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 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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Well, if you want to beat the opposition, you need to BEAT the opposition. Fast Ethernet doesn’t beat Gbit Ethernet. 1.2Ghz A7 probably doesn’t beat 1.5Ghz A5 (or 1.73 GHz overclocked). Perhaps more importantly, Amlogic is looking quite Linux friendly these days wheras Rockckip is … well, Rockchip.
@Curmudgeon
and … Mali 400 doesn’t beat Mali 450 …
i dont know why but i here every one saying video is better on amlogic but to be honest xbmc has been very good to me in all rockchip devices going back all the way to mk908. and people are saying amlogic is much more linux friendly and yet i never here about ubuntu running on new s802 or new aml devices and yet it runs very well on rk3288. ??
@adem
Maybe it depends what kind of videos you play. If it’s just H.264 all platforms support it pretty well. But I’ve noticed MPEG2 is often an issue, with dropped frames.
Amlogic is better on Linux for XBMC, because GPU and VPU binary drivers are available for Linux. I’m not sure why there’s no community around Amlogic for desktop Linux distributions such as Ubuntu.
Rockchip has Ubuntu support, but until recently no GPu support, and VPU is no where to be seem. Try to play a 4K video in Linux with RK3288, or HTML5 videos.
I need some advice in getting android box that is good in x264 playback including 10bit files (anime). I am looking for something cheap, with good wifi performance (to connect to my NAS) and 3.5mm audio jack for my stereo amp (in TV i have only optic output).
@cnxsoft
ohhh ok i never really tried to play high end stuff because my tv is a plasma lg 720p @60 but anything i downloaded and played never gave me an issue but then the biggest movie file that i would download would be between 1.5GB-2.1GB mkv or avi file. but then i would think i would be what you call the everyday user who does not get into it really deep. so if you are like me and just want play or stream your content to your tv these cheap rockchip boxes will do it. 🙂 i think thats what most people want but when they read stuff like OHHH no linux support OOHHH cant play this file or that file ohh there is not audio pass-through they get mixed up and rather then paying $45-$80 for a cheap box they end up paying $130-$180 for a box specially after watching that silly rivers guy i think that guy lives in a perfect world where nothing ever goes wrong with his boxes . 🙁
@KiNiO
I’ve yet to find a box that does not play x264 right. I’m not sure about 10-bit though.
Good Wi-+FI + audio port:
MINIX NEO X6 -> http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/11/18/minix-neo-x6-media-hub-review/
Good Wi-Fi + AV port which you should be able to connect speakers too (TBC) include:
* Tronsmart Draco AW80 -> http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/11/09/tronsmart-draco-aw80-meta-review/
* MXQ S85 -> http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/10/11/amlogic-s805-review-android-mxq-s85/
Another RK3128 box for $42 – https://www.chinavasion.com/china/wholesale/Android_Media_Players/Android_TV_Box/Android-4.4-Smart-TV-Box/
And another RK3128 TV box (Q8S) for $51 -> http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Smartlife-Original-Q8S-RK3128-2015-Newest-Quad-Core-Android-4-4-XBMC-14-0-Kodi-Fully/32291451253.html