Apple TV HD vs. Apple TV 4K Buyer’s Guide
BougeRV Solar Connectors Y Branch Parallel Adapter Cable Wire Plug Tool Kit for Solar Panel
20% Off
DJI Power Solar Panel Adapter Module (MPPT)
$59.00 (as of 17:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)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 enhanced performance, together with a revamped Siri Remote. The Apple TELEVISION HD was first released in 2015 and has stayed in Apples lineup given that then as an entry-level alternative, and now it comes with the updated Siri Remote.
Should you consider acquiring the Apple TV HD to save money, or do you need the Apple TV 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 TV HD and Apple TV 4K share the very same design and a variety of basic functions such as HDMI and the redesigned Siri Remote:
Similarities
Design, measurements, and weight
Assistance for SDR
HDMI port
Ethernet port
Infrared receiver
HDMI-CEC, AirPlay, and Bluetooth
Second-generation Siri Remote
There are a great deal of significant distinctions in between the Apple TV HD and Apple TELEVISION 4K that are worth highlighting, including their supported processors and resolutions.
Differences
Apple TELEVISION HD
Supports for up to 2160p (4K) resolution.
Support for SDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision.
High framerate HDR as much as 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 support.
$ 179 for 32GB model, $199 for 64GB model.
Read on for a better look at each of these aspects, and see what precisely both of the available Apple TV designs have to offer.
Video.
The primary difference between the Apple TELEVISION HD and the Apple TELEVISION 4K is the resolutions that they support. The Apple TELEVISION HD supports resolutions up to Full HD at 1080p, while the Apple TELEVISION 4K supports resolutions approximately Ultra HD at 2160p.
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. High frame rate HDR video enables fast-moving action at 60 frames per 2nd to play more smoothly and appear more realistic.
With high frame rate support in AirPlay, videos shot on the iPhone 12 Pro can be shown in complete 60-fps Dolby Vision on the Apple TV 4K. Apple is also working with video providers around the globe, consisting of FOX Sports, NBCUniversal, Paramount+, Red Bull TV, and Canal+, as they start to stream in high frame rate HDR.
In order to maximize the Apple TELEVISION 4Ks better video abilities, you will need to have an accompanying 4K TV with HDR. The video specs of the Apple TV HD suffice for most older or lower-cost TVs, however for the very best possible visual experience using innovations like 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision, the Apple TV 4K is the better alternative, providing you have a pertinent TELEVISION.
Audio.
The Apple TELEVISION 4K likewise includes more current audio specs with assistance for audio output with 7.1.4 channel surround noise with Dolby Atmos. The Apple TELEVISION HD, on the other hand, only supports audio output approximately 7.1 channel surround sound.
Similar to the varying video specifications of the two Apple TV designs, the level to which you can take advantage of the different audio requirements depends upon your proprietary hardware. Standard house cinema setups will work well with the Apple TV HD, however for more innovative audio setups with Dolby Atmos, the Apple TELEVISION 4K is the much 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, along with the 2019 versions of the iPad Air and iPad Mini, and the 2020 entry-level iPad.
The A8 chip is significantly older and was initially introduced with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in 2014. The A12 is a 2.49 GHz hexa-core chip and is noticeably 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 TELEVISION 4Ks more current A12 chip will be a lot more capable than the A8. Whether it comes to playing games, app launch speeds, or just basic responsiveness, the A12 is most likely to be a lot more stylish.
The Apple TV HD likewise pairs the A8 with 2GB of memory, while the Apple TV 4K likely pairs the A12 with 3GB of memory.
Through progressive updates to tvOS, the A12 will ensure much 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 originally a 64GB storage configuration for the Apple TV HD, there is now just a 32GB option available. The Apple TELEVISION 4K is offered in both 32GB and 64GB configurations.
If you intend on downloading a great deal of applications or keeping lots of material on the Apple TV itself, then the Apple TV 4K with 64GB of storage will be the very best option.
As many media material on the Apple TV is streamed and not stored on the device itself, the amount of storage will not be especially important to many purchasers.
Connectivity.
Wired Connectivity.
The Apple TELEVISION 4K features 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 helps with much of the Apple TELEVISION 4Ks added video capabilities like high-framerate HDR.
The Apple TELEVISION 4K likewise has a gigabit ethernet port, which is able to reach much faster speeds than the Apple TELEVISION HDs 10/100 ethernet port.
Even if you can not make the most of the Apple TV 4Ks better video and audio abilities, you will receive a quicker processor, more RAM, and faster connection. Likewise, users with an HD TELEVISION and a basic audio set-up may update their gadgets in the future, in which case the Apple TV 4K would have the ability to remain and make usage of any updated hardware.
Since the second-generation Apple TELEVISION 4K is a 2021 design, it is six years more recent than 2015s Apple TELEVISION HD and will be much more lasting, specifically due to its faster processor and included memory.
The only individuals who must consider the Apple TELEVISION HD are people on a strict budget plan, those with no intent 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 TELEVISION 4K is greatly restricted by the video and audio requirements of the hardware linked to it. The Apple TV HD may likewise appear to be a good alternative for existing Apple TV users aiming to buy an additional Apple TELEVISION for another room for activities such as Apple Fitness+.
Both designs support standard vibrant variety, but 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 up to 60-fps. Many consumers must purchase the Apple TELEVISION 4K. There is only a $30 rate difference between the Apple TV HD and Apple TELEVISION 4K. Even for clients for whom the Apple TV HD would be adequate, the $30 upgrade to the Apple TV 4K is excellent worth and worth it in nearly all circumstances due to the wide variety of little however considerable upgrades it has across the board.
Apple TV 4K (Second-Generation).
Wireless Connectivity.
The Apple TELEVISION HD includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.0, however the Apple TV 4K raises these specifications to the more current Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Apple TV 4K likewise supports the Thread open standard, like the HomePod mini, for improved integration into wise home setups.
Siri Remote.
Alongside the second-generation Apple TV 4K, Apple presented a completely revamped Siri Remote. With a thicker, one-piece aluminum style, the new Siri Remote fits more easily in a users hand.
The brand-new Siri Remote features a clickpad control that uses five-way navigation for better precision and is also touch-enabled for fast directional swipes. The external ring of the clickpad supports an user-friendly circular gesture that turns it into a jog control.
The new Siri Remote also has a power button that manages a TELEVISIONs power directly, and another for mute. The Siri button has also been transferred to the side of the remote for benefit.
The new Siri Remote was introduced with the second-generation Apple TELEVISION 4K, Apple includes it with both of the current Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models, so users require not pick one design over the other to get the much better remote.
Final Thoughts.
Most clients must buy the Apple TELEVISION 4K. There is just a $30 cost difference in between the Apple TV HD and Apple TELEVISION 4K. Even for clients for whom the Apple TV HD would be adequate, the $30 upgrade to the Apple TV 4K is outstanding worth and worth it in almost all scenarios due to the variety of considerable however small upgrades it has across the board.
* to be verified.
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 only
10/100 Ethernet
Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth 4.0
$ 149.