Gadgets21.08.2018

5 great Android TV boxes you can buy in South Africa

Skyworth Binge

The rise of streaming services has made it easier than ever to view high-quality content.

However, making use of popular platforms like DStv Now, Netflix, Showmax, and Black requires supported hardware.

While many smart TVs support Google Cast and platform apps, PC web browsers, iOS handsets, and Android devices are usually first in line to receive support from big companies.

This means that if you don’t have the latest smart TV from a big brand, you may not receive native support on your living room display for streaming services.

An answer to this problem is an Android media box, a dedicated piece of hardware which connects to the Internet and your TV, and runs the Google operating system.

Many of these devices are not Google-certified, however, which means that certain applications may not be supported – including DStv Now.

Google-certified

Google-certified devices offer support for all official apps as well as official versions of the Android TV OS.

They also provide great performance for their size and price, and many Google-certified Android TV boxes in South Africa feature similar hardware – namely the Amlogic S905X chipset.

This chip allows for 4K video support at 60 frames per second, and HDR.

If you are looking to upgrade your home entertainment experience and have a set budget, a Google-certified Android TV box may be a good choice.

Devices available in South Africa can be purchased for around R1,000, with examples of Google-certified options listed below.


Telkom LIT Box

Telkom LIT Box

Telkom LIT Box
Output 4K @ 60fps HDR
CPU Amlogic S905X
GPU ARM Mali 450
RAM 2GB DDR3
Storage 8GB eMMC
Operating System Android 7.1
Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, Ethernet
Ports 1x HDMI, 2x USB 2.0, SD Card, 3.5mm audio
Price R1,099

Xiaomi Mi Box 3

Xiaomi Mi Box 3

Xiaomi Mi Box 3
Output 4K @ 60fps HDR
CPU Amlogic S905X
GPU Mali 450
RAM 2GB DDR3
Storage 8GB eMMC
Operating System Android TV 6.0
Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
Ports 1x HDMI, 1x USB 2.0, 3.5mm audio
Price R1,499

Skyworth Binge

Skyworth Binge

Skyworth Binge
Output 4K @ 60fps HDR
CPU Amlogic S905X
GPU Mali 450
RAM 2GB DDR3
Storage 8GB eMMC
Operating System Android 8.0
Connectivity 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Ethernet
Ports 1x HDMI, 2x USB 2.0, 1x SPDIF
Price R899

KM8

KM8

KM8
Output 4K @ 60fps HDR
CPU Amlogic S905X
GPU Mali 450
RAM 2GB DDR3
Storage 16GB eMMC
Operating System Android TV 8.0
Connectivity 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Ports 1x HDMI, 2x USB 2.0, SD Card, 3.5mm audio
Price R1,699

MyGica ATV495Max

Mygica ATV495Max

MyGica ATV495Max
Output 4K @ 60fps HDR
CPU Amlogic S905X
GPU Mali 450
RAM 2GB DDR3
Storage 16GB eMMC
Operating System Android TV 7.0
Connectivity 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Ethernet
Ports 1x HDMI, 2x USB 2.0, SD Card, 3.5mm audio
Price R1,499

Now read: Twitter kills Roku, Android TV, and Xbox One apps

Show comments

Latest news

More news

Trending news

Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter