I have had almost all versions of Fire TV sticks except the Cube. After having used them you just get used to their menus and interface and cant be bothered to learn when you buy new TV's so I just plug one of these in.
What I have noticed is a Fire TV stick will always be stuck on the same underlying base Android OS version even though the frontend shares the same skin. Few Examples:
Fire TV Stick - 2nd Gen (2016-2019) - Fire OS 5 (Android 5.1)
Fire TV - 3rd Gen (2017) - Fire OS 6 (Android 7.1)
FireTV Stick 4K (2018) - Fire OS 6 (Android 7.1)
Fire TV Stick Lite - 1st Gen (2020)- Fire OS 7 (Android 9)
FireTV Stick 4K Max (2021) - Fire OS 7 (Android 9)
As you can see from above list FireTV Stick 4K was due for an upgrade. New android versions will provide better 3rd party app support. For example I used mouse app that allowed me to use the Fire TV remote to move cursor around the screen to click buttons. This allowed me to use various android APK's not designed for Fire OS interface (Hik-connect, smart control, CCTV, apps). Not to mention newer OS is faster as well.
I have Facebook Portal that also runs on android base OS and I always found its interface much faster and responsive than all the previous Fire TV sticks. You click on Netflix app and within an instant you are in, something I never experienced on the pre-2020 Fire TV sticks. The new FireTV stick 4K Max is definitely nippier when moving around the menus.
Background and benefits of Fire TV OS and user interface applicable to all Fire TV ecosystem:
I originally bought into the Google ecosystem to the point where I refused to buy anything with Alexa in it like the Ring bell. Then we were provided with a FireTV stick with a new Sky TV connection in our holiday home in India. I set it up just for the sake of it and fell in love with it. I will list some of its benefits,
1. Nice sized remote, supports full functions, including Alexa with a button (Alexa is not listening all the time)
2. Remote controller controls the TV's on/off with source selection and volume control with the built in infrared.
3. The interface is zappy, intuitive and simple.
4. Been using for years, never seen it lag beyond reason or crash.
5. Better than your TV's smart interface. (I own/owned 4K - Samsung, LG, Toshiba, Unknown/ Sony Android TV's)
6. Supports various apps like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Sky News, etc., in 4K and more can be downloaded from built in store.
7. Based off android so you can side-load several unsupported apps too,
a. I use Hik-Connect to view all my 4K Hikvision cameras spread across two countries.
b. I use Synology NAS apps - DS Video, DS Photo to view my personal video and photo library.
c. Installed IP TV apps, that allows you to view 1000's of live view channels. Follow YouTube for instructions.
d. Mouse Toggle APK (search Google) allows to switch to mouse mode. Useful for 'unsupported' android apps.
8. Unlike other Smart TV's the Fire TV receives regular updates so you can be certain you get best supported apps.
9. Will breathe new life in your old non-smart TV's. We had a 44" Samsung Plasma TV that lay unused for over 10 years and with this Fire TV stick, it works like a brand new TV!
I have now purchased and installed Fire TV stick for all the TV's I have access to, including one at my work place. Its so small, you can carry it with you and use it to give you access to your customised entertainment at hotels, relatives place, etc., without having to share your passwords on TV's not owned by you.
I mostly prefer to get this Fire TV stick 4K model as opposed to the non 4k 3rd gen just to be future proof. Even though the back-end Android OS version are different between the non-4K (Ver. 5.x) and 4K model (Ver. 6.x), they both work and appear the same. I find the 4K Max model to be a bit faster in unsupported apps but works just fine for the standard apps.
Remember to use the original supplied USB Power adapter for full speed performance. I was using another 2.4A USB adapter and discovered it would lag or stutter while playing HEVC or some HD or 4K videos. You see not all USB sockets deliver same power regardless of what the label says!
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Compare Fire TV
| Price | From: £29.99 | From: £39.99 | From: £49.99 | From: £54.99 | From: £109.99 |
| Ratings | (4,165) | (59,106) | (43,443) | (22,371) | (6,364) |
| Best for | Essential streaming under £30 | HD streaming with convenient TV controls | Cinematic 4K streaming with Dolby Vision | High-performance 4K streaming with Wi-Fi 6 support | Hands-free voice control of entertainment |
| Supports 1080p Full HD (1920x1080) |
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| Supports 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) |
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| Supports Dolby Vision (HDR imagery for more vibrant colours) |
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| Hands free with Alexa |
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| Wi-Fi 6 Support |
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| Live view Picture-in-Picture |
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| Storage | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1.5 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Audio Support | HDMI pass-through of Dolby-encoded audio | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos |
| Quad-core Processor | CPU 1.7 GHz, GPU 650 MHz | CPU 1.7 GHz, GPU 650 MHz | CPU 1.7 GHz, GPU 650 MHz | CPU 1.8 GHz, GPU 750 MHz | Hexa-core CPU 2.2 GHz + 1.9 GHz, GPU 800 MHz |
Simple to set up and use
1.
Plug Fire TV Stick 4K Max directly into your HDTV, or use the included HDMI extender.
2.
Plug into wall socket.
3.
Connect to internet and enjoy.
Every day is an Earth Day
You don't have to be an environmental scientist to make sustainable choices. We integrated sustainability in the design of this device. Here's how:
Materials
50% post-consumer recycled plastics in streaming media player.
