The Synology DS216play Vs The Synology DS716+ – Which 4K NAS is right for you and your data?

Is 2016 the year Synology 4K NAS?

4K NAS and Synology NAS devices transcoding Time for another Synology NAS face off and today we want to look at 2 of the latest Synology NAS releases, both with different markets in mind. Both the Synology DS216PLAY and the Synology DS716+ are part of there now fully established 2-Bay 2016 range. Along-side their brothers and sisters (the DS216se, the DS216, the DS216+ and the soon to be widely available DS216J) each unit makes it’s mark and is aimed at a different kind of NAS users. The Synology PLAY series was originally introduced for those whose NAS needs were heavily Media based with Transcoding being a chief function among it’s abilities. Likewise the Synology DS71x units were aimed at those looking to buy a powerful 2 Bay Synology NAS that was future proofed in a  number of ways – ranging from unparalleled RAM quantities, the option of an expansion available as and when you needed, a better CPU and finally an extra year of warranty cover. Of course features such as these arrive at a premium and more and more people are seeing these two 4K enabled NAS devices (both touting the ability to transcode on the fly) and asking if the massive price disparity is justified?

Think BIG, or small…

ds716+ small Which brings us kicking and screaming into today’s comparison. We want to look at these devices, their specs, their abilities, their highs and their lows and figure out which one is right for you. It will come as no surprise that the more expensive DS716+ from Synology is the more powerful of the two – but do we have a case of David and Goliath? Or a tortoise and hare type situation? Below is our comparison video on the subject and if you want to have the answer in time it takes to finish a big sandwich, just scroll below and watch. If you would prefer the wordy version, then scroll a little further and you can see these two units and their vital statistics!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15CCmWrmghU

Thanks for watching!

How the combatants weigh up?

The Synology DS216PLAY NAS for Budget Friendly Transcoding of 4K and HD Media The Synology DS716+ for High Performance and Expandable NAS users
NAS Server Device The Synology DS216play

£174 without the VAT

Buy from nascompares.com

The Synology DS716+

£297 without the VAT

Buy from nascompares.com

CPU Model STM STiH412

Monaco Ultra – ARM v7

Intel Celeron N3150

X86 Processor 64-Bit

CPU Frequency Dual Core 1.5 GHz Quad Core 1.6 burst to 2.08 GHz
Hardware Encryption Engine (AES-NI)  Yes
Floating Point YES YES
Hardware Transcoding Engine H.265 (HEVC), MPEG-4 Part 2, MPEG-2, VC-1, Maximum resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160), Maximum FPS: 30 H.264 (AVC), MPEG-2 and VC-1; maximum resolution: 4K (4096 x 2160); maximum frame rate per second (FPS): 30
Memory
System Memory 1 GB DDR3 2 GB DDR3
Maximum Internal Raw Capacity 16 TB (8 TB HDD X 2) (Capacity may vary by RAID types) 16 TB (8 TB HDD X 2) (Capacity may vary by RAID types)
Hot Swappable Drive NO YES
Maximum Drive Bays with Expansion Unit Cannot be Expanded Maximum 7 Drives via the Synology DX513
External Ports
Rear DS216PLAY Rear Ports DS716+ Rear Ports
USB 2.0 Port 1 0
USB 3.0 Port 1 3
eSATA Port NO 1
RJ-45 1GbE LAN Port 1 2 (with Link Aggregation / Failover support)
USBCopy NO YES
Noise Level* 18.5 dB(A) 19.8 dB(A)
Internal File System EXT 4 Btrfs and EXT 4
Power Consumption* 15.08 W (Access)
6.83 W (HDD Hibernation)
18.96 W (Access)
8.84 W (HDD Hibernation)
Read and Write Speeds Via a single LAN port

107 MB/sec read

91 MB/sec write

Via Link Aggregation

23.47 MB/s Read

137.19 MB/s Write

Warranty 2 Years 3 Years

Need to know more about Synology at their newly implemented Btrfs NAS file System – why not check out our post to find out more.

You decide

So, what do you think? Do you think the DS216PLAY is the Synology NAS for you media users or is the allure of 4K and lower power consumption only and you want to plan ahead with the expansion and future proofing available in the Synology DS716+ NAS? Is that significant price drop enough to win you over. Why not let me know below. Thank for reading.

📧 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER 🔔


    🔒 Join Inner Circle

    Get an alert every time something gets added to this specific article!


    Want to follow specific category? 📧 Subscribe

    This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

    Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

    Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.

      By clicking SEND you accept this Privacy Policy
      Question will be added on Q&A forum. You will receive an email from us when someone replies to it.
      🔒Private Fast Track Message (1-24Hours)

      TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
      If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  
       
      Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
          
       
      Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

      ☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

       
      locked content ko-fi subscribe

      DISCUSS with others your opinion about this subject.
      ASK questions to NAS community
      SHARE more details what you have found on this subject
      CONTRIBUTE with your own article or review. Click HERE
      IMPROVE this niche ecosystem, let us know what to change/fix on this site
      EARN KO-FI Share your knowledge with others and get paid for it! Click HERE

      ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE!