Using the 55-inch SONY BRAVIA in my living room has become an exercise in frustration. This TV runs Android TV, but it’s incredibly sluggish.
Android OS is already known for its lag, and running it on a TV? Well, that just makes it worse.
A quick online search reveals countless blog posts about issues with SONY BRAVIA TVs, confirming that this model might just be a dud. Even the remote wore out quickly—I’ve replaced the original remote three times, and now I’m using a generic one.
The SONY of the Trinitron days was stellar. Where has that shining SONY gone? SONY hardly seems like an electronics company anymore; it’s more of an insurance or finance conglomerate.
The only way to make this TV experience tolerable was to add an external device. So, I researched the Apple TV 4K and soon found myself at the Apple Marunouchi store after work.
I went up to the second floor to find the Apple TV 4K, and after speaking with a store associate, I was directed to the first-floor stockroom where I purchased the Apple TV 4K, 128GB (Wi-Fi + Ethernet model).
When I got home, I set it up. My SONY BRAVIA has four HDMI ports, but for 4K video output, you need to connect to either port 2 or 3.
Setting up the Apple TV itself was incredibly easy. Simply holding my iPhone close to it completed the setup, including all the Wi-Fi settings.
The performance is a joy—fast and smooth. With compatible apps on the Apple TV, you can watch Amazon Prime Video, ABEMA TV, YouTube, and more. Even without apps, you can cast content from your iPhone or iPad using AirPlay. And it’s all snappy.
It makes sense, as the Apple TV 4K has the same powerful A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. This high-performance processor ensures smooth operation, and with support for Wi-Fi 6, it connects effortlessly, unlike the BRAVIA.
The remote is impressive too! It’s not a flimsy plastic remote but a sleek, high-quality aluminum one made from 100% recycled aluminum. It even charges via USB-C.
The store associate recommended AppleCare+ for Apple TV for 4,200 yen, covering three years and extending to the remote and power cable. The Apple TV 4K itself is 23,800 yen, making the total a perfectly calculated 28,000 yen.
With the Apple TV 4K, you get a free three-month trial of Apple TV+.
Getting the Apple TV 4K has made me happy, but it’s not for everyone. I’d recommend it for those who primarily watch streaming content. However, for those who mostly watch terrestrial TV, Apple TV 4K isn’t relevant since it lacks a TV tuner.
If you want to watch streaming content on a large TV screen, then this is definitely a worthwhile purchase.
