As already mentioned at the beginning, the 4K Fire TV Stick MAX is advertised with 40% more performance compared to its predecessor. So let’s first look at the technical data to get an objective impression of where these 40% actually come from.

For this purpose, we have used a performance comparison of the technical data of the currently available Fire TV devices.

Source: Amazon

If you take a closer look at the technical data, the individual values do not reveal where the 40% more performance should come from. Here it is simply the case that the interplay of expanded memory, a higher CPU clock rate and Wi-Fi 6 should result in a plus in performance.

Both picture and sound quality are excellent, as with the very good predecessor model. Amazon is increasingly offering more content in UHD / 4K resolution with HDR, and that can be seen (assuming the corresponding TV set). HDR in particular creates the greatest subjectively perceived advantage in terms of image quality.

As already mentioned, the compatibility of the new 4K Fire TV Stick MAX was particularly interesting for us. And not only in terms of the simplicity of device control in order to be able to easily control connected devices such as TV sets, AV receivers or speakers.

Rather, there was a not inconsiderable problem with the HDR format, which was delivered by Amazon Prime Video for UHD content. Our older 4K TV model from Sony from 2016 supported HDR, but apparently it was not up to date, which led to a very unsightly effect when streaming UHD content with HDR. There was a gray haze on the screen the whole time, similar to looking at the TV through a transparent dirty curtain all the time.

Strangely enough, this effect only occurred with Prime Video. With Netflix content, or with 4K HDR Blu-Rays, everything was good. Since we were definitely not alone with the problem, Amazon has now reacted and introduced the option that you can deactivate the HDR for the problem described above. Then you have “only” 4K resolution, but without HDR. In any case, it is much better that way, because before it was actually unbearable, and even with all the image enhancers and settings, it could not be solved.

In addition, as with the predecessor, the compatibility with devices is very good. The addition of new components worked flawlessly, and after a short automated on-screen tutorial we were able to operate all connected devices comfortably (with the basic functions). All devices can be switched on and off with just one push of a button on the Fire TV remote control. That creates a lot of space on the living room table.

We come to the primary point that is mainly advertised here. The said 40% more power compared to the previous model. We ran the 4K Fire TV Stick MAX over a FritzBox 6660 Cable Router with a bandwidth of 1 Gbit / s (1,000 Mbit / s) with Wi-Fi6, and yes, it’s true, the new 4K Fire TV Stick MAX actually works better . You basically just fly through menus, and apps also start a lot faster. Quickly switching between different apps also worked faster than with the predecessor.

We cannot judge whether that is really 40% more due to the lack of technical measured values. Subjectively, it is definitely faster than its predecessor and the transition that sometimes occurs (from SD to HD to 1080p and UHD) when starting videos is progressing faster. However, one has to say that this effect is also dependent on other factors that we cannot influence with our equipment. Because even with Amazon there is sometimes a problem even though we are traveling with high bandwidth. That rarely happens, but sometimes it does.

What also caught the eye was the new remote control with additional buttons for Netflix, Amazon Music, Disney Plus, and Prime Video. With the remote control it is already clear that the trend towards multi subscription for streaming services is, or rather should go. Because if you accidentally hit the Disney Plus button and don’t have this subscription, you will definitely be reminded that there is still content there.

If you start the apps of the streaming services via the direct selection buttons on the remote control, it works almost immediately. If, on the other hand, we start the corresponding app via our app menu on the start page, it is also quick, but it takes a short second to think about it.

The really positive thing is the Prime Video button, with which it is almost even better to find the content you want than on the regular start page. Over the years, Amazon has tinkered with the homepage from time to time, and the developers certainly thought it was all great, but at some point the user couldn’t find anything and was just scrolling and clicking. In the early days of Prime Video there were tiles with the series and films, and everything that is included in the Prime subscription for free had a small banderole with “PRIME” on the corner. This gave you a quick overview of what is included in the subscription and what is not.

By clicking on Prime Video on the remote control, a properly sorted page appears as we would like it to be. Here you can easily filter the content that is in the Prime subscription and choose something from the free offer. We wondered where this page was all these years with the older Fire TV devices? Well, now it is there and it also saves time. Because if I end up having to spend more time filtering and searching for content than with the actual streaming, it can be very tiring.

Now that we have diligently accented and illuminated the new 4K Fire TV Stick MAX, you will hopefully already know more about what it can do, but you are probably still not wiser as to whether it is worth switching from your current Fire TV Stick.

Since Prime Video has existed, I have actively used all streaming devices privately, so I try the following decision-making aid:

We hope that with our brief overview of the new 4K Fire TV Stick MAX from Amazon, we have been able to make your decision for or against a purchase easier.