CHOOSING THE PERFECT ANDROID TV BOX (10TIPS)
When seeking the perfect Android TV box, you’ll encounter a diverse range of choices. Android TV boxes have unlocked a plethora of opportunities. They grant you access to a wide array of functions, including web surfing, news consumption, online shopping, social media exploration, email communication, and a host of other activities. Imagine a universe where a treasure trove of movies and music is just a few taps away, allowing you to handpick the content you wish to watch, play, and listen to. The advent of Android TV boxes has revolutionized the entertainment landscape. Hence, it’s essential to pinpoint the Android TV box that best suits your needs. It’s always a wise move to heed the advice outlined in the following list.
Choose the Right Processor
RAM and processing power are crucial aspects; everyone desires an Android TV box that operates smoothly. Experiencing lag while using it would be quite inconvenient.
Opt for an Android TV box equipped with a minimum 1.5 GHz quad-core CPU or higher. Ideally, one with an octa-core processor would provide the best performance.
Check the Storage Option
The operating system of an Android TV box is powered by its memory storage. Thus, memory storage and the operating system ought to work together. The operating system consumes a significant amount of the 8GB of internal storage used in the majority of Android TV devices.
When selecting an Android TV box, ensure it boasts a minimum of 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage capacity. Moreover, verify that the chosen TV box supports external storage expansion, accommodating at least 64 GB via a microSD card.
Look for Available USB ports
To fit the Bluetooth receiver and accessories, an Android TV box has to have at least two USB ports. Furthermore, choose a TV box that is compatible with USB 3.0, which provides a faster effective speed than USB 2.0. USB 3.0 is especially important for people who use external hard drives. But USB 2.0 will do if you just use conventional peripherals. For flexible connectivity, the Android TV box should ideally include two USB ports.
Check for the Video and Display
There are a few things you have to consider for video and display options.
- HDMI:An HDMI 2.0 is a requirement for 4K streaming.
- Dynamic Refresh Rate Switching: It autonomously adjusts the refresh rate between the source and the TV, ensuring optimal display quality.
- 265 Hardware Decoding: It is also known as high-efficiency video encoding (HEVC), and it is the industry standard for reducing video size and facilitating network transmission. H.265 is an effective way to compress images or movies with up to 8K resolution.
Select an Android TV box capable of supporting 4K video streaming and HD content playback, particularly if you enjoy streaming services like Netflix and YouTube.
Determine the Operating System Version
Make sure the Android TV box you choose is running an OS version greater than Android 5.0 (Lollipop). Older versions should be ignored because they aren’t updated. The Joy of Android suggests investing in a TV box compatible with Android 6.0 or higher.
Check the Options for Network Connectivity
It is important to determine what network connectivity is available for your Android TV box.
- Wi-Fi: To ensure smooth video playback without buffering, it’s recommended to have at least 802.11ac Wi-Fi capability. Opting for a dual-band router and network adapter can also enhance signal speed, compensating for any potential slowdowns.
- Gigabit Ethernet: You do not need to worry about the signal or interface; this provides a consistent connection.
Determine Bluetooth Support
Some Android TV boxes may lack Bluetooth compatibility, which is crucial for connecting Bluetooth-enabled devices and transferring data from your phone to the TV box. Hence, it’s essential to verify whether Bluetooth functionality is supported before making a purchase.
Check for Google Play Support
Select an Android TV box that is compatible with Google Play to minimize the trouble and exertion involved in installing GAPPs. The TV box setup is identical to that of an Android smartphone; additional steps are simply necessary to maximize its functionality.
Look for Unnecessary Features
It is best to have additional features; however, there are some that are unnecessary and only make the product more expensive.
We recommend avoiding the following unnecessary add-ons when you are about to choose an Android TV box:
- 10-bit colour: While initially, more colour variation might seem beneficial for a better display, the reality is that the player often cannot support more than 1024 different colour variations. Therefore, investing in a TV that doesn’t support deep colour would be both wasteful and costly.
- Dual-Boot: Steer clear of Android TV boxes featuring a dual-booting feature; having two operating systems on one device is unnecessary.
Read the Product Reviews
Before purchasing an Android TV box, it’s essential to read product reviews. They provide valuable insights that help you make an informed decision about selecting the right Android TV box for your needs.
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