Android TV is a customized version of Android created by Google for TVs. It gives you an easy and quick access to your favorite streaming apps and services.
Android TV has built-in Chromecast support. Hence, if you are watching pictures or videos on phone using Google Photos or other streaming services, you can simply tap the Chromecast icon on the phone and watch the same on your TV.
Google Assistant is available for users wherein you can access it by pressing the Google Assistant button on the TV’s remote.
To know about all the features of Android TVs and how to select and buy the best one in the market that will fit in your budget, check the “Buying Guide” below.
Here are some of the best Android TVs that are available in the market. You can select one as per your preference. Let’s check them out.
Table of Contents
10 Best Android TVs in India
| Android TV | Display | Operating System | Ports | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4A PRO 32 inches Android LED TV | HD Ready (1366x768) | Android | 3 HDMI & 2 USB | 1 Year | Check On Amazon |
| Vu 43 inches Android LED TV | Full HD (1920x1080) | Android | 2 HDMI & 2 USB | 1 Year | Check On Amazon |
| OnePlus 55 inches Android QLED TV | 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) | Android | 4 HDMI & 3 USB | 1 Year | Check On Amazon |
| Sanyo 65 inches Android IPS LED TV | 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) | Android | 3 HDMI & 2 USB | 1 Year | Check On Amazon |
| TCL 55 inches Android Smart LED TV | 4K Ultra HD (3860 x 2160) | Android | 3 HDMI & 2 USB | 1 Year | Check On Amazon |
| Sony Bravia 43 inches Android LED TV | 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) | Android | 4 HDMI & 3 USB | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| Redmi Andriod TV | 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) | Android | 3 HDMI & 2 USB | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| Kodak 50 inches Full HD LED Smart TV | Full HD (3840 x 2160) | Android-based | 3 HDMI & 2 USB | 1 Year | Check On Amazon |
| Micromax Andriod TV | HD Ready (1366x768) | Android | 2 HDMI & 2 USB | 1 Year | Check On Amazon |
| Hisense Andriod TV | 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) | Android | 3 HDMI & 2 USB | 1 Year | Check On Amazon |
Top Android TV Reviews in India
1. Mi TV 4A PRO 80 cm (32 inches) HD Ready Android LED TV
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 32 inches |
| Display Resolution | HD Ready (1366x768) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hertz |
| Smart TV | Android TV 9.0 |
| Ports | 3 HDMI, 2 USB ports |
| Sound Output | 20 Watts |
| Weight | 3.9 Kg |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
So, let’s start our list with the most promising yet budget-friendly Android TV on the market from a brand that has almost blown every Indian market with its feature-full products. For the audience who are looking to buy a new TV for a very affordable price, the Mi TV 4A PRO is one amazing package for you.
This 32 inches Android TV comes with a PatchWall, which is Xiaomi’s own custom UI based on Android version 9.0. However, you get access to all the important features of Android on this TV such as Google Assistant and some pre-installed applications like Netflix and Prime Video. And, for using such an application, its built-in Wi-Fi functionality will come very handy.
As far as the picture quality is concerned, it uses a 32 inches LED panel that has a screen resolution of 1366×768 pixels, aka HD Ready. Moreover, the refresh rate of the panel is kept to 60 Hz, so you can expect some amazing smooth experience from the panel while watching movies.
Apart from that, the Mi TV 4A PRO boasts of 20 watts in-built speakers, which are good enough to fill a small-sized room with an immersive sound experience. All thanks to the Dolby-Plus DTS-HD technology that enhances the soundstage and makes the movie-watching experience a lot like real.
However, if you have a soundbar to connect or any other gaming consoles or any other kind of external peripheral. You can take advantage of the 3 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports given at the backside of this TV. There is Chromecast built-in as well in case you want to cast content directly from any other device.
Pros:
- Budget-Friendly
- Ideal for smaller rooms
- Easy to use interface
- Latest Android 9.0 operating system
Cons:
- Not an IPS panel
- No display grading is mentioned by the brand
2. Vu 108 cm (43 inches) Full HD UltraAndroid LED TV
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 43 inches |
| Display Resolution | Full HD (1920x1080) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hertz |
| Smart TV | Official Android Pie 9.0 |
| Ports | 2 HDMI, 2 USB |
| Sound Output | 24 Watts |
| Weight | 7.1 Kg |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
Next on our list is a TV from a well-known brand from the USA that was established by an Indian. Vu Televisions have a lot of variety to showcase, out of which we have elected to choose Vu LED TV 43GA for this list.
