Four smart TV operating systems cover almost every set in Kenyan shops: Samsung’s Tizen, LG’s webOS, Hisense’s VIDAA and Google TV (on TCL, Sony, Xiaomi, many Hisense models and most budget brands). All four run YouTube, Netflix and the DStv app; they differ in how many other apps they offer, how your phone connects and how long updates last.
Updated 30 October 2026.
New to the idea? Google TV vs a regular smart TV explains the basics first.
Who uses which platform
- Tizen: Samsung only.
- webOS: LG, plus some budget brands that license it.
- VIDAA: most Hisense TVs that aren’t Google TV.
- Google TV / Android TV: TCL, Sony, Xiaomi, Skyworth and many budget brands. Older or cheaper sets may still show the Android TV home screen; see Android TV vs Google TV.
App availability compared
Google TV has the biggest store, because it uses Google Play. Small apps such as local news, church streams and niche sports appear here first.
Tizen and webOS carry the big names (YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, DStv) but miss some small ones. VIDAA has the smallest store, though Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video are built in.
Showmax no longer has its own app. Its shows now live in a Showmax section inside the DStv app, which runs on Tizen 4.0+, webOS 4.0+, VIDAA U3+ and Google-certified Android TVs. Details: Showmax on TV.
Casting and phone support
- Google TV: Chromecast is built in, so you tap Cast in YouTube and other apps from Android or iPhone. Many models also add AirPlay.
- Tizen: Samsung phones mirror with Smart View; many recent sets also support AirPlay for iPhones.
- webOS: Android phones mirror through Screen Share; LG sets from about 2019 on support AirPlay.
- VIDAA: mirroring and casting support varies by model; check the box.
Updates and long-term support
- Samsung promises up to seven years of Tizen upgrades on recent models.
- LG’s webOS Re:New programme gives recent models about four major upgrades over five years.
- Hisense says eligible VIDAA models get long update support, but it varies by model.
- Google TV updates depend on the TV maker, not Google, so a well-known brand matters more here.
Older TVs of any system eventually lose apps as developers drop old versions. A cheap streaming stick extends their life.
Comparison table
| Google TV | Tizen | webOS | VIDAA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| App choice | Widest | Good | Good | Basic |
| DStv / Netflix / YouTube | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in casting | Chromecast | Smart View, AirPlay | Screen Share, AirPlay | Varies |
| Ease of use | Busy, show-led | Clean | Clean | Simplest |
| Update promise | Depends on brand | Up to 7 years | About 5 years | Varies |
Quick answers
For app choice and casting from any phone, Google TV. For a clean, fast menu with long updates, Tizen or webOS. VIDAA suits a tight budget if you mostly watch YouTube, Netflix and free-to-air.
Showmax no longer has its own app anywhere. Install the DStv app on a Samsung TV (Tizen 4.0 or later) and open its Showmax section.
webOS is simpler and smoother; Google TV has far more apps and Chromecast built in. Check your must-have apps in the shop before choosing.
