TV Box X99 MAX: overview, specifications

Processor, memory, chip, controllers - none of the parameters will guarantee that a TV set-top box will be the best buy. It's all about the brand. Or the manufacturer makes the piece of iron according to the mind, supplying it with workable software. Either he takes someone else's idea, does nothing to optimize it, and just makes money on the sale. Another example of a Chinese miracle is the TV Box X99 MAX.

TV Box X99 MAX: overview, specifications

The manufacturer took a very powerful and functional Amlogic S905X3 chip. Which we have already seen on the cool console UGOOS X3 Pro and the state budget HK1 BOX. But the Chinese did not want to provide the software part of the gadget. As a result, another device appeared on the market, which in no case should be bought.

TV Box X99 MAX: overview, specifications

By the way, the Technozon channel quickly reacted to the new product by releasing a video review.

TV Box X99 MAX: specifications

 

Brand name X99
Chip Amlogic S905X3
Processor 4хARM Cortex-A55 (up to 1.9 GHz), 12nm process
Video adapter Mali-G31 MP2 (650 MHz, 6 Cores)
RAM 4 GB (DDR4, 3200 MHz)
ROM 32G / 64G (eMMC Flash)
Memory expansion Yes, memory cards
Operating system Android 9.0
Update support No
Wired network 1 Gbps
Wireless network 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac 2.4GHz / 5GHz, 2 × 2 MIMO
Signal gain No
Bluetooth Yes, version 4.1
Interfaces AV, SPDIF, LAN, HDMI, 1xUSB 2.0, 1xUSB 3.0, DC
Memory card support Yes, microSD up to 32 GB
Root Yes
Digital panel Yes
HDMI Version 2.1, HDCP2.2
Price 40$

 

The technical specifications of the player look great. There is everything for a good rest at the TV screen. The manufacturer even announced support for 8K @ 24FPS video files. And with support for HDR. But it’s one thing to indicate the parameters on the box and in the store. Another thing is to demonstrate the performance of the buyer.

 

TV Box X99 MAX: review

 

Outwardly, the prefix looks cool. It can be seen that the manufacturer was concerned about the presentability of their own products. The assembly is usual for all budget devices. Still pleased with the remote control. Two dozen buttons look great. Only it is not entirely clear what the digital unit is for. There is an idea that to configure IPTV channels.

TV Box X99 MAX: overview, specifications

I was pleased with the speed of the wired interface. But the wireless module works sadly. Here is a summary of network performance:

TV Box X99 MAX
Download Mbps Upload, Mbps
1 Gbps LAN 660 645
Wi-Fi 5 GHz 120 215
Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz 50 40

 

TV Box X99 MAX: overview, specifications

It turns out that for a full viewing of video in 4K or 8K, you can not do without a wire. Wireless is a fiction.

TV Box X99 MAX: overview, specifications

Serious disadvantages of the console

 

The first time you turn it on, the TV Box X99 MAX issues a chip temperature of 50 degrees Celsius. Moreover, without any load, the indicator independently tends to up. To 70 degrees. A running resource monitor shows the full load of all processor cores. That is, the TV box always works at maximum power. Perhaps the new firmware for the console will fix the situation. But not the fact that the buyer will wait for her. The trouble is that the manufacturer does not accompany his products, but simply makes money on TV boxes.

TV Box X99 MAX: overview, specifications

Throttling. This is not to say that the prefix gives perfect results, but there were no special drops in performance. Until one strange moment. If you drive the mouse around the screen, it immediately starts to freeze. Without starting any programs. Only the mouse cursor. Another point of concern.

TV Box X99 MAX: overview, specifications

Watching videos in 4K from YouTube did not bring the desired result. Drop is about 10%. This is a mockery for the viewer, since it is impossible to watch the flow normally.

You can also forget about torrents and IPTV in UHD quality. Literally from the first seconds of launch, the video turns into a slide show. Slows down both the picture and the sound.

TV Box X99 MAX: overview, specifications

The last hope in the TV Box X99 MAX on the USB 3.0 port did not materialize. From the connected SSD drive, the set-top box is also not able to play video in 4K format. What kind of 8K the manufacturer claims is unknown. Perhaps the company does not fully understand what kind of format it is.

In general, the outcome of the review is obvious. The TV Box X99 MAX is a bad buy. Within 40 US dollars it is better to buy Tanix TX9S. At the same time, save another $ 10 on a fashionable remote control or gamepad.

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