Hisense 32A4NF 32"

With smart features in the 92nd percentile, this little Hisense offers one of the best streaming experiences for under $200. But the gaming performance is a disaster (1st percentile, 60Hz, HDMI 1.4), and the 1080p panel looks mediocre compared to modern 4K TVs. Buy it for the Fire TV, not for gaming or cinematic visuals.

The Hisense A4 Series 32A4NF is a tiny TV that punches way above its weight in smart features, landing in the 92nd percentile for smart TV capabilities in our database. That means you're getting one of the best built-in streaming experiences out there, thanks to the zippy Fire TV interface and Alexa voice control. The picture is a 1080p panel that, objectively, sits in the 36th percentile for picture quality, so it's behind most modern 4K sets. But at this size and price, it looks crisp enough for casual viewing, and owners consistently praise the vibrant colors and ease of setup.

The real story here is the trade-off. While the smart platform is a standout, gaming is an absolute afterthought. With a gaming score of 12/100 and a 1st percentile ranking, this TV's 60Hz panel, 16ms response time, and HDMI 1.4 ports mean it's dead last for anything beyond retro consoles. And the remote control? Multiple users find it frustrating, with a wonky back button that makes channel surfing a chore. But if you need a lightweight, wall-mountable screen for a kitchen, dorm, or bedroom, the value is hard to beat.

The star of the show is the Fire TV smart platform. It's snappy, loaded with apps, and integrates Alexa for hands-free control, landing in the 92nd percentile, which makes it one of the best smart TV implementations in our entire database. You'll be streaming Netflix, Prime Video, and a dozen other services within minutes of plugging it in. The audio isn't bad either, with dual 2.0-channel 12W speakers and DTS Virtual:X support scoring a solid 60th percentile, so dialogue comes through clearly without needing a soundbar right away.

But the picture quality tells a different story. The 32-inch 1080p LED panel sits at a mediocre 36th percentile, meaning it can't touch the contrast and sharpness of even entry-level 4K TVs. HDR is practically nonexistent (13th percentile), and the display overall ranks in the 6th percentile when you factor in all modern panel technologies. It's an adequate screen for sitcoms, news, or retro gaming, but don't expect deep blacks or cinematic immersion. And the gaming performance is a serious letdown. With a max refresh rate of 60Hz, input lag around 16ms even in Game Mode, and only HDMI 1.4 ports that cap at 1080p 60fps, this thing ranks in the bottom 1st percentile for gaming. It's fine for a Nintendo Switch or classic consoles, but anything competitive is a non-starter.

The value proposition here is straightforward. You can snag this TV for as little as $110 from Amazon.ca, and at that price, the smart features and acceptable audio make it a steal for secondary spaces. The price spread across vendors is massive (from $110 to over $42,000), but that's clearly data noise. The real deal is in the sub-$200 range. For that money, you're getting a Fire TV experience that outperforms many TVs twice its size, but you have to accept the 1080p panel and useless gaming chops. If you need a tiny smart TV and don't care about 4K or HDR, this is one of the best bargains out there.

When you look at the likes of the LG QNED 86QNED82AUA, TCL QM7K, or Samsung Q7F, you're comparing massive 55-inch QLED and Mini-LED beasts to a humble 32-inch 1080p screen. Those competitors will crush the Hisense in picture quality and gaming, all scoring far above the 36th and 1st percentiles respectively. But they also start at a much larger size and several hundred dollars more. The real competitor here is the Roku Plus Series 55R6C7, which offers a simpler smart interface and better picture, but again, it's a 55-inch screen. If you specifically need a 32-inch TV for a small room, the Hisense's Fire TV smarts (92nd percentile) make it a smarter choice than most other compact TVs, assuming you can live without gaming and 4K.

If you need a TV for a main living room, any kind of serious gaming, or want a cinematic movie experience, look elsewhere. The picture quality is objectively behind the curve at the 36th percentile, and the gaming score of 12/100 puts it at the very bottom of our charts. Even a budget 4K TV from TCL or a used 43-inch model will give you massively better image quality, higher resolution, and proper HDMI 2.1 gaming features.

The Hisense A4 Series 32A4NF is a one-trick pony, but it's a really good trick. If your main goal is a small, affordable screen with top-tier smart streaming and decent sound, this is an excellent buy. The Fire TV platform absolutely delivers, and setup is painless. However, the gaming score of 12/100 and a picture quality that barely cracks the 36th percentile mean you should steer clear if you plan to do any serious gaming or movie watching. For a kitchen counter or guest bedroom where you just need Netflix and occasional retro gaming, it's hard to argue against the price.