What is better Smart TV or Android TV: what is the difference and what is the difference?

Features of Smart TV

This technology arose due to the increased user need for access to the Internet. It affected not only televisions, but also receivers, video players, game consoles and other similar devices. Smart TV is characterized by the following factors:

Single remote control. All smart TV functions are always at hand.
Menus without a mouse pointer are unusual to navigate on a computer. To navigate, use the arrow keys on the remote control.
Video calls in Skype have been implemented. There are models with built-in cameras and the ability to purchase a separate device from the manufacturer.
The app store has many games and other useful resources: government services, weather forecasts and exchange rates.
Good integration with popular social networks: Twitter, Facebook, VKontakte and others.
Control your TV using gestures and facial recognition.
Applications for watching various TV channels, films and cartoons.

Some Smart TV manufacturers have been spotted monitoring user activity in order to find the target audience for advertising. LG was noted for this, whose devices reported to the company the names of files and watched channels.

Smart TV: understanding the differences between Android TV, regular Android and Smart TV

What is Smart TV and why is it interesting?

Before the advent of Android TV, all smart TVs initially used the generic name Smart TV.
The point was that such a TV combines the ability to connect to the Internet via LAN or Wi-Fi, as well as use a variety of smart functions that were not previously available on TVs. For example, the ability to open web pages using the built-in browser, watch videos through the built-in YouTube application, or chat on Skype. Features of Smart TV

Depending on the model, Smart TV can be either stripped down to zero or very sophisticated. Such models have a full-fledged browser on board, support work with home local networks and the DLNA standard, and also allow you to install a few third-party applications that are allowed by the manufacturer.
Unusual features not found on other TVs. For example, some TVs allow you to throw many popular video services into the mix and control them using a single application. For the second, you can configure several desktops for each user. Still others conveniently implement functions like picture-in-picture.
The main strength and at the same time weakness of Smart TV is its disunity. Each manufacturer understands this term in its own way, so some smart TVs are not far from computers in functionality, while others take a step to the left, a step to the right - execution. And when buying a new TV from another manufacturer, you will have to get used to the new operating system. This is somewhat reminiscent of the early 2010s in the smartphone market, when Android and iOS had just begun to capture the market, Symbian had not yet gone into disrepair, Blackberry was confident of successfully taking over the world, and Samsung and Microsoft were promoting their OS.
Another disadvantage that causes the righteous anger of buyers is the often strange decisions of manufacturers to change something in the usual operating system. For example, simply uninstall some fundamental application (hello, Phillips and YouTube) or even remotely block the TV (hello, Samsung and the problem of “gray” TVs).

Features of Smart TV from Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sony and other companies

Despite the rapid development of Android TV, not all manufacturers want to buy ready-made solutions from the outside, preferring to use their own developments. Below we will briefly go through the most popular versions of branded operating systems and their features.

Tizen OS is Samsung's own operating system on TVs, which has a unique interface and its own application store. Supports multi-screen mode, transferring images from Samsung smartphones and the AirPlay 2 feature for streaming audio and video from Apple devices. Menu customization is conveniently implemented: you can add your favorite applications to the Smart Hub panel and change their icons, and installed applications can be divided into two streams: favorites and recently launched.

Popular Samsung TVs with Smart TV Samsung UE-32T5300 from 20,050 rub. Samsung QE-55Q70A from RUR 62,749 Samsung QE-50Q80TA from RUR 58,860 Samsung QE-55Q90TA from RUR 89,351 Samsung UE-24N4500 from RUR 12,390 Samsung QE-55Q80TA from RUR 78,900 Samsung UE-43TU7100 from RUR 32,740 Samsung QE-55Q70TA from 67,800 rub. Samsung UE-43TU7090 from RUR 29,990 Samsung T24H395SIX from RUR 14,990 Samsung QE-55QN90AA from RUR 103,349 Samsung QE-65QN90AA from RUR 133,049 Samsung T27H395SIX from RUR 17,650 Samsung The Frame QE-32LS03TB from RUR 33,000 Samsung UE-50TU7090 from 36,900 rub. Samsung QE-55Q77TA from 65,000 rub. Samsung UE-43AU9010 from RUR 35,690 Samsung QE-50Q87TA from RUR 59,700 Samsung QE-43Q60TA from RUR 45,252 Samsung QE-50QN90AA from 99,000 rub.

