The Apple TV 4K 2nd Gen vs 3rd Gen debate continues today, and you might wonder which is better between the two models. Though most specs remain the same, the 3rd Gen has some extra features at an affordable rate.
Does it make the new Apple TV better? Let’s dive into the details to get an answer.
A Quick Overview
The 3rd Gen TV has a new, powerful A15 Bionic chipset that ensures faster streaming services. It comes with 64GB and 128GB variants, but only the 128GB variant supports Gigabit ethernet.
Compared to the 2nd Gen, it is slightly smaller and lightweight. It supports HDR10+ and other recent video formats. And USB-C connection is the new addition to the Siri remote of this device.
While the previous model is expensive, the 3rd Gen has a lower price tag. But does this mean you should go for the new Apple TV? Let’s try to find out in the following head-to-head comparison.
Apple TV 4K 2nd Gen Vs 3rd Gen: Comparison Table
Features | Apple TV 4K 2nd Gen 2021 | Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen 2022 |
Photo: |  |  |
Storage variant: | 32/64GB | 64/128 GB |
Processor: | A12 Bionic Chipset | A15 Bionic Chipset |
Video Formats: | MPEG-4, 2160p, 60 fps, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HLG, MPEG-4, 2160p, 60 fps, HDR, HDR10, HDR10+ |
Framerate: | 4K HDR 60 frame per second | 4K HDR 60 frame per second |
Wi-Fi: | Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO, 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual band | Wi-Fi 6 with 2×2 MIMO, 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual band |
Bluetooth: | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Ports: | Gigabit Ethernet, IR, HDMI 2.1, USB-C, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet (128GB variant), IR, HDMI 2.1, USB-C, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet(128GB variant) |
Audio: | Dolby Atmos/Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 | Dolby Atmos/Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 |
Siri Remote: | IR transmitter, Bluetooth 5.0, Lightning Port | IR transmitter, USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Gaming Option: |  | |
Operating System: | tvOS 14.0 | tvOS 16.0 |
Photo frame: | HEIF, JPEG, GIF, TIFF | HEIF, JPEG, GIF, TIFF |
Home connectivity: |  | |
Third Party Controllers: | | |
Dimension: | 1.4” x 3.9” x 3.9” | 1.2” x 3.66”x 3.66” |
Weight: | 425 grams | 214 grams |
Price: | $179 (32GB) $199 (64GB) | $129 (64GB) $149 (128GB) |
The package: | Apple TV, Documentation, Siri Remote, Power Cord, Lightning Cable | Apple TV, Documentation, Siri Remote, Power Cord |
Availability: |
Apple TV 4k 2nd Gen Pros and Cons
The 2nd Generation Apple TV 4K has an A12 Bionic Chipset for smooth streaming service. It has the same design as the 2017 version, but the remote is new. Though an overpriced product, it might be a favorite option for an Apple lover.
However, what advantages and disadvantages will you get from this device? Let’s have a swift glance.
Pros:
- Support Dolby Vision, Siri Remote, AirPlay, and HomeKit, gaming platforms.
- Better remote quality.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity.
- Free one-year Apple TV+ subscription.
Cons:
- Need audio improvement a little.
- A bit expensive.
Apple TV 4k 3rd Gen Pros and Cons
People accustomed to the Apple ecosystem always love new products to get their hands on. The Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation has improved its quality, lowered its pricing, and transformed its profile significantly from the previous generation.
The new TV comes in two models: Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi and Apple TV 4K+Ethernet. Let’s see the pros and cons of this new device.
Pros:
- Support major standards like Dolby Atmos, 4K, HDR 10+, etc.
- Siri Remote with a USB C port.
- Support Apple AirPlay 2.
- Faster gaming and video streaming service.
- Two variants with Wi-Fi and ethernet port support.
Cons:
- Comparatively pricey.
- Incongruity in the Apple TV app and tvOS.
Both the 2nd and 3rd Gen models have stunning features. The new 3rd Generation streaming box has Wi-Fi connectivity, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and a considerable price cut.
But do all these make the 3rd generation Apple TV 4k better than the second? Let’s find out.
Pricing: Which One is Budget-Friendly
Which generation of Apple TV gives a better bargain? Let’s find out.
