Smart TV or Android TV: which is better? In the case of Smart TV, the user is offered a completely finished TV. Smart TV OS is specially designed for playing sound and video files, working with search queries by entering them with a remote control or voice. A set-top box is a separate device that is connected to a regular digital TV. Let's look at both of these solutions.
Android set-top box or TV with Smart TV function
The choice is often not easy. It is determined by price, novelty of the solution, and requirements for the functionality of programs and devices. So which is better: Smart TV or set-top box? If you already have an old model digital TV with a truncated Smart TV function, then to reduce costs you can purchase a set-top box and use it fully. If an old type of TV is being replaced with a new one, the best choice would be to buy a TV with a Smart TV function, for example, from Samsung. It can be distinguished by a special Tizen OS with support for video content.
Smart television today: Android TV, WebOs and others – what to choose?
Operating systems for Smart TV:
| OS name | On which TVs is it most common? | Peculiarities |
| Android | Sony, Philips | Smartphone OS adapted for TV. You can use Google services and quickly switch between applications. The most common of all operating systems |
| WebOs | LG | Allows you to set up multiple accounts on one device. You can open several applications at the same time, which will be displayed in windows |
| Tizen Os | Samsung | The OS gives the user the ability to voice control. You can also use gestures and mouse, keyboard |
| Firefox | Panasonic | The main feature is that the screen is divided into 3 equal parts: channels, applications and devices. Fast OS operation and a simple interface will be a great bonus |
Important! On any of the operating systems you can install not only social networking applications, but also subscribe to online cinemas.
Which is better Smart TV or Android TV: turning your TV into a computer
There are many Android gadgets on the market, including set-top boxes. The set-top box, often called Android TV, can turn a regular TV into a multimedia center. It has a simple interface and is in great demand.
Android TV connects to other devices using Wi-fi. Then the user can enjoy all the advantages of the set-top box: go online, download files and view online. Familiar functionality familiar to many Android users simplifies the setup process.
Buying Android TV is relevant if the TV model is outdated or if the version of Smart TV is weak. Also, a set-top box with Android OS will please owners of LCD or LED TVs, where Smart TV is only partially implemented. An Android set-top box is relevant for a TV if you don’t want to change your old TV.
Important! Most often on the market there are set-top boxes with the Android OS, also called Android TV Box.
Choosing which is better Smart TV or Android TV
Which is better Android Smart TV or Android TV Box?
Both devices are designed to make it easier to find content of interest, and also provide the user with the ability to use familiar applications on a device with a larger screen. What is better Smart TV or Smart TV set-top box? The differences between Android Smart TV and Android TV Box are significant:
- Price. The set-top box will cost the user less. The difference can reach tens of thousands of rubles.
- Installing applications. On Smart TV, installation is slower, and the selection in the Play Market is designed for the best applications for Android TV. Many applications are paid. On the console, the process is significantly simplified. It is also possible to install the best file managers for Android.
- Remote controller. To view content on the set-top box, you will need two of them, which is the nuances of Android TV. A regular Smart TV only has one remote control.
- Control. Popular gyroscopic remote controls, which allow you to control the TV using a wrist movement, replacing a computer mouse, are not available for all TVs. There will be no such difficulties on the console.
- Opening the application. On the set-top box, unlike on the TV, it is possible to minimize windows, like on a computer. That is, when watching a video on YouTube, you can minimize the window and go to the Play Market.
- Updates. Android Smart TVs rarely receive updates, which is why users are forced to purchase new Smart TV models every 4-5 years. There is no such problem on consoles, which is the advantage of using Android consoles.
Advice! The advantage of Smart TV over Android TV set-top box is its long service life. Therefore, before purchasing, you should carefully consider the main parameters for evaluating Smart TV.
Video - Android TV BOX set-top box or built-in Smart TV into the TV. What's better?
Pros and cons of Smart TV
Technology came from the constant human need to be in the Internet environment. Even with the TV on. The ability to view not only general television and radio channels offered by public and private companies, but also to have access to the Internet with the ability to view on a large screen, has pushed manufacturers to such developments. The technology has affected not only television, but also receivers, game consoles and various players.
