The very first Chromecast debuted in 2013 as a gadget for simply streaming to an HDTV and playing simple games, without a remote control or any user interface. Thanks to the simplicity of the product, the Chromecast hasn’t changed much over the years – at least until the debut of the Chromecast with Google TV in 2020.
The new 4K-ready Chromecast eschews the simple streaming-only focus of its predecessors by adding a remote control and Android TV. Now Google is bringing the same mix of features to budget buyers, minus a few things like 4K support. Is the savings worth the concessions? We find out in the review.
It’s worth noting up front that I tested the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) for six days. The device was running Android TV OS 12 with the May 1, 2022 security patch. The device was provided by Google for review purposes.
What you need to know before buying
Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is lightweight and compact and supports millions of popular apps and streaming services through the Google Play Store. It’s the second Chromecast to support Google TV and a remote control, this time replacing the aging 3rd generation Chromecast that used to be a base model in Google’s whistle line. Like its 4K big brother, the new Chromecast with Google TV (HD) comes with a remote control and runs on Android TV with a shell called Google TV.
You get all the same streaming features that have been around since 2013, but with the bonus of an interface similar to smart TV firmware. Since the hardware is based on Android, you can also download apps easily and have a better streaming experience. However, software is not the only thing that unites the two models of Chromecast with Google TV. Buying the lower model, you will get the same design of the device and remote control, as well as support for dual-band Wi-Fi 5. The only significant difference is the lack of 4K support. You can only stream in Full HD (1080p), but the good news is that you still get HDR support.
On paper, there are some differences between the characteristics of the new product and the older 4K model. The hero of this review is based on the Amlogic S850x2 processor – this is a small step back compared to the Amlogic S905x3, which is used in the older model. You also get just 1.5GB of RAM instead of 2GB. Yes, less RAM is a little disappointing. The good news is that loading and switching apps in our testing was about the same on both models, you’ll hardly notice a difference in performance.
I’ve also tested a few games and other apps with the Chromecast and found that they work just as well as they do on the 4K model, but it’s worth realizing that none of Google’s whistles is the best choice for high-end Android gaming. If you want the best streaming gaming experience, we highly recommend the Nvidia Shield TV.
It is worth noting that Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is not just a simplified model. In fact, he has a few minor advantages over the “big brother”. For example, you get the Android 12 update, which hasn’t arrived on the 4K model yet. We expect the Android 12 update to roll out to the 4K model over time, although it’s not yet clear how soon this will happen.
When the original Chromecast came out with Google TV, it was disappointing that it didn’t support the AV1 video codec. Interestingly, the processor in the new Chromecast with HD supports this codec, which can definitely be written down as an advantage for the younger model. This is a welcome addition, as the AV1 video codec provides better compression, which should lead to better video quality on YouTube and other services that support it.
In fact, most of the changes are under the hood. However, there are a few notable differences. There is a Quick Connect feature that allows you to easily connect to a Wi-Fi network. You can also now block surround sound. In addition, there is support for text scaling – this is something that has long been in smartphones on Android. The function allows you to increase the font size for those who have difficulty reading small print.
Keep in mind that the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is only available in one color – snowy. “Sunny” and “Sky” remain exclusive colorways for the 4K model.
What did you like
While streaming is no longer a top priority (with the new Chromecast features), simplicity is still welcome. The Google interface makes it easy to jump to your favorite programs. It’s clean, navigation is easy, and all sections are intuitive. It not only looks good, but is also very responsive. I haven’t encountered any major delays while running yet.
Google takes a content-centric approach to its user interface. The developers have combined shows and movies from all streaming services in one place instead of focusing directly on streaming services. At the top of the interface are clear sections for movies, shows, and even live streaming.
Google divides the home page into categories: comedies, dramas, and others. The settings here aren’t too different from what you’ll find on most Smart TV skins. I can’t help but note the good recommendations on Google TV, which are completely in line with my tastes. Obviously, their accuracy can vary from person to person. The manufacturer understands this: Chromecast supports multiple profiles, which ensures the correct personalization of offers if it is used by several people.
