Chromecast with Google TV, review: ideal streaming Stick

Chromecast with Google TV is the new Stick that we present today his review. A device with Google TV OS, ideal for 4K HDR streaming.

In this small TV-Stick we find the SoC Amlogic S905D3 with support for several multi-channel audio codecs and which has four CPU cores of low power consuption ARM Cortex-A55. As a novelty we have a bluetooth remote control with IR functions and a microphone for Google Assistant with which we can control this Chromecast 4K. Let’s see in our review how this device behaves and what this new Chromecast with Google TV offers to us.

  • Chromecast with Google TV can be purchased at the Google store, Amazon, BestBuy or Walmart for only $49.99 (€69.99) with free shipping and is available in 3 colors Snow, Sunrise and Sky.

Chromecast with Google TV

PRODUCT DETAILS

Chromecast with Google TV
SoC: Amlogic S905D3 Quad Core 4x ARM-A55 @ 1.9GHz (64bit) / GPU Mali-G31 MP2 / 12nm
System: Android TV 10 (32bit)
RAM, storage and network: 2GB RAM / 8GB eMMC / Wifi ac Dual + Bluetooth 4.2.
Ports: HDMI 2.0 + ALLM / 1x USB 3.0 Type-C OTG / Reset button.
Extras: BT + IR remote control / Manual / DC 5V 1.5A (7.5W) adapter / 2x AAA bateries.
Materials and dimensions: Plastic / LEDs front / 162 x 61 x 12 mm / 55 gr.

Unboxing Chromecast with Google TV

The small Android TV-Stick Chromecast with Google TV comes in a cardboard box with a image of the device in the top, inside we found the TV-Stick, Bluetooth + IR remote, Manual and a DC 5V 1.5A adapter.

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Description

The design of the new Chromecast with Google TV as we can see is minimalist and has light weight. The design is oval and only has the Google logo at the top as a differentiating mark. On the front we have the HDMI cable to connect to our TV and on the back we have a status LED and a reset button.

  • Reset: leave the back button pressed for a few seconds until the LED flashes.

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The Chromecast with Google TV surprises us with the inclusion of a bluetooth remote control that also has an IR emitter to control our TV with the volume, off and signal output keys. On the remote we have a crosshead, OK button, home, mute, Youtube, Netflix, the controls mentioned for our TV and on the back two volume buttons. At the bottom we have the hole of the integrated microphone for Google Assistant and a white status led.

  • Remote Control: Basic BT + IR Remote with mic / We combine it with other alternatives.
  • Alternate control: Have its own control app for Android TV.

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The new Chromecast with Google TV has a USB 3.0 Type-C OTG port that allows us to connect a USB + Ethernet HUB with a power connector, this allows us to connect peripherals and expand internal storage with a USB storage unit. The speed of this station allows us to reach up to 350 MB/s and the Android TV system perfectly detects this connector in the settings.

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SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE

Environment and Android system

We connect the Chromecast to Google TV and it starts automatically. We will go through a configuration wizard where we can connect it with the Google Home app to our home device network, we can adjust the Wi-Fi, configure the keys of the IR remote control with our TV and streaming apps that will be installed.

Once the configuration is complete, we arrive at the new Google TV launcher based on rows with content tabs or shortcuts to the installed apps. By default the system comes with many rows that cannot be deactivated, we have many recommendations and little of own content, you can change the launcher to avoid ads if you want. The overall performance is very good, we can move smoothly and quickly between menus.

  • Launcher: We can change de the launcher / Android UI rendering at 1080p.
  • Multitasking and access: Multitasking NOT available / Notifications in user icon.
  • Languages and Google Play: All the international Android classics / Google Play for Android TV installed.
  • Check our Android TV User Manual to install classic Android Apps, prevent screen rotation and much more.

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If we like the system as the classic Android TV we have the option to activate the Application Only Mode that allows us to have only the row of our apps, so we will have a much cleaner desktop. Keep in mind that to install some extra apps we have to disable this mode and return to normal Google TV mode to install it. We can also block the change of settings to certain users in the profile settings.

