The Sony 32-inch KD-32W800 has impressively remained in the market since 2021. This could be due to its consistent sales performance or perhaps because Sony isn’t prioritizing updates in the 32-inch TV segment.

Despite its longevity, the KD-32W800 is still available worldwide at a price point that is considered premium for today’s 32-inch TV standards. But the question remains: does it truly deserve this extended presence, or has it outlived its relevance?

Price

Discussing the cost is essential when considering any product. Our goal is to ensure that you get exceptional value for your money without compromising on quality. In the pursuit of the best prices, we believe in offering transparency and helping you make informed decisions. Whether you're looking for budget options or premium selections, we've got you covered with competitive pricing that aligns with your standards and needs.

The Sony KD-32W800, priced at £299 in the UK, stands out as a premium choice among 32-inch TVs today. Its US counterpart, the 32W830K, retails for $298, and in Australia, it’s available for AU$729.

Featuring Android TV and the powerful Sony Bravia Engine processor, this model offers compelling features that validate its cost, even though it has been on the market longer than most of its current 32-inch competitors.

Design

The design of modern gadgets plays a vital role in their appeal. Sleek lines, intuitive interfaces, and a harmonious balance between form and function are key to captivating today's tech-savvy audience. When it comes to choosing the right design, simplicity often reigns supreme, offering both aesthetic pleasure and practical utility.

Striking the right chord with consumers involves a blend of aesthetic and ergonomic considerations. Devices that are not only visually appealing but also comfortable to use stand out in a crowded market. The integration of premium materials, such as brushed aluminum or soft-touch plastics, can elevate the perceived value of a product.

Ultimately, the goal is to create products that are both beautiful and user-friendly. This includes thoughtful details like easily accessible buttons, straightforward navigation, and an overall feel that exudes quality. By focusing on these design principles, manufacturers can ensure their products resonate with a broad audience.

The W800’s screen comes with a solid frame—a bit bulky by modern standards. However, its unique brushed matte grey finish gives it a sophisticated look.

Setting up the TV, you’ll notice the frame is made of lightweight plastic, which Sony has cleverly masked to look premium from a regular viewing distance.

The 32W800’s rear sticks out significantly more than today’s slim TVs. This might be a concern for wall-mounting, but it’s not an issue if you use the TV’s provided feet. The bulkier back could even be beneficial if it houses a robust speaker system.

While the uninspiring black plastic and cumbersome feet are less appealing, the overall design focuses on functionality.

The 32W800 includes a long, button-filled remote control. Initially, it looks complex but is user-friendly. It features dedicated keys for Freeview Play, Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, making streaming a breeze.

Features

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The Sony 32W800 packs a 1366x768 resolution into its 32-inch screen, utilizing a direct LED lighting system with LEDs positioned behind the screen. It features an IPS LCD panel, known for offering slightly wider viewing angles than VA panels but often falls short on delivering the high contrast needed for a compelling TV picture.

The TV supports HDR in HDR10 and HLG formats. A standout feature that may justify the 32W800’s price is Sony’s Bravia Engine image processing system. Although this is an older system compared to Sony’s recent Cognitive XR systems, it still offers richer colors, enhanced realism, and reduced picture noise.

Smart features are delivered through Android TV. While it can be somewhat clunky and tends to push certain content, it boasts a vast library of over 7000 apps, including all major global video streaming services. The 32W800 also supports Chromecast and in the UK, includes Freeview Play to cover some content gaps.

Connectivity options include three HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports (one supports recording live TV to USB storage), a headphone jack, a digital audio output, and an ethernet port. The set also supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Given its 60Hz refresh rate, gaming is limited to 1080p 60Hz HDR, but it does feature a Game preset with a respectable 33.7ms input lag.

The Bravia Engine processor's presence aside, picture adjustments are fairly limited. Adaptive Luma Control and Local Contrast Control are available, aiming to improve brightness and contrast but with minimal impact. The most effective adjustment is the Gamma setting, which reveals more shadow detail when set to Bright rather than Middle. However, this alone is insufficient to elevate the W800’s picture quality to Sony’s usual high standards.

Picture

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The Sony 32W800 has a few redeeming qualities if you look closely enough, but it’s overshadowed by one major flaw: poor black levels that render dark scenes nearly unwatchable.

