11 Tech Secrets – Smart TV vs Android TV vs Android TV Box Differences
Just, how smart is a Smart TV? What is an Android TV? What is an Android TV Box? If these questions kept you wondering for some time, this article has the answers for you. In this article, we will review what a Smart TV is and compare it with an Android TV and also with Android TV Box. So, let’s get started and see how Smart TV vs Android TV vs Android TV Box spans out towards the end.
Table of Contents
Smart TV vs Android TV vs Android TV Box
Smart TV vs Android TV vs Android TV Box
Before we start looking how Smart TV vs Android TV vs Android TV Box turns out to be, let’s get a very quick basic overview of what these three are in reality and then we will review the important differences between them.
Smart TV
A “Smart TV” is a device that has all the functionalities of a traditional TV and much more. Here, the word “Smart” means that the TV is able to connect to the internet and access a variety of online services that otherwise, would be possible only if you have a Computer/laptop/tablet/Smartphone with an internet connection.
So, think of a Smart TV as a cross between a TV set and an internet connected device. To summarize, a Smart TV is a TV set that can be connected to the internet and avail lots of benefits that internet has to offer. Some of the other services that be accessed by a Smart TV are apps like Facebook, Twitter, etc. websites such as YouTube, ESPN, etc. play games such as Solitaire, etc.
Its worth noting that not all apps can be run on a Smart TV. Only the apps that are pre-installed and/or allowed to be downloaded by the Smart TV manufacturer can be used. You can read a lot more in detail by visiting our article: Beginners guide on Smart TV.
Android TV
The term “Android TV” refers to a TV that is running Android as its Operating System/Platform. This Android Operating System was developed by Google. Yes, the very same company that was responsible for building the Android ecosystem.
The OS is used to power the content on Smart TVs manufactured by other companies. As far as the TV/device goes, any company could manufacture their Smart TV and use Android TV OS in it. Currently, Sony is one of the companies that manufactures Smart TVs powered by Android TV.
An Android TV lets you do anything from streaming your favorite shows, listening to music, watching movies and also playing games, from the comfort of your couch. Just imagine it as a bigger and wider device (read TV) that can pretty much do anything that you do using your Smartphone and more.
Android TV Box
The term “Android TV Box” refers to a device that is used to instantly convert any TV into a Smart TV and also provide a wide range of options in the process. In other words, it can also be considered as a set-top box which runs an Android OS and can be plugged into TV.
Some of the functions of an Android TV Box are to stream video content (from sites such as Hulu, Netflix, etc.), surf the internet and also install pretty much any other app that would be able to install from the Google Play Store and run it. You can also install games from the Google Play Store and enjoy them.
To be able to use an Android TV Box, you will need an active internet connection and a TV. The core functionality of the operation of this box revolves around voice control feature.
Differences between Smart TV, Android TV and Android TV Box
Let’s see those differences below:
| Smart TV | Android TV | Android TV Box | |
| What is it in principle? | It is basically a TV at its core with additional capabilities. | It is basically a TV at its core with additional capabilities. | It is a device/box that needs to be plugged into a TV so that it turns pretty much any TV, into a Smart TV. |
| Hardware | It is a TV that you can setup anywhere. Some of the TV models are also wall-mountable. | It is a TV that you can setup anywhere. Some of the TV models are also wall-mountable. | It is a Set-Top Box (STB) that can be connected to a TV. |
| OS Software | Different manufacturers choose to install an Operating System as per their liking. For example, Samsung uses Tizen OS, LG uses webOS, Google uses Chromecast, Sony uses SmartCentral. | For a TV to be considered as an Android TV, it has to use Android OS as the software. So you will find Android as the OS, regardless of the manufacturers. | Android OS |
| Manufacturers | Many companies manufacture it. For example, LG, Sony, Samsung, etc. | Some companies manufacture it. Examples: Sony, Sharp, Nvidia, Philips, Samsung, Haier, etc. | Many companies manufacture it. Examples: FomoStream, SCS ETC, Yagala, Viden, etc. |
| What can it do? | It lets you watch all your favorite channels that you watch over a regular TV and along with it, provides you with certain apps that you can use over the internet, such as Facebook, Twitter, stream audio & video, etc. | It lets you watch movies, stream audio & video, install most of the apps that you would like from the Google Play Store. | It lets you stream audio and video, connect to the internet and also install pretty much most of the apps from the Google Play Store and run it, including games. |
| Main Advantage | TV + Some main apps just in a single TV with no other physical add-ons. | TV + Most of the apps can be run on this TV | Turns pretty much any TV into a Smart TV + Most of the apps can be run on this box. |
| Limitations | Only apps installed by the manufacturer can be run. Cannot install new apps. | Need to learn the Android interface to operate the TV. Calls cannot be received. | Needs a TV to be attached to, so cannot work on its own. |
| Stream Music | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stream Video | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Play Games | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Require other devices to work? | No | No | Yes |
Additional Reading
- Smart and Connected TVs – Statistics & Facts
- Smart TV 101: What Is A Smart TV – The Ultimate Beginner’s Quick Guide
Conclusion
In this article, we went through the simple basics of a Smart TV, Android TV and Android TV Box. We also compared Smart TV vs Android TV vs Android TV Box in a tabular format which gives us more insight as to what could be an appropriate device depending upon your needs.
