With streaming devices becoming the norm of how we view content at home, the choices are becoming increasingly diverse. The Apple TV 4K has now entered the fray with its 3rd Generation streaming device. But how better is it compared to its competitors, and should you really get it? Here is an in-depth overview of the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen.
Key Highlights
Here are just a few of the reasons why the Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation is the best streaming box you can buy:
- Comes with a power-packed A15 Bionic chip
- Improved design with USB-C remote
- New thermal design without a fan
- Incredible 4K HDR picture quality
- Support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision (upcoming QMS support).
- Future-Proof
- Runs on tvOS v16.1
- Cost: $129 for 64GB, Wi-Fi variant; $149 for 128GB, Wi-Fi + Ethernet variant
Apple TV 4K Specifications
| Storage | 64GB/128GB | Processor | A15 Bionic Chip |
| Video Output | 2160p, High Frame Rate HDR and HDR10+ | Weight | 208g |
| Audio Output | Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Dolby Atmos | Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 with 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0 |
What is a Streaming Device?
Streaming devices (also known as streaming media devices or streamers) connect your TV/home theatre to the internet and give access to online content. With them, the online content could be streamed on your home devices and viewed – akin to traditional cable TV, but with the ability to watch what you want, when you want.
Streaming devices are a perfect tool for non-Smart TVs, which don’t have the inherent capability to connect to the internet. Even among Smart TVs, streaming devices like Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Google Chromecast offer a wide range of impressive features on top of mere streaming. Streaming devices are increasingly becoming a must-have addition to any home.
Apple TV 4K Overview
Since its launch in 2007, the Apple TV has been a valuable addition to the Apple ecosystem. The Apple TV 4K was launched in 2017 to provide a much-needed upgrade in TV resolution and offer the best viewing experience to users.
The 3rd generation device comes a mere 17 months after the 2nd Gen – a relatively short gap for the series. Yet, the latest device is an improvement in many crucial aspects. It is one of the most powerful streaming boxes on the market and offers a wealth of features and benefits that make it the perfect addition to any home setup.
Design
The third-generation Apple TV 4K is touted to be 20% smaller than the previous version. With a reduction in weight and dimensions, the difference could actually be felt once you hold it in your hands. The small, ergonomic design makes storing the device on your TV cabinet or behind the television screen easier. The new thermal design also comes without any internal fan to cool it. As far as looks go, the device stays black but removes the TV logo.
Improved Remote with Siri
The Apple TV 4K remote also saw some significant changes. Look-wise, it has the same aluminum premium finish with a thicker design. The touchpad has been ditched in favor of a click wheel. However, the Lightning Charge slot has been replaced by a USB-C slot. This is important since the device doesn’t come with its own charger, so you might have to utilize your own.
Like the previous versions, the remote comes with Siri – which is now significantly improved. For instance;
- Siri’s actions will not block the TV screen but rather take place on a side window.
- It can also perform interesting operations like displaying the cast, close-caption a specific scene, playing titles within the app, and searching for titles while the content continues to play.
It has its limitations, like searching the web for results or performing analytical operations. But later this year, Apple plans to launch an upgrade that will enable Siri to voice-recognize Apple TV 4K users and even suggest titles specific to their viewing history.
Performance
Performance is the biggest bonus in the latest version. The Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen comes with Apple’s A15 Bionic Chip. Launched last year, the powerful processor was used in iPhone 13 and even in some variants of the latest iPhone 14. The processor packs a significant punch – especially for a TV streaming device. The CPU is faster by 50 percent while the GPU is improved by 30 percent, compared to 2nd Gen. Switching between multiple apps is without any lag. Even as far as gaming is concerned, the device performed beautifully (on Apple Arcade and App Store games).
Display
Beyond all the talks about UI and performance and design, it is the view that counts – and Apple delivers. The Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen offers a crisp, sharp and in-depth display that makes viewing television a treat. It supports 60 frames per second and HDR (high display rate) content. Overall, the device offers a wide range of support – HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, 4K, etc. It will soon also support Quick Media Switching, allowing it to match the frame rate of the content instantaneously.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched performance with a seamless experience
- Compact, light, and ergonomic design
- Gaming support for various Gamepads and games on Apple’s library
- Easy to setup, install and use with an appealing UI
- Competitive entry-level price
- Compliments Apple ecosystem
Cons:
- App integration is limited and excludes the likes of Netflix
- Siri has limited functionality and is not as advanced as its iPhone/Mac counterparts
- No charging cable
Apple TV 4K: Price Comparison
The Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen is most notable for its entry-level price tag, which is significantly lower than its previous version.
| Generation | Entry Price |
| First Gen | $179 onwards |
| Second Gen (launched 2021) | $179 onwards |
| Third Gen (launched 2022) | $129 onwards |
Why Should You Go for the Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation?
Despite a slightly hefty price tag, the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen is definitely a device worth having for those looking to upgrade their entertainment. There are many reasons to go for the new Apple TV 4K 3rd generation.
The reduced price compared to previous versions makes it very competitive with its competitors like Roko and Chromecast. On top of that, the device offers features unlike any other. With crystal-clear resolution, aesthetic design, and power-packed performance, the Apple TV 4K scores high points in all aspects.
For people who prefer Apple and/or have an Apple ecosystem, the latest Apple TV 4K is a no-brainer; it will be a splendid addition to their home. But for those who are skeptical of Apple’s products and their habit of becoming rapidly outdated, it should be noted that the company has been trying to future-proof their devices. The A15 Bionic Chip, a beast for a small device, ensures that the processor remains sharp for many years. The support for resolutions like HDR10+ is proof that Apple is thinking ahead.
If you’re looking for the best streaming experience, the new Apple TV 4K 3rd generation is the way to go. Investing in Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen will allow you to enjoy seamless TV for at least a few years.