Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K review: Superbly-priced 4K HDR streamer

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Not content with just releasing bundles of [new Echo devices][2], [Amazon][3] has also introduced the Fire Stick 4K. As the name suggests: it's essentially a smaller version of 2017 Fire TV for sourcing Amazon, Netflix and other streaming services content and, crucially, it's mega affordable, too.

* **Don't need 4K?** Then check out the Full HD version of the [Amazon Fire TV Stick][4] or the [standard Full HD Google Chromecast][5].

The [now-discontinued Fire TV][6] was a diamond-shaped device, but it's pretty clear that the market is moving towards 'stick' devices (as the [non-4K Fire TV Stick][4] has proven), so this design is very of the moment.

Unlike the [Now TV Stick][7], however, the 4K Fire TV Stick ups the ante on rivals, with full 4K resolution supported. Its nearest rival is the [Roku Streaming Stick+][8] – which is a good option if you don't want to be tied to Amazon services. Further up the chain there's the [Google Chromecast Ultra][9] (although there's no Amazon Prime Video there), with the top price spot occupied by the [Apple TV 4K][10] (if you're invested completely into the Apple ecosystem, anyway).

## Design and remote

The Fire TV Stick 4K's design means it's small enough to just plug into the back of your TV via an HDMI port. An HDMI extender is included if you don't or can't plug it in directly – which is entirely possible if the other HDMI ports are occupied, as it's rather 'fat' and there often won't be space. As with other such streamers, power comes from a USB cable and power adapter.

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We powered our 4K Stick from a USB port on a review TV – which, as we found out when switching TVs, isn't supported by all sets, so you may have to use the included mains plug adapter instead. The benefit with the USB powered arrangement is that the Stick powers on with your TV rather than being permanently powered.

Amazon has slightly redesigned the functional-yet-unexciting Alexa remote (as you can see below). There's now a standby button as well as volume up and down buttons on the bottom of the main body. There's an Alexa button remains at the top, which works fine – although we think the voice control button on the side of the [Sky Q][12] remote is a little better. The remote takes two AAA batteries (which are included) so you'll want some spares in a drawer for a future day when these inevitably die.

Amazon has also changed its logo on the remote and main body of the stick – it's now just the 'Amazon arrow'. Seems a trifle odd given Amazon's brand recognition, but we've noticed this trend on some other Amazon devices.

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As an alternative to the remote, you can use an app on your phone, which can also be used for keyboard input. However, we think the inclusion of the remote is one of the more compelling aspects of the Fire TV devices versus their Google equivalents; not everybody is happy using their mobile device a controller for their TV and connection difficulties can mean it's sometimes a poor experience. Coincidentally, it is possible to connect the Fire TV Sticks to Ethernet using an [optional adaptor][14].

## Setup and navigation

Setting up the Fire TV 4K is a pretty standard process: you have to enter your Amazon account credentials and your Wi-Fi password using the arrow keys on the remote. Amazon has recently talked about its Echo devices being easier to setup via your Amazon account – and we'd expect it will do this for other products like future Fire TV devices, too, so there's less arrow key tapping.

Software [hasn't been Amazon's strongest suit][15] over the last few years – [as we've noted with various Echo updates][16] – but that doesn't apply to the Fire TV OS, which remains slick and very simple to use with a top-navigation and content suggestions, topics and groups as you scroll. It's similar to that on Fire tablets and always seems bulletproof. Let there be no doubt that Amazon services are prioritised, but there is naturally support for other players and apps, and it's easy to position your favourites to the 'front' – we have Netflix and Plex sitting pride of place as the first two available.

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The 2017 Fire TV offered 4K with high dynamic range (HDR) and Dolby Atmos support, but there was no Dolby Vision out of the box. This newer stick corrects this so HDR, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG and HDR10+ are all covered.

* [What is HDR? The types explained and which TVs support][18]

Note that you will need to have a compatible TV to get the most out of the stick, with an HDMI capable of 4K (2160p) at 24/25/30/50/60Hz (most recent TVs will have HDCP 2.2 support, which you'll need for 4K content). You'll need an HDR compatible TV to view HDR content, naturally, which is typical of most current 4K TVs – but not all. And if you're connecting via another device, like an AVR, then you need to ensure that's capable of 4K HDR passthrough.

For Dolby Atmos, you'll need a compatible Atmos sound system, while your TV will also need to be able to passthrough using an ARC-compatible HDMI port.

## 4K HDR content (and what else is available)

There's no doubt that 4K HDR content from both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are stunning on a compatible display. While Netflix has always labelled HDR content pretty well, Amazon had some catching up to do in this department.

Ultra HD content is easily accessible through the Fire TV interface, but finding HDR content specifically isn't really covered: it's a case of most recent content is HDR compatible and it'll play as so, where available.

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We know that more content will be coming, not least [HLG 4K content from iPlayer][20]. ITV Hub, All 4 and My 5 apps are also available – but none have yet announced any 4K plans, so it's Full HD (with upscaling by your TV) for the time being.

There are, of course, plenty of other apps, including Spotify, Curzon Home Cinema, TuneIn Radio, Twitch, Plex, and more – but it's likely you'll stay within the apps we've mentioned already, where the best content exists.

That's really the sell of [having an Amazon Prime account][21]: you can get free deliveres from Amazon, sure, but it's the shows like _Sneaky Pete_ and others will keep you watching for hours on end. And without a Prime Subscription the Fire Stick 4K doesn't shut down, you can still access your other apps no problem.

## Alexa on the Fire Stick 4K

As before, Alexa voice control is surprisingly powerful on the Fire TV Stick 4K. Searching for programmes by actor, title or other details is really easy. Just hold down the microphone button at the top of the remote and speak aloud what you're searching for.

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This is really useful, too, as the Apps section of the main interface seemingly lacks a number that do exist – Plex wasn't there by manual search upon setup, for example – so you can use voice instead.

What's especially great is that it brings Alexa into your living room, whereas you might well have your main Alexa device in your kitchen, bedroom or study. So you're able to adjust the heating or ask for the weather just as you would on an Echo or, more accurately, just as you would on the Echo Show. As with all the other Echo devices, the best uses are simple; for more complicated stuff you might just as well get your phone out of your pocket.

URL: https://www.pocket-lint.com/tv/reviews/amazon/146520-amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-hdr-prime-streaming

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