Apple TV HD vs. Apple TV 4K Buyer’s Guide
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Should you think about acquiring the Apple TELEVISION HD to conserve cash, or do you need the Apple TELEVISION 4K? Our guide answers the concern of how to choose which of these 2 Apple TELEVISION set-top boxes is best for you.
Comparing the Apple TV HD and the Apple TV 4K
The Apple TELEVISION HD and Apple TV 4K share the exact same design and a variety of standard functions such as HDMI and the revamped Siri Remote:
Resemblances
Design, dimensions, and weight
Support for SDR
HDMI port
Ethernet port
Infrared receiver
HDMI-CEC, AirPlay, and Bluetooth
Second-generation Siri Remote
There are a big number of significant distinctions between the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K that are worth highlighting, including their supported processors and resolutions.
Distinctions
Apple TELEVISION HD
Assistance for up to 1080p resolution
Assistance for SDR
Support for audio output with 7.1 channels
HDMI 1.4
1.5 GHz dual-core Apple A8 chip
2GB RAM
32GB storage only
10/100 Ethernet
Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth 4.0
$ 149.
Apple TELEVISION 4K (Second-Generation).
Read on for a better look at each of these aspects, and see what exactly both of the available Apple TELEVISION designs need to use.
Video.
The main difference in between the Apple TELEVISION HD and the Apple TV 4K is the resolutions that they support. The Apple TV HD supports resolutions as much as Full HD at 1080p, while the Apple TV 4K supports resolutions approximately Ultra HD at 2160p.
Both designs support standard dynamic variety, but only the Apple TELEVISION 4K supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, for richer colors and deeper blacks. The Apple TV 4K also supports high framerate HDR as much as 60-fps. High frame rate HDR video makes it possible for fast-moving action at 60 frames per 2nd to play more smoothly and appear more lifelike.
With high frame rate support in AirPlay, videos shot on the iPhone 12 Pro can be displayed completely 60-fps Dolby Vision on the Apple TV 4K. Apple is likewise dealing with video suppliers worldwide, consisting of FOX Sports, NBCUniversal, Paramount+, Red Bull TV, and Canal+, as they begin to stream in high frame rate HDR.
In order to make the most of the Apple TV 4Ks better video abilities, you will require to have an accompanying 4K TELEVISION with HDR. The video specs of the Apple TELEVISION HD suffice for most older or lower-cost TVs, however for the best possible visual experience using technologies like 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision, the Apple TV 4K is the better choice, providing you have a relevant TELEVISION.
Audio.
The Apple TELEVISION 4K also features more current audio specifications with support for audio output with 7.1.4 channel surround sound with Dolby Atmos. The Apple TV HD, on the other hand, just supports audio output up to 7.1 channel surround sound.
Much like the differing video specs of the two Apple TELEVISION models, the extent to which you can take benefit of the various audio requirements depends upon your exclusive hardware. Basic house cinema setups will work well with the Apple TELEVISION HD, but for advanced audio setups with Dolby Atmos, the Apple TV 4K is the much better alternative.
A8 vs. A12.
The second-generation Apple TELEVISION 4K features the A12 Bionic chip. The A12 Bionic chip powered the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR in 2018, as well as the 2019 variations of the iPad Air and iPad Mini, and the 2020 entry-level iPad.
The A8 chip is substantially older and was first introduced with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in 2014. The A12 is a 2.49 GHz hexa-core chip and is markedly more powerful than the A8, which is a 1.5 GHz dual-core chip.
While processing power is not an outright concern with a set-top box, the Apple TV 4Ks more recent A12 chip will be a lot more capable than the A8. Whether it pertains to playing video games, app launch speeds, or just general responsiveness, the A12 is likely to be much more snappy.
The Apple TV HD also sets the A8 with 2GB of memory, while the Apple TELEVISION 4K likely pairs the A12 with 3GB of memory.
Through progressive updates to tvOS, the A12 will ensure better efficiency in time, and the Apple TELEVISION 4Ks A12 will be a lot more future-proof than the A8 in the Apple TELEVISION HD.
Storage.
While there was initially a 64GB storage setup for the Apple TELEVISION HD, there is now just a 32GB choice readily available. The Apple TELEVISION 4K is available in both 32GB and 64GB setups.
