Today we are going to talk about what is Android TV Box and we will give you a series of recommended devices. What is the difference between an Android TV Box and an Android TV? They may seem the same, both include identical system bases, but they are different things.
What is the difference between Android TV Box and Android TV?
We usually refer to the countless number of devices that use any version of Android and to the fact that this operating system is suitable for almost any connected object. It turns out to be true: Android can even be found in refrigerators. And of course, if televisions are becoming more and more connected, why not put Android on the TV itself or in an HDMI-connected player? But it’s not the only version of the operating system running on these devices.
Android TV is designed for TVs
The two concepts refer to a similar device: a player that, in communion with the TV, offers Smart TV services by simply connecting it to the big screen via HDMI (there are televisions that already have Android TV integrated). The major difference between the two is that an Android TV Box has a “normal” operating system (usually an AOSP version) that is not specifically adapted for TV, so the applications installed may not be displayed correctly.
Android TV Boxes offer access to the most common streaming applications, but also allow you to download games and a multitude of other apps, just as if you had a smartphone or tablet. In fact, the interface of the Android TV Box usually looks like a tablet. Android TV Boxes do not adapt their interface to large screens, but still, the best way to navigate through it is by using a remote control.
Android TVs differ from those who place a “Box” to their name in that they do have an adapted version of the system: the use of the remote control is much more comfortable, they also integrate Google Assistant into the device.
In general, the remote control of an Android TV is very simple, it has a navigation cursor, volume, back, home, accept, and Google Assistant. Despite its simplicity, this type of remote control is enough to use an Android TV perfectly. Simplicity is a major advantage.
Advantages of an Android TV Box
It has already been made clear that the main difference between an Android TV Box and an Android TV is that the latter has a 100% adapted interface. This does not mean that an Android TV Box is bad because it will depend on your usage and needs. And these are its advantages:
- Android TV Boxes are usually quite cheap (there are also inexpensive Android TVs, but they are not abundant).
- They do not usually have limitations on apps and games: they access almost the entire catalog of the Google Play Store. Everything depends on the version of Android they have.
- They are usually more versatile, also more powerful (it all depends on the specific model of the Android TV Box).
- They tend to have more RAM and storage, hence they also allow the execution of apps that require more performance.
Advantages of an Android TV
- The remote control experience is much more convenient.
- Perfect for the most popular streaming applications.
- They have integrated Google Chromecast to send content from the mobile.
- They do not usually suffer from software incompatibilities.
- The apps are adapted to the TV interface.
