Vizio 40 Inch V Series LED Smart TV review with HDR and Airplay 2

Description

A Compact and Feature-Rich TV for Everyday Viewing

The VIZIO 40 Inch V Series FHD LED Smart TV (VFD40M-0810) has been a staple in my living room, filling the space with vibrant visuals and quality sound. While it might not be the largest or the most cutting-edge television out there, it strikes a balance between affordability and performance. I’ve tested it extensively, and there are plenty of upside features to discuss, though it’s not without its flaws.

Design and Build Quality

The TV’s sleek and minimalistic black design makes it easy to integrate into most living spaces. It’s not overly flashy, but its thin bezels give it a modern look that doesn’t feel outdated. Weighing just 18.91 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight for its size, making wall-mounting or moving it around a simple task. At 40 inches, the screen size is perfect for smaller living rooms, bedrooms, or even dorms.

The build quality feels sturdy, especially considering its budget-friendly price point. However, the plastic back panel might feel a bit less premium compared to some higher-end models. While this doesn’t affect the performance, it’s something to consider if aesthetics and material quality are deal-breakers for you.

Picture Quality: A Solid Performer

I’ve been impressed with the Full HD 1080p resolution of this TV. The colors are vivid, and the contrast is decent, especially when streaming shows with HDR10 and HLG support. Watching action-packed movies or vibrant animated shows becomes an enjoyable experience. The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures a widescreen cinematic feel, great for movie nights.

However, the display isn’t without its quirks. In darker scenes, the black levels could be deeper; they sometimes appear slightly grayish. That said, for casual viewing and gaming, the overall picture clarity and lifelike color reproduction are more than sufficient.

Smart Features and Connectivity Options

The smart TV functionality is where this model shines. Equipped with AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, and a host of streaming app options, this TV offers seamless access to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. I found the interface responsive, and switching between apps was a breeze. The VIZIO Home interface is intuitive, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

Its superior connectivity options include three HDMI ports, Bluetooth compatibility, and even HDMI VRR support for gamers. I tested it with my console, and while the 1080p resolution isn’t ideal for next-gen gaming, the experience was smooth with minimal input lag. The DTS Virtual X audio adds an extra layer of immersion, though you may still want to invest in an external soundbar for a fuller sound experience.

Upsides

• Compact and lightweight design makes it versatile for various spaces.
• Full HD resolution with HDR10 and HLG support delivers vibrant visuals.
• Built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 simplify streaming from devices.
• Gaming-ready features like HDMI VRR provide smoother gameplay.
• DTS Virtual X audio enhances the sound experience.

Areas for Improvement

The TV isn’t without flaws, and a few things stood out during my use:

• Black levels are not as deep, which might bother those who watch a lot of dark, atmospheric shows.
• The plastic build feels less premium than some competitors.
• The audio quality, while decent, doesn’t match the visual performance and may require external speakers.

Competing Products

In this price range, competitors like the TCL 40S325 and Samsung UN40N5200 offer stiff competition. The TCL model has a built-in Roku interface, which some users might prefer over Chromecast or AirPlay. Samsung’s alternative brings slightly better black levels and a more premium design but lacks HDMI VRR support, something gamers will miss.

What sets the VIZIO V Series apart is its array of connectivity options, including Bluetooth compatibility, which isn’t always a given in this category. While the TCL model may boast a more intuitive interface for streaming, the VIZIO TV’s superior audio features and versatile HDMI support make it a strong contender.

Bang for the Buck

This TV offers excellent value for money. It’s rare to find a model in this price range with features like HDR10 support, DTS Virtual X audio, and AirPlay 2. While it’s not perfect, especially concerning the black level performance, its overall feature set justifies the cost. I’d recommend it for anyone seeking a reliable secondary TV or a primary option for smaller spaces.

For me, the combination of smart features, game-ready functionality, and decent picture quality makes it a worthwhile choice, even if it’s not the best option for cinephiles or those with bigger budgets. For the price, it truly delivers a lot of bang for your buck.

Additional information