Web OS is a smart TV from LG; the signature feature of this system is the use of horizontal tiles in the main menu to call programs and services. You can also enable multi-window mode in order to simultaneously watch videos while flipping through tabs in the browser or responding in instant messenger. It has its own proprietary application store, but the choice there is more limited. One of the standout features is the MyChannels app, which allows you to create a list of your favorite channels for quick access.

Popular LG TVs with Smart TV

LG OLED55CX from RUR 84,700 LG 55NANO86 from RUB 50,850 LG OLED55C1 from 95,800 rub. LG OLED65CX from RUR 122,970 LG OLED65C1 from RUR 139,990 LG 49NANO86 from 53,000 rub. LG OLED48C1 from RUR 81,990 LG OLED48CX from RUB 75,490 LG OLED55BX from RUR 80,390 LG 55NANO90 from RUR 63,900 LG 49UK6200 from RUR 28,200 LG 32LM6350 from RUR 22,390 LG OLED55G1 from RUR 122,290 LG 43UK6200 from 26,700 rub. LG 55UN7000 from 36,000 rub. LG 32LM6370 from RUR 21,704 LG OLED65B1 from RUR 118,700 LG 32LM6380 from RUR 21,500 LG OLED65G1 from RUR 197,900 LG 55NANO85 2021 from RUR 58,500

MyHomeScreen is Panasonic's own OS on TVs, which the company had to develop after Mozilla stopped developing Firefox OS. Perhaps its main charm lies in its total customization; the user can decorate the desktop with numerous widgets for calendars, favorite applications, reminders and other useful things that we are used to using on smartphones and computers. What's even cooler is that each family member can create their own desktop and use the TV in the way that suits them best.

Popular Panasonic TVs with Smart TV

Panasonic TX-65FXR600 from RUR 46,895 Panasonic TX-55HXR940 from RUB 97,940. Panasonic TX-43FXR610 from RUR 24,990

Apple TV. Apple also has its own television operating system, but it is found only in the console of the same name. Its beauty lies in its total integration with Apple smartphones and tablets, which makes it reminiscent of Android TV.

In addition to the platforms mentioned above, there are other types of Roku TV and SmartCast, which are not particularly represented in our latitudes.

What is Android TV and what is the difference between it and regular Android

Android is a familiar OS that has migrated to televisions. It comes in two variants: regular Android, which is used primarily on numerous TV set-top boxes and budget panels that use the open source code of this operating system, and Android TV adapted for TVs.

And if with regular Android everything is more or less clear, then Android TV is the most optimized version of Android for TV, which is optimized for working with a TV and controlling the remote control. The system can be separately configured for voice search and optimization for a specific user. The entire system is controlled by a remote control. The basic system has a desktop and a package of standard applications for viewing video content.

Android TV is now the fastest growing operating system for smart TVs and is sure to dominate the market in 4-5 years. Its supporters include brands such as Sony, Philips, Xiaomi, Sharp, Hisense and many smaller companies that do not benefit from reinventing the wheel. And as the story with smartphones has shown, unification is extremely important for users; few people are attracted by the prospect of dealing with a new operating system when buying a new device.

Media players on Android

Android TV Box HK1 Box 32 Gb from 2,250 rub. Vontar X3 64 Gb from RUR 3,990 Vontar X3 128 Gb from 5,850 rub. Android TV Box X96 Mini 16 Gb from 2,490 rub. Ugoos X3 Pro 32GB from RUR 7,290 Vontar X3 32 Gb from 4,290 rub. Dune HD Max 4K from RUR 45,990 Dune HD Pro 4K Plus II from RUR 29,990 Ugoos X3 Plus 64GB from RUR 7,550 Android TV Box HK1 Box 64 Gb from 4,290 rub. Selenga A5 from 4,130 rub. Vontar X96S 4K Stick 16 Gb from RUR 3,790 Vontar H96 Max X3 64 Gb from 4,950 rub. iconBIT Movie Home from RUR 4,190 Dune HD Pro 4K from RUR 21,990 Dune HD SmartBox 4K from RUR 3,900 Android TV Box X96 Air 32 Gb from 3,890 rub. Android TV Box X96H 32 Gb from 4,400 rub. Galaxy Innovations Uni 2 Plus Plus from RUR 2,940 iconBIT Movie Smart 4K from RUR 1,900

