Best TV consoles on Android OS 2018

Every year the equipment is getting smarter and more functional, today the mind has been given the usual devices that were not previously seen in the manifestations of intelligence. Following the phones, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and other appliances suddenly became smarter, and TV was no exception. From the TVs produced in the recent past, almost nothing is left, modern models are very different from their predecessors. Many of the new devices are equipped with Smart TV functionality, making it more akin to computers than TVs. In the new generation of TV, as well as smart set-top boxes, the technology of integration of the Internet and interactive applications is implemented. In fact, in the shell of the TV, which is a multimedia center, enclosed processor, RAM, flash drive, network devices and other elements inherent in computer technology. The operation is carried out under the control of the installed operating system, such as everyone familiar to Android or another.

Choosing the best TV set-top box 2018.

The introduction of smart technology in televisions, digital TV receivers (set-top boxes), game consoles, etc., made it possible to go online, watch movies and other content from the media library network, play various games, communicate on social networks and instant messengers. Such a number of options now cast doubt on the need for television in the classic sense. The Android platform is also a denizen of TV set-top boxes that can reward the mind even ordinary TVs, including even those who have long retired. These mini-computers differ in functionality, power, design and cost, many of the devices are controlled by the Android operating system, but there are others, for example, you can often find Linux. So, consoles allow you to upgrade TV, without having to buy a ready-made smart TV, which will cost many times more. And why should we strive for the functionality that becomes obsolete annually, if it is easier to change the receiver than TV. Still, the main task of the TV is to transfer high-quality images, the rest of the functionality can be expanded by using Smart TV set-top boxes. Working in tandem, the devices show even better performance than some TVs equipped with technology.

Top 8 best TV set-top boxes on Android in 2018

Among the many models of devices and manufacturers on the market, it is easy for an inexperienced consumer to get lost. The variety of consoles of all colors in a different price range amazes the imagination of even a sophisticated user, and not everyone knows what criteria to guide in choosing. The best smart set-top boxes have modern hardware, powerful processors and support various file formats. When choosing a device should pay attention to the following points:

  • Connection interface Before buying it is important to make sure that the set-top box is compatible with your TV, there are several types of ports for connecting devices.
  • The method of connecting to the network (wireless, wired).
  • The characteristics of the hardware (processor power, size of operatives, etc.).
  • Support file formats.
  • Operating system.
  • The way to power the set-top box (from the TV, from the mains).
  • The presence of elements of a complete set (cord, adapter, power adapter, remote controller, etc.).
  • Appearance, shape, compact size.

The selection includes the best smart TV set-top boxes on Android 2018, which can be seen on the Russian market, with high performance and a decent set of features. They also differ in cost, and we put together a device with an optimal price-performance ratio.

Beelink GT1 Ultimate

The updated model from the Chinese manufacturer Beelink, known for product quality and stable software support, after rebranding the smart TV set-top box received 3 GB of DDR4 RAM and 32 GB of integrated memory, a new control panel and an attractive print on the case. On board the device is a powerful 8-core Amlogik S912 processor based on 64-bit architecture. The prefix is ​​not crammed with a variety of pre-installed programs, but the main software is available. The advantage of the upgraded console is excellent performance, root-rights, convenient remote control. The device heats up during operation slightly. When purchasing this model, pay attention to the OS version, there are devices on the sixth Android on sale. Specifications:

  • Amlogik S912 processor 8 cores ARM Cortex-A53, core frequency up to 2 GHz.
  • RAM 3 GB DDR
  • Memory for storing 32 GB EMMC.
  • GPU ARM Mali-T820MP
  • USB0 (2), HDMI 2.0, SPDIF.
  • Wi-fi, LAN, Bluetooth 4.0.
  • Android operating system 7.1.2.

Xiaomi Mi TV Box Pro 3 Enhanced

One of the best TV set-top boxes and the most stylish in the collection. The Xiaomi Mi Box 3 embodies the power and implemented the option of a full-fledged computer. The multimedia console with enhanced features easily reproduces 4K video and 3D games, while support for Open GL3.1 / Open CL ensured compatibility of the graphics processor with fairly heavy gaming content. Wireless interfaces at the highest level, which allows you to connect any device. A small amount of memory can be compensated by applying an external card up to 128 GB. The device heats up, but the manufacturer took care of the cooling system. In addition to design, power and high performance among the advantages of the device, a gyroscope that captures any movement, and voice control. The disadvantages are the lack of root-rights, the ability to change the interface, the old version of the OS. Specifications:

  • 6-core MediaTek MT8693 (2x Cortex-A72 and 4x Cortex-A53) with a frequency of 2 GHz.
  • 2 GB DDR3 RAM.
  • 8GB of flash memory 0.
  • Powerful graphics processor Power VR GX
  • HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0 (2).
  • Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 + EDR, Ethernet.
  • Android 5.1 OS with MIUI TV shell.
  • Support iPhone, iPad.

H96 Pro +

The model of TV set-top box for TVs H96 Pro Plus was released in 2017, this is an upgraded version of the device, released a year earlier. A small box for quite a reasonable price can turn a TV into an interactive entertainment center with many possibilities. The device works on Android 6 version with a fast standard shell, it has good performance, it perfectly reproduces video in 4K quality, many games with large appetites go. Android TV set-top box H96 Pro + is offered by the manufacturer in two versions, the first is equipped with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB for storage, the second - 3 GB of RAM and a 32 GB flash drive. With prolonged loads, boxing is very hot, which is not a plus. Among the advantages are a powerful chipset, the volume of operatives (in variations from 3 GB), root-rights. Specifications:

  • Amlogik S912 processor 6 or 8 cores (depending on version).
  • Graphics Mali-T820MP3.
  • 2/3 GB of RAM.
  • Memory storage 16/32 GB.
  • USB 2.0 (2), HDMI 2.0, optical SPDIF.
  • Android OS 6.0.1.
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, LAN.
  • Supported by HDMI-CEC.