  • Activate Applications Only Mode: Go to User profile > Applications only mode > Activate
  • Allow to install external APKs: Enable Developer Mode in Settings > System > Information > Click 5 times on Compilation

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System

We check the system data and the options it includes as far as root is concerned, we also observe what ignition systems this device allows us. When we start the TV-Stick we receive an OTA update that corrects bugs.

  • On/Off Controls: Only Sleep mode / Reset button.
  • System version and root: Android TV 10 (32 bit) / NO rooted / NO root menu / Build QTS2.200917.005 / Model sabrina.
  • Support: Chromecast with Google TV with Google Support / NO firmware available, just OTA updates.

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Network, storage, RAM and ports

The small Chromecast with Google TV has 2 GB RAM and for its storage we have only 8 GB eMMC which fortunately we can expand with a USB memory. It has a USB Type-C 3.0 port where we can connect an external HUB. In the network section it has a wireless adapter Wifi ac Dual + Bluetooth 4.2 and we can connect an external USB Ethernet adapter that reaches USB 3.0 speeds. As we can see in the tests the results give correct figures and the wifi reaches a sufficient speed for streaming and moving through apps.

Chromecast Google TV test eng 03 Streaming min

  • Storage: Total 8GB  – Free 4.4GB / Expandable with a USB external memory.
  • RAM: Total 2GB – Free 1GB / DDR.
  • Network: Good speed with internal wifi antenna / Range 42dBm, low. / Bluetooth YES.
  • Read/Write Ports: USB 3.0 135/40 MB/s
  • We recommend reading our Tutorial SAMBA on Android networks if we are going to use files from our network PC.

Chromecast Google TV test eng 01 Disk min

Power and performance

In terms of performance the mini TV-Stick Chromecast with Google TV has the new SoC Amlogic S905D3 Quad Core with ARM Cortex-A55 processors and in the graphics section a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU which is in the mid-range. This SoC is a variant of the classic S905X3 that only changes for including installed multichannel audio licenses. In performance we have slightly better figures than those we have seen in the classic S905X3.

Chromecast Google TV test eng 06 GeekBench min

This SoC is manufactured in 12nm, has a fairly low power consumption and although the cooling system is basic low temperatures in normal use. The processor manages the speeds correctly so as not to heat up excessively.

  • Thermals: Min. 40ºC / Working 48 ºC / Max.68ºC / Maintains performance up to 87% / Heat zone on the top / Noise 0db
  • Consumption: Off 0.9W / Min 1.2W / Working 2.1W / Max. 3.8W
  • Games and emulators: NOT possible to play titles such as PUBG / Emulators up to Wii / YES Vulkan support.
  • Controls: Compatible with Bluetooth Gamepads.

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VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST

Video playback test

We tested this TV-Stick in its video playback aspect, the Chromecast with Google TV supports most modern video formats such as h.265 and VP9 with native 4K HDR resolution support and even supports 8K@60fps, although it does not have a video quality adjustment app. We can use players like KODI or PLEX without the slightest problem by installing them directly from the Android TV store.

As for audio we can play DD sound up to 7.1 and DTS sound up to 5.1 through its unique HDMI port. The system integrates Chromecast 4K functionality that works with supported apps. This Stick also have HDMI 2.0 with ALLM, you can active it in the Game Mode menu, is better for the games lag.

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Video and audio results

Formats Result
h.264 / 1080i / 8bit OK
h.264 / 1080p / 4K / 8bit OK
h.264 / 1080p / 10bit (anime) Frameskip (SW)
h.265 / 1080p / 8bit OK
h.265 / 1080p / 10bit (anime) OK
h.265 / 4K@24fps / 8bit OK
h.265 / 4K@60fps / 10bit HDR OK
VP9 P1 / 4K@24fps / 8bit OK
VP9 P2 / 4K@60fps / 10bit HDR OK
VP9 P2 / 8K@60fps / 10bit HDR OK (Only with Kodi)
AV1 / 4K@24fps / 10bit Frameskip (SW)
Max. Bitrate 100 Mbps = 12,5 MB/s.
  • The maximum bitrate depends on the port used to connect or the limitations of SAMBA Networks.
  • SW = does not have hardware acceleration and may have have some frameskip in very heavy files.
Audio Formats Result
Dolby 5.1 / Plus / True HD/ Atmos = OK
DTS 5.1 / MA / HR / X = Core
  • PCM – Stereo only doing downmix from DD or DTS
  • Core – Only the core of the format is played back with what we passed to the Dolby or DTS base system / More info

