The Android TV platform impresses with its abundance of features: In fact, you can do whatever you want with your TV. Well, for example, it is really possible to turn a TV into a computer if you connect peripherals to it and download the necessary applications. Moreover, developers regularly adapt software for Android TV, so that it can be used even with the help of a regular complete remote control. However, many people are interested in what is the difference between Android TV and Smart TV? What is the difference between the two platforms and is there one at all? Let’s try to understand our material.
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What is Smart TV on TV ?
Smart TV is a category of “smart” TVs with an Internet connection and, accordingly, with the ability to download applications. It is quite easy to distinguish Smart-TV from a regular TV: you can watch a wide variety of content on it, starting with regular terrestrial channels and ending with online cinemas. In addition, the Smart-TV user always has the opportunity to watch TV channels online, so you don’t need to connect a cable or antenna to such a TV.
Also, smart TVs are distinguished by the presence of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless communication modules. The latter is needed here not only for pairing with other devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or headphones, but also for remote control operation. In Smart-TV, most often you will find exactly those that will allow you to control the TV from a long distance and without having to point the remote control in its direction.
Which Smart TV is better
The difference between Smart-TV and a regular TV is not only different modules and functions, but also the presence of an operating system. It is responsible for managing, launching, and configuring applications. There are several main ones that are popular on the Russian market.
- Tizen is a system in Samsung TVs. It has a minimalistic interface in the form of a panel at the bottom of the screen, as well as the ability to use multiple applications simultaneously. More or less new TVs will soon receive a fresh One UI, which Samsung began to distribute not so long ago.
- webOS-operating system for LG TVs. It has a slightly different interface, but just as fast. However, there is a limitation in the form of a built-in app store, which is sparse for interesting software.
- Vidaa is a new OS for HiSense, Toshiba and other TVs. It’s fast, but there aren’t enough apps for it yet.
- In addition, there is also HarmonyOS for TVs. It is not often found, but it is simple, convenient and close in spirit to the mobile firmware.
TVs running on branded webOS and Tizen are slightly more expensive, but this is reflected in their quality. As a rule, gadgets from LG and Samsung are readily bought because of their durability and good build, while cheap Android TV devices can cause a lot of problems and simply start to fail in 1-2 years.
Differences between Android and Smart TV
So, if you thought that Smart TV and Android TV are different things, then you were very wrong. In fact, these are equivalent concepts, so when you talk about a TV on Android, you mean Smart-TV and vice versa. Thus, Android TV is a subspecies of Smart-TV, just like the other operating systems described above.
At the same time, Android TV is objectively the most popular operating system, as it is also installed in set-top boxes, of which there are an incredible number on sale. They often include Android AOSP, a pure open source version. It is characterized by the presence of various add-ons like the design, as well as the absence of Google Services in the TV.
However, recently some TVs come with Google TV and many try to avoid it. However, you should not do this, since Google TV is a firmware on top of Android TV. It is distinguished by the presence of recommendations on the main screen, smooth operation and simplicity of the interface, which Android has problems with. In short, this is a great operating system for those who do not like settings and just want to turn on the TV, spending a minimum of clicks to search for content.
Which Smart TV to buy in 2024
From all the above-mentioned options, it becomes clear that Android-TV is the best Smart-TV in 2024. These firmware versions are better adapted for the user compared to Google TV, so you can find recommendations of domestic TV shows and built-in services of companies on the main screen. In addition, they are flexible even against the background of Android-TV, as they do not depend on Google services. In addition, such a TV is easier to integrate into a smart home than Android-TV to control it by voice or from a smartphone. Most often, these devices are cheaper and faster, as the operating systems are regularly updated and improved, unlike the usual Android-TV, new versions of which reach users very rarely.
