Apple TV 4K: Is It Worth It?
Apple has released a new streaming device, the third generation Apple TV 4K.
It comes with a more powerful A15 Bionic chip, a new USB-C remote and a more budget-friendly 128 dollar price tag. The question is, with other options available, such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast with Google TV, is the new Apple TV 4K worth your money?
First Impression of the TV 4K
I have used the device for the past few days to stream content from Netflix, Disney Plus and HBO Max. I have to say the Apple TV 4K does a great job for the most part. It’s one of the best streamers I’ve tried. But does it give you the best value for your money?
The Good and the Bad of the New Apple TV
The new TV 4K covers the basics when it comes to streaming. It is fast, opening apps quickly, the interface is easy to use, and it supports a wide range of formats like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Additionally, the box itself is more compact than previous generations. The Apple TV 4K has a few drawbacks that you should consider before you invest. For example, the remote can easily be misplaced, so I must mention that I wish Apple added a tracking system like Air Tags to the remote. Also, the Apple TV 4K can’t compete with consoles like the Nintendo switch, Xbox Series S or PlayStation 5 when it comes to gaming. Lastly, it doesn’t support ethernet or Thread, two smart home standards.
The Verdict: Is the Apple TV Worth It?
When deciding whether the Apple TV 4K is worth the price tag, the most important question is this: can you find the same features for a fraction of the cost? The answer is yes. You can find more budget-friendly streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV that yield the same streaming results. So if budget is important to you, the Apple TV 4K might not be the right option. On the other hand, if you want the best streaming experience, then Apple 4K could be worth it.
Pros and Cons of Apple TV 4K
Pros of the Apple TV 4K:
- Faster A15 Bionic chip
- Updated serial remote with USBC connector
- Good performance with streaming content
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Supports a range of formats such as Dolby Vision, HDR 10+ and Dolby Atmos
- Integrates with Smart Home devices through Apple’s Homekit Platform
Cons of the Apple TV 4K:
- Still more expensive compared to other streaming players
- Siri is not 100% accurate and responsive
- Remote does not have a built-in tracker unlike some other streaming devices
- Gaming experience still falls short of other consoles
The link to purchase a Apple TV 4K from Amazon can be found here
The Bottom Line Purchase Decision regarding the Apple TV 4K
The third Generation Apple TV 4K is a great streaming device with a good range of features and performance capabilities. However, the price is still on the pricier side and some features, such as the Siri assistant or the controller, fall short of the competition. Therefore, if you’re looking for a good streaming experience and are an Apple fan, the Apple TV 4K is probably worth the purchase. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, then the Roku streaming 64k or Amazon Fire TV stick 4K Max may be better suited to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Apple TV 4K
What is the Apple TV 4K?
The Apple TV 4K is a third-generation streaming device from Apple with a faster A15 Bionic Chip and an updated serial remote with USBC connector.
Does Apple TV 4K support Dolby Vision and HDR 10+ ?
Yes, the Apple TV 4K supports Dolby Vision and HDR 10+ for picture and Dolby Atmos for audio.
Does Apple TV 4K have good gaming options?
The gaming options with Apple Arcade on the Apple TV 4K are limited and do not compare to other consoles.