Smart TVs have literally taken the world by storm. With a lot of great features and internet connectivity, the technology has changed the way we watch TV.

They are not just for entertainment purposes anymore but can be used to stream your favorite shows from your phone or tablet.

However, these TVs aren't just the same as the regular TVs that you use to watch movies on. To understand their difference, let us take a closer look.

What Is a Smart TV?

smart tv remote

Regular TVs used to be all about the HDTV antenna or cable, but now there's a whole lot more going on. With powerful processors and internet connectivity in modern sets, it couldn't really get any smarter than this.

A traditional TV was once an easy way for families who wanted basic programming at their fingertips without spending too much money each month—not anymore. These days, you'll need something that can do everything from streaming video services like Netflix or Hulu, browsing websites through the built-in web browser, checking out social media updates, and more.

Related: What Is a Smart TV and What Can You Do With One

Smart TVs are essentially regular HDTVs with the ability to connect to the internet. It allows users to access a whole range of web services as well as stream content from the internet to your TV.

What Does a Smart TV Do?

woman wondering about smart tv functions

Smart TVs are boldly going where no TV has gone before, and they're not just for watching the latest episode of the must-see TV series.

With voice search now at your fingertips, there's never been an easier time finding what you need in one fell swoop.

You can find live newsfeeds or weather updates without having to reach out from your sofa or grab your phone. You can even watch Netflix, Apple TV+, Hulu, HBO Go, and YouTube right on the big screen now.

We're living in a world where our smart TVs are not only entertainment centers but also the brains of an integrated smart home. As more and more models offer voice recognition tools like Alexa or Google Assistant to search programs on demand, turn on smart lights, check the weather, and even control other devices, smart TVs are starting to sound less like a TV and more like the brains of your home.

Smart TV vs. Regular TV

It's important to understand that a smart TV has a lot more going for it than just being able to access the internet. It's a way of watching television that takes everything from picture quality and audio right through to software updates and content into consideration for an enhanced viewing experience.

Related: What's the Best Smart TV Operating System?

Regular HDTVs have been going through some pretty big changes of their own over the past few years, and they're about to undergo another one as they begin to work more like smart TVs.

Essentially, what we're seeing now is that as these new models come out, they're able to combine everything consumers want from their TVs into one package; meaning you won't need to swap out your current TV for a new model or hook up an external box to enjoy all of its functions.

Smart TV vs. Regular TV: What Are the Differences?

woman watching old TV

While buying a new TV, you might have noticed the wide variety of selection with both smart and regular TVs. But what is the difference between a smart TV and regular TV?

Regular TVs come in different sizes—some are large, some small. The TVs are available in a wide variety of price options and can even be in 4K. As for the "smart" part of things—that's where things get a little tricker.

Similar to smartphones, smart TVs are TV sets that can connect to the internet and do more than just display images on their screen. A smart TV can stream video on demand, play music, and do a lot more. This may include accessing your favorite apps, browsing social media, or getting sports updates.

In most cases, a regular TV doesn't have any processing power, which means it can't connect to the internet. Essentially it works more like an enlarged computer monitor. These TVs are not able to handle apps or web browsing, but they are excellent for people who don't want to spend on a new television just yet since most manufacturers have made the transition of older TV models into smart TVs.

High-definition televisions were once the best way to watch your favorite shows or movies to enjoy viewing them at their very best resolution. Now, even regular HDTVs are becoming obsolete with the rise of ultra-high-definition sets that offer four times the resolution.

Smart TVs are able to keep up with these advancements by offering high-resolution streaming options for 4K and even 8K. They're able to process the data and then send it to your TV for a more innovative viewing experience. They are a perfect choice for people who like having access to all their favorite media in one place.

Are All New TVs Smart TVs?

smart tv with netflix

You've probably heard a lot of buzz about smart TVs and how they're a must-have. But the thing is, not every TV is going to be smart. We all know that your TV can do more than ever before, but this doesn't mean it's necessarily going to be "smart."

A regular HDTV is going to be able to do many of the things we've come to expect from a Smart TV. Still, it won't necessarily have an operating system or any ability to connect to the internet.

Can You Still Buy a Regular TV?

Of course, regular HDTVs are still going to be around even with all the new smart technology. If you don't want a TV that can access the internet or app stores. You might feel perfectly happy with the standard definition and 1080p resolution screens.

There are many reasons why you shouldn't buy a smart TV, although it's hard to deny the convenience of having direct access to all your favorite media from one screen.

The Future of Smart TVs

TV manufacturers are in a constant race to create the best TVs with better picture quality and more enhanced features. And from what we've seen so far, this is unlikely to stop any time soon.

From the early 2000s, where flat-screen TVs were all the rage, to 2016, where UHD 4K sets are becoming more mainstream, it's no surprise that these new TV sets are only going to continue to grow smarter and more powerful as we head into this decade.