If you’re in the market for a new TV, chances are you’ve heard of both Android and Smart TV. But what’s the real striking difference between android tv and smart tv and which one should you choose?
To help you decide, let’s take a look at the features of each type of TV and compare them side by side. We’ll examine all the benefits and disadvantages so you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right TV for your needs.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to look for in both Android TVs and Smart TVs, how they compare in terms of features, and which one is best suited for your needs.
Table of Contents
Definition of Android TV and Smart TV
So what’s the difference between an Android TV and a Smart TV? To start, let’s define what each type of TV is.
Android TV is a version of the Android operating system from Google that’s specifically designed for use on with TVs. It allows users to access all sorts of content, including streaming services, music, games and other applications.
Smart TVs, on the other hand, are regular TVs that come with built-in internet capabilities. They offer access to streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, but they don’t have access to all the features available through an Android TV.
Operating Systems and Operating Environments
When it comes to comparing Android TV and Smart TV, the most important difference is their operating systems and environments.
Smart TVs are basically regular televisions that have access to a few apps and streaming services, including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. These TVs come with an operating system that allows the user to access these services.
Android TV is an operating system based on the Android platform that’s optimized for television. This means that it has a special interface designed for use on larger screens, as well as access to Google Play for downloading compatible apps and streaming services. In addition, users have access to Google Assistant for voice control of compatible devices and apps.
Although both operate differently from one another, one thing they have in common is their ability to provide viewers with access to content from various sources in a seamless way. Whether you choose an Android TV or Smart TV, you can enjoy your favorite movies and shows without having to juggle multiple remote controls or device menus.
Display, Interface, and User Experience Differences
You’ve probably noticed that Android TV and Smart TVs have different displays, interfaces, and user experiences. Here’s a quick break-down of the differences between them.
Display Differences
Android TV displays are powered by Google’s Android OS, hence the name. These TVs have more RAM than Smart TVs, allowing for faster loading and smoother streaming capabilities. Smart TVs tend to have slower performance than Android TVs because of their closed operating systems designed by their respective manufacturers. This means that Smart TVs are not as customizable as Android TVs.
Interface Differences
Android TV has an interface that looks similar to a tablet or smartphone, but tailored for television sets with larger screens. The interface is divided into sections for Movies, TV Shows, Apps, and Games that can be viewed on the home screen. Smart TVs tend to have simpler interfaces as they are often manufactured with one manufacturer’s operating system in mind.
User Experience Differences
When it comes to user experience, both Smart TVs and Android TVs offer voice control capabilities with their remotes. However, the voice control capabilities of Android TV are much more extensive and can recognize natural language instructions like “Play Stranger Things”. This makes it easier for users to navigate their programming without having to enter search terms manually. Additionally, Android TV also has data-driven recommendations so users can find content they like more quickly.
Audio-Visual Experience Differences
When it comes to audio-visual experience, there is a difference between Android TV and Smart TV. Smart TVs usually come pre-installed with various apps, but the selection of apps is limited. On the other hand, Android TV offers access to Google Play Store, which means you can download any app that you like.
Hardware
The hardware of Android TV is also significantly better than that of Smart TVs. The processor on Android TVs is more powerful, so they can handle faster speeds and larger amounts of data, enabling seamless streaming and smooth gaming experiences. Additionally, Android TVs are equipped with the latest features such as 4K resolution capabilities, HDR support, improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections for external devices such as game controllers or headsets.
Software & OS
Android TV uses Google’s own operating system (OS), whereas Smart TV’s use their own OS or a variant of Linux OS. Google’s OS is highly user-friendly and reliable; it’s regularly updated with new features and bug fixes. Furthermore, many OEMs have released their own user interfaces for Android TVs to make them easier to use and more intuitive for users who are not tech savvy.
To summarize:
- Android TVs have access to the Play Store which makes it easier to download apps compared to Smart TVs
- The hardware on an Android TV is more powerful than that of a Smart TV
- Android TVs come with updated software including a reliable yet user friendly Google OS
- OEMs have released user interfaces to make them easier to use and more intuitive
Cost Comparison
Let’s talk about cost. If you’re like most people, you don’t want to drop a ton of money on a new TV. When it comes to budget, Android TV and Smart TV vary greatly.
Android TV
Android TVs generally tend to be more expensive than Smart TVs—Android TVs are often 4K and even 8K, which may come with a premium price tag. Additionally, you can buy an external device such as the NVIDIA Shield or Razer Forge TV that will also give you access to Android TV. Finally, Amazon Fire Stick is yet another option that gives you access to multiple apps—including YouTube, Netflix and Hulu—without breaking the bank.
Smart TV
On the other hand, Smart TVs are relatively cheaper compared to Android TVs and can be found in sizes ranging from 32 or 40 inches all the way up to 85 inches. Plus, most of them come with built-in streaming capabilities like Netflix and YouTube so you don’t have to buy any extra devices or download extra apps.
Which One Should You Get? A Comparison of Streamers
So, which one is right for you: an Android TV or a Smart TV? Here’s a comparison of the two streamers to make your choice easier.
Operating System
The biggest difference between Android TV and Smart TV is the operating system. Smart TVs typically use the operating system of their brand, like WebOS for LG TVs, Tizen for Samsung TVs, or Roku for Hisense and TCL TVs. On the other hand, Android TVs use Google’s own Android operating system, so you’ll get access to the same apps that are available on your smartphone—including YouTube, Hulu, Netflix and plenty more.
Interface
When it comes to user experience, many people find that an Android TV’s interface is much more intuitive than a Smart TV. The home screen layout of an Android TV is divided into sections like Movies & Show and Live TV; plus it has its own universal search capabilities so you can search for whatever you want with ease. This can be kind of hard with Smart TVs because they don’t have as much content as well-organized as an Android TV does.
Apps & Games
Android TVs have access to Google Play store so they can run virtually any app or game available. On the other hand, Smart TVs usually limit this access to certain apps that are either preinstalled or available in their app store. So if you’re looking for something specific and it’s not in their store, then you won’t be able to install it on a Smart TV (unless you find some hacky way around it).
Both options are great streamers but depending on what you’ll be doing with your device—whether it’s streaming movies or playing games—