The best Smart TV boxes with 4K UHD support for 2018-2019

“Oh, if only there was a country where you don’t have to do anything,” dreamed the cartoon character Nehochukha, “Just play and watch TV.” And who among us has not dreamed of the same thing? And so we finally got our dream home. Look around, because we are surrounded by smart technology! Who would have thought 15 years ago that the TV would learn to predict our desires, and its almost human “brain” would fit in a box the size of a palm!

If your TV box hasn't wised up yet, a special attachment will teach him some sense. And F1comp will help you figure out how to choose it. So, in today's review - 9 of the best smart TV set-top boxes that support 4K UHD resolution. The rating includes models that are relevant at the end of 2021 – beginning of 2021.

Introduction

Surely, you already know that an ordinary plasma panel can be turned into a smart device that supports smart TV. For this you just need a special attachment. A smart TV box is different from a regular digital one. The invisible factory firmware is replaced by the Android operating system, like on a smartphone or tablet. That is, it connects to the global network, it has a browser, as well as the ability to install applications and programs that allow you to watch movies and TV series online, IP television, spend time playing games, etc. Now we will look at the MXQ Pro 4K Android model to understand what is good about it.

Model features

Among the main features of the device, we note the Android operating system and 3D support. Thanks to full-fledged software, the device can be considered a miniature computer. The user has access to games, applications, video content, music, etc.

TV box can play live broadcasts. However, the interface of some programs from the Play Store or Google Play is not fully adapted to the large diagonal of a modern TV. Some users note this as a drawback.

Technical characteristics of the stationary HD media player MXQ Pro 4K TV Box:

• Network capabilities include a wireless Wi-Fi module and Ethernet support
• Maximum resolution supported by the system 3840 × 2160 (4K Ultra HD)
• RAM 1 GB, user expandable up to 8 GB

The design of the console does not provide a display, as on more expensive versions, but it has all the main connectors. These include an HDMI cable output for connecting a set-top box and a TV; there is also one LAN, AV, SPDIF and an SDMMC card reader connector. A big advantage is the presence of four USB outputs – i.e. You can safely connect a flash drive, charger and other elements to the device. And if four connectors are not enough, you can increase their number using an adapter.

Production set

The device is equipped in a standard way, like most Chinese models. Let us immediately note the absence of AAA batteries, but they will be needed for the remote control. Therefore, purchase them before starting the box.

The Android TV Box in question comes with the following parts:

• HDMI cable – connects the device to the TV
• 2A power adapter – provides constant power supply
• Remote control – controls the functionality
• User's Guide – provides instructions on how to use it

The remote controls of similar set-top boxes are more tailored to the Android system, but here the remote control is more like a TV accessory. If we talk about design, there is nothing special here. The only thing is that the box looks a little “basement” inside. The built-in connectors and outputs work correctly, the flash drive format is not limited (any is supported), inputs for hard drives are provided - the user will not have any problems with a lack of memory.

MXQ Pro 4K Specifications

The Android set-top box has a built-in Amlogic S905W processor, which can compete with the RK3229. Nowadays it is becoming more and more popular. Several budget TV box models running on Amlogic S905 and Amlogic S905X have already been produced under the MXQ PRO brand. The option considered in today's review occupies its niche in a market filled with inexpensive TV set-top boxes based on Rockchip.

In addition to the 4-core Cortex-A53 processor (frequency 1.2 GHz), the set-top box has a built-in Mali-450MP graphics processor, 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal memory for storing various files and the ability to install programs.

How to choose a Smart TV set-top box

A smart TV set-top box (media player or Smart TV box) is a small computer device with its own processor, memory, video, network adapter, operating system and input-output interfaces, the monitor of which is a TV, and the keyboard and mouse are a remote control. To put it simply, this is a “box with iron brains” that can turn an ordinary TV into a multimedia PC. More precisely, make it an analogue of Smart TV, but at much lower costs.

In terms of device type, set-top boxes are closest to smartphones and tablets. They are equipped with similar processors (more precisely, SoC - systems on a chip) and comparable amounts of memory. Most of them run Android OS. This means that when choosing a set-top box, you should pay attention to the same parameters as when choosing a mobile phone. With some differences.

Processor (SoC)

The processor (chipset or SoC) is the “heart and brain” of the media player. The performance and technologies that developers implement in their products depend on it. In particular, support for certain methods of encoding/decoding audiovisual information, graphics quality, memory speed, availability and version of HDR, speed of Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, etc. In short, everything that directly or indirectly affects the transmission and playback of multimedia content.

The majority of set-top boxes are equipped with Amlogic and Rockchip chipsets. The first ones are more technologically advanced. Their strong point is a beautiful picture and better recreation of visual effects compared to Rockchip. However, Amlojiks are prone to overheating and are more expensive.

