Nokia Streaming Box 8010 is the Android TV-Box of the Nokia brand that we present today in our review. A device that has Android TV 11 and powerful hardware.
This newly introduced Android TV Nokia Streaming Box 8010 debuts a new SoC AMlogic S905X4-K identical to the S905X4 that we have seen in other devices but with more audio/video certificates. We also have the Android TV 11 Certified system, has as standard a fairly complete backlit bluetooth remote control and microphone for the Google Assistant with which we can control the apps. It also integrates into the Chromecast system to play content remotely or Youtube and is compatible with all paid streaming systems with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos quality.
Let’s check in our review how this Nokia Streaming Box 8010 behaves and what it offers us.
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PRODUCT DETAILS
Unboxing
This new Android TV-Box Nokia Streaming Box 8010 comes in a classic cardboard box with the product image in the upper area. Inside we find the TV-Box, remote control, HDMI cable, 12V 1A charger and a first steps manual.
Description
The new Nokia Streaming Box 8010 offers a design similar to the previous Nokia SB 8000. On the back we have a Gigabit Ethernet connector, AV jack, HDMI 2.1, USB-C (only for charging, not data) and power connector, on one side we have a USB 2.0 port and another USB 3.0.
This Android TV-Box has a Wifi 6 2T2R + Bluetooth 5.0 chip with two internal wifi antennas. As we have checked the cooling system fulfills its function well because it hardly heats up. We have a reset button at the bottom if we want to return to factory settings.
The remote control of considerable dimensions offers us a backlit Bluetooth remote control that has a microphone for Google Assistant, at the top we have a status LED. We can also assign keys of other devices connected to the Box as our TV or AV receiver, for this we have a specific setting called Smart Control. Some keys that have no direct use but we can remap them for other functions.
- Remote: Remote control BT + IR with microphone / Compatible with keyboard and mouse / Control App for Android TV.
SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE
Environment and Android system
Once we have started the Nokia Streaming Box 8010 we find the Android and remote control configuration wizard. We can also adjust the Wi-Fi, define which apps will be installed by default and select the type of content we want to see on the main screen. After these settings we get to the Android TV launcher designed for remote control. After the first boot the environment will change to Google TV with a more modern design. As we will notice the overall performance is very smooth, we can move quickly between menus and different apps.
- Launcher: We can change de the launcher / Android UI rendering at 1080p.
- Multitasking and access: Multitasking NOT available / Notifications the upper icon.
- Languages and Google Play: All the international Android languajes / Google Play for Android TV installed.
- Check our Android TV User Manual to install classic Android Apps, prevent screen rotation and much more.
System
We check at the internal system data and the included options, we also observe what boot options this device allows us. This TV-Box will have updates via OTA to correct possible failures, security updates and bug fixes.
- On/Off Controls: Sleep mode / Shutdown settings available.
- System version and root: Android TV 11 (32 bit) / NO rooted / NO root menu / CPU r0p2 (S905X4) / Model Nokia SB 8010.
- Support: Nokia OTA support / IMG firmware NOT available, only OTA update.
Network, storage, RAM and ports
This Android TV Nokia Streaming Box 8010 has memory 4 GB of RAM DDR4 (double the usual) and for storage we have 32 GB eMMC that we can expand with a USB memory. In the network section has a wireless adapter Wifi 6 2T2R + Bluetooth 5.0 that as we can see in the test results are excellent and the Gigabit Ethernet adapter also behaves normally reaching good figures.
- Network: Internal Wifi antenna / Range -41 dBm / Link 5G 1200 Mbps / Ethernet Gigabit / Bluetooth OK.
It has a USB 3.0 port for connecting external drives or compatible peripherals, the USB-C connector is only used for electric charging, this allows us to use a mobile charger. We found that the performance of the internal storage is very good and moves the system without problems of fluidity, on the other hand the RAM also offers very positive data.
