
Android TVs, with a multitude of convenient and enticing features, stand as a top choice for users investing in smart TVs. Join Mytour in exploring the distinctive traits of an Android TV in the article below!
1. What is Android TV?
Android TV, packed with a plethora of convenient and enticing features, is a prime choice for smart TV users. Join Mytour in unraveling the distinctive traits of an Android TV in the article below!
Characteristics of Android TV
- Encompassing all the features of a smart TV: Network connectivity for reading news, listening to music, watching movies, downloading apps, controlling the TV with a phone, screen mirroring from phone to TV...
- Exclusive Google-only Apps: With the Android operating system optimized specifically for TVs, users will experience features like Google Play Music, Google Play Game, Google Cast...
- Install External Apps with apk Files: This is the major difference between Android TVs and TVs running other operating systems. Smart TVs with Samsung's Tizen operating system, LG's WebOS... only allow users to download apps available in the app store. Meanwhile, with Android TV, you can download additional apps using apk files.

Android TV with a Variety of Apps
- Android TVs usually require you to follow updates from the manufacturer to update the software regularly. In contrast, other Smart TVs often update less frequently, or have automatic update modes.
How many types of Android TVs are there?
Although they share the same operating system, not all Android TVs are identical. Specifically, in the current market, there are the following types of Android TVs:
- Type utilizing the native Android OS, optimized by Google specifically for TVs (Sony Android TV): This variant of Android TV excels in smooth operation, with applications that are 100% compatible with the TV, minimizing speed-related issues. Consequently, this type generally comes with a higher price tag compared to other types of Android TVs.

- Type using the phone version of the Android OS (Toshiba Android TV): This kind of Android TV boasts a familiar interface, user-friendly design, and a rich app store. However, it has a drawback as some apps are optimized for phones and may not be suitable for the TV's characteristics, leading to a lack of support or suboptimal support. For instance, vertical touchscreens on phones may not align well with the horizontal TV screen, and features like phone touch sensitivity may not be applicable to the TV... resulting in various incompatibilities.

- Type acquired by manufacturers using the Android platform, then customized and optimized according to each brand's characteristics (TCL Android TV, Skyworth Android TV): This category of Android TV may have a less extensive range of applications compared to the first two types, but it boasts the advantage of easy installation of external apps using apk files.

From the provided information, it can be seen that Android TV is a versatile entertainment medium, easily captivating users and serving as the ideal TV for every family.
