Samsung UN32F4000 Review (UN32F4000AF)

32 inch 720p 60Hz LED TV

Samsung UN32F4000 LED TV The UN32F4000 is the bottom of the line for Samsung's 2013/2014 lineup. It is about as basic as it gets, making it purely a budget model. It has a 720p display with a 60Hz refresh rate. There are no Smart TV features or 3D playback found on this one. It is only available in a 32 inch size, so the resolution and refresh rate really don't need to be improved upon as it would be hard to see a noticeable difference. This would be a perfect addition to a student's dorm room, a guest room, or office.

Picture Quality

720p Resolution and 60Hz Refresh Rate

720p may be a sore spot for some, but there is really no problem with a screen that is not 1080p. Using the TV as a computer monitor is going to be the only place where it really makes a difference at a size this small. Most over-the-air broadcasts and cable programming are still in 720p or 1080i. Even a good number of video games rank in at 720p. So you will really be using the UN32F4000 to its full potential. When you think about the price it goes for it really makes sense. The 60Hz refresh rate seems a little low, but it surely keeps the cost down on this one. Motion blur and judder are not going to be highly noticeable on a 32-inch screen this size as well. Those who are looking may be able to see some, but you have to really be looking.

LED Backlighting

The LED backlighting really makes the picture quality pop on the UN32F4000. Overall viewing quality is enhanced due to the light throughput although the picture is much dimmer than some of the larger top end LED TVs in Samsung's lineup. Areas of the screen where content sunlight hits a picture background or image are brighter and more saturated than with LCD CCFL TVs. Color is an area in which this backlight does not excel. Saturation compared to plasma and other LED manufacturers is lacking. The backlight can wash them out so we recommend a moderated backlight setting which can be found in the picture controls menu.

Side Viewing Angles

Side viewing angles on the UN32F4000 are certainly not as bad as some TVs have been in the past. Contrast and color begin to degrade at about the 30 degree mark. This is typical for LCD/LED TVs and this one is not plagued by terrible viewing angles.

Appearance

The F4000 looks similar to the F5000 and F5500 above it in the lineup. For a budget model like this one, the look isn't bad at all. Glossy black plastic bezels measure in at .75 inches thin to give the TV an updated appearance. The square stand is nothing new, but doesn't hold the TV back. The stand is the same black plastic as the bezel. It's nice to see the low end TVs looking so good.

^{Jack Burden has been reviewing and writing reviews in the consumer electronics category for 7 years with CEAG. He considers grayscale gradation, film patterned retarders, and focus field drives to be fun topics. Read more about Jack}