- Storage: Total 32GB – Free 27GB / Expandable with a USB external memory
- RAM: Total 4GB – Free 2GB / DDR
- Inputs: USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 / Ethernet Gigabit
- We recommend reading our Tutorial SAMBA on Android networks if we are going to use files from our network PC.
Power and performance
In terms of performance the Nokia Streaming Box 8010 has the AMlogic S905X4-K Quad Core SoC with ARM Cortex-A55 processors and in the graphics section a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU which is located in the mid-range. This SoC is very similar to the S905X3, as we can see, it only surpasses it in the AI aspect. As it is possible to appreciate in the results, it is well positioned matching Fire TV-Box 4K, the new Googlecast TV and far exceeds the Xiaomi Mi TV-Box. The improvement in fluidity is given by the 4 GB of RAM that allows loading more apps without relying on the storage cache.
- CPU performance: Min 0.5 GHz / Working 1.2 GHz / Max 2 GHz
- Check our Amlogic S905X4 SoC Comparison against all SoCs in the sector for more details.
For the games area we can run demanding titles at medium/low quality and also cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GForce Now or using the APK to install it. In the emulators section we can get at most run some Wii titles, but we will not have problems with 2D games of classic consoles with emulators like Retroarch or using KODI, the full OS EmuELEC is not compatible.
- Games and emulators: Is possible to play titles such as PUBG / YES Vulkan support / Basic emulators in RetroArch or KODI.
- Controls: Compatible with Bluetooth or USB Gamepads.
This new SoC is manufactured in 12nm, has a fairly low power consumption and the cooling system maintains low temperatures in normal use. The processor manages the speeds correctly so as not to heat up excessively.
- Thermals: Min. 40ºC / Working 42 ºC / Max. 63ºC / Maintains performance up to 99% / Heat zone on the top / Noise 0db
- Consumption: Off 0.9W / Min 3W / Working 3.2W / Max. 4.5W
VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST
Video playback test
In the video playback section the Nokia Streaming Box 8010 supports most modern formats such as h.265, VP9 with native 4K@60fps HDR resolution support and is compatible with the recent AV1 codec but only with streaming apps such as YouTube or the internal media player. We have good performance with 10bit color formats with Dolby Vision HDR support in one layer.
It is possible to use players like KODI or PLEX without the slightest problem by installing them directly from the Android TV store. In terms of audio we can play Dolby Atmos and DTS sound up to 7.1 via its HDMI port and 5.1 via SPDIF (not compatible with streaming apps). The Chromecast system works perfectly with all services.
- Video Settings: NO image quality settings / HDMI-CEC available, see manual / Automatic refresh rate not available.
- Audio Settings: Dolby Atmos / HDMI 7.1 / SPDIF 5.1 / NO USB audio settings.
- Color and HDR: 10Bit / RGB / Dolby Vision, HDR 10+.
- Media sharing: GoogleCast YES / Miracast NO / DLNA with BlubblePnP / Airplay NO.
- LibreELEC: This model is NOT compatible with LibreELEC or CoreELEC.
- Tutorials: Install add-on in KODI / Judder effect, how to fix it / Multi-channel audio guide / Correct dark video playback
- We recommend reading the Setup Guide of our TV to get the best picture quality.
Video and audio results
| Formats | Result |
| h.264 / 1080i / 8bit | OK |
| h.264 / 1080p / 4K / 8bit | OK |
| h.264 / 1080p / 10bit (anime) | Frameskip (SW) |
| h.265 / 1080p / 8bit | OK |
| h.265 / 1080p / 10bit (anime) | OK |
| h.265 / 4K@24fps / 8bit | OK |
| h.265 / 4K@60fps / 10bit HDR | OK |
| VP9 P1 / 4K@24fps / 8bit | OK |
| VP9 P2 / 4K@60fps / 10bit HDR | OK |
| VP9 P2 / 8K@60fps / 10bit HDR | OK |
| AV1 / 4K@24fps / 10bit | Only in streaming apps such as Youtube and internal player. |
| Max. Bitrate | 100 Mbps = 12,5 MB/s. |
- The maximum bitrate depends on the port used to connect or the limitations of SAMBA Networks.
