Since most of today's smart TVs run their own proprietary OS, it still makes sense via a HDMI port to add a TV Box which is able accessing and running apps via Google Play store.
Historically, I'm used to running Kodi on a Minix TV Box (started with the Neo X7) so I'm able play all kinds of video formats from external USB drives using an additional externally powered hub. Propriety OSs of today's Smart TVs are only capable of handling specific subsets of video formats.
Here are some other links for further information:
https://www.lazada.co.th/products/neo-u9_h-i4321184515-s17212042573.html