Unleashing the Power of Streaming: Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) Offers More for Less – A Deep Dive Review

The sole design difference between the two variants is the inclusion of the Ethernet port alongside the HDMI port and power socket on the back. The packaging includes a power cable and the remote, while an HDMI and Ethernet cable (if desired) will need to be purchased separately.

The Apple TV Remote (3rd Gen) features a USB Type-C port for charging.

Spec-wise, the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) supports HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5. Its processing is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which is also found in the iPhone 13 series and the basic iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, among others.

The Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) is capable of streaming in Ultra-HD (3840×2160) resolution and supports various formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR10. It also includes support for Dolby Atmos audio and operates on Apple’s iOS-based tvOS.

Remote Control and Features of Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)

The remote for the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) impresses with its aluminium construction and the integration of both physical buttons and a touch-sensitive clickpad for navigation. Unlike most streaming device remotes that utilize replaceable batteries, the Apple TV remote (3rd Gen) comes with a built-in battery that must be recharged.

Notably, the remote design closely resembles that of the earlier generation, but it now includes a USB Type-C port for charging (although a charging cable is not provided). While the remote has a premium feel, it is also prone to scratches and dents, necessitating careful handling.

Included are buttons for navigation, volume control, playback, and Apple’s Siri voice assistant activation. The ‘TV’ button on the remote can be customized to either launch the Apple TV app or return to the home screen on the tvOS interface.

With HDMI CEC, you can manage connected devices with a single remote. Apple’s tvOS platform (version 16.1.1 at this review’s time) supports a wide array of apps and services optimized for TV use. Additionally, it grants access to Apple Arcade, the company’s impressive gaming subscription service.

Apple’s tvOS 16 interface is user-friendly, though sometimes appears overly simplified.

Performance of Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)

The tvOS platform operates efficiently, providing rapid loading times and smooth navigation. I noticed no significant lag during my usage of the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen). Users familiar with iOS will find the operating system to be quite intuitive, as modifications are primarily aimed at adapting it for larger screens and remote navigation.

However, tvOS can occasionally feel too simplistic, with certain app features lacking compared to interfaces like Android TV or Amazon’s Fire TV. This may be advantageous due to its easy-to-use home screen layout and content previews, but drawbacks include limited subtitle options in some applications, HDR format compatibility issues with certain streaming services, and inconsistent Dolby Atmos support in Netflix on tvOS.

Most apps relevant on tvOS—major streaming platforms, Apple Arcade games, and more—function well, though some mainstream apps (like Tinder) haven’t been updated recently, remaining largely irrelevant for television use when mobile devices are nearby.

Similar to other Apple products, connecting AirPods or HomePod speakers to the Apple TV 4K is quick and seamless. Another appealing feature is dynamic wallpapers, offering high-definition, visually stunning background clips for the tvOS interface, though these downloads can consume significant data.

A defining characteristic of the Apple TV device is its access to Apple Arcade and other popular games optimized for tvOS. Many games require a compatible game controller for play, although several can also be enjoyed via the Apple TV remote. The gaming experience on a larger screen is enhanced, making the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) a formidable micro-console, supported by the powerful A15 chip.

Siri’s performance on the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) is somewhat disappointing compared to its abilities on platforms like iOS and CarPlay. I could only play content from YouTube, Apple Music, and the Apple TV app, but I could navigate installed apps and the App Store using voice commands.

When it comes to audio and video streaming, the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) shows superior stream stability and quality compared to other platforms, especially on slower Internet connections. Buffering was rare, and video and sound quality were noticeably enhanced on the Apple TV 4K using mobile data. Even on a faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connection, certain streaming platforms like Apple TV+ and Netflix appeared marginally superior on this device compared to the default Android TV platform found in the Xiaomi Smart TV X50.

Conclusion

At first glance, the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) may appear to be just another pricey streaming device, but its capabilities extend far beyond that initial impression. It effectively handles its core functions, although tvOS could benefit from some enhancements. With ample storage, versatile connectivity options, and the advantages of Apple’s ecosystem, it becomes an appealing choice, especially for existing Apple hardware users and subscribers to its services.

While the price may be steep for a streaming device, the Apple TV 4K offers impressive performance, qualifying as a micro-console itself, and effectively bridges the functionalities of an iPhone or iPad to a larger screen. Thus, for Apple users, the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) is indeed worth considering.

Price: Rs. 14,900 onwards

Ratings:

Design and specifications: 9
Features: 9
VFM: 7
Performance: 9
Overall: 9

Pros:

• Exceptional design and build quality
• Optional Ethernet connectivity
• High-performance SoC with excellent specs
• HDR10+ support, in addition to Dolby Vision
• Great gaming experience
• Numerous benefits within the Apple ecosystem

Cons:

• tvOS may occasionally feel overly simplified, with some minor issues
• Siri functionality feels limited on this device
• Still relatively pricey despite a price decrease