VIZIO 24-inch D-Series Smart TV review Full HD with Apple AirPlay

Description

Versatile Design that Fits Anywhere

The VIZIO 24-inch D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV (D24f-J09) has a design that immediately caught my attention. Its compact 24-inch screen size is perfect for smaller spaces like bedrooms, kitchens, or even a cozy corner of my workspace. Despite its smaller stature, the sleek black finish and minimalist frame give it a modern and polished appearance. I found the TV to be impressively lightweight, weighing just 6.07 pounds, which made it easy to move around when I needed to rearrange my setup. The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures it can handle most content formats without awkward letterboxing or cropping, which was a pleasant surprise for such a budget-friendly option.

While convenient for tight spaces, the stand provided felt a bit flimsy, and I would recommend wall mounting it for added security and a cleaner look. Thankfully, it is VESA mount compatible, so setting it up on the wall was straightforward.

Picture Quality That Impresses for the Price

I wasn’t expecting much from a TV in this price range, but the 1080p Full HD resolution delivered a crisp image that exceeded my expectations. Watching a variety of shows and movies, the full array LED backlight stood out by providing better contrast and uniformity than some edge-lit models I’ve used in the past. Colors were vibrant, and details in darker scenes were surprisingly clear for a TV at this level.

The IQ Picture Processor is another feature I appreciated. It made the TV feel responsive when navigating menus or switching between apps. Streaming content loaded quickly, and the picture processing improved the overall viewing experience by sharpening visuals and balancing color tones effectively.

However, if you’re someone who’s used to 4K or OLED displays, you might notice the limitations here. The lack of advanced HDR support means it won’t provide the same depth or range of colors as higher-end TVs. But for casual viewing, the picture quality on this model is more than sufficient.

Smooth Gaming Experience with V-Gaming Engine

As someone who enjoys gaming occasionally, I was eager to test the V-Gaming Engine on this TV. It’s equipped with features like Auto Game Mode, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) with AMD FreeSync, and low input lag, all of which combine to make gaming feel smoother and more responsive. Plugging in my console and diving into fast-paced games, I immediately noticed the difference. There was minimal screen tearing or lag during gameplay, which is a huge plus for this category.

The addition of a new gaming menu was another highlight for me. It allowed me to tweak settings tailored to gaming, ensuring the best performance depending on the type of game I was playing. However, the 9-watt built-in speakers didn’t do justice to the immersive audio I prefer for gaming, so I ended up connecting external speakers for a better audio experience.

Smart Features That Deliver Convenience

The SmartCast platform built into the TV is a game-changer. It gives you instant access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and HBO Max, all without needing an external device. I was particularly impressed with the integration of Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, which made sharing content from my phone or laptop seamless.

Another standout was the inclusion of WatchFree+, offering access to hundreds of free live TV channels right out of the box. It’s perfect for someone looking to cut the cord and rely solely on streaming and free content. The intelligent voice recognition feature, compatible with Alexa, made navigating through apps even easier. I could simply ask Alexa to pull up a specific show or app, and it worked like a charm.

That said, the interface could feel a bit sluggish at times, especially when switching between apps. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re used to faster, more premium systems.

Key Benefits

• Compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for smaller spaces.
• 1080p Full HD resolution ensures clear and crisp picture quality.
• V-Gaming Engine enhances gaming performance with low input lag and VRR.
• SmartCast platform provides access to top-tier streaming services and free live TV.
• Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast integration adds versatility for content sharing.

Caveats

• Built-in speakers lack depth and might need external speakers for a better audio experience.
• The stand feels flimsy, so wall-mounting is a better option.
• Interface performance can be sluggish when navigating multiple apps.
• No advanced HDR support, which limits color depth compared to higher-end models.

Competing Products

When comparing this compact smart TV to its competitors, a few options come to mind. For instance, Samsung’s 24-inch Smart TV offers a similar screen size and streaming capabilities but comes with a slightly higher price tag. It has a more polished interface but lacks the dedicated gaming features found in this model.

On the other hand, LG’s small-screen smart TVs often boast better audio quality and HDR support but don’t include features like AMD FreeSync or a dedicated gaming engine. For gamers or those who prioritize a smooth gaming experience, the VIZIO D-Series has a clear edge.

Another alternative is the TCL 32-inch Smart Roku TV, which provides a user-friendly Roku interface and slightly larger screen size. However, it doesn’t offer the same variable refresh rate capabilities or AirPlay/Chromecast integration, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

True Value

For what this 24-inch smart TV offers, it’s hard to argue against its overall value proposition. The combination of Full HD resolution, gaming-focused features, and a robust SmartCast platform makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers. While it has some limitations, such as average audio and occasional sluggishness, the price-to-quality ratio is undeniably strong.

If you’re in the market for a compact TV that punches above its weight in terms of features, the VIZIO D-Series Full HD Smart TV is worth considering. Whether it’s for casual streaming, gaming, or as a secondary TV for smaller spaces, it delivers where it counts.

Additional information