KinHank X6 Cheap Fully Netflix Certified Android TV Box

Exploring the KinHank X6 Certified Android TV Box: A Detailed Review

Hello, everyone! I'm Nick from TV Box Stop, and I'm excited to bring you another TV box review. Today, we're diving into the world of KinHank with their latest offering, the KinHank X6. KinHank is renowned for its retro gaming consoles, but the X6 marks their entry into the realm of certified Android TV models. These certified devices have their own unique appeal, especially for those who enjoy paid subscription services like Netflix and Prime Video. In this review, we'll explore the features of the KinHank X6 and determine if it's worth adding to your entertainment setup. So, stick around as we dive into the details!

Unboxing the KinHank X6

Let's start by taking a look at what's inside the box when you purchase the KinHank X6:

The X6 model itself.

A Bluetooth voice remote with Google Assistant functionality.

An HDMI cable.

A 12V 1A DC power adapter.

A user guide to help you get started.

Design and Connectivity

The X6 boasts a sleek design with a plastic body featuring the X6 branding on the top. When it comes to connectivity, this device doesn't disappoint:

HDMI 2.1 port.

Gigabit LAN port.

Two USB 2.0 ports.

A microSD card reader.

DC power socket.

The front panel includes an LED power light, while the bottom features four anti-skid rubber feet and ventilation holes to keep the device cool during operation.

Initial Setup and Android TV OS

Upon first startup, you'll need to go through the Google Assistant first startup wizard, which involves pairing the Bluetooth remote and logging into your Google account. If you're new to Android TV OS, it's essential to note that it's distinct from the mobile version of Android. Android TV OS is designed to run on TVs and is navigated using a directional pad, unlike the mobile version intended for touchscreen devices.

Firmware Features

Here's a breakdown of the key firmware features of the KinHank X6:

Supports up to 4K 2160p @ 59.94 Hz resolution.

HDR display with always-on mode (no adaptive HDR feature).

Options to disable HDR by adjusting color space settings.

Screen position settings to fit your display frame.

HDMI CEC feature.

Surround sound feature (can be enabled or disabled).

Multilingual support (52 languages).

Built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant functionality.

Accessing Apps and Games

It's important to understand that the Google Play Store on Android TV is not the same as the mobile version. Apps and games in the TV version are optimized for larger screens and navigated using a directional pad and an OK button. While you may find some mobile apps, many are not available for Android TV.

Streaming Experience

One of the standout features of the KinHank X6 is its ability to run paid subscription services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and more in HD and 4K. This capability is thanks to its Google certification and HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) support. With Google Widevine Level 1 and HDCP 2.3 protection, it can stream services like Netflix in high-quality HD and 4K with surround sound.

System and Hardware Information

Here's a look at the essential system and hardware information of the KinHank X6:

Manufacturer: HAKO.

Amlogic chipset with 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB of internal storage.

Bluetooth version 5.0.

CPU: Amlogic S905Y4-B, a quad-core Cortex A35 processor clocked at 2.0 GHz.

GPU: Mali G31 with Open GL version 3.2 support.

Supports 5 GHz Wi-Fi band.

Runs on Android 11 TV OS (not rooted).

GPU with Vulkan support API version 1.1.

Supports various video and audio codecs, including 4K HDR AV1 videos and Dolby Atmos, EAC3, and DTS HD audio decoders.

YouTube Video Playback

YouTube videos can be played up to 4K resolution at 60 Hz with HDR. However, it's important to adjust the color space settings for HDR to function correctly.

Gaming Performance and Other Applications

The KinHank X6 delivers decent gaming performance, but there are limitations when it comes to accessing saved game data through Google Play Games. Additionally, updating Google Play services may not be straightforward.

Users of the downloader application and the Kodi media player application will find that they work without any issues.

Benchmarks

Let's take a quick look at some benchmark results for the KinHank X6:

RAM copy speed: 4020 MB/s.

Internal storage read speed: 116 MB/s.

Internal storage write speed: 74 MB/s.

Geekbench 5 CPU benchmark scores: 115 single-core, 420 multicore.

3DMark graphics benchmark score: 379 (Slingshot Extreme tests).

Antutu benchmark score: 102502.

Conclusion

In summary, the KinHank X6 is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable certified Android TV box that excels at streaming paid subscription services in HD and 4K, with support for Dolby Atmos. It also integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant and smart home devices.

However, it's important to note that the X6 is not the mobile version of Android, so certain limitations, such as the absence of a navigation bar and limited access to mobile apps in the Play Store, apply. Despite these drawbacks, the X6 offers excellent value for its price.

Ugoos AM8 Amlogic S928X TV Box - OMG!!! Insane Dolby Vision Capabilities

Exploring the Ugoos AM8: A Game-Changing Android TV Box

Hey there, TV Box enthusiasts! Welcome back to TV Box Stop. Today, I've got some exciting news for you. Ugoos has just unleashed a powerhouse with their latest release, the Ugoos AM8, powered by the cutting-edge Amlogic S928X penta-core hardware. You won't believe the incredible features packed into this model, and I can't wait to share them all with you. So, without further ado, let's dive right into it.

