For longer Android versions support, is it better to have Android-TV box, than a TV with Android-TV ?

by AD-LB

I'm thinking of buying a new TV set.

I've noticed that many TV sets nowadays (at least in my country) don't seem to have latest Android TV versions, and I suspect they also don't get support of new versions for long.

I think it's much worse than on smarphones, even though the prices are much higher and people don't get new TVs as often as a new smartphone.

Is it true? How long have you guys got new updates for your TV sets that have an Android TV ?

Or maybe some TV manufacturers do a good job in providing updates for a long time? Or have some way to flash new Android TV versions? And I guess custom ROMS are out of the question :)

Maybe it's better to buy a TV set without checking anything about the OS (even non-Android-TV) and just connect an Android TV box, like the "chromecast with google tv" ?

Another form factor is the hardware itself. I've noticed that some TVs are quite slow, and I think the TV manufacturers don't put a good SOC inside, probably to save cost and because users don't care much about it.

CTU

I'd say get the Shield from Nvidea and not a TV with Android built-in.

triplebeamz

buy the tv for the best TV specific features ie picture quality, supported codecs.. etc, not for its smart tv features.

buy an androidtbv box separately as you will likely want to upgrade that (several times) before you want to upgrade your whole tv again.

digitalshiva

On this sub, users tend to prefer a dedicated android box over a TV with android. Mainly due to poor TV chips and support period.

hungvn94

Another form factor is the hardware itself. I've noticed that some TVs are quite slow, and I think the TV manufacturers don't put a good SOC inside, probably to save cost and because users don't care much about it.

You got it. The hardward inside the tv is not powerful to keep up with new features added to the streaming os ie. virutal assistance, game streaming...so i would rather get the best display pannel.

Confident-Effort-103

Easy.

Get a good tv based on imagen quality / features

Get a Good AndroidTV box based on your needs , because there are lots of choice ones with Ethernet or USB port, stick models or box ..

Stick models go for CCwGTV or Amazon Fire Stick (not lite) Box models go for Mecool KM2 or Nvidia Shield (expensive)

All this models are certified google and Netflix

Floydy007

Got a Sony because it was a 100hz screen and Android ..Worst case is I'm stuck with a HDr TV and separate Android box in 5years ...

pawdog

No guarantee either way, OEM's of the devices have just as much chance at not updating as a TV OEM would. Will Google stay with CCwGTV for 3 or 4 years? Will WalMart with ONN or Tivo with the Stream 4K? All these devices are just over a year old or younger we really don't know. traditionally TV makers have not shown interest in keeping their sets updated but as Android TV gains traction this may change.

After-Spread3108

I watch youtube Google search.

Deadpool-fan-466

This has been discussed so many times in this subreddit. The ideal situation is to get an Android TV with the latest features; then use an Android TV box on it.