My Sony Android TV got an OS update 2-3 weeks ago, which (afaik) included some security fixes. Granted this is a fairly recent model.
It's also trivial to sideload on it any app you want, just by changing permissions and allowing installations not from the Google store. It's also fairly simple to hide suggestions from bundled apps like Netflix etc from the homescreen - we don't use any streaming services.
Once you do that, there are zero ads on it. As opposed to other models, even flagship TVs from LG.
I actually bought this Sony model specifically due to the reviews that said this was the case. Kudos to Sony for making this. It is a tad more expensive than LG models, but it's worth it.
My TVs are Sony for the same reason. The Android/Google TV install is very minimal, won't nag you about not being connected to the internet, and can be updated via a thumb drive. It's perfectly happy to be used as a dumb TV.
I've never bought one personally, but have read that Sony Xperia phones also come with a pretty vanilla version of Android. If I were in the market for an Android flagship, they'd be in the running. They're pricier but I don't mind that if it gets me an OS with as little manufacturer meddling as possible.
It's also trivial to sideload on it any app you want, just by changing permissions and allowing installations not from the Google store. It's also fairly simple to hide suggestions from bundled apps like Netflix etc from the homescreen - we don't use any streaming services.
Once you do that, there are zero ads on it. As opposed to other models, even flagship TVs from LG.
I actually bought this Sony model specifically due to the reviews that said this was the case. Kudos to Sony for making this. It is a tad more expensive than LG models, but it's worth it.