Pros:
- abundance of functions;
- convenient interface shell;
- basic management;
- viewing current programs or recorded ones;
- the ability to communicate on social networks;
- making audio and video calls in different instant messengers using the built-in or additionally purchased camera.
Possibilities of such control:
- using the remote control, which is more convenient than the keyboard;
- a voluminous catalog of television programs, clips, cartoons;
- gesture control;
- access to a free application store with a bunch of programs - exchanges, exchange rates, services and others.
There are not many disadvantages of the technology, but they do exist. The main one is the difficulty of rewinding a video file . After passing the time, the next video file is turned on for viewing or the current video sequence is played again. In some cases, finding the right viewing location is difficult.
But such a minus does not negate all the positive aspects of the technology.
What to choose - Smart TV or Android TV set-top box?
What conclusion can be drawn from all that has been said? What to choose - Smart TV, Android TV or smart set-top box?
- For beginners or those who do not currently have money for a good smart TV, I recommend buying a high-quality Android TV set-top box and a more inexpensive TV. This is the best option for all occasions
- You can buy a TV with Smart TV only if you are completely sure that the existing functions in it will be sufficient for a long time of use.
- A full-fledged TV on Android is worth choosing if you have a budget for it and you are definitely not going to change it over the next few years.
Advantages of Smart TV and Android TV
When the question arises of how to choose the best devices - a set-top box or a TV with Internet access, it is recommended to study the advantages and disadvantages of the devices.
Advantages of Smart TV
Smart TV is a technology that allows you to access the Internet from your TV. Advantages of the option:
- one remote control that allows you to control the options of the device and Smart TV;
- navigation through programs and applications is carried out using the arrow buttons located on the remote control, which eliminates the need to use a mouse or keyboard, as on a computer;
- you can make calls using Skype - in some cases you don’t have to purchase a camera separately if it’s built into the TV;
- accessible and understandable menu for watching videos on YouTube;
- you can download games and useful applications from the store for their intended use, these include exchange rates, government services and others;
- compatibility with many social networks, which allows you to communicate with friends, relatives or just acquaintances directly from the TV;
- there is a function to control the device using gestures, however, not all TVs have this option, which should be taken into account when purchasing;
- applications are installed that make it possible to watch TV shows, films and cartoons.
Advantages of Android TV
Advantages of the Android console:
- easily connects to the device using wires and provides access to the Internet;
- you can connect manipulators, webcams and other devices;
- low cost - the user only pays for the set-top box, since it can be connected to any TV;
- ease of installation of applications;
- Google Play support allows you to download and install any application;
- you can connect the device via WI-FI or use a modem, which will allow you to watch any television channels on your TV;
- you can view the folders of your computer and phone if you combine them on one network;
- the ability to control the TV using a gadget.
TV with Smart TV function or Android set-top box, which is better?
For people who actively use the Internet, watching TV is not a very interesting activity. Therefore, the challenge for television content producers is to develop as many modern online services as possible. Manufacturers producing televisions are introducing such technologies into their products in order to maintain consumer interest in them. There are two competing technologies - a smart TV, Smart TV, and an additional device for the TV in the form of an Android set-top box. Let's figure out what is still relevant. Buy a new TV with the Smart TV function or buy a set-top box for an existing TV.
What is Smart TV?
Smart TV is a smart TV with many built-in applications. It also has the ability to connect to the Internet to update and install new applications. Depending on the manufacturer, Smart TV has various applications for watching TV content, such as Amazon, Netflix or Hulu.
The reasons for its popularity include: well-developed functionality, practical interface, and simple controls. As for the latter, this is thanks to a single remote control. Using it, you can control both the TV and Smart TV functions without connecting an additional mouse and keyboard. In other words, you can view different video files, programs recorded previously or currently broadcast. Freely use the Internet, communicate on social networks and even use it for audio and video calls.
