What is the difference between an Android TV and a Smart TV?

Smart TVs are TV sets that can deliver content over the internet, while Android TV is a type of smart TV that runs on the Android TV platform. The major difference between the two is the underlying operating system. While Android TVs run on Android TV OS, Smart TVs can run on different proprietary operating systems such as Tizen OS, Web OS, and tv OS.

What are the disadvantages of an Android TV?

One of the disadvantages of an Android TV is that it can be slow in comparison to Smart TVs. Additionally, there can be difficulty in connecting to WiFi, which can be due to the distance between your TV and WiFi, a broken WiFi adapter, and other reasons.

What are the disadvantages of a Smart TV?

Smart TVs can be relatively harder to navigate, and use compared to Android TVs. Additionally, updates are hard to come by on Smart TVs in comparison to Android TVs.

Which is better: Smart TV or Android TV?

A Smart TV provides built-in apps and features, while an Android TV offers access to the Google Play Store, allowing for greater app variety. Android TV is ideal for users seeking more flexibility and customisation, while Smart TVs may be simpler to navigate for basic users.

What are the disadvantages of an Android TV?

Android TV's disadvantages include a more complex interface, potential performance issues, and the need for regular updates. It can also be prone to bugs or crashes if overloaded with apps, requiring users to have more technical knowledge compared to other TV platforms.

Is an Android TV better than a Samsung TV?

Samsung TVs, especially those with Tizen OS, offer a smoother, faster interface, but lack the extensive app library of Android TV. Android TVs are better suited for tech-savvy users wanting more apps, while Samsung's Tizen offers a more polished, intuitive experience.

Which is the best TV with Android?

Sony Bravia is often considered the best Android TV due to its superior display quality, smooth interface, and integration with Google features. It provides excellent picture clarity and sound, making it a popular choice among users seeking high-end performance in Android TVs.

Does Android TV have more features than Smart TV?

Yes, Android TVs generally offer more features, including access to Google services, a wider app selection, and integration with smart home devices compared to traditional Smart TVs.

Can both Android TV and Smart TV connect to mobile devices?

Yes, both Android TVs and Smart TVs can connect to mobile devices via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or casting technologies like Chromecast and AirPlay.

Do Smart TVs have Google Play Store?

No, Smart TVs do not have the Google Play Store unless they are running on Android TV. Other Smart TVs have their own proprietary app stores.

Does Android TV support voice control?

Yes, Android TVs support Google Assistant, allowing voice control for a range of tasks such as changing channels, searching for content, and controlling smart devices.

Which TV type is more user-friendly, Android TV or Smart TV?

Both types are user-friendly, but Android TVs may offer more customization options due to Google's interface, while Smart TVs tend to have simpler, more streamlined systems based on their respective operating systems.

Smart TV vs Android TV: Key Differences, Features, and Best Choice

Android TV vs Smart TV: A comparison

Android TVs run on Google’s Android operating system, offering access to the Google Play Store for downloading apps, games, and streaming services. They also support voice control via Google Assistant.

Smart TVs, on the other hand, come with their own operating systems, such as Tizen (Samsung) or webOS (LG), and offer built-in apps for streaming. While both provide internet connectivity and app support, Android TVs offer more versatility with app downloads and a wider ecosystem, whereas Smart TVs tend to have simpler, brand-specific ecosystems.

4 mins read

05 Dec 2023

Smart TVs vs Android TVs

A Smart TV is a modern TV set that goes beyond the traditional function of displaying broadcast content. Smart TVs run on an Operating System (OS), which is very similar to a computer or a smartphone and allows them to connect to the internet. The most popular Operating System is Android OS, and Smart TVs that run on the Android Operating System are also called Android TVs.

Thus, Android TVs are a subset of Smart TVs and run specifically on Google’s Android Operating System. Smart and Android TVs have similar features, such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet options, USB and HDMI ports, and voice recognition. However, Android TVs also give you access to the Google Play Store and integrated Google services, such as Google Assistant and Chromecast.

If you are weighing your options, you must know the key differences between Android and Smart TVs before buying a model.

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Differences between Smart TVs and Android TVs

In the Smart TV vs Android TV debate, you must understand the key differences between both types of TVs.

Screen mirroring and casting

While screen mirroring and screen casting may sound the same, they are not exactly alike. Screen mirroring duplicates the entire screen of one device onto another (mirror), including the screen layout and actions in real time. However, screen casting sends specific content, such as a video, from one device to another. The actions you perform on the source device will not be displayed on the TV.

Smart TVs may offer screen mirroring and casting capabilities, but their methods and compatibility can differ based on the TV’s OS. Android TVs boast a built-in Chromecast, making them natively compatible with devices supporting Google’s casting technology.

