Finlux MH24F 32 inch Smart Fire TV Review: The Ultimate Budget Smart TV Test

In our home, the main living room television is a carefully chosen centerpiece for movie nights and binge-watching our favourite series. But the real unsung hero of daily life is the second screen. It’s the one in the kitchen that keeps you company while you cook, the one in the kid’s playroom that streams endless cartoons, or the one in the bedroom for those lazy Sunday mornings. The search for this perfect secondary TV is often fraught with a unique challenge: we want all the modern smart features—quick access to Netflix, Prime Video, and voice control—but we don’t want to pay the premium price of a flagship model. It’s a quest for maximum functionality at a minimal cost. Not finding the right solution can lead to frustration with slow, clunky interfaces on older “dumb” TVs, a mess of wires from external streaming sticks, or simply overspending on features that are overkill for a smaller space. This is precisely the niche where a TV like the Finlux MH24F 32 inch Smart Fire TV aims to dominate, promising a full-featured smart experience without the hefty price tag.

What to Consider Before Buying a Compact Smart TV

A TV, especially a compact one for a specific room, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for entertainment, information, and even smart home control in spaces where a large screen is impractical. It solves the problem of needing a dedicated media hub in a bedroom, kitchen, or office without dominating the room’s aesthetic or budget. The main benefits are convenience and consolidation. With a built-in smart platform like Fire TV, you eliminate the need for extra devices and remotes, creating a clean, integrated setup that gives you instant access to a world of content.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the need for a modern television in a secondary space. This includes parents setting up a playroom, students outfitting a dorm room, homeowners wanting a screen in the kitchen for recipes and shows, or anyone looking for an affordable bedroom TV. It’s for the pragmatist who values smart features and convenience over cutting-edge, top-tier 4K performance. Conversely, this TV might not be suitable for dedicated cinephiles looking to build a primary home theatre system, as they would likely prioritize a larger screen, 4K or 8K resolution, and more advanced panel technology like OLED or QLED. For those users, a high-performance model from a flagship brand would be a more appropriate, albeit much more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A 32-inch screen is ideal for smaller rooms where viewing distance is typically shorter. Measure your intended space carefully, accounting for ventilation around the unit. Consider whether you’ll use the included stand or a VESA wall mount, which can save precious surface area on a dresser or countertop. The relatively slim bezels on modern sets like this Finlux help maximize screen real estate without adding unnecessary bulk.
• Performance: For a TV this size, “HD Ready” (720p) resolution is often perfectly adequate, delivering a sharp enough image from a normal viewing distance. The more critical performance metric is the smart platform. A responsive, snappy interface like the integrated Fire TV OS is crucial for a smooth user experience, ensuring apps load quickly and navigation is seamless. Features like HDR10, while more impactful on 4K screens, can still provide a noticeable boost in contrast and colour on supported content.
• Materials & Durability: At this budget-friendly price point, expect a primarily plastic construction. This keeps the TV lightweight and affordable. Pay attention to the stability of the included stand and the overall fit and finish. While it won’t feel as premium as a flagship metal-bodied TV, it should feel solid and well-assembled, free from creaks or excessive flex.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The integration of a familiar operating system like Fire TV and a voice assistant like Alexa is a massive plus for usability. It simplifies everything from searching for content to controlling smart home devices. The remote should be intuitive, and the initial setup process straightforward. For maintenance, a simple dusting with a microfiber cloth is all that’s typically required.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Finlux MH24F 32 inch Smart Fire TV stands out in several areas, particularly its integration of a powerful smart platform at an accessible price. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the latest pricing here.

While the Finlux MH24F 32 inch Smart Fire TV is an excellent choice for its category, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, especially if you’re considering a premium panel for your main viewing room, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing and First Impressions: A Lightweight Contender

The Finlux MH24F 32 inch Smart Fire TV arrived in a surprisingly compact and lightweight box. Weighing in at just over 5 kg, it was incredibly easy for one person to handle and manoeuvre, a refreshing change from the cumbersome packaging of larger televisions. Inside, the TV was securely nestled in styrofoam, along with the two plastic feet that serve as its stand, a bag of screws, the Alexa voice remote, batteries, and a quick-start guide. Assembly was a breeze; attaching the feet took less than two minutes with a standard Phillips screwdriver.

Our first impression of the unit itself is that it’s unapologetically a budget TV, but in a good way. The chassis is constructed entirely of black plastic, but it feels sturdy enough for its purpose. The bezels around the screen are reasonably slim for this class, giving it a more modern look than some of its budget predecessors. It’s not going to win any design awards, but it’s clean, unobtrusive, and will blend into any room without drawing undue attention. Powering it on for the first time, we were greeted by the familiar Fire TV setup process, which was as simple and intuitive as we’ve come to expect, guiding us through Wi-Fi connection and account login seamlessly.

