV. This 2023 model promises to be more than just a standard TV, with a suite of smart features and modern design elements. So, is this budget-friendly TV really worth your attention? Let’s break it down.
The TCL 32S350G is a 32-inch Full HD LED Smart TV equipped with Google TV, offering an immersive viewing experience. At its core, this TV delivers 1080p resolution for crisp, clear picture quality, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy streaming their favorite shows or watching movies in high definition. But beyond just a pretty picture, this model supports HDR10 and HLG, enhancing contrast and fine details for more vibrant and lifelike visuals.
As a Smart TV, it runs on Google TV, which brings all your entertainment together in one seamless interface. Whether you’re watching movies, shows, or live broadcasts, Google TV organizes content from streaming apps, making it easy to jump right into your next binge-watch. The FullView metal bezel-less design is another standout feature, with sleek edge-to-edge glass that looks modern and blends effortlessly into any living room.
One feature that really stands out is the Bluetooth personal audio. This allows you to connect your Bluetooth headphones for private listening, which can be a game-changer for late-night TV marathons without disturbing anyone around you. The TV also comes with two HDMI inputs, one of which has ARC (Audio Return Channel) for easy connection to soundbars or AV receivers, along with a built-in Chromecast for streaming content from your phone or tablet.
In terms of voice control, the TCL S3 integrates smoothly with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can control everything with just your voice, making it easy to change channels, adjust volume, or even launch apps, hands-free. If you’re used to using voice assistants, you’ll appreciate the convenience of having this feature built in.
Now, let’s talk about how this TV performs in real-world use. Setting it up was a breeze. It took just a few minutes to connect to my Wi-Fi network, sign in to Google, and start streaming. The Google TV interface is clean, intuitive, and quick to navigate, so you’re not wasting time jumping through menus. I tested the TV using a few different scenarios: streaming HD shows on Netflix, watching live sports, and playing a bit of console gaming. The picture quality stood out during all of these tests, offering vibrant colors and solid contrast. The HDR support was noticeable in some scenes, especially when watching content designed for HDR.
For gaming, the 1080p resolution worked well for most casual gaming experiences, though you won’t get the crispness or frame rates you’d expect from higher-end models. For casual gamers or younger audiences, it’s absolutely serviceable, but it may not meet the needs of avid gamers who demand high frame rates or 4K resolution. One thing I noticed is that the sound quality isn’t as impressive as the picture quality. While the TV has decent built-in speakers, you might want to connect it to a soundbar or external speakers to enhance the audio experience.
As for the pros and cons, the strengths of the TCL 32S350G are clear: the Full HD resolution offers crisp images, and the HDR support adds depth and color. The Google TV platform is user-friendly, and the voice control integration with both Alexa and Google Assistant is a huge plus. The Bluetooth audio feature also adds a layer of convenience that you don’t often see in TVs at this price point.
However, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning. While the TV does a good job with basic streaming and casual gaming, the sound quality is not as robust as you might expect. The built-in speakers are fairly average, which means if you’re looking for immersive audio, you’ll need to invest in a soundbar or external speaker system. Another downside is the lack of advanced features like 4K resolution or Dolby Atmos support. While this is expected in a budget model, if you’re looking for a more high-end viewing experience, you might want to consider other options.
In terms of value for money, the TCL S3 offers a lot of features for its price point. You’re getting a solid Full HD display with smart functionality, all packed into a sleek design. When compared to similar models in this price range, it stands out with its Google TV platform and voice assistant integration. However, if you’re looking for 4K or premium audio features, you may want to stretch your budget a little further. For the price, though, it’s a great option for casual viewing, streaming, and light gaming.
When we compare it to direct competitors like the Insignia Fire TV or the Hisense A4G, the TCL S3 holds its own with its superior interface and Google TV integration. The Insignia, for instance, is slightly cheaper but lacks the same smart capabilities. The Hisense A4G is a solid option as well, but the TCL’s design and ease of use with Google TV give it a slight edge.
The build quality of the TCL S3 is quite solid for its price. The FullView metal bezel-less design gives it a modern look that can easily fit into most living rooms. The TV feels sturdy and well-constructed, though it’s clearly designed for budget-conscious buyers. If you’re looking for something that will last for several years, this model should hold up well, though it may not have the same long-term durability as more premium brands.
As for customer support, I didn’t personally interact with TCL’s customer service, but the brand is generally known for being responsive, with a solid reputation for providing quick solutions when needed. The TV comes with a one-year limited warranty, so in case of any issues, you’re covered for at least a year.
Wrapping up, the TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV offers a lot of features for its price, including Full HD resolution, Google TV, and excellent voice control integration. It’s a great option for those who want a simple, budget-friendly TV with smart features and good picture quality. However, the sound quality might not meet everyone’s expectations, and it lacks higher-end features like 4K resolution or advanced audio. If you’re looking for a solid, affordable TV for streaming and casual viewing, this one is definitely worth considering.
Thank you for watching today’s review! Don’t forget to check the comments box for a link to get your hands on the TCL 32-Inch Class S3. If you’ve already got one, let us know how it’s been working for you, or feel free to ask any questions. Good bye till next time, and remember: there’s always more Reviews inside tv to explore!
Available to buy here:
