Kinhank G1 Android TV Box review best streaming media player with Dolby Vision and WiFi 6

Description

Sleek Design and Compact Build

Right out of the box, the Kinhank G1 Android 14.0 TV Box caught my attention with its minimalist black design and compact size. Measuring just 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.2 inches, it fits discreetly alongside my other devices without cluttering the entertainment area. The matte finish gives it a modern touch, and at a mere 1.84 pounds, it feels incredibly lightweight. I appreciated how the build doesn’t compromise on durability; it has a solid feel that assures longevity. The compact form is perfect for smaller spaces or even for travel, as it can easily slide into a bag without taking up much room.

Performance That Surprises

The quad-core Amlogic S905X4-J processor paired with 4GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage ensures smooth performance, whether I’m streaming movies or playing casual games. I didn’t experience any buffering or lag while navigating through apps, even while multitasking. The Android 14.0 OS is a massive upgrade, and its ability to optimize energy consumption while delivering clearer visuals and immersive sound is a game changer. The AV1 decoding technology, which is 30% more efficient than older formats like H.265, really stood out during 4K HDR playback. Streaming at 4K@60fps was seamless, and the Dolby Vision and Dolby Digital Plus support made the audio experience feel cinematic.

Upsides

• Netflix and Google Certified: This device is officially certified, meaning I had no trouble accessing high-quality Netflix 4K playback and downloading apps from the Play Store.
• Voice Control Remote: The dedicated buttons for YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video save so much time, and the voice control feature simplifies everything. Saying commands like “play Stranger Things” worked flawlessly.
• Wi-Fi 6 Support: The addition of Wi-Fi 6 means faster and more reliable connectivity, even when multiple devices are connected to the same network.
• Expandable Storage: I loved that it supports a TF card expansion, so I could easily increase storage for extra movies or games.

Shocking Audio-Visual Experience

Streaming on this media player feels like bringing the theater home. The 4K HDR 10+ support ensures vibrant colors and deep contrasts, while the Dolby Vision takes the brightness and clarity to another level. I tested it with a couple of high-action movies and was genuinely impressed by the detail in dark scenes. The sound quality is equally stunning—Dolby Digital Plus creates a surround sound effect that’s hard to ignore. Even smaller sound details, like footsteps or whispers, were crisp. Combined with the built-in Chromecast, it was a breeze to mirror content from my phone to the big screen without any noticeable lag or quality loss.

Drawbacks

• Limited Ethernet Speed: While the device has a 10/100M LAN port, it’s not gigabit, which might feel limiting for users who rely heavily on Ethernet for faster, more stable connections.
• App Compatibility Issues: Some apps didn’t seem fully optimized for the Android 14.0 OS, leading to occasional hiccups during installation.
• No USB 3.0: The absence of a USB 3.0 port felt like a missed opportunity for faster data transfers, especially when connecting external drives.

Competing Products

Compared to other streaming media players like the Nvidia Shield TV or Amazon Fire TV Cube, the Kinhank G1 TV Box strikes a good balance between performance and cost-efficiency. The Nvidia Shield TV excels in gaming and AI upscaling, but it comes at a much higher price. The Fire TV Cube offers similar voice control capabilities, but its lack of Wi-Fi 6 support puts it a step behind. Where this product truly shines is in its Netflix and Google certification, ensuring seamless 4K streaming, which isn’t always guaranteed with other devices in this range. However, the lack of gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 could make potential buyers lean towards competitors for improved connectivity options.

Value for Money

Given its robust feature set, including Wi-Fi 6, voice remote control, and Android 14.0, this device offers impressive value for price. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the added benefits like Dolby Vision and expandable storage justify the investment. It caters to users who want a high-quality streaming experience without spending a fortune, making it a smart spending choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Additional information