Apple TV 4K 2022 in the test: Faster, better and cheaper

Apple just released its latest Apple TV streaming box called the Apple TV 4K. It’s not the company’s first 4K-compatible box, but it’s by far their best. I’ve been testing and putting the new streamer through its paces since it was announced. It’s faster, smaller and, headline news, cheaper.

So should you invest in it if it’s your first Apple box, or should you upgrade? Continue reading.

Apple TV 4K: What’s new?

There is much.

First, it’s better than the last model. More importantly, it’s cheaper. Better and cheaper is a rare combination, but this device ticks both the boxes. This is the third generation 4K model and it’s a lot sooner than many expected. There were four years between the first and second 4K models, but only two years between the second generation and this one.

The new model is smaller and lighter than before. There are two versions: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi and Ethernet, with only the latter including an Ethernet port.

It has more storage compared to its predecessor: the 32GB and 64GB models are now upgraded to 64GB and 128GB storage levels. This is good if you are planning to download games. It doesn’t make that much of a difference if you only want the Apple TV for movies, as those are routinely streamed and not saved to disk.

There’s a new processor, the A15 Bionic chip, first seen in the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and now in the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. In other words, a humble TV box is now as capable as the latest iPhone (though not the iPhone 14 Pro).

And there’s now support for HDR10+, which wasn’t in the last model, as well as continued compatibility with 4K (obviously), Dolby Vision, High Frame Rate HDR and Dolby Atmos. If your TV already supports Dolby Vision, this benefit might be less useful, but if it doesn’t – Samsung TV owners, I’m looking at you – it’s a definite bonus.

Another change: The otherwise identical Siri remote (I’d say the best remote for any TV) now charges with USB-C, not Lightning.

Apple TV 4K: Design

There is little difference in design between the new Apple TV 4K and the old one. It’s a bit smaller in each direction, but that’s it. The previous model had the Apple logo followed by the letters “tv”, but the new model has simplified things by just going for the Apple logo. There is no longer an Apple logo on the bottom either.

You might find it disappointing that the Apple TV hasn’t changed its design significantly in a very long time. Fair enough, except you have to remember that this is a box you’ll likely never see. Because the remote connects via Bluetooth, line of sight is not required, allowing you to move the box out of sight.

It’s a bit smaller and lighter, but if it’s not visible you won’t really notice it.

Apple TV 4K: Siri Remote

This is the same as last time, apart from switching the charging arrangement to USB-C instead of Lightning. Note that there is no USB-C cable included with the Apple TV 4K, but who are you kidding, you have plenty of these around the house, right?

The fact that the remote hasn’t changed isn’t a bad thing: it’s awesome. In typical Apple fashion, there are hardly any buttons on board, but a highly intuitive user interface makes it easy to do whatever you need to do.

Video browsing is particularly satisfying when you spin your thumb around the touch-sensitive wheel, although annoyingly it doesn’t work with every streaming service. There’s a power button that will also turn your TV off with a long press, and the Siri button is on the right edge. That’s where you press on the iPhone too, so there’s logic to that. Unlike the iPhone, you can’t say “Hey, Siri” to bring it up. You have to press the button.

My favorite use of Siri on the remote is still to ask, “What did she say?” The video replays the last 15 seconds of the video with subtitles, which it then turns off automatically. apple only Later this year, Siri will be able to recognize individual user voices, which should be a useful upgrade.

Arguably the biggest upgrade from the last Apple TV box, this remote retains its position as the standout controller. Note that it’s limited for gaming and in many cases you’d be better off connecting a PlayStation or Xbox controller.

Apple TV 4K: Performance

The A15 Bionic chips ensure excellent power efficiency, apparently using 30% less power than the last Apple TV 4K powered by the A12 Bionic. That was a powerful chip, but nothing like that.

It also means the performance can be used when gaming, where faster chips mean better, smoother graphics. That smoothness also means a better experience when you’re just scrolling through the menus on the box, for example.

The addition of HDR10+ is welcome, provided your TV supports that format. Many do. If your TV does not support Dolby Vision, there can be a significant difference in the picture quality of compatible content. Amazon Prime Video like HDR10+ for example.

One thing that comes later is Quick Media Switching. If you currently switch between content with different frame rates, you will see a black screen. It doesn’t take that long, but it can feel endless. With Quick Media Switching, this should be almost instantaneous. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those features that you didn’t know you needed but are reluctant to be without once you’ve experienced it.

Apple TV 4K: Conclusion

This is far from the cheapest streaming box out there, and some rivals, notably the brilliant Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, do a very good job for less than half the price. But the simplicity of the sensational Siri Remote, the elegance of Apple’s user interface, and the breadth of games available and purchasable through Arcade are enough to put Apple ahead.

Then add in the excellent addition of HDR10+ and the significant price drop – something unusual for any manufacturer, but especially Apple – and the Apple TV 4K is hard to beat.