Turning an ordinary TV into Smart: TOP 5 media players on Android

The low-cost TV box in a compact form factor is one of the most popular models based on the Android OS. The player is equipped with a plate for fixing on the back wall of a TV or monitor, and an external IR sensor for correct operation with a standard remote control. True, the configuration of the Android TV Box X96 Mini 16 Gb may differ from batch to batch, and the presence of these two additional accessories should be checked before buying.

The media player is based on a 4-core Amlogic S905W processor with a clock frequency of up to 2 GHz. Help him in the speed of 2 GB of RAM. Also, the model has 16 GB of internal memory. The set of interfaces is represented by a pair of USB, one HDMI port, a card reader, a composite and an optical output. Internet connection is possible via LAN and over the air (Wi-Fi).

The functionality of the set-top box is revealed by the Android 7.1.2 operating system. The list of pre-installed applications includes the Chrome browser, YouTube video hosting, and popular social networks. Everything else is easy to install in the market or from a flash drive.

Android TV Box X96 Mini 16 Gb plays 4K video at up to 30 fps. Miracast technology is implemented for streaming data from mobile devices. The set-top box allows you to watch IPTV and online video, play games, listen to the radio, visit your favorite sites, etc.

When performing most tasks, the body of the model does not heat up much, although some users note a problem with overheating and turning off the device. Performance corresponds to the price category: brakes or freezes are possible when running resource-intensive toys or “heavy” 4K videos. That is why Android TV Box X96 Mini 16 Gb is a justified choice for those who are looking for a set-top box for little money.

Debuted in 2019, the Mecool compact set-top box is built on the Amlogic S905X2 processor with a clock frequency of 1.8 GHz. It differs from its predecessors (including S905W and S905 X) with improved performance, lower heat and power consumption. The use of this "engine" made it possible to increase the amount of RAM to 4 GB, so that against the background of analogues Mecool KM9 works faster.

Even "on board" the model has 32 GB of internal memory, which almost removes restrictions on the number of installed applications, storage of a solid music collection or photo archive.

High-quality components allow the set-top box to play videos with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels at a frequency of up to 60 fps. HDR support is also announced, which will improve the quality of the corresponding content, making it richer, juicier and brighter (provided that this technology is implemented in a TV or monitor).

The multimedia potential of Mecool KM9 is revealed by the Android TV 8.1 operating system. A simple and intuitive tiled interface complements the voice control in the Bluetooth remote control. Note that the set-top box can also be equipped with a traditional IR remote control, so this point should be further clarified before buying.

Using Bluetooth, it is easy to connect a wireless gamepad, mouse or other devices to the model. Online cinemas and services, external USB drives (one port supports USB 3.0) can act as sources of multimedia content. There is also HDMI for pairing compatible devices.

The disadvantages of the model include weak Wi-Fi. The set-top box uses a low-cost adapter, which will provide performance only at a small distance from the router. Otherwise, Mecool KM9 is an excellent representative of the middle price segment with good stuffing and everything necessary for the average user.

The set-top box is an international version (the full name contains the designation MDZ-22-AB) with a certified Android TV platform. This circumstance eliminates difficulties with localization and guarantees support for Google and Netflix branded services without any flashing or “hacking”.

Xiaomi Mi Box S also implements Miracast technology, and the complete Bluetooth remote control is not only equipped with a microphone, but works with Google Assistant, which allows you to control not only the set-top box, but also smart home devices, such as smart light bulbs.

The main changes against the background of the predecessor - Xiaomi Mi Box 3 International - are programmatic. The 2018 model runs on the more recent Android TV 8.1 OS. There are no hardware differences: it uses a 4-core Amlogic S905X processor (Cortex A53 cores with a clock speed of up to 2 GHz), and 2 GB of RAM help with speed.

The stock of built-in memory is small (8 GB), moreover, almost half of the capacity is reserved for the needs of the software shell. You can expand it by connecting a USB drive, however, there is only one corresponding connector, and there is no card reader at all.

