Best Smart TV for Kids Room: Review of the TCL 32″ with Roku

I was that parent that avoided putting a TV in my kid’s room.

Then, my kids got a little older and the pros started outweighing the cons. I mean, what parent wants their living room TV monopolized by Bluey every evening? (though I do love the Australian accents!)

TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (32S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black

Now, I hadn’t bought a TV in years so I had big expectations and a little budget (“TVs should be cheaper these days, right?”)

My sole mandatory feature was that it was a Smart TV, no more extra devices! I also wanted:

• lightweight – for ease of mounting
• fast software – Roku and Google (aka Android TV) were top of my list
• crisp picture w/ good viewing angles
• reliable

After some research, I went with this TCL 32″ Smart TV with Roku. It’s my very first TCL purchase. Here’s why me, and my kids, LOVE it.

My Quick Video Review

Here’s a quick video review of the TCL 32-inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV:

Other Electronics your kids may like

• Walkie Talkies. This old technology is still beloved! Midland makes the best walkie talkies for kids.
• Book light. Balance out Bluey episodes with an encouragement to read. Here’s the best book light for reading!
• Volume-limiting headphones: The iClever headphones are the best wireless Bluetooth headphones for kids.

I recently got my hands on the TCL 32-inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (32S350R, 2023 Model). This TV has been a fantastic addition to my kid’s space, and I can’t wait to share my experiences. I’ve spent quite some time exploring its features and functionality, and I think you’ll find my insights helpful, especially if you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly smart TV for your kids.

Pros and Cons

What I Liked

• Impressive Picture Quality: The 1080P Full HD resolution stands out. Watching kids movies and shows feels immersive with stunning clarity. Speaking of movies, if you dig basketball, don’t miss our ultimate guide to funny basketball movies.
• Modern Design: I love the FullView Metal Bezel-less Design. It fits perfectly in my kid’s room, adding a touch of elegance.
• Easy Setup: Setting it up was a breeze. I was able to set up my kid’s favorite apps (e.g. YouTube Kids, Apple TV, Netflix, etc.) within minutes.
• Smart Features: The integration with Roku is fantastic! I appreciate having access to tons of streaming options without needing extra devices.
• Voice Control Compatibility: Though I didn’t configure it, having the option to use Alexa and Google Assistant to control the TV is a nice feature if that’s your jam.

What Can Be Improved

•  Standby LED: Not sure if this is a con because it can be turned on/off in settings (I show exactly where in the video above), but many customers complain of this little running light in front of the TV.
• No Voice Control on Roku Remote: The included remote lacks a microphone, but an upgraded Roku remote can solve this. Simply upgrade to a Voice Activated Roku Remote:

Roku Voice Remote | TV Remote Control with Voice Control, TV Controls, Simple Setup, & Pre-Set App Shortcuts - Replacement Remote Compatible with Roku TV, Roku Players, & Roku Audio

Quick Verdict

The TCL 32-inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable smart TV for their kid’s room. It packs a punch with great picture quality and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for smaller spaces like a bedroom, adult bedroom, loft, kitchen, patio, and more. My kids enjoy using it, especially with the seamless Roku integration for streaming their favorite content.

Unboxing – What’s Inside?

I decided to purchase this 32S350R, 2023 Model from Amazon. Once delivered, here’s what I found in the box:

1. stand
2. remote control (including two AA remote control batteries)
3. power cord
4. quick start guide

TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (32S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black

Specifications

• Brand: TCL
• Product Dimensions: 3.1D x 28.1W x 16.6H
• Item Weight: 10.73 pounds
• Screen Size: 32 Inches
• Resolution: 1080p
• Display Technology: LED
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Country of Origin: China
• Date First Available: June 12, 2023
• Special Feature: Bezel-Less Design

Features – What I Found

Stunning 1080P Full HD Resolution

One of the most appealing aspects of the TCL 32-inch Class S3 is its 1080P Full HD resolution. The kids watch their favorite movies and shows and it’s an immersive experience, offering sharp images and vibrant colors.