The capabilities of a smart TV include convenient control of arrows, which is more comfortable and easier than using a keyboard on a personal computer. The advantage is added by a large selection of applications for watching television content. It is possible to make Skype calls and communicate on various social networks. For a video call, the TV must have a built-in video camera, but if it does not, you can purchase and connect it separately. The latest generation of TVs has the ability to control using facial expressions and gestures. From the application store you can install various games and useful programs: weather forecast, exchange rates, government services, etc. There is a convenient menu on the screen with which you can easily find and launch the application you are interested in.
There is a not very pleasant feature. When watching long videos, when rewinding, sometimes it mistakenly switches to viewing the next video or to the beginning of the video. This is troublesome, because... you have to start the video again and rewind it to the right place.
Old televisions with conventional functions for viewing television channels no longer satisfy the desires of the current user. TVs with the Smart TV function allow you to watch content from online broadcasts, cable and terrestrial channels, sports programs, TV series, films and clips.
What is Android TV box?
Today, there are a variety of devices on the market that run on the Android operating system. Particular attention is paid to the set-top box for the TV (Android TV Box). This is a small computer that can connect to any TV and allows you to stream content locally and online. In other words, your TV turns into a multifunctional multimedia center. The set-top box can connect to both old CRT and new LCD TVs. At the same time, it has free access to the Internet via cable or wireless Wi-Fi. Thus, having the opportunity to watch movies, video files, TV shows, etc. Android TV Box allows you to install applications from the Google Play Store.
The capabilities of the console are very extensive. Convenient navigation allows you to use your TV as a personal computer, search the Internet, and use social networks. For user comfort, a virtual keyboard has been introduced. You can play content from various online resources and from local storage (portable HDD, flash drive). For fans of virtual games, there is the opportunity to download them from the application store. For ease of use of games, you can connect joysticks, a mouse (air mouse) and a keyboard to the console via a USB port.
Smart TV vs Android TV Box
At first glance, Smart TV is good, but an Android TV box combined with a large standard TV is the best option, at least in my opinion. The price of Smart TV does not correspond to its power characteristics, compared to the equipment that the Android set-top box offers us.
When updating Smart TVs, problems may arise, while Android TV boxes are much easier to update.
The Android OS has been around for a long time and is used on many gadgets, which has created a large community for technical support when needed.
Many applications have been created for Android that can be used on any device running Android OS.
However, with that said, Smart TV may find its preference among many users. For example, if there is no need to use your TV for any other purposes, if all you need is to stream content from Netflix, etc.
Every year, televisions are improved and manufacturers, competing with each other, are looking for more and more advanced technologies for their product.
So, Smart TV or set-top box? Still, in my opinion, the Android TV Box is the best option. The best selling brand of Android TV Box today is H96 max.
It adds a full-fledged computer to the TV and allows it to do everything that a smartphone or tablet can do.
Of course, everyone has to choose for themselves according to their needs and habits; what suits one may not suit another at all.
When looking to buy any of the devices, just make sure that it can do what you want at the best price.
10, total, today
I liked it! Share with your friends.
What is Smart TV and how does it work
A modern Smart TV is an independent device that contains an operating system, browser and interactive services, a Wi-Fi module and a LAN port for connecting to the Internet.
The integration of the Internet and applications into the TV has significantly expanded the usual functionality. In addition to broadcasting terrestrial TV channels, modern Smart TV:
- launches online content from YouTube, Netflix, etc.
- uses interactive applications from online cinemas and services;
- downloads IPTV (Internet television).
By and large, such a TV is a large smartphone, the functionality of which is tailored for video playback. To operate smart services, you do not need to purchase additional elements - everything is active out of the box.
Features of TV set-top boxes
The TV Box is a separate device that will make any TV it connects to “smart”. Most set-top boxes run on Android and provide access to the Google marketplace.
When choosing a TV box, pay attention to:
- connection connectors. Set-top boxes with RCA or SCART connectors are suitable for older TVs. New models are better connected via HDMI;
- supported screen resolution. It would be a shame if the set-top box you purchased is not capable of transmitting the 4K picture that your TV works with;
- operating system. Despite the fact that the consoles run on Android, each manufacturer has its own proprietary shell, which can be inconvenient to use.
