Android TV vs Smart TV: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Buy?
Buying a new TV today isn’t as simple as it used to be. With so many advanced technologies, such as Android TV, Smart TV, LED, and OLED, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
One of the most common questions people ask is about Android TV vs Smart TV: What’s the real difference between Android TV and Smart TV? And which one should I buy?
If you’re asking the same, don’t worry – you’re in the right place!
In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between Android TV and Smart TV in simple, easy-to-understand words. We’ll explain how they work, what features matter most, and how you can choose the perfect one based on your needs, whether you’re a casual viewer, a binge-watcher, a gamer, or just someone looking for a great upgrade.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear answer, and picking the right TV will feel a lot easier and smarter!
Quick Look: Android TV vs Smart TV Comparison
What is an Android TV?
An Android TV is a type of Smart TV that runs on Google’s Android operating system, the same system used in Android smartphones and tablets, but optimised for TV screens.
This operating system transforms the TV into a smart device, offering a vast range of apps, smarter voice control, seamless casting, and regular Google-backed software updates. You can access the Google Play Store, stream content, download apps, browse the internet, control smart home devices, and even play games, all from your television.
Key Features of Android TV:
- Android Operating System: It uses a version of the Android OS specifically designed for large screens. The interface is TV-friendly and is easy to navigate with a remote.
- Google Play Store Access: Just like your smartphone, you can access the Google Play Store on Android TV. This makes thousands of apps available to download on a television.
- Built-in Google Assistant: Android TV comes with Google Assistant built in. You can search for shows, ask questions, control smart lights, adjust the volume, set reminders, and more – all using your voice.
- Chromecast Built-In: It comes with Chromecast built-in. You can mirror your phone, tablet, or laptop screen directly onto your TV without using an external Chromecast device.
- Regular Software Updates: Just like mobile devices, Android TV receives frequent software updates from Google to improve performance, provide access to new features, and refresh the interface.
How Does an Android TV Work?
Simply connect your TV to Wi-Fi, sign in with your Google account, and download apps through the Play Store. It’s like using an Android smartphone, but the experience is tailored perfectly for the big screen.
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Extensive app support | Complex for beginners |
| Built-in chromecast | Performance depends on hardware |
| Google Assistant integration | Limited storage space |
| Regular updates | More expensive than a basic smart TV |
| Smart home ecosystem | |
| Customisable home screen | |
| Gaming capabilities |
Who Should Buy an Android TV?
- Tech-savvy users who enjoy exploring apps, customising settings, and using voice commands.
- For Android users who want to create a Google Ecosystem and want seamless integration with Google Home, Nest devices, or other Google services.
- Entertainment lovers who love binge-watching, streaming movies, playing music, and exploring new content from various apps.
- Gamers who enjoy playing Android games or using cloud gaming platforms like Google Stadia or GeForce Now.
Top Recommendations
| Smart Television | Features | |
| VW 32″ VW32S Android Smart LED TV | – Android OS provides access to tons of apps, games, content streaming, and casting features – A+ grade panel with IPE technology delivers vibrant colours, better clarity, and improved motion quality – It has a frameless design with a 178° wide viewing angle and an ultra-slim, modern look – Cinema zoom & eco vision mode lets you customise the screen size and optimise brightness – 20W stereo sound with music equaliser offers powerful, customisable audio | Buy Now |
| TCL 40L4B Smart Android LED TV | – Full HD Display with HDR10 & AiPQ Engine offers sharp details, enhanced brightness, and dynamic colour – It has a metallic bezel-less design with slim edges for an ultra-modern, full-screen experience – Comes with Dolby Audio with integrated speaker boxes and multiple intelligent sound modes – 64-bit quad-core processor with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage ensures smooth performance – Built-in Chromecast & multi-view modes allow you to effortlessly stream from devices and switch modes | Buy Now |
| Toshiba 32V35MP Smart Android LED TV | – Regza Engine HD with essential PQ technology optimises brightness, colours, and contrasts – Android TV 11, certified with built-in Google Assistant, provides access to 5000+ apps with voice search – 20W Dolby Audio with DTS Virtual:X delivers immersive and powerful sound – Quad-core processor with 1GB RAM & 8GB ROM ensures smooth multitasking and faster app loading – Colour re-master & contrast booster restores original colours and improves depth for a vivid picture | Buy Now |
| Acer 43” I Pro Smart Android TV | – Full HD Display with HDR10 ensures crisp visuals, vibrant colors, and enhanced contrast – Google TV with Android 14 guarantees smooth navigation, personalised content, Google Assistant, and more – Frameless, sleek design gives a modern, bezel-less look with a wide 178° viewing angle – 30W high fidelity speakers with Dolby Audio deliver rich, three-dimensional sound – 64-bit quad-core processor with 1.5GB RAM and 16GB storage ensures lag-free performance | Buy Now |
| Kodak 43” 9XPRO Android LED TV | – Certified Android 11 TV Pro provides access to the Google Play Store, 5000+ apps, and offers smooth performance – Full HD display with HDR and super contrast offers sharp visuals with rich contrast and vibrant colour – 30W sound output with Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD guarantees a theatre-like entertainment experience – Frameless design offers maximum screen space and a premium look – Multiple connectivity with ALLM, 3 HDMI ports, Dual Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB 3.0, and built-in Chromecast and AirPlay support | Buy Now |
What is a Smart TV?