Rockchip processors, on the contrary, do not produce such a spectacular image, but they use energy sparingly and hardly heat up. The consoles equipped with them are more affordable.

When choosing a media player, compare the chipset parameters with the capabilities of your TV. If the TV is not a top model, there is no need to overpay for a powerful processor that will not reveal all its capabilities. And vice versa: For a TV with UHD or UHD HDR (4k premium) screen resolution, it is better not to skimp on the set-top box.

For comfortable viewing of high-quality content on a 4k TV, the chipset must support the following technologies in hardware:

• HDR (High Dynamic Range Colors).
• H.264 video encoding and H.264 and H265 decoding.
• Dolby Digital and DTR audio standards.
• HDMI 2.0 interface.

In processors, support for 4k resolution is implemented in the S9 family and partially in the S8. Models:

• S812
• S905, S905X, S905X, S905D, S905W, S905Z
• S912

Adding the suffix “H” to the processor name indicates that it has a Dolby Digital and DTR license.

Amlogic S812 and the entire S905 series support 4k more formally than in reality. Their destiny is HD and Full HD. True Ultra HD is implemented only in the S912.

According to the specifications, 4k resolution is supported by the following models of the 32xx and 33xx line:

• RK3229
• RK3288
• RK3328
• RK3368
• RK3399

But actual support is also provided only by the older models RK3399 and RK3368.

GPU

The graphics core, the video processor of the media player, is part of the SoC, so it is not selected separately. Amlogic and Rockchip chipsets are most often equipped with Mali graphics.

Budget and mid-price models are usually equipped with Mali-450 MP/MP2/MP4/MP6/MP8 cores. The last number indicates the number of pixel processors in them - the higher it is, the higher the performance of the module. Although the Mali-450 supports high-resolution video encoding/decoding, they are no longer used in TV boxes designed for 4k.

The older SoC models have more advanced graphics: Mali-T820 MP3 (Amlogic S912) Mali-T864 (Rockchip RK3399), etc.

RAM and storage

Everything is simple here: the amount of memory – both RAM and permanent – ​​is of paramount importance. And also the possibility of expanding the latter through removable cards and USB flash drives.

Set-top boxes designed for TV 4k must have at least 2 GB of RAM (RAM) and 8 GB of ROM (read-only memory). But for devices with such storage capacity, an SD/SDHC slot is highly desirable, since part of its space is occupied by the operating system. Otherwise, you won't even have enough space to install applications, let alone store content.

In addition to volume, manufacturers and sellers indicate the generation of RAM in the characteristics of media players. For ultra-high-definition TVs, DDR3, DDR4, DDR3L, LPDDR3 and LPDDR4 memory are relevant.

As for the ROM module, the majority of TV set-top boxes use inexpensive, energy-efficient eMMC 4.51-5.1 drives.

Net

The network interface is perhaps the second most important point after the processor that you should pay attention to. Most set-top boxes (but not all!) are capable of connecting to Wi-Fi. However, to watch videos from the Internet in good quality and without delays, a wireless connection is not comme il faut. If there is even the slightest complaint about the speed and stability of Wi-Fi, the best option is wired Ethernet 100/1000 Mbit/s.

If the radio air in your home is not very noisy from other devices and there is no way to connect the TV via cable, you can only use Wi-Fi. In this case, it is better to choose a TV box that supports the 802.11ac standard. This will allow you to switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies and achieve more stable communications. Of course, provided that the access point also supports this standard.

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Some console models have Bluetooth. Pay attention to this if you are going to watch TV with wireless headphones or use other devices with the same interface.

Other Important Details

• Connectors for connecting to TV. Modern TVs, like set-top boxes, support the HDMI standard, so there are usually no difficulties with connecting them. If your TV does not have this type of socket, choose a set-top box with interfaces like it. Connecting through an adapter dampens and distorts the signal, which has a bad effect on the quality of playback.
• Sound. If you have a good, modern audio system, you should pay attention to support for digital multi-channel sound.
• Operating system. Some official firmware of media players is a real “bottleneck” that does not allow powerful hardware to open up. To avoid buying such a “pig in a poke,” choose models from well-known brands. Their manufacturers do not forget to release software updates. In addition, it is much easier to find custom (unofficial) firmware with bug fixes and improved functionality.
• The version and number of USB slots will be important if you plan to view files from flash drives and hard drives on TV.
• Other interfaces - if you are going to connect devices of the corresponding type to them.
• External or internal location of the power supply. It plays more of an aesthetic than a functional role.

What's included in the package

The Android console is located in an ordinary cardboard box, on which a color image of the internal contents is printed.

