Chromecast vs a HDMI cable (with a MHL adapter)
It’s been some time since Chromecast was launched in Europe and, despite the hype, I cannot find too much advantages over using a simple HDMI cable with a MHL adapter that you plug in your phone’s MicroUSB (mirroring your phone/tablet screen to the TV screen). Here is my comparative, you will decide if is Chromecast worth it.
| Chromecast | HDMI cable with a MHL adapter | |
| Price | 35€ | 12€ |
| Wireless | Yes | No, it’s a wire 😉 you need to be near your TV (or a long cable) |
| Router needed | Needs a router with Wifi | No |
| Additional development | Apps need to implement specific features to use Chromecast | You can view in your TV all that you see in your phone screen |
| Multi-User | Yes | You need to unplug the cable and plug it to the another device |
| Phone charging while streaming | Needs to plug a charger to the phone | Needs to plug a charger to the MHL adapter |
| Stream your own content from your phone | Yes, but normally with paid applications | Yes |
| You can use your phone/tablet while viewing content | Yes | No, you see in the TV what you are doing in the phone |
| Play/pause | From your phone | From your phone |
| Screen mirroring | With lag | With almost no lag |
Ok, I didn’t bought a Chromecast yet…