Streaming services

We perform several tests on streaming services to check how the most popular services work. The Chromecast with Google TV  offers us maximum compatibility with all current streaming services. We have all the video and audio certificates, as well as the necessary agreements with all the companies in the sector.

Streaming service Calidad / Audio
Youtube 4K (2160p) / 5.1
Google Play Movies 4K (2160p) / 5.1
Netflix 4K (2160p) / 7.1 / Installing the apk with mouse / Netflix Guide
HBO FullHD (1080p) / Stereo / HBO Guide
Disney+ 4K (2160p) / 5.1 / Disney+ Guide
Apple TV+ 4K (2160p) / 5.1 / Apple TV+ Guide
Prime Video 4K (2160p) / 5.1 / Prime Video Guide
DAZN HD (720p) / Stereo
IPTV FullHD (1080i) / Stereo

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CONCLUSIONS AND BUY LINKS

Score

Opinion

Once we have analyzed the Chromecast with Google TV, our feeling of use is very positive, has a powerful hardware and all the options to playback streaming at maximum quality.

As we have verified, it is compatible with all the streaming apps up to 4K HDR that we have tested such as Netflix, Prime Video, HBO, Disney+ and all the other apps with their own version on Android TV. The new included Bluetooth remote control offers us a direct and uncomplicated control, we can even control our TV and it also integrates to Google Home and all the compatible devices that we have at home.

As for the connectivity the Chromecast with Google TV we have a Wifi aC Dual Band adapter with good speeds, we can also use a USB HUB and connect through a USB Gigabit Ethernet adapter to win stability. This small Stick as we have checked does not overheat when playing video or in normal use. As a system we have Android TV 10, which is very stable, moves very smoothly and we can run any game or emulator compatible with Android TV. The use of other apps such as IPTV, PLEX or KODI players to watch local content in 4K HDR quality is not a problem.

As a conclusion we can say that the new Chromecast with Google TV is a completely autonomous TV-Stick with very good performance, fluid environment and perfect to connect to any TV and enjoy Android TV without complications.

Where to buy

  • Chromecast with Google TV can be purchased at the Google store, Amazon, BestBuy or Walmart only for $49.99 (€69.99) with free shipping and is available in 3 colors Snow, Sunrise and Sky.

Add-ons

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Chromecast with Google TV

0.00
7.6

Design

7.5/10

Hardware

8.0/10

Conectivity

6.5/10

Support

9.0/10

Price

7.0/10

Pros

  • Google Support
  • Streaming apps up to 4K
  • Good performance
  • Android TV 10
  • Bluetooth remote

Cons

  • Price
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Tom

I originally connected the usb 3.0 to dac for audio output. It give a good qulity. But after the TV firmware update, it not function anymore. I can now using optical fibre for connection instead, but the quality is much lower. Any suggest for fixing the usb 3.0 audio output. Thank you.

Klyde

This device was extremely environmental friendly with same function ,even better to other devices ,with lower power consumption and lower working temperature.

no name

Does Chromecast with google tv support USB ADB (not ADB via WiFi) ? When adb is enabled, will chromecast disable the usb otg ? I tried on mibox s, it will switch to usb device mode from usb host mode, and usb otg was disabled.

no name

The Google official site https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/3046409 said the Chromecast with Google TV has HDMI 2.0 with ALLM not HDMI 2.1. But S905D3 should be support HDMI 2.1, I don’t know why Google limited the HDMI port features.

Kim

HDMI 2.1 specifications can be partial.

Momogi

L3 certified?

Kim

Is L1.

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