Android vs. Smart TVs: Key Differences Explained

If you are looking for a brand-new television, navigating the extensive range of brands, models, operating systems, and features can feel like an overwhelming endeavor. In the modern TV market, the biggest decision you will need to make is whether to buy a Smart TV or an Android TV. Once you have narrowed down your options to one or the other, you can start to consider factors like size, finishes, and additional complementary devices. 

The make and model you choose to invest in is ultimately up to personal preference and entertainment needs. Smart TVs and Android televisions alike have advantages and disadvantages, with vast differences in user experience, application access and support, and added features unique to their operating systems. 

Smart vs Android

A Smart TV, also known as an internet TV, uses an internet connection to bring additional programs and applications to the viewer. It uses either a wireless connection or an Ethernet cable to access online content. Smart TVs operate similarly to smartphones and computers, making them simple and straightforward to set up, navigate, and use. Most operating systems come with built-in apps like Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, and other popular streaming services. However, because the operating system within these TVs cannot be updated, you won’t be able to access the latest apps. 

An Android TV is a type of Smart TV that has similar built-in apps and internet connectivity. But their similarities end there. Android TVs use an operating system completely powered by Google, opening up a wide range of additional applications, features, and updates. Access to the Google Play Store allows you to download and update to the latest version of all apps, and many Android TVs allow access to Chromecast and built-in Google Assistant for improved user experience. 

Key Differences

Understanding the key differences and how they match your personal preference and entertainment needs is essential for making a well-informed purchase when deciding between a Smart TV and an Android TV. 

Screen Mirroring & Casting

If you are unfamiliar with the terms, screen mirroring and screen casting may sound very similar. However, there are significant differences between the two. Screen mirroring duplicates the entire screen of one device onto another, including the layout and actions in real-time. On the other hand, screen casting only sends specific information, like a video or image, from one device to another. Any actions on the original device will not be displayed on the TV. 

Some Smart TV models may offer both capabilities, but their methods and compatibility may differ based on the TV’s operating system. Android TVs feature built-in Chromecast abilities, making them instantly compatible with any device that supports Google’s casting technology. 

Applications

Although Android and Smart TVs support a healthy range of popular applications, their final numbers differ substantially. Thanks to the support of the Google Play store, which contains over 10,000 apps, the Android TV has an undeniable advantage with its vast and varied application selection.

Android TVs can run everything from YouTube and Netflix to Hulu, Prime Video, Google Chrome, and Instagram. In comparison, Smart TVs offer a limited range of popular built-in apps that often lack frequent updates to keep them competitive with the Google ecosystem. 

Gaming Support

All Smart TVs on the market today offer basic gaming capabilities via the built-in app store. The selection and overall performance of these capabilities differ based on the television’s hardware and the operating system included.

Android TVs can access the Google Play Store, which contains a far wider selection of games. Because of its regular updates and built-in support of gaming consoles and cloud gaming platforms, Android TVs are better equipped to handle gaming apps. 

Voice Assistant

There is a noticeable difference between Smart and Android TVs when it comes to voice assistants. Depending on the brand and operating system of your Smart TV, users can access various voice assistants, including Samsung’s Bixby and Roku Voice, on any Roku TV. 

Android TVs are integrated with Google Assistant, guaranteeing consistent voice command features, easy access to a wide range of Google services, and more expansive smart home integration options. This versatility and reliability make Android TVs the more popular choice for most people. 

Automatic Updates

One of the biggest factors influencing the performance of modern televisions is the regularity of the software updates they receive. Because Android TVs operate using Google’s high-quality ecosystem, they greatly benefit from regular and important updates. 

This ensures that users continue to benefit from the latest features, security patches, and app compatibility. Smart TV users, however, only receive updates based on the brand and operating system, which can be fairly inconsistent and potentially limited to a certain period. 

Navigation

If easy navigation is an important factor in your user experience, Smart TVs will take the cake. With a simple and user-friendly interface, switching between apps that appear on the home screen is effortless and easy to learn. 

Additionally, because Smart TVs are sold as an all-in-one device, set-up is quick and straightforward. In comparison, Android TVs may be more complicated to navigate and present a learning curve to those unfamiliar with the Android operating system. 

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