.png)
1 week ago
37
Why This Element TV Makes Sense for Bedrooms, Dorms, and Kitchens
The Element 32-inch Roku TV at $117 solves a specific problem: you need a screen in a bedroom, dorm, kitchen, or guest room where streaming convenience matters more than reference-grade picture quality. This isn't the TV for your living room home theater. It's the plug-and-play solution for spaces where you want Netflix, YouTube, or background sports without running another device or thinking about compatibility.
Get the Element 32-Inch Roku TV for $117 on Amazon
At 31.5 inches, this TV fits comfortably on a dresser, desk, or kitchen counter. The built-in Roku platform means no extra streaming stick, no input-switching headaches, and immediate access to thousands of apps the moment you connect to Wi-Fi. For secondary viewing—falling asleep to a show, checking recipes while cooking, or casual dorm-room gaming—this setup eliminates friction for less than the cost of two takeout dinners.
The 720p resolution is the trade-off that makes the sub-$120 price possible. At typical bedroom viewing distances (six to ten feet), the difference between 720p and 1080p becomes difficult to perceive for most casual content. If you're sitting three feet away scrutinizing 4K nature documentaries, this isn't your TV. If you're propped up in bed scrolling through Max or watching morning news in the kitchen, the resolution won't be the limiting factor in your experience.
What You Get: Roku Built In, Three HDMI Ports, and Dolby Audio
The Element delivers the core features you'd expect from a modern budget smart TV:
- 32-inch display with 1280 x 720 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate
- Built-in Roku platform with access to streaming apps, free live TV channels, and voice search
- Three HDMI ports for game consoles, Blu-ray players, or cable boxes
- One USB port and optical audio output for soundbars or external speakers
- Dolby Audio and Bluetooth connectivity
- 200 x 200mm VESA mounting compatibility if you prefer wall installation
- TV tuner for over-the-air antenna use
The included Roku remote provides direct-access buttons for popular services and voice search capability. Setup requires nothing more than Wi-Fi credentials and your streaming logins—the entire onboarding process typically takes under ten minutes from unboxing to watching content.
One notable omission: there's no wired Ethernet port on this model. Streaming relies entirely on Wi-Fi, so a stable wireless connection in the installation room is essential. If your bedroom or dorm has spotty Wi-Fi, address that before buying any streaming-dependent TV.
The 720p Reality Check: When It Matters (and When It Doesn't)
The 1280 x 720 resolution is the specification most buyers fixate on, so let's address it directly. This TV displays fewer pixels than a 1080p Full HD screen and significantly fewer than a 4K model. For certain use cases, that limitation becomes visible. For others, it's functionally invisible.
When 720p works fine: At eight feet away on a 32-inch screen, the pixel density exceeds what most people can resolve with normal vision. Streaming shows, YouTube videos, live sports, and standard cable content all look perfectly acceptable. The Roku interface remains crisp and readable. Background viewing in kitchens or offices shows no meaningful quality penalty.
When you'll notice the difference: Sitting close (under four feet) reveals softer edges and less detail than 1080p. Small on-screen text—particularly in gaming menus or detailed graphics—may appear slightly fuzzy. If you're using this TV as a PC monitor or for competitive gaming, the resolution becomes a real constraint.
Wirecutter's small-TV guidance confirms that 720p is standard in budget 32-inch models and that the practical difference from 1080p diminishes at normal viewing distances. The honest assessment: if you're buying a TV this size and price, you're prioritizing convenience and cost over ultimate picture quality. The 720p panel delivers on that bargain.
How It Compares to Other Sub-$150 32-Inch Smart TVs
The $117 price point places the Element in a narrow field of name-brand 32-inch smart TVs with integrated platforms. Comparable options include the TCL S2-Series with Google TV, the Roku Select Series house-brand TV, and various Westinghouse or Hiro models with Roku built in.
Most alternatives in this size and price bracket also use 720p panels and 60Hz refresh rates. The primary differentiators come down to smart platform preference (Roku versus Google TV versus Amazon Fire TV) and minor variations in port selection or audio specs. Element's three HDMI ports match or exceed most competitors at this price.
Customer ratings provide useful context: Best Buy reports approximately 4.4 out of 5 stars from 216 reviews for this model. That rating suggests general satisfaction with setup ease, value, and everyday performance, while also surfacing common budget-TV complaints about remote reliability and Wi-Fi connectivity quirks.
If you already own Roku devices or prefer that interface, the Element delivers essentially the same software experience as pricier Roku TVs. If you're committed to Google Assistant or Alexa ecosystems, a TCL or Insignia alternative might integrate better with your existing smart home—though you'll likely pay a bit more.
Setup, Remote Reliability, and the Roku App Backup
Physical setup is straightforward: attach the included stand feet, plug in power, connect to Wi-Fi, and log into your Roku account. The TV walks you through channel setup, input labeling, and display adjustments in a guided first-run experience. No instruction manual consulting required.
The included Roku remote uses infrared and offers dedicated app buttons, volume control, and voice search. This is where buyer feedback reveals a common budget-TV compromise: remote reliability can be inconsistent. Some users report occasional unresponsiveness or the need to re-pair remotes. This isn't unique to Element—similar complaints appear across sub-$150 Roku TVs from multiple brands.
The practical workaround: download the Roku mobile app (iOS or Android). The app functions as a full-featured backup remote with a touchscreen interface, voice search, and private listening through headphones. Most owners never need this fallback, but knowing it exists removes the single-point-of-failure risk if the physical remote becomes flaky.
Wi-Fi setup requires a 2.4GHz or 5GHz network. With no Ethernet port, ensure your router reaches the TV's location with adequate signal strength. Streaming 720p content requires roughly 3-5 Mbps bandwidth per device—well within the capability of any modern home internet connection, but potentially challenging in congested dorm networks or weak-signal areas.
Who Should Buy This TV (and Who Should Spend More)
Buy the Element 32-inch Roku TV if:
- You need an inexpensive screen for a bedroom, dorm, kitchen, guest room, or office
- Streaming convenience matters more than picture quality
- You want Roku's interface and app selection without buying a separate device
- Viewing distance will typically exceed six feet
- You're replacing an old tube TV or upgrading from a non-smart model
- Budget constraints make sub-$120 a hard ceiling
Spend more on a different TV if:
- This will be your primary living room television
- You sit close to the screen or use it as a PC monitor
- You're a serious gamer who values high refresh rates and low input lag
- You already own a preferred streaming device and just need a dumb display
- You watch a lot of 4K content and want to see that detail
- You need wired Ethernet connectivity for reliability
This TV succeeds by doing exactly what it promises and nothing more. It streams shows. It fits in tight spaces. It costs less than most people spend on dinner and a movie. For secondary rooms where 'good enough' genuinely is good enough, that value proposition is hard to beat.
The Element 32-inch 720p Roku TV is available on Amazon for $117.43. Sub-$120 smart TVs with built-in Roku platforms remain relatively rare, making this pricing notable for buyers in this specific segment. Before purchasing, verify the exact model number matches your needs and confirm the seller's return policy. Standard Wi-Fi network requirements and separate streaming service subscriptions apply.
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
