The Chinese brand Minix, known to consumers for its unique solutions in the production of mini-PCs, has delighted the market with another new product. The TV Box Minix Neo U22-XJ has been released. For those not in the know, Minix is an analog of the well-known Xiaomi. A legendary corporation that, instead of smartphones, focuses on miniature computers and TV set-top boxes. In reviews of popular set-top boxes from Beelink or Ugoos, authors often try to make comparisons and prove that new products are no worse than Minix.
The difference that makes the well-known Chinese brand stand out from the newly emerging elite class is in the release frequency of TV boxes and mini-PCs. Minix does not produce new products monthly but approaches solutions comprehensively and, in the long term, promotes a single product. Minix products are often compared to Apple and Dune. That is, the manufacturer, considering the needs of the customer, creates products that are destined to remain relevant for 5 years ahead.
Minix Neo U22-XJ TV box: brief about the brand
The attitude towards the brand itself is mixed. On one hand, the manufacturer makes quite powerful hardware capable of pleasing the user for a long time. On the other hand, Minix is guilty of untimely software updates. Remember the Minix Neo U9-X set-top box. In 2017, it was a real breakthrough in the world of multimedia. In HD format, at that time, the TV box delivered 60 frames per second video from any source. Not to mention DTS, Dolby Digital, and universal file format support – it was legendary equipment.
The only drawback faced by owners was the lack of software support. The set-top box was updated, but very rarely. Forums revealed that updates were managed by a single programmer working purely on enthusiasm. As a result, by early 2018, this programmer left, and the device was left without support. Interestingly, the little-known company Ugoos started to improve its affairs. The brand launched three products in different price categories and firmware updates flowed to users like a stream. And what updates! The hardware potential was revealed to an incredible degree.
As a result, at the beginning of 2020, we see a new Minix Neo U22-XJ set-top box. It is logical to assume that this gadget will once again turn the multimedia world upside down. But is the manufacturer ready to continue supporting its creation – that is the question.
Minix Neo u22-XJ TV box: specifications
A serious battle unfolded on the popular worldwide forum 4pda, known among IT enthusiasts, around the Minix Neo U22-XJ. Outsiders predict a bright future for the new product, while newcomers try to convince that the brand promotes a device with weak hardware. Currently, the older generation wins the debate, providing evidence that guarantees the device’s operability for the next 5-7 years.
| Brand | Minix (China) |
| Chip | SoC Amlogic S922XJ |
| Processor | 4x Cortex-A73 @ 2.21 GHz 2x Cortex-A53 @ 1.8 GHz |
| Video adapter | Mali-G52 MP6 (850MHz, 6.8 Gbps) |
| RAM | 4 GB (LPDDR4 3200 MHz) |
| Storage | 32 GB eMMC 5.0 |
| Memory expansion | Yes |
| Operating system | Android 9.0 Nougat |
| Update support | Yes |
| Wired network | Yes, RJ-45, 1Gbit/s |
| Wireless network | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz (2×2 MIMO) |
| Signal boosting | Yes, 1 antenna, 5 dB |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 + EDR |
| Interfaces | RJ-45, 3xUSB 3.0, 1xUSB-C, IR, HDMI, SPDIF, DC |
| Memory cards support | microSD 2.x/3.x/4.x, eMMC ver 5.0 (up to 128 GB) |
| Root | Yes |
| Digital panel | No |
| HDMI | 2.1 4K@60Hz, HDR 10+ |
| Physical dimensions | 128x128x28 mm |
| Price | $170-190 |
The presence of three USB 3.0 ports cannot but please. It turns out that the Amlogic S922 chip can support such features (a slight inaccuracy towards UGOOS AM6 Pro). Plus, the excellent hardware of the Wi-Fi chip and interfaces, which are in demand, did not disappoint. Only the price stops us. The manufacturer disappeared from the market for 3 years and suddenly reappeared. Meanwhile, we have a full lineup of TV boxes: Beelink GT-King PRO and UGOOS AM6 Pro, recognized by the global community and at the top of fame. The Minix Neo U22-XJ device has no place in the TOP.
And why?
Because Minix refused to provide their products for free to bloggers for testing. The manufacturer offers a $170 device in a mystery box. And it’s unknown whether this device can catch mice or not. And in terms of the device – whether it can smoothly output 4K from any source, run resource-intensive games, and behave decently when transmitting data over wireless networks.
Verdict
It’s easier to trust proven brands like Beelink or UGOOS, which do not hesitate to send their new products for testing to laboratories. Currently, there are no detailed tests of the Minix Neo U22-XJ. Perhaps wealthy bloggers will purchase the new product soon and share their results. We will wait.
Considering past experience (the Minix Neo U9-X set-top box), there is no need to rush. The Amlogic S922XJ chipset is from 2019 technology. Paying $170-190 for it makes no sense. It’s better to wait for an updated chip. If you can’t wait to buy a TV box, it’s better to choose proven products. Time-tested elite models are waiting for their buyers: Beelink GT-King PRO and UGOOS AM6 Pro.
Updated 10.05.2020: after the new firmware was released, the device started working properly. Read more: http://teranews.net/minix-neo-u22-xj-with-new-firmware-the-best-tv-box
