A 32-inch TV sits in a useful middle ground. It's large enough to fill a bedroom or smaller living room without overwhelming it, and small enough to work in spaces where a bigger screen would feel out of place. It's one of the most popular sizes sold in the UK for good reason.
But not every 32-inch TV is built the same, and there are a few things worth understanding before you part with your money.
Is 32 inches the right size for your room?
Screen size is measured diagonally, so a 32-inch TV is roughly 70cm wide. For a bedroom, that's typically ideal. For a living room, it depends on how far back you'll be sitting.
As a general guide, you want to be sitting about 1.2 to 1.5 metres from a 32-inch screen for a comfortable viewing experience. Closer than that and you'll start to notice the pixels; further back and the picture starts to feel small. If your sofa is more than two metres from the wall, you might want to consider stepping up to a larger size.
HD Ready vs Full HD: which one matters?
A 32-inch screen is small enough that the difference between HD Ready (720p) and Full HD (1080p) is less dramatic than on a larger set. That said, Full HD gives you more detail, especially if you're watching Blu-ray content or streaming in high definition.
4K resolution on a 32-inch screen is generally considered overkill. The pixel density is already high enough that 4K content doesn't look noticeably sharper at normal viewing distances. It would also push the price up without a meaningful improvement in your day-to-day viewing.
Smart or non-smart?
Smart TVs connect to the internet and give you access to streaming services, catch-up TV, and apps. If your broadband reaches the room and you use services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or YouTube regularly, a smart TV makes a lot of sense.
That said, not everyone needs or wants internet-connected features. If you're buying for a spare room, a holiday home, or somewhere you mainly watch live TV, a non-smart set keeps things simple, tends to be more reliable long-term, and usually costs less.
Cello makes both. You can browse the full 32 to 50 inch TV range to compare what's available, or take a look at the non-smart TV collection if you'd prefer something straightforward.
What about Freeview?
Most 32-inch TVs come with built-in Freeview, which gives you access to over 70 channels without a subscription. Freeview Play adds catch-up services from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 on top of live TV, which is a useful extra if you miss something.
If you use a satellite dish or a cable service, check whether the TV has the right tuner before you buy. Not all sets include a satellite tuner as standard.
Connections to look out for
Think about what you want to plug in. HDMI ports are used for games consoles, streaming sticks, and Blu-ray players. USB ports let you play media files directly from a drive. A 3.5mm headphone jack is useful if you want to watch without disturbing anyone else.
Most modern 32-inch TVs include at least two HDMI ports and one or two USB ports, but it's worth checking the spec sheet if connectivity matters to you.
Is a 32-inch TV made in the UK?
Cello Electronics manufactures its TVs in the UK, which means shorter supply chains, better quality control, and products built to British broadcast standards. If that matters to you, it's worth knowing before you shop around.
Take a look at the UK Made range or head to the full TV collection to find the right 32-inch set for your space.