Amlogic S905X processor adds a few features over Amlogic S905 such as 4K VP9 hardware video decoding and HDR support, but thanks to better integration including built-in 10/100M PHY and audio codec, as well as support for 2-layer PCB, products with the new processor could potentially also be slightly cheaper, all other hardware specs being equal. We can now get a first idea of the price as one company has listed HiPo S905X TV box for pre-order on Aliexpress for $39.99 with 1GB RAM/8GB flash (Type 1), and $49.99 with 2GB RAM/16GB flash (Type 2).
HiPo S905X (preliminary) specifications – Type 1 & Type 2 models:
- SoC – Amlogic S905X quad core ARM Cortex-A53 @ up to 2.0GHz with penta-core Mali-450MP GPU @ 750 MHz
- System Memory – 1GB (Type 1) or 2 GB (Type 2) DDR3
- Storage – 8GB (Type 1) or 16 GB (Type 2) eMMC flash + micro SD slot
- Video Output – HDMI 2.0a up to 4K @ 60 Hz
- Audio Output – HDMI, optical S/PDIF
- Video Codecs – VP9 Profile-2 & H.265 MP-10 up to 4K @ 60 fps, H.264 AVC up to 4K @ 30 fps, H.264 MVC up to 1080p60
- Connectivity
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Type 1 – 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi @ 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 4.0
- Type 2 – Dual band 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0
- USB – 2x USB 2.0 host ports, including one OTG capable
- Power Supply – 5V/2A
- Dimensions & Weight – N/A
The specifications are preliminary, because it’s obvious that the company copied and pasted data from Z68 TV box with Rockchip RK3368 processor. I’m especially skeptical about Gigabit Ethernet, since S905X supports 10/100M without external components (except the transformer), while Gigabit Ethernet requires an extra Gigabit Ethernet transceiver. The device will run Android 6.0 and ship with one IR Remote control, one HDMI cable, a power adapter, and a user’s manual.
There’s no rush to purchase though, as HiPo S905X will only ship on June 20, and I’m sure other Amlogic S905X TV boxes will soon be listed on Aliexpress. Price should also go down a little, as Amlogic S905 based devices with 1GB RAM, 8GB flash, WiFi and Fast Ethernet now sell for about $32.
Via AndroidPC.es
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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I own a mbox minim8s s905 2GB ram and 8GB ROM now I know the above box has extra features and a s905x but compared to UK eBay prices it seems over priced unless you really need the extra features.
I own a s905 device as well (MiniMX, 2/16G) and I’m quite happy with it, thanx to Alex his OpenELEC builds.
I would only consider an upgrade if the CPU is a real upgrade (S912) and if Open/LibreELEC is available.
I am waiting for NEXBOX and Xiaomi to release their variants before I buy one. Xiaomi have the obvious advantage being Android TV approved running Netflix and such flawlessly, and finally the boxes support VP9! I would also say that soon we will see S912 with the octa-core ARM setup and maybe USB 3.0 come out next quarter, don’t know much about big.LITTLE and such, but they both should have the same graphical capabilities nonetheless. The OTT makers will instantly pick-up that chip too. S912 might be good for software decodes? Smoother GUI? I thought that was Mali’s purpose though. Since it was said to be more for “gaming” it might just be what these boxes need to have enough power for other purposes too.
@GunterO
Do you think for a person that hasn’t already bought one I should get a S905X or wait for the S912? I think the VP9 addition is worth it but not sure if I want to wait for the S912 to come out.
@Rambler44
why does one need an “Android TV approved” to run netflix flawlessly? is there some additional hardware piece missing (like apple’s mifi ic) from other andoid boxes? With root access it should be possible to emulate that…
@bernstein
I think Netflix is approving only certain boxes to run their content due to DRM protection. I am personally against DRM protection as it’s worse for us consumers and we have to pay the daughter company of Intel the DRM technology and licenses every appliance use. Like the HDMI royalty fee standard is just bullshit I much prefer to use a DisplayPort but I have no choice! But if they don’t need it then my bad. I would take it just because Android TV is so much better for a TV box you gotta try it to see the difference in GUI and everything before you believe it.
For Android TV I believe the requirement has been to decode VP9 as this is Googles own video format and pretty important for them, if you take that into account that is why they are finally able to release an Android TV box at all. As for Netflix I saw on NEXBOXs site a person asked about playing Netflix in 4K and they said yes, so might be that this will work using the Netflix app? If @cnxsoft gets one he might try it out or share what you experienced with if it works with Netflix app just in regular Android? It sure does on normal phones so. I can share you my account if you don’t use it.