Roku Smart TV – 32-Inch Select vs Westinghouse 32-inch Smart TV

Design and build quality

Both televisions are designed to fit comfortably into smaller living environments. The Roku Smart TV 32-Inch Select is marketed as a perfect fit for any smart home, emphasizing integration with existing ecosystems. Its design focuses on functionality within a compact form factor. The Westinghouse 32-inch Smart TV explicitly targets bedrooms, dorms, or small living spaces with an energy-efficient design. Both units utilize LED flat screen technology suitable for confined areas. While specific dimensions are not provided in the data, the 32-inch class size indicates a similar physical footprint for both models. The Westinghouse model highlights its suitability for limited spaces, suggesting a streamlined build.

Display and Picture Quality

Picture performance is a critical factor for entry-level televisions. The Westinghouse model specifies High Definition resolution with progressive scan technology. This feature is noted to provide reduced flicker and smoother motion, which can enhance the viewing experience during sports or action sequences. The description promises a vibrant, crystal-clear picture ideal for streaming and gaming. The Roku Select Series focuses on the speed of entertainment delivery rather than specific panel technologies in the provided text. While both are 32-inch models, the Westinghouse unit provides more technical detail regarding scan technology. Without explicit resolution numbers like 720p or 1080p in the text, both fall under the High Definition category suitable for this screen size.

Smart Platform and Interface

The operating system distinguishes these two units significantly. The Roku Select Series utilizes the Roku interface, described as intuitive. A key feature is the home screen that allows users to move apps around, making the experience customizable. This flexibility helps users get to what they want to watch fast. The Westinghouse TV runs on XUMO TV, offering instant access to top apps in one place. It emphasizes saying goodbye to app-hopping through universal search. Both platforms aim to simplify navigation, but Roku offers specific customization options for the home screen layout. The Roku interface is designed to make exploring popular apps as easy as it is fun.

Content Library and Streaming

Access to entertainment varies between the two smart platforms. The Roku TV boasts 500+ TV channels, including live in-season shows, hit movies, weather, and local news. It also features award-winning Roku Originals. The Westinghouse XUMO Play app features 350+ free live channels. However, Westinghouse counters with 70,000+ on-demand movies and shows across sports, news, and entertainment. Both platforms offer no subscription requirements for their free content tiers. Roku focuses on the volume of live channels, while Westinghouse highlights a massive on-demand library. Users prioritizing live TV may prefer Roku, while movie seekers might lean toward Westinghouse.

Voice Control and Connectivity

Connectivity and control options are robust on both devices. The Roku TV supports easy voice control with Roku Voice, Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. This broad compatibility allows integration with various smart home ecosystems. Users can effortlessly share videos, photos, and music. The Westinghouse model includes a voice remote for universal search and voice search. Users can search by title, genre, actor, or keyword instantly across favorite streaming apps. While both offer voice capabilities, the Roku model supports external assistants like Siri and Google Assistant directly. The Westinghouse relies on its included remote for voice commands. Both units feature fast Wi-Fi capabilities to ensure apps launch quickly.

Audio Performance

Audio specifications are limited in the provided data for both units. The Westinghouse TV mentions built-in speakers as part of its energy-efficient design, making it a perfect fit for small spaces. This suggests adequate audio for personal viewing without external soundbars. The Roku description mentions sharing music, implying audio playback capabilities through the device. Neither product lists specific wattage or sound technologies like Dolby Atmos in the provided text. For a 32-inch television intended for bedrooms or dorms, built-in audio is standard. Users requiring higher fidelity may need to connect external audio sources via available ports, though port specifics are not listed.

Price and Value

Cost is a major differentiator between these two models. The Westinghouse 32-inch Smart TV is priced at $114.99, making it the more affordable option. The Roku Smart TV 32-Inch Select is listed at $129.99. The price difference of $15.00 may influence budget-conscious buyers. Westinghouse offers a lower entry price with a large on-demand library. Roku commands a slight premium, potentially justified by the broader voice assistant support and larger live channel count. Both represent value propositions in the budget TV segment. The Westinghouse model provides energy efficiency, which may lead to long-term savings on electricity. The Roku model offers automatic software updates, ensuring longevity of features.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these televisions depends on specific user priorities. If budget is the primary concern, the Westinghouse 32-inch Smart TV is the cheaper option at $114.99. It also offers a substantial on-demand library of 70,000+ titles and progressive scan technology for smoother motion. However, if ecosystem integration and live TV variety are more important, the Roku Smart TV 32-Inch Select is the better choice. It supports more voice assistants and offers 500+ free live channels. The customizable home screen on the Roku also provides a more tailored user experience. For users already invested in smart home devices using Alexa or Google, the Roku compatibility offers distinct advantages. Both TVs serve well in small spaces, but the software experience differs.