If I buy a Smart TV with Android 5.1 would I still benefit from Chromecast?

by adribar

I was thinking if buying a Philips 40PUH6400 , which supposedly comes with Android 5.1. (Says 5.0 there but says 5.1 on the Phillips website).

Would this allow me to do pretty much I can do with Chromecast, or would it still make sense to order it?

I know that buying a separate box such as Nexus player is recommended. But all TV's appear to be smart TV's these days and this is relatively modern.

Bonus question:

  • Are smart TV's updatable? Can I expect an eventual 6.x upgrade? Or can I root it and flash a community ROM like in an Android phone?

Also if you find this a bad pick feel free to criticise it.

adt6247

This will do everything a Chromcast can do.

I wouldn't bank on too many upgrades. Might happen, might not.

Deeco7

Yes, Google Cast is built in and you get updates via the Play Store. The only thing you can't do is, set custom backdrop.

thomshouse

There are a few capabilities that a Chromecast has that Android TVs do not. Personalized backgrounds, volume control from the cast source, multi-room audio. However, nothing you're likely to miss... The core cast functionality is all there, and IMO a little better because you can use your remote to control playback.

What's more, at least some of the native Android TV apps are more featureful than their Chromecast counterparts.

fakefish15

Will do everything the chromecast do. My chromecast is collecting dust since I brought a nvidia shield.

Don't know about custom roms, I think Philips tvs doesn't even allow sideloaded apks.

foundfootagefan

You should think more about the picture quality and the overall reliability of your display than whether it has Android TV. You can always add Android TV later, and OEMs like Philips will never update as well as streaming box makers do because the OS is not the big selling point but rather, just an added bonus.

mr_yuk

If it is the best TV for the money then go for it. You can take your Chromecast on trips to use in hotels or friend's homes.

nyteryder79

My Sony Android TV has this functionality built in. The Chromecast app even works with it. No need for an additional Chromecast.

Mr_You

I suggest avoiding Philips until they allow sideloaded apps.