MXQ Android Smart TV BOX
Intro
MXQ Android Smart TV Box is a TV media player that boasts a staggering array of connective interfaces as well as premium features like 3D support, which make it a standout.
Features
Quad core processor
The MXQ Android’s processor is the Amlogic S805 Quad Core. It has a CPU clock speed of 1.5GHz, which, according to system-on-a-chip.specout.com, is higher than the average clock speed in its class; that same site rates it for “extremely efficient multitasking”. The accompanying Quad Core Mali-450 GPU allows for the superior graphics you’d expect a quality media player to facilitate.
Lightning fast
The MXQ Android comes with 1GB DDR3 RAM and 8GB of ROM. While most are familiar with RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM is a less familiar term. It’s a read-only nonvolatile memory (as opposed to volatile RAM). Because it’s read-only and the written data can’t be removed, the 8GB is a great thing here. The RAM, combined with the very capable Amlogic S805 Quad Core Processor make for a lightning fast media player that’s capable of meeting your demands.
Built-in Wi-Fi
Aside of an ethernet port, the MXQ Android also features built-in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, enabling quick online access without the lag and buffering.
3D support
The demand for 3D viewing options in residential homes is growing ever-larger. The MXQ Android supports 3D video straight out of the box, so you can view all of your favorite 3D movies right in the comfort of your own home.
Interface versatility
The versatility in the connective interface is one of the biggest points in the MXQ Android’s favor. It hosts four highspeed USB 2.0 ports, also supporting USB HDD and U Disk; it reads SD, SDHA, and MMC cards; there are also additional ports for HDMI, AV, SPDIF, RJ45, OTG, TF, ethernet and 5V. With this versatility, you can connect to practically any TV as well as other compatible devices.
First impression of the MXQ Android Smart TV BOX
The first thing I noticed about the MXQ Android when I opened up the box is how truly compact the device is. A lot of devices tout their tininess, but the MXQ Android is only 1.3 pounds, with a 7 x 4 x 2-inch profile, making it not only compact, but lightweight as well. This means it’s quite easy to stick in your bag and go when you’re traveling, which can be a great bonus for certain demos, like college students who go home for the holidays, for instance.
I like the fact that the box comes with its own HDMI. I may be a cable hoarder—I don’t know. Even though I already have an HDMI cable, I like the comfort of the box coming with one.
One of the major selling points for the MXQ Android is its extremely comprehensive connectivity interface. You truly can connect just about every type of TV. With HDMI, USB, AV, SPDIF ports and more, you really can’t go wrong. I really love the fact that it has its own integrated SD card reader. I still use digital cameras, and I know there are others out there who do as well, so being able to view my photography on my TV is really fun. And it certainly beats an old-fashioned vacation slideshow.
When I was reading the specs, one of the things that intrigued me most about the MXQ Android is that it supports video/picture decoding in an extremely wide range of formats. Obviously, I couldn’t test them all. But I was able to test out the *.wmv, *.mov, *.avi, *.mp4, *.mpg, *.mpeg, and *.jpg; I can vouch for the fact that they all work—and they all look great. I’m not really surprised by this, per se, since any reasonably good video decoder should be able to decode popular formats, but it’s a comfort to know that it’s legit, regardless.
Finally, one of the most intriguing features of the MXQ Android is its 3D support. I’ve never had a media player that supports 3D before, so this was a big win for me. And the picture quality was top-notch.
The pros
What to like about the MXQ Android Smart TV BOX:
- Android 4.4 OS (operating system)
- Comes with MXQ’s video and picture decoding, which supports the following formats at up to 1080p at 60fps: *.mpg, *.mpeg, *.mkv, *.wmv, *.avi, *.mov, *.dat, *.mp4, *.iso, *jpg and *.rm.
- 3D support
- Amlogic S805 Quad Core processor boasts faster CPU than comparable chips
- DDR3 RAM
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 4 USB 2.0 ports
- Multiple additional ports, including HDMI and SD card reader
- Comes with HDMI cable
- Charger and remote control also included
- 90-day free refund or replacement warranty
- 1 year free accessory replacement
- Lifetime technical support
The cons
What to consider:
- It would be nice if the media player was compatible with DDR4 RAM, though DDR3 is nothing to sneeze at.
- While the USB 2.0 ports are great, it’d be nice if there was also support for USB 3.0.
What’s included
The MXQ Android Smart TV Box comes with a charger, remote control, an HDMI cable and a user manual. Also included is a 90-day warranty, 1 year free accessory replacement, and lifetime tech support.
Final verdict
The MXQ Android Smart TV Box is a fast and competent media player that comes with all the bells and whistles you need to be able to stream the shows and movies you want—all at high speeds and FHD picture clarity. In particular, the processor is a key, powerful feature which facilitates demanding premium functions like 3D video support. All in all, the MXQ Android is a well-rounded media player with all the features you could want for, which is why I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a new TV media player.
