Android TV vs Smart TV vs webOS – Difference and Comparison

What is Android TV?

Android TV refers to the television that uses Android as its software for extended features and greater compatibility. It is the latest invention that has altogether changed the perception of television. Television is no more a limited device that only shows the content provided by your service provider. It has become a device with a wide array of functionalities.

Since Android TV is based on Android, it can run almost all apps available on Google Plays Store, e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Netflix. It allows viewers to use a huge screen to play their everyday video content by connecting to YouTube. They can even watch movies and serials of their choice by signing into their Netflix account without depending on any limited service.

What is Smart TV?

With the prevalent use of technology and the internet, in previous years, the use of conventional televisions had been reduced due to their limited content and unfeasible transmission mediums. Smart TV emerged as the latest and most relevant form of television with multiple features. It allows viewers to watch the content of their choice by connecting to the internet.

Different Smart TVs have their own software to offer extended functionalities. Their compatibility with popular streaming apps like YouTube varies. Although they are preferred for having transformed the outdated television screens, they cannot be altogether depended on for using all features that one can use on a laptop or mobile phone. This is why Smart TV also plunged into the drawback of limited compatibility and lack of standard software.

What is webOS?

webOS is a Linux-based operating system for smart televisions. This software is owned by LG. webOS is the default OS installed on every smart television manufactured by LG. Back in 2013, LG bought this OS from Palm and decided to incorporate this OS as their sole software for smart TVs. webOS has a lot of advantages over a standard smart television operating system.

The interface of webOS is specially designed to facilitate smooth navigation and quick selection. Its algorithms are efficient enough to modify your suggested content after fix intervals. webOS also allows for unlimited customization, which is not otherwise found in any other TV operating system. The specialty of webOS lies in its premium graphics, seamless performance, and improved privacy.

Difference Between Android TV and Smart TV and webOS

  1. Android TV uses Android OS; Smart TV is a general category of software-supported TVs; webOS is an OS used in LG-made smart televisions.
  2. Android TV offers greater compatibility; Smart TV has limited compatibility; webOS allows for extended features by LG.
  3. Android TV has a stable OS; Smart TV may have an unstandardized OS; webOS is highly stable and discreet for personal usage.
  4. Android TV can have apps from Google Play Store only; Smart TV can have its own app store; webOS also has many LG-specific features.
  5. Android TV is relatively expensive; Smart TVs are relatively less expensive; webOS is built-in in LG televisions at their fixed rates.

Comparison Table Between Android TV and Smart TV and webOS

Parameters of ComparisonAndroid TVSmart TVwebOS
DefinitionTV that uses Android as OSTelevision with manifold featuresOS used in LG-made smart televisions
CompatibilityHighly Compatible with AppsMay or May Not be Highly CompatibleMade Compatible with Apps by LG
StabilityGreater Stability in PerformanceSoftware May Have DrawbacksGreater Stability and Privacy by LG
FunctionalityExtended FunctionalityLimited FunctionalityMultifold & Unique Functionality
PricingExpensiveLess ExpensiveFixed by LG

References

  1. https://petsymposium.org/2022/files/papers/issue3/popets-2022-0092.pdf
  2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8279002/