A Deep Dive into the Finlux MH24F’s Performance

A low price tag is attractive, but performance is what truly determines value. We spent considerable time putting the Finlux MH24F 32 inch Smart Fire TV through its paces, moving beyond the spec sheet to understand how it functions in the real world. From navigating its smart interface to evaluating its picture and sound, we analysed every key aspect of the user experience.

Fire TV OS & Smart Features: The Brains of the Operation

The single greatest strength of this television is its brain: the integrated Fire TV operating system. This is not a sluggish, proprietary smart interface; it’s the full-fledged, responsive, and app-rich experience you get from one of the market’s leading streaming devices, built right in. From the moment we completed the setup, navigation was fast and fluid. The home screen is content-forward, presenting recommendations from various services like Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+, which makes discovering new shows a breeze. We found the TV runs fast, a sentiment echoed by users who noted its speed compared to other brands.

App support is comprehensive. All the major players are here: Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Now TV, TNT Sports, and more, all accessible via the central app store. One user review mentioned a missing YouTube app, but we had no such issue; the app was available for download and worked flawlessly, suggesting it may have been a temporary glitch or user error during initial setup. The inclusion of Freeview Play is another major win, seamlessly integrating live and on-demand content from UK broadcasters like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and All 4 directly into the TV’s guide.

The real star, however, is the Alexa integration. The included voice remote allows for effortless control. Holding the button and saying “Play The Crown on Netflix” or “Show me comedy movies” works instantly and accurately. It’s more than just content search; we used it to check the weather, control smart home lights, and ask general questions. This level of smart integration is genuinely transformative at this price point, turning the TV into a central hub for the room. It’s this seamless, powerful smart experience that makes the Finlux MH24F 32 inch Smart Fire TV feel far more premium than its price suggests.

Picture Quality: Is HD Ready Good Enough in 2024?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the “HD Ready” resolution. This means a 1366×768 pixel count, which is effectively 720p. In an era of 4K and even 8K, this might seem archaic. However, on a 32-inch screen, pixel density is still quite high. From a typical viewing distance of five to six feet—standard for a bedroom or kitchen—the picture is surprisingly crisp and clear. We found that for general TV watching, streaming, and casual gaming, the resolution is perfectly sufficient. The jump to 1080p (Full HD) on a screen this size is barely perceptible to most viewers, and 4K would be complete overkill. Users confirmed our findings, with many describing the picture quality as “pretty good” and “crystal clear” for the price.

The inclusion of HDR10 support is a welcome bonus. While its effect is more subdued here than on a high-end 4K set with superior brightness, it does make a difference. When viewing HDR content on Prime Video, we noticed improved contrast and a slightly wider range of colours. Whites were a bit brighter and blacks a bit deeper than on standard SDR content, lending the image more depth. It won’t compete with the dynamic range of an OLED, but it elevates the viewing experience beyond a basic budget panel. Colour reproduction was decent out of the box, though we did spend some time in the settings to dial it into our preference. Viewing angles are average for an LED panel; the image looks best from straight on, with some colour and contrast shift as you move to the side.

It is crucial, however, to address the significant number of user complaints regarding screen defects. Reports of TVs arriving with cracked screens, dead pixels, or coloured lines are too frequent to ignore. While our test unit was flawless, this indicates potential issues in either the manufacturing quality control or the robustness of the packaging and shipping process. This is a critical consideration and a notable risk associated with the product’s low cost.

Audio Performance: Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X on a Budget

We typically have very low expectations for the built-in speakers on budget televisions, which are often tinny, weak, and lacking any semblance of bass. The Finlux MH24F 32 inch Smart Fire TV was a pleasant surprise in this regard. Armed with Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X processing, it manages to punch well above its weight class. Dolby Audio ensures dialogue is clear and distinct, even during action-packed scenes, preventing the common issue of mumbled voices being drowned out by sound effects.

The real standout is DTS Virtual:X. This technology is a psychoacoustic processing algorithm designed to create the illusion of a surround sound experience from just two small built-in speakers. Does it replicate a true 5.1 system? Of course not. But what it does do, remarkably well, is create a much wider and more immersive soundstage. Sound effects feel less like they’re coming from a small box and more like they’re filling the space around the TV. We found the audio to be “good” and “decent,” as several users also noted. It’s more than adequate for a bedroom or kitchen environment. For those wanting a more cinematic experience, connecting a soundbar via HDMI ARC or the optical output is always an option, but for many users, the onboard audio will be perfectly satisfactory, which is a significant achievement for a TV this affordable.

