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

In April 2021, Apple revealed the second-generation Apple TV 4K, bringing high framerate HDR with Dolby Vision to the Apple TELEVISION for the very first time and the A12 chip for enhanced efficiency, together with a revamped Siri Remote. The Apple TV HD was first launched in 2015 and has remained in Apples lineup ever since as an entry-level option, and now it features the updated Siri Remote.
Should you think about buying the Apple TV HD to save money, or do you need the Apple TV 4K? Our guide responds to the question of how to choose which of these 2 Apple TV set-top boxes is finest for you.
Comparing the Apple TV HD and the Apple TELEVISION 4K
The Apple TV HD and Apple TELEVISION 4K share the very same style and a number of standard features such as HDMI and the revamped Siri Remote:
Similarities

Design, measurements, 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 in between the Apple TELEVISION HD and Apple TV 4K that are worth highlighting, including their supported resolutions and processors.
Distinctions

Apple TELEVISION HD

Continue reading for a more detailed take a look at each of these elements, and see what precisely both of the available Apple TELEVISION designs need to provide.
Video.
The primary difference between the Apple TV HD and the Apple TV 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 designs support basic dynamic range, but only the Apple TV 4K supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, for richer colors and much deeper blacks. The Apple TV 4K likewise supports high framerate HDR up to 60-fps. High frame rate HDR video makes it possible for fast-moving action at 60 frames per second to play more smoothly and appear more lifelike.
With high frame rate assistance 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 providers around the world, consisting of FOX Sports, NBCUniversal, Paramount+, Red Bull TELEVISION, and Canal+, as they begin to stream in high frame rate HDR.
In order to make the many of the Apple TV 4Ks much better video capabilities, you will require to have an accompanying 4K TV with HDR. The video specs of the Apple TV HD are sufficient for many older or lower-cost TVs, however for the very best possible visual experience using technologies like 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision, the Apple TELEVISION 4K is the better option, offering you have an appropriate TV.
Audio.
The Apple TELEVISION 4K also features more current audio requirements with support 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 as much as 7.1 channel surround noise.
Just like the varying video specifications of the two Apple TV designs, the extent to which you can make the most of the various audio specifications depends on your proprietary hardware. Standard house cinema setups will work well with the Apple TV HD, but for more 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 versions of the iPad Air and iPad Mini, and the 2020 entry-level iPad.
The A8 chip is significantly older and was initially presented with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in 2014. The A12 is a 2.49 GHz hexa-core chip and is considerably 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 far more capable than the A8. Whether it concerns playing games, app launch speeds, or just basic responsiveness, the A12 is most likely to be a lot more snappy.
The Apple TELEVISION HD also sets the A8 with 2GB of memory, while the Apple TV 4K likely sets the A12 with 3GB of memory.
Through progressive updates to tvOS, the A12 will ensure better performance over 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 TV HD, there is now just a 32GB alternative available. The Apple TELEVISION 4K is readily available in both 32GB and 64GB setups.
If you prepare on downloading a big number of applications or keeping great deals of content on the Apple TELEVISION itself, then the Apple TV 4K with 64GB of storage will be the best choice.
As a lot of media content on the Apple TV is streamed and not kept on the device itself, the amount of storage will not be especially crucial to a lot of buyers.
Connection.
Wired Connectivity.
The Apple TELEVISION 4K features the most current version of HDMI with version 2.1, while the Apple TELEVISION HD uses the much older HDMI 1.4. HDMI 2.1 facilitates numerous of the Apple TELEVISION 4Ks added video capabilities like high-framerate HDR.
The Apple TV 4K also has a gigabit ethernet port, which is able to reach much quicker speeds than the Apple TV HDs 10/100 ethernet port.

Both models support basic dynamic range, however only the Apple TV 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. A lot of customers need to purchase the Apple TV 4K. There is just a $30 price distinction between the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K. Even for clients for whom the Apple TV HD would be sufficient, the $30 upgrade to the Apple TV 4K is exceptional value and worth it in nearly all situations due to the wide variety of significant but little upgrades it has across the board.

Assistance for approximately 1080p resolution
Support 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.

Even if you can not make the most of the Apple TV 4Ks much better video and audio capabilities, you will receive a faster processor, more RAM, and faster connection. Users with an HD TELEVISION and a standard audio set-up may update their devices in the future, in which case the Apple TELEVISION 4K would be able to remain and make usage of any upgraded hardware.
Given that the second-generation Apple TELEVISION 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 should think about the Apple TELEVISION HD are people on a stringent budget plan, those without any intention of updating their setups, and those without any interest in innovations like Ultra-HD 4K, HDR, or Dolby Atmos.
For standard HD, SDR TVs and standard audio setups, the Apple TELEVISION 4K is greatly restricted by the video and audio specifications of the hardware connected to it. The Apple TV HD might also seem an excellent alternative for existing Apple TELEVISION users seeking to buy an additional Apple TV for another space for activities such as Apple Fitness+.

Supports for approximately 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 support.
$ 179 for 32GB model, $199 for 64GB model.

Wireless Connectivity.
The Apple TELEVISION HD features Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.0, however the Apple TELEVISION 4K raises these specifications to the more current Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Apple TV 4K also supports the Thread open requirement, like the HomePod mini, for improved integration into wise home setups.
Siri Remote.
Along with the second-generation Apple TELEVISION 4K, Apple introduced a completely redesigned Siri Remote. With a thicker, one-piece aluminum style, the new Siri Remote fits more easily in a users hand.
The new Siri Remote includes a clickpad control that uses five-way navigation for better precision and is likewise touch-enabled for quick directional swipes. The outer ring of the clickpad supports an instinctive circular gesture that turns it into a jog control.
The brand-new Siri Remote also has a power button that controls a TELEVISIONs power straight, and another for mute. The Siri button has likewise been relocated to the side of the remote for convenience.
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 need not choose one design over the other to get the better remote.
Final Thoughts.
Many consumers should purchase the Apple TV 4K. There is just a $30 rate distinction in between the Apple TV HD and Apple TELEVISION 4K. Even for clients for whom the Apple TV HD would be appropriate, the $30 upgrade to the Apple TV 4K is excellent value and worth it in almost all circumstances due to the huge selection of small but significant upgrades it has throughout the board.

* to be verified.

Apple TV 4K (Second-Generation).