Apple TV 4K 2nd Gen Cost
The 2nd Generation Apple TV 4K comes with two variants of storage. The 32GB storage variant costs roughly $179, while the 64GB storage variant costs $199. The cost is higher than Amazon Fire or Google TV. The plus point of this TV is the one-year subscription to Apple TV+ Service.
Moreover, this device is enough to enjoy streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and HBO. Though it is a 2021 model, the interface is user-friendly.
Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen Cost
The Apple TV 4K 2022 has lowered its price to cope with the competitive marketplace. The 2022 Apple TV with Wi-Fi costs $129, and the 128GB storage variant with an ethernet port costs $149.
This premium streaming box has all the new features you can guess–from Dolby Digital audio to HDR10+ video. It can provide a better Netflix and Amazon Prime Video experience. The ethernet connectivity is an extra edge for the Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation.
Winner of Pricing: New Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation
Design: Are There Any Changes in the 3rd Gen?
Does 3rd Gen has any major changes in design? The new Apple TV 4K has a similar design to the 2021 model. The 3rd Gen is slightly smaller than the previous one.
The 3rd generation dimension is 3.66x 3.66x 1.22 inches, while the 2nd generation dimension is 2.72 x 5.81 x 6.05 inches. The weight of the 2022 model is only 214 g, nearly half of the previous model.
Any Change in Siri Remote?
Siri remote for the new Apple TV 4K has not changed either. The only addition to the remote is a USB C port. However, the drawback is that Apple does not provide any charger for the Siri remote in the new model(assuming you already have one). You need to buy the cable separately.
Winner of Design: New Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation
Which Model Gives Better Performance?
Both models provide incredible streaming experiences for TV shows and movies. But which one is better? We shall come to know shortly.
- The new Apple TV of 2022 has a new A15 Bionic chipset that can give a 50% faster Netflix experience. Apple has used the same SoC in their latest smartphones. The 2nd Gen TV also has an A12 Bionic chip, yielding an incredible experience.
- The 3rd Gen offers incredible navigation as well as lively graphics. So it provides a better gaming experience.
- The new 2022 model has upgraded its operating system to tvOS 16from the older tvOS 14 of the 2nd Generation.
- Both devices support Dolby Vision for better graphic depth. The new 3rd Gen TV supports most video formats, including HDR10+ content. The 2nd Generation does not support HDR10+.
- Both have gigabit ethernet for better download speed. In 3rd Gen, only the 128GB storage variant has the gigabit ethernet. For a better audio experience, both devices offer Dolby Digital.
So, it’s clear that the Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation provides slightly better performance than the old 2nd Generation TV, though it is slightly smaller.
Winner of Performance: New 3rd Generation Apple TV 4K
Should You Upgrade to 3rd Gen?
You can keep the 2nd Generation TV if you already have it. Upgrading to 3rd Gen will cost you either $129(Wi-Fi version) or $149(Ethernet Port version). Spending such an amount doesn’t make sense when you own a great device in your repertoire.
However, you should purchase the latest models if you don’t have existing Apple devices. The watching experience will be faster and more responsive with this device.
Verdict: You can upgrade if you can spend the money.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Apple TV 4K 3rd gen worth an upgrade?
Upgrading to Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation is not worth it, for it provides almost the same TV experience with extra benefits like HDR10+, USB C support, and an ethernet port. But if you want faster 4K streaming, upgrading to 3rd Gen makes sense.
Is Apple TV 4K 2nd gen worth it?
The 2nd Generation Apple TV 4K is worth having for its quality performance. It is a good streaming box for its quality visuals.
What is the difference between Apple TV 4K 2nd generation and 3rd generation?
The main difference is the A15 chipset of the 3rd Gen. The 3rd Generation television supports advanced audio-video formats and can offer faster movies and games.
Conclusion
A final winner in Apple TV 4k 2nd Gen vs. 3rd Gen is a tough choice. However, you can choose the winner by considering the price, features, and suitability. I like the latest Apple TV because it gives me the recent features at a cost-effective bargain.
But which model is your favorite? Do you think upgrading to 3rd Generation is worth it? Let me know in the comment below.