Apple TV vs Smart TV

[Dino F]

Is there any real benefit in getting the new Apple TV once released given that Smart TVs have the same streaming apps ??

Obviously there's a few extra benefits like the Apple Arcade and other Apple related apps but does that even justify its cost?

 

[priitv8]

It is the matter of software support.
Smart tv-s become outdated in couple of years. Software-wise.

 

[-Gonzo-]

IMO yes but then that does all depend on what you’re actually using it for.
Also the smart tv apps don’t give you access to iTunes Extras which in a lot of cases means you miss out on not only special features but Extended/Directors cuts of movies.

 

[Abazigal]

Is there any real benefit in getting the new Apple TV once released given that Smart TVs have the same streaming apps ??

Obviously there's a few extra benefits like the Apple Arcade and other Apple related apps but does that even justify its cost?

A couple of benefits of the Apple TV I can think of.

1) Privacy. Many smart TVs are notorious for phoning home with information on how you use your TV. If you are concerned about this, you can simply disconnect your smart TV from the internet, and rely on the Apple TV for your streaming content needs.

2) Integration with the Apple ecosystem. There's quite a few - iCloud Photo Library, apple music, Apple Arcade, airplay mirroring, off the top of my head.

3) I am probably one of the oddball ones who actually preferred the slim profile of the Apple TV remote.

I will be getting one for my living room, and moving the 5th gen one to my bedroom to replace my current 4th gen ATV.

 

[mallbritton]

1) Privacy. Many smart TVs are notorious for phoning home with information on how you use your TV. If you are concerned about this, you can simply disconnect your smart TV from the internet, and rely on the Apple TV for your streaming content needs.

This, this, this. In my opinion not enough people take this into account when considering the differences between smart TVs, Apple TV and other dedicated streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV. One of the reasons the Apple TV costs more is because Apple is not monetizing you, the user. Why does a Roku only cost $50, or whatever, or why does that 65" 4K UHD TV only cost $350? Because the manufacturer is getting the price subsidized by selling your usage data.

Do not ever connect a smart TV to the internet. Just don't do it.

 

[MBAir2010]

Get Smart (1960's tv show) looks and sounds much better on an apple tv than a smart tv

 

[Jus711]

Is there any real benefit in getting the new Apple TV once released given that Smart TVs have the same streaming apps ??

Obviously there's a few extra benefits like the Apple Arcade and other Apple related apps but does that even justify its cost?

Better video processing, better more intuitive interface, more likely to get new apps and updates, access to more apps, better WiFi and gigabit Ethernet, AirPlay, etc. Whether all of those things justify the cost is up to each person, but I’ve tested fire tvs, roku, Android tv, and a bunch of different built in tv platforms, and the  tv beats them all in my opinion by leaps and bounds

 

[chiefdave]

I've got the non-4K ATV and since getting a smart TV the only time I've switched it on is to use the NHL app, which isn't available on my TV.

The smart TV does 4K, Dolby Atmos and HDR and the apps are updated more often than their ATV counterparts (I'm in the UK).

 

[KittyKatta]

This, this, this. In my opinion not enough people take this into account when considering the differences between smart TVs, Apple TV and other dedicated streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV. One of the reasons the Apple TV costs more is because Apple is not monetizing you, the user. Why does a Roku only cost $50, or whatever, or why does that 65" 4K UHD TV only cost $350? Because the manufacturer is getting the price subsidized by selling your usage data.

Do not ever connect a smart TV to the internet. Just don't do it.

Correct me where I’m wrong but... Monetizing our usage data? Unless you are ONLY watching AppleTV+ then our usage is all over the other services.

On our AppleTV we have:
Netflix
Paramount+
Disney+
YouTube
Amazon Video
Hulu
HBO Max

So how is avoiding Roku, Firesticks or every SmartTV’s protecting our privacy AppleTV is just an streamer for 3rd party apps? Again, I’m open to learning more but based on how privacy advocates talk then if you actually value privacy then you wouldn’t even own a smartphone or use an ISP (or sign up for a message board).

 

[Hoo Doo Dude]

I much prefer the interface on ATV to my Samsung smart TV. The performance and responsiveness is better as well.

 

[mallbritton]

Correct me where I’m wrong but... Monetizing our usage data? Unless you are ONLY watching AppleTV+ then our usage is all over the other services.

On our AppleTV we have:
Netflix
Paramount+
Disney+
YouTube
Amazon Video
Hulu
HBO Max

So how is avoiding Roku, Firesticks or every SmartTV’s protecting our privacy AppleTV is just an streamer for 3rd party apps? Again, I’m open to learning more but based on how privacy advocates talk then if you actually value privacy then you wouldn’t even own a smartphone or use an ISP (or sign up for a message board).

All good questions. Apple has a privacy policy that applies to all apps compatible with tvOS. You can read it here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208511.

And, yes, those apps do collect usage data. But what I'm talking about in my previous post is the data that smart TVs collect and send back to their "mothership." They generally collect everything and send it all back to their respective "motherships." All of which you never actually agreed to. At least with Apple, they make their policies clear. Whether people read them or not is another matter.