The kit includes a minimum of parts, so to speak, a typical set for budget TV set-top boxes:

• Remote Control;
• HDMI cable;
• network adapter;
• user instructions.

Remote controller

The Android box is controlled using a classic remote control, just like most other inexpensive models. It has all the necessary buttons:

• quick launch of the media player;
• music player;
• browser;
• menu with applications and settings.

You can also control the cursor using the remote control by turning on mouse simulation mode. Power is provided by 2 AAA batteries. Quite simple to use, functional and convenient. However, for those who prefer even more comfortable control, full-fledged remote controls with an air mouse are sold separately. A wireless mini keyboard will also be convenient.

power unit

To power the TV box, the kit includes an AC adapter (European plug). The manufacturer declares the following technical characteristics:

• voltage 100-240 V 0.3 A at input;
• output voltage 5 V 2 A.

A completely primitive network adapter, however, functions without any problems.

HDMI cable

The HDMI cable is completely ordinary, approximately 80 cm long. This cord is included in most cheap Chinese set-top boxes. It works without any complaints.

Business class smart TV set-top boxes: 9,000-15,000 rubles

MINIX NEO U9-H

H is one of the best Android TV boxes for 2018. It reproduces any multimedia content in maximum resolution, provided there is a suitable TV. Movies, games, streaming in 4K - please, with HD sound. Except that the most demanding 3D games may lag at higher settings. It is also worth noting that the SoC of this device includes hardware support for DTS and Dolby Digital audio.

The network subsystem of the set-top box is uninterrupted and fast. By the way, this is one of the few models with MIMO 2x2. That is, not one Wi-Fi antenna works here for reception, as in MIMO 1×1, but two. And there are also two for transmission, which doubles the quality of communication. Just a paradise for gamers and streamers.

Specifications MINIX NEO U9-H

• Processor: Amlogic S912-H, 8 cores, 2.0 GHz.
• Graphics accelerator: Mali-T820MP3.
• RAM: 2 Gb DDR4.
• Storage: 16 Gb.
• Memory card support: micro SD, micro SDHC.
• Interfaces: 1xUSB 3.0 type A, 1xUSB 2.0 type B, 1xHDMI 2.0a, SPDIF, jack3.5, microphone input, Ethernet 1000 Mbps, Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (antenna MIMO 2x2).
• Codecs: H.264, H.265, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, VC1.
• Video formats: AVI, WMV, MKV, MOV, RMVB, RM, ISO, VOB, MPG, DAT, TS, FLV, ASF, M2T, TP, M2TS.
• Audio formats: MP3, FLAC, WMA, APE, AAC, OGG.
• Graphic files: PNG, JPG, GIF, TIFF.
• Operating system: Android TV 6/7.1.
• Technologies and services: DLNA, Miracast, AirPlay, Internet radio, Kodi, IPTV, Torrent Stream Controller, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HDMI CEC (the ability to control the set-top box using the TV remote control).
• Power supply: external, 5 V.
• Contents: remote control, HDMI cable, OTG cable. Optional – branded gamepad.
• Dimensions and weight: 96x96x16 mm.

The advantages of MINIX NEO U9-H are technology and power, which is reflected in the price. The device is not cheap, but the money spent is repaid by the bliss of using it. The disadvantages of the model include minor bugs in the firmware.

The price of MINIX NEO U9-H on the Russian market starts from 9900 rubles.

Apple TV 4K 64GB and 32GB

is the only non-Android media player in today’s review. For fans of Apple technology, this device is beyond competition. And they have only two choices: Apple TV 4K 64GB or Apple TV 4K 32 GB. The only difference is the storage capacity; otherwise the models are identical.

4k support is fully implemented in this TV box, and the only thing that poses a limitation is the lack of high-quality ultra-high definition content in sufficient quantities. We are not yet spoiled with variety, but this shortcoming, we must expect, will be leveled out in the coming years.

The rest of the device is flawless. For use in tandem with other Apple technology, you won't find a better one.

Technical specifications of Apple TV 4K 64GB and 32GB

• Processor: Apple A10X Fusion, 6 cores, 2.38 GHz.
• Graphics accelerator: GT7600.
• RAM: 3 Gb DDR4.
• Storage: 64/32 Gb.
• Memory card support: no.
• Interfaces: 1xHDMI 2.0a, Ethernet 1000 Mbit/s, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, Lightning.
• Codecs: H.264, H.265, MPEG4, HEVC Main 10.
• Video formats: MOV, MP4.
• Audio formats: MP3, MP3 VBR, FLAC, WAV, APE, V1, AC3, E-AC3, Apple Lossless.
• Graphic files: JPG, HEIF, GIF, TIFF.
• Operating system: tvOS 11.
• Technologies and services: AirPlay, Internet radio, IPTV, Dolby Vision, Apple Music, iTunes, Siri, Showtime, Netflix, HBO, Hulu.
• Power supply: built-in, 5 V.
• Equipment: remote control.
• Dimensions and weight: 98x98x35 mm, 45 g.

