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One of the greatest and most dependable smart TVs experiences available is provided by Apple’s newest TVs streaming box, which is quicker, smaller, more economical, more efficient than its predecessors. The price of an Apple TV 4K starts at £149 ($129/A$219; third generation). Although it is £20 less expensive than the model from last year, it still costs more than competitors from Google, Amazon, and other companies, which range in price from £50 to £140. The same understated, rounded black box shape is now 20% lighter and 20% smaller than prior iterations.
It comes in two variations: one with or without Ethernet and the other with Thread networking, which links smart home gadgets. There are two significant modifications within. The A15 chip, which is 50% quicker than the A12 chip it replaces and is included in the iPhone 14, is more recent. Except if you use it as a gaming console with games from the App Store or Apple’s Arcade service, it is much quicker than all the competition and complete overkill for a streaming box. The new chip, however, is more energy-efficient and will guarantee that the box remains quick for a very long time.
Apple TV 4K (2022) review: Design and ports
Upgraders with keen eyes will spot four minor modifications from the previous Apple TV 4K. Compared to the 2021 model, which has dimensions of 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4 inches, the Apple TV 4K (2022) is overall smaller, measuring 3.7 x 3.7 x 1.2 inches. Additionally, Apple has reduced the branding, eliminating the “TV” from the top-side branding, which now only consists of the Apple logo. The Roku Ultra (4.9 x 4.9 x 0.9 inches) is longer and wider than the Fire TV Cube 2022 (3.4 x 3.4 x 3.0 inches), which is taller and sleeker.
The $149 Wi-Fi + Ethernet model has, you guessed it, an Ethernet port on the back (which was standard on the $179 and $199 models from 2021), whereas the entry-level Apple TV 4K simply has power and HDMI ports on the back. The Roku Ultra and Fire TV Cube have 10/100 Mbps ports, whereas that port is a Gigabit Ethernet port, making it quicker. There are no Ethernet ports on the 4K Roku Streaming Stick or Chromecast. You can buy this apple tv 4k from its official website
Apple TV 4K (2022) review: Performance
The Apple A15 Bionic system-on-chip, which replaces the A12 Bionic chip from last year’s model, is the second-biggest improvement (after pricing). It is quicker than the A14 and A13 in the iPad 2022 and the iPad SE, and it is the same chip that powers the iPhone , iPad mini, and the iPhone SE (2021). With this much capability, I find myself wondering if Apple has more in store for the Apple TV 4K than just casual gaming and streaming. In comparison to the 2021 Apple TV Plus (and 200% compared to the now-retired Apple TV HD), Apple promises that this processor will provide up to 50% faster CPU performance, up to 30% better GPU performance, and up to 20% faster app launch times.
Apple TV 4K (2022) review: Audio and video
AirPlay support, which enables you to stream music and videos to the TV from an iOS device or Mac, is the most notable feature. While some newer smart TVs and Roku players support AirPlay, only the Apple TV allows picture-in-picture viewing of AirPlay videos. Additionally, it enables audio streaming from the box to other AirPlay speakers, which is helpful for playing TV audio on numerous speakers around the house.
Along with having native apps for Apple Podcasts, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness, the Apple TV works well with iCloud Images so that you can browse personal photos in screen-saver mode. Subscribers to Apple Arcade can even attach a game controller to play on a large screen. Although any Bluetooth headphones or earbuds can play audio over the Apple TV, syncing AirPods is simpler: Open the AirPods case, hold down the home button for a few seconds to bring up the audio device menu, then choose the earbuds from the list. The Apple TV allows for simultaneous private listening for two people using two sets of AirPods or Beats earphones. (Roku is the only other platform that allows for multi-user private listening via the Roku mobile app.)
Apple TV 4K (2022) review: Content and apps
4K Apple TVs. A similar-looking gadget with 128GB of storage and support for the Thread smart home standard costs $149. It also adds an Ethernet connector Both smartphones share the same A15 Bionic chip, run the same apps, and support all of the same audio and video formats. Apple does not alter the contents of either box either. You receive the gadget, a power wire, and a remote control. No HDMI wire to connect to your TV and no USB-C cable to recharge the remote.
Apple TV 4K (2022) review: Price
When Apple unveiled a new Apple TV 4K streaming gadget last month, it came as a surprise. Its starting price is $129 (£149, AU$219), which is $50 cheaper than the previous model. Under the hood of the new device is a speedier A15 Bionic processor, and the Siri Remote has been updated to use USB-C instead of the Lightning connector. The firm also discontinued the Apple TV HD, a long overdue act of mercy for a pricey gadget that served little use.
These adjustments are minimal, if that makes sense. I haven’t noticed any significant differences between the new Apple TV 4K and the model from last year in my use of it over the past week. The added speed of a current chip will be noticeable and appreciated by people who have held onto an Apple TV HD or possibly bought the original Apple TV 4K a few years ago, and they might wish to update at this point.
Apple TV 4K (2022) review: Verdict
One of the best streaming devices is even better thanks to the new Apple TV 4K (2022), but in the most crucial way. The Apple TV 4K is now $50 more affordable than ever before. Given that the Roku Ultra (2022) doesn’t charge an additional $20 for Ethernet and features the lost-remote detecting capability I’d enjoy from the Apple TV, I’d adore the Apple TV 4K at $99 because it’s pretty comparable to it.
Although Apple’s Ethernet is quicker, this Apple TV 4K (2022) review has revealed that its interface is actually its most distinctive feature. Some people may not notice (or value) this until they actually hold the device in their hands. When the Amazon Fire TV Cube (2022) catches up to Apple and costs $10 more than the entry-level Apple TV 4K while including the Ethernet connector and an additional HDMI port? The competition for the top high-end streaming device is fiercer than ever.