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What are the pros and cons of the Apple TV 4K 2021?

Published: August 5th, 2024
2 min read
2021 Apple TV 4K with 64GB Storage (2nd Generation)
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The Apple TV 4K (2021, 2nd Generation) is a solid streaming device, especially if you're already using other Apple products. Here’s a look at what’s great about it and a few things you might want to consider before buying.

Pros

Enhanced Performance

The 2021 model has an A12 Bionic chip, which means smoother and faster performance compared to older models. It handles apps well and offers quick loading times, making for a pretty smooth user experience.

Stunning Visual and Audio Quality

If you love top-notch video and sound, this one supports 4K HDR with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG.

It basically means you get really vibrant colors and sharp contrasts. On the audio side, it supports Dolby Atmos, which is great for an immersive sound experience when watching movies or gaming.

Redesigned Siri Remote

The new Siri Remote is a significant improvement. It’s got a touch-enabled clickpad for easier navigation and separate buttons for power, mute, and Siri.

According to our research, it’s a lot more user-friendly than the older version.

High Frame Rate HDR

Another cool feature is its support for high frame rate HDR at 60fps, which is especially great for fast-moving content like sports. Just note that not all content currently supports this, so its usefulness might be limited for now.

AirPlay and HomeKit Support

If you’re into Apple products, you’ll appreciate the seamless integration with AirPlay for streaming from your iPhone or iPad. It also works as a HomeKit hub, so you can control your smart home devices through it.

Multi-user Support

Families will find the multi-user support handy. It lets different users have personalized content recommendations and settings, so everyone can enjoy their own tailored experience.

Cons

Now for a few downsides. It’s pricier than some other streaming devices like Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K and Roku Ultra.

Also, keep in mind that it doesn’t come with an HDMI cable, so you might need to buy one separately.

Lastly, the setup can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re trying to connect it to older TVs or sound systems.

Final Thoughts

If you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K (2021) is a fantastic addition. It offers great performance, impressive video and audio quality, and a much better remote.

Just be ready for the higher price and a potentially complicated setup. Once it’s up and running, it’s likely to be a great addition to your home entertainment setup.

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How we researched this

Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from 4 retailers, and a look at hundreds of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.

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Prices last updated: October 9th 2026 8:27 am
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More Answers

If you're still curious about the Apple TV 4K (2021) 64GB, here are some other answers you might find interesting:

If you're curious about any common issues with the 2021 Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation) with 64GB, here's what our research found. This device is designed for a top-notch streaming experience, thanks to its A12 Bionic chip, 4K resolution support, and Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for top-tier video and audio.

But, like any product, it's not without a few quirks.

First off, the Siri Remote can be a bit of a mixed bag. It's certainly improved, with a touch-enabled clickpad and more ergonomic design, but some people find it a bit too sensitive. This can cause accidental clicks or actions, which can be a bit annoying when you're trying to navigate.

Another thing people mention is the price. At around $199, it's pretty pricey compared to other streaming options like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick, which offer similar features for less.

Th

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The 2021 Apple TV 4K is actually pretty solid for gaming. Thanks to its A12 Bionic chip, it can handle high-demand games really well.

According to our research, games load faster and everything runs smoother compared to older models. If you're into Apple Arcade or other App Store games, you'll notice the difference in graphics and overall performance—it feels a bit like playing on a console.

Plus, the new Siri Remote is a nice upgrade. It's got a clickpad and physical buttons, which are way easier to use than the old touchpad, especially for gaming.

The 4K HDR support, including Dolby Vision, makes the games look amazing—really vibrant and smooth, even at 60 fps.

But keep in mind, it's not cheap. Th

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The Apple TV 4K (2021) has some nifty smart home features that could really fit into a modern setup. Here's a quick rundown of what it can do for your smart home:

Smart Home Integration

One of the coolest things about the Apple TV 4K is that it works with Apple's HomeKit. This means it can act as a hub for all your HomeKit-enabled gadgets like lights, locks, and thermostats.

You can control all these straight from your TV or use Siri. So, it's not just for streaming shows—it's actually a big part of your smart home setup.

Siri and Voice Controls

It also comes with a redesigned Siri Remote. Our research points out that this new remote is easier to use with its circular touchpad, and it has buttons for power, mute, and of course, Siri.

With Siri, you can do things like turn off the lights, search for a movie, or get the weather update—all without getting off the couch. Just saying, “Hey Siri, turn off the living room lights” works like a charm.

AirPlay and Streaming

AirPlay is another strong suit of the Apple TV 4K. It's super easy

Read More

AirPlay works really well on the 2021 Apple TV 4K. This model has a bunch of upgraded features that make streaming pretty smooth, especially if you're already using other Apple stuff.

