Best Decent Android TV Box

HAL 9000 said:
Yup - trying to install or update Play Store apps was a bitch, only 8GB internal RAM memory (compared to the Nova's 16GB), not having a LAN port and USB ports that refused to read flash drives was the clincher for me... 😛
Click to expand...
Finding the play store without a voice command is an abomination of a mission, let alone no date and time on the home screen.
 
Looking for suggestion af media player for android tv box , need to support network shares , playlist and most important auto play next video file.
 
Coming soon for the China market - hopefully to SA as well...

Xiaomi Box 5 and 5 Max Launched with HyperOS, Dolby Vision, DTS:X & NFC Casting - GizmoChina​

1747036512746.png

Xiaomi has unveiled the Box 5 and Box 5 Max streaming devices in China. These compact Android-based boxes deliver AI-powered features, improved connectivity, and premium audio-visual performance.


Xiaomi Box 5 Series Specifications​

The Xiaomi Box 5 features a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU and a Mali-G310 V2 GPU, paired with 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage.

The Box 5 Max upgrades the experience with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, allowing for better multitasking and more local content storage.

Both models support 4K resolution at up to 3840 × 2160 and come with Xiaomi’s in-house AI-SR engine. This engine enhances non-4K content by sharpening textures and boosting clarity, especially for older 720p or 1080p videos.

They also support Dolby Vision and DTS:X audio formats, and can pass through 7.1.4-channel audio for immersive surround sound when connected to compatible home theater setups.

The boxes are built around a 97mm x 97.1mm chassis, just 17mm tall, and weigh under 100g, making them easy to hide behind a TV or carry while traveling.

Each model comes with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support for stable and faster streaming, even on busy home networks. Bluetooth 5.2 enables low-latency audio streaming to wireless headphones or speakers. Physical ports include HDMI, USB 2.0, and DC power input.

Both devices run Xiaomi’s HyperOS, which doubles as a smart home dashboard when used with the Mi Home app. They integrate Xiao Ai, Xiaomi’s voice assistant, enabling voice commands for streaming, smart home control, or general queries.

The included remote supports NFC screen casting, users can simply tap their smartphone to the remote to cast content, skipping pairing menus or QR code scanning. Notifications and calls are hidden during casting to maintain privacy.
Click to expand...


1747036803787.png

The default Xiaomi Box 5 offers:
  • Quad-core A55 processor for seamless performance
  • 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage
  • NFC one-touch screen projector support
  • USB 2.0 interface for increased connectivity
  • Xiao AI voice assistant integration

1747036858658.png

In contrast, the Xiaomi Box 5 Max features improved specs:
  • Same processor architecture for performance consistency
  • Memory doubled with 4GB of RAM
  • Increased storage capacity of 64GB for additional apps and media
  • All premium features of the standard model

1747036920039.png
 
Zurg said:
Nvidia Shield needs a refresh.
Click to expand...
Here you go then... 😛

Nvidia Shield TV quietly gets a new update that'll please frame rate fans - T3​

After years sitting stagnant, the Shield TV has been upgraded with a series of updates

1747037847734.png

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is easily one of the best streaming devices available today, even though the latest model is almost six years old. Powered by Android, it continues to be a serious rival to the Apple TV 4K and Google TV Streamer.

However, it's a surprise that Nvidia hasn't announced a new model in that time. Indeed, it barely even updated the existing device – nor the standard Shield TV variant.

Still, the company has recently proved that it hasn't forgotten its video streaming lineup, having issued a few surprising updates over the last few months. And that includes a very welcome new software patch that you can download now.

Shield Experience 9.2.1 is available to all Shield TV and Shield TV Pro units, and as well as a swathe of bug fixes and tweaks, it adds a new capability that those with high frame rate TVs can enjoy.

The new software includes an update to the Nvidia GeForce Now app that introduces 120fps gaming to the cloud service.
Click to expand...

www.t3.com

Nvidia Shield TV quietly gets a new update that'll please frame rate fans

After years sitting stagnant, the Shield TV has been upgraded with a series of updates
www.t3.com www.t3.com

Link to Nvidia Shield update here:

NVIDIA SHIELD: Software Upgrade 9.2

Software Update
www.nvidia.com
 
HAL 9000 said:
Coming soon for the China market - hopefully to SA as well...

Xiaomi Box 5 and 5 Max Launched with HyperOS, Dolby Vision, DTS:X & NFC Casting - GizmoChina​

View attachment 1819605

Xiaomi has unveiled the Box 5 and Box 5 Max streaming devices in China. These compact Android-based boxes deliver AI-powered features, improved connectivity, and premium audio-visual performance.





View attachment 1819608

The default Xiaomi Box 5 offers:
  • Quad-core A55 processor for seamless performance
  • 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage
  • NFC one-touch screen projector support
  • USB 2.0 interface for increased connectivity
  • Xiao AI voice assistant integration

View attachment 1819609

In contrast, the Xiaomi Box 5 Max features improved specs:
  • Same processor architecture for performance consistency
  • Memory doubled with 4GB of RAM
  • Increased storage capacity of 64GB for additional apps and media
  • All premium features of the standard model

View attachment 1819610
Click to expand...
Pity it's Chinese only. Put Google TV on there and roll it out worldwide for Pete's sake.
 
HAL 9000 said:
Coming soon for the China market - hopefully to SA as well...

Xiaomi Box 5 and 5 Max Launched with HyperOS, Dolby Vision, DTS:X & NFC Casting - GizmoChina​

View attachment 1819605

Xiaomi has unveiled the Box 5 and Box 5 Max streaming devices in China. These compact Android-based boxes deliver AI-powered features, improved connectivity, and premium audio-visual performance.





View attachment 1819608

The default Xiaomi Box 5 offers:
  • Quad-core A55 processor for seamless performance
  • 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage
  • NFC one-touch screen projector support
  • USB 2.0 interface for increased connectivity
  • Xiao AI voice assistant integration

View attachment 1819609

In contrast, the Xiaomi Box 5 Max features improved specs:
  • Same processor architecture for performance consistency
  • Memory doubled with 4GB of RAM
  • Increased storage capacity of 64GB for additional apps and media
  • All premium features of the standard model

View attachment 1819610
Click to expand...
For now, I'm done with Xiaomi Android boxes. They screwed up the 2nd gen so bad, I'll never buy another one.
 
I know the title specifies "decent" as in, it doesn't have to be the top of the line, but in my humble opinion, the best Android TV Box is the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro. I don't understand why it is not officially available in SA. All the Android TV Box available here suck IMO.
What I mean by that is that they don't provide a good user experience (UX).

Originally, I wanted an Apple TV because they have a great UI & UX, but it has 2 major flaws for my specific needs:

1) It doesn't allow external storage via USB.

That is a must form. I want to be able to plug my hard drive and USB sticks and watch videos from my own library directly, without the need for internet.

2) Can't download apps outside the app store

This is something that became increasingly important to me too. I want to be able to download apps from other countries as well as modded apps like SmartTube which is YouTube without ads.

The Apple TV is the most expensive TV Box, and yet they can't do what a lot of cheap Android TV box can, because Apple want to control everything you do.

The NVIDIA Shield is normally cheaper or the same price as the Apple TV, but because it's not officially available in SA, you will pay more if you buy it from a seller here. I wish they made it available because if there is a mark for Apple TV in SA, there is definitely a market for NVIDIA Shield.
 
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