MINIX NEO U22-XJ with new firmware: the best TV box
We already did overview on MINIX NEO U22-XJ, which was not recommended for purchase due to low-quality software. In early May 2020, a firmware update was released that fixed almost all the flaws. Therefore, we offer customers to re-familiarize themselves with the product. So to speak, from a new and convenient angle.
MINIX NEO U22-XJ: video review
The Technozon channel made a detailed review of the set-top box - we recommend that you familiarize yourself. The channel often holds technical draws, so we advise you to subscribe to Technozon.
MINIX NEO U22-XJ: overview and specifications
| Brand name | Minix (China) |
| Chip | SoC Amlogic S922XJ |
| Processor | 4xCortex-A73 @ 2,21 GHz 2xCortex-A53 @ 1,8 GHz |
| Video adapter | Mali-G52 MP6 (850MHz, 6.8 Gb / s) |
| RAM | 4 GB (LPDDR4 3200 MHz) |
| ROM | 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 gain | Yes, 1 antenna, 5 db |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 + EDR |
| Interfaces | RJ-45, 3xUSB 3.0, 1xUSB-C, IR, HDMI, SPDIF, DC |
| Memory card support | microSD 2.x / 3.x / 4.x, eMMC ver 5.0 (up to 128 GB) |
| Root | Yes |
| Digital panel | No |
| HDMI | Version 2.1 4K @ 60Hz, HDR 10+ |
| Physical dimensions | 128x128x28 mm |
| Price | 170-190 $ |
In the updated version of MINIX NEO U22-XJ, in addition to software patches, Root and Auto Frame Rate appeared. It's great. Since for all owners of 4K TVs who want to get maximum comfort, the criteria are critical. If available language:
- Root is the user's full access to the set-top box file system. You can install any applications, firmware enthusiasts and edit system files.
- Auto Frame Rate (AFR) - synchronization of the frame rate of the source video with the TV display. For the user, this is the absence of flickering and image shifts during viewing. Yes, modern TVs adjust themselves to the HDMI source, but not always correctly.
MINIX NEO U22-XJ: interface and ease of operation
For owners of devices on the Android operating system, at first, it seems that the menu is somehow ancient. But this is at first glance. The interface that is simplified externally is very convenient and flexible to the settings. All the buttons on the main menu are easy to customize. Cool implemented the top informative panel. The left side displays the working network interfaces. On the right, with the external drive connected, there is a Media button.
The response of the console to the menu selection is excellent. Given that this is Android, it is very nice to see an instant response, like on Apple technology. I liked that the All Tasks Killer button was placed on the main menu - it was able to instantly complete all running processes. This is for those who like to run a bunch of applications, and then wonders why everything is so slow.
MINIX NEO U22-XJ: performance
It is fashionable to check the console, first of all, for trotting. Overheating, even in hours-long tests, is completely absent. The perfect green canvas of the displayed chart is very developed. And interestingly, the temperature of the chip does not go beyond 50 degrees Celsius.
The temperature regime remains at around 42-48 degrees, even in demanding games. Accordingly, there will be no braking. And that’s great. You can play PUBG, tanks or races for hours on end at maximum graphics settings. At the same time, get maximum comfort and pleasure.
TV box MINIX NEO U22-XJ: network features
Network modules are responsible for the quality transfer of content from the Internet. For many set-top boxes, this is a weak point that causes the video to pause or slow down during playback.
| MINIX NEO U22-XJ | ||
| Download Mbps | Upload, Mbps | |
| 1 Gbps LAN | 750 | 850 |
| Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz | 65 | 85 |
| Wi-Fi 5 GHz | 320 | 250 |
It is worth noting that when the hard drive is connected to the console via USB, there is a drop in the data transfer speed over Wi-Fi. The indicator within 20 megabits per second can be called insignificant. But anyway. Somehow, the chipset with Wi-Fi and USB is working incomprehensibly.
MINIX NEO U22-XJ: multimedia
This is not to say that the prefix easily forwards all sound formats, but it copes with most codecs. Either forwarding or transcoding, in any case, the user receives high-quality surround sound on an external speaker system.
When playing videos from Youtube in 4K format with 60 FPS - 0 drops. The picture is reproduced with high quality, without any distortion. It is worth noting that during the testing process, the TV box was connected to the Internet at 1 Gb / s. The speed of downloading content on YouTube was at around 300 megabits per second. Therefore, the quality of video playback directly depends on the communication channel and the equipment used. If the provider shapes (reduces bandwidth) the Internet, then it is not a fact that the user will get similar results with MINIX NEO U22-XJ.
There was no miracle with playing IPTV video and torrents. The prefix instantly plays video in 4K format. And what pleases - quickly responds to rewind. There were no problems with games either. When connecting a gamepad, there are no violations in the work. Everything works smoothly.