From our research, it seems like people find the connection seamless and the performance great for casting music, videos, or mirroring your iPhone screen. The A12 Bionic chip helps too, keeping any lag to a minimum and making everything—from app loading to menu navigation—super fast.

Plus, the high-frame-rate HDR capability means streaming looks fantastic, with vivid colors and sharp details, especially for live sports or action movies.

The redesigned Siri remote is another plus. It's got a touch-sensitive Clickpad and buttons for volume, power, and mute, which makes navigating AirPlay options easier and more efficient, according to some.

Of course, it’s not perfect. A few people have mentioned minor issues like the remote being a bit too sensitive or having occ

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The 2021 Apple TV 4K supports a bunch of video and audio formats and is great for high-quality streaming. According to the manufacturer, it handles 4K video at up to 60 fps and includes HDR10 and Dolby Vision, which help with better color and contrast.

It also supports high-frame-rate HDR, which is awesome for fast-moving stuff like sports or action movies. For audio, it covers Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 7.1, and Dolby Digital 5.1.

So, whether you're watching movies, TV shows, or gaming, the sound should be pretty immersive. If you’re into the Apple ecosystem, it's a solid pick, though

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When comparing the Apple TV 4K 2021 to cheaper streaming devices, it all boils down to what you're looking for in a streaming experience. Let me break it down for you.

First off, the price: the Apple TV 4K 2021, especially the 64GB model, goes for about $199, which is definitely on the higher end. In contrast, options like Roku or Amazon Fire TV typically sit between $30 and $50.

So why the big price jump? Well, it packs a lot of features that might make the extra cost worthwhile.

Let's talk picture and sound quality. Apple TV 4K supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. If you're particular about getting the best video and audio, this might be your go-to. According to our research, movies and shows look spectacular in 4K HDR with vivid colors and deep contrast—something you might not get with the cheaper options.

Speed's another biggie. The Apple TV 4K has the A12 Bionic chip, so it’s pretty zippy. From loading apps to navigating menus, it handles e

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Is the Apple TV 4K 2021 worth upgrading to if you have the previous model?

Published: August 2nd, 2024
Last Updated: August 9th, 2024

So, you're wondering if upgrading to the 2021 Apple TV 4K is worth it, right? Let's break it down a bit and see if it's a good move for you.

Performance Boost

The biggest change in the 2021 model is the A12 Bionic chip. According to the manufacturer, this chip makes everything run more smoothly and quickly, from loading apps to navigating menus.

If your current model feels sluggish, this upgrade could make a noticeable difference.

Enhanced Picture and Sound

Both the old and new models support 4K HDR content, including Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, which means stunning visuals and immersive sound if your TV and sound system can handle it.

If you've got a setup that makes the most of these features, you'd likely notice the improvement. Otherwise, it might not look or sound drastically different to you.

Redesigned Siri Remote

The new Siri remote is designed to be more intuitive and easier to use, which according to our research, is a welcome change for many.

The old remote had its fair share of critics, so this is a handy upgrade if you found the previous one frustrating.

Compatibility and Ecosystem

The Apple TV 4K fits right into the Apple ecosys

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If you're curious how the new Siri Remote compares to the old one, there are quite a few changes that you might find interesting. Here's a rundown of the key differences:

Design and Comfort

The new Siri Remote has a more ergonomic design. The old version was sleek but a bit slippery, which wasn’t the best for handling.

The updated remote is a bit thicker and shaped to give you a better grip. It also swaps the old touchpad for a circular clickpad, which feels more intuitive and gives better tactile feedback when navigating.

Functionality and Navigation

Many people found the old touchpad tricky, especially for things like scrubbing through videos.

According to our research, the new remote's clickpad, which combines clickable directional buttons with swipe functionality, offers more precise and flexible navigation. This seems to address a lot of frustrations folks had with the old touchpad.

Buttons and Features

The new remote has some added buttons that are pretty handy. There’s a power button for your TV and Apple TV, a mute button, and a side butt

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The 2021 Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation) has a few cool upgrades over the older models. Here are the main ones worth noting:

A12 Bionic Chip

This model comes with the A12 Bionic chip, which is a big step up in terms of speed and performance.

From what we've seen, everything runs smoother and faster—like navigating the menus and launching apps. Plus, it lets you stream 4K content at 60fps, which is awesome for watching sports or action movies where smooth motion matters.

Enhanced Video Quality

The new Apple TV 4K supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos, bringing your viewing experience to another level.

According to our data, the video quality is top-notch with brilliant colors and rich contrasts, especially with HDR content. It's pretty immersive.

Redesigned [Siri Remote](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=htt

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Alternatives to Consider

If the Apple TV 4K (2021) 64GB doesn't quite fit your needs, here are some other options to consider:

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