Apple TV HD vs. Apple TV 4K Buyer’s Guide

In April 2021, Apple exposed the second-generation Apple TV 4K, bringing high framerate HDR with Dolby Vision to the Apple TV for the very first time and the A12 chip for better performance, alongside a revamped Siri Remote. The Apple TV HD was first launched in 2015 and has actually remained in Apples lineup ever since as an entry-level choice, and now it includes the updated Siri Remote.
Should you consider acquiring the Apple TV HD to conserve money, or do you require the Apple TELEVISION 4K? Our guide addresses the concern of how to choose which of these 2 Apple TELEVISION set-top boxes is finest for you.
Comparing the Apple TV HD and the Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV HD and Apple TELEVISION 4K share the same style and a variety of standard functions such as HDMI and the redesigned Siri Remote:
Resemblances

There are a large number of significant distinctions between the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K that deserve highlighting, including their supported processors and resolutions.
Differences

Style, measurements, and weight
Support for SDR
HDMI port
Ethernet port
Infrared receiver
HDMI-CEC, AirPlay, and Bluetooth
Second-generation Siri Remote

Apple TELEVISION HD

Both models support standard dynamic range, but just the Apple TV 4K supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, for richer colors and deeper blacks. The Apple TV 4K also supports high framerate HDR up to 60-fps. Most clients should purchase the Apple TELEVISION 4K. There is just a $30 rate distinction between the Apple TV HD and Apple TELEVISION 4K. Even for clients for whom the Apple TELEVISION HD would be adequate, the $30 upgrade to the Apple TV 4K is excellent worth and worth it in nearly all situations due to the huge selection of substantial but small upgrades it has throughout the board.

Apple TELEVISION 4K (Second-Generation).

Supports for approximately 2160p (4K) resolution.
Assistance for SDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision.
High framerate HDR up to 60-fps.
Assistance 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 design, $199 for 64GB design.

Even if you can not take benefit of the Apple TV 4Ks better video and audio abilities, you will receive a much faster processor, more RAM, and much faster connection. Users with an HD TV and a fundamental audio set-up might update their devices in the future, in which case the Apple TELEVISION 4K would be able to make and stay usage of any updated hardware.
Considering that the second-generation Apple TELEVISION 4K is a 2021 model, it is six years more recent than 2015s Apple TV HD and will be far more long-lasting, particularly due to its faster processor and included memory.
The only individuals who ought to consider the Apple TV HD are people on a stringent budget plan, those with no objective of updating their setups, and those with no interest in innovations like Ultra-HD 4K, HDR, or Dolby Atmos.
For basic HD, SDR TVs and fundamental audio setups, the Apple TV 4K is greatly limited by the video and audio requirements of the hardware linked to it. The Apple TELEVISION HD may likewise seem a good choice for existing Apple TV users aiming to buy an additional Apple TV for another space for activities such as Apple Fitness+.

Assistance for approximately 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 just
10/100 Ethernet
Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth 4.0
$ 149.

Wireless Connectivity.
The Apple TELEVISION HD features Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.0, but the Apple TELEVISION 4K raises these specs to the more current Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Apple TELEVISION 4K likewise supports the Thread open requirement, like the HomePod mini, for enhanced combination into clever house setups.
Siri Remote.
Alongside the second-generation Apple TV 4K, Apple presented a completely redesigned Siri Remote. With a thicker, one-piece aluminum style, the brand-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 much better precision and is also touch-enabled for fast directional swipes. The outer ring of the clickpad supports an intuitive circular gesture that turns it into a jog control.
The new Siri Remote also has a power button that manages a TELEVISIONs power straight, and another for mute. The Siri button has actually likewise been relocated to the side of the remote for convenience.
Although the brand-new Siri Remote was presented with the second-generation Apple TELEVISION 4K, Apple includes it with both of the existing Apple TELEVISION 4K and Apple TELEVISION HD models, so users need pass by one design over the other to get the better remote.
Last Thoughts.
A lot of consumers ought to purchase the Apple TELEVISION 4K. There is just a $30 cost distinction between the Apple TELEVISION HD and Apple TELEVISION 4K. Even for customers for whom the Apple TELEVISION HD would be appropriate, the $30 upgrade to the Apple TELEVISION 4K is outstanding value and worth it in almost all circumstances due to the plethora of substantial but little upgrades it has across the board.

* to be verified.

Check out on for a closer look at each of these elements, and see just what both of the offered Apple TV designs need to provide.
Video.
The main distinction in between the Apple TV HD and the Apple TELEVISION 4K is the resolutions that they support. The Apple TV HD supports resolutions approximately Full HD at 1080p, while the Apple TV 4K supports resolutions approximately Ultra HD at 2160p.
Both models support basic dynamic variety, however just the Apple TELEVISION 4K supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, for richer colors and deeper blacks. The Apple TV 4K likewise supports high framerate HDR approximately 60-fps. High frame rate HDR video allows fast-moving action at 60 frames per second to play more smoothly and appear more natural.
With high frame rate support in AirPlay, videos shot on the iPhone 12 Pro can be shown completely 60-fps Dolby Vision on the Apple TELEVISION 4K. Apple is also working with video service providers around the globe, consisting of FOX Sports, NBCUniversal, Paramount+, Red Bull TV, and Canal+, as they begin to stream in high frame rate HDR.
In order to maximize the Apple TELEVISION 4Ks better video capabilities, you will need to have an accompanying 4K TELEVISION with HDR. The video specifications of the Apple TELEVISION HD suffice for most older or lower-cost TVs, but for the very best possible visual experience utilizing innovations like 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision, the Apple TV 4K is the much better choice, supplying you have a pertinent TV.
Audio.
The Apple TELEVISION 4K likewise includes more recent audio requirements with assistance 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 noise.
Much like the varying video requirements of the 2 Apple TV models, the degree to which you can make the most of the various audio requirements depends upon your exclusive hardware. Standard house cinema setups will work well with the Apple TELEVISION HD, but for advanced audio setups with Dolby Atmos, the Apple TELEVISION 4K is the better option.
A8 vs. A12.
The second-generation Apple TV 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 versions of the iPad Air and iPad Mini, and the 2020 entry-level iPad.
The A8 chip is significantly 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 considerably more effective than the A8, which is a 1.5 GHz dual-core chip.
While processing power is not an outright priority with a set-top box, the Apple TV 4Ks more recent A12 chip will be much more capable than the A8. Whether it concerns playing video games, app launch speeds, or merely basic responsiveness, the A12 is most likely to be much more stylish.
The Apple TV HD likewise 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 guarantee better efficiency with time, and the Apple TV 4Ks A12 will be far more future-proof than the A8 in the Apple TELEVISION HD.
Storage.
While there was initially a 64GB storage configuration for the Apple TELEVISION HD, there is now just a 32GB choice available. The Apple TV 4K is readily available in both 32GB and 64GB setups.
If you prepare on downloading a big number of applications or saving lots of material on the Apple TV itself, then the Apple TELEVISION 4K with 64GB of storage will be the best option.
As many media content on the Apple TV is streamed and not kept on the device itself, the amount of storage will not be particularly crucial to a lot of purchasers.
Connection.
Wired Connectivity.
The Apple TELEVISION 4K includes the most current version of HDMI with version 2.1, while the Apple TV HD utilizes the much older HDMI 1.4. HDMI 2.1 assists in many of the Apple TELEVISION 4Ks added video capabilities like high-framerate HDR.
The Apple TV 4K also has a gigabit ethernet port, which has the ability to reach much quicker speeds than the Apple TELEVISION HDs 10/100 ethernet port.