Cast Screen vs. Screen Mirroring — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 16, 2023
Cast Screen allows content to be displayed on another device, without showing all device activities. Screen Mirroring reflects the entire device display on another screen.
Difference Between Cast Screen and Screen Mirroring
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cast Screen and Screen Mirroring are both terms related to displaying content from one device onto another. However, their functionalities are distinct. Cast Screen is about sending specific content, like a movie or presentation, to a display. Screen Mirroring, on the other hand, replicates the entire screen of one device onto another.
With Cast Screen, a user can stream videos, music, or other media from a source device to a television or monitor. This doesn't necessarily display everything that's happening on the source device. For instance, notifications and other activities remain private. Screen Mirroring, on the contrary, acts like a mirror, reflecting every activity on the primary device, be it notifications, messages, or any other operations.
Another notable distinction is the usability. While Cast Screen may require specific apps or platforms to cast content, like Google Cast or Apple AirPlay, Screen Mirroring doesn't usually need such specific applications. Instead, it works on a broader device-to-device level.
In terms of user control, Cast Screen might not allow interactions on the secondary display, meaning the control remains with the source device. With Screen Mirroring, the mirrored screen often can be interacted with if the secondary device is touch-enabled.
Lastly, Cast Screen usually focuses on delivering high-quality content without consuming too much power. This means the primary device can be in sleep mode while casting. In the case of Screen Mirroring, the primary device must remain active, as it's constantly transmitting its entire display.
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Comparison Chart
Content Displayed
Specific content (e.g., videos, photos)
Entire device screen
Usability
Often requires specific apps/platforms
Direct device-to-device without specific apps
Interactivity
Control remains with the source device
Can interact with mirrored screen if touch-enabled
Device Activity
Can cast while device is in sleep mode
Device must remain active
Privacy
Notifications and activities remain private
Everything is displayed, including notifications
Compare with Definitions
Cast Screen
Cast Screen requires platforms like Google Cast to display content on compatible devices.
I connected using Cast Screen to the Chromecast in the conference room.
Screen Mirroring
Screen Mirroring can work without the need for specific apps or platforms.
With just a quick setting tweak, I initiated Screen Mirroring between my laptop and TV.
Cast Screen
Cast Screen emphasizes content streaming, focusing on specific apps or media.
Using Cast Screen, I played the Spotify playlist on the smart speakers.
Screen Mirroring
Screen Mirroring duplicates every activity, including notifications, on another screen.
I accidentally revealed a personal message due to Screen Mirroring during the meeting.
Cast Screen
Cast Screen streams specific content without showing the entire device interface.
With Cast Screen, my notifications remained private while the presentation played.
Screen Mirroring
Screen Mirroring reflects the entire display of one device onto another.
I utilized Screen Mirroring to showcase my phone's interface during the demo.
Cast Screen
Cast Screen provides high-quality content transmission, optimizing for lesser power consumption.
I love that my phone doesn't drain quickly when I use Cast Screen.
Screen Mirroring
Screen Mirroring requires the source device to remain active during the mirroring process.
My phone's battery was rapidly draining because of continuous Screen Mirroring.
Cast Screen
Cast Screen is a feature allowing media from one device to be displayed on another.
I used Cast Screen to show the movie from my phone on the TV.
Screen Mirroring
Screen Mirroring allows for real-time interaction on touch-enabled secondary displays.
Thanks to Screen Mirroring, I could sketch on the tablet, and it appeared on the projector.
Common Curiosities
Can I interact with content while using Cast Screen?
Typically, control remains with the source device during Cast Screen.
What is Cast Screen?
Cast Screen allows content from one device to be displayed on another without showing all device activities.
Do I need specific apps for Cast Screen?
Often, specific apps or platforms like Google Cast are needed for Cast Screen.
Is there an app requirement for Screen Mirroring?
Screen Mirroring usually works device-to-device without specific apps.
Is Cast Screen better for presentations?
It can be, especially if you want to show specific content without distractions.
How does Screen Mirroring differ?
Screen Mirroring replicates the entire screen of one device onto another.
Does Screen Mirroring show my notifications?
Yes, Screen Mirroring displays everything, including notifications.
Must my device stay active during Screen Mirroring?
Yes, the device must remain active during Screen Mirroring.
Can my device go to sleep while using Cast Screen?
Yes, devices can often be in sleep mode while content is being cast.
Is Cast Screen private?
Yes, activities like notifications remain private during Cast Screen.
Can I play games using Cast Screen?
Yes, but interactions might be limited to the source device.
Which conserves more battery: Cast Screen or Screen Mirroring?
Cast Screen typically consumes less power as the device can be in sleep mode.
Is there a risk of revealing private information with Screen Mirroring?
Yes, since it mirrors everything, private content can be displayed.
How does Screen Mirroring perform with games?
It mirrors gameplay, but responsiveness depends on the devices and connection.
Can I use Screen Mirroring for presentations?
Yes, but be cautious as it will display all activities, including notifications.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
