TCL 43S305 vs JVC LT32MAW2: Is a Larger Screen Worth the Lower Resolution in Smart TV Choices?

[cruets620]

When it comes to choosing a new TV, the options can be overwhelming, especially when two models stand out for their smart capabilities and picture quality. Today, we’re putting the TCL 43S305 and the JVC LT32MAW2 head-to-head.

On one side, the TCL 43S305 boasts a larger 43-inch screen with 1080p Full HD resolution, promising a lifelike viewing experience. It integrates Roku TV, giving you access to over 4,000 streaming channels and a vast library of content.

On the other hand, we have the JVC LT32MAW2, a more compact 32-inch option, but with an interesting twist. While it has a lower resolution of 1366 x 768, it still delivers a vivid picture through its Direct LED technology. Plus, the integrated Roku features allow for seamless control of your streaming apps with just one remote—a convenience that can’t be overlooked.

So, which TV offers a better balance of size, resolution, and usability? Join us as we dive deeper into these two contrasting options to see which one might be the better fit for your home entertainment setup.

Specs Comparison​

Basic​

Parameter	TCL 43S305 TV​	JVC LT32MAW2 TV​
Picture​	​	​
Screen Size​	43 Inches​	32 Inches​
Reference Price​	$212.41​	$134.99​
Model Year​	2017​	2022​
Specific Uses​	-​	Home entertainment, gaming, and streaming​
Operating System​	Roku OS​	Roku OS​
Internet Applications​	Alexa​	Pandora, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video​
Remote Control​	-​	Infrared and Wi-Fi Direct​
Controller Type​	amazon_alexa​	Remote Control, Voice Control​
Control Method​	App​	Voice​
Highlight​	Dimensions (W x H x D): TV without stand: 38.3" x 22.2" x 2.9", TV with stand: 38.3" x 24.4" x 7.5" Smart functionality offers access to over 4,000 streaming channels featuring more than 450,000 movies and TV episodes via Roku TV 1080p Full HD resolution for a lifelike picture	A Revolution in Resolution - The JVC 32'' Class Direct LED ROKU HD Smart TV has an amazingly pristine image with a resolution of 1366 x 768 that produces a vivid and brilliant pictures. Enjoy the ultimate in entertainment with a stunningly defined picture that will leave your eyes in awe. High definition picture resolution is the future and JVC delivers it right to your home. ROKU Integrated Advantages - One remote to control it all. Enjoy instant access to the best selection of apps from top-tier streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and many more right on the TV. Having Roku integrated allows you use your JVC TV remote to control all your Roku streaming features and services instead of having to use two separate remotes. Rich History of Sound & Video - Founded in 1927, JVC became famous for introducing Japan's very first television in 1939 and for developing the Video Home System (VHS) video recorder in 1976. For close to a century JVC has been leading innovations in audio and video, culminating in our Roku Smart TV’s.

Display​

Parameter	TCL 43S305 TV​	JVC LT32MAW2 TV​
Aspect Ratio​	Unknown​	-​
Display Technology​	LED​	LED​
Screen Finish​	Flat​	-​
Has Color Screen​	Yes​	-​
Resolution​	1080p​	720p​
Refresh Rate​	120 Hz​	6E+1 Hz​
HDR Format​	HDR10​	-​
Maximum Brightness​	-​	2.2E+2 Candela Per Square Meter​
Backlight Technology​	LED​	LED​
Picture Enhancement​	Some form of picture quality enhancement technology​	-​
Motion Enhancement​	120Hz refresh rate​	-​
Water Resistance​	-​	Not Water Resistant​
Video Encoding​	AVC​	MPEG-2​
Signal Format​	digital​	ATSC​
Screen Mirroring​	-​	AirPlay​

Features​

Parameter	TCL 43S305 TV​	JVC LT32MAW2 TV​
Audio Channels​	5.1 or Dolby Digital Plus​	-​
Audio Encoding​	Dolby Digital Plus​	-​
Audio Output​	-​	Stereo​
Audio Input​	USB, HDMI​	USB, Optical, HDMI, Coaxial​
Speaker Description​	The TV has enhanced audio capabilities with Dolby Digital Plus.​	Built-in​
Surround Sound​	Dolby Digital Plus​	-​
Tuner Type​	ATSC​	ATSC​
Line Voltage​	110 VAC 60 Hz​	-​
Connectivity Technology​	Wi-Fi, HDMI​	USB​
Wireless Technology​	Wi-Fi​	Wi-Fi​
Usb Ports​	1​	-​
HDMI Ports​	3​	-​
Audio Out Ports​	-​	2​
Connector Type​	-​	HDMI, USB, Optical Audio, Composite AV, Antenna Input, Headphone Jack​
Other Features​	Flat​	Flat​
D x W x H​	7.5"D x 38.3"W x 24.4"H​	-​

