Smart TV is a general term for any television with internet access and apps, and Android TV is one of the operating systems that such a television can run on. In practice, comparing "Smart TV vs. Android TV" means comparing Android (and its newer Google TV skin) to other operating systems, such as Tizen on Samsung TVs or webOS on LG TVs. Every Android TV is a Smart TV, but not every Smart TV runs Android.
To sum it up
- Smart TV — this is a category of devices, and Android TV — is a specific operating system from Google.
- Google TV — is a newer shell (interface) created on the basis of Android TV.
- Android/Google TV provides access to Google Play Store and built-in Chromecast; Tizen, webOS, and VIDAA have their own app stores.
- Popular streaming services generally work on all major systems—the differences mostly lie in less popular apps, interfaces, and ecosystems.
What is Smart TV and what is Android TV?
«Smart TV» A TV is a TV that connects to the internet and allows you to run apps like video on demand, YouTube, browsers, music players, and games. To do this, the TV requires an operating system, just like a smartphone.
Android TV Android is an operating system developed by Google for televisions and set-top boxes. Manufacturers can install it on their devices instead of developing their own software. Therefore, the phrase "Smart TV vs. Android" is somewhat similar to the question "Smartphone vs. Android"—one refers to the device type, the other to the software.
Android TV vs. Google TV – What's the Difference?
Google TV — This isn't a separate system, but an interface built on Android TV. It's based on Android, but the home screen looks different: instead of rows of apps, the foreground displays movie and TV show recommendations compiled from various services, a "to watch" list, and user profiles.
Google TV is the most common choice on new Android TVs. In terms of apps and compatibility, both options are very similar—they differ primarily in how they present content.
What Smart TV systems do TV manufacturers offer?
- Samsung – Tizen (proprietary system),
- LG – webOS (proprietary system),
- Hisense – mainly uses VIDAA, in some models – other systems.
- Sony, TCL and many other manufacturers – Google TV / Android TV,
- Some TVs also support Amazon Fire TV or other platforms.
The product range changes with each model year, and the same manufacturer may use different operating systems across different series. Always check the technical specifications of a specific model before purchasing to determine its operating system.
Smart TV vs. Android TV – Comparison
| Characteristic | Android TV / Google TV | Proprietary systems (e.g. Tizen, webOS, VIDAA) |
|---|---|---|
| The creator of the system | Google implemented by various manufacturers. | television manufacturer |
| app store | Google Play Store | the manufacturer's own store |
| Selecting an application | usually wider, especially less popular. | Basic services available, niche areas sometimes missing. |
| Upload from your phone | built-in Chromecast (Google Cast) | depending on the model, for example, AirPlay or proprietary solutions. |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant | depending on the manufacturer |
| Installing applications from outside the store. | technically possible (APK files) | usually unavailable |
| Interface | similar for different brands | a characteristic feature of this brand |
The most important differences in practice
Applications
The main advantage of Android is that Google Play Store , where it's easier to find less popular apps: local services, media players, and utilities. However, the most popular streaming services are available on both Android, Tizen, and webOS. If you're interested in a specific app, check its availability for your system before purchasing.
Ecosystem and phone
Users of Android phones and Google services will appreciate the built-in Google TV and Android TV Chromecast function — Video from your phone can be "cast" to your TV with the touch of a button. iPhone owners should check whether their chosen model supports AirPlay. Samsung and LG also offer their own integrations with smartphones and home devices.
Liquidity and updates
Productivity depends largely on processor and memory The specific TV model has more to do with the operating system itself. A cheap model running any operating system may be slow, while a more expensive one may run smoothly. The same applies to updates: the TV manufacturer decides how long and how often to release updates, including Android.
Which TV should I choose – Android or another operating system?
- Choose Google TV / Android TV, If you use Google services, want to stream content from your phone via Chromecast, or need less common apps.
- If you like a specific Samsung or LG TV model and you mainly watch popular video services and YouTube, Choose Tizen or webOS .
- Check the list of applications, that you use daily, in your system's app store.
- Don't overpay for the system — You can connect a set-top box with Google TV or another platform to an old TV with any system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Android TV a Smart TV?
Yes. A TV running Android TV (or Google TV) is a smart TV because it connects to the internet and runs apps. Smart TVs are a category of devices, and Android TV is one of the systems they support.
What is the difference between Google TV and Android TV?
Google TV is an app built on Android TV. It runs on the same Android platform, but has a different home screen focused on movie and TV show recommendations from various services, as well as a watchlist.
What system do Samsung smart TVs use?
Samsung smart TVs run on Samsung's proprietary operating system, Tizen. LG TVs use webOS. Neither runs Android, so they lack the Google Play store.
Is it possible to watch Netflix and YouTube on a Smart TV without Android?
Typically, yes—the most popular streaming services are available in stores for Tizen, webOS, and other major operating systems. However, it's worth checking for specific app availability for your specific model.
Is it possible to turn a regular TV into an Android TV?
Yes, simply connect your Google TV or Android TV set-top box to the HDMI port. Your TV will become a screen, and apps will run on the set-top box.
See also
- What is the difference between an iPhone and a smartphone?
- What is the difference between a mobile phone and a smartphone?
- What's the difference between Netflix packages?
- What is the difference between the iPhone 15 and 16?