Here’s what’s different between the Fire TV Omni Series and the Fire TV 4-Series.
Fire TV Omni series vs 4-Series: Specs
Fire TV Omni series vs 4-Series: Fire TV
Fire TV Omni series vs 4-Series: Size and price
Fire TV Omni Series vs 4-Series: Design
First, the Fire TV 4-Series looks to have the same sort of basic, black plastic construction that we’ve seen on past models from third-party manufacturers like insignia and Toshiba. The Omni models, on the other hand, are available with either a black or silvery finish, and features metal trim on the chassis and bezel. Comparing images of what’s included with each TV, the Fire TV 4-Series has basic black plastic feet, while the more premium omni series appears to use metal feet. The overall layout may look the same, but the use of different materials will definitely give a more premium build quality to the Omni series products. The other important thing worth noting is that, despite some differences in construction, many design details are identical between the two model lines. Both the budget-friendly Fire TV 4-Series and the more expensive Omni series use the same Alexa-enabled TV remote, and have the same port selection, with a very similar looking rear chassis and layout.
Fire TV 4 Omni series vs 4-Series: HDR
On smaller screens, the two model lines are the same, offering basic HDR support for HDR10 and HLG, but not Dolby Vision. But HDR is also limited in its effectiveness through the use of direct backlight without local dimming. With no discrete dimming zones, the backlight cannot adjust to produce the brighter brights and deeper darks that make the most of HDR content. The Omni series also features Dolby Vision support, offering the best premium HDR format on the 65 and 75-inch models. However, without local dimming, the impact of this format support will be minimal.
Fire TV Omni series vs 4-Series: Alexa
The new Fire TVs also get some additional TV features, like the ability to use Netflix’s Play Something recommendation feature with the phrase “Alexa, Play Something on Netflix”. You can even get TikTok videos, which can also be auto-played with the phrase “Alexa, play TikTok.” The Fire TV 4-Series delivers almost everything that the more premium Omni models do, but that Alexa support is limited to voice input through the remote control, or through a paired Echo smart speaker. The TV itself does not have far-field microphones to listen to the entire room. (While that may sound like a step down from the hands-free Alexa options on the Omni series, the privacy minded TV shoppers out there may actually consider this an improvement.) Privacy wonks should take heart at one additional feature, however, because the Omni series TVs are also equipped with a physical switch to turn those microphones off. That means ensuring the privacy of your private conversations is as simple as flipping a switch, without having to dig through obscure settings menus or worry that your privacy is undermined through software bugs or malicious hackers.
Fire TV Omni series vs 4-Series: Smart features
But the Omni is also touted as having a few additional smart features. One is picture-in-picture support for watching video feeds from devices like a Ring doorbell camera, letting you view the feed from the camera without interrupting your show. Similarly, if you have multiple camera feeds, such as from an array of Ring security cameras around your house and property, you can have all of those feeds on a dedicated row on the home screen. Finally, the Omni series promises one major upgrade over the standard Fire TV 4-Series, with support for USB webcam and Zoom calling. Paired with Alexa voice calling, the Omni series will let you initiate Zoom calls with voice control, making it easy to talk to friends and family from the comfort of your couch and larger TV screen.
Fire TV Omni Series vs 4-Series: Which is better for you?
The Omni series, with its advanced features and larger screen sizes will offer shoppers a great opportunity to step up to a better overall TV while still getting that same Alexa infused Fire TV smart experience. In terms of pure quality and capability, the Omni series looks to be the winner, delivering a bigger, better picture with better construction and more features.