Voice assistants

Smart TVs and Android TVs differ in their integration with voice assistants. For instance, Smart TVs can employ various voice assistants, depending on the brand and OS. This includes Samsung’s Bixby with Tizen OS and Roku Voice with Roku TV. On the other hand, Android TVs natively integrate with Google Assistant, resulting in consistent voice command features, easy access to Google services, and broader smart home integrations. With Android TVs delivering a standardised Google-based voice experience, most people prefer Android TVs.

Automatic updates

A key difference between Android and Smart TVs pertains to the software updates they receive. Android TVs operate under Google’s ecosystem and benefit from regular updates. This ensures users can access the latest features, security patches, and app compatibility. On the other hand, Smart TVs receive software updates depending on their OS and brand, which can be inconsistent and end after a certain period.

Thus, the frequency and longevity of updates can vary between brands and models, while Android TVs typically receive frequent updates, owing to Google’s control over the Android platform.

Application program

All Smart TVs come with the manufacturer’s app store and sometimes offer a limited selection of apps based on the TV’s OS. However, Android TVs have access to the Google Play Store, which hosts a diverse range of applications. This includes OTT platforms, social media, games, and services specifically optimised for TVs. Thus, Android TV users have a wider, more up-to-date selection, thanks to the TV’s integration with the Google ecosystem.

Gaming support

All Smart TVs available today offer basic gaming capabilities via native app stores. However, the selection and performance differ based on the TV’s hardware and OS. Android TVs have access to the Google Play Store and offer a wider range of games. Moreover, Android TVs typically support gaming consoles and cloud gaming platforms like Google Stadia. Thanks to regular updates, TVs running on Android OS are also better equipped to handle gaming apps.

While other Smart TVs can also run games, Android TVs generally offer an enhanced gaming experience thanks to a broader app ecosystem.

Android TV and Smart TV comparison table

Feature	Android TV	Smart TV
Operating System (OS)	Android OS	Varies (webOS, Tizen OS, proprietary)
App store	Google Play Store	Specific to the brand or OS
Services	Google services integrated	Varies based on the manufacturer/brand
Interface	Consistent Android interface	Varies by brand or OS
App availability	Wide range via Google Play	Depends on the OS and brand
Integration	Integrates with Google ecosystem & smart home	May or may not integrate with smart home systems
Updates	Regular Android updates	Depends on the manufacturer/OS

Android TV or Smart TV - Which one is better?

If you are thinking of buying a TV, you must find a model that offers an enhanced user experience. The Smart TV vs. Android TV comparison highlights the main differences between TVs with different Operating Systems. Operating under the Google ecosystem, Android TVs offer several benefits, such as a wide range of apps, regular updates, and enhanced gaming support. However, if you prefer brand-specific features (such as those offered by LG and Samsung TVs), you can buy a Smart TV these brands provide.

Price list of Android and Smart TVs

When comparing Android TV vs Smart TV, the price range varies based on the brand, features, and screen size. Here's a general price list of Android and Smart TVs:

Brand	Model	Type	Price (Rs. )
Sony	BRAVIA XR A80L	Android TV	1,79,990
TCL	Q6	Android TV	89,990
Hisense	U8H	Google TV	1,29,990
Samsung	QN90A	Smart TV	2,49,990
LG	OLED C1	Smart TV	1,99,990

Advantages of using Smart TVs

Easy streaming access: Provides quick access to streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime without additional devices.
User-friendly interface: Most Smart TVs offer intuitive interfaces, making navigation simple for users.
Multiple features in one device: Integrates streaming, internet browsing, and sometimes social media, providing a centralized entertainment hub.
Affordability: Many models offer smart features at various price points, making them accessible for different budgets.

Limitations of Smart TVs

Limited app availability: Often, proprietary operating systems support fewer apps than platforms like Android TV.
Software updates: Updates can be infrequent, affecting app compatibility and user experience over time.
Lower customisation options: Smart TVs generally lack the flexibility in customisation seen in more open platforms.
Privacy concerns: Some Smart TVs may collect user data, raising privacy issues.

Explore Smart TVs and Android TV on Easy EMIs

You can choose your preferred model and buy it on Easy EMI using Bajaj Finserv’s financing options. The Bajaj Finserv’s financing options lets you pay for the new TV on Easy EMIs over your preferred tenure, ranging from 1 month to 60 months. Select models also come with a zero down payment offer, which removes any upfront payment requirement. Thus, you can bring home the new TV and pay for it in convenient bite-sized instalments.

Buy a Smart TV or an Android TV using Bajaj Finserv’s financing options

If you are looking to purchase a Smart or Android TV, visit your nearest Bajaj Finserv partner stores. To get started, use Bajaj Finserv’s financing options obtain the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card with minimal documentation and quick processing.

Easy EMI

Enjoy affordable EMIs on your purchase using Bajaj Finserv’s financing options with Easy EMI feature and the flexibility to repay your loan over a tenure of your choice.

Zero down payment

You will also benefit from the option of not making any upfront payment on select products using Bajaj Finserv’s financing options. Select from flexible repayment tenures that suit your budget.