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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
That said, if you're already using Apple stuff like an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the integration with the Apple TV 4K is seamless—things like AirPlay and HomeKit make it feel like a natural extension of your current devices.
Performance-wise, it gets a lot of praise for being fast and smooth. But, some folks point out that the improvements over previous versions are pretty minor.
Also, it's worth noting that the box doesn't include accessories like an HDMI cable, so you'll need to buy those separately.
All in all, the Apple TV 4K is a great choice if you value premium build quality, advanced features, and easy integration with other Apple products.
It delivers excellent video and audio quality, and the remote, while not perfect, is still pretty user-friendly. But if you’re on a budget or not heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, there are cheaper options out there that might meet your needs just fine.
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. The 32GB version starts at $179, and the 64GB version is $199. If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, it might be worth it, but if not, you might find better value elsewhere.
There have been some reports of bugs, especially when switching between HDR and SDR content, but hopefully, software updates will fix these over time.
So, if you're looking for a premium gaming experience on a streaming device and you're cool with the price, the Apple TV 4K (2021) is a great option.
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:
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.
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 is another strong suit of the Apple TV 4K. It's super easy to stream stuff from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to your TV. Whether it’s pictures, videos, or even your entire screen, it just works seamlessly.
You can also stream music to HomePod speakers, turning your place into a surround-sound experience without the hassle.
With the Home app, which syncs perfectly with the Apple TV 4K, you can set up automated scenes. Imagine having a “Good Night” scene that turns off your lights, locks your doors, and lowers the thermostat as you head to bed.
It’s like having a smart home assistant that handles the little things for you.
And if you’re already an Apple fan, this device plays well with other Apple services like Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and Fitness+.
It's like bringing everything under one roof, making your experience even more cohesive.
According to our research, while the Apple TV 4K gets a lot of praise for its performance and compatibility, it’s also a bit on the expensive side. The cost starts at $179 for the 32GB model, and it goes up to $199 for the 64GB.
Some folks have mentioned occasional connectivity hiccups and that the interface tends to push Apple’s own services over others like Netflix.
So, if you're already deep into Apple's ecosystem and want something for both streaming and smart home tasks, the Apple TV 4K (2021) is solid.
But if budget’s tight, other options like Roku or Amazon Fire offer good features at lower prices.
Think about what you really need and how much you're already using Apple products.
If the Apple TV 4K (2021) 64GB doesn't quite fit your needs, here are some other options to consider:
The Roku Ultra offers access to thousands of channels and supports a broader range of streaming services compared to the Apple TV 4K. This makes it a better choice for folks seeking versatility in their streaming options without being tied to a specific ecosystem.
Searching for a high-quality streaming experience without the hefty price tag? The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K delivers stunning 4K streaming at a fraction of the cost, making it an appealing, budget-friendly alternative to the Apple TV 4K.
The Chromecast with Google TV provides seamless access to Google services and robust control via Google Assistant, making it ideal for those deeply integrated into Google's ecosystem compared to Apple's.
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