The upcoming Fire TV Stick 4K Select has been hailed as Amazon’s most affordable 4K streaming device ever, so we’re keen to see how it measures up to the Fire TV Stick 4K.
Whether you already own the Fire TV Stick 4K and are considering the new model, or you simply want to know how the two devices differ, this guide is here to help.
We’ve highlighted the key differences between the Fire TV 4K Select and Fire TV Stick 4K below.
Once you’re done here, check out our guide on all the devices Amazon announced at its annual hardware event too.
Price and Availability
At the time of writing, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select can currently be pre-ordered ahead of its official release from mid-October, and has an RRP of £49.99/$39.99.
Alternatively, the Fire TV Stick 4K is readily available now, and has a slightly higher RRP of £59.99/$49.99. Even so, as it’s an older model, it’s not unusual to find a price cut for the device. In fact, at the time of writing, you can snap up the Fire TV Stick 4K for just £25.99/$24.99.
Fire TV Stick 4K supports Dolby Vision
Although both the Fire TV Sticks can provide up to 4K picture quality, Amazon explains the Fire TV Stick 4K boasts “cinematic” streaming, whereas the Stick 4K Select offers “essential” instead.
What’s the difference? Amazon claims that the Fire TV Stick 4K’s so-called cinematic experience is aided by Dolby Vision support, alongside other premium display technologies such as HDR10+ support.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select, on the other hand, promises an “essential” streaming experience. Although it supports HDR10+, it lacks Dolby Vision.
Fire TV Stick 4K features Dolby Atmos audio
In a similar vein, unlike the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, the Fire TV Stick 4K also features Dolby Audio. Essentially, Dolby Audio enables more optimised and clear audio, automatic volume control and more immersive audio for those with a surround sound system.
As with most streaming devices, the audio performance will depend on the quality of your TV and connected speakers. Remember, it’s always possible to enhance audio technology by adding a soundbar to your home entertainment set-up.
Fire TV Stick 4K supports Wi-Fi 6
While the Fire TV Stick 4K boasts Wi-Fi 6 support, the newer Fire TV Stick 4K Select sports the older Wi-Fi 5 standard.
This means that the Fire TV Stick 4K should run faster than its newer counterpart, although keep in mind that you’ll need to have a compatible router and network connection to benefit from these speeds.
Having said that, it’s worth noting that Wi-Fi 5 isn’t necessarily slow and, depending on your network connection, it’s unlikely that you’ll notice a real difference in everyday use. However, if you plan on utilising the likes of Xbox Cloud Gaming and Amazon Luna, then this is something to keep in mind, as ideally, you’d want the fastest possible speeds for gaming.
Fire TV Stick 4K Select runs on Vega OS
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is among the first of its kind to run on Amazon’s new Vega OS rather than Fire OS. Although we’re yet to test Vega OS ourselves, Amazon promises the Android-based system will be “highly responsive with an efficient footprint, enabling fast app launches and smooth navigation”.
Otherwise, Fire OS is solid and straightforward enough to use, although it does tend to prioritise Amazon content, which can be frustrating at times.
Early Verdict
As we haven’t reviewed the Fire TV Stick 4K Select yet, we’ll refrain from providing a conclusive verdict for the time being.
Having said that, as the stick is hailed as Amazon’s “most affordable 4K streaming device ever”, if you want a budget-friendly way to smarten up your TV, then the Select is a promising choice.
On the other hand, as the Fire TV Stick 4K can be found at a bargain price, especially during events such as Amazon’s Big Deal Days, and boasts more premium technologies like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, it’s perhaps not worth upgrading if you’re already using the device.
