32-inch TV Resolutions: What is the Best Resolution?

32-inch TVs are available in three resolutions: 720p(HD), 1080p(FHD) and 4K(UHD). The prices of the TVs go up with the resolution.
Do you really need a 1080p or 4k resolution for a 32-inch TV? Or 720p will be enough?
If you have got similar questions, we’ve got the answers.
This Blog covers:
What Is The Best Resolution For A 32-inch TV?
The best resolution for 32-inch TVs is 1080p (FHD) due to five reasons. First, this resolution strikes a balance between screen size and pixel density, ensuring sharp, crisp, and vibrant display quality. Second, the ideal 32-inch TV viewing distance range for Full HD resolution is 4-6.6 ft which most people prefer. Third, most of the streaming content is still available in 1080p and not in 4k. Fourth, 1080p TVs are a good option for gaming because most games are 1080p and you can sit closer to TV than 720p. Fifth, TVs are reasonably priced with many options from all brands and thin bezel designs.
Let’s go into detail!
What Are Different 32-inch TV Resolutions?
As you know, 32-inch TVs come in 720p, 1080p and 4k resolutions. Let’s understand how each resolution impacts the display quality of the image and viewing experience.
32” TV Resolutions | Width x Height (Pixels) | Total Pixels | PPI | Designed Viewing Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
720p (HD) | 1280×720 | Approx. 1 million | 45.89 | 6.6 ft |
1080p (FHD) | 1920x1080p | Approx. 2 million | 68.84 | 4 ft |
4k (UHD) | 3840×2160 | Approx. 8 million | 137.68 | 2.2 ft |
32-inch 720p Resolution (HD) Explained
720p resolution is also known as HD (High Definition). It is a display format with a pixel count of 1280×720. It means 720 pixels of horizontal lines and 1280 vertical lines, resulting in a total of around 1 million.
But the relationship between screen size and resolution is through Pixel Density Per Inch. It means how many pixels per inch of area. The larger the value of PPI, the more detailed and sharp the display image quality will be. The PPI for a 32-inch TV with 720p resolution is 45.89 PPI.
Is 720p enough for a 32-inch TV?
720p resolution is enough for a 32-inch TV but not good enough. They have good picture quality, affordable prices, and most content is streamed at 720p. But you can’t enjoy as much detail, sharpness, and vibrancy as offered by 1080p TVs. The designed viewing distance for a 32-inch 720p TV is 6.6ft, which means you should not sit closer than that. So not suitable for using as a gaming monitor. You only have a few options because most brands are not releasing 720p TVs anymore. The design is a bit dated due to large bezels so you don’t get the full potential of 32-inch screen size. If you have a budget constraint, and you will sit at 6.6ft or farther from the TV, you can still go for a 720p TV.
You may also like to read our comparison of 32 vs 43 vs 55-inch TV Size
32-inch 1080p Resolution (FHD) Explained
1080p resolution, also called Full High Definition (FHD), means the screen has 1920 x 1080 pixels or tiny dots. It has around 2 million pixels. So the pixel count is double that of a 720p TV.
The PPI for Full HD TV is 68.9.
You can have much better pictures than lower resolutions on FHD. It has more pixels to make images sharper for movies, TV, games, and using computers.
With 1080p FHD, your view becomes more real. Pixels are close together, so images are clear and smooth. It’s good for 32-inch TVs, balancing picture quality and screen size.
For 32-inch screens, FHD keeps content clear and enjoyable, without stressing your eyes.
Is 1080p Enough for a 32-inch TV?
Yes, 1080p resolution is enough for a 32-inch TV. The pixel density of 1080p on a 32-inch screen is considered perfect for most viewing distances and content types. A 32-inch TV with 1080p resolution has about 68 pixels in every inch. When you sit at a normal distance from a 32-inch TV with 1080p resolution, you’ll see a more clear screen.
This makes the picture look really clear and sharp without any fuzziness. So, for a 32-inch TV with 1080p resolution, the distance you sit from the screen is just right for everything to look good.
32-inch 4K UHD resolution Explained
4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) resolution refers to a display resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which results in approximately 8.3 million pixels on the screen.
4K UHD offers four times the number of pixels at 1080p resolution, enhancing image detail and clarity. This high pixel count is particularly beneficial for larger screens, where the enhanced pixel density ensures sharper and more lifelike visuals.
The increased resolution becomes most noticeable when viewing content on larger screens or sitting closer to the screen. It allows for greater immersion and a more cinematic experience, making it well-suited for movies, gaming, and content creation.
Is 32-Inch 4K Worth It?
In most cases, a 32-inch 4k TV is not worth the money for three reasons. You can only benefit from higher resolution if you sit closer than 4 feet away from the TV. Most of the streaming content and games are still 1080p. You can say 4k is a bit overkill for 32-inch TV. Only situations where it can be a good choice is for close-up viewing and tasks like photo/video editing or as gaming monitor, where finer details matter. And you are future proof as well. The difference between 1080p and 4K is more noticeable on larger screens. A 32-inch 4K TV still offers improved sharpness, smoother lines, and enhanced color accuracy.
Conclusion
For a 32-inch TV, it’s best to go with 1080p(Full HD) resolution. This 32-inch TV resolution perfectly balances screen size and pixel density, offering the best picture quality.
If you need a more budget-friendly option with good-quality content, 720p is good to go. 4k resolution is best when you need a TV for gaming or picture editing where you need to work closely with the screen.