The new Apple’s streaming box is finally released after almost four years. It is not that different from the first generation’s box, but there are some minor changes. The new box performs very fast and smoothly. It comes with a A12 Bionic chip that makes it one of the best streaming devices out there. In this Apple TV 4K 2nd-gen review article, we will help you to figure out what is new in this device and more, so let’s go.
Apple TV 4K 2nd-gen: Price
The Apple TV 4K 2nd-gen comes in two variants: a 32GB model and a 64GB model. It is available on Apple’s website and on Amazon. The new Siri Remote, sells separately (you can check its price on Amazon).
Apple TV 4K 2nd-gen: Design
In terms of design, the Apple TV 4K 2nd generation looks similar to the previous one.
At the front side there is an LED light that indicates the box is on or off, and on the back side there is a power port, Ethernet port and HDMI port (version 2.1). One thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t have an HDMI cable so you will have to supply it yourself.
The Apple TV 4K is not a dongle, it’s a box so it sits on a stand or can be attached to a wall. It is heavier than other streamers so that you can place it with your TV setup. It will look nice, because it’s design is very good and it’s an Apple product.
Apple TV 4K 2nd-gen: Siri Remote
With this Apple TV 4K 2nd generation, you’ll get a completely new remote. The new remote is thicker, larger, heavier and it features an aluminum body in shiny matt silver. It feels better in hand and it is very comfortable to use. The new Siri Remote sells separately, and it is compatible with the Apple TV 4K (2017) & Apple TV HD.
This remote replaces the overly sensitive trackpad with an intuitive clickpad and jog wheel. The clickpad works with touch gestures such as swiping, and also has actual buttons.
It also has buttons for Power, TV/Home, Play/Pause, Back, Mute & Volume and the Siri button on the side. Back button replaces the menu button on the old remote and it is more logical for navigating through apps to return to the home screen. But one thing is that the TV/Home button doesn’t take you to the actual home screen, it takes you to the Apple TV app. The remote has the same Lightning port at the bottom for charging – the cable is included, and the sane pinhole microphone at top for using Siri.
Performance
When we talk about performance of the Apple TV 4K 2nd generation, it’s fast and smooth because the Apple TV 4K runs on an A12 Bionic chip. With these apps open more quickly than the first generation box. In the Apple TV 4K 2nd-gen the apps opens very quickly and Siri search also delivers results a bit faster.
One of the biggest upgrades is that the Apple TV 4K 2nd-gen supports streaming high-frame-rate HDR at 60fps along with Dolby Vision 4K and Dolby Atmos audio. Now there isn’t a lot of content that you can stream at 60fps. The Siri search also works a bit faster and gives you the best results.
Features and tvOS
The Apple TV 4K 2nd-gen has some new features that are very good, although many are still on the old one of the streaming box. Screen calibration which comes with tvOS 14.5, with this you can adjust the color balance, brightness and contrast of your TV display by your phone.
If you’re thinking how it works then you go into the Apple TV settings, then video and audio calibration. Then you just need to hold up your iPhone’s front-facing camera and it will make adjustments for you.
The Apple TV 4K also offers audio sharing, which means you can pair 2 AirPods to the box for dual private listening.
One of the most exciting things is that it supports multi-user functionality, meaning if there are many adults with their own Apple IDs living in one house, they can access their personalized content.
Should you buy the Apple TV 4K ?
Buy it if…
If you want a high-frame-rate HDR playback.
The new Apple TV 4K comes with high-frame-rate HDR playback, which means, if you watch videos that feature fast moving actions like sports, then the Apple TV 4K provides you high-frame-rate HDR that makes your experience super smooth.
If you‘re already in the Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple’s ecosystem is one of the most powerful and very good, and if you are using Apple products or you are in Apple’s ecosystem, then choosing this streaming device makes sense, this makes your overall experience and connectivity more smooth and fast.
Don’t buy it if…
If you don’t want an expensive streamer.
You know that Apple products are extremely expensive compared to other streaming devices, so if you don’t want an expensive one or have a tight budget then you can go with Roku or Amazon. These are affordable and give you the best results.
If you have an Android device:
If you are using an Android phone, still you can use this. But you can’t be able to access some of its features like AirPlay, color balance adjustment.