Strengths of Apple TV 4K 64/32GB: exact compliance with the stated parameters, a simple but functional remote control, the ability to use an iPhone or iPad as an input device, a fast and intuitive operating system with a set of useful applications.

Disadvantages: no HDMI cable included and paid subscriptions for most multimedia services.

Prices for the set-top box start at 12,390 rubles.

External design of the Android set-top box MXQ Pro 4K

The case is black plastic, with the model name shown on top. The front panel is made of translucent material with a built-in indicator. The light does not come out very bright, so it does not interfere at all at night.

On the right there are 3 USB 2.0 connectors, as well as space for SD/MMC cards. There are also slots for the release of warm air.

On the back there are connectors for:

• 4th USB port;
• SPDIF audio output;
• AV output;
• HDMI;
• RJ45;
• nutrition.

At the bottom there are 4 rubberized feet, thanks to which the lightweight attachment does not slip on the surface, as well as a sticker with technical parameters. There are ventilation holes on the bottom side of the box for air exchange with the outside environment.

What is inside

Disassembling the box is not difficult; to do this, you only need to unscrew the 4 screws under the rubberized feet. At the bottom of the board there are 2 RAM chips, each containing 512 MB of memory. There are also 2 chips on the top side. In the center there is a small aluminum radiator, which is necessary to cool the processor. Behind the AV connector there is a button that allows you to enter the Recovery menu. The Wi-Fi antenna is located on top of the inside of the case cover. We can say that the board is assembled well, without traces of flux that has not been washed off. The soldering of the connectors is of high quality, everything holds tightly.

How the menu turns on and looks like

This model does not have a power button, so it starts after the adapter is plugged into the network. Immediately a blue indicator lights up on the front panel. Dim light does not bother the head in the dark. When turned off, the red light glows faintly, visible only in the dark.

The operating system loads quite quickly. After loading, the desktop appears, where there is weather and tile shortcuts. The launcher looks beautiful and is easy to control using the remote control. Large labels are fixed at the top. They provide access to media, browser, settings and applications.

You can add your favorite apps at the bottom. There is a notification panel at the top, and a navigation bar at the bottom, which can be called up by swiping the mouse up. There are standard and advanced settings. In the settings, the maximum video resolution is 1080p, but in reality playback is limited to 720p.

The box contains:

• TVMC media center with some extras;
• standard Play Market;
• firmware update program;
• Root Checker;

Android box works over the Internet 100 MB and via Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz band. During the testing process, normal sensitivity for Wi-Fi was established, which is sufficient for the operation of online services.

Why do you need 4K?

New resolution formats are being introduced for only one purpose: improving the quality of the video image displayed on the TV screen. But with the advent of new technologies in the production of televisions and an increase in the size of the screen diagonal, the requirements for the television broadcast format are also growing.

If earlier, when there were CRT TVs, standard SD image definition was enough, then with the advent of LCD and plasma TVs, the usual SD quality was not enough, the picture on LCD TVs was blurry, and the larger the TV screen, the more noticeable it was. This is how the standard HD, high-definition television, appeared. But over time, the growth of TV diagonals continued, and the HD format could no longer cope, the number of output pixels in HD resolution on large TVs was not enough, and thus the need arose for a new TV broadcast format in 4K or Ultra High-Definition.

Playback quality

During testing, we found some problems with 4K video playback. Also, several test videos were noticeably slow. This indicates raw software. Perhaps this will be fixed in future updates.

The console allows you to play simple games. Unfortunately, you won't be able to play heavy 3D games.

As for heating, the console can withstand 55 degrees in a quiet state. When watching video files in high quality or when running “heavy” programs, the temperature rises to 70 degrees (not critical).

Features of a 4K TV set-top box

As for TVs that support the 4K image format, for ordinary buyers even the most budget models are an expensive pleasure (from 25,000 rubles). On smart TVs with lower resolutions, 4K content often slows down, which is uncomfortable for people who are interested in modern games, graphics and virtual reality technologies. The solution to this problem may be to purchase a 4K TV set-top box. This is affordable equipment that allows even a less advanced TV receiver to be adapted for relatively comfortable viewing of 4K content.

4K TV set-top boxes can work with digital television receivers of any format and level of equipment, providing the user with features such as:

• communication on social networks;
• watching your favorite TV shows online;
• using a TV receiver as a game console.

For gamers and other fans of high-definition video, it would be logical to buy such a device in anticipation of the appearance of a television receiver with a 4K format matrix in the near future.