Toshiba V35RU Toshiba - 32" Class V35 Series LED HD 720p Smart Review

This is a $110 TV with a 95th percentile smart platform but a 6th percentile 720p display. Buy it for a bedroom or RV where you just need easy streaming, not for a sharp picture. The audio is better than you'd expect.

The Toshiba V35RU is a $110 32-inch smart TV that knows exactly what it is: a small, cheap screen for a bedroom, kitchen, or RV. Its smart features land in the 95th percentile, which is its biggest strength, and it's packing HDR support that scores in the 84th percentile. But let's be clear from the start: the display itself sits in the 6th percentile, because it's a 720p panel in a world of 4K. This isn't your main living room TV, but for a secondary spot where you just need something that works, it's got a compelling argument.

Performance is a story of extremes. On one hand, you've got a Fire TV experience that's smoother than 95% of TVs in our database, which means navigating Netflix or Prime Video is genuinely snappy. The audio, thanks to DTS Virtual:X, also punches above its weight at the 80th percentile. On the other hand, the 720p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate put its raw picture quality and gaming chops in the bottom half of the pack—45th and 37th percentiles, respectively. The 'HDR Compatible' label is there, but on a 720p screen, don't expect the eye-popping contrast you get from a proper 4K HDR set. It's a capable streamer, not a visual powerhouse.

At $110, the value proposition is entirely about the smart features and the size. You're paying for a capable Fire TV interface wrapped in a 32-inch shell, not for a stunning picture. The audio and HDR support are nice bonuses that you don't always get at this price. Compared to no-name brands, the Toshiba name and the polished Fire OS add a layer of reliability that's worth the few extra bucks over the absolute cheapest options.

Stacked against its peers, the V35RU carves out a niche. The Sony BRAVIA 5 or LG G5 it is not—those are flagship 4K sets costing over ten times as much. A more direct competitor would be something like a 32-inch TCL or Insignia Roku TV. The Toshiba's advantage is its 95th percentile smart platform score, which often beats the budget competition on interface speed. However, many rivals at this size now offer 1080p resolution, which would handily beat the Toshiba's 6th percentile display score. If picture clarity is your priority, look for a 1080p model. If you just want the smoothest streaming experience on a tiny budget, this Toshiba has the edge.

Skip this TV if you're looking for a primary living room set. Its 6th percentile display score means the 720p picture will look soft and dated from a normal couch distance. Hardcore gamers should also avoid it due to the 37th percentile gaming features. And if you watch a lot of live TV and hate on-screen guides, the lack of number buttons on the remote will drive you nuts. This is a specialist for small spaces, not a generalist.

We can recommend the Toshiba V35RU, but with very specific conditions. If you need a super cheap TV for a secondary space like a guest room, kitchen, or camper, and your main activity is streaming via Fire TV, it's a good buy. The excellent smart platform and decent audio make streaming pleasant. However, if this will be your primary TV, or if you care about picture sharpness for gaming or movies, its 6th percentile display score is a deal-breaker. Look for a 1080p model instead, even if it costs a bit more.