The Google TV interface makes it easy to find the shows and movies you really want to watch. Instead of advertising only movies and shows from Google Play, it provides a level playing field for all streaming services.
I also really like the Continue Watching section, as all my favorite shows usually end up there – it’s very convenient, without having to open Netflix, Hulu, or any other streaming service. But all of the above is true when … everything works correctly. For some reason, this section is often buggy. Entire series I just watched disappear from the list. Sometimes there are also series that I have never watched. Nevertheless, in half the cases everything works as it should. If this feature functioned flawlessly, it would easily become one of my favorite features. And so I use it often, but get annoyed when it does not work.
The interface isn’t the only thing that makes Chromecast stand out from Google TV. Google’s voice assistant is built right into the Chromecast, with a handy button on the remote that you can press and hold to ask a question. There’s also support for using the Assistant in hands-free mode, though you’ll need a compatible smart speaker for that. Voice search is a common feature on streaming devices, but Assistant takes things to the next level. The Google Assistant is generally much more responsive than the search features on my smart TVs. You can do a lot with the Assistant: turn off the TV, find a specific show, check the weather – I could go on and on.
There is one more thing worth focusing on. The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) remote is identical to the one that comes with the 4K model, which means it also provides full support for most TV volume controls and power management. That’s pretty impressive for a $30 device since all of the competition in this price range can’t drive a TV.
What did not like
There’s not much I don’t like about the Chromecast with Google TV (HD), but this whistle isn’t for everyone. The biggest downside is probably the most obvious one: no 4K. If you are using this unit to upgrade your 1080p TV, then this issue should not matter to you. Aside from 4K and some specs on paper, the overall impression of the 4K and HD models is identical.
If you want to use this device on a 4K TV, the picture will still look good, but you will be limited to 1080p quality. It also lacks support for Dolby Vision, although there is support for HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG. It’s worth noting that you get support for Doby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos over HDMI (Pass Through). At this price point, it’s nice to see Google offering support for all of these standards.
The Google remote control is very functional, but I have a few small remarks. Due to its small size, it is easy to lose it in sofa cushions, and the plastic material can be slippery. It would also be nice if Google gave us a custom button instead of defaulting to Netflix and YouTube. I understand the latter since it’s a Google product, but at least one custom button would be very welcome. However, it is one of my favorite streaming whistle remotes today, and over the years I have used a variety of models from Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and more.
The biggest downside of the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is the older model as well. Unfortunately, the storage is only 8 GB. It’s not that much, especially when you consider that only 4.4 GB is available to the user. If you’re only using it for streaming audio and music, then there’s likely to be more than enough space, but games can quickly eat up space. Luckily, a bit of aggressive space management should be enough to iron out this problem.
Review
Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is absolutely worth buying, but only if you are its target audience. If you have an old HD TV that needs to be upgraded, then feel free to get a new one. If you have a 4K TV, then it’s probably not worth saving $20 on this unit, but rather getting the older model. The only exception I can think of is people living in areas with poor internet access where 4K is not suitable for streaming. But even in this case, it is better to spend the extra $20 to hedge against the future.
If you’re interested in Google’s whistle but don’t want any of the Google TV-enabled Chromecast models, you won’t find any other decent options at this price point.
Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is the best HD streaming gadget if you look at the market right now. Dot.
For those not suited to the Android TV/Google TV platform, it will be hard to find something that offers full TV control and the same level of performance without paying more. I’ve had a lot of budget sticks over the years, and they often work well, but have the annoying drawback of sluggish app switching (or forced app restarts due to hardware limitations). With the Chromecast, I never felt like I was using a budget device, and I can’t say the same for other cheap ones I’ve come across.
pros
- Excellent interface.
- A remote control that controls the volume and power of the TV.
- Support for AV1 codec.
- Built-in voice assistant from Google.
- Low cost given the features.
Minuses
- The design of the remote control could be improved.
- Limited storage.
- No support for Dolby Vision.
This is a translation of a review from the Android Authority.
Source: Trash Box
I am Joyce Corbett and I have been working in the news industry for over 10 years. My current role is as an author at World Stock Market, where I focus primarily on the tech section. My specialty is creating engaging content that helps to explain and demystify complex financial topics.
