Is update support for Android TV really that bad?

by lionn016

So I'm currently on the market for a new TV and I've narrowed down my options to two: a 'dumb' TV (with a streaming box) and an Android TV.

The only thing holding me back from choosing the latter is update support. I mean, is it really that bad? I've read articles saying that most Android TVs are treated the same way as Android phones (with only 3 to 4 years of updates) and then it becomes unusable when it starts to lose app compatibilty and core functionality.

(probably a silly question) And if it does lose functionality, will it affect main TV features like inputs, live TV (OTA channels), and picture/sound settings, since uh.. it's part of Android?

I want to know your experiences 'cause it's really hard to find a long-term review for something like an Android TV. Any thoughts and recommendations are greatly appreciated!

rtechr

Updates are going to depend on the manufacturer. Best thing to do is to get any TV that you want, without regard to "Smart" functionality and then get a separate Android TV Box or stick. You have two options if updates are important to you. You can get a Shield TV, which has great support from Nvidia. The original Shield TV from 2015 is still getting updates. Or you can get a cheaper one like the new Chromecast with Google TV, Mi Box, or Tivo 4K and replace it if updates stop.

tune-happy

It's so much not that Android TV, the Google OS, is poorly supported, that part is ok. TV manufacturer support of Android TV builds on their TVs can be poor, this is what makes it similar to Android phones where phone OEMs can poorly support their phone ROMs.

I have a 2017 model Sony Bravia Android TV and I've not experienced any loss of functionality yet. Sony's support for their Android TVs is spotty though, they are slow to release Android updates, some known bugs remain unfixed and will probably never be fixed and it appears to be an accepted normal with Sony Android TVs for the Android security patch level to lag months behind where it should be. Older Sony models will also never move beyond Oreo.

The one stand out Android TV device that continues to be well supported is the Nvidia Shield TV. The 2015 model still gets updates fairly regularly as do the later 2017 and 2019 models. I have the 2017 model and hands on it's a much nicer user experience in terms of performance / responsiveness than my Sony Bravia.

There is more to it than what I've mentioned here. People might have things to say about specific features that are important to them on whatever device they have i.e. Dolby / CEC / 4k etc.

le_homme_qui_rit

Bought a 2020 Bravia about 4 months ago and have had on major update so far.

Had a 2019 TCL previously and it sucked for updates (and general functionality), though there was one major update in the 10 months I had it.

BiggussDikkuss

Best Android TV OS upgrade support, in order...

1)) Nvidia Shield, since 2015

  1. Sony “Premium“ TV models, since 2015. There are 2016-2018 models currently being OS upgraded to v9.0 Android Pie worldwide.

  2. Xiaomi Mi Box, since 2016

  3. Ematic with their Jetstream 4K Ultra, since 2018

You see lots of complaints from old Sony TV owners, the cheap to midrange TV models that in the past had pathetically underpowered MediaTek chipsets in them. Their Android OS upgrades have stopped at Android v8.0 Oreo.

Virtually all 2020 Sony TV models finally have good to great (X900H Sony model) chipsets under the hood, running modern v4.9 Linux Kernels.

What that means is all the foundations are finally in place for long term Firmware and Android OS support going forward. Across the majority of the 2020 Sony Android TV range. (Do not buy the entry level X750H)

Cheap Smart TV‘s running Android TV are the worst combo you can buy if you want guaranteed long term OS and quality Firmware support.

What has been observed is that with each Android TV OS bump, devices are getting faster and snappier as Google optimises the OS itself for TV usage.

Advance1993

My sony android tv is from 2015 and it doesnt go further than android tv 7. But so far all apps work fine, so besides a redesigned Ui (which was already fine) i dont see an issue with it

CuvisTheConqueror

A lot depends on your device. Most smart TVs, regardless of OS, are as poorly supported as you said - they won't get many updates, and the ones they do get tend to not be tested well. Set top boxes can be better supported if you choose the right one; for example, I own an Nvidia Shield that was made in 2015, and it is still being actively updated.

My general recommendation is, never buy a TV for the smarts. Instead, buy a TV with the best picture quality you can afford, and add on a STB to actually use to watch things on it.

pawdog

It won't become unusable, but sooner or later you will add a devcie to it. The TV itself will be fine fo ras long as you have it.

AndroidPurity

I have a Sony x830C.

It was released Spring 2015 over 5.5 years ago.

It got a software update in August.

So proof that if you buy a Sony Android TV then they do provide software support for over 5 years.

Just don't buy a cheap brand TV with Android TV. You likely won't get more than 1 or 2 years.

Buy a Sony Android TV and you will be good for many years to come!