It is yet another budget-friendly option if you want to settle down with the basic yet ideal specifications. Since the size of this TV screen is about 108cm, around 43 inches, it is quite suitable for any room size. Moreover, Vu is smart enough to put a panel that has Full HD resolution as it is very good for a 43 inches size.
Also, it is graded as an A+ high brightness panel that assures you there will be no color bleeding issues or any other kind of damage at the time of arrival. Moreover, the panel also has a 60 Hz refresh rate with additional features like adaptive contrast and MPEG noise reduction to make it suitable for every kind of usage.
Coming to the smart features of this Vu 43GA LED TV, it is loaded with Official Android Pie 9.0, so the clean UI experience is awaiting you. On top of that, you can simply access the Google Play Store and download whichever application you like, such as Netflix, Prime Video, etc. In a complete Google Ecosystem, the Chromecast comes in-built as well.
In the sound department, the 24 Watts speakers perform well enough with additional sound enhancements provided by features like Dolby Audio, DTS Studio Sound. However, the I/O ports are quite limited as there are only two of each HDMI and USB ports. But, the support for Bluetooth 5.0 is there, so you can make use of it to connect wireless devices.
Pros:
- Ideal for budget-oriented people
- Official Android 9.0 experience
- Sound quality is decent
- Provides a cinematic viewing experience
Cons:
- Connectivity ports could have been more
3. OnePlus 138.8 cm (55 inches) 4K Certified Android QLED TV
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 55 inches |
| Display Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) |
| Refresh Rate | 480 Hertz |
| Smart TV | Android Pie (9) |
| Ports | 4 HDMI & 3USB |
| Sound Output | 50 Watts |
| Weight | 19.5 Kg |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
OnePlus has recently joined this market with its heavily priced high-end smart Android TV, the OnePlus Q1 Series 4K Certified Android QLED TV 55Q1IN-1. The pricing of this TV might not seem to come under budget for most people, but for those who can afford it, don’t miss out as the pricing is quite justified for the features you get.
The main thing that you will mostly be paying for is its 55 inches QLED 120% NTSC bezel-less screen, which is one of the best display panels in terms of brightness and color accuracy after OLED screens. The viewing experience is so holistic since it uses various technologies such as HLG decode, Dolby Vision, and also has support for HDR10 and HDR10+.
Apart from that, the screen clarity is remarkably the best as it comes with a 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) with the smoothness of 480 Hz motion rate. There is no need to add any external sound system to your setup since it boasts of 50 Watts full-range 2 speakers with 2 subwoofers in-built, which are more than enough to serve you with an alluring sound experience.
As far as the smart features are concerned, OnePlus has loaded it with one of the best Operating systems, Oxygen OS based on Android 9.0. Henceforth, you can enjoy the user-friendliness of Google’s ecosystem with preloaded applications like Amazon Prime Video, and many more.
Also, there are plenty of other useful features such as OnePlus PQ Engine, Chromecast Built-in, Gamma Color Magic, OxygenPlay VOD selection, Screencasting, OnePlus Connect Mobile Sync and control, File Browser, and Bluetooth Stereo mode as well. Apart from that, you also get 4 HDMI ports and 3 different USB ports, including one USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and a Type C port.
Pros:
- Super-smooth Oxygen OS
- Superior viewing experience
- Theater-like soundstage
- Ultra-bright and color-accurate display panel
- Netflix is now available on this TV as well
Cons:
- Remote functions are slightly difficult to understand
4. Sanyo 164 cm (65 inches) 4K Ultra HD Smart Certified Android IPS LED TV
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 65 inches |
| Display Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hertz |
| Smart TV | Android Pie 9.0 |
| Ports | 3 HDMI, 2 USB |
| Sound Output | 20 Watts |
| Weight | 17.2 Kg |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
The Sanyo Kaizen Series LED TV XT-65UHD4S is yet another great deal, especially for those who are looking to invest in a 4K TV with a decently large size that can add charm to their living rooms.
You can simply use this 65 inches TV in your Home-theater setup since the clarity of its 4K UHD panel has around 3840 x 2160 pixels that are undeniably sharp and crystal clear. Since it uses an IPS panel, the colors are very vibrant and accurate as it picks them up from a 1.07 Billion color palette with HDR10 support. Moreover, IPS panels are also famous for being visible even from extremely wide viewing angles, such as 178 degrees throughout.
Moreover, the TV is actually good in terms of smart features as well since it runs on an official Android 9.0 build, which makes your experience more user-friendly. Along with that, you get all additional Android features such as Google Assistant, built-in Chromecast, and access to various OTT platforms for streaming movies and web series online.
