Date: November 1, 2025
Author: Ashwini Karela

When you’re looking for a compact smart TV with good picture quality on a budget, the TCL 32 inch V5 Series (32V5C) catches attention. In this review I look at how this budget QLED TV performs in real-life. I cover what it does well, where it compromises, and whether it’s a smart buy for Indian homes.

What you get — key specs

According to listings, the TCL 32V5C is a 32-inch Full HD (1920 × 1080) smart television designed to deliver vibrant visuals and a smooth entertainment experience. It features a QLED panel, which enhances color accuracy, brightness, and contrast levels, making movies and shows look more realistic and engaging. The TV runs on the Google TV interface, offering an intuitive and user-friendly experience with access to popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar. It also supports voice control through Google Assistant, allowing users to search content, control smart home devices, or adjust settings using simple voice commands.

In addition to its sleek and compact design suitable for bedrooms or smaller living spaces, the TCL 32V5C includes multiple connectivity options like HDMI and USB ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, ensuring seamless device pairing and multimedia playback. With enhanced picture quality, smart features, and easy navigation, this model stands out as an excellent option for users seeking an affordable yet feature-rich smart TV experience.Here are some of the highlighted specs:

• 32″ size, Full HD resolution.
• QLED display, marketed as 100% colour volume plus, HDR10 support.
• Smart features: Google TV, built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant support.
• Connectivity: 2 HDMI ports, 1 USB, WiFi, Ethernet.
• Audio output: 24W, Dolby Audio support.
• Price in India: starting around ₹12,490 in October 2025.

So on paper, at this price point, the specs look very compelling: QLED + Full HD + smart UI.

Picture and performance: what’s good

One of the strongest selling points is the QLED panel in a 32-inch format. Many budget 32″ TVs are standard LED, HD or HD-Ready. Here, having Full HD + QLED gives a visible boost in colour richness and clarity.
User sentiment suggests the display is a major strength. For example on Amazon a reviewer said:

“The picture quality is awesome and super amazing…I just love the colours and sharpness of the TV at this price range.”

This is important because even in smaller screens, vibrant display and accurate colour make a difference for streaming, YouTube and general TV watching. The wide 178° viewing angle figure also helps when multiple people sit at different angles.

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Smart UI & ease-of-use

Running Google TV is a major plus. You get access to a full Google Play environment, voice search, Chromecast built-in, and a familiar interface. That simplifies streaming and day-to-day use.
Because it’s a known OS, it helps if you’re already embedded in the Google/Android ecosystem. The remote and interface reportedly work well.

However, performance is not flawless. The RAM/storage (1GB RAM + 8GB storage) on some listings is modest. If you load many apps or expect lightning-fast navigation, you may notice a bit of lag compared with premium sets. For general use though, it seems acceptable.

Audio & build quality

With 24W output and Dolby Audio, the TV’s audio is decent for its class. For a small room or bedroom it should suffice. But don’t expect the kind of punch or immersive surround you get in higher-end models.
Also one user noted at viewing angles:

“Viewing angles are not as good as other brands like Sony but for the cost it’s really good.”

So build is good, but some compromises (as expected) are present in this budget category.

Trade-offs & what you should know

No product is perfect, especially a budget one. Here are notable compromises:

• Refresh rate is 60Hz only. With fast-moving scenes (sports, gaming) you won’t get higher frame rates or advanced motion smoothing.
• Full HD resolution — not 4K. If you sit further back or expect ultra-high resolution, this might feel limiting.
• Viewing angles / contrast may not match premium sets. As mentioned above, some users report greyish blacks when seen off-angle.
• Smart performance limitations: low RAM/storage may cause slowdown versus higher-priced models.
• If you’re a hardcore gamer with console and want low input-lag or very high refresh, this may not suffice compared with dedicated gaming-TVs.
• Size: 32″ is compact. For larger living rooms or if you sit far back, you may prefer a bigger screen.

Who is this TV best for?

Given its performance and price, the TCL 32V5C is well suited for:

• Bedrooms, small living rooms, guest rooms where 32″ is adequate.
• Streamers, OTT viewers, general entertainment watchers—not necessarily heavy gamers.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want premium display features like QLED without spending big.
• Secondary TV setups in homes with a larger main TV elsewhere.

If you are in a large room, or want cinematic experience or gaming with high refresh rates, you might want to consider larger/higher specs TV.

Verdict: value king in 32-inch segment?

Overall, the TCL 32V5C offers a lot for the price. With its QLED panel, Full HD resolution, smart Google TV ecosystem, and decent audio it stands out among budget 32-inch TVs. If your expectations are aligned (i.e., you know it’s a budget set), you’ll likely be pleased.
If I summarise: 8/10 for value-for-money, 7/10 for performance (given compromises).
If I were buying today for a small room under ₹15,000 in India, this is among the top contenders. Just ensure you’re comfortable with the size, accept 60Hz refresh and modest smart hardware.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• QLED display in compact size
• Full HD resolution (rare at this size/price)
• Google TV with Chromecast & voice support
• Good connectivity (HDMI, USB, Ethernet)
• Very good value/price

Cons:

• 60Hz refresh only
• Modest smart hardware (1GB RAM / 8GB storage)
• Viewing angle/contrast limitations
• Size may be small for some rooms

Final Judgement

If you’re looking for a smart TV that punches above its weight in the 32-inch class, the TCL V5 series (32V5C) is a very compelling choice. While you won’t get flagship features, you will get a stylish, feature-rich TV with nice picture quality for a small space. Just set your expectations properly, and you’ll likely be satisfied that you didn’t overspend for features you may not use.
Thanks for reading. I’m Ashwini Karela, and I hope this review helps your buying decision!

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