Leelbox L1, Review: Certified Android TV-Box with Realtek RTD1325

The Leelbox L1 is the new Android Box that we present today its analysis or review. A product with certificates for streaming with multiple ports.

In the Leelbox L1 UHD 4K Streaming Box we find the SoC Realtek RTD1325 developed for the TV-Box format. We have the Google TV 12 environment and a Bluetooth remote control is included, which integrates a microphone for Google Assistant and thus make all kinds of searches. We have integrated Chromecast 4K, so we can send content from our mobile and offers all DRM certificates for streaming apps in 4K HDR Dolby Vision quality with Dolby Atmos sound.

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

Leelbox L1 details

Description

As we can see, the Leelbox L1 has a classic design with a green/red front status LED. On one side we find a USB-A, USB-C both OTG 2.0 and a micro SD slot. In the rear area we have HDMI 2.1 connector, Ethernet 100 connector, SPDIF and DC connector. Mounts a Wifi 6 adapter and Bluetooth 5.2 with internal wifi antennas.

The remote control is Bluetooth and Infrared and has a microphone for Google Assistant. It has dedicated keys to activate the microphone, Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and Disney .

• Remote Control: Remote control with Bluetooth and Infrared with microphone, compatible keyboard and mouse and with the Google Home app.
• USB Port: Allows a USB-C 3.0 HUB, for peripherals or to add Ethernet.

System and Performance

Environment and system

We connect the Leelbox L1 and start its setup wizard where we can easily configure the Box. It is also possible to define which apps will be installed and select the type of content we want to see on the main screen. We have the Google TV 12 (32bit) launcher based on rows with tabs of the contents or shortcuts to the installed apps. The overall performance is fluid, we move well between the most common apps and the environment in 4K resolution.

• See: Android TV user manual / Launcher change manual.

Network, storage, RAM and ports

The new TV-Box Leelbox L1 has 4 GB of RAM DDR4 and for storage we have 32 GB eMMC quite fast. In the network section it has a Wifi 6 wireless adapter and Bluetooth 5.2 that give us positive results. We also have two USB 2.0 OTG ports (400 MB/s) to connect peripherals, its storage is expandable via USB and supports reading NTFS and exFAT formats.

• See: Tutorial on SAMBA Networks on Android to play files on our local network.

Performance and thermal

In terms of performance, the Leelbox L1 has the Realtek RTD1325 SoC manufactured in 12nm, a Quad Core with ARM Cortex-A55 processors up to 1.7 GHz and a Mali-G57 MC1 GPU up to 850 MHz which is in the mid-range. The results, as we can see, leave it at the level of an AMLogic S905X4 processor and it does not heat up excessively. It is possible to use streaming apps, KODI, PLEX, IPTV and games or emulators at medium level without complications. Check out all the details about this SoC in the Realtek RTD1325 Review.

• CPU performance: Min. 0.5 GHz / In use 1.1 GHz / Max. 1.7 GHz.
• Consumption: Off 0.9W / Min. 1W / In use 2W / Max. 3W.
• Thermal: Maintains performance up to 100% / Surface heating / 0 db noise.

Games and emulators

As for the games section we can run simple titles, also cloud gaming services such as NVIDIA GForce Now or play streaming games with our PC using Moonlight and Sunshine. In the emulators section we can get at most run some Wii titles, but we will not have problems with 2D games from classic consoles with emulators like Retroarch or from KODI, the EmuELEC system can not be run, as it is not compatible.Wii.

• Controls: We can use USB or Bluetooth Gamepads.

Video and Audio Test

Multimedia playback

As for video playback, the Leelbox L1 is compatible as we have seen with the AV1 codec and all the other classics such as VP9, H.265 and H.264. It also offers support for Dolby Vision / Atmos and HDR format with resolutions up to 4K@60fps. It allows HDMI 2.1 video output with game mode options and also with automatic refresh rate change. In our test this Realtek SoC offers a very good image quality in video playback.

• Video: 4K@60 / HDR / Dolby Vision / Game Mode.
• Audio: HDMI 7.1 / SPDIF 5.1 / up to Dolby Atmos and DTS 5.1 streaming apps.
• Passthough: 7.1 up to Dolby Atmos / 5.1 up to DTS Master Audio / KODI or PLEX.
• Tutorials: Install KODI Addons / Judder Effect fix Guide / Multichannel Sound / TV Setup.

Streaming services

We tested the streaming services to see how the most popular services work. The Leelbox L1 offers maximum compatibility with all the most popular streaming services. We can watch in 4K Dolby Vision and Atmos quality the contents of Prime Video, Disney or Max. It is compatible with Netflix, as it is a box manufactured by Skyworth that is within the Hailstorm program.

• Quality: 4K@60 HDR / Guide for 4K HDR and Dolby in streaming services.
• Certificates: Dolby Vision / Dolby Atmos.

Conclusions and purchase link

Leelbox L1 review

The Leelbox L1 is a very interesting platform with Google TV and is ready to play video with good image quality. The efficient Realtek RTD1325 SoC and the inclusion of 4 GB of RAM gives us enough power for general use of common streaming apps, KODI, PLEX, IPTV and simple games. It also offers HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support to display high quality content.

As standard it comes with a remote control, Bluetooth and Infrared that gives us control without complications to use Google Assistant system. In addition, we have a Wifi 6 adapter with good speed, too bad that the Ethernet port is only 100 Mbps.

As we can see, the Leelbox L1 is valid as a quality video player and streaming in high quality on payment platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video and others. If we get it at a good price it is an interesting product.

Where to buy the Leelbox L1

Review