Just curious about why people would use a good android device over the TV IOS that comes with the majority of top TVs like Google TV or ? I’ve used android boxes for many years and they have all worked fairly well. exception ONN boxes. I recently purchased a TCL top model unit that I was able to load every app, TM, Stremio, Kodi, etc. They all work flawlessly. My question for those out there is why use another device to give the same functions. Does the better boxes provide something that even the best IOS doesn’t? Please give your views and opinions. Thanks
I have samsung tv and cant get most of the apps that are available on my onn pro or Nvidia.
Also, if the TV breaks i can just plug my device into a new one.
At this time I do not own a smart TV. I have an older Vizio. I use a Mecool KM7+. If and when I buy a new TV, I will do my best to buy a non-smart TV. Depending on cost, I am pretty sure I will end up with having to buy a smart TV. I will definitely keep my android box and use it before I load everything I want onto the smart TV directly. My reasons being more free space and ease of loading what I want on the box as opposed to the TV. I have been using the android box system for the past 9 years and I am so familiar with the system, that I really do not feel like having to learn a new way to load stuff. I figure if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.
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I am confused. Doesn’t TCL come installed with Android TV? Or am I missing something. IOS? Do you mean iOS which is apple?
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Yes. It might be tempting just to load your apps onto your smart tv but the biggest problem with just about all of them is lack of internal memory to store and use them. Most TV operating systems have between 3 - 4 gigabytes only of internal storage, which allows space for their proprietary apps, premium services, (Netflix, Hulu, Prime, etc.), system updates and little else. This will usually result in your system freezing up, buffering, etc, when you exceed a small number of apps and downloads. Video data transfer can also take up even more memory when watching streamed material as well as add system cache. An android or android tv device will provide more internal memory and random access memory, (RAM) for storing and running your apps. You will also have more customization options in addition to portability with your separate android device. A separate android streaming device is well worth the investment.
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I’ve tried TVs with Android TV built in and they are extremely sluggish. Maybe that’s improved but I had nothing but problems with mine.
Same with Fire TV televisions. Bought one for each of my children for Xmas a couple years ago and those are a disaster and sloooooow.
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My mistake, I meant Google TV
Same thing @Remy . Google TV is based on Android.
I can understand the memory and storage concerns for most TVs. Right now I have TM, Sparkle, Stremio and Kodi. My TCL comes with 52GB and I still have 46GB left. Running any of these I see no slowing down or basically anything. I hardly ever see any buffering. I have been very impressed so far with my TV. I did go high end, on the model. TCL QM851G 75". I did over 4 months of research before deciding on this one.
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Nice to see a smart tv with more internal memory than average, which helps avoid these performance issues. If all tv manufacturers did this and allowed for side loading, there would be less need for an external android device for most consumers.
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I have a TCL tv, but it is roku. So I’m pretty much handcuffed as far as loading everything thats on my chromecast with google tv. I tend to only use the paid apps on my roku tv and my chromecast for everything else
I use a Sony Bravia with its Google O/S as a streaming device & it operates flawlessly. But it is a top of the line model.
I also have a Hisense 100" with the Google O/S but limit that to using only Apps such as Prime, Max, Tubi, Paramount+. The reason is lagging & buffering using a browser or other apps. To combat this I added my 2017 NVidia Pro to the Hisense to watch sports etc.
Others have correctly stated the weakness of most Smart TV’s operating the Android O/S is a lack of size & processor quality.
But for $20, the ONN device is a solid choice.
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It’s been my experience that when you opt for all-in-one devices of any kind, there is always a compromise to be endured, mainly in performance and flexibility. From what I have experienced with smart tv’s, they just ain’t that smart and it didn’t take me long to migrate to external devices for better options. It inevitably costs more but it doesn’t take long to conclude the move was worth it.
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That’s the interesting point. I did not se any degradation of performance when using the OS on the TCL. Maybe it’s a great feature on this particular model. I know that everyone really pushes the Onn devices , and they are very good when working. However, my $20 failed after a month and never regained consciousness! My Pro never revived after it died, and it was my third replacement. I’m a big fan of what works, works!
#1 nVidia Shield Pro $200
#2 Walmart Onn 4k Pro $39
Both have very similar features. I have 2 of each.
I cut my teeth on cheap Firesticks (3rd. gen & 4K) and they really tested my patience. I can’t even give them away now, lol. I graduated to 2 BuzzTV Classics and have never looked back. I have Troy to thank for that choice as I watched his positive video prior to making my choice. Like almost everything in life, you get what you pay for.
I have used my Nvidia Shield since 2017, and I pretty much get to watch just about anything there is to watch. I honestly don’t have enough time in a day to be able to see all that I could, for free and in HiDef picture.
Not sure what you mean by IOS . Are you using your iPhone to stream on TV? As for why we use android TV boxes the answer is simple…side loading and customability .