Apart from that, you also get a Bluetooth Remote, which comes with an in-built microphone so that you can simply use the voice search method to navigate through TV settings with ease. In the sound department, you get 20 Watts superior box speakers that sound great after using Digital Sound Processing and Dolby Digital enhancements. However, if you choose to set up an external soundbar, the experience will be much better.
As far as connectivity on this high-end TV is concerned, you get all the necessary functionalities such as Bluetooth 5.0, Built-in Wi-FI, 3 HDMI ports, and 2 USB ports to connect any external device including laptops and Playstation consoles.
Pros:
- Super-crips 4K quality
- IPS panel
- Wide viewing angles
- Bezel-less infinity design
Cons:
- Sound is average
5. TCL 138.78 cm (55 inches) Certified Android Smart LED TV
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 55 Inches |
| Display Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3860 x 2160) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hertz |
| Smart TV | Android 9.0 |
| Ports | 3 HDMI, 2 USB |
| Sound Output | 20 Watts |
| Weight | 12 Kg |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Warranty | 1.5 Years |
TCL is yet another good TV brand if you have a decent budget in mind and want to experience really great viewing experience.
The TCL Android Smart LED TV 55P8 comes in various sizes, out of which we have chosen this 55 inches because the pricing is most justified for this product. For the price it demands, having benefits like 4K Ultra HD (3860 x 2160) resolution along with a refresh rate of 60Hz and wide viewing angles up to 178 degrees is just a perfect package.
Moreover, the panel is graded as A+ in terms of raw quality, and there are no issues like backlight bleeding, dead pixels, etc. Furthermore, this display has support for HDR10 technology as well as use other features like Micro-dimming to make the blacks darker.
Apart from that, you are getting a Smart TV running on the latest version of Android, i.e., version 9.0 that is available for TVs. Alongside, there are many useful smart features that include AI Google Assistant, which you can operate directly from a dedicated button given on the remote. Also, there is Google Cast and T-cast support present too.
However, there is only one downside to this TV that the speaker output is only 20 Watts, which is not ideal for a TV of 55 inches. Henceforth, you will need to add an external soundbar or speaker system which you can simply connect to this TV. Moreover, for connecting the set-top box, Blu-ray players, and other devices, you can use its 3 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports.
Pros:
- Bezel-less design
- 4K UHD quality provides an amazing viewing experience
- 18 months warranty, more than any other brand
Cons:
- Speaker doesn’t sound that great
6. Sony Bravia 108 cm (43 inches) 4K Ultra HD Certified Android LED TV
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 43 inches |
| Display Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) |
| Refresh Rate | 50 hertz |
| Smart TV | Android Smart TV |
| Ports | 4 HDMI, 3 USB |
| Sound Output | 20 Watts |
| Weight | 9.6 Kg |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Sony Bravia series has some of the world’s best quality TVs as it is one of the largest and most well-known manufacturers. Thus, for this list, we have picked up the Sony Bravia KD-43X8000G Smart LED TV.
With this high-end Smart TV, there comes a huge price tag as well, but that should not be a part of your concern if you are looking for the best product in the market. In terms of picture quality, this model remarkably outshines others with its 4K clarity along with quality enhancement features such as HDR and X-Reality: PRO.
On the other hand, an immersive sound experience is equally important while watching your favorite movies or shows. And, the 20 Watts Bass Reflex Speakers on this TV with sound amplification done by ClearAudio+ do a great job to bring the theater-like experience to your couch.
As far as smart features are concerned, it is a certified Android TV that allows you to seamlessly use various OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, etc. to binge-watch your favorite web series and movies. Apart from that, you can even cast content directly from other devices using screencast and in-built Chromecast.
As for the connectivity ports, Sony has not left any edge here since there are ports available in ample amounts of this TV. There are a total of 4 HDMI ports and 3 USB ports to connect any external device you wish, such as a set-top box, gaming consoles, etc.
Pros:
- Best-in-class 4K quality
- Great sounding speakers
- Overall finish and design is very premium
Cons:
- The refresh rate is only 50 Hz
7. Redmi Android Smart LED TV
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 50 inches |
| Display Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hertz |
| Smart TV | Android 10 |
| Ports | 3 HDMI, 2 USB. ALLM, eARC |
| Sound Output | 30 Watts |
| Weight | 10.3 Kg |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
Redmi is the most prominent brand well known around the world for its superior quality.
It is equipped with a 4K LED panel, Dolby Vision, HDR 10+, hybrid log-gamma, reality flow, and vivid picture engine. All these prominent features form a sophisticated display that lets you not just watch but live the video that you see.
