Apple recently updated its 4K TV streaming box, tuning it to a more powerful processor and introducing the new Siri remote.
But, while many will be drawn to the flagship’s 4K video capabilities, Apple is also selling the HDTV for less. This also recently won the new Siri Remote, but its hardware otherwise remains unchanged.
Read more:
While the HD box can’t play 4K video, it’s worth $ 30 cheaper than its more powerful sibling. So what should you get? Keep reading to find out.
Both Apple TV models come with the new Siri remote
Apple
Apple TV HD vs Apple TV 4K: Price
The Apple TV HD costs $ 149 for the 32GB model alone, while the Apple TV 4K costs $ 179 for 32GB and $ 199 for 64GB.
Apple TV HD vs Apple TV 4K: design and dimensions
Regarding design and dimensions, these two streaming boxes are identical. They both measure 3.9 x 3.9 inches and measure 1.4 inches. Their included Siri Remote is 1.4 inches wide, 5.4 inches long, and 0.36 inches thick, and both boxes weigh the same, at 15 ounces.
Apple TV HD vs Apple TV 4K: connections and ports
Flip the two boxes over and you’ll start to spot some differences. Both have the same power connection and a single HDMI port, but for the Apple TV HD it’s HDI 1.4, while the Apple TV 4K gets an HDMI 2.1 connection.
The most expensive box also has a Gigabit Ethernet connection, which is faster than the 1/100 Ethernet of the Apple TV HD. The HD model also has a USB-C port, although it is only used for service and support, so it is not intended for use by customers.
The 4K box is also superior in terms of wireless connections, with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6, compared to the Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi 5 of the HD model. The 4K box is also equipped with Thread, the wireless Internet of Things standard designed to help smart home devices network and talk to each other.
Apple TV HD and 4K TV share the same design and dimensionsApple
Apple TV HD vs Apple TV 4K: processor, RAM and storage
One of the main improvements to the Apple TV 4K 2021 is its new processor. While not technically new, the A12 chip is an upgrade to the A8 used by HDTV and has been used previously by the iPhone XS, iPad Air 2019, and iPad 2020.
As for the A8 chip used by the current Apple TV HD, it dates from 2014 and was previously used to power the iPhone 6 and the fourth generation iPad mini.
Apple TV HD vs Apple TV 4K: storage options
The Apple TV HD can only be purchased with 32GB of storage, while the Apple TV 4K comes with either 32GB or 64GB. However, having plenty of storage is not a key issue. Apple TV because the content is streamed from Apple’s server rather than stored locally.
Storage is needed for apps and games, but Apple never really sold the Apple TV as a gaming console, and as such the titles available are nowhere near the size of games for PlayStations and Xbox of this world. In our opinion, 64 GB of storage is not really necessary for the Apple TV 4K.
Apple TV HD vs Apple TV 4K: video and audio
Now where are the real differences between these two streaming boxes. As the name suggests, HDTV can only handle video with resolution up to 1080p Full HD, while 4K TV can stream 4K content.
The 4K TV can also handle HDR Dolby Vision video content, unlike the HD model.
There are also differences in audio formats, with the more expensive Apple TV 4K supporting Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos. Apple TV HD can handle the first but not the second.
Apple TV HD vs Apple TV 4K: which is better?
It’s clear that the Apple TV 4K is the best device here. But if you don’t have a 4K TV, you won’t see a difference in video quality between the two devices.
If you plan to use an Apple TV with a smaller TV that lacks 4K, perhaps in the bedroom, the HD model will suit your needs perfectly. But if you want to watch movies on a 4K TV in the living room, we recommend spending an extra $ 30 on the 4K model.
Even if you only have one HDTV right now, it might be worth buying the Apple TV 4K, using it in HD for now, and then enjoying the 4K content when you are. upgraded to a 4K TV at a later date. The more powerful processor in the 4K model should also ensure a smoother user experience and help to sustain the device longer than the Apple TV HD.