In the box, you'll find:

• The Ugoos AM8 model itself.
• A Ugoos Bluetooth air mouse voice remote.
• A high-quality HDMI cable.
• A 12V 1.6A 20W DC power supply.
• A braided USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable for power supply.
• Dual antennas.
• A user manual.

Design-wise, Ugoos has maintained their signature metal housing, complete with an LED indicator at the top, right at the center of the Ugoos logo. The I/O ports include a USB Type-C port for power, HDMI 2.1, USB Type-C OTG, Gigabit LAN, optical audio, auxiliary, 3 USB 3.0 ports, and a microSD card reader. The dual antennas are cleverly positioned for optimal signal strength. The front features a single IR sensor, while the base has antiskid rubber feet, recovery, maskrom buttons, and ventilation holes. Inside, you'll find a massive 3½ inch heavy-duty heatsink, optimized for cooling, and the onboard memory is powered by a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This particular model comes with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage.

Upon startup, you'll be greeted with the standard Ugoos animation, followed by the option to choose between two launchers. Launcher 3, which I'll be using for this review, is designed to be navigated with an air mouse remote or a PC mouse, featuring long-click menu pop-ups, drag-and-drop shortcuts, and a navigation bar with access to recent apps and system controls. Under the "About" section, you'll find that it runs on Android 11, giving you access to developer options by tapping rapidly on the build info.

Now, let's talk about the unique firmware features that set Ugoos apart from the competition:

• 4K 2160p@60 Hz display (8K at 30 Hz maximum).
• Dolby Vision display feature, including options for HDR policy and color mode.
• Enhanced HDR to SDR feature.
• Frame buffer size adjustment for sharper UI.
• Display orientation options, including portrait, reverse portrait, and reverse landscape.
• Option to force orientation.
• UI font size and density adjustments.
• Auto framerate switching for better audio-video sync.
• Audio options for HDMI and optical audio, along with surround sound audio choices.
• HDMI CEC options.
• Button manager for keymapping.
• Mouse pointer options for UI navigation and touchscreen functionality for touchscreen games.
• USB control features, including speed control, sleep mode, and USB file transfer.
• Panels and interface customization options.
• Voice input application selection.
• UI animation speed adjustment.
• Power LED behavior control.
• Power key definition, sleep timer, and CPU scale governor settings.
• Client and Samba server features for network setup.
• Root switch via the Magisk application.
• Support for 54 languages.
• Access to default core Android settings.

Now, let's delve into the hardware specs of the Ugoos AM8. This particular model boasts 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 32GB of internal storage, with a Pro model soon to be released featuring 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Its Bluetooth version is 5.3 BLE, making it compatible with Smart home devices and wearables. The CPU is the Amlogic S928X-J 12nm processor, featuring a penta-core setup with a quad-core cortex A55 running at 2.0 GHz and a single-core cortex A76 clocked at 1.8 GHz. The GPU is the ARM Mali G57 7nm dual-core processor, perfect for gaming with support for Vulkan 1.1 and Open GL ES 3.2.

For network connectivity, it has the AP6276P (Wi-Fi 6) dual-band adapter, supporting 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 5.850GHz frequencies. The AM8 runs on Android 11, providing access to the Google Play Store, although it's limited to 32-bit apps and games. Streaming enthusiasts should be aware that it lacks the necessary digital rights to run Netflix and similar services in HD or 4K. The DRM info shows it only has Google Widevine security level 3, which restricts streaming to 480p.

If you desire root access, it's easily attainable through the Magisk application. Wireless screen mirroring using the Airscreen app works seamlessly. YouTube fans will appreciate the ability to watch videos in up to 4K 2160p@60 Hz with HDR support. The most groundbreaking feature, however, is the support for Dolby Vision on self-hosted videos and streaming applications. Ugoos has made this long-awaited dream a reality, allowing users to enjoy Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos simultaneously. The AM8 also excels in surround sound audio, supporting formats like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Surround, Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio, and DTS-X.

To test its thermal performance, the AM8 impressively maintains low temperatures even during gaming. Its massive heatsink effectively keeps the chipset cool, with temperatures staying below 65°C. However, some games and benchmark tests may experience random crashes or frame rate and resolution switches, even with auto frame rate switching turned off.

In terms of benchmarks, the AM8 scores impressively across the board. Its RAM copy speed reaches 17,802 MB/s, while internal storage boasts read speeds of 203 MB/s and write speeds of 71 MB/s. Connecting an M.2 SSD via the Type-C port yields read speeds of 23 MB/s and write speeds of 39 MB/s. In Wi-Fi speed tests, it performs admirably on both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, with gigabit LAN delivering maximum speeds.

The Geekbench 5 CPU benchmark scores 418 in single-core and 769 in multicore performance. The GPU performance is decent but may need firmware updates to address occasional crashes and frame rate issues. In the Antutu benchmark, the AM8 achieves a score of 227,726, placing it among the top-performing TV boxes.

In conclusion, the Ugoos AM8 is a game-changer in the Android TV box arena. With its impressive hardware, unique firmware features, and groundbreaking Dolby Vision capability, it's set to redefine your entertainment experience. The only drawback is its lack of certification for streaming services like Netflix in HD or 4K. Nevertheless, if you're looking for the best Android box in 2023, the Ugoos AM8 with its mobile Android version and feature-rich package should be at the top of your list.