So, by the beginning of 2020, two leaders in the category of “TV set-top boxes” have been identified in the global market. These are the American NVIDIA Shield TV PRO 2019 versus the Chinese brand Ugoos AM6 Plus. Both gadgets are aimed at unlocking the full functionality expected from TV boxes:
- Playing videos in 4K format from any sources;
- Ability to launch resource-intensive games at maximum quality settings;
- Playing all existing video formats;
- Hardware support for all sound standards;
- Maximum ease of use and unlimited functionality.
The battle of TV boxes NVIDIA Shield TV PRO 2019 vs Ugoos AM6 Plus is presented by the Technozon channel. Links to the author are below the text. The TeraNews project offers a clear overview of the test results and encourages you to draw your own conclusions at the end.
In the context of 4K video playback, both TV boxes guarantee impeccable picture quality. Regardless of the file size and source (external storage, torrent, IPTV), any multimedia content will be played.
NVIDIA Shield TV PRO 2019 vs Ugoos AM6 Plus
Comparison table by specifications:
| Specification | nVidia Shield TV Pro 2019 | UGOOS AM6 Plus |
| Chipset | Tegra X1+ | Amlogic S922X-J |
| Processor | 4x Cortex-A53 @ 2.00 GHz
4x Cortex-A57 @ 2.00 GHz |
4x Cortex-A73 (2.2GHz) + 2x Cortex-A53 (1.8GHz) |
| Video adapter | GeForce 6 ULP (GM20B), 256 CUDA cores | MaliTM-G52 (2 cores, 850MHz, 6.8 Gpix/s) |
| RAM | 3 GB (LPDDR4 3200 MHz) | 4 GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz |
| Storage | 16 GB (3D EMMC) | 32 GB EMMC |
| Storage expansion | Yes, USB Flash | Yes, memory cards |
| Operating system | Android 9.0 | Android 9.0 |
| Wired connection | 1 Gbps | IEEE 802.3 (10/100/1000 M Ethernet MAC with RGMII) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz (2×2 MIMO) | AP6398S 2.4G+5G (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2×2 MIMO) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 with LE Technology | Yes, version 4.0 |
| Wi-Fi signal booster | No | Yes, 2 removable antennas |
| Interfaces | HDMI, 2x USB 3.0, LAN, DC | RJ45, 3x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0, HDMI, SPDIF, AV-out, AUX-in, DC (12V/2A) |
| Memory cards | No | Yes, microSD up to 64 GB |
| 4K support | Yes. 4Kx2K@60FPS, HDR | Yes. 4Kx2K@60FPS, HDR |
| Price | $240-250 | $150-170 |
Comparison table (for mobile devices – click to enlarge):
If the owner loves watching videos on YouTube, then it’s better to choose Ugoos. The set-top box understands all service formats and allows you to select the best playback quality and codec. NVIDIA products have issues with this. The Shield TV PRO 2019 often does not correctly identify the best quality format.
However, with Netflix, the situation is the opposite. Ugoos products do not have an official license. With home theaters supporting Dolby Atmos, the AM6 Plus will not work in the required audio format. Interestingly, the same Atmos works perfectly with Ugoos on torrent files. Not with NVIDIA.
NVIDIA vs Ugoos: performance
In synthetic tests, both set-top boxes demonstrate nearly identical results in overall parameters. This is explained by the fact that the NVIDIA Shield TV PRO 2019 is equipped with a 2015 chip. The declared 256 CUDA cores show performance comparable to MaliTM-G52 (Amlogic S922X-J). Therefore, no breakthrough should be expected from the American TV box.
NVIDIA vs Ugoos: wired and wireless network
In Wi-Fi mode at 2.4 GHz, the set-top boxes show similar results. About 70/70 Mbps – download/upload. It’s hard to determine the leader exactly, as the indicators vary on the same router during each test.
The same applies to 5 GHz Wi-Fi. The NVIDIA Shield TV PRO 2019 works slightly faster on download (340 Mbps vs 300 Mbps for Ugoos). But it lags in upload (400 Mbps Ugoos vs 300 Mbps NVIDIA). The slight difference in figures does not spoil the overall picture. For multimedia work over the air, this is quite sufficient.
The wired gigabit network also does not give a clear winner. Ugoos downloads at 800 Mbps (Nvidia – 750 Mbps), but uploads at 890 Mbps (Nvidia – 930 Mbps).
NVIDIA vs Ugoos: memory performance
Another criterion of interest to buyers who prefer using a file manager and torrents on the set-top box. Here, the choice is in favor of the Chinese device, as Ugoos AM6 Plus writes files to its memory twice as fast. Also, random read speeds are higher. NVIDIA can only quickly read large files.
NVIDIA vs Ugoos: games and applications
It is immediately worth noting that games from the GeForce NOW service are supported by both set-top boxes. NVIDIA has a slight advantage in a couple of games that have been made free for the American TV box. Otherwise, gaming on both devices is equally good.
A serious drawback of NVIDIA is the limited Google Play. To install some applications, you will need to download the apk file and install the program manually. Ugoos has a full order with applications. The set-top box can even replace a PC or laptop for working with office programs. Plus, the Chinese device supports Miracast and AirScreen, Samba server, NAS, Wake Up on LAN.
In terms of remote control convenience, the victory goes to NVIDIA. Although it is triangular, it is very comfortable for controlling both the device and the TV and other equipment. In the battle NVIDIA Shield TV PRO 2019 vs Ugoos AM6 Plus, it is difficult to come to a definitive conclusion. Both gadgets are good. If we focus on price, the Chinese device is the better choice – it is cheaper.
