$46 EKB318 / F6 Android Media Player Features Rockchip RK3128, Supports H.265 Decoding

Rockchip RK3128 is a quad core Cortex A7 processor with a Mali GPU that supports H.265 video decoding up 1080p, and aimed at tablets, but it also found it way into mini PCs such as EKB318 (aka F6) with 1GB RAM, and 8GB flash in what looks like the answer from Rockchip to Amlogic S805 solutions.

F6 / EKK318 specifications:

• SoC – Rockchip RK3128 quad core ARM Cortex A7 @ 1.3 GHz (or 1.2GHz) with ARM Mali-400MP2 GPU
• System Memory – 1 GB DDR3
• Storage – 8 GB NAND flash + micro SD slot (up to 32GB)
• Connectivity – 10/100M Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, and optional Bluetooth 4.0.
• Video Output – HDMI 1.4
• Audio Output – HDMI, optical S/PDIF
• Video Codec
  • Decode – H.265, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.263, H.264, AVS, VC-1, RV, VP6/VP8, Sorenson Spark, MVC up to 1920×1080 @ 60fps
  • Encode – H.264, H.265, VP8, MVC (1080p)
• USB – 4x USB 2.0 ports + 1 x micro USB OTG port
• Misc – IR sensor, power button and LED
• Power Supply – 5V/2A
• Dimensions – 117 x 117x 22 mm
• Weight – 190 grams

The box runs Android 4.4 pre-loaded with XBMC 14.0, and comes with an IR remote control, an HDMI cable, a power adapter, and a user’s manual.

Cortex A7 is a faster core than Cortex A5, but the frequency on RK3128 is only 1.2/1.3GHz, while S805 is clocked at 1.5 GHz, so there may not be that much difference in terms of CPU performance. However, the GPU in RK3128 is the old Mali-400MP2, which may feel a bit sluggish like in M-195 (Realtek RTD1195) media player, and even casual gaming may suffer, so the box should probably be reserved for media consumption.

Price-wise the solution is very competitive, just like Amlogic S805 device, as it sells for as low as $45.90 on Aliexpress, and $49.99 on GeekBuying, both shops selling the version without Bluetooth. Eny Technology will soon sell in bulk for $31 to $34, according to their Alibaba page.

Thanks to Adem for the tip.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.

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