IconBIT XDS94K

The model of smart TV set-top box is one of the best among representatives of devices of this type. Using IconBIT XDS94K is available not only television, but also a lot of other features. Prefix with the makings of a computer is a multifunctional entertainment center on Android, which will be the perfect solution for online broadcasting. The device is compatible with most applications that open access to any content, including movies, live broadcasts and other services. When connecting to the console wired Internet, it is possible to make a wireless access point from the TV box. The console is small, but convenient and functional, supports the virtual mouse mode, training. The device successfully works with many different formats, including 4K, supports digital multichannel sound, provides playback from any network resources. The prefix is ​​not very hot, so you will not have to worry about overheating. Plus to all the advantages of the model - compact box and user-friendly interface. Disadvantages - the lack of HDMI and AV cables in the configuration, there is no possibility to put a hard disk. Specifications:

  • 4-core Cortex-A53, 64-bit, 2 GHz.
  • 1 GB RAM.
  • Flesh memory 8 GB.
  • HDMI 2.0, CVBS, USB 2.0 (4).
  • Android OS 5.1.1.
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Gigabit Ethernet.
  • Learning Support Remote, HDMI-CEC.

Alfawise s 95

The rapid popularity of the console from the Chinese manufacturer is ensured by excellent performance, low energy consumption combined with low cost. The Alfawise S 95 features a new 2017 Amlogic S905W chip, with a 4-core Cortex-A53 up to 2 GHz and a Mali-450MP graphics processor. Two models came on the market, the first with 1 GB RAM and 8 GB of integrated memory, the second with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB for storage. A budget TV box operating on the current Android OS will be a great solution for organizing an entertainment center at home. Supported firmware update over the network or from the drive. The device comes with a simple remote control, the functionality of which is quite enough for basic tasks. Bluetooth wireless sharing feature is not available in this model. Specifications:

  • Amlogic S905W 4-core Cortex-A53 up to 2 GHz.
  • Graphics accelerator Mali-450MP.
  • RAM 1 / 2GB.
  • Integrated memory 8/16 GB.
  • USB 2.0 (2), HDMI 2.0, SPDIF.
  • Wi-Fi, LAN.
  • Android OS 7.1.

Zidoo X7

The model of the Chinese manufacturer 4-core ROCKCHIP RK3328, enclosed in a glossy plastic case, has 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of memory for storage, is not enough, but the situation can be corrected by an external drive. Video files as 4K can be seen well, the device's performance is enough to implement a home theater. The prefix functions on Android OS version 7.1.2 with ZIUI launcher. It is not necessary to regard it as a gaming option, this model will not pull heavy games, but for film viewing, work with services and surfing - that’s what it is. We are pleased with the presence of USB port 3.0 and stable Wi-fi, in the configuration a convenient remote control. Minus - the lack of root-access. Specifications:

  • 4-core ROCKCHIP RK3328.
  • Mali-450MP graphics processor
  • The amount of RAM 2 GB.
  • 8 GB flash memory.
  • USB 2.0 (2), USB 3.0 HDMI, SPDIF.
  • Supported by HDMI-CEC.
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.
  • OS Android1.2.

Tanix tx3 max

A high-performance TV box based on the Amlogic S905W with four 64-bit Cortex-A53 cores, with a stylish and unusual body, a novelty on the market for devices in this category. Tanix TX3 Max works on the current Android version with the Alice UX shell. On board the device 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of memory for storage. The power supply is provided by a network adapter, the package also includes a simple control panel and other elements of the standard set-top box. The device perfectly reproduces Full HD, copes well with 4K (picture delays are almost not noticeable). The software is not replete with diversity, and you can download everything you need from the Play Market app store. There is root access. Specifications:

  • Amlogic S905W based on 4-core Cortex-A53.
  • Mali-450 graphics processor.
  • 2 GB of RAM.
  • 16 GB of integrated eMMC memory.
  • USB 2.0 (2), HDMI 2.0, optical SPDIF.
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Ethernet.
  • Android OS 7.1.2 with graphical shell Alice UX.

Mecool M8s Pro

TV Box with an unusually beaten design, so that Mecool is no longer just a black box. The device has good performance, supports almost all formats. Android games on the console are available in all their diversity, excluding only the most demanding. 4K video is played with subtle delays. The device supports 5G Wi-fi, root-rights are available, a bit of pre-installed software. Holes are provided in the case that provide passive cooling, but in high load mode the box heats up strongly. Specifications:

  • 8-core Amlogic S processor
  • Mali-T820MP Graphics
  • RAM 3 GB DDR
  • 16 GB flash memory expandable up to 32 GB.
  • USB 2.0, HDMI.
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0.
  • HDMI-CEC function.
  • Android OS 7.1.

Nowadays, the choice of TV boxes is huge. All of them reproduce a large number of formats, have many functions and at the same time are easy to manage. Devices on the familiar Android OS allow you to quickly figure out the settings, and in the presence of root-rights, the user's capabilities are greatly expanded. Whatever model you decide to purchase, budget or more expensive, the best TV set-top boxes from our rating are definitely worth attention and any of the acquisitions in the right tandem with a TV will embody an entertainment center in your home.