When people ask me why I have an Apple TV if my TV is already smart, I always say the same thing: “experience has nothing to do with it.” I tested LG, Sony, Samsung televisions… from the most basic at 400 dollars to those that exceed 1,000, and the Apple TV always goes beyond expectations.
I know it's difficult to understand if the goal is the same: to watch films and series. But it's like everything, you can take photos with an entry-level Android or with an iPhone 16 Pro Yes, you will have taken a photo, but the user experience is very different.
What makes Apple TV so special?
The first thing to understand is that Apple TV is not a simple content player. Yes, the price is high, but it is Even the most expensive TV won't have such a powerful processor like that of the Apple TV 4K. Inside is the powerful A15 Bionic chip, the same one found in the iPhone 14. That's enormous power for a TV, and I'll try to capture with these words what that means , going a little beyond just reading a series.
tvOS interface
The difference between tvOS is comparable to that of iOS 18, and this is noticeable from the first moment. Everything is smooth, without lag, without those annoying wait times that plague other smart TVs. You open Netflix, Disney+ and boom, there it is. What I also really like is that even if you turn off the television, the next day when you turn it on you will have the application where you left it. You don't have to go back, search for the episode…
Thanks to the A15 chip, Apple TV is multitasking. So you can also switch from one application to another without having to reopen it. And that, when your only “guilty pleasure” is watching series, films and YouTube videos, gives you life.
An ecosystem that changes everything
For those of us immersed in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV is like the final piece of a perfect puzzle. All your photos, your music, being able to make a video call FaceTime or Zoom…See your screensavers with the best photos from your camera roll. It's a small sum of several tools and apps that still round out the basic experience of a Smart TV, even if it has Android TV.
The ecosystem is also what allows AirPods to be used with Apple TV. Even if you watch TV with your partner. You can connect two pairs so as not to disturb your childrento the neighbors or, as is my case… not to listen to them precisely. AirPods + Apple TV + Noise Cancellation = Peace.
Apple TV Remote
The Apple TV remote deserves a special mention. With just the right, durable buttons, you can find it with the iPhone if you lose it behind a cushion… Scrolling your trackpad is as intuitive as moving around the screen of an iPad. Not to mention being able to type directly from the iPhone into a text field. Without having to open any application, simply when there is a text box, a message will arrive on your iPhone in case you want to continue.
Compared to the button-filled plastic controls of other smart TVs, it's like switching from a Nokia 3310 to an iPhone. Yes indeed, what I miss are the direct buttons to the applications. Even though it was some sort of action button so you could add a favorite app or two and open them as soon as you touched it.
Apps on Apple TV
Apple TV is app-based. And we're not just talking about the big streaming platforms. You have access to thousands of apps that don't even exist on other Smart TVs. Do you want to exercise at home? Apple Fitness+ is here. Play? Apple Arcade offers you hundreds of games. Music? It's better not to even talk about Apple Music because its Karaoke mode is unbeatable.
And the best part is that all those apps you already know, like HBO, Disney+, Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV+… are designed specifically for Apple TV, so the operation is exquisite. I name true multitasking againsomething we take for granted on a smartphone, but rarely find on a Smart TV.
Next level picture and sound quality
In terms of image quality, the Apple TV 4K is compatible with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos… all the quality standards are there. Of course, you have to have a TV compatible with all of them, of course. Apple TV will give you the highest quality your TV allows. What's also unique about tvOS is that you don't need to be an expert in image adjustments. Apple TV automatically adjusts colors through integration to give you perfect color calibration.
And regarding the sound, the possibility of using two HomePods or HomePod mini as a bar… leaves you speechless. Especially since, if your TV supports HDMI eARC, you will be able to listen to the rest of the inputs via HomePods. I, in fact, I enjoy my PlayStation 5 via both HomePods that I have on each side of the TV. And yes, without any cables between them, all via AirPlay.
Apple Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi) 2022 with 64 GB (3rd generation)
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Therefore, when they ask me why buy an Apple TV if they just released a TV…
I tell you, there is no comparison. And, in fact, the Apple TV 4K is one of Apple's best value devices. It's like AirPods, For just over 150 dollars you get something that makes a difference. Yes, it may seem silly to pay for something your Smart TV already does, but the experience it provides makes it an investment worth every penny.
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