The stunning picture quality also enhances detail, making it easier to see subtle elements that might be missed on lower-resolution screens. Watching nature documentaries or action-packed films becomes more thrilling as you can appreciate every frame.

For anyone looking to upgrade their viewing experience, I highly recommend investing in a quality HDMI cable to take full advantage of the 1080P resolution.

FullView Metal Bezel-less Design

The TCL 32-inch Class S3 also boasts an elegant FullView metal bezel-less design that instantly enhances your home decor. This modern aesthetic is not only visually striking but also makes the television feel like a natural extension of your living space. From any angle, it looks sleek and sophisticated, which can elevate the overall ambiance of your room.

As you navigate through various channels and streaming options, the seamless design allows for a more focused view without any distracting borders. It’s like being drawn into the content without barriers, which is especially engaging during movie nights.

Direct LED Backlight for Enhanced Picture Performance

The Direct LED backlighting technology employed in the TCL S3 model significantly enhances picture performance. Unlike edge-lit TVs, which only provide light along the screen’s edges, Direct LED uses a full matrix of LEDs across the back of the screen. This means better brightness uniformity and an overall more vibrant image, making dark scenes deeper and bright scenes more radiant. It’s fantastic for a diverse range of content—from daytime shows to nighttime thrillers.

The impact of this technology is particularly noticeable during fast-paced action sequences, where clarity is crucial. With Direct LED backlighting, you can expect less motion blur, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the action.

Dynamic Contrast for Improved Image Quality

Another impressive feature is the dynamic contrast function, which optimizes the on-screen content for an improved image. I’ve noticed that this feature elevates the viewing experience by adjusting brightness and contrast levels based on the scenes being displayed. For instance, brightly lit scenes have enhanced brightness, while darker scenes are deepened for a more dramatic effect. This adaptive capability makes every show and movie feel more engaging.

This feature seems to work tirelessly in the background, making adjustments that I may not even consciously notice.

Game Mode for Enhanced Gaming Experience

If you’re a gamer, the TCL 32-inch Class S3 offers an impressive Game Mode that reduces input lag and latency, providing a more satisfying gaming experience. This feature is designed to optimize the TV’s settings specifically for gaming, ensuring that every action you take on your gaming console is reflected on the screen almost instantaneously. This responsiveness can make a world of difference during competitive gaming sessions.

With Game Mode activated, the television prioritizes refresh rates and response times, which enhances your overall gaming performance. The science behind it involves adjusting the TV’s processing to minimize any delay between your actions and what you see on-screen.

TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (32S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black

Final Thoughts

I recently purchased the TCL 32-inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV for my kids, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice.

The 1080P Full HD Resolution delivers stunning picture quality, making my kid’s favorite movies and shows come alive with vibrant colors and clear details. Setting it up was a breeze—within minutes, they were enjoying their favorite content. The Roku TV Smart OS allows us to easily access a variety of channels and streaming services without needing any additional devices, which is a huge plus for convenience.

The FullView Metal Bezel-less Design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also fits seamlessly into the bedroom on the mount. The design enhances the viewing experience and adds a modern touch to the room, making it the best TV for a kids’ room. I particularly appreciate the Game Mode, which minimizes input lag and allows for an immersive gaming experience. For anyone looking for a versatile TV that performs well in smaller spaces, this model is an excellent choice.

While the sound can be limited to some, especially at lower volumes, it’s nothing that a small soundbar can’t fix. Overall, I believe the TCL 32-inch Class S3 offers great value for the price and has become a beloved addition to my kid’s bedroom.

TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (32S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black

Dad’s Final Thoughts

If you haven’t bought a new TV lately, take a little time to prioritize what’s important to you and your family.

For me, the starting point was having a 32″ Smart TV with the Roku OS and spending under $200. This TCL TV checks that box and more!