Chromecast Vs Smart Tv-How do they compare?

The Chromecast is the reason you are going to enjoy the services of a smart TV in your analog or digital television set. While smart TVs can integrate with the internet, the Chromecast can be used as a link between your phone, tablet, or laptop to transmit content to your TV; all you need is an HDMI input port.

Chromecast is however facing stiff competition from the likes of Apple TV, and NVIDIA Shield TV. The above are examples of media streaming devices that threaten to put it out of the market, not so fast though because this little device offers a budget-friendly option to get content to your big screen from the small screen. And the best thing about it is that it is not fully dependant on Wi-Fi and for those who lack internet connection; they can proceed to set up a local Wi-Fi network.

What are the differences between Chromecast and Smart TVs?

Model
Chromecast
Smart TV’s
Internal RAM
512MB
1 GB RAM, 8GB internal storage
Operating System
Android
Android TV 9.0
Throughput speed
3.0mbps internet speed for standard definition streaming (480p)

5.0mbps internet speed for high definition streaming (1080p)

5mbps
Connections
Headphone jack, microphone connection
Wireless, Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI
Type of image definition support
Full HD (1080p)
 1920 X 1080 pixels
Availability

Chromecast vs. Smart TV – How do they compare? 

Storage

Storage space on a smart TV enables your device to accommodate many applications, however, when you constantly add applications that you rarely use then that is a waste of valuable space as it will lead to overcrowding and consequently encourage a slow response from your smart TV. Additionally, if you are thinking of playing games on your smart TV then loading of apps must be done accordingly to save on space.

The Chromecast devices feature a limited memory of up to 512MB RAM and up to 2 GB storage. So, the big question is what information is stored on this device to warrant the large storage space, well the Chromecast has been established to only store your WIFI password and the rest of the space comes in handy in the seamless transmission of content during casting. So, while the smart tv will require large storage capacity for effective streaming and accommodation of applications, Chromecast doesn’t put restrictions on streaming because of space thus it turns out to be a better option as far as storage and use is concerned.

Speeds

When it comes to content transmission while using Chromecast a lot of factors come into play, the objective in this case, however, is to achieve the best possible resolution. The above can, therefore, be hampered by the length of your content and the effectiveness of your internet service provider, additionally, if you are planning to view the 4K content then you must also ensure that you have a 4K capable TV complete with up to 20mbps of internet connection.

But for users who plan on engaging the HDR content then having an HDR-capable TV is a necessity. So, what are the best internet speeds when using a smart TV, first it is important to remember that a smart TV comes pre-installed with applications that you must run but with enough bandwidth, for example, Netflix and Vudu work best with a faster connection beginning from 5mbps.

The above is not to say that a slower connection will restrict you from enjoying your favorite movies but that the video quality will be greatly compromised; worse still is that the content might be paused or you will be subjected to constant hiccups. In overall, therefore, is that when using Chromecast there are a lot of limitations from the type of TV that you use, to the available internet speed which works with different standards.

In this case, therefore, using your smart TV to stream the various shows and applications tends to be more convenient as there are no extra hardware costs but you have to ensure that there is adequate internet.

Build and Design

Modern Television sets have attracted the same wafer-thin build and design with the latest designs looking like mirrors, in this case, all you are going to be settling with are the specs and brand. So as regards your smart tv apart from providing you with applications and internet connections, it should also have good picture quality and must incorporate expandable features, like additional HDMI ports, and the Bluetooth port at the back of the unit.

Chromecast is small in design but highly functional, so we don’t expect it to be equipped with many ports rather it should be easy to attach to your television set whether analog, digital, or smart. An audio jack found in the Chromecast device is also handy as it helps with attaching to home audio systems and speakers.

The build and design of the smart tv and the Chromecast are significantly different and in some cases, the chrome cast is rendered useless on tv sets that have an in-built Chromecast, all in all, however, is that a smart tv offers expandable and varied connectivity options when compared to a Chromecast.

Chromecast vs. Smart TV- a Comparison Overview 

Chromecast 

 Chromecast to wifi

Chromecast is a must-have device for people who don’t own the smart television set as they will be able to stream Netflix and even engage the YouTube application, all through their mobile devices or the laptop. You must however note that with a weak WIFI connection your streaming will be interrupted with consistent buffering but which you can counter by investing in Google’s $15 Ethernet adapter.

Pros

  • Offers seamless casting
  • Works faster
  • Set up and use is easy
  • Has good resolution

Cons

  • Users complain of flickering
  • Delay experienced during transmission

Smart TV

Hisense 40-Inch 40H5500F Class H55 Series Android Smart TV with Voice Remote (2020 Model)
  • Inputs & Outputs: 2 HDMI ports, 1 Ethernet port, 2 USB Ports (v 2.0), 1 Digital Audio Output (Optical), 1...
  • Measuring 35.6 x 20.4 x 3.2 inches and 12.8 pounds (35.6 x 22.4 x 8 inches with included stand, LxWxH and...

A Chromecast device doesn’t have anything on the Hisense smart TV’s given that some come integrated with Chromecast. If told to choose between the two, then a smart TV should be your option, for the simple fact that it is expandable and allows integration of other external devices like the Bluetooth device. A smart TV is just that and it offers a variety of programs, shows, and music and is not dependant on any external device for it to function.

Pros

  • Can be controlled with a voice-enabled remote
  • Has an intuitive user interface
  • Fairly priced
  • Offers a good resolution and sound quality

Cons

  • Google smart search by voice doesn’t work
  • The smart TV constantly disconnects from WIFI

View Price on Amazon

Conclusion

Whether you have the analog or digital TV, it should not restrict you from enjoying the best that the internet can offer, so by using the chrome cast, you will be exposed to endless forms of entertainment from music to news and even sports, and for the smart tv owners, all you have to do is ensure you have strong internet signals.

Final Verdict: So which is better? Chromecast or the Smart TV

The Hisense Smart TV is a better option because it has an inbuilt chrome cast feature if you wish to use it and doesn’t take long to search, all you have to do is point your remote to the TV, while for the Chromecast, it acts as a link which is prone to delays and breakdown.

FAQ’s

  1. Will Chromecast drain my phone or laptop battery

Chromecast only sends instructions to your tv set, so casting does not beam the content so there is no effect on your battery

  1. Do smart TV’s eves drop on conversations

Some smart TVs have facial and voice recognition and the fact that they are connected to the internet then there are high chances that your manufacturer could be listening to or watching you.

You’ll Also Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *