Make the argument for a nearly $200 streaming box when you can get the same basic functionality for around $20 is somewhat difficult. If all you care about is the lowest common denominator of streaming video, then you can get away with a cheap streaming stick, but there are cases where investing in quality pays off later, and that remains true about Apple TV 4K, which remains the best streaming device you can buy.
Phil Nickinson for DigitalTrends:
Start with the A12X Bionic processor, which is, hands down, more powerful than anything anyone else is producing in a streaming platform product. That’s also what makes the entire Apple TV more much more expensive.
It’s also what allows for the full stack of features like HDMI 2.1, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Wi-Fi 6. And all the other speeds and feeds and specs that come along with a product like this… [but] it’s not just about the hardware. It’s not just about the processor, or how much RAM it has. Or even about the remote control, which was improved in 2021 but is still a long way from being perfect.
No, the hardware is what sets the foundation for everything else. It’s what allows for a speedy user interface. It’s what allows for a ridiculously long update life span. And it’s what allows for all the extra bells and whistles that make Apple TV 4K an Apple product.
MacDailyNews Take: Nickerson is right, of course. The more streaming you do, the more you want an Apple TV 4K. More reasons why Apple TV 4K is easily worth its premium price in the full article here.
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I recently bought a Samsung 4K TV. It has Apple TV, Netflix, Disney+, Prime integrated as apps. I also have an Apple TV 4K hooked up. I still prefer to turn on my Apple TV 4K. It just seems to be easier and better to use than the apps on my Samsung TV.
As I have no 4K tv, I am happy with my Apple TV HD
I bought a ATV 4K recently just for the spatial audio in the latest tvOS. I’ll get a 4K display before long anyway. The ATV 4K and AirPods Max are a great combo.
I have Masgasms – Make Apple Streaming Great Again by buying an Apple TV 4K.
I too have a smart TV with all the streaming apps but since getting the AppleTV, I never use them because of the performance. My cable company even provided a set top box to run Peacock and it was terrible to use – it was too underpowered.
And the piece de resistance is being able to use my AirPods Pro if I wanted to turn the volume up when everyone has gone to bed.
And then you have Microsoft’s “most powerful console “ in the world, which doesn’t even have a built in Bluetooth option! $600 piece of tech without Bluetooth built in!! Good old woefully inept Microsoft…
I have an old Panasonic HDTV. I really like it (with its many audio/video inputs), and I don’t plan to upgrade to 4K any time soon. Recently, I bought a used tv HD on eBay for $89 from seller with many units. It looked barely used with active one-year warranty expiring in December. It came with old Siri Remote (with accelerometer); I actually like it now that I learned how to use it. I previously had the 3rd gen tv (tiny one with A5 not tvOS), surprisingly well-supported by Apple for streaming complete tv+ service. I expect this A8 “HD” version (current product except new Siri Remote) to be supported with latest tvOS for a LONG time.
After years using smart blueray players, smart tvs, android tv and fire tv sticks I bought my First ATV 4K 2021 and I Must say it is the best streaming device I have ever used. Yes it is overpriced but it worth every cent I paid for it. I am really impessed how the audio quality is improved and how smooth and fast everthing work