Side-by-Side Comparison​

System Experience​

Parameter	TCL 43S305 TV​	JVC LT32MAW2 TV​
System Experience	I recently purchased the TCL 43S305 TV to place in my bedroom, and honestly, I was a bit apprehensive based on some mixed reviews I came across. However, I decided to go for it, and I couldn't be happier with my choice! The setup was incredibly straightforward, taking me just a few minutes to get everything in place. The TV itself was light enough for me to lift and position on my dresser without any assistance, which I really appreciated. I didn’t encounter any of the issues with Roku setup that others mentioned, like being prompted for credit card info. Everything connected seamlessly to my Wi-Fi, and I was able to sign into my streaming accounts without any hassle.	Setting up the JVC LT32MAW2 was surprisingly straightforward for me. I was a bit apprehensive at first, but the on-screen instructions were clear, and I managed to connect it to my Wi-Fi and log into my streaming accounts without any hassle. It felt almost like setting up a new computer, which I found quite engaging. I appreciated that I could use my phone as a remote, making it easy to control everything without searching for a traditional remote in the couch cushions.

Viewing Experience​

Parameter	TCL 43S305 TV​	JVC LT32MAW2 TV​
Viewing Experience	The picture quality on this TV is genuinely impressive for the price. The colors are vibrant and the clarity is superb. Watching my favorite shows and movies has become a delightful experience—everything looks sharp and bright! Compared to my previous TV, which was much smaller and had a duller display, the TCL has really elevated my viewing experience. I can easily immerse myself in whatever I’m watching, and I can tell that the quality is definitely worth the investment.	The picture quality on this TV is impressive for its size. I was pleasantly surprised by how vibrant and clear the colors appeared on the 32-inch screen. It’s not the highest resolution available, but at 720p, it looks just fine for my viewing needs, especially given the compact space I have for it. Watching my favorite shows and old sitcoms has been a joy; the clarity is decent enough that I don’t feel like I'm missing out on detail.

Audio Experience​

Parameter	TCL 43S305 TV​	JVC LT32MAW2 TV​
Audio Experience	As for the sound, I did find it to be somewhat typical of smaller TVs—slightly tinny and lacking depth. I expected this, so I wasn’t too bothered. I actually have a soundbar at home, which I plan to connect to the TCL for a more enriched audio experience. But for casual viewing, the sound is decent enough and gets the job done.	When it comes to sound quality, I have mixed feelings. While the TV delivers a decent audio experience, I found that adding a soundbar could enhance it significantly. The built-in speakers get the job done, but they lack the richness that I enjoy when watching movies or shows with a lot of dialogue. Overall, it’s acceptable for casual viewing, but I plan to invest in external speakers for a more immersive experience.

Other Experience​

Parameter	TCL 43S305 TV​	JVC LT32MAW2 TV​
Other Experience	My overall experience with this TV has been very positive. I appreciate the built-in Roku feature, which makes it easy to access all my favorite streaming services in one place. I’ve been able to explore a variety of channels, and it’s great to have so many options available right at my fingertips. The remote was also easy to navigate, although I did have a small issue with one of the batteries being corroded upon arrival. Thankfully, I had some spares handy, so it didn’t affect my setup much.	Using the Roku interface has been a bit of a learning curve for me. I appreciate the variety of apps available, but I found the requirement to create a Roku account a bit annoying. I like the flexibility of streaming, but I’m not a fan of feeling pressured to sign up for services. Once I got past that, navigating through the options proved to be fairly user-friendly, and I enjoy having all my channels consolidated.

Our Verdict​

TCL 43S305 TV：​

Pros:
The biggest pros for me are undoubtedly the price and the picture quality. For such an affordable price, I’ve managed to get a TV that not only looks great but also performs well in terms of connectivity and streaming. The ease of setup and the lightweight design also made the experience smooth and stress-free.

Cons:
On the downside, I would say that the sound quality could use improvement. If you're someone who enjoys watching movies with a rich audio backdrop, you might want to invest in external speakers. Additionally, the remote could be more intuitive—it lacks a number pad, which can be a bit inconvenient when switching between inputs.

Overall Evaluation:
In conclusion, I’m really pleased with my purchase of the TCL 43S305 TV. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of picture quality and ease of use. While there are some minor drawbacks, like the sound quality and remote design, they are manageable. This TV has become a wonderful addition to my bedroom, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable smart TV. I’ll keep an eye on its performance and might update my review if I encounter any major issues, but for now, I'm thoroughly enjoying this purchase!

JVC LT32MAW2 TV：​

Pros:
There are several aspects of the JVC LT32MAW2 that I genuinely like. The easy setup, vibrant picture quality, and affordability stand out the most. I also appreciate the multiple HDMI ports, which allow me to connect additional devices seamlessly. The compact size fits perfectly in my space, making it an ideal choice for my needs.

Cons:
However, there are a few downsides. The sound quality could use improvement, and I find myself needing to adjust settings more often than I would like. There have been a few glitches here and there, which can be frustrating when I’m in the middle of something. Additionally, the mandatory Roku account was a bit of a letdown, as I would prefer more flexibility in that regard.

Overall Evaluation:
In conclusion, the JVC LT32MAW2 offers a solid performance for its price. While it may not be perfect, I find it meets my needs quite well, especially for a smaller space. The picture quality is commendable, and the convenience of smart features adds value. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly TV that performs well enough for casual viewing and fits snugly in a small living area.

