Roku Express (3930) vs Roku Ultra (4800)
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| RokuExpress (3930) | RokuUltra (4800) | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | October 2019 | October 2020 |
| Video and audio | ||
| Resolution | 1080p | 4K (better) |
| HDR | None | HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG (better) |
| Dolby Atmos | – | Yes |
| Video | Up to 1080p Full HD; no 4K or HDR (exact Nemo/3930X maker developer row) | Up to 4K at 60 fps; Roku's model-4800 guide specifies an HDCP 2.2 HDMI connection for 4K |
| HDR | – | Roku's current Benjamin/4800X developer row lists HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG. An older model-4800 support document also claims HDR10+, which the developer row omits; HDR10+ is left out of the main field pending reconciliation |
| Audio | – | Dolby Atmos with compatible content and sound system; TechRadar lists AAC, MP3, WMA, FLAC, PCM, AC3/EAC3, DTS and ALAC support |
| Performance | ||
| Software | Roku OS | Roku OS |
| Chip details | Arm Cortex-A53; OpenGL ES 2.0 (Roku's exact Nemo/3930X developer row) | Quad-core processor (Roku launch announcement); Roku's Benjamin/4800X developer row identifies Arm Cortex-A55 |
| Memory | 512 MB (Roku's exact Nemo/3930X developer row) | 2 GB (Roku's Benjamin/4800X developer row) |
| Software and services | Roku OS; apps vary by region and software version. Maker September 2019 release gives October retail availability, rather than the announcement day | Roku OS; OS 9.4 was announced alongside the player. AirPlay 2 and HomeKit were added after launch, as confirmed in Tom's Guide's review; apps and features vary by country and software version |
| Connections | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 4 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet | No | Yes |
| Voice remote | No | Yes |
| Ports | HDMI output, micro-USB power and reset; no Ethernet, USB media or card slot | HDMI, USB, Ethernet and power input (model-4800 Quick Start Guide); no microSD slot (both reviews) |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Single-band 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi (Tech Advisor) | Dual-band 802.11ac (TechRadar); Bluetooth support and up to 50% greater wireless range than the prior model (Roku's launch claim) |
| Smart home | – | Controllable through compatible Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices; AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support with updated software |
| Remote | Standard infrared remote with channel shortcuts; needs line of sight. No voice microphone, television power/volume controls or headphone socket. Express+ 3931 adds the voice-remote bundle | Original voice remote has TV power, volume and mute, headphone jack, two personal shortcuts and lost-remote finder; two AA batteries. Later rechargeable-remote bundles are not separate player hardware here |
| Design | ||
| Type | Box | Box |
| Power | USB power. The European 3930EU guide excludes a mains adaptor; the original US launch package includes one | Supplied mains power adaptor |
| Size | – | 4.9 × 4.9 × 0.9 in (Tom's Guide) |
| In the box | European package includes player, infrared remote, two AAA batteries, HDMI cable, USB power cable and removable adhesive strip | Ultra player, voice remote, headphones, two AA batteries, Premium High Speed HDMI cable and power adaptor |
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