- SW = does not have hardware acceleration and may have have some frameskip in very heavy files.
| Audio Formats | Result |
| Dolby | 5.1 / Plus / True HD / Atmos = OK |
| DTS | 5.1 / MA = OK || HR / X = Core |
- PCM – Stereo only with downmix from DD or DTS
- Core – Only the core of the format is played back with what we passed to the Dolby or DTS base system / More info
Streaming services
We ran several tests on streaming services to check how the most popular services work. The Nokia Streaming Box 8010 has some compatibility with all current streaming services. We have full compatibility in 4K Dolby Vision quality and Dolby Atmos sound for all services such as Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+. Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime video among other international as well as national ones.
- DRM: Google Widevine L1 / Playready.
- Audio/Video certification: Dolby Atmos / Dolby Vision / HDR10.
- Tutorials: Change the size of the captions and the mouse pointer on Android / Install Addons in KODI in a simple way
| Streaming service | Calidad / Audio |
| Youtube | 4K (2160p) / 5.1 |
| Google Play Movies | 4K (2160p) / 5.1 |
| Netflix | 4K (2160p) / 7.1 / Netflix Guide |
| HBO Max | 4K (2160p) / 7.1 / HBO Max Guide |
| Disney+ | 4K (2160p) / 7.1 / Disney+ Guide |
| Apple TV+ | 4K (2160p) / 7.1 / Apple TV+ Guide |
| Prime Video | 4K (2160p) /7.1 / Prime Video Guide |
| DAZN | HD (720p) / Stereo |
| IPTV | FullHD (1080i) / Stereo |
CONCLUSIONS AND BUY LINKS
Score
Nokia Streaming Box 8010
0.00
Pros
- Powerful
- Android TV Certificated
- Remote BT backlight
- Dolby Vision + Dolby Atmos
- Wifi 6 + Ethernet Gigabit
Opinion
As we have seen the Nokia Streaming Box 8010 is one of the most interesting Android TV of the actualidqad. This is a Box thanks to the SoC S905X4-K allows us to move any app, some powerful games, emulators up to 32bit, IPTV apps or use KODI where we can play 4K HDR video efficiently. It also supports all streaming apps in 4K Dolby Vision quality and Dolby Atmos surround sound.
In the connectivity section the Nokia Streaming Box 8010 has a Wifi 6 + BT 5.0 adapter with very good speeds, we also have Gigabit Ethernet to consume content on our local network in the most bitrate. This Box as we have found does not heat up in continuous and demanding use. As a system we have Android TV 11 Certificate, which is very stable and moves very smoothly using apps, also has Chromecast. It also highlights its Bluetooth remote control with backlight and integrated microphone, which allows you to configure it with other devices.
Undoubtedly the Nokia Streaming Box 8010 is a TV-Box with Android TV very powerful and satisfactory to use in your day to day. A high level hardware that does not allow you to get the maximum performance.
Where to buy
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Nokia Streaming Box 8010
0.00
Pros
- Powerful
- Android TV Certificated
- Remote BT backlight
- Dolby Vision + Dolby Atmos
- Wifi 6 + Ethernet Gigabit
Got mine today but have some issues in KODI: Auto framerate doesnt work and HDR10 Content cant be played. Awfull.
Any ideas?
I just bought this box, all is working fine except the audio passthrough in KODI. I just can’t find the right settings for it to work without stuttering and lipsync problems. Sometimes KODI crash after I enable passthrough also. If I disable passthrough all is working fine but it is not ideal because I get “multi-in” on my AVR instead correct audio format. I’m not sure which Output Audio Device I should use with this device
Try all options. Check your AV + tv + box settings.
Thanks for the test. I wish you could do more HDMI-CEC compatibility checks. For example does volume control works by HDMI? Or does box turn on TV when using remote but not when power supply cycle off/on?
Some mistakes noticed:
“Support: Mecool OTA support” – probably Nokia or Homatics OTA.
