Why the New Yandex TV Station Basic Might Not Be as Good as It Sounds

Yandex recently introduced the TV Station Basic series, their most affordable smart TV lineup. While it boasts advanced acoustics and a sleek design, there are a few reasons you might want to think twice before buying it.

Here’s a breakdown of the issues with Yandex’s new TV and why it might not live up to the hype.

1. It’s Just Rebranded Android TV 11

Although Yandex markets its YaOS X firmware as an innovative operating system, it’s nothing more than a modified version of Android TV 11. This means that while it looks different, it offers no substantial improvement over what’s already available.

If you’re looking for something truly unique in terms of software, you won’t find it here.

2. Privacy Concerns

The TV is integrated with Alice, Yandex’s voice assistant, and can listen for commands even when the screen is off. This “always-listening” feature could raise privacy concerns, especially for those uncomfortable with devices that actively collect voice data in their home.

Yandex’s history with data handling has led to skepticism among privacy-conscious users, and this TV might add to those concerns.

3. Weak Performance Specs

Despite being labeled as “smart,” the TV Station Basic offers only 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage across all models. These specs might be sufficient for basic apps, but they could lead to sluggish performance over time, especially with software updates and heavier apps.

For users who plan to stream or use multiple apps, this could become a frustrating limitation.

4. Inconsistent Quality Control

Yandex revealed that production is spread across partners in Russia and China. While this is standard in many industries, it also introduces potential quality control issues.

Different batches of the same TV might have varying component quality, which could affect the user experience.

5. Ecosystem Lock-In

The TV Station Basic heavily integrates Yandex’s own services like Alice and YandexGPT. While this might work well for those already using Yandex products, it can be limiting for others.

There’s no indication that other voice assistants (like Alexa or Google Assistant) are supported, meaning you might find yourself locked into the Yandex ecosystem whether you like it or not.

Conclusion: Affordable, But at What Cost?

The Yandex TV Station Basic might seem attractive with its low price and decent sound, but potential buyers should carefully weigh the downsides. Between privacy risks, limited performance, and ecosystem restrictions, it might not be the smart TV you were hoping for.

If you’re looking for privacy-friendly, powerful, and flexible smart TV options, it’s worth exploring alternatives before making a final decision.