The Thomson 152 Go Cast is a new compact streaming dongle with Google TV that is designed to turn any TV with an HDMI connection into a smart TV. The small dongle is the direct successor to the previous 150 Go Cast and is also positioned as an affordable alternative to the discontinued Google Chromecast. It is available immediately for 79.99 euros (RRP).
Thomson 152 Go Cast: More powerful chip and more memory
Compared to the previous model, Thomson has upgraded the 152 Go Cast, especially under the hood. The Amlogic S905Y5-B is used as the SoC, replacing the older Amlogic Y4 of the 150 Go Cast. The quad-core processor (Cortex-A35) is supported by an ARM Mali-G31 MP2 GPU. Although the RAM remains at 2 GB, the internal memory has been quadrupled from 8 GB in the predecessor to 32 GB – meaning there is significantly more space for apps and games.
4K, HDR10 and Dolby Atmos – but no Dolby Vision
In terms of picture quality, the Thomson 152 Go Cast offers a resolution of up to 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) at 60 fps. HDR10 and the efficient AV1 video codec are supported, which ensures stable picture quality, especially with slower internet connections. However, users have to do without HDR10+ and Dolby Vision – which may be a minus point for some. Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital+ are available for sound, although a compatible soundbar or AV receiver is of course recommended for the full sound experience.
Technical data of the Thomson 152 Go Cast
| Features | Details of the |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Google TV |
| SoC | Amlogic S905Y5-B |
| processor | Quad-Core Cortex-A35 |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G31 MP2, 850 MHz |
| RAM | 2 GB RAM |
| Internal memory | 32 GB Flash |
| Resolution | Up to 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) @ 60 fps |
| HDR | HDR10 (no Dolby Vision, no HDR10+) |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital+ |
| WLAN | 802.11 b/g/n/a/ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz), dual-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Connections | HDMI, USB-C (power supply) |
| Dimensions | 61.5 × 190 × 13 mm |
| weight | 146 g |
| Price (RRP) | 79,99 Euro |
Google TV as a platform with a full range of apps
The Thomson 152 Go Cast uses Google TV as its operating system, which offers a clear user interface with personalized recommendations. Access to the Google Play Store enables the installation of streaming apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube and Spotify. The integrated Google Cast function also allows content to be streamed directly from a smartphone or tablet to the TV. The supplied Bluetooth remote control supports the Google Assistant via voice control and offers direct buttons for popular streaming services.
Individual user profiles ensure that each family member receives their own recommendations and a personalized start page. The option of assigning a freely selectable app to a star button is also practical.
Compact design for on the go
Thomson particularly emphasizes the compact design: With its dimensions of only 61.5 × 190 × 13 mm and a weight of 146 g, the dongle fits easily into your luggage. Power is supplied via USB-C, and a multiplug power adapter with EU and UK plugs is included – ideal for traveling within Europe. What the dongle does not offer, however, is an Ethernet connection – the connection runs exclusively via dual-band Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 5). You have to do without Wi-Fi 6 here.
Price and availability
The Thomson 152 Go Cast is available immediately at a price of 79.99 euros (RRP) and comes with a three-year warranty. It is already listed on Amazon and in the official Thomson store. Anyone looking for an inexpensive way to make an older TV smart will find an interesting option here – even if the lack of Dolby Vision support and only Wi-Fi 5 are likely to be considered limitations. If you need more performance and features such as Dolby Vision, you should take a look at the Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270 or the Google TV Streamer 4K.