Nvidia Shield 2017 Vs 2019 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

The NVIDIA Shield TV has long been considered the gold standard in Android TV boxes, combining powerful hardware, clean software, and unmatched gaming and streaming capabilities. When NVIDIA released the updated Shield TV model in 2019, many owners of the 2017 version were left wondering: is upgrading truly worthwhile? After all, both models share a similar design and ecosystem. But beneath the surface, key differences in performance, connectivity, and future-proofing could tip the scales—especially for power users, cord-cutters, and cloud gamers.

This detailed analysis breaks down the real-world differences between the NVIDIA Shield 2017 and 2019 models, evaluates whether the upgrade delivers tangible benefits, and helps you decide if spending extra makes sense for your entertainment setup.

Hardware Evolution: What Changed Under the Hood?

The most significant leap between the two models lies in their internal architecture. While the 2017 Shield ran on NVIDIA’s custom Tegra X1 chip—a solid performer for its time—the 2019 revision upgraded to the more efficient Tegra X1+ (also known as T210B01). This isn't a generational leap like moving from one CPU family to another, but it brings meaningful improvements.

The Tegra X1+ offers slightly higher GPU clock speeds, better thermal management, and improved power efficiency. More importantly, the 2019 model introduced support for HDMI 2.1 features via firmware updates, including Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Dynamic HDR. These enhancements make the newer Shield a better companion for modern 4K TVs and next-gen gaming consoles when used in passthrough mode.

Tip: If you own a 4K HDR TV or plan to upgrade soon, the 2019 Shield’s HDMI 2.1 compatibility ensures smoother integration with advanced display settings.

Performance and Real-World Streaming Experience

In everyday use, both devices handle 4K HDR streaming from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube with ease. However, users report that the 2019 model boots faster, resumes from standby more reliably, and maintains consistent frame rates during UI navigation.

The 2019 version also benefits from an updated Wi-Fi chipset supporting 802.11ac Wave 2 with MU-MIMO, resulting in more stable wireless connections—especially in homes with multiple high-bandwidth devices. For those relying on Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet, this can mean fewer buffering interruptions during 4K playback.

Gamers will notice subtle but welcome improvements. Cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW run more smoothly on the 2019 model, with reduced input lag and quicker session initialization. Local game emulation via RetroArch or other platforms also sees modest gains due to better memory handling and sustained CPU performance.

Detailed Comparison: Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	NVIDIA Shield 2017	NVIDIA Shield 2019
Processor	Tegra X1 (256-core Maxwell GPU)	Tegra X1+ (updated architecture, higher clocks)
RAM	3GB DDR3	3GB LPDDR4X (faster, lower power)
Storage	16GB eMMC	16GB eMMC
Wi-Fi	802.11ac Wave 1	802.11ac Wave 2 with MU-MIMO
Ethernet	10/100/1000 Mbps	10/100/1000 Mbps
HDMI	HDMI 2.0a	HDMI 2.0b + 2.1 features (ALLM, Dynamic HDR) via update
Remote Control	Standard IR remote with microphone	Revised remote with dedicated Google Assistant button
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.1	Bluetooth 5.0 (better range, lower latency)
Audio Support	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X (with external decoder)	Full Dolby Atmos pass-through over HDMI

“While the specs may look similar on paper, the 2019 Shield delivers a noticeably snappier experience, especially when multitasking or using voice commands.” — David Lin, Home Theater Reviewer at TechStream Weekly

Real-World Use Case: The Cord-Cutter’s Dilemma

Consider Sarah, a media enthusiast who cut cable two years ago and relies entirely on streaming apps and live TV through YouTube TV and Sling. She owns the 2017 Shield and loves its functionality but noticed occasional stutters when switching between apps or launching Plex with large libraries. After upgrading to a new LG OLED with HDMI 2.1, she found that her TV couldn’t auto-switch to low-latency mode during gameplay on her Nintendo Switch connected through the Shield.

After switching to the 2019 model, Sarah experienced immediate improvements. App launches became nearly instantaneous, and her Wi-Fi connection stabilized even during peak usage hours. Most notably, enabling ALLM allowed her console to enter Game Mode automatically, reducing input lag without manual intervention. For her, the upgrade solved real pain points despite the similar outward appearance of both devices.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding whether to upgrade, assess your current setup and needs. Use this checklist to determine if the 2019 model offers meaningful advantages for you:

• ✅ Do you own or plan to buy a 4K TV with HDMI 2.1 features (e.g., ALLM, VRR)?
• ✅ Are you frequently frustrated by slow app loading or UI lag on your 2017 Shield?
• ✅ Do you rely on Wi-Fi rather than Ethernet for your connection?
• ✅ Are you an active user of GeForce NOW or other cloud gaming platforms?
• ✅ Do you want full Dolby Atmos audio pass-through without workarounds?
• ✅ Have you maxed out the internal storage and need expandable options?

If three or more apply, the 2019 model likely offers enough incremental benefits to justify the cost—especially considering long-term usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 2017 Shield receive the same software updates as the 2019 model?

Most core Android TV OS updates are available for both models, but certain features like full Dolby Atmos pass-through and HDMI 2.1 enhancements are exclusive to the 2019 hardware due to firmware and driver limitations.

Does the 2019 Shield have more storage than the 2017 version?

No, both models come with 16GB of internal storage. However, the 2019 version supports faster microSD cards and USB drives due to improved I/O throughput, making external expansion more effective.

Is there a noticeable difference in voice assistant performance?

Yes. The 2019 remote includes a dedicated Google Assistant button and uses Bluetooth 5.0, leading to faster wake times and more reliable voice recognition, particularly in noisy environments.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

For casual streamers already satisfied with their 2017 Shield, the upgrade may not be essential. If you're primarily watching Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube in 4K and rarely push the system’s limits, the older model remains fully capable.

However, for enthusiasts—especially those invested in home theater quality, low-latency gaming, or future-proofing—the 2019 Shield delivers measurable improvements. Better Wi-Fi, enhanced audio support, smarter remotes, and HDMI 2.1 readiness collectively create a more seamless, responsive experience.

The upgrade isn’t revolutionary, but it’s evolution done right: refining an already excellent product into something even more reliable and versatile.

💬 Still on the fence? Try this: Test the 2019 Shield risk-free through a retailer with a return policy. Use it alongside your current setup for a week. If you don’t notice smoother performance or easier integration with your TV and sound system, switch back. But chances are, once you experience the refinement, going back won’t feel like an option.