20% post-consumer recycled plastics in the remote. Cable and adaptor not included.
Low Power Mode
To reduce its energy consumption, this device will enter Low Power mode when it goes to sleep. Learn more here.
Technical details
Fire TV Stick 4K Max
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Size |
99 x 30 x 14 mm (only housing) | 108 x 30 x 14 mm (including the connector). |
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Weight |
48.4 g |
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Processor |
Quad-core 1.8GHz MT 8696 |
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GPU |
IMG GE8300, 750 MHz |
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Storage |
8 GB |
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Wi-Fi |
MT7921LS. Supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) networks. |
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Bluetooth |
Bluetooth 5.0 + LE. Pair with compatible Bluetooth speakers, headphones, video game controllers and more. |
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Voice support |
Yes, with the Alexa Voice Remote (included) or free Fire TV app (available for download on Fire OS, Android and iOS). |
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IR Device control with included Alexa Voice Remote |
The included Alexa Voice Remote can control Fire TV Stick 4K Max and certain functions (such as power and volume) on a wide range of compatible IR-enabled devices, including TVs, soundbars and A/V receivers. Note: certain functions may not be available on some IR-enabled devices. |
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Cloud storage |
Free cloud storage for digital content purchased from Amazon. |
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Ports |
HDMI ARC output, micro-USB for power only. |
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Audio support |
Dolby Atmos, 7.1 surround sound, 2-channel stereo and HDMI audio pass through up to 5.1. Dolby Atmos is available on selected Prime Video, Netflix and Disney+ titles when connected to compatible equipment. |
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4K support |
To watch films and TV programmes in 4K Ultra HD, you need a compatible Ultra HD TV. Some services may not be available in 4K/HDR. Certain services are subject to change at any time, may not be available in all areas or in 4K/HDR, and may require separate subscriptions. Learn more about services. |
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Content formats supported |
Video: Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, H.265, H.264, VP9 and AV1.
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Output resolution supported |
2160p, 1080p and 720p up to 60 fps. |
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System requirements |
High-definition television with available high-speed HDMI input, high-speed internet connection via Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6 router needed for Wi-Fi 6 support. |
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TV compatibility |
TV must support minimum HDCP requirements for protected content playback. Compatible with 1) 4K ultra high-definition TVs with HDMI capable of 2160p at 24/25/30/50/60 Hz and HDCP 2.2 or 2) high-definition TVs with HDMI capable of 1080p or 720p at 50/60 Hz. Learn more about high definition. |
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Warranty and service |
Fire TV Stick 4K Max is sold with a limited warranty of one year provided by the manufacturer. If you are a consumer, the limited warranty is in addition to your consumer rights, and does not jeopardise these rights in any way. This means you may still have additional rights at law even after the limited warranty has expired (further information on your consumer rights can be found here). Use of Fire TV Stick 4K Max is subject to the terms found here. |
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Regional support |
Certain services may not be available outside of the United Kingdom. |
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Accessibility features |
VoiceView screen reader enables access to the vast majority of Fire TV features for users who are blind or visually impaired. Watch videos and TV programmes with subtitles displayed. Subtitles are not available for all content. You can also listen to Fire TV with compatible Bluetooth headphones. Learn more about compatibility. |
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Included in the box |
Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Alexa Voice Remote (3rd generation), USB cable and power adaptor, HDMI extender cable for Fire TV Stick 4K Max, 2 AAA batteries and Quick Start Guide. |
Alexa Voice Remote (3rd generation) technical details
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Size |
38 x 142 x 16 mm |
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Weight |
43.4 g (without batteries) |
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Batteries |
2 AAA (included) |
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Technology |
Bluetooth |
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Compatibility |
Fire TV Stick (3rd generation), Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max |
Climate Pledge Friendly
Climate Pledge Friendly uses sustainability certifications to highlight products that support our commitment to help preserve the natural world. Time is fleeting. Learn more
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Reducing CO2 products reduce their carbon footprint year after year. Certified by the Carbon Trust.
The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full life cycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy.
Customer reviews
Pros and cons, short and neat advice…
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 October 2021
I will try to give short feedback regarding 4K Max model, pros and cons.I will mention that I already had 4k 2018 model and I’m amazon Prime member, so paying monthly extra payment and what I can watch much extra than standard user.If you not paying extra you can not get Netflix, Disney+, apple+ or Amazon prime. You able to watch all above if you already subscribed and paying to each of that channel's separately.Just to clarify to first time buyers that you will NOT get free Netflix or Disney Chanel’s by purchasing this unit as one time payment, you need to pay monthly subscription. You will have limited free Chanel’s.Pros :-Easy to set up, if you had already account it will pull all your existing programs automatically, just need to open and log in.-It has extra 5 short cut buttons which good if you paying extra already for that channels.-All programs works as it should ( no glitch as we had on old models on the begging)- works fine with all TV’s , old and new models, just need HDMI port. No need TV be 4K TV.Cons:- still short power cable.- speed of internal processor not much upgraded just gone up from 1.7 to 1.8ghz, 5% faster which not noticeable.- could be better if power adapter which takes power directly from tv was included.Overall:If you have old 2018 4K then no point upgrading.If first time buyer then there no visible difference between standard 4K model and 4K max , just spending extra money for processor which only 5% faster.Have a look to my pictures hope it will be helpful to decide if it’s suitable for personal need or not.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 October 2021
Images in this review
