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Apple TV 4K (2022) review: Smaller and faster

Apple TV 4K (2022)

Sporting a faster A15 Bionic chip, and a smaller profile, the Apple TV 4K (2022) is also cheaper than before. It's rare that Apple cuts prices on its existing products, and the new Apple TV now goes for just S$199. And if you want more storage and an Ethernet port, it's just S$239 (128GB), down from last year's S$299 for the 64GB version. In short, this one confirm can buy.

Quick specs

  • 64GB or 128GB
  • Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6, HDMI 2.1, Gigabit LAN (128GB-only)
  • 64-bit A15 Bionic chip
  • No HDMI cable provided, remember to get one

The new pricing, and updated features mean that the Nvidia Shield TV Pro isn't even in the same league now. Especially since Nvidia is dropping support for GameStream, which lets you stream games from your PC. You can still use Steam Link, though. But Steam Link is also available on Apple TV, so I'd call it even. And if you do want to game on the Apple TV, you can use a compatible controller such as an Xbox or a PlayStation controller. Besides Steam Link, you can also play Apple Arcade games — you get three months free when you buy a unit.

Apple TV 4K (2022)
The old Apple TV 4K (left) vs the smaller Apple TV 4K (2022).
Credit: Aloysius Low/Can Buy or Not

Besides being slightly smaller than last year's model, the 2022 version is pretty much the same. The very good Siri Remote is still here, but this time, it uses USB-C for charging (yay!). However, there's still no Find My feature for it, which is my one grouse. You can't make it beep either. Everything I liked about last year's remote is still here, with the click wheel allowing me to quickly fast-forward or rewind. The 128GB version will also serve as a Home Hub, and supports Thread, a new mesh-based smart home connectivity standard. Otherwise, both models will support Matter, which is compatible with Thread as well as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth LE.

Apple TV 4K (2022)
Credit: Aloysius Low/Can Buy or Not

With the new A15 Bionic chip, the Apple TV 4K feels faster. That's not to say the previous model isn't snappy, either. But the new chip gives it HDR10+ support, future proofing your purchase, assuming you have a TV that can support HDR10+, of course. On the software side, there's Apple Music Sing (though no mic support for karaoke sessions), and SharePlay, for watching content together via FaceTime. You can also use two pairs of AirPods at the same time for quiet viewing, if you don't want to wake the kids. Siri support is also more integrated now, and pressing the Siri button doesn't kick you out of the show you're watching.

With the new S$199 (64GB) and S$239 (128GB) pricing, the Apple TV 4K (2022) is easily one of the best buys you can get this year, especially if you don't have one already. It will make your Netflix or Disney Plus viewing experience so much better. Get it from Shopee, Lazada, or Amazon. However, if this revised price is still too rich for you — and you don't care for the Apple TV's extra features — the Chromecast with Google TV (albeit the imported version) can be bought for around S$50.

See Also
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Note: Review unit provided by Apple.


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Verdict



CAN BUY

Apple's most affordable media streaming box yet.

Get from Lazada
Shop from Shopee
Buy from Amazon

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