The ongoing debate between Android TV and Smart TV has persisted for several years. While some prioritize the user-friendly nature of smart TVs, others argue that the myriad features offered by Android TV make it the superior choice for consuming online content on larger screens. In this article, we aim to provide an in-depth comparison of Android TV and Smart TV, shedding light on their similarities and differences. So, without any delay, let’s delve into the details presented within this article.
Let’s start by examining the fundamental similarities and differences between Android TV and Smart TV this Year. Firstly, it’s important to understand that a smart TV refers to a television set capable of delivering content over the internet. Essentially, any TV that provides online content, regardless of its operating system, can be considered a smart TV.
In this context, Android TV is also classified as a smart TV, with the key distinction being that it operates on the Android TV OS platform. If you wish to delve into a detailed explanation of what Android TV entails, you can refer to our provided explanatory resource. It’s worth noting that there exists a wide range of smart TVs, each with its own unique operating system. For instance, Samsung manufactures TVs that run on Tizen OS, LG utilizes WebOS, Apple TV operates on tvOS, and so on. All of these variants essentially fall under the category of smart TVs.
Android TV has established itself as a dominant player in the market, gaining immense popularity and becoming virtually synonymous with smart TVs. Functioning on the Android TV platform, this type of smart TV has made a significant impact.
While Samsung and LG have developed their own exclusive operating systems, they still incorporate Android OS in numerous television models. On the other hand, Sony has fully embraced the Android TV platform, exclusively utilizing Android TV OS in all its television sets since 2015.
In essence, Android TV and Smart TV share the same core purpose of delivering internet-based content. However, the crucial distinction lies in the underlying operating system, which ultimately sets them apart.
Android TV vs Smart TV: Differences
In the previous section, we explored the fundamental distinction between an Android TV and a smart TV. Now, let’s delve into the dissimilarities at the operating system (OS) level and determine which one is more appealing to consumers.
Firstly, let’s consider the App Library. Android TV boasts a vast collection of apps, thanks to its support for the Play Store. You can find a wide range of apps that you typically use on your smartphone. From YouTube to Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video, you have access to all these apps on Android TV. The best part is that all of these apps are optimized for the TV platform and come with intuitive controls for the larger screen.
Now, turning our attention to smart TVs running Tizen OS or WebOS, app support is more limited. Apart from some popular entertainment apps like YouTube, Prime Video, and Netflix, the app store on these smart TVs doesn’t offer as many options. Another noteworthy point is that updates are often harder to come by on smart TVs compared to Android TVs. In contrast, the development of Android TV is quite active, with developers regularly pushing new updates for a wide variety of apps.
One significant distinction between Android TV and smart TV lies in their screencasting capabilities. Android TV boasts a built-in and seamlessly integrated Chromecast feature that harmoniously interacts with Android smartphones. In contrast, smart TVs rely on screen mirroring, which necessitates a pairing process and can be cumbersome to employ. Unlike the superior functionality of Chromecast, which operates in full-screen mode with sound output and delivers exceptional quality, screen mirroring on smart TVs suffers from high latency and diminished output quality.
Another differentiating factor is voice assistant support. Google Assistant on Android TV has made remarkable advancements, rendering the need for manual input of queries a rare occurrence. Conversely, smart TVs generally lack a voice assistant and instead provide a full-size keypad for users to manually search and access content.
On the topic of advantages between smart TVs and Android TVs, there is one key aspect where smart TVs hold the upper hand. Smart TVs offer a relatively easier and more user-friendly navigation and usage experience compared to Android TVs. To make the most of the Android TV platform, one needs to be familiar with the Android ecosystem. Additionally, smart TVs generally deliver better performance, which is undoubtedly a positive attribute.
Moving on to firmware updates, smart TVs tend to receive fewer major updates over time, rendering them obsolete after a few years. Android TVs, on the other hand, have not showcased a remarkable track record in this area either. However, they do benefit from longer app update support, ensuring that users can enjoy up-to-date applications on their Android TV devices.
It’s worth noting that if your smart TV becomes outdated in the future, you have the option of connecting an Android TV set-top box or dongle to bring the latest Android TV platform to your television. The same flexibility applies to Android TVs as well. Unfortunately, when it comes to proprietary operating systems like Tizen OS or webOS, TV manufacturers do not offer separate hardware devices, making it impossible to obtain the latest versions of these operating systems through external purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Download Apps on Smart TV?
Indeed, it is possible to download applications on smart TVs. Whether you own a Samsung TV with Tizen OS, an LG TV with WebOS, or a smart TV running on Google’s Android TV OS, all these platforms offer access to various applications. It is worth mentioning, though, that the app selection may be somewhat restricted on Tizen and WebOS compared to other platforms.
What Device Turns Your TV into a Smart TV?
Numerous Android TV boxes, such as Mi Box and Nvidia Shield TV, along with dongles like Chromecast with Google TV and Fire TV Stick, offer the capability to transform any regular television into a smart TV.
What Device Turns Your TV into a Smart TV?
Numerous options are available when it comes to Android TV boxes that can transform any regular TV into a smart TV. Some notable examples include the Mi Box, Nvidia Shield TV, Chromecast with Google TV dongle, and the Fire TV Stick.
Will a Smart TV Work Without an Internet Connection?
Certainly! While your smart TV won’t be able to access online streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and others without an internet connection, it can still serve as a media playback device for local content using a USB drive. This means you can enjoy movies, TV shows, music, and other media files that are stored locally on your USB drive directly on your smart TV, even without an internet connection.
How Smart TV is Better Than an Android TV?
Smart TVs typically outperform Android TVs in terms of speed and efficiency while providing users with a straightforward and intuitive interface. Furthermore, their boot time surpasses that of Android TVs by a significant margin.
Summary
In summary, while there are slight distinctions between Android TV and smart TV, the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you primarily seek a television for casual viewing and a hassle-free way to unwind, a smart TV would suffice. On the other hand, if you aim to create an immersive and contemporary entertainment setup, Android TV would be the preferable option.