A visual of that magnitude requires sound that exceeds your comprehension. This Android TV has two 15 watt speakers, Dolby audio, DTS virtual: X, and Dolby Atmos all together provide sound that is joyful and mindblowing at the same time.
This Android TV has many surprising features in it such as kids mode with parental lock, smart curation, universal search, language search, google assistant, Chromecast, and compatibility with all popular streaming platforms.
It has great connectivity where you can connect the latest gaming consoles, set up boxes, blue-ray players through its three HDMI ports. It also has 2 USB ports, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), eARC HDMI port, Bluetooth 5.0, and optical connectivity.
You will be receiving a 1-year warranty on the product and an additional 1-year on the panel by the brand from the date of purchase.
You can request installation where Amazon services or Xiaomi service partner can install and place it anywhere you like or mount it on a wall.
You can return the product within 10 days of delivery in case you aren’t satisfied with what you received or if you found any defects.
Pros:
- 4K Ultra HD resolution
- Sophisticated connectivity
- High-quality sound and display
- 1+1 year warranty
- Easy to install
- Easy returns
Cons:
- Functionalities can be a little complex
8. Kodak 127 cm (50 inches) Full HD LED Smart TV
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 40 inches |
| Display Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hertz |
| Smart TV | Android-based |
| Ports | 3 HDMI, 2 USB |
| Sound Output | 20 Watts |
| Weight | 8.2 Kg |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
For the budget-oriented people, the Kodak 50UHDX7XPRO LED Smart TV can be a very decent deal to pick since there are no other better options available that offer similar specs.
Even for this low budget price, Kodak is offering a Full HD (3840 x 2160) resolution A+ grade display panel with a fluid-like refresh rate of 60 Hz. However, you cannot expect much from this TV in terms of additional features used to enhance visual quality. Still, the raw output of this display panel is decent enough considering the price tag.
Kodak uses its own custom UI based on Android, but the user experience is not the one you will have to complain about. On top of that, the fact that you will be getting Netflix, Hotstar & YouTube pre-installed makes it a more interesting deal for you.
On the other hand, its in-built box speaker performs very well and is well suitable for a small-sized room as it delivers a sound output of 20 Watts. Also, it can detect if any channel has unnecessarily higher or lower audio than average and can automatically control it as well.
Unlike other premium TVs, there are slight bezels across the screen, but the build quality is very robust. Even for connectivity purposes, there are 3 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports, which you will require at the time of connecting a set-top box, laptop, and gaming consoles, etc.
Pros:
- An affordable Full HD resolution TV
- A+ grade panel
- Robust build quality
Cons:
- Limited Smart features
- No picture and sound enhancement features available
9. Micromax Android Smart LED TV
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 32 inches |
| Display Resolution | A+ Grade LED Panel, 1366x768 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hertz |
| Smart TV | Android 9.0 |
| Ports | 2 HDMI, 2 USB |
| Sound Output | 20 watts |
| Weight | 3.6 Kg |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Have the finest viewing experience with the extraordinary display of Micromax android TV. It is equipped with an A+ Grade Panel and Crystal Luminous Colour Polarisation (CLCP). These two features make your viewing experience more real by enabling vivid visuals and gives you an immersive display experience.
It comes with powerful surround sound speakers that let you indulge in the movie you watch, the game you play, or the music you listen to with mind-blowing sounds.
This certified Android 9.0 TV not only provides a sophisticated TV interface but lets you have all services from Google. You can access google assistant by just saying “Hello Google” and get access to more than 4000 apps through the google play store.
You can access the TV through your mobile with a wireless Bluetooth connection. You can browse channels, music files, or control volume effortlessly through your phone.
You can also simply cast your favorite shows or sports from your mobile to the TV with the built-in Fast Cast feature. Not just your mobile, you can cast all your media files from your computer and tablets as well.
Micromax provides triple protection to its TV to protect it from lightning, high voltage, and humidity. You can have uninterrupted entertainment irrespective of the climate.
This smart TV has energy efficient feature that consumes less power while running or on standby or sleep mode. It also has a sleep timer that turns off the power after a time period you set. You can use this feature to reduce unnecessary power consumption or to regulate watch time.
You will be receiving a 1-year warranty on the product from the date of purchase.
You can simply contact Micromax support for installing the TV the way you want. You can either mount it on a wall or place it anywhere you desire.
You can go for replacement if there are defects in the product you received, or if you are satisfied with its features within 10 days of delivery.
