We could call it “a thing that plugs into a TV with an HDMI and gives it Android TV”, but there are more precise ways to do it. So, there are concepts like TV keys, TV boxes and there is no shortage of people who use the term Android TV dongle. What is each of them?
We tell you What is Android TV Box, TV Stick and Donglesas well as their similarities and differences, so you know which one is best for you in your specific case.
What are Android TV Sticks and Dongles?
TV Sticks are shaped like a “stick” or USB key
An Android TV Stick gets its name from the fact that it is essentially a a TV tip similar to a USB stick. So it is a “stick”, something that is more evident in cases like the Fire TV Stick or the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick. In this USB stick format we find the HDMI port directly to plug it into the TV and the power usually comes from a USB port, being able in many cases to use a USB port on the TV to simplify wiring.
Over time, TV Sticks have become more powerful and have gone from being used only to cast content, like an original Chromecast, to having Android TV (or Google TV) pre-installed, which requires more power and a larger size. As a result, it was starting to be difficult to place it behind the TV plugged into the HDMI port like a USB stick, so what has been popular lately are those with those with a flexible HDMI cablelike the latest Chromecast with Google TV.
When the cable is flexible, the “stick” shape is lost.
This flexible cable makes them no longer stick-shaped, so there are those who prefer to go back to it. use the term dongle. Dongle is a generic term for a device that connects to another and could be translated into Spanish as “a tip”.
In practice, these are interchangeable terms and refer to devices that They connect to the TV and hang on to itusually hidden behind the TV and sometimes drawing power from the TV as well. They come with their own remote control and are very compact, so they usually don’t have any additional ports for connecting accessories.
What is an Android TV box?
On the other hand, we have devices called Android TV Box, which is a desktop device, similar in appearance to a TNT decoder. They also connect to the TV and being larger they have more power, so they can have a normal Android version and not necessarily Android TV. This has its pros and cons, so it is important to check before buying one.
In addition to being more powerful, a TV Box has the advantage of generally having more connectors, including a USB port and sometimes an Ethernet port. Connecting to the TV is also done with a normal HDMI cable, which gives you more freedom on how to place them than with a TV Stick. You may also be able to connect external storage or memory cards.
What is the difference between them?
The main difference between an Android TV Stick and a TV Box is mainly in the formbecause the former remain attached to the TV and the latter are on the table. For the rest, if both have Android TV (or Google TV), we will not notice much difference on the TV, beyond the fact that TV Boxes tend (not always) to be more powerful than a TV Stick.
On the other hand, TV Sticks are more compact than TV Boxes, even if in exchange you have fewer connections available and what is normal is that you can only connect them to the Internet via WiFi and not with Ethernet. Here you have a comparison table
|
Android TV Key and Dongles |
ANDROID TV BOX |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Format |
Compact, like a USB key |
A table box |
|
Size |
Little |
AVERAGE |
|
Current |
Sometimes the TV’s USB port is enough |
They plug directly into the mains. |
|
Connections |
HDMI |
HDMI and often a USB port |
|
Processor |
less powerful |
More powerful |
|
Storage |
More limited |
More extensive and can be expanded with USB storage or SD cards |
|
Connectivity |
Usually only Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi and Ethernet |
|
Remote |
Yeah |
Yeah |
|
Easy to carry with you |
Yeah |
Less than a TV stick |
|
Operating system |
In some cases, you can only cast content with Google Cast or similar. In other cases, Android TV or Google TV |
“Normal” Android, Android TV or Google TV |
Android TV Stick or TV Box: Which One is Right for You?
Considering all of the above, Which one is best for you? The truth is that both options are very valid to convert any dumb TV into a Smart TV, although depending on your preferences, one may suit you better than the other.
- Choose a TV key yes You have no more room on the table for gadgets and are looking for something simple that you can take with you on a trip and that works immediately. They are the best option for most people.
- Choose a TV Box if You can’t use a TV stick or you need more than what you get with a TV stick, such as a cable internet connection or using external storage. This is a better option for experienced users.
In Xataka Android | Android TV, detailed guide: all the tips and best apps to get the most out of your TV
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