Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast: Is it Worth the Upgrade to Google TV?
The tech world is abuzz with the latest developments in streaming devices, and at the forefront of this excitement is the new Google TV Streamer. This device, a successor to the Chromecast with Google TV, boasts several upgrades that set it apart, particularly in terms of hardware specs, smart home features, and remote control upgrades.
The Google TV Streamer is the newer and more powerful device, boasting 32GB of storage and 4GB of RAM - four times the storage and double the memory of its predecessor. This translates to faster app loading times and a more responsive interface. The Streamer also includes a built-in Ethernet port for better internet speeds, a feature lacking in the Chromecast.
In the realm of smart home integration, the Google TV Streamer takes the lead. It can control smart home devices connected via the Google Home app directly from the TV interface, includes a Thread border router, and supports Matter devices. Unfortunately, these features are absent in the Chromecast with Google TV.
Both devices support 4K resolution with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, but the Streamer is the only one that supports Dolby Atmos audio playback natively. The Chromecast handles Dolby audio only through HDMI pass-through. The Streamer also integrates Google AI enhancements such as personalised content suggestions and Gemini AI for reviews and show summaries.
Regarding design and remote controls, the Streamer’s remote is upgraded with a "Find My Remote" function and a more intuitive button layout, improving user experience. The Chromecast remote remains functional with Google Assistant and voice control but lacks these newer refinements.
The Google TV Streamer, while more expensive, offers superior performance, better smart home integration, improved audio capabilities, and a more advanced remote. The Chromecast with Google TV, on the other hand, remains a capable device with solid streaming features but more modest hardware and fewer smart home functionalities.
It's worth noting that the Google TV Streamer's processor is 22% faster than its predecessor, and its audio performance, while clear and detailed, with a focus on vocal clarity, is not great, particularly for music playback. The Streamer's improvements in hardware should result in a smoother, more responsive user experience.
The Streamer's audio performance, while an improvement over its predecessor, hasn't progressed significantly. Its picture quality, however, is a step up, offering a natural and balanced picture with good detail. The Streamer supports HDR formats such as Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, and has a resolution of up to 4K HDR, 60fps.
The Google TV Streamer uses Bluetooth 5.1 and has dimensions of 2.5 x 16 x 7.6cm. However, its menu navigation could be more seamless, and it faces competition from Apple and Amazon models. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Google TV Streamer is a strong contender in the streaming device market.
With the Chromecast with Google TV likely to be phased out soon, the Google TV Streamer is a smart choice for those seeking a more powerful and feature-rich streaming device. Its higher price tag may be a deterrent for some, but for those seeking a seamless streaming experience with smart home integration, the Google TV Streamer is worth the investment.
- The Google TV Streamer supports Dolby Atmos audio playback natively, providing a superior audio experience compared to the Chromecast with Google TV.
- For technology enthusiasts looking for the best streaming device in terms of smart home integration, the Google TV Streamer is the better option, offering features like Thread border router and Matter device support.
- The new Google TV Streamer has a more advanced remote control compared to the Chromecast with Google TV, featuring a "Find My Remote" function and a more intuitive button layout for improved user experience.
- If you're looking for a device with a more responsive interface and better app loading times, the Google TV Streamer, with its 32GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, is the way to go.
- For those who prioritize news, entertainment, and lifestyle content alongside technology advancements, the Google TV Streamer's integration of Google AI enhancements, such as personalized content suggestions and Gemini AI for reviews and show summaries, makes it a standout choice.
