DColor GD1, Review: Low-cost TV-Stick certified for Google TV

Today we test the new DColor GD1 in its analysis or review. An Android TV-Stick with certificates that allows us to watch streaming content in 4K quality.

The DColor GD1 integrates the AMLogic S905Y4 SoC designed for this type of product, similar in power to the Amlogic S905X4. This small TV-Stick is usually available in offers at a good price. It has the Google TV 14 system and includes a good Bluetooth remote control. From its controls we have access to a microphone to use Google Assistant. It is a device with DRM certificates that allows you to watch streaming services in maximum quality, such as Netflix in 4K, we can also use IPTV apps , KODI or PLEX.

Let’s check in our review how this system behaves and what it offers.

• The DColor GD1 can be purchased on AliExpress or Amazon from only $52 with free shipping.

DColor GD1 details

Specifications

• SoC: AMLogic S905Y4 / 12nm
• CPU: 4x Cortex-A53 @ 2.0 GHz
• GPU: Mali G32 MP2
• System: Android TV 14
• Memory: 2 GB RAM DDR3 / 16/32 GB eMMC
• Network: Wifi 5 + Bluetooth 5.0
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 / USB-C 2.0 OTG
• Extras: BT Remote / Adapter DC 5V 2A (10W)
• Design: Plastic / status LED / 105 x 40 x 40 x 20 mm / 70 gr

Description

This DColor GD1 stick features a solid design with a convenient HDMI cable to connect to our TV. In the rear area we have a USB-C 2.0 OTG port where we can connect peripherals with a HUB.

The remote control offered to us is Bluetooth Infrared and has a microphone for Google Assistant. It has dedicated keys for microphone, Netflix, YouTube, Prime and Disney. The remote is paired by pressing OK + Back.

• Remote Control: Bluetooth IR remote with microphone / Compatible keyboard and mouse / Google Home App.

System and Performance

Environment and system

We start the DColor GD1 and it shows us the classic Google TV configuration wizard, which allows us to adjust various aspects of the system from the start. The OS is based on Android 14 and we have the Android store for Google TV with its limitations. The user environment UI is rendered in 1080p, overall the performance is smooth, but has some occasional hitches.

• Launcher: Replaceable / Google TV style without bars / Android UI 1080p.
• System: Android 14 (32 bit) / No firmware, OTG updates.
• See our Android TV User Manual to install Apps.

Network, storage, RAM and ports

This TV-Stick DColor GD1 integrates 2 GB of RAM DDR4 and for storage we have 32 GB eMMC (146L/68E MB/s). In the network section it has a Wifi 6 wireless adapter and Bluetooth 5.0 that give us acceptable results. We also have a USB-C 2.0 OTG (400 MB/s) that we can use to read external drives or expand storage.

• USB format: Not compatible with EXFAT and NTFS files, only FAT32.
• Tutorial. Playing content on KODI via SAMBA local network.

Performance and thermals

On the performance side, this DColor GD1 features the AMLogic S905Y4 SoC, a Quad Core with ARM Cortex-A53 processors up to 2.0 GHz and a low-end Mali G32 MP2 GPU. The results are similar to the AMLogic S905X4, a much better overall product than this new SoC.

• Power consumption: Min 3.6 W / In use 4.1 W / Max. 4.9 W / Normal warm-up.
• More information in the AMLogic SoC Review

Games and emulators

In the gamessection we can run somewhat demanding titles or cloud services like NVIDIA GForce Now or play by streaming with our PC using Moonlight and Sunshine. In the emulators section we can run at most some Wii titles , but we will not have problems with 2D games from classic consoles with emulators like Retroarch or from KODI, EmuELEC can not be run for now.

• Games: Simple 3D games / YES Vulkan support / Emulators up to PS1.
• Controls: We can use USB or Bluetooth Gamepads.

Video and Audio Test

Multimedia playback

As for video playback, the DColor GD1 has support for the AV1 codec, in addition to the rest such as h.264, h.265 and VP9. It also supports HDR10 format with resolutions up to 4K@60fps. It allows HDMI 2.0 video output, but also features such as game mode, automatic refresh rate change and AI image enhancement are missing. In the sound binding we get up to Dolby HD 7.1 and basic DTS 5.1 using KODI or another app.

• • Video: 4K@60fps HDR / HDMI-CEC / Chromecast 4K / AV1
  • Audio: Streaming HDMI 7.1 / Passthrough KODI or PLEX 7.1
  • Linux OS: NOT compatible with LibreELEC or CoreELEC system (For now)
  • Tutorials: Install KODI Addons / Judder Effect fix Guide / Multichannel Sound / TV Setup

Streaming services

We tested the streaming services to see how they work. The DColor GD1 offers good compatibility with all the most popular streaming services. We can watch in 4K HDR quality on any service such as Netflix with its official app. We also have apps for YouTube, but it stays in 4K quality with AV1 support.

• Quality: 4K HDR / Guide apps streaming 4K HDR Dolby
• Certificates: WideVine L1.

Conclusions and purchase link

Review of the DColor GD1

The DColor GD1 as we see is a fairly efficient Android TV-Stick to watch streaming platforms like Netflix. By default we have the Google TV 14 system installed, very easy to handle for any user. We can also play platforms like YouTube in 4K quality smoothly. It supports HDR content playback and Dolby and DTS audio with certificates.

This hardware also allows us to use apps such as KODI, PLEX, Stremio or IPTV channel players. The power is not the highest, but it is enough for home use, highlighting the amount of storage with 32 GB. We also have Bluetooth remote control with microphone, or we can send content with Chormecast in 4K quality.

As we see the DColor GD1 is simply recommended for Streaming if we see it on offer. But perhaps we are more interested in the Xiaomi TV Stick 2nd Gen which is more powerful if it is at the same price.

Where to buy the DColor GD1

• The DColor GD1 can be purchased on AliExpress or Amazon from only $52 with free shipping.

Review