What is your favorite device? Is it a Smart TV, Android TV or an Android TV Box? Share your response by leaving a comment below.
It would be of additional decision making help if estimated price of a standard size, say, 4 k 49/55 inch TV each type and Android box would have been mentioned.
Does internet connection should have an ideal speed?
sharad
June 2, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Very clearly explained… Thank you… All my doubts & confusions were cleared
now.
Ravi raj
September 6, 2019 at 12:13 am
I like your article vert much but I still need some help.
I recently bought a non smart dumb TV thinking that I could
easily add a SMART BOX later. It looks like I was wrong unless
you can direct me to a solution to my problem?
Any of the boxes you reviewed will probably do everything I need
except this one biggy for me. I need to be able to play my library
of movies and TV shows and for that I need a USB port and a box
that will play a minimum of MKV, AVI, MP4 formats.
I did not see any mention of that here. Please point me in the right direction if possible. I would really appreciate you hep. Thanks Bob
Bob Gordon
May 30, 2020 at 11:31 am
Android TV seems to be the best , because it is cheaper , and very handy ,
Michael Olusegun David
July 29, 2020 at 8:38 pm
I have an Android TV in my bedroom with an Android box, and it is connected to the internet. And I am trying to find out a way to see if cable can combined with it even though there might seem to be a problem with them having to come together after I had read through the information about them.
Gerard
August 19, 2020 at 3:37 am
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Thanks & Regards,
Chaitanya Chari
Chaitanya Chari
March 26, 2021 at 11:38 am
Android TV is my choice of tv, since it allowed us to make choices of different apps installation, which it is advantage over smat tv
Nnanna Emmanuel
July 5, 2021 at 3:56 am
Does anyone know who could set up my android TVs box with a kodi build near me cheers !
Johncadden
October 23, 2021 at 7:15 am
Is there a way to use a Android TV box without a Google Account? I just got a Android (14.0) TV Box. I uninstalled “KD player” app (which opens as Kodi), to replace it with Kodi official. However, although I enabled “unknown sources” Kodi (downloaded from Kodi TV), is the only app that won’t install. I’ve never had this issue with my older Android boxes (or tablet), which don’t require a google account. Is there a workaround to gaining control of homescreen/box settings without a Google account?
Carr
February 3, 2025 at 12:28 am
Hi Carr,
Thanks for your question about using your Android TV box without a Google account and the issue you're encountering with installing Kodi. It's definitely possible to use an Android TV box without fully signing in with a Google account, although some functionalities will be limited. Let's address both your main question and the Kodi installation problem.
Using an Android TV Box without a Google Account:
While a full Google account sign-in is often prompted during setup, you can usually bypass it or choose to sign in later. The core functionality of playing local media, using apps from alternative app stores, and even some streaming apps (if they don't explicitly require Google services) should still work. However, you'll likely miss out on:
Workarounds for Limited Google Account Usage:
"Leanback Launcher" Alternatives: If you find the default launcher too reliant on Google services, explore alternative "leanback launcher" apps on places like APKMirror or Aptoide. Some of these launchers may offer more control without requiring full Google integration.
Alternative App Stores: Since you won't have the Play Store, use alternative app stores like APKMirror, Aptoide, or F-Droid. These repositories often have a wide selection of apps available for direct download (as APK files).
Manual APK Installation (for Kodi and other apps): You're already on the right track with enabling "unknown sources." Let's troubleshoot the Kodi issue:
Regarding KD Player/Kodi:
KD Player is often a pre-installed, modified version of Kodi. Uninstalling it to install the official Kodi is a good move. Just make sure you're following the steps above to get the official version installed correctly.
By using these methods, you should be able to use your Android TV box with limited Google account interaction and hopefully get Kodi installed. Let me know if you have any more questions!
Smart TV Club
February 4, 2025 at 8:53 am