If you intend on downloading a large number of applications or storing great deals of content on the Apple TV itself, then the Apple TV 4K with 64GB of storage will be the best alternative.
As the majority of media content on the Apple TELEVISION is streamed and not kept on the device itself, the amount of storage will not be particularly essential to the majority of buyers.
Connection.
Wired Connectivity.
The Apple TELEVISION 4K features the most current version of HDMI with variation 2.1, while the Apple TV HD uses the much older HDMI 1.4. HDMI 2.1 assists in much of the Apple TV 4Ks included video capabilities like high-framerate HDR.
The Apple TV 4K likewise has a gigabit ethernet port, which has the ability to reach much quicker speeds than the Apple TELEVISION HDs 10/100 ethernet port.
* to be confirmed.
Wireless Connectivity.
The Apple TELEVISION HD includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.0, but the Apple TV 4K raises these specifications to the more recent Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Apple TV 4K likewise supports the Thread open standard, like the HomePod mini, for enhanced combination into smart house setups.
Siri Remote.
Along with the second-generation Apple TELEVISION 4K, Apple presented an entirely upgraded Siri Remote. With a thicker, one-piece aluminum style, the new Siri Remote fits more conveniently in a users hand.
The brand-new Siri Remote includes a clickpad control that provides five-way navigation for better accuracy and is likewise touch-enabled for fast directional swipes. The outer ring of the clickpad supports an instinctive circular gesture that turns it into a jog control.
The new Siri Remote likewise has a power button that controls a TVs power directly, and another for mute. The Siri button has actually likewise been transferred to the side of the remote for benefit.
The brand-new Siri Remote was introduced with the second-generation Apple TELEVISION 4K, Apple includes it with both of the current Apple TELEVISION 4K and Apple TELEVISION HD designs, so users require not pick one model over the other to get the better remote.
Final Thoughts.
The majority of consumers need to purchase the Apple TV 4K. There is only a $30 price difference between the Apple TELEVISION HD and Apple TV 4K. Even for customers for whom the Apple TELEVISION HD would be sufficient, the $30 upgrade to the Apple TELEVISION 4K is exceptional worth and worth it in almost all scenarios due to the plethora of small however substantial upgrades it has across the board.
Supports for as much as 2160p (4K) resolution.
Support for SDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision.
High framerate HDR up to 60-fps.
Support for audio output with 7.1.4 channels with Dolby Atmos.
HDMI 2.1.
2.49 GHz hexa-core Apple A12 Bionic chip.
3GB RAM *.
32GB or 64GB storage.
Gigabit Ethernet.
Wi-Fi 6.
Bluetooth 5.0.
Thread assistance.
$ 179 for 32GB model, $199 for 64GB design.
Even if you can not benefit from the Apple TV 4Ks much better video and audio capabilities, you will get a much faster processor, more RAM, and much faster connection. Users with an HD TV and a fundamental audio set-up might update their gadgets in the future, in which case the Apple TV 4K would be able to make and stay usage of any updated hardware.
Given that the second-generation Apple TV 4K is a 2021 design, it is six years newer than 2015s Apple TV HD and will be much more lasting, particularly due to its faster processor and added memory.
The only individuals who must consider the Apple TV HD are individuals on a rigorous spending plan, those without any objective of upgrading their setups, and those with no interest in technologies like Ultra-HD 4K, HDR, or Dolby Atmos.
For standard HD, SDR TVs and fundamental audio setups, the Apple TV 4K is significantly restricted by the video and audio specs of the hardware connected to it. The Apple TELEVISION HD may also appear to be a good choice for existing Apple TV users looking to purchase an extra Apple TV for another space for activities such as Apple Fitness+.
Both designs support standard dynamic range, however just the Apple TELEVISION 4K supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, for richer colors and deeper blacks. The Apple TELEVISION 4K likewise supports high framerate HDR up to 60-fps. The majority of customers must buy the Apple TELEVISION 4K. There is just a $30 price distinction between the Apple TELEVISION HD and Apple TELEVISION 4K. Even for customers for whom the Apple TV HD would be adequate, the $30 upgrade to the Apple TELEVISION 4K is outstanding worth and worth it in nearly all circumstances due to the plethora of substantial however small upgrades it has across the board.