Smart TVs vs Android TVs: Decoding the key differences

At it’s I/O developers’ conference 2024, tech giant Google confirmed that Android 14’s TV operating system update is coming to Android TVs. The update brings new energy modes as well as improvements to accessibility features. While the update may take some time to hit all Android TVs, the larger TV ecosystem itself is engulfed by marketing terms and one of the common confusion is around Smart TV and Android TV. 

It is often difficult to tell the two apart, but it can be said that every Android TV is essentially a smart TV, but not all smart TVs are Android TVs. This might warrant an argument that an Android TV is better than a smart TV. However, there are more nuances to it. There are some differences that will influence your decision while buying your next TV. Here’s a look at those differences and how to choose between the two. 

Differences between Smart TVs and Android TVs

A smart TV can be defined as the first set of TVs that came with internet connectivity. They are sometimes called Internet TV since they support access to additional programming via the Internet. The idea is that a TV with the internet embedded into it can surpass the traditional reliance on cable alone to access content designed for the television. 

ALSO READ: 5 best smart TV brands in India in 2024 

Apart from internet connectivity, a smart TV also comes with built-in apps to stream movies via platforms like Netflix or watch videos on YouTube. They also support apps like Facebook and let you play games as well. Despite access to popular apps, smart TVs do not allow for operating system updates. This limits your access to newer apps available on the device. 

Android TVs on the other hand, not only offer access to all the apps available on smart TVs, but they also offer updates to newer versions of Android. But some manufacturers like Samsung and LG tend to build their own OS into their smart TVs, to offer a bit more flexibility. Here is a detailed breakdown of the basic differences between the two that you need to know though.  

1. Apps 

When it comes to smart TVs, their app ecosystem is limited to only the most popular applications. Android TV, on the other hand, is home to more than 10,000 apps and the library only continues to grow. Sure, the ecosystem isn’t as vast as Android’s mobile apps, but it offers more applications than smart TVs do. They also include the option to update the apps downloaded from the Play Store, and there are also games that you can enjoy on the big screen. 

2. Auto-updates 

One of the common issues with streaming applications is that they can get sluggish on your TV, which can be fixed with an update. With Android TVs, you don’t need to update the apps regularly since it supports automatic update of applications installed on your TV. Smart TVs lack this feature. Even if they are baked into the system by individual manufacturers, it may not be as fluid as it is on Android TV. 

3. Voice assistant support 

One of the major advantages of Android TV is the support for Google Assistant. Google’s voice assistant is an effective way to navigate the myriad of menus and apps available on your Android TV. You can switch channels or search for programs using your voice. Smart TVs may or may not support a digital assistant, or require you to connect to an Alexa-enabled device to enable the same. 

4. Casting and screen mirroring 

Imagine watching something on your phone, and you wish to bring that content to your TV. Well, with Android TV, Google offers native support for Chromecast to easily cast content from your Android phone to the TV. In the case of smart TVs, it is only possible if they have functions such as Miracast. 

Smart TVs vs Android TVs: Which one’s better

There is no doubt that an Android TV is a better smart TV since it supports a vast library of TV-centric applications and the ability to cast content from your smartphone. The inclusion of Google Assistant makes it easier to control your TV with your voice as well. However, with Android TVs, you are at the mercy of your TV’s brand as far as major software updates are concerned. 

ALSO READ: What are the features you should look for in a TV?

Smart TVs, on the other hand, are designed to bring the most popular online content to the big screen. They do this by offering access to a curated list of popular apps. On the flipside though, they have not necessarily gotten any smarter in recent years. If you are looking for a TV that has the most important apps and works as intended, then a smart TV would be a good choice. 

However, if you are looking to turn your smart TV into an Android TV then you can do that by connecting a media streaming device like an Android TV Stick. There are many benefits to getting an Android TV but the most important is the option to stay current and stay connected.