Televisions are an eternal source of entertainment and joy. With advancements in technology, television sets have been integrated with modern technologies like an Internet connection.
Smart TV and Android TV are two prominent types of television sets available in the market today. While they may seem similar, there are comparable differences between them.
Key Takeaways
- Smart TVs use various proprietary operating systems, whereas Android TVs exclusively use Google’s Android OS.
- Android TVs offer access to the Google Play Store, enabling a wider selection of apps than most Smart TVs.
- Smart TVs provide basic streaming and web browsing, while Android TVs support gaming, voice search, and Google Assistant integration.
Smart TV vs Android TV
A smart TV is a television that can connect to the internet and access streaming services and apps. An Android TV is a specific type of smart TV that runs on the Android operating system, allowing users to download and use Android apps. All Android TVs are smart TVs, but not vice versa.
Smart TV refers to a modernized version of the traditional television sets. Smart TVs are framework platforms owned and operated by individuals and private firms.
The demand for Smart TVs is resigning exponentially over the years primarily because of the modern features they offer.
Some of these applications are browsing the web, playing games, and enjoying shows and movies from the comfort of our homes.
Android TVs are Smart TVs that offer features like internet connection and built-in apps to users.
Users can easily connect their Android TV to their respective Google Play Store and install the apps and other applications that they desire.
Android TV offers a vast app library, continuous app updates, and a Google Assistant. However, it may be a complex system to understand for non-Android users.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Smart TV | Android TV |
|---|---|---|
| Programs supported | Smart TV supports fewer programs than Android TV. | Android TV supports more programs than smart TV primarily due to the presence of the Android App Store. |
| Updates and Media Resources | The updates and media resources in smart TV are inferior to those in Android TV. | The updates and media resources of Android TV are superior to those of smart tv. |
| Voice Control | Smart TV doesn’t support voice control. | Android TV supports voice control. |
| Mobile Applications | Users cannot screen applications from their mobile phones directly to a smart TV without the presence of other projection equipment. | Users can screen applications from their mobile phones with the help of Google Assistant and Google Cast. |
| Efficiency | Smart TV is more efficient than Android TV. | Android TV is less efficient than a Smart TV. |
What is Smart TV?
Smart TV is a conventional television set with modern features such as integrated internet and engaging web 2.0 features.
Also called a connected TV, a Smart TV enables users to stream various audios and videos, search the web, and view images on the television.
Smart TVs are referred to as a hybrid of televisions, computers, and digital media players.
Some features of a Smart TV include television streaming, home networking access, and internet radio. The operating system of Smart TVs is loaded beforehand in its firmware.
This operating system provides the user’s access to various apps and other digital content.
Thus, Smart TVs are superior to traditional TV sets that provide access primarily to vendor-specific apps and digital content.
Smart TVs enable users to access online content on Youtube, and various OTT platforms. Users can access the content they generate themselves and access interactive services.
Smart Tv companies regularly update their models to satisfy the advancing needs of the consumers. The introduction of new payment processes has been one such development.
The most prominent advantage of a Smart TV is that users can access different programs, shows, and movies without subscribing to any cable or satellite and without the need to connect the TV.
In addition, Smart TVs have become increasingly popular among the youth for watching Netflix and playing online games.
However, the restricted viewing angles of a Smart TV may be a demerit for larger households.
Thus, Smart TVs have several interesting features to offer.
What is Android TV?
Android TV is a variant of Smart TV that operates on the Android system. The developer of Android TV is Google.
Android TV was launched on 25 June 2014 and is the successor of Google TV.
The features provided by Android TV include voice search, access to media apps and games, and several browsing platforms.
Android TV is developed to provide facilities such as television sets, set-top boxes, digital media players, and soundbars.
The most compelling feature of every Android TV is that it is equipped with Google Assistant.
Thus, the users need to say Ok Google or press the mic button to effectively operate their television set without leaving what they are currently watching.
Android TV tailors the entertainment options of the user as per his choice and preferences. With the continued watching options, users of Android TV can resume any show or movie from where they left.
Android TV has access to apps such as Netflix, Youtube, Prime Video, HBO Max, Spotify, Hulu, Disney, Peacock, and Apple TV.
Android TV gives the user control over their devices such as Android phones and WearOS watches. It allows users to stream from their mobile phones.
However, there are a limited number of Android TV manufacturers. Therefore, users don’t have much choice.
In addition, users who are not familiar with Android systems may find the interface rather complicated. Thus, Android TV has its respective merits and demerits.
Main Differences Between Smart TV and Android TV
- While it is not possible to operate the Smart TV handsfree, Android TV can be operated via Google Assistant.
- The firmware and app updates on Smart TV are less frequent as compared to those available on Android TV.
- Smart TV offers all the features in one place, thereby eliminating the need for any setup. On the other hand, special connections and setups may be required for an Android TV.
- Smart TV offers fewer features as compared to an Android TV.
- While users have to enter content into Smart TV using a full-size keyboard, Android TV excludes such hassles due to the presence of Android TV.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_TV#Features
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_TV#Typical_features
Last Updated : 15 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
