Apple TV 4K 2022 Review: Faster, Better And Lower-Priced

Apple has simply launched its newest Apple TV streaming field, known as Apple TV 4K. It’s not the primary 4K-compatible field from the corporate, however it’s simply the very best. I’ve been testing the brand new streamer since simply after it was introduced, placing it by way of its paces. It’s quicker, smaller and, maintain the entrance web page, cheaper.

So, do you have to put money into it if it’s your first Apple field, or do you have to improve? Learn on.

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Apple TV 4K: What’s New?

There’s loads.

First, it’s higher than the final mannequin. Extra importantly, it’s cheaper. Higher and cheaper is a uncommon mixture, however this gadget ticks each packing containers. That is the third-generation 4K mannequin and it has come a lot before many anticipated. It was 4 years between the primary and second 4K fashions, however simply two years between the second-gen and this one.

The brand new mannequin is smaller and lighter than earlier than. There are two variations: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi and Ethernet, with solely the latter together with an Ethernet port.

It has elevated storage in comparison with the earlier one: the 32GB and 64GB fashions are actually upgraded to 64GB and 128GB storage ranges. That is good in case you are planning to obtain video games. It doesn’t make as a lot distinction in order for you Apple TV only for motion pictures as these are routinely streamed quite than residing within the exhausting drive.

There’s a brand new processor, the A15 Bionic chip, which is the one first seen within the Apple iPhone 13 Professional and now within the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. In different phrases, a humble TV field is now as highly effective as the most recent iPhone (although not the iPhone 14 Professional).

And there’s now assist for HDR10+ which wasn’t within the final mannequin, in addition to persevering with compatibility with 4K (clearly), Dolby Imaginative and prescient, Excessive body charge HDR and Dolby Atmos. In case your TV already helps Dolby Imaginative and prescient, this profit could also be much less helpful, but when it doesn’t—Samsung TV house owners, I’m you—it is a particular bonus.

One different change: the otherwise-identical Siri Distant (I’d say the very best distant management for any TV-related gadget) now recharges with USB-C, not Lightning.

Apple TV 4K: Design

There’s little or no distinction in design between the brand new Apple TV 4K and the previous one. It’s a bit smaller in each path, however that’s it. The earlier mannequin had the Apple emblem adopted by the letters “television” however the brand new one has simplified issues by choosing simply the Apple emblem by itself. The underside now not has an Apple emblem on it, both.

You would possibly really feel it’s disappointing that the Apple TV hasn’t modified its design considerably in a really very long time. Honest sufficient, besides it’s a must to do not forget that it is a field you’ll possible by no means see. For the reason that distant connects by Bluetooth, there’s no want for line-of-sight connection, so you’ll be able to squirrel the field away out of sight.

It’s barely smaller and lighter however, once more, when it’s out of sight, you gained’t actually know this.

Apple TV 4K: Siri Distant

This is similar as final time round, save for the charging association switching to USB-C as a substitute of Lightning. Notice that there’s no USB-C cable included with the Apple TV 4K, however, who’re you kidding, you’ve acquired loads of these round the home, haven’t you?

The truth that the distant hasn’t modified isn’t any unhealthy factor: it’s improbable. Usually for Apple, there are hardly any buttons on board, however a extremely intuitive interface makes it straightforward to do all the things it’s worthwhile to.

Scrubbing by way of video is very satisfying as you rotate your thumb around the touch-sensitive wheel, although annoyingly it doesn’t work with each streaming service. There’s an influence button which is able to flip off your TV as effectively, with one lengthy press, and the Siri button is on the precise edge. That’s the place you press on the iPhone, too, so there’s a logic to this. Not like the iPhone, you’ll be able to’t say, “Hey, Siri” to invoke it. It’s important to press the button.

Nonetheless my favourite use of Siri on the distant is to ask, “What did she say?”. The video performs the final 15 seconds of video once more, with subtitles, which it then switches off once more routinely. Solely Apple. Later this 12 months, Siri will have the ability to acknowledge particular person consumer voices, which must be a helpful improve.

This distant was arguably the largest improve on the final Apple TV field, and it retains its place as an excellent controller. Notice that it’s restricted for gaming and in lots of instances you’d be higher off connecting a PlayStation or Xbox controller.

Apple TV 4K: Efficiency

The A15 Bionic chips makes for nice energy effectivity, apparently utilizing 30% much less electrical energy than the final Apple TV 4K, which was powered by the A12 Bionic. That was already a strong chip, however nothing like this.

It additionally implies that there’s energy for use in gaming, the place quicker chips imply higher, smoother graphics. This smoothness additionally means a greater expertise if you’re simply scrolling by way of menus on the field, as an illustration.

The addition of HDR10+ is welcome, assuming your TV helps this format. Many do, so in case your TV is unfriendly to Dolby Imaginative and prescient, this might make a big distinction to image high quality of suitable content material. Amazon Prime Video like HDR10+, as an illustration.

One factor that’s coming later is Fast Media Switching. Proper now, for those who’re switching between content material with totally different body charges, a black display seems. It’s not for that lengthy however can really feel countless. With Fast Media Switching this must be near-instantaneous. I’ve a sense this will probably be a kind of options you didn’t know you wanted however are reluctant to do with out when you’ve skilled it.

Apple TV 4K: Verdict

That is removed from the most cost effective streaming field in the marketplace, and a few rivals, particularly the sensible Amazon Fireplace TV Stick 4K Max, comes very near doing nearly as good a job for lower than half the value. However the simplicity of the sensational Siri Distant, the magnificence of the Apple interface and the breadth of video games obtainable by way of Arcade and to purchase, are sufficient to place Apple out in entrance.

Then add the superb addition of HDR10+ and the numerous worth drop—one thing uncommon from any producer however particularly Apple—and the Apple TV 4K is difficult to beat.