X96 Mini+ is the new Android TV-Box. In theory, the device integrates a new SoC Amlogic S905W4 . For this reason, we will evaluate it in this article to give you the freedom to choose. So, let's take a look at the performance of this device and the benefits it brings.
1. Box S905W4 X96 Mini+: Product Feature
The S905W4 X96 Mini+ Box has a set of features listed by experts in the field . These are:
- SoC: Amlogic S905W4 quad-core 4x ARM-A53 @ 1.2 GHz (64-bit) / Mali-450 MP5 / 28 nm GPU,
- System: Android 9 (32-bit),
- Memory and Network: 1/2GB DDR3 RAM/8/16GB eMMC/Wifi Communication (Amlogic W150S1),
- Port: HDMI 2.0a/USB 2.0/USB 3.0/Ethernet 10/100/SPDIF/AV,
- Other: Infrared control/HDMI cable/Manual/DC 5V 2A (10W) adapter,
- Materials and dimensions: plastic / LED front panel / 105 x 105 x 11 mm / 150 grams.
3. Description of X96 Mini+
The design of the new X96 Mini+ is very basic and stands out only for its red line. On the front, a blue status LED panel displays the time. On the side, we have the remaining connections, two USB ports including a 3.0, Ethernet 10/100, HDMI 2.0a, micro SD and AV jack. The remote control is IR designed for very basic use of this system.
When you open it on the motherboard, you see the AC Wi-Fi chip (Amlogic W150S1) with internal Wi-Fi antenna without Bluetooth. The cooling system is an aluminum heat sink attached to the processor, very basic. There is an update button on the box and you have to reset the audio jack.
3. X96 Mini+: Environment and User Experience
If you connect the S905W4 X96 Mini+ Box to the power source, you will see some applications displayed. Furthermore, among the installed applications, Miracast, Netflix, Chrome and KD (KODI) stand out, with several add-ons installed. The performance of Android 9 is very poor, the execution speed is very slow. However, the standard Google Play is installed on the system. Thanks to this, you will be able to easily find a large number of applications.
4. Network, Storage, RAM and Port
TV-Box X96 Mini+ has 2GB DDR3 RAM . In this version of 16GB eMMC, it can be expanded with USB or SD memory for storage. Also, it has a USB 3.0 port to connect external drives or peripherals. In the network part, it has a wireless AC Wifi adapter (Amlogic W150S1) without Bluetooth. The 10/100 Ethernet adapter can work normally and the speed of the eMMC memory is very slow, which will slow down the system. Overall, take a look at these following features that this box has:
- Storage: 16GB eMMC/SI of 8GB free in total with USB or SD expansion,
- Memory: 2GB total - 1GB/DDR3 available,
- Network Performance: Using the built-in Wi-Fi antenna, the correct speed or range is 43 dBm,
- Reading port: USB 3.0 which allows you to connect external drives.
Also read: Best TV Box: Buying Guide
5. Power and performance
In terms of performance, the S905W4 X96 Mini+ Box has Amlogic S905W4 SoC (renamed S905W) uses a quad-core 28nm process. It has an ARM Cortex-A53 processor up to 1.2 GHz and in the graphics section, provide Mali -450 MP5 GPU . The SoC has been the same for a few years, and has not brought any new features. As for the GPU , it is very basic, and the processor is only enough to run the most traditional applications.
For games, PUBG cannot be run. NVIDIA GForce Now or Google Stadia applications can be installed using APK. Similarly, in the emulator part, up to 16-bit games can be run. Thus, it will not have problems with classic game console emulators such as 2D Retroarch or KODI games . This will then allow you to start EmuELEC directly.
The Amlogic S905W4 SoC has low power consumption. Furthermore, the cooling system sometimes drops when performance is required. And there will be no problem during normal use. This SoC properly manages speed to prevent overheating.
6. Reading test
In terms of video playback, the S905W4 X96 Mini+ Box supports modern video formats, such as h.265 , VP9 . But it does not support AV1 , and the maximum supported resolution is 4K @ 30fps . It does not have an application for video quality settings. As for audio, one can reproduce DD and DTS sounds up to 5.1. Usually, a basic TV box focuses on 1080p content . Here are its parameters below:
- Video Settings : No picture quality/HDMI-CEC settings available/Refresh changes are available for AFR.
- Audio settings : HDMI 5.1 / no USB audio settings,
- Color and HDR : 10-bit / RGB / HDR 10 / H LG,
- Multimedia sharing : No GoogleCast / Presence of Miracast / DLNA with BlubblePnP / Absence of Airplay,
- CoreELEC : The system is compatible with LibreELEC or CoreELEC systems.
Conclusion
In short, the S905W4 X96 Mini+ Box is a less boring, low-cost TV box. It's a device that's worth it only when you realize that its price is almost a gift. Besides, there are other more interesting devices on the market, and it's up to you to choose according to your taste and budget.
Furthermore, if you need it, don't miss the specific evaluation content and results of this X96 Mini+ box currently on the market. We hope you can buy it when needed. On the other hand, to allow you to make a better choice regarding an Android TV-Box, the Electronic Depository is available.
We will be happy to help you. So do not hesitate to contact us. We are located at 3335 Jean Talon Street East. Montreal QC, H2A 1W6 Canada . Our offices are open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
