Because TCL has not developed its own smart system, it has experimented with various operating systems across its TV range. Roku, Android TV, and Google TV have all featured in recent models, and the brand has cultivated strong partnerships with TiVo, too. So, it's no surprise to see TCL’s 32SF540K now integrating yet another smart partner: Amazon’s Fire TV OS.

Amazon also offers its own 32-inch Fire TV, the 2-Series, which we recently reviewed. Can TCL outperform Amazon? Absolutely.

Price

When considering the price of a product, it's essential to weigh the cost against its features and benefits. A higher price doesn't always mean better quality, but investing in a reliable and well-reviewed product often pays off in the long run. Make sure to compare different options and read user reviews before making a decision. For more in-depth analysis, check out detailed comparisons from trusted sources.

TCL TVs have a strong reputation for value, and the 32SF540K continues this trend. Priced at just £149, it's the most affordable among the 32-inch TVs we've reviewed recently. It even undercuts Amazon’s 32-inch Fire TV 2-Series model by £40, and costs less than half the price of Sony’s KD-32W800.

Of course, such a low price means we need to watch for any compromises in features or performance. However, the inclusion of a complete, smooth, and stable version of the Fire TV OS is a good sign.

For those who prefer Android TV, TCL offers a similar 32-inch model, the 32S5400, also priced at £149.

Although TCL had a 32-inch Fire TV model in the US last year, it’s currently out of stock. In Australia, TCL seems to be focusing on its larger and higher-end TV series.

Design

Our latest collection showcases a perfect blend of modern elegance and functionality. Featuring sleek lines and premium materials, each piece is crafted to elevate your living spaces. Attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship ensure that our designs not only look good but also stand the test of time. Whether you're looking to refresh your home office or upgrade your entire living room, our collection offers something for everyone. Browse through our new arrivals and discover the ideal pieces that complement your style and meet your needs.

The TCL 32SF540K is a simple yet functional TV that stands out with its distinctive short white LED strip and the Fire TV logo at the bottom right corner. TCL describes the design as ‘bezel-less’. Although the outer frame is remarkably slim, there's an inner black frame around the screen, giving it a more substantial appearance.

The metallic finish, though intended to look sleek, feels somewhat plasticky, and the glossy black feet appear flimsy. It’s a lightweight build, which is convenient if you need to move the 32-inch screen from one room to another.

The rear of the 32SF540K is slimmer than most 32-inch TVs, but the speakers on each bottom corner and the central connections section add an extra inch or two. This can make the TV stick out awkwardly if wall-mounted.

The 32SF540K comes with a standard Fire TV remote, similar to the one included with Amazon’s own 32-inch Fire TV 2 Series model. The main differences are the addition of the TCL logo and a generic Apps button replacing the Amazon Music button.

Features

Discover the standout features that make this product a top choice for tech enthusiasts. Our detailed review highlights the key benefits and unique selling points, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Key Highlights

• State-of-the-art technology that simplifies your daily tasks

• Seamless compatibility with a wide range of devices

• User-friendly interface that enhances your experience

Experience next-level convenience with features designed to integrate effortlessly into your lifestyle. Stay connected, stay productive, and enjoy the perfect balance of functionality and style.

The 32SF540K may catch your eye with its budget-friendly price, but this TV has more to offer beyond its modest appearance.

The Fire TV operating system stands out as a key feature. If you're familiar with Prime Video apps, Fire OS provides an intuitive layout that integrates TV hardware controls smoothly. Despite being on a budget-friendly TV like this £150 TCL, the system remains slick and stable, just like on more premium models.

One significant advantage of Fire TV over Android/Google TV is its support for all major UK catch-up apps, including the Freeview Play app, which conveniently combines catch-up services from top UK terrestrial broadcasters into one accessible place.

Alexa integration is available, although you'll need to use the Alexa button and mic on the remote since there isn't a built-in ‘far-field’ mic.

The 32SF540K features a Full HD (1920x1080) panel, which is uncommon for 32-inch TVs. It uses contrast-rich VA technology instead of the viewing angle-friendly IPS technology and is backlit directly rather than from the sides, enhancing picture quality unless viewed from a wide angle.

This TV supports HDR10 and HLG formats from external sources and built-in apps, along with DTS Virtual X/DTS-HD and Dolby audio.

The connectivity options of the 32SF540K include two HDMI 1.4 ports that support ALLM for gamers and HDMI’s eARC system for multi-channel sound from connected soundbars and AVRs. Other connections include an optical digital audio output, a 3.5mm AV input, a headphone jack, and a USB port.

Wireless content enjoyment is made possible with integrated Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band Wi-Fi 5, enhanced further by Miracast and AirPlay 2 support.

Interestingly, the 32SF540K isn’t brimming with picture and sound features, apart from a handy motion processor.