Pros:
- Good connectivity
- Sophisticated sound & display
- Smart TV features
- 1-year warranty
- Easy installation
- Easy replacement
Cons:
- Extra care needed while packaging
- After-sales service needs improvement
10. Hisense Smart Certified Android LED TV
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 58 inches |
| Display Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hertz |
| Smart TV | Android 9.0 |
| Ports | 3 HDMI, 2 USB |
| Sound Output | 30 Watts |
| Weight | 14 kg |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
Hisense is a multinational brand with significant growth in customers due to captivating features and unbelievable advancements. Hisense LED TV is a certified Android utility with remarkable attributes.
Immerse yourself into whatever you are watching with arresting display that has Dolby Vision HDR, Ultra Vivid Panel, UHD AI Upscaler, HDR10+, etc. All these prominent features give an enhanced viewing experience.
It comes with a 30 watts output, Dolby Atmos, and powerful sound that lets you enjoy watching the movie or show in the way it is supposed to be watched.
This is a smart TV featuring a futuristic Android 9.0 and it gives you access to all Google services like Google Assistant, Chromecast, and Google play store. It has an inbuilt 2 GB RAM, 16 GB ROM, and works with a Quad-core processor. You are not owning just a TV but a luxurious lifestyle.
It features great connectivity with 3 HDMI ports so that you can connect set up box, gaming consoles, etc. Along with these, there are 2 USB ports to connect hard drives and USB devices, Bluetooth, 5G wi-Fi, etc.
You will be receiving a 1-year comprehensive warranty provided by Hisense from the date of purchase.
Hisense provides free installation and wall mounting. You just have to contact the brand through the contact details provided.
In case of any defects or damages to the product, you can opt for replacement within 10 days of delivery.
Pros:
- Best quality display and sound
- Great connectivity
- Advanced features
- 4K Ultra HD resolution
- 1-year comprehensive warranty
- Easy to install
- Easy to replace
Cons:
- After-sales service needs to be better
- Display sometimes show quality issues
What is Android TV?
Android TVs are designed in a way to get all the things that you enjoy doing on your phone to the TV. However, it does not mean that you can call or attend anyone’s call through the TV or check and respond to the emails.
It is all about providing access to your source of entertainment with easy navigation and interactivity controls. Almost all the famous and essential streaming and entertainment apps are available on Android TV. You don’t even need a separate app store as Android TV offers Google Play to download and install any app on the TV.
Android TV Features:
There are many distinctive features that Android TV offers to its users. Some of them are as follows:
1. Use Android TV as a Chromecast:
It is one of the best features offered by an Android TV.
You can cast audio or videos using cast-enabled apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Spotify, etc via your phone or tablet (both Android and iOS) and even from Chrome on the laptop (Mac, Chromebook, Windows).
There is no need to worry about setting up things too. Whenever the casting option is available on the Android or iOS apps, you will automatically get to see your Android TV listed in the available devices section (on Android, you have an option to mirror the display of your phone on the TV using the Screen Cast option. It is available in Quick Settings).
Note:
If you don’t have an Android compatible TV at your home but if you are willing to cast the content from your mobile or laptop o the television screen, you can buy a Chromecast HDMI dongle separately from Google. After plugging it in the TV, you can start casting content.
2. Use Voice Control and Google Assistant:
Google Assistant is also a built-in feature in Android TVs. This allows you to search for movies or shows, adjust the volume, check the time or weather forecast. You candffrgd control other devices at your home, and many other activities by simply telling it Google Assistant.
To make it work as you wish, you will have to do some background settings though. To start with, open the Google Home app on your phone (Android or iOS). Now tap your avatar (present on the top right section) and then go to Assistant settings. After tapping Assistant, choose your Android TV device and remember to enable the Personal results option.
To use Google Assistant, you will have to press and hold the mic button on the remote of the TV. To get its attention, you can start with the “Okay Google” command.
It supports a big bunch of voice commands. You can tell almost anything to Google Assistant like convert a sentence, or use a calculator, search for movies or actors, or anything that you can do on your phone. For example, if you want to watch Mission Impossible, you can simply say: “Okay Google, play Mission Impossible”. If you have Netflix pre-installed on your TV, it will start playing the movie.
You can link all the smart devices at your home to Google Assistant in the Google Home app on your phone. After pairing, you can control all these smart devices using your TV too. You can use simple voice commands like “Okay Google, turn on the lights” using the remote of your TV or your smartphone.