What Other Users Are Saying

A look at feedback from other buyers paints a very clear and consistent picture of the Finlux MH24F 32 inch Smart Fire TV: it’s a high-reward product that comes with a tangible risk. On the positive side, the overwhelming sentiment is one of exceptional value. Users repeatedly call it a “great purchase for its price,” a “steal,” and “what a bargain.” One happy customer who bought a larger model stated, “for money it’s a great product works perfectly, set up was really easy, sound is good and picture quality is pretty good.” Another compared it favourably to a more expensive Samsung TV, saying it “matches it in every area.” These comments underscore the TV’s success in delivering a premium smart experience at a rock-bottom price.

However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and centres almost exclusively on quality control and shipping. We saw numerous, deeply frustrating reports of TVs arriving “soaking wet,” with “a damaged screen,” or “literally came with a broken screen.” Another user noted a “thin blue line” appearing on their screen, while one reported the screen cracking internally after just two months with no physical damage. These are serious issues that suggest a gamble is involved. While many receive a perfect product and are thrilled, a notable minority face the hassle of returns and replacements. It’s a classic case of “you get what you pay for,” where the low price is offset by a higher-than-average risk of receiving a defective unit.

How Does the Finlux MH24F Compare to the Alternatives?

The Finlux MH24F 32 inch Smart Fire TV occupies a specific niche, but it’s important to understand what other options exist. We’ve compared it to three distinct alternatives to help you decide if it’s truly the right fit for your needs.

1. TCL 75P7K-UK 75″ QLED 4K Google TV 120Hz

Comparing the Finlux to this TCL model is like comparing a city runabout to a luxury tourer. The TCL 75P7K-UK is in a completely different universe in terms of size, technology, and price. With its massive 75-inch QLED panel, 4K Ultra HD resolution, Dolby Vision, and a 120Hz refresh rate, it’s designed to be the centerpiece of a serious home cinema. It’s the ideal choice for movie buffs and avid gamers who demand the absolute best in picture quality and performance. Someone would choose this over the Finlux if their primary goal is creating an immersive cinematic experience in a large living room. The Finlux, in contrast, is the perfect choice for a secondary space where size and budget are the main constraints.

2. Cello C1925SH 19″ Full HD LED Frameless TV

The Cello C1925SH represents a move towards an even more compact and basic viewing experience. At just 19 inches, it’s designed for the tightest of spaces, like a small kitchen counter, a caravan, or a workshop. Its key advantage over the Finlux is its even smaller footprint and the inclusion of a built-in satellite receiver (DVB-S2), which is a niche but valuable feature for some users. However, it critically lacks any built-in smart capabilities. A user would choose this Cello if they need the smallest possible screen and either don’t require streaming apps or are happy to add their own external streaming stick. The Finlux is the superior choice for anyone who values the convenience of an all-in-one smart TV solution.

3. Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV

This second Cello model, the C1924WS, is perhaps the most interesting competitor. Like the Finlux, it is a smart TV, but it’s built for a very specific purpose: travel. Its 19-inch size and ability to run on 12-volt power make it the perfect television for motorhomes, caravans, and boats. It runs on the WebOS smart platform, a capable alternative to Fire TV, and includes both Freeview Play and Freesat. A buyer would choose this Cello exclusively for its portability and 12V compatibility. For any standard in-home use, the Finlux’s larger 32-inch screen and the familiar, robust Fire TV ecosystem make it the far more practical and enjoyable choice for a bedroom or kitchen.

Our Final Verdict: A Calculated Gamble for a Great Reward

After extensive testing, our verdict on the Finlux MH24F 32 inch Smart Fire TV is clear: it is a fantastic value proposition, but one that is not without its risks. For a remarkably low price, you get a television with a fast, feature-rich smart platform, comprehensive app support, and genuinely useful Alexa voice control. The picture, while only 720p, is perfectly adequate for its size, and the sound quality is a pleasant surprise, exceeding the low expectations for this category. It is, without a doubt, an ideal candidate for a bedroom, kitchen, or kid’s room.

However, the significant number of user reports regarding shipping damage and screen defects cannot be overlooked. While you might receive a perfect unit and feel like you’ve won the lottery, there is a non-trivial chance you could face the inconvenience of a return. If you’re willing to take that chance for the incredible value on offer, we can recommend it. It delivers an experience that feels like it should cost twice as much.

If you’ve decided the Finlux MH24F 32 inch Smart Fire TV is the right fit for your secondary space, you can check its current price and purchase it here.