Differences Between Android TV and Smart TV – Which Should I Choose?

Key highlights:

• TVs, which used to be a box where we could only watch what TV channels gave us, are now turned into gadgets with a lot of functionality.
• Smart TVs are TVs that have been converted into computers by adding an operating system to them.
• Andoid TVs are TVs with very high usability and functionality, where you can access thousands of applications.

Televisions are now much more complex and multi-choice compared to the past. We have been using Smart TVs for a long time, but do we know what the difference is with the new trending Android TVs? Both are multimedia-enabled televisions that stream content from a number of different services and allow us to use a variety of applications. The main difference is that Android TV has much more apps than Smart TV. Let’s take a deep dive to understand the differences between the two.

What is Smart TV?

Smart TV is the name given to TVs that have much more functions than a standard TV. Various services come pre-installed on Smart TVs. These services include Wi-Fi connection, Blu-Ray player and the ability to run applications.

Smart TVs have the ability to run many of the popular streaming services that can be installed on smartphones. Most of the reputable TV manufacturers produce and market Smart TVs as standard.

Operating System on TVs

Every smart TV is also a computer. The TV needs an operating system to run its user interface. Smart TVs need to run with an operating system to download apps, access the internet, and perform other complex functions.

When choosing a TV to buy, you should consider the operating system as well as things like HDR capability, 4K resolution support. A good operating system will completely improve your TV interaction experience. The Android operating system comes into play here.

What is Android TV?

Android TVs are technically Android-based variants of Smart TVs. Offering many of the features expected from a smart TV, these TVs are much more functional compared to other operating systems. Other operating systems such as Smart Central, Tizen and webOS do not have the features and variety of applications that Android TVs offer.

Ordinary smart TVs rarely receive firmware updates. Especially anyone with an Android smartphone can easily pair their phone and Android TV to use the two in sync. Android TVs receive frequent updates. This provides optimizations and improvements to keep your TV up to date. Because Android is open source software, Android TVs can be cheaper than other smart TVs.

The Chromecast feature allows you to wirelessly cast the screen of your PC or smart television to your TV.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Android TV

Advantages

• Google connection.
• Numerous applications.
• Usually cheaper.
• Easy and seamless updates.
• Google Assistant.
• Simple interface.

Disadvantages

• Limited number of manufacturers. (Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Nvidia and Philips)

What is Android TV Box?

If your TV does not have a built-in operating system, you can add Android OS to your TV using Android TV Box. TV boxes act as computers and use TV as screen output. There are several TV box alternatives such as Xiaomi Mi Box S, Nvidia Shield and Google Chromecast. Each product has a different level of quality and user experience.

If you are a demanding user, you can watch anything you want in high definition by purchasing a quality Android TV Box. You also get software that is regularly updated.

The Bottom Line

Although both products serve the same purpose, Android TVs have a clear advantage over other Smart TVs with other OSes. The fact that they have access to more apps and cheaper prices are two important factors for buying an Android TV.

Android is an open source software and has been constantly updated since its release, making it more useful. An Android TV will satisfy you quite a bit in terms of price / performance.