A Smart TV is a television that can connect to the internet and stream online content, eliminating the need for an external box (such as a Fire TV Stick or Chromecast). It allows you to stream movies, browse the web, watch YouTube, and access social media.
Such a TV comes with a built-in operating system (OS) that gives it smart features. Different brands use different OS platforms and have their own customised systems.
Key Features of a Smart TV:
- Internet Connectivity: You can connect the TV to the internet via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable and stream content directly, without the need for any additional hardware.
- Pre-installed Apps: Most Smart TVs come with popular apps installed. You can further download additional apps through a brand-specific app store.
- Web Browsing: These TVs come equipped with a basic web browser, enabling you to browse the internet, check emails, or read news directly on your TV.
- Screen Mirroring: Smart TVs allow you to mirror your smartphone or tablet screen using built-in features like Miracast, AirPlay (for Apple users), or other brand-specific technologies.
- Voice Control: Comes integrated with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or their built-in voice control for easier navigation.
How Does a Smart TV Work?
Simply connect your TV to your home Wi-Fi, and you’re good to go! You can open apps, browse the web, stream content, and more — all using your remote or even voice commands.
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Easy internet access | Limited app selection |
| No need for extra devices | Lower flexibility for app installations |
| Simple, easy-to-use interface | Some Smart TVs show ads on home screens |
| More affordable options are available | |
| Some models offer voice control |
Who Should Buy a Smart TV?
- Users who primarily watch OTT content, such as Netflix, Prime Video, Hotstar, etc.
- Who prefer a simple, easy-to-navigate interface without too many complicated options.
- Budget-conscious buyers who want internet connectivity and streaming without spending extra on Android TVs.
- Non-tech-savvy users who just want a basic Smart TV for regular entertainment.
- First-time smart TV users who don’t need heavy customisation or gaming features.
Top Recommendations
| Smart Television | Features | |
| VW 32″ Pro VW32GQ1 Smart QLED TV | – HDR10 to enjoy vibrant colours, deeper contrasts, and sharper visuals – Smooth, intuitive interface with Google Assistant voice control – Powerful 30W high-fidelity Dolby Audio with 5 sound modes for an immersive experience – Full array local dimming & bezel-less design for better picture uniformity – Dual band Wi-Fi + multiple connectivity optionsEye care mode, Dialogue enhancer, Kids mode, and App hotkeys | Buy Now |
| Redmi 32” F Series Smart LED TV | – Fire OS 7 provides access to over 12,000 apps, featuring hands-free Alexa control – Sleek 3-side borderless design with 96.9% screen-to-body ratio – Vivid picture engine enhances colour depth, saturation, and contrast – 20W Dolby audio with DTS Virtual:X offers strong, surround-like sound – DTH + OTT Integration lets you switch easily between live TV channels and OTT apps | Buy Now |
| Acer 40” I Pro Smart LED Google TV | – Full HD display with HDR10 offers sharp visuals, vibrant colours, and enhanced contrast – Google TV with Android 14 ensures a smooth interface with personalised content recommendations – Ultra-slim bezels with a frameless design for an immersive experience – 30W high-fidelity Dolby Audio speakers deliver powerful, immersive sound – Strong smart connectivity with dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, built-in Chromecast, HDMI, and USB support | Buy Now |
| Samsung 32” UA32T4380AKXXL Smart TV | – PurColor and HDR support offer vivid, life-like colours with deeper contrast – Advanced image processing with Ultra Clean View & Micro Dimming Pro – Smart TV features with screen share and access to popular apps – Personal computer mode turns your TV into a computer system for browsing with ease – 20W Dolby Digital Plus audio system delivers immersive surround-like sound | Buy Now |
| LG 32” 32LM563BPTC HD Smart LED TV | – Active HDR with dynamic colour enhancer, with support for HDR10 and HLG formats, optimises visuals – WebOS Smart TV provides access to popular apps, lets you surf the web, and do multitasking – Quad-Core Processor upscales low-resolution images and enhances colour and contrast – DTS Virtual:X & Dolby Audio guarantees immersive, multi-dimensional sound – Slim, stylish design with thin bezels and a sleek profile looks elegant | Buy Now |
Android TV vs Smart TV: Deep Dive Comparison
Now that you know what Android TVs and Smart TVs are, let’s dive deeper into what truly sets them apart.
