If you are looking for a good media center for your television, you have two main options: Chromecast with Google TV and Apple TV 4K . The differences between the two are remarkable. We tell you the strengths of each device so you can choose the best according to your needs.
Chromecast con Google TV
Chromecast with Google TV is the latest update to the Mountain View dongle. The main difference from its competitor is the price ( 69.99 euros ), almost three times cheaper than Apple. Let’s see its features.
Design
The design is one of its strong points, especially due to its small size in stick format , which makes it perfectly hidden behind the television. It measures 12.2 cm long, 3.8 cm wide, 1.8 cm high and weighs 63 grams. It is made from 49% recycled plastic and comes in three colours: blue, white and pink .
connectivity
Unlike the Apple TV 4K, Google’s Chromecast doesn’t include an Ethernet connection as standard. It comes with an HDMI to link to the TV, USB-C port to connect to the power outlet and Bluetooth 4.1 .
I send
Google’s new Chromecast no longer requires a mobile phone to work, but includes a remote control associated with an app that integrates a microphone for Google Assistant, Bluetooth and infrared technology, and buttons with direct access to YouTube and Netflix .
Processor and RAM
It is powered by Amlogic S905X3 quad-core processor coupled with 2GB of RAM, and 802.11ac WiFi connectivity . A configuration more than enough for 4K resolution, HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos 5.1.
Storage
The storage capacity of the Google Chromecast is 8 GB , much smaller than that of its competitor.
Operating system
Chromecast uses Android TV with a layer of customization, which the company has dubbed Google TV. This new interface brings together content from all available platforms, displays recommendations at the top, and lets you install apps.
Its catalog of applications is broader and it also has the Apple TV + app, with which you can buy or rent movies from the iTunes Store catalog.
Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K is the 2021 version, it brings some new hardware and a renewed remote. Its price starts at 199 euros , a figure far removed from that of Google. Is it really worth the investment?
Design
Apple’s device is bigger and heavier than Google’s. It measures 9.8 cm long, 9.8 cm wide, 3.5 cm high and weighs 425 grams. Bet on a more classic design: a black box that can be placed on the cabinet next to the TV or on the wall.
connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, Apple TV 4K is not badly equipped. It has a serial Ethernet port , which allows you to connect it to the Internet by cable, something highly recommended so as not to saturate the Wi-Fi. It also includes HDMI 2.1 and Bluetooth 5.0 , but a USB port is missing for external storage or to play content directly from the computer.
I send
The Apple remote is also associated with an app that allows you to control it with an iPhone or iPad and allows you to send content from them via AirPlay 2. It integrates a microphone for Siri, it has Bluetooth 5.0 and infrared technology and it controls the television by infrared or CEC.
Processor and RAM
It has an Apple A12 Bionic processor along with 4 GB of RAM, and WiFi 6 connectivity , which means that, at the performance level, it more than meets the bill and offers great quality in 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos content.
Storage
Apple TV 4K has a storage capacity of 32 GB in the base model and 64 GB in the full model.
Operating system
Apple TV 4K uses tvOS , much like iOS, which has a main screen with all the applications and an upper space reserved for the most used, which can display information without having to access them. As for the app catalog, it only allows access to what is in the App Store.
Google Chromecast or Apple TV, which one to choose?
The decision is not easy, since it depends on many factors. If you go only by price, then there is no doubt that the dongle will offer you practically the same for a much lower cost. If what you are interested in is obtaining the best image or audio quality, the Apple device will meet all your expectations.
In addition, there are many other factors to take into account. If you are an inveterate gamer, you should know that Google will bring Stadia to your device, a possibility that will surely not reach its rival in the short-medium term.
