What are the Differences between Smart TV and Android TV

Introduction

Roku TV, Android TV, Smart TV, AI TV, Google TV,  Mini LED TV, QLED TV, and so forth are some of the marketing terms utilized by TV manufacturers nowadays. To be honest, it is tricky to tell the differences between them if you are not an expert in the field of television. To meet the more refined needs of consumers, the TV industry appears to have caught up with the rocket, making it difficult for people to decide which one will grace the living room or bedroom for years to come.

The Android TV and smart TV are so similar that you could argue that an Android TV is essentially a smart TV. Nevertheless, not all smart TVs are Android TVs. There are still some differences between a smart TV and an Android TV, which may influence your decision.

What is Smart TV, and what is Android TV?

A Smart TV, often known as an Internet TV, is any television that can access additional programming via the internet. It is the equivalent of having a computer embedded in your television. Most Smart TVs have built-in apps that let you play games, watch videos, and stream movies, including Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, and others. However, the operating system on a Smart TV cannot be upgraded, so you cannot access the most recent apps. As a matter of fact, any TV that provides online content, no matter what operating system it runs, can be regarded as a smart TV. In this sense, Android TV is indeed a smart TV. 

Smart TV and Android TV are inclusive relationships, meanwhile, Android TV has almost all the functions of smart TV but with the  Android operating system powered by Google. Some TV manufacturers also have their own built-in operating system when launching smart TV. Similarly, if the operating system of a smart TV is Roku, we can call it Roku TV. TCL has cooperated with streaming media manufacturers such as Android and Roku; therefore, it is not surprising to hear about TCL Android TV and TCL Roku TV.

Differences between Smart TV and Android TV

Application program

Although Android TV and smart TV support a number of popular applications, their numbers differ. Thanks to the support of the Android App Store, which contains more than 10,000 apps, it gives Android TV an absolute advantage in the application program. The considerable application library allows Android TV users to download and use a variety of applications, just like on smartphones. For example, everything from YouTube to Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video can be used on TCL Android TV. 

However, for smart TVs running other operating systems, such as Tizen OS or WebOS, the supported applications will be limited. Only a few well-known built-in apps are accessible through them.

Automatic update

As the development of Android TV is very active and the developers regularly push new updates to various applications, Android TV is superior to a smart TV in terms of updating applications and streaming media resources. In addition, connected with WiFi, Android TV offers the automatic update of applications, while it is difficult for smart TVs to get updates in this regard.

Voice assistant

The advantage of the built-in Google assistant makes Android TV so outstanding in the function that users of Android TV can switch channels and search programs easily through voice control without any input device. In contrast, users of smart TVs have to enter content with a full-size keyboard. Even though many smart TVs support voice control, they have to be paired with a device such as Alexa to achieve this function.

Screen Mirroring and Casting

Screen mirroring your favorite application directly to Android TV from an Android phone is possible due to the Google Assistant and built-in Chromecast (also known as Google cast). However, it is impossible to happen on a smart TV without other projection equipment, which means an additional cost and effort.

Android TV or Smart TV, Which One is Better?

As mentioned earlier, Android TV is essentially a smart TV, though it has more choices in some auxiliary functions and application libraries. Smart TV providing a user-friendly and straightforward interface usually performs better and runs faster than Android TV because there are fewer applications to launch. Moreover, a smart TV can be upgraded to Android TV through Android TV boxes, such as Chromecast. 

With the capacity to connect to the internet, play material from streaming services without the use of an external device, and offer voice control features, televisions have gotten smarter. Some smart TVs can also be used to manage smart home devices. Such a trend urges smart TVs and Android TVs to gradually occupy a wide market all over the world. All in all, both of them are mainstream TV products in the current market, and each has its own merits.

If you are looking for a new TV,  you will not want to miss one of the best TV brands – TCL.

Try the best Smart TV and the best Android TV in TCL Global .

What’s worth mentioning is that TCL has introduced a new generation of Smart TV- Google TV. Google TV has been available for some time and has gotten positive feedback from customers. It's ideal for folks who have a variety of hobbies or interests because it includes an app store where you can download programs for cooking, gaming, reading, listening to music, and so much more!

Learn more at: Which TV is better for you- Google TV or Android TV? A Definitive Guide.

Google TV vs Android TV: Understanding the Distinctions

In the realm of smart entertainment, deciphering the differences between Google TV and Android TV is vital for an informed decision. Although they share a common lineage under the Google umbrella, each brings a unique flavor to the smart TV experience.

Android TV is an operating system designed for televisions and digital media players, providing a familiar interface for users who are accustomed to Android devices. It offers a vast array of applications through the Google Play Store, from streaming services to games, and it supports Google Assistant for voice commands. Its flexibility lies in customization, allowing users to adjust and prioritize content as they see fit.

Google TV, on the other hand, represents the next evolution of this platform, offering a more refined user experience. Google TV reached TV screens in 2020 when it was launched alongside a new version of Google's streaming dongle, the Chromecast with Google TV. It integrates with various streaming services, pulling in content to create a central hub for your entertainment needs. Google TV shines with its For You tab, which utilizes Google's powerful algorithms to recommend shows and movies based on your preferences and viewing history.

One of the main advantages of Google TV over Android TV is its emphasis on content over applications. While Android TV users navigate through different apps to find content, Google TV users are met with suggestions directly on the home screen, reducing the time spent searching and enhancing the viewing experience.

Both platforms support key features such as 4K resolution, HDR content, and voice control through Google Assistant. However, Google TV often benefits from a streamlined interface that's more cohesive and less cluttered compared to Android TV's app-centric layout.

In conclusion, while both Google TV and Android TV offer robust smart TV features, the choice between them depends on user preference for an application-driven interface (Android TV) or a content-first approach that simplifies discovery (Google TV).

About TCL

As the second-largest manufacturer of smart Android TV in the world, TCL has attracted an increasing number of loyal clients around the world in terms of price and picture quality. You will receive the same TV size and undifferentiated functions at a more affordable price from TCL TV in the world.

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