And if you really value your privacy then you should just go live in the woods and not have any technology. But I wouldn't like that. I like flush toilets. So I at least try to make informed decisions, which I think everyone should have the opportunity to do. With smart TVs we often don't.

 

[PhoenixDown]

My 2015 Samsung stopped getting real app updates in 2016.
4K Netflix only became available with 2016 and later models on Samsung TV's.

 

[Traverse]

For me, I won't let a TV access my Wifi, so Apple TV lets me circumvent the TV's internet needs. I also find the  TV experience generally better and offers additional features such as sharing files from my home computer with Plex or Home Sharing.

 

[Mellofello808]

If you want the best picture quality then Apple TV is generally better than the built in apps.

 

[Dino F]

4K Netflix only became available with 2016 and later models on Samsung TV's.

...really? I didn't realise this was the case. I have an MU6120, which I think is around 2016/2017 - any idea if this has 4K Netflix ?

If you want the best picture quality then Apple TV is generally better than the built in apps.

.....why would ATV give better quality than the built in apps on a Smart TV though?

 

[-Gonzo-]

...really? I didn't realise this was the case. I have an MU6120, which I think is around 2016/2017 - any idea if this has 4K Netflix ?



.....why would ATV give better quality than the built in apps on a Smart TV though?

Don’t know about other apps but that’s certainly the case as far as the ATV app is concerned.

 

[MisterSavage]

Depends. The UI on my 3-ish year old Samsung TV was atrocious. The Sony TV I got this year is a million times better and supports AirPlay but it loses WiFi pretty frequently.

 

[Mellofello808]

...really? I didn't realise this was the case. I have an MU6120, which I think is around 2016/2017 - any idea if this has 4K Netflix ?



.....why would ATV give better quality than the built in apps on a Smart TV though?

Apple TV has a range of options for HDR, that are not present in the built in apps. There are also subtle differences between the look of how each different device plays back content.

I have many devices capable of playing back netflix for instance. Built in apps, Xbox series X, PS4 pro, Nvidia Shield TV, and Apple TV 4k. I have on multiple occasions gone through each device and watched the same few minutes of a show, and nearly every time I preferred the picture from the Apple TV, with the Nvidia shield edging it out sometimes.

Now with the addition of the color calibration via phone, the picture could potentially get even better.

None of this matters if you are talking about a $350 TCL TV, but if you are lucky enough to have a high end TV, and want the best, Apple TV is the best quality on the market.

Even most of the people on high end home theaters run it as their main device these days.

 

[PhoenixDown]

...really? I didn't realise this was the case. I have an MU6120, which I think is around 2016/2017 - any idea if this has 4K Netflix ?

I am not sure, I haven't even thought about the tv apps in years.

I don't think my TV received any of the newer apps like HBO Max or Disney+ either which is another reason to use an AppleTV or Roku or something.

 

[KittyKatta]

I really wish Apple made an AppleTV SticK. I hate the interface on our SmartTV’s so I’d gladly overpay for an Apple Stick so I can reduce the clutter.

 

[DogHouseDub]

FWIW, I set up a TV with:

ReliaMount Apple TV Mount (Compatible with Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD)
by TotalMount - Innovelis, Inc.
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017S25FMA/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_HG53N27MZCY8M1J4PBZY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

and

BJC Series-FE Bonded-Pair High-Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet, 1 Foot, Black
by Blue Jeans Cable
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026NYL22/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VV3XYQ37JEPCD3DJZRWY

or an HDMI cable with a 90 degree connector if you need it to be flat.

Still have to run the power cable, but it gets the AppleTV up and out of the way.

 

[kkclstuff]

I have a similar question TV vs Smart (android)TV. I have a 2020 Sony Bravia Smart TV with Airplay2 and love it but I wish I could have more Siri type control over the Sony/AndroidTV interface. (like "hey Siri, play Channel 7)

How much Siri control do you have with an TV?​

Does TV allow Siri commands in apps? (like "hey Siri, play Channel 7)​

Is there an TVos OTA channels app? (Im using HDHomerun, and Tablo)​

Ive tried using Siri with Homebridge and HomeKit for the Sony (a few plugins available) to bring it into my Ecosystem but I have no idea how to get it to work (other than to turn the TV on/off— automations are great!)


All of this makes me think an TV would be ideal, if I could use al the same TVapps as the Sony with the availability of Siri control.

 

[priitv8]

You get siri control for your sony android tv by adding a homepod.

 

[Baron Thompson]

Way better apps then the “smart” tv counterparts. Take DAZN (sports App) for example, on the apple tv you get 4 multi screens to watch four games simultaneously, my mates fire stick and his smart tv don’t have that option.

Respect your personal data, a lot of these companies don’t and that’s why they’re cheap.

 

[nylon]

With regard to outdated smart TV's. I bought my Sony A1E OLED Mar/April 2017. It has been consistently updated by Sony and Google. In Nov 2020 it gained the ability to output compressed Atmos (used by streaming services) over its regular HDMI-ARC port (not eARC). A few days ago it got a brand new Android TV UI which is way snappier and smoother despite the TV's 5 year old SOC. I still have my Apple TV 4K but I use it for AppleTV+ content and to stream stuff of my Plex server. Netflix and Prime are better on the Android TV in my case.