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Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2021)
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Although the Fire TV Stick 4K (2021) is a bit more expensive, it has great specs, and brings with it the ability to stream in 4K resolution.
Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd generation 2021)
Greatness is not 4K
If you don’t care too much about 4K video playback or Dolby Vision support, the Fire TV Stick (3rd generation 2021) is less expensive and performs as well as its counterpart.
In the battle for the role of the best streaming device for your home, the Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen 2021) versus the Fire TV Stick 4K (2021) are pretty much the same. Both serve their roles, depending on what you are trying to achieve with your video playback and streaming needs.
However, whether you want 4K playback or Dolby Vision support will affect you. Amazon also launched the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for the first time in 2021 with a faster processor and Wi-Fi 6 support.
Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd generation 2021) vs. Fire TV Stick 4K (2021): What’s the same?
When looking at these two flowing sticks head-on, it can be very difficult to tell them apart outside of the pack. In terms of dimensions, the Fire TV Stick (3rd generation) and the Fire TV Stick 4K (2021) are similar, with the latter being a bit taller. What you find in the box is the same, with a Micro-USB charging cable, an Amazon wall wart, an HDMI extender, and extra paperwork, along with the stick itself.
| Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2021) | Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd generation 2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 99mm x 30mm x 14mm | 86 x 30 x 13 mm |
| Healer | Quad core 1.7 GHz | Quad core 1.7 GHz |
| RAM | 1.5GB | 1 GB |
| picture quality | Up to 4K Ultra HD with support for HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision | Up to 1080p Full HD with support for HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+ and HLG |
| storage | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| far | Alexa voice remote | Alexa Voice Remote with TV Controls |
They both feature Amazon’s updated Alexa Voice Remote (3rd generation), which can be used to control your entire TV as well as Fire TV, as well as include shortcuts to many of your favorite streaming apps. You’ll also find 8GB of storage in both, which cannot be expanded with microSD or USB storage.
With the Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen 2021), the processor has been updated from previous iterations, bringing with it the same quad-core CPU clocked at 1.7GHz. Now they both have the same processor too!
Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd generation 2021) vs. Fire TV Stick 4K (2021): up to 4K
We have already highlighted the similarities between Fire TV Stick (3rd generation 2021) vs Fire TV Stick 4K (2021). Sure, the 4K version is a bit bigger and has a bit more RAM, but that’s not much to write home about.
When trying to decide if you should upgrade to one of the best streaming devices for your home, these are actually some pretty simple questions. Do you need or want to play 4K video? Or are you okay with having 1080p video? Is 4K worth an extra $10 or so?
Despite sales from retailers, there is usually a $5 to $10 difference between the Fire TV Stick (3rd generation 2021) and the Fire TV Stick 4K (2021). That’s not really much, especially considering that a few extra bucks unlocks 4K playback, Dolby Vision support, and more RAM. So we say the extra cost is worth it unless your current TV is just a spare, or it doesn’t even have 4K playback.
Those who just want to turn a dumb TV into a smart TV would be better off keeping the third generation Amazon Fire TV Stick. You still get an Alexa Voice remote, which can double as your TV remote, along with access to all the same apps and services when compared to the Fire TV Stick 4K. The latest Alexa Voice Remote also includes shortcut buttons for your favorite streaming services.
Meanwhile, if you are someone who wants to enjoy their videos in the best possible quality, Fire TV Stick 4K (2021) is the way to go. There is more RAM under the hood, which will provide slightly better speeds when trying to load apps and videos. In addition, there is also support for various HDR certifications to go along with Dolby Vision and Dolby Audio. Truth be told, both are great, but there is a reason why Fire TV Stick 4K (2021) is the best Fire TV Stick (Opens in a new tab) In the market.
