Roku Smart TV – 24-Inch Select vs TOSHIBA 32" Class V35 Series LED

Design and build quality

The physical construction of these televisions differs primarily in their visual presentation and screen real estate. The Toshiba model incorporates a bezel-less design, which is intended to maximize the viewable screen area and provide a more immersive visual experience. This design choice reduces the visual distraction of the frame around the panel. The Roku Select Series focuses on functional integration within a smart home environment. It is designed to fit into various setups, emphasizing ease of placement. Both units are built as standard LED television sets, but the Toshiba explicitly highlights its chassis design as a key feature for enhancing the viewing experience through reduced bezel intrusion.

Display size and specifications

Screen size is a significant differentiator between these two models. The Toshiba unit features a 32-inch class display, offering substantially more surface area for viewing content compared to the 24-inch panel found on the Roku Select. A larger screen allows for better visibility from a distance and can make shared viewing more comfortable in living room settings. The Roku 24-inch model is positioned as a compact solution, potentially suitable for smaller rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms where space is limited. While both provide HD capability, the physical dimensions of the Toshiba provide a clear advantage for users prioritizing screen size within this price bracket.

Picture quality technology

Image processing and backlighting technologies vary between the two options. The Toshiba V35 Series utilizes a Direct LED backlight system. Compared with conventional backlighting methods, this approach provides more precise and uniform brightness across the screen, ensuring a more realistic and detailed picture. Additionally, Toshiba employs the REGZA Engine High Grade, which optimizes picture quality beyond standard HD capability regardless of the content source. Essential PQ Technology is also included to enhance detail and deliver true-to-life images. The Roku model mentions fast Wi-Fi and app launch speeds but does not specify proprietary picture processing engines or backlight types in the provided data.

Sound performance and audio

Audio capabilities are a strong focus for the Toshiba television. It features REGZA Power Audio, which aims to let users hear sound as if they are present in the scene. This is achieved through dual clear direct speakers that provide a well-balanced sound experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of DTS Virtual:X technology delivers virtual height and multi-channel virtual surround sound. This processing can create a more immersive audio environment without the need for external speakers. The Roku model mentions the ability to share music and photos effortlessly but does not list specific speaker configurations or audio processing technologies like DTS in the provided feature set.

Smart platform and interface

The Roku Select Series is built around the Roku operating system, which is highlighted as a key feature. The interface is described as intuitive, making exploration of popular apps easy. Users can access over 500 TV channels, including live in-season shows, hit movies, weather, and local news. The home screen is customizable, allowing users to move apps around to prioritize their preferred content. Automatic software updates ensure the system receives the newest apps and features over time. The Toshiba model's provided data does not explicitly detail its smart platform interface, focusing instead on picture and audio engines, leaving the Roku with a documented advantage in smart feature description.

Connectivity and voice control

Integration with external devices and voice assistants is detailed primarily for the Roku model. It supports easy voice control compatible with Roku Voice, Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. This wide compatibility allows users to control the television using various existing smart home ecosystems. The device also supports fast Wi-Fi for seamless streaming and app launching. Users can effortlessly share videos, photos, and music to the screen. The Toshiba product data does not specify voice assistant compatibility or wireless connectivity standards, making the Roku the clearer choice for users requiring specific smart home integrations and voice control options.

Price and value proposition

Pricing places these two televisions in a competitive budget segment. The Roku 24-Inch Select is listed at $99.99, making it the more affordable option in terms of initial cost. The Toshiba 32-inch model is priced at $109.99, representing a ten-dollar increase. When evaluating value, the Toshiba offers a larger screen and more advanced picture and audio technologies for the slight price premium. The Roku offers a lower entry price with a strong focus on streaming functionality. Consumers must weigh the benefit of the larger 32-inch screen and enhanced audio against the lower cost and robust smart platform of the 24-inch Roku model.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these models depends on prioritizing screen size and hardware tech versus smart features and cost. If having a larger display and better integrated audio and picture processing is the primary goal, the Toshiba 32-inch V35 Series is the superior option. It provides Direct LED lighting, DTS audio, and a bezel-less design. However, if the budget is strict or if specific voice assistant compatibility and a proven streaming interface are required, the Roku 24-Inch Select is a viable alternative. It offers extensive channel access and smart home integration at a lower price point, suitable for secondary rooms or users deeply invested in the Roku ecosystem.