3. Add a Gaming Controller to the Android TV:
There are many options for games available on Android TV. However, playing them on TV without a proper remote control might not be very convenient and easy. You can pair it up with a Bluetooth-enabled game controller. New Xbox Ones and PS4s come with compatible controllers. There are many cheaper options for controllers available too in the market.
You can open the Settings menu (in the top right corner) on your Android TV and choose Remotes and Accessories. If you click on Add accessory, the TV will start searching for the controller that you want to pair it with. You can use the same controller to perform other non-gaming apps or functions on your TV.
4. Sideload Android Apps:
You might have noticed that the Google Play Store on Android TV is a bit different from the Google Play Store on your smartphone. In the Play Store of Android TV’s, you will only get to see the apps that have been developed for the big screen of your TV.
Even though you can add any Android app to your TV, some apps that are not compatible might not load on the TV even if you successfully install them.
There are some apps that don’t understand the interface of Android TV or they don’t work with the controller of the TV. This is why Android TV restricts you from downloading or installing these apps.
5. Use Your Smartphone as a Remote Control:
Some users don’t prefer to use the bulky and clunky remote control that comes with the TV. They are difficult to operate, especially while you are typing something to search for a movie or a show. In such cases, you can use the official Android TV remote control app that works great with the Android TV interface.
6. Tweak the Home Screen:
You can customize the home screen of your Android TV and tweak the order of the apps in the way you prefer. You can make sure that you only get to see the content that you want to see. It will also show whether the audio and video previews are available while you are browsing.
To customize this, you can open Settings on Android TV, select Device Preferences, and Home Screen. You can even make quick changes or adjustments by pressing and holding the select button on the remote while browsing around the home screen thumbnail.
Buying Guide for Android TVs
As you can notice from the list items mentioned above, there is an Android TV for every individual out there. Whether you want to pick one out of it according to your budget or according to your likings, it’s up to you.
However, in case you are feeling slightly confused about choosing and finalize one according to your requirements, we will help you out. In this buying guide, we will discuss all the important factors that make your experience with an Android TV actually good. So, stay tuned and go through every factor thoroughly to have a better piece of knowledge about TVs so that you can make a wise decision at the time of purchase.
1. Resolution
As you move up the pricing ladder, you will see various brands offer 4K UHD TVs, so are they any good? Of course, they are! Especially when you compare these 4K resolution TVs with the standard Full HD and HD Ready resolutions.
If we compare the numbers here, 4K resolutions have around 3840 x 2160 pixels on the screen, which are almost four times more that you get to see on Full HD displays with 1920 x 1080 pixels. Whereas the entry-level TV models usually have an even lesser screen resolution that is HD Ready, which has 1366 x 768 pixels only.
So, as the number of pixels goes higher, the screen quality looks much crisp and sharp. But, to experience that 4K clarity, you will have to pay accordingly as well. Hence, if you don’t have that high budget, we suggest you stick on the middle ground and pick one with Full HD resolution.
2. Panel Technology
The next thing to consider after the screen resolution is how accurately the display shows the colors. And, for better color accuracy and reproduction, the panel technology matters a lot.
Generally, there are various kinds of TV display panels available out there, such as TFT, IPS, QLED, OLED, etc. Out of all these, OLED panels are considered to be the best in terms of color reproduction. However, we didn’t include these on the list because of their extremely high pricing. On the other hand, the best options remaining to choose are IPS and QLED. In QLED, aka quantum dots LED technology, the main focus is on the brightness of the panel. Hence, even in the brightest indoor conditions, there will be no compromises with your viewing experience.
Apart from that, for the budget buyers, choosing the IPS panels are the best options since these panels come for way cheaper than the QLED and OLED panels. If you have never seen any good panel before, the IPS panel is good enough to start with, and you will feel pretty much satisfied with it as well. IPS panel technology maintains a good contrast providing you with much deep black colors on-screen, which make other colors look more vibrant and real.
3. Panel Quality
Before even entering the market, every brand has to pass some basic quality checks in which the build quality of the panel is tested out. In other words, it is checked out if there is any kind of damage, dead pixels, backlight bleeding, or any other kind of issues present or not.
Based on this analysis, grades are awarded to each display panel. Just like we all used to get in schools, these grades vary from A+, A, B and C. Generally, the display panels that get a B or C never come out in the market. So, the task becomes easier for you to pick the best one. It is no doubt you should always go with the A+ grade panels since these provide you with the best viewing experience without any anomalies in the panel itself.
On the other hand, another display panel feature that can make your viewing experience much like real-life is HDR. It stands for High Dynamic Range, and it can drastically change the on-screen output if enabled.
