Apple TV 4K vs Google TV Streamer: Which Streaming Device is Better?

The Ultimate Showdown: Apple TV 4K vs Google TV Streamer

Two titans stand tall in the world of streaming devices: Apple TV 4K and Google TV Streamer. Both devices have their strengths and weaknesses, but which one reigns supreme? This exhaustive comparison blog will delve into every aspect of these streaming powerhouses, from design and hardware to streaming capabilities, user interface, gaming, and price.

Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K: A Comprehensive Comparison

Google TV Streamer

Google TV Streamer

Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K

Design

Compact, black puck design (3.66″ x 3.66″ x 1.2″)

Noticeable design intended to blend with home decor (6.4″ x 3.0″ x 1.0″)

Weight

7.3 ounces (Wi-Fi) or 7.5 ounces (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)

5.7 ounces

Color Options

Hazel (Google Store exclusive) and Porcelain

Black only

Operating System

Google TV (Android TV)

tvOS

Virtual Assistant

Google Assistant

Siri

Smart Home Integration

Google Home, Thread, and Matter

‌HomeKit‌, Thread (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), and Matter

Video Capabilities

SDR video, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

SDR video, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, HEVC, H.264, MPEG-4, HDMI Quick Media Switching

Audio Capabilities

Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos

HE-AAC, AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, AC-3 Dolby Digital 5.1, E-AC-3 Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Dolby Atmos

Content Aggregation

Aggregates content from various streaming services and presents personalized recommendations

‌Apple TV‌ app aggregates content from multiple services and provides a unified watchlist

Processor

Improved processor, 22% faster than previous Chromecast

A15 Bionic chip

Storage

32GB

64GB (Wi-Fi) or 128GB (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)

Connectivity

HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth 5.1, Gigabit Ethernet, Thread, USB-C

HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth 5.0, Infrared, Gigabit Ethernet (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), Thread (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)

Remote Control

Voice Remote with customizable button, textured back, and remote finder

‌Siri‌ Remote with a touch surface, volume control on the face, and remote finder

Price

$99.99

$129 (Wi-Fi) or $149 (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)

Release Date

September 24, 2024

November 4, 2022

Design and Hardware: A Tale of Two Devices

  • Apple TV 4K:
    • Sleek and compact design, measuring 3.9 inches square and 1.4 inches tall
    • Powered by Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, providing fast performance and efficient power management
    • 3GB of RAM and 32GB or 64GB of storage options
    • HDMI 2.0a port, Gigabit Ethernet port, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO
    • Supports Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity
  • Google TV Streamer:
    • Slim and compact design, measuring 6.1 inches long and 2.3 inches wide
    • Powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, delivering smooth performance
    • 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage
    • HDMI 2.0b port, Micro-USB port, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi with 2×2 MIMO
    • Supports Bluetooth 4.2 for reliable connectivity

Streaming Capabilities: A Battle for Visual Supremacy

  • Apple TV 4K:
    • Supports 4K resolution at 60fps, HDR10, and Dolby Vision for stunning visuals
    • Offers seamless integration with Apple devices, allowing for easy sharing and control
    • Exclusive access to Apple TV+ content, including original shows and movies
    • Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive audio
    • Compatible with a range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video
  • Google TV Streamer:
    • Supports 4K resolution at 60fps, HDR10, and Dolby Vision for vibrant visuals
    • Offers personalized recommendations based on viewing history and preferences
    • Integration with Google Assistant for voice control and smart home management
    • Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive audio
    • Compatible with a range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video

User Interface: A Clash of Design Philosophies

  • Apple TV 4K:
    • Features a clean and intuitive interface with a focus on visual content and easy navigation
    • Supports Siri voice control and dictation
    • Offers a range of customization options, including screensavers and wallpapers
    • Compatible with Apple’s ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac
  • Google TV Streamer:
    • Boasts a modern and minimalistic design, with a focus on personalized recommendations and discovery
    • Supports Google Assistant voice control and dictation
    • Offers a range of customization options, including themes and wallpapers
    • Compatible with Google’s ecosystem, including Android devices and Google Home

Gaming: A New Frontier for Streaming Devices

  • Apple TV 4K:
    • Supports Apple Arcade, offering exclusive games with no ads or in-app purchases
    • Compatible with Apple’s MFi game controllers
    • Provides a range of games, including puzzle, adventure, and sports titles
    • Supports up to 4K resolution at 60fps for smooth gaming
  • Google TV Streamer:
    • Supports Google Stadia, offering cloud-based gaming with no downloads or updates required
    • Compatible with Google’s Stadia Pro controller
    • Provides a range of games, including AAA titles and indie games
    • Supports up to 4K resolution at 60fps for smooth gaming

Price: The Bottom Line

  • Apple TV 4K:
    • Starts at $179 for the 32GB model
    • $199 for the 64GB model
  • Google TV Streamer:
    • Starts at $49.99
    • Offers a range of bundle options, including a bundle with a Google Home Mini

Additional Features: The Extras That Matter

  • Apple TV 4K:
    • Supports AirPlay 2 for wireless streaming
    • Offers a range of apps, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video
    • Compatible with Apple’s ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac
  • Google TV Streamer:
    • Supports Chromecast built-in for wireless streaming
    • Offers a range of apps, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video
    • Compatible with Google’s ecosystem, including Android devices and Google Home

Conclusion: The Verdict

After an exhaustive comparison, it’s clear that both Apple

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FAQs: Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K

Q: What is the main difference between Google TV Streamer and Apple TV 4K?

A: The main difference is the operating system, with Google TV Streamer running on Google TV (Android TV) and Apple TV 4K running on tvOS.

Q: Which device has better video capabilities?

A: Both devices support 4K resolution and HDR, but Apple TV 4K has additional support for HEVC, H.264, MPEG-4, and HDMI Quick Media Switching.

Q: Can I use Google TV Streamer with my Apple devices?

A: Yes, Google TV Streamer supports casting from Android devices, but it may not be fully compatible with Apple devices.

Q: Does Apple TV 4K support Dolby Atmos?

A: Apple TV 4K supports Dolby Atmos and other audio formats, such as HE-AAC and Apple Lossless.

Q: How much storage does each device have?

A: Google TV Streamer has 32GB of storage, while Apple TV 4K has 64GB (Wi-Fi) or 128GB (Wi-Fi + Ethernet).

Q: Can I customize the remote control on Google TV Streamer?

A: The Google TV Streamer remote control has a customizable button and textured back.

Q: Which device is more affordable?

A: Google TV Streamer is priced at $99.99, while Apple TV 4K starts at $129 (Wi-Fi) or $149 (Wi-Fi + Ethernet).

Q: When will Google TV Streamer be available?

A: Google TV Streamer will be released on September 24, 2024.

Q: Can I use Apple TV 4K with my Google Home devices?

A: Apple TV 4K is not fully compatible with Google Home devices, but it does support Thread and Matter for smart home integration.

Satyam Sinha
Satyam Sinha

Welcome to my tech corner! I'm Satyam Sinha, a passionate blogger, avid video game enthusiast, and self-proclaimed tech aficionado. With a keen interest in staying up-to-date with the latest trends in the tech world, I explore and share insights on gadgets, tech news, and reviews. Join me on my journey as I dive deep into the fascinating world of technology, uncovering the newest gadgets and innovations that shape our future.

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