On the heart of your house
The discharge of the Google TV Streamer represents a “altering of the guard” for Google. Along with the plethora of latest options, the TV Streamer is extra highly effective, whereas flexibility in ways in which you may not have anticipated.
For
- Glossy and premium redesign
- Glorious and easy-to-use good dwelling integration
- Contains upgraded distant with “Discover My” characteristic
- Quick and performant
- Comes with extra RAM and storage
In opposition to
- No HDMI cable included
- Cannot be simply hidden away
- Depends on an outdated processor
- Costlier
Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
Time to say goodbye
The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) has served admirably as Google’s flagship streaming system. Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly exhibiting its age and is not totally outfitted to deal with your entire TV streaming wants.
For
- Plugs instantly into the again of your TV
- Compact sufficient to take with you
- Cheaper
In opposition to
- Restricted to 8GB of onboard storage
- Slower efficiency
- May quickly be discontinued
Though we knew it was coming, the Google TV Streamer nonetheless got here as just a little little bit of a shock. Primarily as a result of it is a full deviation from the “norm” as Google is seemingly shifting slowly away from the Chromecast model. However the TV Streamer brings extra to the desk than only a redesign.
Alternatively, the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) has served admirably for many people lately. Nevertheless, it did not take lengthy to appreciate that the writing was on the wall, particularly as Google TV turned extra sturdy. So we’ll check out the Google TV Streamer vs. Chromecast with Google TV (4K) that will help you determine which is finest.
Google TV Streamer vs. Chromecast with Google TV (4K): Design
It actually felt prefer it was solely a matter of time earlier than Google launched a devoted streaming field and never only a dongle that hangs off of the again of your TV. The earlier design has been round ever because the authentic Chromecast debuted again in 2020, being made accessible in several iterations.
With the TV Streamer, Google took this chance to return to the drafting board for what it needs from a streaming system. Seeing the success of the Apple TV, Onn., and others, possible performed an element. As such, the Google TV Streamer is designed to sit down on a ledge or stand under your TV.
It is outfitted with three totally different ports; USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet. That is an instantaneous improve over the Chromecast with Google TV, which solely affords a USB-C port whereas plugging instantly into your TV.
One main distinction is being able to pack up the Chromecast and take it anyplace. You are in a position to do the identical with the TV Streamer, but it surely’s fairly a bit bigger. Plus, you will want to recollect to carry a USB-C for energy, together with an HDMI cable.
Google TV Streamer vs. Chromecast with Google TV (4K): Efficiency and options
One thing that is actually held the Chromecast with Google TV again was its efficiency. Should you solely put in a few streaming apps, you in all probability did not actually discover any points. Nevertheless, with simply 8GB of onboard storage, there is a good likelihood you’ll find yourself deleting apps simply to make room for an replace to be put in.
The Google TV Streamer rectifies these issues, because it’s outfitted with double the quantity of RAM and 4 instances the quantity of storage (4GB/32GB.) It is price noting that you may broaden the storage on both streaming system with the assistance of a USB-C hub. Within the case of the Chromecast, it might get a bit cumbersome having two dongles hanging out of your TV’s HDMI port.
| Class | Google TV Streamer | Chromecast with Google TV (4K) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek MT8696 | Amlogic S905X3 |
| RAM | 4GB | 2GB |
| GPU | PowerVR GE9215 | Mali-G31 MP2 |
| Onboard Storage | 32GB | 8GB |
| Expandable Storage | Sure through USB-C dongle | Sure, through USB-C dongle |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Ports | USB-C (energy/information), HDMI 2.1, Ethernet | HDMI (plug-in), USB-C (energy) |
| Sensible Dwelling Connectivity | Google Dwelling, Matter, Thread border router | Google Dwelling |
| Distant Finder | Sure | No |
| Video Codecs | Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG |
| Audio Codecs | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos through HDMI passthrough |
| Working System | Android TV OS | Google TV / Android 12 |
As for the interface itself, properly, it is virtually the identical throughout the board, with a few key variations. With the redesign to a conventional “streaming field,” Google was in a position to embrace a number of options that it may not have been in a position to in any other case.
Not solely do we’ve got a devoted Ethernet port, however the TV Streamer can also be meant to be on the heart of your good dwelling. That is made attainable due to the built-in Matter assist, together with the Streamer doubling as a Thread border router.
With these, constructing out your good dwelling will probably be a lot simpler, even in case you do not stick throughout the confines of Google’s Nest ecosystem. As soon as every little thing is ready up, you’ll see who’s on the entrance door or management your lights due to the Dwelling Panel. Whereas the Panel itself not too long ago arrived on the Chromecast, it nonetheless lacks the power to double as a Thread border router.
Google TV Streamer vs. Chromecast with Google TV (4K): Which do you have to purchase?
There’s another issue to contemplate when deciding between these two streaming gadgets, and that is the value. The Google TV Streamer prices twice as a lot because the Chromecast with Google TV (4K), with its $99 price ticket. And in case you want an HDMI cable, you will want so as to add a number of additional bucks to that.
Nevertheless, regardless of the comfort provided by the Chromecast, it is reasonably tough to argue towards the TV Streamer. It is extra highly effective, has extra RAM and storage, and can possible see extra significant updates sooner or later. For now, the Chromecast can nonetheless be bought, however we would not be stunned to see stock shrink after the vacation season.
So if you need a devoted TV streaming system that does not depart the home, then we suggest getting the TV Streamer. And if you need one thing that you may journey with, possibly take a look at a Hearth TV Stick and even the Onn. Google TV Full HD Streaming System.
Your new hub
The Google TV Streamer can do virtually something you’ll need from a streaming system. It is fast and responsive, whereas doubling as a near-perfect good dwelling hub resolution.
Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
Falling behind
It is tough to suggest the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) at its retail value level, even with the pliability of having the ability to take it anyplace. It is being changed as Google’s flagship streaming system, whereas there are higher options in case you want a transportable resolution.