The colors pop out more and look much vibrant and decently saturated, giving it a more realistic look. In the name of HDR, many brands like to use various technologies such as HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and more, while all work very similarly with a common aim to provide you a much immersive real-life visual quality experience.
4. Screen Size
Choosing the correct size of TV according to the room size is very important. For any medium to large-sized room or say the living room, you can fairly pick any display size as per your likings. Even the large TV sizes, like 55 or 65 inches, will be a good pick if there is enough room to place and maintain a necessary distance from the TV to have the best possible cinematic experience.
However, you will have to be very selective if you are planning to buy a TV meant for a room that is smaller in size. In such cases, choosing a smaller TV size such as 32 inches to 43 inches will work the best.
Also, while you go for a large TV, make sure the resolution you pick is around 4K or something because Full HD resolutions only look best until the screen size is stretched till 43 inches. Anything beyond that will start to look a bit pixelated if you look from close by. So, the simple rule is to choose larger resolutions with larger displays.
5. Contrast Ratio
Contrast Ratio of a display tells a lot about how good it can differentiate between light and darker colors. If the ratio is more, then you can fairly consider it as a good display in terms of producing wide contrast and managing bright and dark areas correctly.
Usually, we see the contrast ratio in many varieties, but not all TV brands mention whether it is a Native contrast or Dynamic. A quick way to check is that if the contrast ratio is somewhere around 5000:1 or 6000:1 or lesser, you can consider it native contrast since it tells you about the display’s own performance without any additional software or technology used to enhance the colors.
On the other hand, if the numbers are on a huge side such as 20000:1 to 100000: 1, then it is measured after applying all the final effects and is known to be a dynamic contrast. So, if you find a display that has a good contrast ratio, either dynamic or native, definitely don’t miss out on the deal.
6. Refresh Rate
In most of the TVs on this list, you will find the standard refresh rate as 60 Hertz, which is good for watching movies and other stuff. It is so because the screen can refresh itself to showcase 60 frames on the screen in one second.
Hence, the transition in video frames looks very smooth because of that. Since we see the refresh rate thing all around these days, even on our mobile phones, there is not much to discuss. All it does it make the content look smoother. But, for some people, it might be a very new experience and maybe a hard one to digest as well.
7. Smart Features
Since we are talking about smart TVs here, the operating system matters a lot. The smart experience with your TV is going to be undeniably good if it runs on a certified Android OS. Usually, most TV brands use some OS of their own, which is based on the Android open-source project (AOSP).
Basically, it works using the same rules, but the UI is slightly different, and you might also miss out on some important features that only official Android can offer. With official Android TVs, you can simply enjoy access to Google’s Play Store and download whichever TV app you want. Apart from that, all the additional features such as in-built Google Assistant are only found in official Android systems, and not in others. So, AOSP based OS is good as well, but for an overall better experience, we suggest you go for the official one only.
8. Speakers and Advanced Features
Usually, when people decide to purchase a large TV, investing in a separate soundbar or external sound system is always advisable to have that complete theater-like experience at your home. However, if you are not planning to do that, then you must choose the TV that has the best in-built speakers.
In most cases, you will only see the sound output mentioned in the specifications like 16 Watts, 20 Watts, 24 Watts, etc. It denotes the loudness and power of a speaker. Hence, even if you are not going to crank up the volume fully, it is still very important to choose the set of speakers with better wattage. Because a speaker usually performs the best in its middle range of frequencies.
So, if you compare a lesser watt speaker with a higher one at the same volume levels, sound from the higher wattage speaker will come out to be more clear and crisp without any distortion or noise.
If your choice of TV comes up with additional sound enhancement features like Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, you can hear sounds coming from above and below you as well. Just like the name, Dolby Atmos technology fills the entire atmosphere around you with sound effects, which are impossible to get from normal stereo speakers, which have only two channels, left and right.
9. Connectivity
Talking about the connectivity features regarding Android TVs, wireless technology matters a lot as well. As all Android TVs allow you to access your favorite OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and many more.
If you want to stream content online, you must have access to the internet as well. While most TVs come with Wi-Fi connectivity these days, some even use a dedicated Ethernet port. Apart from that, if you want to connect any Bluetooth speaker or a soundbar, you must check if there is Bluetooth connectivity available or not.
On the other hand, if I/O ports are a part of your concern, there should be at least 2 or 3 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports available. Just in case you need to connect multiple devices like a gaming console and laptop together, both use HDMI ports. Apart from that, USB ports come handy in case you need to connect any flash drive or hard drive to watch movies or see some picture albums.
