Orbsmart R81 Vs Nvidia Shield: An Epic Battle Of Streaming Devices

The world of streaming media players is vast and ever-evolving, with new devices hitting the market all the time. Two of the most popular options are the Orbsmart R81 and the Nvidia Shield. Both devices offer a wide range of features and capabilities, but which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Orbsmart R81 against the Nvidia Shield and help you decide which one deserves a spot in your home entertainment setup.

Performance and Hardware:

1. Processor and RAM:

• Orbsmart R81: Powered by an Amlogic S922X SoC with 4GB of RAM.
• Nvidia Shield: Equipped with a Tegra X1+ processor and 2GB or 3GB of RAM (depending on the model).

2. Storage:

• Orbsmart R81: Offers 32GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot.
• Nvidia Shield: Comes with 16GB or 500GB of internal storage, depending on the model.

3. Graphics:

• Orbsmart R81: Features a Mali-G52 MP6 GPU for handling graphics.
• Nvidia Shield: Boasts a powerful GeForce GTX 1070 GPU for exceptional graphics performance.

4. Connectivity:

• Orbsmart R81: Includes dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and multiple USB ports.
• Nvidia Shield: Offers dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, multiple USB ports, and an Ethernet port.

Streaming and Media Playback:

1. Operating System:

• Orbsmart R81: Runs on Android 11, providing access to a vast library of apps and streaming services.
• Nvidia Shield: Utilizes Android TV, an optimized version of Android specifically designed for TVs.

2. Streaming Apps:

• Orbsmart R81: Supports popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, and many more.
• Nvidia Shield: Offers access to the same wide range of streaming apps as the Orbsmart R81, along with additional support for GeForce Now cloud gaming service.

3. Media Formats:

• Orbsmart R81: Plays a variety of media formats, including 4K HDR video, H.265, and VP9 codecs.
• Nvidia Shield: Supports even more media formats than the Orbsmart R81, including Dolby Vision HDR and DTS-X audio.

4. Gaming:

• Orbsmart R81: Can handle casual gaming with its Mali-G52 MP6 GPU.
• Nvidia Shield: Provides superior gaming performance thanks to its dedicated GeForce GTX 1070 GPU, making it ideal for cloud gaming and demanding Android games.

User Interface and Remote Control:

1. User Interface:

• Orbsmart R81: Features a user-friendly interface with a clean and intuitive layout.
• Nvidia Shield: Boasts a sleek and polished user interface with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.

2. Remote Control:

• Orbsmart R81: Comes with a basic remote control with standard navigation buttons and dedicated keys for popular streaming services.
• Nvidia Shield: Includes a more advanced remote control with voice search, motion control, and programmable buttons.

Additional Features:

1. Voice Control:

• Orbsmart R81: Supports voice control through Google Assistant, allowing you to control the device with your voice.
• Nvidia Shield: Also features voice control via Google Assistant, as well as Amazon Alexa.

2. Chromecast Built-in:

• Orbsmart R81: Has Chromecast built-in, enabling you to cast content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV.
• Nvidia Shield: Similarly, offers Chromecast built-in for seamless casting of content.

3. Plex Media Server:

• Orbsmart R81: Can act as a Plex Media Server, allowing you to stream media from your computer to other devices on your network.
• Nvidia Shield: Also functions as a Plex Media Server, providing the same media streaming capabilities.

Price and Availability:

1. Price:

• Orbsmart R81: Typically priced around $60 to $80, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Nvidia Shield: Generally retails for around $150 to $200, depending on the model and storage capacity.

2. Availability:

• Orbsmart R81: Widely available from online retailers like Amazon and AliExpress.
• Nvidia Shield: Also readily available from major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and the Nvidia website.

Final Verdict:

When it comes to choosing between the Orbsmart R81 and the Nvidia Shield, the decision ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable Android TV box that delivers solid performance and supports a wide range of streaming services, the Orbsmart R81 is a great choice. However, if you’re willing to spend more for a premium experience, the Nvidia Shield offers superior performance, a more refined user interface, and additional features like GeForce Now cloud gaming and Dolby Vision HDR support.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which device has a better processor?
A: The Nvidia Shield features a more powerful processor, the Tegra X1+, compared to the Amlogic S922X SoC found in the Orbsmart R81.

Q: Does either device support 4K HDR video?
A: Yes, both the Orbsmart R81 and the Nvidia Shield support 4K HDR video playback.

Q: Can I use voice control with these devices?
A: Yes, both devices support voice control through Google Assistant. The Nvidia Shield also offers Amazon Alexa support.

Q: Which device is better for gaming?
A: The Nvidia Shield is the clear winner in terms of gaming performance, thanks to its dedicated GeForce GTX 1070 GPU.

Q: Which device has a larger internal storage capacity?
A: The Nvidia Shield offers larger internal storage options, with the 500GB model providing ample space for media and apps.