Pros and cons of Android TV

From one angle, Android TV's unification looks great. All TVs based on this system work on a similar principle, so if you buy a new panel to replace the old one, you won’t have to waste time getting used to it. Applications, menus, voice assistant integration and general control principles will be the same. Given the power of human habit, for many this approach plays an important role in their choice.

Also, a TV with Android TV benefits from simplicity. It adheres to the “set it and forget it” principles, requiring the user to simply log in to their Google account once so that the TV can synchronize with other devices, showing the current viewing history, subscriptions to favorite channels and everything in that spirit.

An important factor for many users is the presence of Google's voice assistant, which greatly simplifies the work of searching for content and managing the system. If you've ever tried to enter text using the remote control and the virtual keyboard, then you understand what we're talking about. Instead, we were given a separate button for this feature (available on all TVs with a multifunction remote control), just press and say what you want to find. Since it uses a full-fledged Google search engine, you can not only search for content, but also make regular queries like “why are your ears burning” or “how to cook pizza in a frying pan.” And the TV will read the answer out loud to you.

Android TV can easily interact with your mobile device and show almost everything that happens on it. And this is also a very practical feature. For example, you can start watching a lecture or interview on YouTube from your smartphone while you are pottering around in the kitchen. Then return to the hall and transfer the broadcast to your TV using Google Cast technology in two clicks.

Oh yes, Android TV can be used as a gaming console. Of course, it will not replace the PS4, but the game database already contains hundreds of popular games from the Play Market that are adapted for the big screen. As a rule, these are simple arcade games that allow you to control the game using a remote control, platformers and races for several players in split screen mode.

From a different angle, such rigidity looks different. Especially if you are used to customizing everything for yourself, and viewing content is not limited to Netflix and YouTube. First of all, you can't customize your desktop. Secondly, the browser and Play Market are cut to zero: you cannot fully surf the Internet, nor download your favorite applications. Only specific TV apps like Netflix, HBO Max, Vimeo and games will be allowed to install. But not all of them are available in the regular Play Market.

Android TV also comes with a built-in thing called PlayReady DRM, which prevents copyrighted audio and video content from being copied. That is, fans of free content are left with several options: watch movies from a flash drive, stream video from a smartphone or tablet (this is more convenient than it seems) or buy a TV set-top box with full Android.

Popular TVs with Android TV

Sony KD-55XH9505 from RUR 91,645 Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 43 T2 from RUR 30,990 Sony KD-55XH9077 from 72,000 rub. Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 32 T2 from RUR 16,790 Philips 50PUS8505 from RUR 43,800 Xiaomi Mi TV UHD 4S 50 from RUR 34,990 Sony KD-65XH9505 from RUR 137,950 Philips 58PUS8505 from 51,100 rub. Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 43 T2 from RUR 25,990 Sony KD-55XH9096 from 72,400 rub. Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 50 from RUR 30,990 Sony KD-49XH9505 from RUR 76,920 Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 55 T2 from RUR 43,890 Sony KD-55XG9505 from 80,000 rub. Sony KD-55XH8096 from 56,400 rub. Sony KD-75XH9096 from 128,600 rub. Sony KD-43XH8096 from RUR 51,849 TCL 65C815 from RUR 68,590 Xiaomi Mi TV E32S Pro from RUR 18,390 Sony KD-49XH8096 from RUR 47,951

What about regular Android?

Full-fledged Android, which most of us use on a smartphone, has rarely been seen in TV panels, although recently more budget TV manufacturers have begun to use Android open source (AOSP) simply by branding the launcher. However, it is more often used in set-top boxes. Its advantage and at the same time disadvantage is complete freedom of use. Content can be downloaded from anywhere and anywhere, the desktop can be customized to your heart’s content, and customization doesn’t even end with choosing the font size.

