Apple TV and Chromecast have been in the media streaming industry for a while and now Lenovo has recently launched its own device called as Lenovo Cast. All these three do similar things but still have many differences in functionalities and features. In this blog post, we have come up with the differences between these three. This comparison includes differences in design to price to compatibility and lots more.
We have compared these three on several criteria and come up with this information. Let’s check it out.
Compatibility
Apple TV does not officially support streaming content from Google-powered smartphones and tablets but Chromecast does. Chromecast is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OS X and Chrome OS. In comparison, Apple TV is limiting connections to iOS and Mac OS X. Lenovo Cast uses Google cast standard for Android and Chrome-enabled devices and also supports Windows 8.1 and iOS devices through Miracast and DNLA.
Price
At just $35, Chromecast comes at an amazing value. Apple TV used to be a lot more expensive at $99, but now its price has dropped to $69. There may be few dollars extra but with Apple TV, one also gets a remote control and a box that can be operated standalone. Lenovo Cast is priced between the two and will hit shelves at $49 in August.
Design
The most noticeable difference between the three is the way they look. Google Chromecast looks like a standard USB memory stick, Apple TV looks like a small, mysterious box while Lenovo Cast comes with a more puck-line form along the lines of Apple TV.
Connectivity
In Chromecast, the HDMI interface designed directly into the dongle. In Apple TV, standard HDMI cable runs between it and the television. Both devices work by plugging into the TV’s HDMI port. Lenovo Cast also connects to the television via HDMI.
Networking
With 802.11n (dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz) and Ethernet, the Apple TV is a flexible media streamer. Chromecast has an 802.11n adaptor that connects to 2.4GHz networks. Lenovo Cast operates through both 5GHz Wi-Fi networks and the more common 2.4GHz signal.
Interface and Apps
Chromecast does not have an interface. It is just used to send content to and requires a smartphone or tablet to work. On the other hand, Apple TV is a complete media streamer on its own. It runs on iOS 8 and comes with several pre-installed apps like Netflix, YouTube, Flickr and lots more. The interface is simple and smooth. If Lenovo has to be successful in creating a market for Lenovo Cast, they will surely need to create an app.
Setup and Connections
Both Apple TV and Chromecast are incredibly easy to setup. At the back of the Apple TV, there’s HDMI, optical audio, Ethernet and power ports. Chromecast is simpler and plugs directly into the HDMI port. Like Chromecast, Lenovo Cast connects to your TV over HDMI.
A quick look at Apple TV vs. Chromecast vs. Lenovo Cast:
| Specifications | Apple TV | Chromecast | Lenovo Cast | Product Dimensions | Height: 23 mm (0.9 inches) Width: 98 mm (3.9 inches) Depth: 98 mm (3.9 inches) |
72 × 35 × 12 mm | Diameter: 70 mm (2.76 in.) Height: 15 mm (0.59 in.) |
| Weight | 0.27 kg | 34 g | 50g |
| Streaming | Features an on-screen menu of subscription-based applications | Streams directly from outside devices | Streams directly from outside devices |
| Supports Content | Has its own app store and services | Supports streamed content from the Android OS and the Google Chrome browser | Supports content from any Miracast or DLNA-enabled Windows 8.1 or iOS device |
| Wireless | Single-band | Dual-band | Dual-band |
| Plays up to 1080p HD video | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DLNA Support | Yes | No | Yes |
| USB port | Yes | No | Yes |
| Availability | Yes | Yes | In August |
| Cost | $69 | $35 | $49 |
| Provider | Apple | Lenovo |
Which is your preferred one among all these three? Which features do you admire the most? Do you think that Lenovo Cast will give a good competitions to Apple TV and Chromecast? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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