Ugoos AM8 PRO 8K Android TV Box Review with Amlogic S928X-J Features

Description

A First Impression of the Ugoos AM8 PRO

The Ugoos AM8 PRO Android TV Box with its Amlogic S928X-J processor and Android 11.0 operating system instantly caught my attention. From the sleek design to the 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 64GB storage, it promises to deliver a premium streaming and media experience. Diving into its features, I tested this streaming device to see how it stands up to its claims, and while I was impressed, there were a few aspects that made me pause.

Performance and Speed

The Amlogic S928X-J chipset, paired with the ARM Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A55 cores, is undoubtedly the star here. The Mali G57 MC2 GPU ensures a smooth performance when streaming or gaming. I found that 8Kx4K 60fps videos played without any buffering issues, which is a huge plus for someone like me who streams a lot of high-resolution content. The WiFi 6E and 1000Mbps LAN connectivity were equally impressive, maintaining a stable and fast internet connection throughout.

However, while using this media box, I noticed that the heat dissipation system, although effective, occasionally allowed the device to get slightly warm during extended use. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something I kept an eye on while multitasking between apps.

Design and Build Quality

Measuring 4.57 x 4.57 x 1.02 inches and weighing just 2.05 pounds, the device is compact and feels sturdy. The minimalist black design fits seamlessly into any entertainment setup. I appreciated that the Bluetooth 5.3 remote was included, which not only paired easily but also came with voice search and an airmouse function. These features elevated the user experience significantly, making navigation faster and more intuitive.

The three USB 3.0 ports on the device are a thoughtful addition. Connecting external drives or peripherals felt seamless, and the fast data transfer speeds were noticeable when accessing large media files. This is a feature that sets it apart from many competing products in the market.

Key Benefits

• 8K video support ensures stunning visuals for ultra HD content.
• WiFi 6E and 1000Mbps LAN provide stable and efficient connectivity.
• 8GB RAM and 64GB storage allow for smooth multitasking.
• Inclusion of a Bluetooth 5.3 remote with voice search and airmouse functionality.
• Compact and lightweight design for easy integration into any setup.

Drawbacks

• The device can get warm during prolonged use, though it doesn’t impact performance drastically.
• Limited customer reviews available online, making it harder to gauge long-term reliability.
• The price point might be a concern for budget-conscious buyers, depending on availability and discounts.

User Experience and Features

I spent a significant amount of time exploring the Ugoos settings, and I must say, the customization options left me impressed. From adjusting performance settings to optimizing streaming preferences, this device offers control like no other. The OTA updater is another standout feature, making firmware updates a breeze without the need for manual intervention.

The support for DLNA and Miracast made sharing content from my devices to the TV effortless. Whether I was showcasing vacation photos or mirroring my phone screen, the process was smooth and hassle-free. That said, I did encounter a slight learning curve when diving into the advanced settings, but with some patience, it became second nature.

Product Comparisons

Comparing this TV box to popular competitors like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro or the Amazon Fire TV Cube, the Ugoos AM8 PRO holds its ground with unique features. The 8GB RAM gives it an edge over many rivals, especially for multitasking and gaming. While the Shield TV Pro offers better gaming optimization, the Ugoos device excels in providing a more open and customizable Android experience.

The Fire TV Cube, on the other hand, is more oriented towards casual users who want a plug-and-play system. It doesn’t offer the same level of hardware power or WiFi 6E support, making the Ugoos AM8 PRO a better choice for tech enthusiasts. However, for those new to streaming boxes, the Fire TV Cube’s simplicity might be more appealing.

Quality for Price

From my perspective, the price-quality ratio of this device leans towards the premium side. It’s not the cheapest option, but the hardware strength, connectivity features, and customization options justify the cost for users who value performance. If you’re someone who prioritizes high-resolution streaming, multi-device connectivity, and advanced settings, this device delivers excellent value for money.

For casual streamers who don’t necessarily need 8K support or customizable settings, there are cheaper alternatives that might suffice. However, for anyone seeking a high-end experience, the Ugoos AM8 PRO is a strong contender.

Additional information