Difference Between Smart TV And Android TV

Smart TV also referred to as Internet TV is a broader term used to describe any TV that can provide additional programs through internet connectivity. Manufacturers use different platforms/operating systems to run their TVs. Android TV is one of the Smart TV platform/operating system that is popularly used by manufactures nowadays. Android TV operating system is owned by Google and therefore, features like Chromecast, Google assistant, Play Store etc are only available on Android TVs, as these are Google’s proprietary product. The rest of other features like Live cast, home cloud, live streaming etc are same in all Smart TVs.

Other Smart TV platform/operating systems which manufacturers use are:

1. Linux (used by Budget TV manufacturers)
2. Home OS (used by Panasonic)
3. Tizen (Used by Samsung)
4. WebOS (used by LG)
5.  iOS (used by Apple’s TV)

Therefore, the difference between a Smart TV and Android TV is typically the same as the difference between a car and Toyota car. However, the choice of TV ultimately comes down to what suits your needs and unique requirements. When looking for a TV you need to take into account the differences and limitations of both devices so as to have a good judgement. To ensure that you make the right choice, it’s good to make a list of requirements otherwise called features that your TV must have and compare those products before purchase.

What Is Android TV?

Android TV is a smart TV platform based on the Android operating system. It is designed to bring the power and flexibility of Android to the television, providing users with a wide range of entertainment options and access to various apps and services.

in other words, Android TV is a type of smart TV that runs on the Android operating system. It was developed by Google for television sets, digital media players, set-top boxes and sound bars. A successor to Google TV, it features a user interface designed around content discovery and voice search, content aggregation from various media apps and services, and integration with other recent Google technologies such as Assistant, Chromecast, Play Store and knowledge graph.

What You Need To Know About Android TV

• Android TV features a user-friendly and intuitive interface designed to be navigated with a remote control. The interface organizes content into rows and columns, making it easy to browse through different apps, movies, TV shows, and games. There is a central home screen that displays personalized recommendations and shortcuts to frequently used apps.
• Integration with the Google Play Store enable users to have access to thousands of apps, including popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and many others. Additionally, there are apps for games, news, sports, music, productivity, and more.
• Android TV comes with a voice search feature that allows users to use their voice to search for content, control playback, and access information. The integration of Google Assistant enables users to control smart home devices, check the weather, ask questions, and get general information—all with voice commands.
• Android TV supports Chromecast, which allows users to cast content from their smartphones, tablets, or computers directly to the TV screen. This feature is handy for streaming content from apps that may not be available directly on Android TV.
• Android TV includes a “Live Channels” app, which acts as a digital tuner and integrates with over-the-air broadcasts and IP-based TV services, offering a unified viewing experience for both traditional and internet-based TV content.
• Android TV is also a gaming platform, supporting a variety of games available for download from the Google Play Store. Users can use a gamepad or even their Android smartphones as controllers.
• Android TV is not limited to a single manufacturer. Various TV manufacturers, including Sony, Philips, TCL, Sharp, Hisense, and others, offer Android TV as the operating system for their smart TVs.
• Like other Android devices, Android TV receives regular updates from Google, ensuring that the platform remains secure, up-to-date, and receives new features over time.
• Android TV allows users to customize the home screen by adding or removing rows and rearranging apps, giving users more control over their preferred content and layout.
• Some Android TV devices come with remote controls that have a dedicated Google Assistant button, making it even easier to access voice commands and control the TV with natural language.

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What Is Smart TV?

Smart TV also referred to as Internet TV is an advanced television that offers internet connectivity and a range of interactive features beyond traditional TV capabilities. It combines the functions of a regular television with the versatility of a computer, providing access to a vast array of online content and applications.

In other words smart TV provide additional programs through internet connectivity. Smart TVs have many features that differentiate it from digital or normal TVs, most predominantly its ability to connect to the internet and having multiple built-in  apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Facebook , Hulu, Kayo, Amazon Prime, Hotstar and many more pre-installed.

What You Need To Know About Smart TV

• Smart TVs can connect to the internet either through Wi-Fi or Ethernet, allowing users to stream content from various online platforms like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and many others.
• One of the primary benefits of a smart TV is its ability to access streaming services directly on the TV screen. This makes it convenient for users to watch their favorite movies, TV shows, and other content without the need for external devices like a set-top box or a streaming stick.
• Smart TVs often come with an app store or marketplace where users can download and install various applications. These apps can range from video streaming services to gaming apps, weather apps, social media platforms, and more.
• Many smart TVs support screen mirroring, allowing users to cast content from their smartphones, tablets, or computers directly to the TV screen. This feature is handy for sharing photos, videos, presentations, and other content with a larger audience.
• Some smart TVs are equipped with voice recognition technology, enabling users to control the TV and search for content using voice commands. This feature adds convenience and ease of use to the overall TV experience.
• Smart TVs may come with a built-in web browser, allowing users to browse the internet directly from their television.
• Some smart TVs offer integration with popular social media platforms, enabling users to view their social media feeds and interact with their friends without leaving the TV interface.
• Smart TVs can serve as gaming consoles by supporting various gaming apps and even connecting to gaming controllers.
• Smart TVs receive regular software updates to enhance performance, security, and add new features, ensuring that the device remains up-to-date with the latest technology advancements.

Factors to consider when buying a smart TV:

1. Operating system: Smart TVs use different operating systems such as Android TV, Tizen (Samsung), webOS (LG), and others. The choice of OS may influence the app availability and user interface.
2. Connectivity options: Ensure that the smart TV you choose has enough HDMI ports, USB ports, and audio outputs to accommodate your devices and sound system.
3. Display quality: Consider the resolution (Full HD, 4K, 8K) and display technology (LED, OLED, QLED) to ensure you get the best picture quality based on your preferences and budget.
4. Processor and RAM: A faster processor and sufficient RAM will ensure smoother performance and multitasking capabilities.
5. Privacy and security: As with any internet-connected device, it’s essential to be mindful of privacy and security settings on your smart TV, especially considering potential data collection and sharing concerns.

Also Read: Difference Between Digital And Smart Tv

Difference Between Smart TV And Android TV In Tabular Form

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