The big difference of an Android TV Box is the operating system created by Google, which benefits the user with the interfaces and applications developed and improved for years by the technology giant.

Android TV has a beautiful interface, with a voice search field (Google Now) or keyboard, applications in the central region of the screen and suggestions for content based on searches made by the user.

The Play Store, the OS app store, offers a complete list of free and paid apps. Another differential is the compatibility with smartphones with the Android system.

Turning a conventional television into a Smart TV or extending the functionality of your smart television is quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive, you just need a dongle.

Some devices perform this function, and this is the case with the Android TV Box, Chromecast or Fire TV Stick. Let’s talk about the similarities and differences of these devices in the table below:

Purchasing Criteria: Factors to Compare Android TV Box Models

To get the purchase of an Android TV Box right, it is important to analyze the technical data sheet of the device in the same way that you would if you were buying a smartphone.

That is, evaluate the processor, RAM, internal memory and connections. But don’t forget that this product is for upgrading your television. Got confused? Continue reading.

• Purpose of use
• OS version
• Connections
• Image resolution

We will explain each of the items throughout this section.

Purpose of use

As with any other electronic device, there are better models for each purpose of use, therefore, this should be the first feature to evaluate at the time of purchase.

To play: invest in a model with a Bluetooth connection, USB ports or OTG cable port to connect video game consoles.

It is also important that the device has a more updated version of Android, a quad-core processor, and, preferably, 2GB of RAM, to run the games without delay.

To watch streaming content: opt for a high-tech model, with four cores and 2GB of RAM. It is also worth buying a device with good image resolution, either Full HD or Ultra HD.

Tip: a simple Android TV Box can run streaming services, but it is not advisable, as the operating system is overloaded, which can overheat or even burn the device.

OS version

When buying an Android TV Box, look for models equipped with the latest versions of the operating system. Give preference to models that offer at least Android 5.1 (Lollipop).

Some models offer Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and 7.1 (Nougat) systems. An updated system not only offers a greater amount of features and application compatibility, but also data security.

Connections

You can find several models of Android TV Box, practically all have wireless internet connection (Wi-Fi), but some also support connection via internet cable (Ethernet).

In addition to internet connectivity, it is important to analyze other gadget connections such as USB ports (the more the better) and memory card slot. With these entries, you can upgrade the gadget’s memory.

Another possibility is to use the USB ports to connect external HD or Pen Drive , that way you can access content from your personal collection.

It is also essential that the device has an HDMI cable for you to connect it to your television. If the devices (television and TV Box) are more modern, you can make this connection via Bluetooth.

Bluetooth can also mediate the connection with video game consoles, speakers and even a portable keyboard.

Image resolution

When choosing an Android TV Box, pay attention to the image resolution offered by the gadget – which must be compatible with the TV. The simplest devices have HD or Full HD resolution.

If the television connected to the Android TV Box supports images with Ultra HD / 4K resolution and the internet connection is of high quality, the gadget can present the user with images with excellent definition.