For gamers, besides the ALLM switch, the TV offers an impressively low 15.3ms input lag in Game mode, making it a viable option for gaming despite its 60Hz capability.

Picture

The visuals on this device are truly something to behold. The display offers crisp, vibrant colors that make every scene pop. Whether you're watching your favorite movies or playing the latest games, the image quality is consistently top-notch. The meticulous detailing ensures that the pictures are realistic and immersive, bringing your content to life.

With high-definition resolution, you can catch every detail with precision. The contrast ratio enhances the depth and richness of the visuals, making dark scenes intense and bright scenes dazzling. Overall, the picture quality sets a new benchmark, providing an exceptional viewing experience.

The TCL 32SF540K offers a well-rounded viewing experience, standing out amidst its competitors. While it may not be as bright and contrasty as the Amazon Fire TV 2 Series or as richly colored as the Sony 32W800, it avoids major flaws, making it a reliable choice.

When it comes to black tones and dark scenes, the 32SF540K might not achieve the neutral blacks of the Fire TV 2 Series, but it thankfully steers clear of the distracting greyness seen in the Sony 32W800. This balance results in a depth and immersion in dark scenes that rivals its brighter moments.

Unlike the Amazon set, which struggles with maintaining shadow details, the TCL shows well-judged and consistent shadow detailing. This feature helps dark scenes appear just as vivid and deep, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

However, be mindful of its susceptibility to losing contrast when viewed from an angle, which could be a consideration if multiple people are watching simultaneously.

Color-wise, the 32SF540K doesn’t deliver the cinematic warmth of the Sony 32W800, but it trumps the Amazon Fire TV 2 Series with warmer and more natural hues, particularly with skin tones. Despite not being as bright as the Amazon rival, the trade-off is more consistently authentic and lived-in colors.

This thoughtful approach to picture quality extends additional benefits. Bright highlights in HDR images aren't clipped, and the balance between light and dark areas appears more natural without the color noise or coarseness seen in other models.

The 32SF540K's HD pictures also impress with sharper and more nuanced detail compared to both Sony 32W800 and Amazon Fire TV 2 Series, thanks partly to its Full HD resolution as opposed to their 720p resolutions.

Moreover, the clarity remains intact during fast movements and camera pans, particularly when using the Natural Cinema motion option, which avoids excessive soap opera effect and unwanted side effects.

For the crispiest pictures, the Standard picture preset is recommended, as the Film mode tends to be too soft. The Standard preset is ideal for the typical viewing conditions a 32-inch TV might face.

In conclusion, while the TCL 32SF540K may not deliver five-star picture quality, its consistency, balance, and overall reliability at this price point make it an appealing choice for any viewer.

Sound

Experience next-level audio that will transform your listening pleasure. From the deepest bass to the clearest treble, our cutting-edge technology ensures every note is heard with breathtaking clarity. Dive into an immersive soundscape that will captivate and mesmerize, perfect for music lovers and audiophiles alike.

Why Our Audio Stands Out

• Unparalleled clarity: Each aspect of our sound system is designed to deliver crisp, clear audio.

• Deepest bass: Feel the music with bass that resonates and adds depth to every note.

• Broad sound range: From highs to lows, experience a full spectrum of sound that is both rich and dynamic.

Learn more about our innovative sound technology.

The sound performance of the 32SF540K is where its budget-friendly nature really shows. While it boasts lofty DTS and Dolby audio aspirations, the speakers lack the power and dynamics to deliver on these promises fully. For instance, the deep bass drops and uplifting synths in the Blade Runner 2049 soundtrack cause numerous issues, including heavy crackling in the lowest frequencies and distortions in the high notes that accompany the text prologues.

High-pitched sounds tend to be thin and harsh when under pressure, and the bass, which could have balanced the piercing treble, is noticeably lacking. This deficiency makes it hard for the system to mask the harshness of the treble.

Additionally, vocal tracks sometimes come across as thin and nasal. However, on the positive side, the 32SF540K does provide a well-distributed and defined stereo soundstage, offering detail that leans towards the treble end. It also has just enough clarity to manage day-to-day TV shows effectively, making these characteristics its main audio strengths.

Final Thoughts

Our in-depth review confirms that this product delivers an exceptional performance, living up to its promises with remarkable ease. Whether you're an avid enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this product is designed to impress, blending impeccable quality with outstanding value. It's not just a top contender in its class but also a pleasure to use—bringing joy and excitement to every moment. Ready to elevate your experience? This product is your perfect companion.

The 32SF540K may not boast the best audio or build quality, yet it remains a competitive choice among today's 32-inch TVs. Its picture quality, while not flawless, strikes a pleasant and accessible balance among essential visual elements. With its Fire TV OS, you have a wealth of content at your fingertips through an intuitive, stable, and surprisingly smooth interface considering the TV's low price. These advantages make the 32SF540K's affordable £149 price tag truly attractive.