A smart TV is a category of television hardware that includes internet connectivity and an operating system to run apps, while Tizen is a specific operating system that powers Samsung smart TVs. The key difference between smart TV and Tizen is that all Tizen TVs are smart TVs, but not all smart TVs run Tizen, many use platforms like Android TV, webOS, or Roku TV instead.
What is a smart TV?
A smart TV is a television with integrated internet connectivity, an operating system, and the ability to run applications. These televisions allow users to stream music and videos, browse the internet, and view photos, functioning as a convergence of computers, televisions, and digital media players. The operating system on a smart TV is preloaded into its firmware, providing access to apps and other digital content, similar to how applications work on smartphones. With an internet connection, smart TVs can stream movies, shows, live TV channels, and music through a wide range of apps and services. If you're unsure about your own set's capabilities, you can know if my Vizio TV is a smart TV by checking its on-screen menu for an app store. A smart TV can function without an internet connection for basic features like cable TV channels and Bluetooth, but smart features such as streaming content will not be available.
What is Tizen?
Tizen is a specific, open-source, Linux-based operating system developed primarily by Samsung and the Linux Foundation. Tizen powers Samsung smart TVs, Galaxy wearables, IoT appliances, and automotive infotainment systems. It is Samsung's proprietary smart TV platform, serving as the default operating system across Samsung smart TVs and powering the Smart Hub experience. Tizen is a standalone operating system and is architecturally unrelated to Android or Samsung's One UI, which runs on Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Tizen is an open-source platform developed by Samsung in partnership with the Linux Foundation. One UI Tizen is Samsung's interface layer that provides a simple, personalized, and content-rich smart TV experience with an intuitive interface and easy navigation. A Tizen smart TV simply refers to any Samsung television that runs the Tizen operating system, giving you access to Samsung's exclusive smart features and ecosystem.
Key features that set Tizen apart
Tizen smart TVs integrate with the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem, allowing the TV to function as a connected home hub for other smart devices. The Gaming Hub on Samsung smart TVs is a gateway to over 3,000 games, standalone apps, and cloud games from services like Xbox and NVIDIA GeForce Now. Multi View mode allows users to split their screen to watch TV content and a smartphone screen simultaneously. Samsung TV Plus is a free ad-supported streaming service offering live TV and on-demand content. Many Tizen TVs support multiple voice assistants, including Samsung Bixby, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. Samsung Knox Security provides powerful protection for Tizen OS. Samsung provides free Tizen OS updates on its TVs for up to 7 years from the product launch year.
Tizen app ecosystem and limitations
The Tizen app ecosystem is primarily Samsung-exclusive, and publishing applications requires a certification review process by Samsung. Tizen smart TVs provide access to Samsung's dedicated app store, supporting popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Tizen TVs support popular streaming services, music apps, and fitness platforms through Samsung's dedicated app store. However, Tizen has a more limited app selection compared to platforms like Android TV, and it cannot natively run Android applications (APKs). Tizen OS allows developers to create apps optimized for smart TVs, as well as other connected devices like smartphones, home appliances, and monitors.
Tizen versions and device compatibility
Tizen 8.0 is the latest stable version, introduced with Samsung's 2024 TV range. Tizen 5.5 remains relevant for millions of Samsung TVs from the 2020 to 2022 range. Tizen is exclusive to Samsung smart TVs, you will not find it on televisions from other manufacturers. Samsung smart TVs have built-in WiFi connectivity, allowing for wireless or wired (Ethernet) internet connection. Tizen OS enables sharing files and media from connected devices to the smart TV via WiFi Direct. Smart TVs running Tizen OS support Smart View for Galaxy phones (Android 4.2 or higher) and AirPlay for screen mirroring iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.
Is Tizen better than other smart TV platforms?
Tizen is known for being fast, lightweight, and user-friendly, offering quick TV startup times, fast app switching, and near-instant remote control response. The Tizen user interface is designed to be simple and clean, featuring a row-based layout for quick access to favorite apps. Samsung smart TVs come with built-in smart features such as streaming apps, Smart Hub, and personalized content recommendations. Compared to platforms like Android TV or Google TV, Tizen offers tighter integration with the Samsung ecosystem, including SmartThings home control and Samsung TV Plus. However, Android TV and Google TV provide a broader app selection and the flexibility to run Android APKs natively. Tizen's advantage lies in its speed and lightweight interface, while its limitation is the smaller, Samsung-exclusive app store. The choice depends on whether you prioritize ecosystem integration and performance or app availability and third-party flexibility.
