VIZIO D-Series 24″ Smart TV review exploring features, performance, and value

Description

Compact and Functional Design

The VIZIO D-Series™ 24” Class (23.80″ Diag.) Smart TV immediately caught my attention with its sleek, minimalist design. Its slim profile and lightweight build (just 7.5 pounds) made it easy to mount on a wall or place on a small desk. I tested it in a guest bedroom, and its compact size fit perfectly without overwhelming the space. The 16:9 aspect ratio and black finish added a modern aesthetic that blended seamlessly with the rest of the decor.

Despite its smaller size, the display didn’t feel lacking. In fact, the 23.5-inch screen, measured diagonally, struck a perfect balance between portability and visibility. The overall build felt sturdy, and the flat screen design was a nice touch for reducing glare in a well-lit room.

Stunning Picture Quality

One of the biggest highlights of this TV is its 1080p Full HD resolution, which delivered sharp and vibrant images. Watching movies and TV shows felt immersive, even on a smaller screen. Blu-ray movies and other 1080p content looked crisp, with fine details easily noticeable.

The LED backlighting technology really impressed me in terms of performance under different lighting conditions. Whether I used it during the day with natural light pouring in or in a dimly lit room, the screen maintained deep blacks and vibrant colors. It’s not OLED-level quality, but for a TV in this size and price category, it’s more than satisfactory.

Smart Features and Connectivity

The built-in Wi-Fi Smart TV functionality completely changed how I accessed entertainment. With Chromecast built-in, I could stream directly from my phone to the TV without any complicated setup. Apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu worked flawlessly via the SmartCast Mobile app, which essentially turned my phone into a touchscreen remote.

Navigating these apps was relatively smooth using the included remote control, though I found myself relying more on the mobile app for its tap-to-stream features. However, I noticed that the SmartCast interface lagged slightly when launching certain apps. While not a dealbreaker, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re someone who values speed.

Audio Performance

The built-in speakers, although functional, left a bit to be desired. Sound quality was clear but lacked the depth and richness needed for an immersive experience. I found myself wishing for a soundbar or external speakers, especially during action scenes in movies or when listening to music.

On the plus side, the TV’s volume output was sufficient for smaller rooms, and speech clarity was good in most cases. For casual viewing, it’s perfectly acceptable, but audio enthusiasts might want to invest in additional speakers.

Key Benefits

• Compact size makes it ideal for small spaces like dorm rooms or bedrooms.
• 1080p resolution delivers crisp and detailed visuals.
• Built-in Chromecast and SmartCast Mobile app simplify streaming from smartphones.
• LED backlighting ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Shortcomings

• SmartCast interface can feel sluggish at times.
• Audio quality is adequate but lacks depth, making external speakers a worthwhile addition.

Competing Products

Comparing this TV to similar offerings from brands like TCL and Samsung, I noticed some trade-offs. TCL’s Roku TVs, for example, provide a more user-friendly streaming interface and often boast better sound quality, but they lack the seamless Chromecast integration that the VIZIO offers.

Samsung’s smaller models are known for their premium build quality and superior image processing, yet they come at a higher price point. The VIZIO, by contrast, stands out for its affordable Smart TV functionality and practical size, especially for those prioritizing value over advanced features.

True Value

For anyone looking for a budget-friendly TV under 24 inches, this product offers excellent value for its price. The combination of Full HD resolution, smart capabilities, and a compact, lightweight build makes it an attractive option for secondary spaces like kitchens or guest rooms. While it’s not without its flaws—audio performance and a slightly laggy interface—it delivers solid performance where it counts.

If you’re in the market for a reliable, smaller-sized Smart TV that won’t break the bank, this one is worth considering. It may not blow you away with cutting-edge features, but it gets the job done and does so with style.

Additional information