Roku Express (3930) vs Roku Ultra (4800)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Express (3930) compared with Ultra (4800)
RokuExpress (3930)RokuUltra (4800)
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2019October 2020
Video and audio
Resolution1080p4K (better)
HDRNoneHDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG (better)
Dolby Atmos–Yes
VideoUp 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
SoftwareRoku OSRoku OS
Chip detailsArm 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
Memory512 MB (Roku's exact Nemo/3930X developer row)2 GB (Roku's Benjamin/4800X developer row)
Software and servicesRoku OS; apps vary by region and software version. Maker September 2019 release gives October retail availability, rather than the announcement dayRoku 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-FiWi-Fi 4Wi-Fi 5
EthernetNoYes
Voice remoteNoYes
PortsHDMI output, micro-USB power and reset; no Ethernet, USB media or card slotHDMI, USB, Ethernet and power input (model-4800 Quick Start Guide); no microSD slot (both reviews)
Wi-Fi and BluetoothSingle-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
RemoteStandard 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 bundleOriginal 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
TypeBoxBox
PowerUSB power. The European 3930EU guide excludes a mains adaptor; the original US launch package includes oneSupplied mains power adaptor
Size–4.9 × 4.9 × 0.9 in (Tom's Guide)
In the boxEuropean package includes player, infrared remote, two AAA batteries, HDMI cable, USB power cable and removable adhesive stripUltra player, voice remote, headphones, two AA batteries, Premium High Speed HDMI cable and power adaptor

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