Where you’d expect deep blacks, you find glowing greys instead, which don't just look unnatural; they strip dark scenes of depth and subtle detail. Adjusting the Gamma to Bright helps a bit, but not enough to make a significant difference.

The TV’s lack of contrast and limited brightness, compared to today’s standards, also affect its color performance in dark scenes. Although there's warmth to the colors, it often feels unnatural and even jaundiced in darker moments.

Furthermore, the 32W800 has poor viewing angles despite its IPS panel. Sitting just 15 degrees off-center worsens the contrast even more.

In brighter scenes, the TV’s warm tones are more effective. However, the screen just isn’t bright enough to fully exploit HDR capabilities. Still, bright scenes can appear vibrant and engaging—as long as there aren't significant dark areas.

On a positive note, the 32W800 delivers sharp and detailed pictures, even though it’s only HD Ready. The sharpness holds up during action scenes and sports, thanks to excellent motion handling that minimizes judder and blur.

Gamers will notice the good qualities of this TV, too. However, the issues with dark images remain a disadvantage in dark game environments.

Sound

When it comes to sound quality, readers are always on the lookout for excellence. Whether you're streaming your favorite playlist or watching the latest blockbuster, having top-notch audio can significantly enhance your experience. With advancements in technology, it's easier than ever to find audio equipment that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

To ensure you're getting the best sound, consider investing in high-quality sound systems or headphones. These products are designed to provide you with clarity, depth, and richness, making every note or dialogue crisp and enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Equipment

• Define Your Needs: Determine what you're looking for in a sound system or headphones. Are you an audiophile looking for impeccable sound, or do you need something more casual for everyday use?

• Research Brands: Look into reputable brands known for their sound quality. Reading reviews and comparisons can help you make an informed decision.

• Consider Your Budget: Quality sound equipment comes at various price points. Set a budget that works for you and explore options within that range.

Tips for Better Sound

1. Placement Matters: Positioning your speakers correctly can make a huge difference. Ensure they're placed at the right height and distance for optimal sound distribution.

1. Adjust Settings: Most audio devices come with customizable settings. Take the time to adjust the bass, treble, and other settings to your liking.

1. Regular Maintenance: Dust and debris can affect sound quality. Regularly clean your equipment to keep it in top-notch condition.

1. Upgrade When Necessary: Technology evolves, and sometimes upgrading your equipment can provide a significant improvement in sound quality.

In conclusion, great sound can elevate your entertainment experience. By choosing the right equipment, positioning it properly, and maintaining it well, you can enjoy an immersive audio experience every time.

The Sony 32W800’s audio truly impresses, standing out even more than its visuals. There’s a wide array of audio settings to play with, including an audio delay option, an equalizer, a pseudo surround mode, and various themed audio presets.

Initially, the 32W800’s pair of 5W bass reflex speakers might seem insufficient, but they deliver a surprisingly rich and polished sound. This holds true even when the audio mix gets intense. Voices remain crystal clear and well-placed, and the audio extends beyond the TV’s frame to create a realistic sense of space.

The detail in the audio is exceptional, contributing to a precise sense of left and right separation, while keeping dialogue centered as it should be. Despite its modest power, the TV effectively amplifies its output to handle the challenges of dynamic action scenes.

Even the most extreme treble and bass moments from the Blade Runner 2049 soundtrack cause only minimal distortion from the 32W800’s speakers. This is comparable to many larger and more expensive TVs, and such audio flaws are a rare occurrence.

Final Thoughts

In summary, our analysis concludes that the product delivers exceptional performance and value. Its user-friendly design and advanced features make it a top choice for anyone looking to upgrade their experience. With a sleek build and reliable functionality, it stands out as a strong contender in its category. Investing in this product ensures you are getting the best combination of quality and affordability. Don't miss out on the chance to enhance your daily life with this fantastic option.

Sony's 32W800 32-inch TV has been around for quite a while, and we might have expected it to be a timeless classic. While it does sound good and comes packed with a nice array of features, its picture quality leaves much to be desired. Even back in 2021 when it first came on the scene, the picture quality was underwhelming. Fast forward to 2024, and it simply doesn't measure up to current standards.