How Android TV Home Screen Looks?
Android TV is very simple to use. After connecting it to the set-top box, you can see the home screen. You will notice a vertical stream of rows. You can navigate through each row from left to right and select the apps that you want to use.
1. Discovery:
The top-most row is called as the Content Discovery Bar. It suggest content from all the apps that you use frequently. You can even check the tutorials on YouTube or movies from Google Play TV and Movies.
2. Voice Search:
At the top of the Android TV’s interface, you can see a search utility that is powered by Google Assistant. Android TV even supports voice commands. However, you must have the required hardware that will allow Android TV to hear your command and operate accordingly.
3. Apps and Content:
The second row is usually a list of all the featured apps that you have selected to be shown on the home screen. After you click on the Apps icon, you will get to see a list of all the apps that are installed on your TV.
4. Play Next:
Below the Apps row, there is a Play Next section. Here, you will get all the recommended option of shows and movies that is based on your playback history. However, it includes suggestions from only those apps that the Play Next supports.
5. Channels:
After Play Next, you will get to see a list of channels for all your apps. If any of the apps support this (which is not usually the case), you will get the recommendations for those shows on your home screen. You can even customize the appearance as well as the order of these channels as per your convenience.
6. Settings:
There is a dedicated section on the home screen of the TV. You can simply click, and access settings, timers, and other help guides. If you are entering the Settings option, you can get access to smart TV settings like Display, Sound, External Inputs, Channel Setup, and Network and Accessories menus for Bluetooth, Google Cast, and many more.
The Best 5 Apps for Android TV:
After buying an Android TV, the first question that pops up in the user’s mind is which all apps should I install first? To make it convenient for you, here is a list of 5 apps that are most commonly used by most of the users.
1. Netflix:
Netflix is undoubtedly one of the best and useful apps that you can install. Netflix’s Android TV app is very polished and comprehensive. It integrates properly in the Android TV experience and has its own recommendation bar on the home screen. You can turn off this bar if you don’t need it. It is easy to access and supports Google Assistant too.
2. YouTube:
YouTube experience on Android TV is amazing. You get recommendations and trending videos on the home screen. There is a vast amount of content available on YouTube, most of which are free. It is easy to use and gets along well with the TV’s interface.
3. Spotify:
Even though many users think of videos only when talking about TV, there is an app called Spotify that can help you meet all your music requirements. You can simply log in and make good use of extra screen space on your TV. It also supports background playback.
4. Plex:
Not many users are aware of the Plex app. However, once you get to know about it, you are going to love this app. It allows you to build a personalized Spotify or Netflix and stream it to all your devices, including Android TV. Plex App for Android TV works amazingly well. It lets you jump back to the content that you were watching earlier. It also integrates well with the home screen of your TV.
5. News 360:
News360 app gives you access to news. It is easy to browse and search for content that you prefer watching. The app successfully pulls in new video clips from different sources and gives you easy access to them.
Frequently Asked Questions?
In 2014, LG turned its TV interface to WebOS in all the top TVs and the results were extraordinary.
Samsung also has been pushing its platform called as Tizen. Most of the big manufacturers aim to serve users with their own interfaces.
Another competitor of Android TV is set-top boxes from Amazon and Apple.
Apple TV promotes Apple’s goods first whereas Amazon Fire TV tries to push Amazon Prime Video and Amazon’s own services primarily.
Apart from Android TVs, there are streaming boxes available in the market that aims to bring the Android TV interface to your TV’s screen. Most users are confused that which one should they buy.
If you are planning to buy a new TV for your home, you can simply invest in an Android TV. It offers various options and features to the users, as mentioned above. You get all of this at an affordable price. Since it is an Android TV, you can watch all your favorite shows and movies easily.
But, if you already have a good TV at your home and if you are willing to experience Android TV, you can buy a streaming box. You can plug it to your TV using an HDMI cable and start using it. This way, you get to experience the Android TV interface on your old TV.
Conclusion
So, this was our list of the best Android TVs in India that are available to purchase at the moment for a very fair price. As you might have already noticed, there are TVs of all price ranges, and each one has different specifications. So, it should not be very challenging to find the best suitable one for your requirements and likings.
You can simply select one from the list if you have an exact visualization in your mind about what you expect from your new TV. However, if you are not able to choose one and things are getting confusing for you, we have a personal recommendation for you that might help you out.
The Mi TV 4A PRO 80 cm (32 inches) HD Ready Android LED TV is a good choice for those people who have a strictly tight budget and still want to experience all the latest Android TV features.
Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
