To be considered among the best TVs on the market, TVs with internet connections, app libraries, and proprietary UI are all necessary features. But there are so many variations that it can often be hard to choose which is best for you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Android TVs offer a continually increasing variety of apps and frequent app updates.
- There are smart TV options that have more manageable and more accessible platforms and a greater range of smart features.
- Overall, deciding which smart TV platform to purchase depends on how many apps you stream content with and whether you want extra functions, like voice control.
Not to worry, though! We’ll help sift through the many options as we compare a smart TV and Android TV. If you’re looking for displays to use in an office setting, check out our article that covers conference room TVs vs projectors.
An Android TV and Smart TV Comparison
To be clear, an Android smart TV is a smart TV. However, certain features, benefits, and pitfalls come with explicitly owning an Android TV vs Smart TV. Android TVs come with an operating system and app library made by Google, which gives it a unique spate of content and streaming apps.
Insider Tip
If you aren’t familiar with Android products, keep your user manual. Their UI is known to be more complicated and harder to navigate.
Below, we’ll dive deeper into what this Google-powered television means for you. Also, for further reading on smart devices, check out our resource that outlines Blu-ray players vs smart TVs.
Operating System
Sometimes, the Android TV user interface can be harder to navigate and slower because of its more extensive app libraries. In contrast, some of the other Smart TV offerings — like Roku or Apple TV — have very accessible and easy-to-use interfaces.
App Store and App Availability
All forms of smart TVs come with the ability to connect to the internet, download apps, and access various smart features that allow users to stream their favorite content with greater ease. Android TVs, in particular, have a wide variety of apps available. This app library is more extensive than what’s found on the average smart platform.
In addition, Android TVs offer frequent firmware updates to keep their vast app library running smoothly. Also, because the Android TV is a Google product, it connects to all of Google’s features, such as Google Play Music, Google Play Store, and Google Assistant’s voice command.
Cost
Because of its unique set of Google-powered features, an Android TV will be more expensive than other more affordable smart TV options. However, it isn’t the priciest on the market, and many people find the cost reasonable for the features it offers.
Warning
Many Smart TVs — like LG, Samsung, and Sony — outsource their operating systems. Because of outsourcing, many of these systems take a long time to update.
F.A.Q.S
Do smart TVs update regularly?
Updates depend primarily on individual smart TV operating systems. Android, for example, updates more than most other options.
Do Android TVs require any subscription fees for all apps?
Android TV is better than most for offering apps and streaming services that don’t cost anything. Among these are apps like Pluto TV, which provides some free live television.
Can smart TVs operate without an internet connection?
Most of the apps you can download on smart TVs — like Netflix, HBO Max, Prime Video, and others — can’t run without an internet connection.
STAT: The percentage of households with 4k TVs increased from 31 percent in 2019 to 44 percent in 2021. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVNtMtiMGp0
- https://www.android.com/tv/#:~:text=Watch%2C%20play%2C%20and%20do%20whatever,5000%2B%20apps%20from%20Google%20play.
- https://www.tcl.com/au/en/blogs/android-tv-vs-smart-tv.html#:~:text=Which%20do%20I%20choose%3F,fimilar%20with%20Andoird%20devices%20before.r
- https://www.soundboxlab.com/hometheaters/tv-projector/smart-tv-vs-android-tv/
- https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/free-live-tv-android-tv/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20bought%20an,through%20streaming%20services%20like%20Hulu