App Support and Availability
- Android TV: Gives you full access to the Google Play Store, offering thousands of apps. You can download apps from various OTT platforms, including Netflix, Hotstar, as well as apps for fitness, music, and more.
- Smart TV: App availability varies by brand. Most Smart TVS come with popular apps pre-installed; however, you may have limited options when it comes to downloading new or lesser-known apps.
User Interface and Experience
- Android TV: Feels very similar to using an Android smartphone. It may take a few minutes to explore, but it offers numerous features, customisation options, and intelligent suggestions.
- Smart TV: Designed for simplicity. Straightforward menus that focus mainly on video streaming apps make it great for non-tech-savvy users.
Voice Assistant Integration
- Android TV: Comes with built-in Google Assistant. You can search for shows, control smart home devices, or ask for weather updates, all through voice commands.
- Smart TV: Some models support voice control (like Alexa or Google Assistant), but the experience and availability vary widely depending on the brand and model.
Gaming and Performance
- Android TV: Allows you to download and play Android games. Some models even support Bluetooth gaming controllers for a console-like experience.
- Smart TV: Limited to very basic games that come pre-installed. No access to a wide gaming app ecosystem.
Software Updates and Support
- Android TV: Receives regular updates from Google, including security patches, new features, and app improvements to keep your TV fresh for years.
- Smart TV: Software updates are irregular and depend heavily on the TV brand. Some models may stop getting updates after a few years.
Casting and Screen Sharing
- Android TV: Comes with built-in Chromecast support. You can easily cast videos, music, or even mirror your smartphone screen.
- Smart TV: Some brands support Miracast, AirPlay, or have their own casting apps, but the experience is not always smooth or universal.
Pricing and Value
- Android TV: Generally priced a little higher due to richer features and better performance. However, today, affordable Android TV models are also available.
- Smart TV: Wider pricing range, from very budget-friendly models to premium ones. Ideal if you’re looking for basic features at a lower price.
How to Choose Between Android TV and Smart TV?
If you’re struggling to make a decision, ask yourself these simple questions:
| Question | If YES → | If NO → |
| Do I want to download lots of apps and games on my TV? | Android TV | Smart TV |
| Do I already use Google services, such as Google Photos and Google Assistant? | Android TV | Smart TV |
| Is budget my top priority? | Smart TV | Android TV |
| Do I want frequent software updates to stay up-to-date? | Android TV | Smart TV |
| Will I only use apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime? | Smart TV | Android TV |
| Do I want voice control and smart home integration? | Android TV | Smart TV |
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the Android TV vs Smart TV debate, both are excellent choices, and choosing between them ultimately comes down to understanding their unique features and benefits.
While they differ in their operating systems and feature sets, both platforms have evolved to offer easy access to online content, enhanced picture and sound technologies, and seamless connectivity options. Whether you’re streaming your favourite shows, browsing the internet, or gaming with friends, both Android TVs and Smart TVs provide powerful tools to transform your living room into a complete entertainment hub.
At the end of the day, the real winner is the viewer, with more choices, better features, and smarter televisions than ever before.
FAQs
Which TV is better, Android or Smart?
Both are good. Android TVs offer more apps and regular updates, while Smart TVs provide simpler features and easy streaming access.
Which brand is best for Android TV?
Sony, OnePlus, TCL, and Xiaomi are among the top brands known for offering excellent Android TVs.
Is Netflix free on a smart TV?
No, the Netflix app is free to install, but you need a paid subscription to watch content.
Can a Smart TV be upgraded to Android TV?
No, but you can use an Android TV Box or a streaming device like a Fire TV Stick to get Android TV features.
Which is more expensive: Android TV or Smart TV?
Android TVs are generally slightly more expensive due to their advanced features and wider app support.
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