Chromecast with Google Tv Hd versus Fire Tv Stick
It remains to understand a single legitimate question: why among all the solutions offered by the market one should choose Chromecast with Google Tv HD or the Fire Tv Stick? Because they are cheap, they are constantly updated with the latest news and are designed for searching and enjoying streaming content. Not to mention, of course, that the new Chromecast costs 39.99 euros while the Fire Tv Stick 22.99 euros.
Design that works, you don't change
Detecting design or aesthetic differences between the Chromecast with Google TV HD and the 4K version is impossible: they are identical. The only difference is that the former is only available in white, while the latter also in blue or peach. Then to the eye it always appears as a small bar of soap with a combined hdmi cable and a rear usb-c port for power. The Fire Tv Stick, on the other hand, resembles a small chocolate bar in its dimensions, with a side micro-usb port for power supply and a front hdmi socket to be connected to a small extension cable (always hdmi). The extension was introduced several years ago by Amazon to facilitate the connection since in some cases the space between the hdmi ports of the TV is reduced.Chromecast with Google Tv Hd
google Finally, there is the theme of remote controls. The Google one is more graceful but with a reduced number of keys, while the Amazon one is less flashy but with a keyboard reminiscent of the traditional ones. Google has provided the back, home, mute, Google Assistant, volume, menu navigation, source change, directional / selection pad and direct access to YouTube and Netflix buttons. Amazon provides commands for managing tracks and videos, volume, the key to activate Alexa and direct access keys to services such as Prime Video, Netflix, Disney + and Amazon Music. Both allow TV on and off, TV or soundbar volume management and can enable the voice interface.
Technical features
The Chromecast Hd is equipped with an Arm Cortex A- quad-core processor 35, therefore lower than the 4k model. It has 1.5 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage space. Supports dual-band wi-fi 5 technology and bluetooth. As for the video quality, it manages the maximum resolution of 1080p (full hd) at 60 fps and also the hdr (hdr10, hdr10 + and hlg). While in the audio field it is compatible with Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos (via hdmi passthrough). In practice, in this last case the signal is transferred in purity and it will be the TV compatible with Dolby Atmos to take care of everything. Fire Tv Stick relies on a quad-core Arm Cortex A-53, coupled with 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage space. It supports wi-fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 and Bluetooh Low Energy. As for the video quality, it manages the maximum resolution of 1080p (full hd) at 60 fps and also the hdr (hdr10, hdr10 + and hlg). While in the audio field it is compatible with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital + via hdmi audio pass-through.Fire Tv Stick
In summary they look very similar and are aimed at those who have TV hd or full hd, so old generation, but still enable hdr. In reality, buying them could also be a choice dictated by the fact that you do not have adequate internet connectivity services to support 4k streaming. Compared to their older sisters, they cost much less.
The user experience
The two devices Amazon and Google have been designed to simplify every operation, even the initial installation phase. However, the advice is to create the respective user profiles on a computer or smartphone before proceeding on the TV. In practice you need to have a Gmail account or an Amazon account. Solved this problem, just connect Chromecast or Fire Tv to the TV, connect the power cables, turn on the TV and select the HDMI input. Then just follow the instructions on the screen.Chromecast with Google Tv Hd
Chromecast with Google Tv remembers the interface of smart TVs that have adopted the operating system of the same name. In reality, this version on a stick is a bit more dense of information at the interface level, probably to favor even smaller diagonal televisions. The user at a glance can choose between different sections that allow direct access to films, series, apps and search string. Each channel then shows content from each streaming service (from Netflix to Disney +), favoring those to which you are subscribed. Obviously the app store is much larger than the Amazon one. Do not miss the settings section. The search system is excellent, even by voice, which allows you to locate any content you want (both on streaming apps and Youtube) by title, actor, genre, topic, etc.
Fire Tv Stick is a product that was obviously created for Prime subscribers, even if in reality it does not need an active paid account to work. The graphic interface has been recently renewed and allows easy access to each service. Specifically, it must be remembered that the library of apps and applications, where for example you can choose between Netflix, Disney +, Dazn, Youtube, Vlc and many others, is an Amazon selection of the Android world - since the Fire Os operating system represents a customization. Specifically, you can stream films, documentaries and series, play games and even access the free live programming of RaiPlay. Obviously in the settings section you can adjust video quality, sound, establish preferences, intervene on the parental control, etc.
Fire Tv Stick
The main differences are that Chromecast stands as an agnostic container where both the organization of the posters and the research constantly plumbs everything. While the Fire Tv Stick tries to prioritize Amazon Prime content over the rest. The fluidity is similar, but in some situations Google TV feels heavier to manage. Google's voice search is much better than Alexa especially in the ability to provide many results. And then there are all the classic Chromecast functions that allow you to establish an immediate connection to the TV with any device (tablet, PC, smartphone) and then easily replicate the viewing of external content.
In conclusion
Chromecast and Fire Tv have similar functions but slightly different prices. The Google device is more refined and pleasant in appearance, it boasts all the potential of the Android store, an excellent search system and also the ease of putting any PC or smartphone into play. Perhaps the only limit is that the fluidity could be higher; too bad for the end of Stadia. The Amazon device is more anonymous and also a bit more mundane in design. The graphical interface appears more orderly and perhaps even less heavy to manage at the hardware level. In summary it does its job smoothly. The only limitation is related to the Amazon app store, but really in most cases you will find everything you need.Chromecast smart key with Google Tv Hd
The Google's proposal has a less refined interface but boasts a wider range of applications and above all compatibility with the Chromecast standard to receive content projected from smartphones via Wi-Fi.€ 39.99 - buy on Amazon 39.99 € - buy on Google
Amazon Fire Tv Stick smart stick
Amazon's low cost stick does an impeccable job on a pleasant and fluid graphic interface. The Lite version with remote control but without TV controls is the cheapest gadget in the category.€ 39.99 - buy on Amazon
