Apple released a new version of the Apple TV 4K, and it’s got all of the features the previous TV box has. It even has an upgraded A15 bionic chip powering it, and it’s smaller and more compact for something that powerful. It’s also RM150 cheaper than its predecessor, is there a catch?
If you didn’t know already, the Apple TV 4K is Apple’s very own TV box. It’s a lot like the other TV boxes you’re probably familiar with, like Android ones and even Astro’s TV boxes.
The Apple TV 4K is essentially a premium TV box, and I’ve covered what it basically is in my first review of the earlier version of the box before. Sure, it basically gives you the same thing a much cheaper TV box can give you. But you’re doing all of that with Apple’s sleek signature UI, and Apple’s sleek tiny tv remote—complete with the satisfying scroll wheel you miss on the old iPods.
But what’s so special about this new version of the Apple TV 4K? Let’s go over some key features.
Apple TV 4K’s new hardware features
A difference you’d first notice between the older version of the TV 4K and the newer version is its size. The new Apple TV 4K is slightly thinner, weighing almost half of its previous version.
Apple upgraded its internals from an A12 Bionic to an A15 Bionic, which is the same chip that’s powering the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. According to Apple, the new chip upgrade provides 50% better CPU and 30% better GPU performance than its predecessor. And since the new chip is more efficient, Apple believes there’s no need for an internal fan, which can explain the size difference.
You can get two versions of the new Apple TV 4K. For its 64GB base model, you can get the WiFi only version, which doesn’t have an Ethernet port—but you likely won’t even need it anyway. If you insist on an Ethernet port, you can still get the higher 128GB model which costs RM100 more.
As for its remote, it’s just as small and pretty as its predecessor. But if you’ve had the older TV remote, you’d appreciate that its newer ones now charge via USB-C instead of the old lightning port.
The only qualm I really have with it is that the whole set still doesn’t come with its own HDMI cable. So if you don’t have one on hand already, you’d have to prepare to fork out more money for one—or else you can’t start watching anything with it.
Apple TV 4K’s new internal features
With the power of the A15 chip, Apple offers HDR10+ support. According to Apple, that means that it’s used for 4K TVs that support HDR10+ to display videos dynamically, and with an even more accurate range of color, contrast, and luminance than standard HDR.
HDR 10+ joins Dolby Vision on Apple TV 4K, so users can watch more stuff in the best quality possible on more kinds of TVs. But if you already had a TV supporting Dolby Vision, you probably won’t bat an eye at the change.
As for what you can enjoy, you can watch me try out Apple Music, Apple Fitness+, and Apple TV below:
But basically, you can install whatever streaming platform you want, to whatever music platform you want, and you can still enjoy Apple TV 4K as a vessel for the entertainment you love. But I guess, if you already have the Apple TV 4K, spending RM29.90 a month for the Apple One plan can give your TV box more value.
The Apple One Plan includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud+. Paying the premium plan will also give you access to Apple Fitness+.
In my opinion, you don’t really need all of these if you don’t use them. It all depends on what you prefer, and if you don’t mind paying extra for those extra services.
Should you get the new Apple TV 4K?
The 128GB Apple TV 4K with WiFi and Ethernet that I tested out is priced at RM799. While the 64GB Apple TV 4K with just WiFi is priced at RM699. The most expensive Apple TV 4K is RM50 cheaper than the 32GB older version. So, you’re definitely getting more bang for your buck now.
If you’ve been thinking about getting yourself one, the newer version is the way to go. You get all of the good new perks and you’re paying way less for it.
Of course, this premium TV box is still a lot more expensive than something like a Xiaomi Mi Box, which costs just around RM200. So, if you don’t mind not having your TV experience fit with your Apple ecosystem, you could save a lot of money. And if you already have the older Apple TV 4K, there really isn’t that much difference between the old and new one. I don’t think it’s worth the upgrade.