At the same time, regular Android on a TV set-top box is not the best option in terms of convenience. Firstly, this is plus one gadget in the house, and one more bullet that is constantly lost. Ease of control also raises questions. However, if you buy an advanced model with a powerful processor and an air control, then no problems with inconvenient controls and slowdown of 4K video will affect you. At the same time, you will get complete freedom when browsing, installing applications, using social networks, etc. The console also benefits from mobility. You can simply download a couple of seasons of your favorite TV series in her memory, grab a projector and set up a cinema in your country house. You can't carry your TV with you.

The main thing is to realize that a $30 set-top box will have exactly $30 worth of electronics. While modern TVs use powerful processors that process 4K content without any problems. And don’t forget about HDR and various picture enhancement algorithms. All this physically cannot be in an inexpensive box. Also, not all applications may work correctly, some will not launch at all. And the ease of control from a large screen is a controversial issue. However, this is a subject for a separate conversation about TVs and set-top boxes.

Popular TVs without Smart TV

Samsung UE-32N5000 from 16,100 rub. Vityas 32LH0202 from 8,790 rub. Philips 32PFS5605 from RUR 17,990 Samsung LT-32E315 from RUR 18,560 Sony KDL-40RE353 from RUR 24,950 Polar PolarLine 20PL12TC from 8,600 rub. Philips 43PFS5505 from RUR 21,564 LG 28TN525V from RUR 14,485 Samsung UE-32N4000 from RUR 15,299 LG 22LN420V from RUR 12,990 Samsung UE-43N5000 from RUR 21,990 Centek CT-8222 from 7,500 rub. Philips 24PFS5605 from RUR 12,649 Hyundai H-LED40FT3001 from RUB 15,310. Hyundai H-LED43FT3001 from RUB 16,390. JVC LT-24M485 from RUR 9,432 Eplutus EP-200T from 6,500 rub. Philips 32PHS5505 from RUR 14,300 Supra STV-LC40LT00100F from RUR 14,680 LG 24TL520V from RUR 12,450

So what should you choose?

Unfortunately, there is no universal formula here. As you already understood, all options have their pros and cons, which will depend on the use cases. Android TV is universal and as simple as two. With Smart TV, the choice largely depends on the manufacturer. The same Tizen from Samsung in some aspects looks more interesting than Android TV, while it does not have such tight integration with Google services and a frankly weak selection of games. Pure Android is a slightly different story, which is of interest to owners of not the most modern panels without Smart TV, and to those who prefer pirated services to legal streaming.

Features of Android TV

There are various Android TV devices, but the most popular are set-top boxes. Using standard connectors, it easily connects to even the oldest TV, providing Internet access.

It is cheaper to purchase such a device than a full-fledged modern TV with Smart TV function.
It is possible to connect any computer mouse, keyboard, webcam and other functional elements.
Installing applications is much easier, because a similar OS is installed on Android phones.
Full compatibility with Google Play will allow you to download any program to improve interaction with the device.
Connecting via modem or Wi-Fi makes it possible to enjoy your favorite television channels.
Integration of registered profiles will allow you to combine your TV, phone and computer. Each device will know what the user searched for on another device.
The owner can control the TV using a smartphone.

Android TV set-top boxes are more functional than full-fledged TVs with the same software solution, so many users prefer to choose a device and screen for watching movies and TV channels separately.

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.

Which is better Smart TV or Android TV

The difference between the two options is as follows:

Smart TV is a set of operating systems that turn a TV into a “smart” device. Programs of this kind are not always convenient for advanced PC owners, but are quite suitable for ordinary Internet and television users.
Android TV is a more modern “smart” solution, compatible with smartphones, Google applications and has a familiar design. However, in the format of an embedded OS for a TV, the complex is produced in a stripped-down version. A console would be a more comfortable choice.

What is better: Smart TV or Android TV set-top box - everyone decides in accordance with their capabilities and desires. Both options are suitable for watching TV channels and searching for information on the Internet. Advanced PC users will have more requirements for the device. The two software solutions are actively developing and the latest models in the required price and functional segment should be compared.