LG 32LQ630BPUA Smart LED-LCD TV review exploring features, performance, and value

Description

Design and Build Quality

I’ve been using the LG 32LQ630BPUA Smart LED-LCD TV for a while now, and the compact size of the 32-inch screen makes it a perfect fit for smaller spaces like bedrooms or dorm rooms. The sleek black finish gives it a modern and understated look that blends effortlessly into any setup. Measuring 3.3 x 29 x 17.2 inches, it’s lightweight at just 10.4 pounds, making it easy to position or mount. The thin bezel design maximizes the screen space, which I appreciate since it doesn’t feel bulky. However, the stand felt a bit wobbly, so I’d recommend wall-mounting it for added stability.

Picture Quality and Display Features

The 1366 x 768 resolution delivers 720p HD quality, which might not be the most advanced in today’s market, but it’s sufficient for casual viewing. I tested the TV with a range of content, from movies to sports, and the HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping stood out, enhancing the brightness and color contrast. The Direct LED lighting ensures a uniformly bright display, though I did notice some minor backlight bleeding in darker scenes. With a 60 Hz refresh rate, fast-moving action sequences appeared smooth, which is great for sports or gaming.

One feature that impressed me is the Active HDR, which enhances details in both shadows and highlights. While it’s not 4K, the Resolution Upscaler does a decent job of improving the clarity of low-resolution content. For its price point, the picture quality is more than satisfactory, especially for a secondary TV.

Smart Features and Connectivity

This TV is packed with smart features. The built-in app store made it easy to download my favorite streaming apps, and I was thrilled to see support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Controlling the TV with voice commands felt seamless; for instance, I could adjust the volume or switch inputs hands-free. The Magic Explorer feature is a fun addition—it provides additional information about what’s on-screen, which I found useful during educational shows.

The wireless LAN support enabled me to connect to the internet without any hassle. I streamed content smoothly, with no noticeable lag or buffering. For gamers, the PC streaming feature allows you to connect your gaming console and enjoy a larger display. I tried it with my PlayStation, and the experience was immersive, though the 720p resolution might not satisfy hardcore gamers.

Sound Performance

The sound quality was decent for a TV of this size. With 2.0 channel down-firing speakers, it delivers clear audio for everyday viewing. I tested it with action movies and found that dialogues were crisp, but the bass lacked depth. If you’re an audiophile or someone who loves a cinematic sound experience, pairing this TV with a soundbar or external speakers would be a smart choice. The Audio Return Channel (ARC) comes in handy for such setups, making connectivity straightforward.

Positives

The LG 32LQ630BPUA comes with its fair share of key benefits, making it an appealing option for specific users.

• Compact design makes it ideal for smaller spaces.
• Voice assistant compatibility adds convenience to daily use.
• Active HDR enhances picture quality for better viewing.
• A wide array of smart features, including streaming apps and a browser.

Pitfalls

Like any product, this TV isn’t without its shortcomings.

• 720p resolution may feel outdated for some users.
• The stand’s stability could be improved.
• Limited sound quality without external speakers.

Competing Brands

When comparing this 32-inch smart TV to its competitors, the Samsung 32-Inch M4500 comes to mind. Both TVs offer HD resolution, but the Samsung model has slightly better color saturation, in my opinion. However, the LG TV stands out with its Active HDR and voice assistant integration, which are absent in the Samsung. On the other hand, the TCL 32S325 is another contender in this range, known for its Roku interface, which some users might find more intuitive than LG’s interface. But again, the LG TV’s webOS platform is no slouch, offering a wide variety of apps and customization options.

Cost Efficiency

In terms of price performance, this TV delivers solid value for its features. While you’re not getting 4K or high-end specs, what you do get is a well-rounded smart TV with enough features to satisfy casual viewers. It’s an affordable option for those who need a secondary TV or something for a smaller room. The inclusion of voice assistants, HDR, and smart features makes it a worthwhile investment for the cost-conscious buyer.

Overall, this TV strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it’s hard to ask for more.

Additional information