Last Updated on June 21, 2022
Consumers now have a plethora of options thanks to technological advancements, one of which is the ability to transform a standard television into a smart TV. After all, most individuals enjoy multitasking, which includes activities such as watching videos while conversing with others or playing games while streaming films, to mention a few examples.
It’s no surprise manufacturers have developed a variety of solutions that allow users to transform their traditional televisions into smart televisions. Amazon’s app and the Android app are two of the most popular options available right now. So, if it’s an Android TV box against an Amazon Fire Stick, which one is better?
Contents
Android TV vs. Amazon Fire Stick TV at a glance
Android TV Advantages:
- Kodi is a free app that can be downloaded from Google Play – It has over 700,000 movies and shows, plus games
- 4K Ultra HD video resolution
- Configuration of the hardware is current
Android TV Disadvantages:
- An HDMI-connected box which plugs into the back of your TV via the HDMI port, making it difficult to hide
- It is difficult to transport – when compared with a router with wires and a remote, it is similar in size
Fire Stick TV Advantages:
- USB flash drive appearance – easy to take on the go
WiFi and Bluetooth compatible
Amazon Prime account holders already have a hold on Fire Stick
Fire Stick TV Disadvantages:
- Sideloading on devices – Can not download directly (Kodi)
- Video resolution is 1080p
- If the internet speed is slow, you would have to buy an adapter to get faster speed
It’s safe to state that the Android TV Box is the best option. We’ll take a closer look at why this is the case.
Kodi: Android TV Box vs. Fire Stick TV
Kodi is both open-source and free. It can stream movies, music, and even games. Kodi is a home theater app that provides the perfect environment for quality entertainment. Another great feature of Kodi is its ability to allow users to create a library of their choosing.
Hardware: Android TV Box vs. Fire Stick TV
With a name that suggests its stick-like appearance, or more accurately resembling a USB flash drive, the Smart Stick has WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. This device was created with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage with the intention of being portable and versatile. The memory parameters for the second generation remain unchanged.
In terms of video output, the Fire Stick’s resolution is high definition for both models, and it can support resolutions of 720p or 1080p. In addition, it is compact and conveniently connects to the HDMI connector on your television set.
Android TV Boxes, on the other hand, are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. However, in terms of hardware, it performs significantly better than the Fire Stick, which is powered by either a Broadcom BCM28145 Dual Core or a Mediatek 8127 Quad-core ARM CPU running at 1.3 GHz. With a S805 or a Tegra X1 processor and 3GB of RAM, one of the most up-to-date hardware configurations for the Android box is available.
To put it another way, most Android TV boxes would be far faster than the Fire Stick. These Android boxes come equipped with remote controls and external file storage, allowing customers to store significantly more data on them.
Additionally, certain Android boxes are equipped with an Ethernet connector, which is useful in situations when WiFi signals are weak.
Android TV box would win handily in terms of hardware.
Ease of Use: Android TV Box vs. Fire Stick TV
Given we have already discussed and emphasized the importance of Kodi, it’s important to know which of the two is the better choice for use with this open-source software.
In order for Kodi to run on Fire Stick, users will need to perform some sideloading on their devices. This, on the other hand, is a very technical process that, in many cases, people may not want to complete or follow.
Another important thing to consider is the accessibility of Kodi on the Amazon website. Amazon does not provide a straightforward way for customers to download and install Kodi from its website. On the other hand, if the customer is using an Android TV box, it’s very simple to download and install Kodi from the Google Play Store with no complicated steps.
The same may be said for individuals who are concerned about the overall quality of the videos on the website. With the Android box, it is suggested to choose it over the Fire Stick since it can play videos in up to 4k Ultra HD, but the Fire Stick can only play videos in up to 1080p. The Android box can also stream videos from other sources.
Once again, the Android TV box is the clear winner when it comes to setting up Kodi and watching videos from the open-source media player.
Portability: Android TV Box vs. Fire Stick TV
There is a big difference in the appearance of the two alternatives. As previously stated, the Amazon Fire Stick resembles a USB flash drive in terms of appearance. Due to its versatility, it can be used almost anywhere, allowing users to keep them with them at all times.
Android boxes, on the other hand, while they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, are often roughly 15 times larger than the Fire Stick at the very least. Its size is almost identical to that of a WiFi router, and it is supplied with cables and wires, as well as a remote control and even a USB keyboard for convenience.
The Android boxes are too large to transport because it is necessary to have the whole package with it in order for it to function. The Fire Stick, on the other hand, is small enough to fit in small bags. If you are the kind who watches and uses televisions in various locations on a regular basis, the Fire Stick is the perfect choice for you.
Final thoughts
So, which one of these devices should you buy? Which is better, the Amazon Fire Stick or the Android TV box?
As previously noted, the Android box is the superior product in terms of specifications when it comes to using Kodi with a television. Downloading and installing Kodi has been simplified significantly, as one only needs to download the program from the Google Play Store and then install it.
However, getting the Fire Stick to function with the Kodi involves a great deal of effort and is better left to people who are familiar with the complicated technical procedure.
When it comes to video quality, up until recently, the Android boxes were unquestionably the better choice for most people. Most Android boxes can run videos in 4K HD, however, the basic Fire Stick is only capable of running media in 1080p.
However, the most recent 4K Fire Stick version has significantly improved the streaming experience provided by the Amazon gadget. It is a very good and fluid plug-and-play gadget for folks who are not concerned with pure performance but who are looking for something simple and fluid to use on their television set instead.
One minor disadvantage of the Fire Sticks is that they do not have an ethernet port, which means you will not be able to benefit from the quickest speed if your connection is close to your TV. It will not operate unless you purchase an adaptor.
There’s no getting around the fact that Fire Stick has no advantages. If you desire portability, such as the ability to move the box to a different area, as well as Netflix compatibility at the lowest possible price, the Fire Stick has the advantage.
For individuals who already have an Amazon Prime account, the Fire Stick is the most convenient option to have. The Android TV box is the best option if you value flexibility, gaming, accessibility to a vast selection of Android apps, and a wider range of options otherwise.
At the end of the day, the decision is yours, but we believe the Android TV Box is the best option.
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