“Control App for Android TV” – link is void, since this app exists no more. Would be nice to find a good replacement, other than big Google apps.
HDMI-CEC depends on each setup, is not science.
Fix text,thanks.
Link works for me: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.tv.remote
Weird. I mean link works, but app doesn’t exist in PlayStore for me. Is it this one: https://apkpure.com/android-tv-remote-control/com.google.android.tv.remote ?
I think it doesn’t work anymore.
Maybe your country have restrictions for this app.
Hi Kim, Thanks gor your great review. I will replace my old WD TV Live. I have denon 2500h with 5.1.2 atmos system and HDR10+ & Dolby Vision capable 4K tv. I mostly watch high quality bd rips instead of streaming media. I found Zidoo z9x and dune real vision 4k fit to me but unfortunatelly I couldnt get them in my country. For HDR10+, Doby Vision and Dolby TrueHD, can I get all with this player? Infact DTS-HD MA is also in my concern but according to what I am able to find, I have to omit it for… Read more »
Hi.
Yes, you can go for this device.
Best Regards.
Thanks for your rapid reply. One more question if i may.
which one should i choose (nokia or homatics) if I consider firmware update frequency or stability?
Are very similar in this area. Few updates.
Hello, I can read that it is OK with DTS MA, I guess it’s DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, right? And I see Core in DTS HR and X, but it’s not clear to me what DTS HR is. Thank you.
Great review. But there is a mistake: it’s fully compatible now with Coreelec (CE21 nightly releases) with working DV playback
Ok, thanks for the info.
We can’t update the reviews testing each Coreelec release 🙂
Yeah I understand. Just a information that this box already CE compatible but now CE21 is in test phase. They are testing with Homatics R 4K Plus but this box board totally the same (SEI804) so it’s working too: https://shorturl.at/fvLZ1
Great. Thanks.
I will test in the Xiaomi Mi Box 2 next weeks, same SoC… but I doubt it will work.
If the bootloader closed like usually in the Xiaomi boxes then it’s not going to work 🙁 But we will see
Yes, will see.
one thing that it really misses, seems to be an auto frame rate option. On the nvidia shield you can use their refresh rate app. But this will not work here.
So I think this is a big MINUS
Does anyone know if the box supports the exFAT file system?
Can read exFAT.
Great! Thank you!
Would be a perfect upgrade to my 2019 Nvidia shield pro, becouse the Nvidia shield is old in its decoding. I like to look at HDR videos in Youtube for example.
May i know if this device supports h265 level 5.1 high-tier decoding?
I read max bitrate is 100mbps which means it doesn’t…
This SOC VPU supports h265 Level 5.1.
h265 levels and bitrate relation is variable.
If you want to playback h265 with +100mbps bitrate, this is not your device.
Go for a high-end tier new TV or similar.
Thank you very much for your reply.
So, the various reviews I’ve read regarding Amlogic s905x4 stating that this processor supports H265 level 5.1 High-tier are fake?
Thanks for replying…
I don’t say this.
This device has a limit of 100mbps bitrate (conservative)… h265 L5.1 can have variable bitrate, not all files go up 100. Two different things.
This device can playback h.265 L5.1 4K HDR common rips with any problem.
My mobile phone, Sony Xperia 1 IV, shoots 4K60P HDR videos at 120 Mbps.
I just want to be able to watch these videos through an Android TV box.
Depends on the compression method, we can’t ensure (or anyone) you can playback this native file 100% sure in this box with these rates.
You will connect with Ethernet Gigabit and good network? use bad wifi? bad USB drive?…
The coded is 100% compatible in the profile? I don’t know.
Theorically YES… in the practice? depends.
Go for Amazon, test it with your setup, send it back if don’t work.
Yep thanks, that’s what i will do.
My pleasure. Let me know what happend.
Data from Mecool KM6 Classic (using same processor):
Istanbul 3840×2160 MP4/H264 8bit – 116Mbps OK
Jellyfish 4k uhd HEVC 10bit – 140Mbps OK
Jellyfish 4k uhd HEVC 10bit – 200/250/300/400Mbps Not smooth
No same device, not same testing method, probably.
