The Google Chromecast has emerged as one of the best TV media players in recent years. The latest model, the Chromecast Ultra, introduces innovations such as support for 4K and HDR but is twice as expensive as the Chromecast from 2015. Is the Ultra innovative enough to justify the retail price of 79 euros?
Chromecast Ultra
MSRP
€79,-
Website
google.nl 8 Score 80
- Pros
- Ethernet support
- User-friendly app
- 4K and HDR
- Negatives
- 4K and HDR offer is still limited
- Twice as expensive as - good - Chromecast 2015
Design
The Chromecast Ultra has a recognizable design. Just like its predecessors, the device is round, compact and equipped with an integrated HDMI cable. Compared to the Chromecast (2015), the Ultra version is slightly larger and has a glossy finish instead of matte. Another difference is in the connectivity. The Chromecast (2015) has a micro-USB-to-USB cable with a separate adapter and can get its power from both the wall socket and a USB port on the TV. This is not the case with the Chromecast Ultra: because it streams at the maximum in 4K resolution and that requires more power than a USB port can supply, it must be connected to the wall socket.
Google supplies a charger, which also offers space for an Ethernet cable. You have to arrange that cable yourself, and if connected to the Chromecast and router, it provides a more stable and faster internet connection than the WiFi network. The Ethernet power adapter can also be purchased separately for the Chromecast (2015).
4K and HDR
The two biggest innovations that the Chromecast Ultra makes compared to its predecessor are support for 4K streaming and HDR (High Dynamic Range). These two technologies are for the time being reserved for more expensive TVs (+500 euros), which is what the Ultra focuses on.
Over the past few weeks, we've been testing the Chromecast on a Philips 4K TV with HDR support. We watched movies and series in full HD and in 4K with and without HDR to make a comparison. We think the added value of 4K is small: the image hardly looks sharper, which will be the case on many TVs. The HDR support is noticeable and provides a more beautiful and natural color reproduction. A 4K HDR film splashes off the screen more than a 'normal' film, but the range is still scarce.
Netflix, Amazon and YouTube are the only (well-known) parties in the Netherlands that offer 4K content. At Netflix and Amazon you can choose from your own productions and some 'loose' films, while at YouTube it is mainly demo videos and nature films. 4K media with HDR is even rarer and limited to some new movies and series. With Netflix you also need the most expensive subscription (12 euros per month) to watch in 4K.
User-friendly app
The Chromecast Ultra can also work with Google Home, the digital speaker that is currently only sold in the US. With a voice command, you can let Home control the Chromecast and, for example, start or pause a Netflix movie.
According to Google, the Ultra is also 1.8 times faster than the Chromecast (2015), presumably due to faster hardware. Although the new model is indeed faster, the difference is not that bad in practice. you control the Chromecast Ultra (and other Chromecasts) via the Google Home app for Android and iOS, which is very user-friendly.
Conclusion
The Chromecast Ultra is an improved version of the popular and fine Chromecast (2015). The media player is slightly faster to use, supports Google Home and comes standard with an Ethernet adapter. The most important innovations, 4K streaming and HDR support, are especially interesting for the future. The range of 4K HDR movies and series is even meager, and only newer and more expensive TVs support it. The Chromecast Ultra is therefore especially interesting for the gadget enthusiast with a suitable TV, while the Chromecast (2015) is still a good all-rounder for the vast majority of users.
