Comparison between Apple TV 4K and smart tv app?

[ICOShadow]

Hi first post here

im looking for some advice as there doesn’t seem to be a detailed outlook on this beyond Reddit and forum comments from my digging so far.
What are the big differences between the Apple TV app on smart TVs and the dedicated set top box?
My Sony XH92 updated to have the app a couple of days ago so I’m curious as I was considering getting the new model whenever that comes out.

From what I’ve gathered from comments:
-App doesn’t have App Store, Apple Arcade or Apple Music (except Samsung TVs)
-Folk are concerned about google analytics etc on the smart TV app
-Claims of worse performance (seems perfectly fine on my XH92 fwiw) and software support over time

Is there anything I’ve missed?
The Smart TV app still outputs HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos right?

Thanks for your input

 

[Audit13]

Not sure if the app outputs Atmos.

The app doesn't have access to the iTunes extras.

 

[-Gonzo-]

Smart TV app does HDR & Dolby Vision but not Atmos.
You also don’t get the iTunes Extras that are included with movies which means as well as any special features if there are any extended cuts or other variations of movies included then you won’t get access to them.
ie: Superman The Movie has the 3 hour TV Cut as an Extra, via the smart tv app you only get access to the theatrical.
Avatar Collectors Edition which has three versions of the movie, you’ll only get the one via the smart tv app.

 

[perezr10]

There‘s no Siri interface with just the app. For me, that alone is a dealbreaker. I usually just command Siri to open whatever I’m looking for these days. Or scrubbing back and forth in specific chunks. Or turning on sub-titles. And so on.

 

[satcomer]

Besides TV apps spy on users watching habits, especially if it has a microphone! Read this article where FBI issued a warning!

 

[scott182]

I have LG TVs and the software overall is pretty good. What pushed me into getting Apple TV 4Ks for all my TVs was the lack of new apps right away (HBO Max, Disney+, etc.) that are always available Day 1 on Apple TV. Now with the Apple TVs the software is so much better.

Also, in the Apple TV app on the Apple TV, everything in Up Next "links" to the apps (with the exception of Netflix, unfortunately). For example, if you're watching a show on Amazon Prime, it will keep up-to-date in "Up Next" so you can use that as a one-stop shop for everything (except Netflix, again).

 

[pmiles]

The problem with the app is that it can be discontinued at any time by the manufacturer of the TV. Sony is notorious for doing this to force people to buy new TVs. So in a nutshell, never buy a TV because of it's app integration promises. If the app doesn't work or works poorly, it's not the TV manufacturer's problem because it is an add-on app from a third party. The app designer in turn points you to the manufacturer since it's their interface that is causing the problem.

Who knows, maybe Apple and the TV manufacturer get in a tussle over something and pull a Fortnite. All this is possible when using the app on a third party device.

The app will always perform better on the Apple TV box because that is what it was truly written for. Everything Apple works better on Apple devices. Apple is responsible for the device. Apple is responsible for the app. What Apple is not responsible for is the TV.

 

[ascender]

Thanks for starting this thread, I have exactly the same question as I'm finally upgrading to a 4K set which has the app built in. Sounds like its worth keeping my ATV box (or buying a new one).

 

[dmr727]

I only have experience with Sony and Samsung, but I generally find the smart TV interfaces and their apps to be inferior to a dedicated streaming device like a Roku or AppleTV. Like any software, apps bloat and get slower with time, so it's also a lot easier to buy a new $200 streaming device to keep up with the bloat than replace the entire TV.