Which Android console should I choose for my TV?

Smart TV. Thanks to the constant improvement of technology, so-called smart devices have recently appeared. Various units - from a kettle to a TV - literally anticipate the user’s desires. TV receivers with the Smart TV function are no longer just devices for watching programs and movies. Today, the functionality of smart TVs is much wider. A Smart TV set-top box will help give your TV receiver intelligence.

The content of the article

What characteristics to consider when choosing an Android console
Rating of Android consoles

What characteristics to consider when choosing an Android console

In simple terms, a set-top box that can turn any TV into a “smart” one is a small device with the “stuffing” of a full-fledged computer.

Like any computer, the device has:

CPU;
RAM and permanent memory;
video card;
network adapter;
installed operating system;
own software.

Android console.

In addition to the main unit, there is an additional remote control and keyboard.

This is a completely independent device that has its own “brain”. The set-top box predicts the actions that the user wants to perform, and the TV is a kind of monitor. After connecting it to a TV receiver, it acquires Smart TV functions.

By type, the set-top box is a mobile device, like a tablet or smartphone. Most of them have the latest version of Android pre-installed. This means that when choosing, you should focus on the same criteria as when buying a smartphone. Although there are some differences.

Chipset

The processor is the main part of any computer. The speed at which information will be processed and the level of technology depends on it. He is responsible for all components of information processing and transmission:

encoding and decoding of audio and video data;
image quality;
speed of working with RAM;
availability of HDR;
speed and quality of connection to the network;
work with local network;
USB device recognition.

Graphics card

The graphic component is no less important. In such devices, the video processor, which is integrated into the main one, is responsible for the graphics. In fact, we won’t be able to select a GPU separately. Almost all processors are equipped with Mali adapters. The most affordable ones have the Mali-450 MP core, as well as various varieties, up to MP8.

REFERENCE! The number after the abbreviation MP indicates the number of processors that process pixels. Naturally, the higher this number, the better.

Memory

Before purchasing, find out how much memory the set-top box has. The higher the RAM value, the better it will be. An equally important quality is the ability to expand it. USB modules are often used for this.

The least you need to watch 4K content is two gigabytes of random access memory (RAM), along with 8 gigabytes of permanent ROM.If the device has already been purchased, it is important that there is the possibility of permanent memory expansion. After all, most of it is used by the operating system and there really won’t be enough space for installing programs, much less for content.

Variety and content of Android consoles.

REFERENCE! It is important to consider the type of RAM. It should be DDR3, or even better, a later generation.

Net

Having the ability to work with a Wi-Fi connection is good. But it is still better to use an Ethernet cable to connect to a network with a transmission speed of 100 Mbit/s. The disadvantage of wireless transmission is periodic freezing. This results in slow loading of high resolution videos.

Rating of Android consoles

Each of the models that can be found on store shelves has its own features and characteristics. They, one way or another, affect the quality and comfort of using the device. Some devices have the greatest potential compared to others. The main characteristics by which the above rating was formed:

Multi-core. The presence of several cores in the main processor is taken into account, which directly affects the speed of operation.
Internal memory capacity. The more memory, the more content you can play simultaneously.
Installed video cameras. A very good and useful addition for making video calls.

Dune HD Solo 4K

Specifications:

installed processor – Sigma Designs SMP8758;
RAM – 1 Gigabyte DDR3;
Dimensions – 139 × 105 × 40 mm.

Dune HD Solo 4K is a high-quality player that has quite rich functionality. If you buy this model, you definitely won’t regret it. The device allows you to connect an external hard drive.Unlike competitors, it has its own software store, Dune Store.

Dune HD Solo 4K

Among the installed services there are OLL.tv, YouTube, Megogo. In addition to watching videos over the Internet, it is possible to download files through removable drives. The device can work with all resolutions, even 4K.

The device is distinguished by excellent assembly and high-quality components. In all respects, this model occupies a leading position.

Xiaomi TV Box

In second place is a prefix from China. It differs from its counterparts in its rather miniature dimensions, pleasant appearance and price. Device characteristics:

installed processor – Amlogic S905 Cortex-A53;
RAM – 2 GB DDR3;
Dimensions – 101 x 101 x 19.5 mm.

Xiaomi TV Box.

Xiaomi specialists once again refused to invent innovations and simply copied the appearance of their creation from Apple TV. It should be noted that this worked out quite well. The gadget has rounded edges, and the body itself is made of black plastic. Of course, not the best solution. Over time, dirt will accumulate on such material and it will become covered with fingerprints.

Immediately after switching on, the settings will be easy to understand. They are recommended to be done via a mobile device. Content can be viewed both via the Internet and from flash drives.

This set-top box can be called a high-quality and inexpensive copy of Apple TV. The devices have similar capabilities. This is one of the set-top boxes that supports high-speed communication.

Nvidia Shield TV

The main distinguishing feature of this device is the game joystick that comes included. This suggests that the model can do more than just broadcast video content. Device characteristics:

installed processor – Tegra X1;
RAM – 3 GB DDR3;
Dimensions – 98x159x25 mm.

If we compare this model with its predecessor from 2015, the design has been changed and the performance has been increased.

Nvidia Shield TV.

The presence of eight cores says a lot. The device can easily handle content of any quality - even 4K.

A special feature of the device is its unusual design. The polygonal design and green backlight make the console stand out from the rest. However, the price is quite high.

MXQ Pro

The fourth place is occupied by the MXQ Pro device; the manufacturer released a functionally powerful device and kept the price affordable. Device characteristics:

installed processor – Amlogic S905 2 GHz;
RAM – 1 Gigabyte DDR3;
dimensions – 130x130x25 mm.

The design of the device is made in the style of minimalism. The case is made of black plastic, which will require constant maintenance. There are three USB ports, a power connector and ventilation.

MXQ Pro.

And although the price of the device is very affordable, it plays all formats of video content. But having only one gigabyte of RAM greatly reduces the capabilities of the set-top box. The device is intended exclusively for video broadcasting.

Google Chromecast 2015

No less interesting device. It is inexpensive, although it was created by a famous developer. Device characteristics:

installed processor – Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus 88DE3006;
RAM – 512 Megabytes DDR3;
dimensions – 70x31x10 mm.

Google Chromecast 2015.

For its next development, Google chose a compact size. As a result, a device was created that at first glance resembles a regular USB flash drive. Its interface is very simple, which is an advantage. To work, just connect via an HDMI cable.

Once the device is connected, it will connect to the mobile application. Its distinctive feature is its ability to synchronize the image on the TV and on the smartphone. The optimal choice for novice users.