 

[Thick_Weight6037]

So, I picked up this TCL 43S305 TV, and man, what a ride it’s been! Just a little update from me on 10/15/17: I totally spaced on how important internet speed is. For games and movies that don’t need the net, the picture looks pretty decent. No lag when I’m gaming, and honestly, the visuals are way better than I thought they’d be. It’s a budget TV, so it’s not gonna blow your mind, but hey, it’s definitely a step up from my old one. The 43 inches are perfect for my living room too!

Now, here’s the kicker: the Roku apps kinda suck. I still end up using my PS4 to stream stuff because the Roku input is just slow and clunky. After hanging out with the TV for a bit, I gotta say it’s not a bad deal for the price — at least, that’s what I thought.

But then I get halfway through the setup and something felt off with the picture quality. After watching a few videos and messing around on my PS4, I realized the picture is just plain terrible. Like, this is NOT 1080p HD, folks. Everything looks fuzzy, the text is pixelated, and it’s just lacking any sharpness at all. Super bummed out about that! I’m gonna try some troubleshooting, but honestly, I’m not holding my breath. I’ll probably just return it and get my cash back.

If you’re thinking about getting this TV, do yourself a favor and check out the negative reviews first. They’re all saying the same thing, and I really regret not digging deeper before buying. Seriously, Amazon should think twice about selling this thing. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Save your cash and go for a brand that’s actually known for quality!

 

[Trollatopoulous]

So, I was on Walmart's site looking for a smart TV with Bluetooth and stumbled upon the JVC LT32MAW2. It popped up right away, but guess what? No Bluetooth! I should’ve checked the details instead of just assuming. But hey, the picture quality is awesome, and it has tons of streaming options.

Now here’s the kicker: when I try to use something like Peacock, it keeps telling me there’s no internet connection. Like, really? It connects just fine to the nursing home’s DirecTV, so I’m confused as to why it can’t hop online. It’s weird because it can get most channels, so it must have internet access somehow. Just a little frustrating, you know?

 

[JazzlikeCustard7611]

So, I picked up this TCL 43S305 TV, and like a lot of folks out there, I’m all about using Raspberry Pis and KODI (I’m rocking OpenELEC on my RPi 3s) to stream stuff at home. Here’s the deal: this TV really doesn’t play nice with the RPi or KODI’s CEC features.

What works:

- My KODI on the RPi3 can control the volume on the TV and even a soundbar through the HDMI-ARC port, which is cool.
- When I shut down KODI or put it in standby, it can turn off both the TV and the soundbar. Handy!
- And when I fire KODI back up, it can power on both the TV and the soundbar. Nice, right?

Now, here’s where things get tricky:

- If KODI shuts down completely, the TV just won’t turn it back on. Total bummer.
- The TV doesn’t let you control KODI with the remote at all, so you gotta either use an app on your phone or a keyboard to make it work. Ugh.
- If you’re like me and try to turn everything on at once using a power strip or something, the TV takes its sweet time booting up. So much so that KODI starts before the TV is even ready and doesn’t recognize it’s plugged in. Then, I have to reboot the RPi. Super annoying.

I’m using this TV in my bedroom where it’s pretty dark, and honestly, the picture quality is just okay. Not terrible, but not impressive either. I was hoping for a step up since I’m replacing a 3-year-old VIZIO that also had so-so video quality. At least the Vizio's CEC worked better!

I’m still fiddling with the KODI and RPi settings to find a way to make it easier for the wife to power things on and off. If I can’t figure it out, I’m sending this TV back.

Now, if you’re into the built-in ROKU feature, then yeah, this TV could be a solid buy for the price. But I’m a KODI fan through and through, so for me, this isn’t looking like a great investment, even at a low cost. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it as your main TV in any room.

It might work fine in a kids' room or a guest room, though!

Catch you later!

 

[fosterzar]

So, I recently picked up this TCL 43S305 TV for our kitchen area, and it’s been a total game changer! Setting it up was super easy—like, I’m talking plug-and-play. It found our 2.4G and 5G WiFi right away, plus a few of our neighbors’ networks too. And all of this for just over $100? Can’t beat that!

The picture quality is awesome, and it comes with Roku built right in, which means tons of streaming options. I can easily switch to my FireTV and control everything with my Harmony 650 remote—spoiler alert: it recognized the TV right away. I don’t even need to touch the Kindle remote anymore. Seriously, it's wild how many ways I can watch stuff with just one remote!

I set up my Harmony remote so I can either dive into the Roku home page for all my apps, hit “Watch TV” for cable, or go for “Watch a Movie” to jump into FireTV. Plus, if I want to keep it simple, I can just use the Kindle home page like a regular Roku streamer.

Now, I can't say for sure how durable it is just yet, but it feels solid and well-made. As for the sound, yeah, it’s a bit on the tinny side since it's a smaller, budget-friendly TV, but I cranked up the bass and it’s all good now. Volume levels are pretty decent too!

Honestly, I didn't take off a star for the sound because I can always grab some Roku wireless speakers later if I want, and even with that, the price is still super reasonable for how much this TV can do. All in all, I’m pretty stoked with this purchase!