With the advancement in technology, every device is getting smarter over the years. We have a mini-computer in our pockets, using which we can connect to anyone in the world, do any task which earlier required a big desktop computer.
The same is with Televisions. Earlier they were as good as the display they offered. However, that isn’t true in modern times.
Today, a TV is not only about the display size and resolution but also the connectivity options it offers, the apps it features, the software it runs.
In this article, you will understand the difference between a Smart TV and Android TV
Page Contents
What is a Smart Device
Before we know about smart TV and android TV, let’s try to understand what a smart device is.
What makes a device smart or not smart
Any electronic device or gadget that can connect to other devices via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi; or can connect to the internet to offer complex services like internet surfing is a smart device.
Generally, we place any device that can connect to the internet in the smart device category.
Taking the example of your smartphone which is a smart device. Why? Because it can connect to the internet and be used to perform several tasks like booking a ticket, surfing the internet, using apps like youtube, etc
Earlier, when we had simple cellular phones that can only be used to make and receive phone calls, they were not as smart as our current phone. They also do not have the feature to connect to the internet.
What is a Smart TV
After understanding about smart devices. Let’s understand about Smart TV.
A Normal TV is like a dumb box that knows only 1 thing, which is to display a video that is given as input to it. This input can be given to it using a set-top box. It does not know anything other than this single feature.
While a Smart TV is a smart device which can connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, but also has other extra features than a normal TV.
A Smart TV comes with an Operating System(OS) pre-installed with it, that can contain several apps like netflix, amazon prime, hotstar, etc for streaming movies, videos, serials.
This OS can vary based on the manufacturer. You can get OS like tizen, webOS, smart central, etc in smart TVs.
The apps available on Smart TV are limited and specific to the OS in it. While purchasing a Smart TV you must do your research on which OS to choose.
Major Popular Companies making Smart TVs are Samsung, Panasonic, LG, MI, etc
You can also connect other smart devices like laptop, phone to your Smart TV using ChromeCast or MiraCast for playing your device screen directly on the TV.
A Smart TV may or may not have ChromeCast or Miracast built-in for using screencast.
Smart TV Features (in a nutshell)
- Wi-FI
- Video & Audio Streaming Services
- Pre-Installed Apps like Netflix, amazon prime (depends on the OS)
- Screen Mirroring or Screencast
What is Android TV
Smart TVs and Android TVs are not much different. An Android TV is a Smart TV with Google Android Operating System(OS) installed in it. While a Smart TV has a different OS other than Android. An Android TV can perform all tasks that a normal Smart TV can do.
Just Like your Android Phone, an Android TV can access Google Play Store to download several apps on it.
Popular Apps like youtube, netflix, amazon prime, voot, hotstar, Sony Liv can be used. Popular Games on PlayStore like Asphalt, GTA Liberty, CrossRoad can be downloaded and played on Android TV.
If Some of the android apps are not available or supported on Android TV. You can use Screen Mirroring to use it on TV using the Google ChromeCast which every Android TV comes built-in with.
You can connect your phone, laptop or any other smart device to your Android TV using screencast or mirroring.
Every android TV has Built-In Chromecast for casting and mirroring
Advantages of Android TV
- Access to Google Play Store
- 5000+ plus apps to download from PlayStore
- Fast and Timely updates
- Built-in ChromeCast
- Google Assistant App
Disadvantages of Android TV
- Older people accustomed to old normal TVs find it difficult to operate an Android TV
Smart TV vs Android TV (Comparison Table)
| Features | Smart TV | Android TV |
|---|---|---|
| Apps | Less and Limited | 5000+ plus apps available |
| ChromeCast | May or May not be present | Always present |
| Operating System | Non-Android(Tizen, WebOS, etc) | Android |
| Apps and System Updates | Slow Updates | Timely Updates |
Which is better? Which One To Buy?
There are many factors to consider when buying a good TV.
Display size, display quality, resolution, sound and other hardware stuff are the obvious ones.
But when it comes to choosing between Smart TV and Android TV.
It depends on the number of apps and streaming services it offers.
Android TV offers more apps than any other Smart TV. The apps and the OS get timely updates.
Also, another big feature is Google ChromeCast which comes inbuilt in all android TVs. It enhances your TV experience.
Nowadays the price difference is not big between Smart TVs and Android TVs. Companies are focusing more on building Android TVs than Smart TVs. So buying an Android TV will be a good option
Also when buying a Smart TV or Android TV make sure to have high-speed internet in your home. The internet speed must be around 5mbps. Without high-speed internet, a Smart TV or Android TV is of no use.
FAQ
Can I use Android TV without Internet?
You can use Android TV basic functions but don’t expect to stream videos without the internet. You need a high-speed internet for streaming services
Do I need wifi for smart TV?
For Video Streaming services your TV needs to connect to the internet, which can be done using your WiFi. You can also use your phone as a hotspot for connecting the TV to the internet
Is Netflix free on a smart TV?
Netflix comes pre-installed on many smart and android TVs. However, for using Netflix services you need to buy the subscription just like on your phone
Final Thoughts
For buying a new TV, I recommend to go with Android TV.
If you have a tight budget and cannot afford a new TV.
Then you can buy an Amazon FireTV stick or MI box 4K for converting your old non-smart TV to a smart android TV.
I hope you found this post useful. Do share it with your friends.
If you have any queries, do ask in the comment section. I will try to answer your queries.