Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K: Who Wins?

The battle of Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K is coming. Google has officially discontinued Chromecast and presented a completely new device called Google TV Streamer. Priced at $99, this set-top streaming box has been immediately named Apple TV 4K‘s rival.

But how does this device stand against Apple’s long-running streamer? Here’s the only Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K comparison you need to find out.

What do we mean by Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K?

Google has announced a new device in its smart home line. It’s called Google TV Streamer and it’s already available for purchases.

As for Apple TV 4K, we’re looking at Apple TV 4K (3rd generation). This is the latest streaming box from a Cupertino-based company. While it was released back in 2022, its capabilities are still very much up-to-date. In other words, it’s still a relevant and powerful device.

The fact that it can effectively compete with the 2024 Google TV Streamer makes it even better.

What is Google TV Streamer 4K?

Here is the promotional video released by Google this August:

Google TV Streamer 4K ditches the ultra-weight and miniscule look of Chromecast with Google TV to give users a meatier and more powerful streaming set-top box experience.

We love the minimalist design and smooth lines. It weighs 5.7 oz and comes with a 6.4 in x 3.0 in size and 1.0 in height. It’s ergonomic and looks quite pleasant, let’s give it that.

Does it look better than the Apple TV 4K? That’s up for debate. The black box design of Apple TV is timeless and it sends really solid elegant vibes. While Google TV Streamer is definitely a step up from the tablet-like appearance of Chromecast, it lacks elegance.

But again, this is up to your preference. The main differences between Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K are inside the boxes.

Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K: the chip

Google TV Streamer seems like a great device for home use. It has enough specs to keep users happy and can compete with Apple TV. Can it win, though? That’s unlikely.

The chip is the reason why.

Apple TV 4K has an A15 Bionic chip: a six-core CPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and a five-core GPU. Such a technology inside ensures that this device stays quick, efficient, and smooth all the time.

What do we have in Google TV Streamer 4K? It has a MediaTek chip and it’s the same chip that is used in… 2021 Amazon Fire TV Stick Max. Not the best 2024 upgrade if you ask us. Sure, it’s faster than the Chromecast’s modest Amlogic S905X3, but is it really a game-changer? Not quite.

Performance is where Apple TV 4K shines and it seems will keep on shining.

Other Google TV Streamer specs don’t look very competitive either. It has only 4GB of memory and 32 GB of storage. While Apple TV 4K also has 4 GB, it has twice as much storage at 64 GB.

Google TV Streamer 4K top features

While the chip is inferior, Google TV Streamer does come with several cool features like a remote finder function, Google’s Gemini AI support (although it remains unclear to which extent so far), and the ambient mode.

The device is also equipped with HDMI 2.1a, Wi-Fi 5, Gigabit Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.1. Dolby Atmos is supported too. As for video formats, you will have Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG support. The device uses Android TV OS.

But all these features have already been available to Apple TV 4K since 2022, so there’s nothing revolutionary about the new Google device.

Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K: the price

Price mattered when it came to Chromecast with Google TV. When you have a device costing $49.99, you can forgive chipset shortcomings and miniature memory. But Google TV Streamer 4K is twice that. The company retails it for $99.99.

Apple TV 4K isn’t the cheapest streaming box. But with $129 you’re getting a much more powerful device than Google TV Streamer and twice more storage. Yes, it’s $29 more, but it’s worth it.

And then the 4th generation of Apple TV is coming. Most probably it will happen this year. The Cupertino company is expected to upgrade the device with a better chip, Apple Intelligence features, a FaceTime camera, tvOS 18, and a lower price tag. This will make it harder for Google to compete.

So what is our verdict in the Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K battle?

Apple TV 4K is a sure champion here.