Do you want to buy an Amazon Fire TV but you are not sure which model is better? We tell you what alternatives you have at your disposal, what their characteristics are and which model is more suitable for you.
Today we are no longer satisfied with watching the television channels available on DTT. Video streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO, Prime Video or Disney + have become an essential companion for millions of users and, if you do not have a Smart TV, a quick and easy solution to watch the contents on your old television is: connect a dongle like the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a small device with the appearance and size of a flash drive that allows you to watch streaming content on your TV in a matter of minutes. It is extremely easy to install: you just have to connect it to the TV, connect it to the power supply and connect it to the WiFi at home. With just these three easy steps you can start enjoying the movies and series on your favorite platform on the big screen of your TV.
And this is not all: beyond the streaming content playback, the Amazon Fire TV Stick also offers you other interesting functions. It comes with Alexa integrated and you have the possibility to control your Smart Home devices through Amazon’s voice assistant.
In addition, you have the possibility to listen to music through your favorite platforms, such as Spotify, Amazon Music or TuneIn. If you like video games, you can also play on the big screen the titles available in the Amazon store. And if you want you can also use it to see your photos on the big screen or surf the Internet from your television.
If you are determined to buy an Amazon Fire TV, you may have many doubts. To give you a hand, in this buying guide we explain what are the models currently on the market, the characteristics of each of them, their functions and their differences. This will make it easier for you to choose the best Amazon Fire TV for you.
Fire TV Stick vs. Fire TV Stick 4K: feature comparison
Today, Amazon markets two models of its streaming media player: the Fire TV Stick, which is the basic version, and the Fire TV Stick 4K, the most advanced model.
As its name suggests, the main difference between both devices is that the simple model plays content in HD resolution, while the advanced version supports 4K Ultra HD resolution. However, there are also other features that differ, such as the processor or compatible audio.
In the following table you can see at a glance the differences between the Fire TV Stick and the Fire TV Stick 4K:
characteristics | Fire tv stick | Fire TV Stick 4K |
---|---|---|
Picture quality | Up to 1080p | Ultra HD 4K |
HDR | Not | Yes, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10 + |
Processor | MediaTek Quad-Core ARM 1.3 GHz | Quad-Core 1.7 GHz |
GPU | Mali450 MP4 | IMG GE8300 |
Storage | 8 GB | 8 GB |
Connectivity | Dual band dual antenna WiFi, 2×2 MIMO 802.11a / b / g / n / ac compatible | Dual band dual antenna WiFi, 2×2 MIMO 802.11a / b / g / n / ac compatible |
Bluetooth | 4.1 | BT 4.2 and BLE |
Ports | HDMI output, micro USB (for charging only) | HDMI output, micro USB (for charging only) |
Audio | Dolby Audio, 5.1 surround sound, 2-channel stereo and audio signal pass-through with HDMI (up to 7.1.) | Dolby Atmos, 7.1 surround sound, 2-channel stereo and audio signal pass-through with HDMI (up to 5.1). Dolby Atmos is currently only available on select select Prime Video titles. |
Supported content formats | Video: H.264 1080p30, H.265 1080p30, Audio: AAC-LC, HE-AACv1 (AAC +), HE-AACv2 (eAAC +), AC3 (Dolby Digital), eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus), FLAC, MIDI, MP3 , PCM / Wave, Vorbis, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, Photos: JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP | Video: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10 +, HLG, H.265, H.264 and VP9. Audio: AAC-LC, AC3, eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus), FLAC, MP3, PCM / Wave, Vorbis and Dolby Atmos (EC3_JOC). Photos: JPEG, PNG, GIF and BMP. |
Dimensions | 85.9 x 30 x 12.6 mm | 99 x 30 x 14 mm (housing only), 108 x 30 x 14 mm (with included connector). |
Weight | 32 g | 55.6 g |
Remote control with Alexa included | Yes | Yes |
Price | € 39.99 | € 59.99 |
Fire TV Stick Features
We have already seen that at the level of characteristics, the two models of Amazon Fire TV available on the market do not present great differences. Fire TV Stick is simpler and Fire TV Stick 4K more advanced and powerful, affecting resolution, image quality and sound quality. But what about benefits?
In terms of functions, both models offer you the same, so in this section, you will not find any difference between the two.
Both devices give you access to the catalog of apps in the Amazon store, so you have the possibility to install the same applications.
Both the basic and advanced variants allow you to watch series and movies on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney + or YouTube, among other platforms. The difference is that the resolution of the contents on the Fire TV Stick is HD, while on the Fire TV Stick 4K it is UHD, as long as the original content is in this quality and the television supports this resolution.
Fire TV Sticks offer much more than streaming series and movies
Another of the Fire TV Stick’s functions is streaming music playback. You can install apps like Spotify, Amazon Prime Music or TuneIn and listen to your songs comfortably on the TV.
Playing video games is another of the things you can do with the Fire TV Stick. In the Amazon application store you can find a wide catalog, and if you want you can connect a Bluetooth controller to play more comfortably.
Which model is best for me?
After reviewing the features of the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick 4K, detailing their functions and explaining their installation process, do you still have doubts about which model is for you?
Taking into account the similarities and differences of both devices, the basic Fire TV Stick is the best option for you in case your TV does not have 4K UHD resolution and you do not have the intention of buying a new one that offers this image quality in the near future. . Since you will not be able to enjoy 4K content, it does not make much sense that you pay more to not benefit from this feature.
Another case in which you are interested in buying the cheap Fire TV Stick is if you do not have access to 4K content and think that you will not have it in the future either. For example, if you want the device only to watch Netflix on your TV but you have a basic or standard plan, you will not be able to watch movies and series in 4K, so nothing happens if you choose the cheapest model.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick have the advantage that their price is very tight, and also the jump from one to the other is only 20 euros. For this reason, if you do not mind paying just a little more, our recommendation is that you get the 4K model.