Which performs well, faster, reliable and well supported, Android TV Televisions or Android TV Set Top Boxes?

by Kenzibitt

Trying to upgrade my experience with the Chromecast to an Android TV experience and was wondering the best option.

I'm currently caught between a TCL 4K Android TV and Xiaomi Mi box S 4K. I've never had experience with any and thought you guys with your experiences could help me in this case.

Disadvantages and Advantages to any of them? 4K streaming issues and workarounds (Heard the Xiaomi doesn't do 4K wirelessly, will need an Ethernet to USB cable), How true is this.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

snapilica2003

Nvidia Shield. Period.

Astro_Wizard

The mi box only works with WiFi ,it could with USB Ethernet connection but anyways it's more suited to 1080p 4k is a bit of a stretch for it ,and lots of people have issues with lag stuttering connections and remote control issues ,as for myself I've seen it lag a bit with Kodi but the rest of it works great for me I have the old mi box 3, updates have made it faster and all, more reliable but people are crazy abut Nvidia shield if it's your own budget opt for that it's better and has less complaints overall.

mjrengaw

First, get a streaming box, don't rely on "smart tv" built in apps. Nvidia Shields are great, I own two of them. That said, it really depends on your requirements. Their are several things that the Shield doesn't support (DV and YouTube HDR are just two examples). For many folks a FireTV Stick 4k, I also own two of them, will be just fine and for $40 (on sale often at Amazon) it is currently one of the best bang for the bucks in streaming devices.

​

I am personally not a fan of the clone Android streaming boxes like Xiaomi and others but that's JMHO. I know lots of folks like them, that's fine and I am very familiar with the technology so please don't waste your time trying to convince me of how good they are...to each their own.

clarkss12

I have an abundance of Android boxes, the ADT-1, retired several years ago, also Nexus Player ( 2 of them retired). Nvidia Shield (rarely used), Xiaomi Mi box, Jetstream, and lots and lots of the Chinese boxes.

So, I have lots of experience with these boxes.

Purchased my first Android TV OS box two or three weeks ago, and was very impressed. Made a video showing it in use........ It is an inexpensive Philips Android TV.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08Mdd6RopUw&t=109s

JasonSmith2019

I have other version of android tv box, powerful, efficient ETC. # FREE for US#. HERE IS MY ACCOUNT : ja.smith201904@gmail.com , for more details, contact me~~~

JasonSmith2019

I have stick and tv box

BiggussDikkuss

I agree with @mjrengaw below.

Depends what you exactly prioritise in an Android media players.

If it's speed, great Firmware support and a Swiss Army knife of a media player get a Shield.

If it's great Firmware support and HDR technologies like 4K HDR YouTube, HDR 10+ Prime and DolbyVision get a FireTV Stick 4K. It has the best remote control in the business and will be faster vs a Xiaomi Mi box.

If it is high quality picture upscaling of all regular non 4K video content from inbuilt Apps, then 4K TV's naturally do the best job, the Shield the worst job.

An Android OS on a TV needs a powerful chipset, like the new MediaTek ones in the 2019 Sony's. I think Philips also package a decent chipset.

Buying a cheap TV, with a poor chipset to run the OS and you will regret it, especially if Firmware support from the vendor is poor as well. That is a very good way to dig an expensive hole for yourself.

This previous Shield thread really needs to be read: https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/cavbq8/the_nvidia_shield_is_still_the_best_android_tv/