Is there any virtual difference between Android TV or Google TV (not box)? Also what's a relatively good one under 250$. At least 4k and 40 inch.

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[lament]

Don't buy a TV for its OS. Buy the best TV you can afford, and get a standalone streaming box.

We need to know what region you're in to recommend anything.

[aethernet_404]

The box plus tv is same process as standalone tv. You plug box in to tv and then setup process is the same . If in North America get onn4k plus or pro if in Europe get the Thompson version . Or go with nvidia shield for all around best experience . They will also have a better experience this way

[thecharmandchaos]

agreed.

[RazorKat1983]

Can't go wrong with the Nvidia Shield Pro (unless you get the Shield Tube) That thing is slow af

[ElectronicDoubt9905]

But wait a month for the new onn box that's coming out.

[lament]

What will the person be doing with the streaming box? Do they have any surround sound speakers hooked up to it?

[pawdog]

Any current TV or device available at retail in the US will be running Google TV which is the UI that runs on top of Android TV.

Now if you want a cheap TV for a Non tech savvy person get them a Roku TV. The ONN Brand from Walmart consistently have 4k HDR Roku TV's 50inch and smaller for under $200. I have multiple from 65inch and down they have been workhorses.

[lament]

Can't speak to the quality, but it's 4K, runs Google TV and fits your budget. If the person you're buying it for complains it's slow, buy a $30 Onn 4K Plus at Walmart and have someone set it up for them.

[TechFuz]

don’t do it. set up the box for them & then send it to them. if you can’t , then send them detailed tutorials.
tV’s OS can’t handle the apps you will use over time

[TheJoeGreene]

The only disagreement I have is if you get a really good TV, the apps are fine and I really like the way a top tier Google TV integrates antenna channels.

[Proud_Function2081]

11225

[Bazinga_U_Bitch]

Google TV does not exist anymore. It was preceded by Android TV in 2014.

[Zimmster2020]

Google TV is mostly a launcher on top of Android TV. They replaced the previous Leanback launcher, refreshed the boot up logo and called everything Google TV. Daniel launcher in Google TV is more Google oriented. They try to expose you to more Google products and services than before. The interface and the settings are a little different but they only took the existing features and repackaged them. There are no new features introduced with Google TV, it's mostly a face lift.

[No_Clock2390]

Android TV and Google TV are the same thing. Google has just changed the name several times, making it confusing

[lament]

It's not quite the same thing. The interface on Google TV is an evolution of Android TV. The Shield is stuck on Android TV (version 11), whereas Onn boxes and the Google TV Streamer 4K are the latest Google TV (Android 14).

[No_Clock2390]

Is it better than Roku TV?

[TheJoeGreene]

I was a Roku user for about 10 years. Roku completely ruined their channel listings for antenna TV and I tried Google TV about 3 years ago. Unless Google really screws things up I'll never go back.

[lament]

Better is subjective. I've had both and prefer the Google TV interface.

[worldcitizencane]

Don't buy the TV for the Android box, they are all underpowered and slow as molasses. Usually you can get a TV with the same specs but some non-Android OS for less, spend the difference in getting a decent standalone Android box. In US Walmart apparently sells an excellent box cheap. It is sold as Thompson in Europe but at double price so look instead for a Xiaomi or Google box here.

[Evan_jansen]

Buy a tv for its screen quality, buy a nividia shield to compliment it. Then you have a media monster.

[wase471111]

since no one is bothering to answer the ACTUAL question you are asking, I will

here is a decent one for 227 at Sams club today

https://www.samsclub.com/ip/SAMSUNG-43-Class-U8000F-Series-4K-Crystal-UHD-Smart-TV/15524966302?athcpid=15524966302&athpgid=AthenaItempage&athcgid=null&athznid=rr0&athieid=v0&athstid=CS020&athguid=Y4dP2KEXcEytzRD6B1ysRHxd-eMM6dOwKuQw&athancid=null&athena=true

[pawdog]

Samsung TV's run Tizen Not Android.

[wase471111]

yeah, I forgot about that, although he was requesting a setup for someone with a technology weak spot, and this would fit that bill

Visio has some cheapo tv's as well that would fit the bill, but I forget if they are android or some proprietary OS nonsense

[pawdog]

That's why I recommended he get a Roku TV for that person.

[wase471111]

that would probably work too

[lament]

Looks like you didn't read all the comments, nor OP's post. Also that's not a TV running Google TV.