Chromecast devices by Google are considered as one of the best streaming and casting devices. The first Chromecast device was launched in July 2013. Since then, a lot of updates and developments were made to the device. As of now, Google launched five types of Chromecast devices, Chromecast 1st Gen, 2nd Gen, Chromecast Audio, 3rd Gen and Chromecast Ultra. Among these, only two devices are available for sale, Chromecast Ultra and 3rd Gen. In this article, we compare Google Chromecast vs Chromecast Ultra devices.
What is Chromecast?
Chromecast 3rd Generation is the recently launched casting device in October 2018. It is one of the most bought Google devices. Chromecast 3rd Gen is the most advanced streaming device and the successor of Chromecast 2nd Gen.
What is Chromecast Ultra?
Chromecast Ultra was launched in November 2016. Though it was released two years before the 3rd Gen, it has the highest streaming quality. The 3rd Gen is not an updated version on comparing with Ultra. Chromecast Ultra is released for people who want to stream content in 4K and UHD quality.
Related: Chromecast vs Kindle Fire
Chromecast vs Chromecast Ultra: Design
The 3rd Gen device is a circular-shaped device. Like all the Chromecast models, there is no significant change in the shape. The alphabet G is imprinted in the center of the device instead of the Chrome logo in previous versions. There are no extra features in the design segment.
Chromecast Ultra is also a circular-shaped device. But there are some design modifications has been done. The alphabet G is imprinted on the bottom of the device. One significant update is the magnetic strip on the HDMI port. It will stick to the backside of the device and prevent it from free hanging.
In Design aspects, Chromecast Ultra is the winner.
Chromecast vs Chromecast Ultra: Setup
Chromecast 3rd Gen requires minimal external wire connections when compared to Chromecast Ultra. You just have to power the device by using the micro USB port and connect it to the HDMI port. Other than that, in the on-screen process, you have to specify the name of the device, setup WiFi connection, and sign up with the account.
In Chromecast Ultra, the on-screen set up is similar to Chromecast 3rd Gen. In the external wire connection, apart from micro USB and HDMI port, you have the option to connect to the WiFi network using Ethernet cable. The Ethernet port is available on the charging adapter. This will eliminate the on-screen WiFi setup process.
In Setup wise, Chromecast Ultra is the winner. It requires less on-screen process when compared to Chromecast 3rd Gen.
Related: How to Setup Chromecast
Chromecast vs Chromecast Ultra: Technical Specs
Chromecast 3rd Gen weighs 40 grams (1.41 oz) with length and width of 5.181 cm and 1.38 cm. The length of the power cable is 1.52 meters, and the length of the device with the HDMI port is 16.2 cm. The supported resolution is a full standard 1080p resolution. It supports WiFi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/5GHz) with a power supply of 5V and 1A. There are two connection ports, one is the micro USB, and the other one is the HDMI port.
Though the Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast have almost the same design, the dimensions and tech specs vary a lot. It weighs 45 grams (1.6 oz) with dimensions 2.3 x 0.5 of length and width. Chromecast Ultra can stream 4K videos if your TV is capable of streaming it. In the connecting ports, the device has an extra port for an Ethernet connection. The Ethernet connection is to get sufficient data for streaming 4K videos.
Chromecast vs Chromecast Ultra: Streaming Quality
Chromecast 3rd Gen can stream any formats other than 4K videos, and it streams up to 1080p. Whereas Chromecast Ultra is specially designed to stream 4K videos and it can stream high-resolution videos with ease.
Chromecast 3rd Gen vs Chromecast Ultra: Price
Chromecast 3rd Gen costs around $35.
Chromecast Ultra costs around $70.
Related: Comparision between Chromecast vs Firestick
Final Verdict
As we have seen above, Chromecast 3rd Gen and Chromecast Ultra are having almost the same features and specifications. The stand out thing is 4K streaming. If you want 4K and UHD streaming, Chromecast Ultra is the best choice for you. If you just want to cast contents without bothering the streaming quality, then you can go for Chromecast 3rd Gen. Comment your thoughts in the comments section below.