People often think “the bigger, the better” when it comes to TVs.
However, that’s not always true.
In fact, a lot of folks dig smaller TVs. You know, it’s a great choice if it’s your second TV, if you’re working with less room, or if your budget’s a bit tight.
In a recent shopping trip with my dad, we were on the hunt for the perfect TV for his cozy home office. He was all in for top-notch quality – a TV that would let him kick back and enjoy his football games in ultra-high definition after putting in a hard day’s work.
Before hitting the stores, I made sure to do my homework online. And, guess what? I stumbled upon genuinely small (like 32″ small!) 4K TVs on the market!
So off we went to the store, spotted the compact 4K TVs I had noticed online, and even got to try them out ourselves. Here’s what I discovered.
What is the smallest 4K TV?
The tiniest one on the market right now is a 32-incher. Two models fit the bill, and both are from Samsung – the 32″ Q50R and the 32″ Q60A. Samsung is currently the only TV maker who’s manufacturing 32” 4K TVs.
Both the Q50R and Q60A are top-notch 32″ TVs. Actually, these two models share quite a few similarities and only have a few differences.
Samsung 32” Q50R Specifications
Screen size: 32 inches
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
Panel: QLED
High Dynamic Range (HDR): Yes
Smart OS: Tizen
Processor: 4K UHD Processor
Voice assistant: Bixby
SmartThings: Yes
Dimensions (with stand): 28.5” (W) x 18.8” (H) x 6.1” (D)
Model year: 2019
Price: $499.99
Samsung 32” Q60A Specifications
Screen size: 32 inches
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
Panel: QLED
High Dynamic Range (HDR): Yes (Quantum HDR)
Smart OS: Tizen
Processor: Quantum 4K Processor
Voice assistant: Bixby, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant
SmartThings: Yes
Dimensions (with stand): 28.5” (W) x 18.8” (H) x 6.1” (D)
Model year: 2021
Price: $499.99
Are the 32” Samsung 4K TVs good?
1. Picture quality
The Q50R and Q60A both bring it with solid picture quality, boasting a high contrast ratio that enables deep, rich blacks.
The downside? Neither one has a local dimming feature, which would’ve been a cool bonus as it can enhance contrast in darker scenes by selectively dimming the backlight.
Both models come with HDR, but there’s a slight twist. The Q50R offers basic HDR, while the Q60A steps up with Quantum HDR, giving it a bit of a leg up in terms of image details and color.
Ideal for watching TV shows or sports in well-lit rooms (like my dad’s small home office), these Samsung models do a decent job in darker settings as well.
2. Sound quality
The Q50R and Q60A’s sound quality is alright – nothing to write home about, but they get the job done.
These Samsung models have the capacity to go pretty loud, but the sound might get a bit fuzzy at top volume levels.
Let’s be honest, most TVs’ built-in speakers aren’t exactly stellar. So, if you’re looking to amp up your audio game, consider hooking up a soundbar or some external speakers.
3. Input lag and response time
The Samsung Q50R and Q60A are total winners here. Their input lag is impressively low, making them top picks for gaming.
Plus, these 32″ 4K Samsung TV models boast a solid overall response time. Meaning, you can enjoy action-packed movies, sports, or high-speed video games without worrying about blurring.
4. Viewing angle
The Samsung Q60A has the edge when it comes to viewing angles.
On the Q50R, you may see the image quality decrease a bit when you’re not viewing straight on. While the Q60A has a similar issue in wider seating arrangements, it’s not quite as noticeable.
This minor flaw pops up more due to their small size, but it’s par for the course. Unless you’re planning to place the TV in a compact or narrow room, it’s not something to sweat over.
5. Price
Both the Q50R and Q60A have a price tag of $499.99 on Samsung’s official website.
But remember, prices can go up and down like a yo-yo. Make sure to compare prices across various online retailers for the latest deals. Who knows, you might land a bargain if your timing’s spot on.
If both models were about the same price, I’d lean towards the fresher one – the Samsung 32” Q60A.
What are the advantages of a small 4K TV?
A compact 4K TV fits snugly in smaller spaces.
Let’s face it, not every room is a sprawling living room. If you’re looking to slot a TV into a petite space like a bedroom, kitchen, or even an RV camper, a diminutive 4K TV is your dream come true.
A small 4K TV is also your best buddy if you’re a frequent mover.
Maybe you’re rocking the dorm life right now but are gearing up to move out soon. Or perhaps you’re simply a fan of switching between houses or apartments. A lightweight 32″ TV is a breeze to pack up and haul with you.
A small 4K TV could be a bit of a money saver.
Typically, smaller-screen TVs come with smaller price tags. So, if you’re seeking a budget-friendly option without taking a massive hit on picture quality, a small 4K TV can be your top pick.
What’s the best sitting distance for viewing the smallest 4K TV?
Samsung suggests a nifty calculation to figure out the ideal sitting distance: just multiply the TV screen size (measured diagonally) by 1.2.
At this distance, you won’t be able to pick out individual pixels, making the image pop with color and life.
By this calculation, the ideal viewing distance for the Samsung 32″ Q50R and Q60A models is roughly 3.2 feet (or 38.4 inches).
But don’t forget, there are other factors in play here.
What you’re watching, your viewing setting, and even your own physical condition are important considerations in pinpointing the just-right viewing distance.
Final thoughts
Today, the smallest 4K TV you can get your hands on is a 32-incher. And as of now, the only two models that fit the bill are both from Samsung – the Q50R and Q60A.
Both these models deliver solid picture quality and boast seriously low input lag. They truly shine if you’re keen on watching sports or gaming in a bright room. While their sound quality is nothing spectacular, you can always jazz it up with a soundbar or external speakers.
These Samsung 32″ 4K TVs are a great match for snug spaces like dorm rooms, kitchens, or RVs.