Smart Tv vs Android

[Outbackoz 43]

Currently thinking of moving from a smart tv to Android and would be interested in the "pro's and cons' of Android from current users. Of particular interest is direct streaming of overseas television programs e.g. four corners Australia BBC doco's UK either directly or routing  via a vpn or app. 

If the question is of interest to others have attached a link which may clarify smart TV/Android differences

 

 

https://www.bgr.in/news/android-tv-vs-smart-tv-google-assistant-netflix-youtube-hotstar-amazon-prime-video-841235/

 

[Crossy 20,542]

IMHO a "dumb" TV and a good quality Android box is going to be your best solution.

 

I would advise against getting an Android TV - we bought one - slow - terribly hobbled PlayStore, many apps run erratically (once you've side-loaded them). Went back to my old but reliable Android box.

 

[steve187 4,302]

i agree with Crossy, if you don't need an all singing all dancing tv, then a dumb one with a good android box will do most things including apps and apk's for overseas tv..

 

i was following the thread on TCL android 9 55'' tv, was very tempted, but did not want to run the risk of the android not being a 'full' version and having problems down the line, with apps/apk's,  so we went for a larger screen LG  tv, shopped around and got it for a little more than the TCL one, same 3 year warranty.

[scubascuba3 3,926]

I've actually moved from an android tv box to now just using my tablet for TV, i rarely watch my big TV, girls don't bother watching TVs either its all facebook etc. 10 years big TVs may be history

[JaiMaai 249]

The major disadvantage of an Android box, for me, is the lack of official support for Netflix.  Many boxes won't even load the app from the Play Store.  You can (could?) download a version of the app from the Netflix website or get one from a third party site.  Even, then you may be limited to an SD stream.  The only boxes I'm aware of that are generally available in Thailand are the Nvidia Shield and Xioami Mi Box — and then you're limited to the Android TV Play Store, as mentioned by Crossy above.

 

The Smart TV version of YouTube is also woeful, with really limited features compared to the phone version which runs on a standard Android box.  The main one is the lack of a way to change the input language.  Not a big problem for many people but in a bilingual household, it's an annoyance.  You also don't seem to be able to view any comments, let alone make one.

 

For me, I got a Smart TV on sale which only really gets used for Netflix and I've got an Android box for everything else.

[henry15 381]

I had an  55 inch android TV and an 55 inch OLED LG Web O TV.. After 6 months I gave my android TV to my brother In law. And bought anorher LG 55 inch Web O TV. I hope this, answer your question.

[recom273 959]

Just to say - I’m really happy with my Samsung tizen OS I bought it to integrate with my Synology NAS which is does well, the wife watches YouTube And it also has Facebook tv app, I never hear her complaining - I could run plex if I wanted. The only thing I can think about changing for is an Apple TV+ app, the app only runs on newer TVs.

 

I’m sure it has the settings for a VPN. 

[Peterw42 10,109]

I would recommend a TV and a "separate" Android box. As others have said, the built in Android is often low spec and has restricted apps and playstore, cant side load etc.

Smart TVs running android or linux etc are often the same, limited apps etc.

LGs linux WebOS is probably the worst for apps etc, as you are stuck with what comes pre-loaded.

 

A separate Box can be upgraded, used on any other TV

 

[edwardflory 298]

Have a friend that has both Android TV and a Android TV Box. Uses the TV box as main and travels international with it

 

Android TV: while some have a lot of memory for download, HOW do you change VERSIONS, some have minimum version's of the software. Are not portible.

 

Spend the money to get a better TV instead of a Smart TV

 

Android TV Box: Usually full versions, MAKE SURE VERSION IS 8.0 and above, are portable, easy to travel with.

 

The Tanix TX-6 and its generic TX-6 models is a great buy ( I have generic. Cost 1,119THB ) good memory 4/32 ( my version - others available ) Picture in Picture, Casting, will take up to a 128GB SD card - do NOT FORMAT SD Card in the box - great for downloading movies and music purchased - buy preformated!!  internal and external antennas = very strong WiFi, RJ-45 input,  Full digital output - not coaxal, USB 3 and USB 2 inputs, Audio out for external speakers, Bluethooth.  Tethering to mobile if you want.

 

I have 3 boxes, TX - 6, a box with Version 6.1 and my old Box version 4.1 is 7 years old and still works - has a built in cam why I still use it.

 

CON TX-6 Personally I do not like the "ALICE" home screen.  There IS a learning curve using it.

Edited November 18 by edwardflory
spelling

[gamesgplayemail 244]

Do you know if Xiaomi android box is good ? 1800 thb on lazada. Thank you.

[Jeffrey346 1,063]

8 hours ago, JaiMaai said:

The major disadvantage of an Android box, for me, is the lack of official support for Netflix.  Many boxes won't even load the app from the Play Store.  You can (could?) download a version of the app from the Netflix website or get one from a third party site.  Even, then you may be limited to an SD stream.  The only boxes I'm aware of that are generally available in Thailand are the Nvidia Shield and Xioami Mi Box — and then you're limited to the Android TV Play Store, as mentioned by Crossy above.

 

The Smart TV version of YouTube is also woeful, with really limited features compared to the phone version which runs on a standard Android box.  The main one is the lack of a way to change the input language.  Not a big problem for many people but in a bilingual household, it's an annoyance.  You also don't seem to be able to view any comments, let alone make one.

 

For me, I got a Smart TV on sale which only really gets used for Netflix and I've got an Android box for everything else.

I have a Shield with quite a few side-loaded apps that run just fine.  

These boxes are Google certified and can run Netflix

 

1. Nvidia Shield TV. The power user's Android TV box of choice, the Nvidia Shield TV is an absolute beast. ...
2. Xiaomi Mi Box S. Xiaomi. ...
3. Skystream Three Plus. Skystream. ...
4. Ematic Jetstream 4K Ultra HD TV Box. Walmart.

Edited November 18 by Jeffrey346

[Tayaout 2,663]

Android box are very cheap and seem very interesting. I'm using a raspberry pi 4 with OSMC and rii MX3 remote. It fits more my need for modularity and complete OS control but I would probably consider purchasing android box one day. 

[Classic Ray 1,867]

19 minutes ago, Tayaout said:

Android box are very cheap and seem very interesting. I'm using a raspberry pi 4 with OSMC and rii MX3 remote. It fits more my need for modularity and complete OS control but I would probably consider purchasing android box one day. 

Pi 3 for me with OSMC, good free tech support, occasional issues with Netflix when they try to limit OSMC/Kodi users but usually quickly sorted. I use it for RugbyPass as well, cheap flexible solution to crippled Smart TV apps.

[Max69xl 981]

On 11/17/2019 at 5:16 PM, scubascuba3 said:

I've actually moved from an android tv box to now just using my tablet for TV, i rarely watch my big TV, girls don't bother watching TVs either its all facebook etc. 10 years big TVs may be history

Go from a big screen TV to a tablet? Use a tablet in bed,ok. But it will never ever replace a big screen TV when watching movies or sports.

[Max69xl 981]

38 minutes ago, Tayaout said:

Android box are very cheap and seem very interesting. I'm using a raspberry pi 4 with OSMC and rii MX3 remote. It fits more my need for modularity and complete OS control but I would probably consider purchasing android box one day. 

You can use your Raspberry pi as an Android box if it has enough RAM.