Whenever you hear the word ‘Android’, the first thing that would come to your mind would most likely be ‘Samsung’. However, how true is it in the case of Samsung TVs? Are they also Android-operated and the same as an Android TV?
The answer is no, a Samsung TV is not an Android TV. The reason is that Samsung TVs work on operating systems like Tizen Operating System or Orsay Operating System. This is not found in Android TVs. Hence, both are separate.
Now, what exactly are Tizen OS and Orsay OS when it comes to a Samsung TV, and how are they any different from Android TV? To get all your answers, read on!
Is a Samsung TV Same As An Android TV?
As mentioned above, Samsung TV isn’t the same as an Android TV due to the presence of Tizen OS and Orsay OS.
You may already know that operating systems define how a smartphone, smart TV, or other devices work. Similarly, the new Samsung TV models function with the help of Tizen OS whereas the old ones usually have the Orsay OS.
Now, the question here is that why doesn’t Samsung TV have Android as its integrated OS? The truth is that Tizen is basically a branch of the Samsung company. Hence, it is pretty much owned and operated by Samsung itself. Due to this reason, Samsung gets plenty of benefits.
First of all, Samsung doesn’t have to pay additionally for integrating and maintaining Android OS into their TVs. Secondly, due to the reduced maintenance charges, the customers wanting to buy a Samsung smart TV also get it at a reduced price. Therefore, Samsung provides both cost-efficiency and excellent functionality.
Hence, overall, the major difference between a Samsung TV and an Android TV is that the former one consists of a Tizen OS (presently) whereas the latter one consists of an Android OS.
Android TV Vs. Samsung TV: What You Need to Know
Now, due to the different types of operating systems present in both Android TV and Samsung TV, there are bound to be some differences. Let’s compare these differences and see what are the strong points of both kinds of TVs.
1. The Interface
Both Samsung TV and Android TV have somewhat similar interfaces. Both of them have a top-to-down one. Moreover, the menus are arranged row-wise too.
Now, in the case of an Android TV, you get various recommendations based on the type of content you prefer.
However, when it comes to a Samsung TV when you go through the different apps, you’ll get an additional sub-menu. This sub-menu mainly consists of information regarding your watch history and recommendations from that specific app only. Keep in mind that this isn’t seen on Android TV.
Thus, when it comes to user interface ease, Samsung TV is better compared to Android one.
2. Screen-Sharing Options
Both Samsung TV and Android TV offer screen sharing or mirroring options. However, Android TV offers Chromecast technology. This way you can easily connect your phone or even desktop to your Android TV.
Contrarily, for Samsung TV, you need to install an app and then manually connect your TV to your device. This takes up more time. Hence, when it comes to screen-mirroring, Android TV is the better option.
3. Voice Assistants
Android TVs come with Google Voice Assistant whereas Samsung TVs come with their own Tizen OS-based voice assistant, Bixby. Here, both of them have their pros and cons.
Google Voice Assistant is much faster compared to any other. Hence, you can use it smoothly and see whatever you want to. On the other hand, Bixby operates in offline mode too. Still, Google Voice Assistant is a much better choice.
The good news is that the newer Samsung TV models come with Google Voice Assistant too.
4. Remote
Both Samsung TV and Android TV have pretty much the same type of remote with minimal buttons and a noticeable voice assistant option.
Earlier, Samsung TVs did have a proper remote with a full-size keypad. However, it has changed now.
5. Apps
When it comes to app support, Android TV offers the Play Store which has almost all kinds of apps that you want. Another notable thing is that you can also sideload apps that aren’t necessarily compatible on Android.
On the other hand, Samsung TV has its own app store that also has most of the best streaming apps that you’d need. Yet, the library isn’t as extensive as the Play Store. You may also not be able to run apps that aren’t compatible.
Talking about the Apple TV, Android TV will have it in the newer models and in the upcoming months. However, Samsung TVs already have the Apple TV available.
6. Updates
Some apps may not work properly if the OS is not up-to-date. Now, in the case of both Android TV and Samsung TV, you won’t be getting any updates after one to two years.
Yet, keep in mind that in the case of an Android TV, if nothing works, you can opt for Chromecast or even Android TV Box. These will help in updating your Android TV to the latest version.
On the other hand, you don’t get that option in Samsung TVs. Hence, you won’t be able to update those easily unlike Android TVs.
7. Gaming Options
Lastly, talking about gaming options, both Samsung TV and Android TV aren’t that good for gaming.
For Android TV, you may not be able to play huge games due to low-end specifications. Hence, in order to do so, you may have to get additional products to ensure the smooth running of games on your Android TV.
On the other hand, Samsung TV doesn’t have an extensive collection of games available to install nor can you download any third-party ones. Hence, this is a major limitation for all gamers.
So, these are some of the major differences seen in both Samsung TVs and Android TVs.
Which Companies Offer An Android TV?
You may already know that Samsung TV offers Tizen OS. But, which companies and brands offer an Android-Based TV? Well, given below is a list of them:
- Xiaomi
- Technicolor
- Sharp
- LG
- Philips
- RCA
- NVIDIA
- Sony
- Asus
- Toshiba
- Dish
Hence, if you’re planning to opt for an Android TV, you can opt for any of the above brands.
Is It Possible to Convert a Samsung TV To an Android TV?
With some simple steps and a few extra products, it is possible to convert a Samsung TV to an Android TV. Follow on to understand these steps:
Step 1: Get The Required Items
You need to have some items before you start converting your Samsung TV to an Android one. These things include:
- Samsung TV (Should have an HDMI port)
- WiFi connection
- A remote (may come with Android converter box)
- HDMI cable
- An Android converter box, like Chromecast or Android TV
- Ethernet cable (Optional)
Once you have these, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Connect Both HDMI Cable and Converter Box
In this step, you need to start with the connections. First of all, connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI port of the TV and then connect the converter box to the other end of the HDMI port.
Step 3: Connect Ethernet Cable to Converter Box
Keep in mind that this step is optional. For instance, if you want a fast connection, then you can connect the ethernet cable to the converter box.
However, if you don’t have an ethernet cable, you can choose the WiFi connectivity option too to connect to the Internet.
Step 4: Sign Into Your Android Account
Once all the connections are done, you can check your Samsung TV. You may be prompted to sign in to your Android account or you might have to separately log in for different apps, like YouTube or Netflix.
Step 5: Sync the Remote
The last step is to sync the remote if it is not done automatically. So, if you already have a remote of the TV, you mostly won’t have to sync.
However, if you bought it from somewhere else, you’ll need to sync your TV and remote.
This way you might be able to turn a Samsung TV into an Android TV.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, you may have read about all the differences between Samsung TV and Android TV that are mentioned above. To give you a brief of them, keep in mind that both the TVs use different operating systems.
Samsung TV uses Tizen OS whereas Android TV uses Android OS. Hence, a lot of differences arise due to the different types of operating systems present.
Yet, in case you’re planning to buy either one, make sure that you know what your requirements are, check the differences between them, and find out which is more suitable for you! Moreover, don’t forget that it is also possible to convert a Samsung TV into an Android one with a few simple steps mentioned above.
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