Android TVs are one of the most popular technological items that exist. Such TVs are capable of doing numerous things a normal TV cannot. However, not all TVs are Android enabled. You need to buy an Android TV from the market if you want to enjoy the benefits.
Here’s a secret. What if you could somehow convert a normal TV into Android TV? It would be amazing, right? Well, that’s possible. And this is what an Android TV box is all about. If you want to know what an Android TV box is and what it is used for, read along.
Table of Contents
What is an Android TV Box?
It’s a device that increases the functionality of your common TV. You can play TV shows, movies, and even games once you connect the Android Box to your TV. And not only movies, but you can surf the internet, browse Netflix, or even view Disney plus content too. In a nutshell, and Android TV Box can convert your TV into a smart one.
How Does it Work?
You simply connect the Android box to your TV. After that, you need to give a WiFi or ethernet connection for accessing the internet. Once you’re done, you can install new applications on your Television.
The android box runs on the Android operating system. Google originally developed it for smartphones. But because of its open-source nature and ARM-based processors, you can use it with devices having the same hardware configurations.
Android TV box is quite affordable as the Android operating system is open source. If you connect an Android TV box to your TV, it can add an HD feature to your TV. It means you can view HD content on a non-HD TV with an android box. You can also use a keyboard or even a mouse for input.
Common Features of Android TV Box
Features of the Android TV box usually vary with the different versions. But here are some general features of an Android TV box: –
Chromecast support:Â You can view content from your phone or from your PC on your TV using the Chromecast.
Google Assistant:Â Good quality Android TV boxes come with this feature. There are two ways to use this feature. Sometimes the listening mode is always on. And sometimes, you need to enable it from your remote to access this feature via voice.
Additional connectivity: Depending on which model you choose, you can get slots for HDMI support, USB support, or even SD card support. You can use the USB support to provide input using a keyboard or mouse. You can also connect a pen drive to increase the storage.   Â
Bluetooth Connectivity: This is an additional feature that comes with specific devices. Using this feature, you can connect your phone or laptop with your Android TV box.
Streaming Multimedia: There are numerous applications you can load on your TV using this device. And once you do, you can watch live TV, or multimedia on demand. This will also allow you to access HD content from your normal TV.
Portable: Say you’re going to your friend’s place, and you need some entertainment. You can carry this box with you and can connect it with another TV. This way you can carry your entertainment wherever you go.
Types of Android TV boxesÂ
Here are some popular Android TV box devices. You can check the specifications briefly and follow the buying guide to make the best decision.
1. Amazon Fire TV Stick Streaming Media Player
Processor: -Quad-Core 1.7 GHz
Connectivity Options: USB, HDMI, Bluetooth
Storage: 8GB
Warranty: 1Â year
2. Airtel Xstream Box
Processor: – Dual-core 1.8 GHz
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, HDMI, USB
Storage: 8 GB
Warranty: 1Â year
3. Mi Boxs Powered by Android TV
Processor: – Cortex-A53 Quad-core 64bit
Connectivity Options: HDMI, USB, Audio Out
Storage: 8 GB
Warranty: 1Â year
4. Marq by Flipkart Streaming Device
Processor: – Quad Core 64 Bit
Connectivity Options: USB, HDMI, Bluetooth
Storage: 8 GB
Warranty: 1 year
What Things should you consider while choosing an android TV box?
Here is something you need to keep in mind before choosing an Android TV box: –
1. Processor
A processor will decide whether your TV will lag or not while using. If you choose a low-quality processor, it sure will. However, if you choose a good processor, the performance will be quite appreciable.
A quad-core processor with a 1.5GHZ clock speed is quite good. And higher is better. You can also go for an octa-core processor for even better performance.
2. Storage
More is better. Yes, more storage is better when you’re buying an Android TV box. Make sure there is atleast 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. Otherwise, you’ll always run short of ample space to store data.
3. USB ports
Check how many ports your Android TV box has. It should at least have 2 USB 2.0 ports, one for Bluetooth attachment and the other for connecting input devices. If you find a 3.0 port, it’s even great because a 3.0 port works faster.
4. Display
Video quality and display features are also what you should look for. Check if there’s an HDMI 2.0 port. It’ll help you play 4K content smoothly. Also, check for DFRS or dynamic refresh rate switching. This feature will automatically switch between refresh rates according to the conditions and will display the best possible pictures.
5. Check for what operating system version the device comes with
You should only go for the latest version of the Android operating system. It’s because once you buy, it can’t be updated later on. So, make sure to buy an Android TV box with an Android version higher than 5.0. Here again, higher is better.
6.Determine Bluetooth Support
This is an extra connectivity feature, which is a must-have. You should check whether or not your Android TV box supports Bluetooth connectivity. It’ll help you connect with your phone and share small files without using the cable.
7. Check for additional features
More features are always better. So, check for any extra feature you can find with your Android TV box. You can look for extra connectivity ports or an extended warranty. It can be anything.
8. Reviews
Make sure you go online and check the reviews. It’ll help you determine how good the device is. This way, the chances of you choosing the wrong box are negligible.
Conclusion
Android TV box is worth every minute spent on. It shows how far we’ve come. It’s a great side attachment to your TV as it can turn it into a multi-entertainment machine. However, you should only choose the best one available in the market.
And for this, you can refer to the above list of cool Android TV boxes in India. You can also check the buying guide if you want to make a custom yet well-informed choice. If you liked the insights in this article, please share them with others too.
