Amazon integrates the dongle market with three Fire TV Stick models. The Lite version can be purchased for $29.99, while the other two products are also available for purchase for prices starting at $49.99 for the new Fire TV Stick and $50.98 for the Fire TV Stick 4K option.
The three media centers compete with models such as Chromecast 3 (Google), Mi TV Stick (Xiaomi), and Roku Express in the proposal to transform a normal TV into a smart one. Despite their similarities, it is common for users to have questions about the differences between the Fire TV Stick versions. Thinking about it, Techidence detailed in the following lines the main features of each Amazon dongle.
Fire TV Stick Lite
The Lite model came three years after the release of the Fire TV Stick Basic Edition, introduced in 2017. Amazon guarantees 50% more power in the latest device, which landed in the country in September last year. The device can be found for prices starting at $29.99.
The specifications of the Fire TV Stick Lite include a Full HD (1080p) image reproduction of up to 60 frames per second. The audio transmission has Dolby technology that promises to offer an immersive sound experience.
When installed, the media center interface allows access to platforms such as Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, and music playback applications such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Vevo. The device reserves 8 GB to store the desired apps, whether they are factory-installed or others available for download.
The processor used in the device is a quad-core with a speed of 1.7 GHz that operates in conjunction with 1 GB RAM. The Fire TV Stick Lite, like the other models from the brand, uses its Android-based operating system called Fire OS.
In addition, the controller features support for voice commands by Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant. This allows you to access content without having to press buttons, for example. However, the review conducted by Techidence pointed out voice command stutters. The failure happened sometimes in the understanding of words in English and the search for specific content in applications such as Disney+, Netflix, and Telecine Play.
Fire TV Stick
This version of Amazon’s dongle is already available for purchase for prices starting at $49.99. The model also offers Full HD (1080p) images, as does the Lite option. Audio reproduction relies on Dolby Atmos technology. In terms of image, HDR support should offer better quality and contrast on displays compared to the Lite model.
The specifications also bring 8 GB of internal storage, a quad-core processor with a speed of 1.7 GHz, and 1 GB of RAM. One of the features that differentiate the 2021 model from last year’s Lite version is the ability to trigger commands from the TV itself via Amazon’s control, a function that arrives only on the newer device. Also found on the latest device are the exclusive buttons to access Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Amazon Music.
Fire TV Stick 4k
The Fire TV Stick 4K was also introduced along with the newer Full HD model. The device capable of displaying images in 4K can be purchased for $50.98.
The 4K display is one of the differentials of the device, but it is worth remembering that you need a TV compatible with the resolution for the image to reach this quality. Another difference from the models on the list is the addition of Dolby Vision technology, which promises to help with image quality. On the other hand, specifications such as 8 GB storage and a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor also appear on the 4K device’s spec sheet. The 1 GB RAM is another feature that is repeated in this model.
Just like the other recently released Fire TV Stick, the 4K device also brings a control capable of accessing TV functions and exclusive buttons to get into Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Amazon Music.
All three models have Bluetooth 5.0 and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity, which allows connection to speakers, headphones, and more. Still, on connectivity, all use dual-band Wi-Fi.
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