The Xiaomi Mi Box S is capable of playing HDR 4K video at up to 60 fps. Such content is played without problems from various online cinemas, including international ones. The model works great with YouTube and IPTV services. Displaying video from TV torrents is possible, however, with a 2-fold decrease in frame rate and a drop in resolution.

The bet in the device is made on wireless technologies. Only Wi-Fi is offered for connecting to the Internet (there is no LAN port), so for a stable connection it is recommended to use routers with 5 GHz support or network adapters (USB to RJ-45). And the lack of other wired interfaces partly compensates for the presence of the Bluetooth 4.1 module.

In any case, Xiaomi Mi Box S is not by chance the market leader in media players, offering excellent functionality, simplicity and ease of use.

The representative of the Pro line of the Taiwanese company Dune updated in 2018 belongs to advanced media players. It runs on Android 7.1 and provides a proprietary shell with an intuitive interface. The backlit remote control and the presence of a block of programmable keys that will allow you to control the TV helps to interact with the set-top box. And additional clarity in operation is provided by a display with an indication of the viewing time.

The Dune HD Pro 4K uses a Realtek RTD1295 processor with four Cortex A53 cores and a Mali-T820 graphics chip. In conjunction with it, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of flash memory work. Powerful hardware complements a solid set of interfaces, including LAN, 3 USB (one of which is version 3.0), HDMI, a card reader and eSATA for connecting an external hard drive. Wireless technologies are represented by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The set-top box plays HDR UltraHD video with 10-bit color at up to 60 fps. For connoisseurs of the stereo effect, 3D support with a maximum resolution of 1080p is implemented. The multimedia potential is expanded by the pre-installed browser with the option of watching video in it; you can also watch content in IPTV and OTT services. Demanding cinephiles will be pleased with the recognition of Blu-ray images and the correct work with their menus.

To transmit high-quality multi-channel audio, there is an optical and coaxial audio output. And the manufacturer has taken care of wide compatibility with various audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD and DTS.

The Dune HD Pro 4K is a smart choice for demanding users with a price tag to match, but not outrageous.

The premium set-top box of the French manufacturer Zappiti is based on the Realtek RTD1295 platform, which is supported by 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory. Its capabilities are more than enough to ensure the stable operation of the Android OS and the proprietary user menu, as well as to cope with resource-intensive applications (for example, games) without the risk of overheating.

The set of interfaces Zappiti One SE 4K HDR is a role model. The set-top box has a card reader and a storage slot: a 3.5" HDD is installed in it. The model received 1 HDMI input (for recording video) and two outputs (for playing video + audio and pure audio), has 4 USB type A, one of which with interface 3.2 gen1 (former name 3.0), and one USB Type-C, a full range of analog connectors and even a remote IR sensor for flush-mounting the device.

Refusing to use physical storage media allows the compatibility of the set-top box with a large number of NAS services. In addition, the media player itself, paired with a hard drive, can act as a network storage.

Zappiti One SE 4K HDR shows literally any video, including HDR 4K 60 fps, 3D content, Blu-ray images, recent menu recognition, subtitles, automatic frame rate conversion. The model works correctly with most online services, including video hosting, IPTV, TV torrents, cinemas, etc.

Audiophiles will be pleased with the support of all modern codecs of multi-channel sound, the presence of not only an optical and coaxial interface, but also an HDMI audio output. The latter allows you to output the audio track on a separate channel, which provides Hi-End sound in tandem with audio receivers that do not have HDMI pass-through for the correct transmission of 4K video and high-quality sound.

The high status of the model is confirmed by the presence of a backlit remote control with programmable keys to control the TV, LAN and Wi-Fi standard 802.11a/b/g/n/a, Bluetooth and Miracast support.

The downside of the Zappiti One SE 4K HDR is the high price. This is a fee for premium functionality. A related model will be cheaper Zappiti One 4K HDR which lacks HDMI audio, an external IR sensor, and gold-plated connectors.