Not all users have the same setup, we prefer to be conservative.
Great Review! I’m planning on getting this and hooking up an external usb creative sound card and hook it up to a 3.1 pc speakers, do you foresee any issues or quirks in this setup?
External sound card will not work, use other setup.
“5.1 via SPDIF (not compatible with streaming apps)” What does it mean? Surely 5.1 via SPDIF should work with streaming apps, but I’m also interested if it works with other players like Kodi/Vimu/Nova, because my TCL TV doesn’t and that’s why I’m looking for some Android TV Box. I’m thinking about getting this one or Homatics Box R 4K Plus, could you tell me which one should I get? Thanks in advance.
This is mean, netflix and similar don’t work in multichannel audio with SPDIF, no matter what box you buy.
Only HDMI works with these platforms, for DRM protections.
I didn’t know that, thank you for your response.
What if I used a HDMI to SPDIF audio extractor? Would 5.1 sound work properly on SPDIF speakers as a “fake” HDMI output?
You can try… but DRM is complicated.
If you have amazon, buy one of this, if don’t work return the device:
https://amzn.to/3WmGpuy
I know this work for downmix to stereo, but I don’t test it with DRM with 5.1. Let me know if you test it.
Have a nice day.
I have to disagree Kim. I own Nokia 8000 and 8010 too and 5.1 sound works well in Netflix via SPDIF. But only if Nokia box is connected via HDMI to a TV with Dolby license on HDMI – then Nokia will play 5.1 sound in DD+ via SPDIF. The situation is different if I connect Nokia box via HDMI to the projector (non Dolby licensed and DRM) – then works stereo (PCM) via SPDIF only.
The TV must make some trick downmixing the signal.
You have an AV receiver with a 5.1 speaker setup?
Sure, I have a Denon AVR-X1200W with 7.1 and btw I have successfully tested Nokia 8010 with TrueHD 7.1 (works in Nova Video Player app). I don’t know what trick you mean, but the TV is not connected to Denon in any way. An HDMi cable is connected from the Nokia to the TV, and an optical cable is connected from Nokia goes to the SPDIF input of the Denon.
TV can decode formats and downmix.
I ask you because users just comment thinks without the correct setup or something.
If you have already the SPDIF and the HDMI connected to the TV… are you sure you don’t send the audio using HDMI ARC to the AV? Because SPDIF is useless in this setup.
I will reply in my setup.
How could the TV send via HDMI ARC audio (5.1) to the AV, when the Nokia is connected to the AV only via SPDIF? I have been trying to understand the SPDIF problem for a long time. I work in a shop where we also sell Android TV boxes and some customers tell us that it does not work for them. After my many tests, my conclusion is that the certified Android TV box must be connected via HDMI to a Dolby-licensed device in order to be able to send SPDIF 5.1 sound as well. If you have another relevant… Read more »
Is the TV connected to the AVR via ARC port? Do you have 5.1 sound when you unplug spdif cable?
HDMI extractors works and helps 🙂 , i tested one successfully and made my almost 20 years old YAMAHA receiver continuing in service. Check for posibility to switch between 2.0 and 5.1 output on extractor.
Great, is the best solution.
SPDIF 5.1 is not compatible with streaming apps use HDMI and AV receiver.
thx for the review 🙂
Just a little side note: for some reason, a lot of your reviews are with wrong resolution numbers. It’s 4K (2160p) and not 4K (2060p).
It’s not a huge deal but nonetheless, it’s wrong.
Oh yes, thanks… typo error!
Why still 32-bit mode OS? Please can you tell me if there’s an Android-TV certified box with arm64-v8a OS support (except for the “old” Nvidia shield pro)?
Yes there is: buy a NEW NVidia Shield Pro.
Because amlogic SDK for this boxes only allow this compilation at user level, 32bit.
Google needs to block this practice.