A95X F3 is a new low-cost Android TV-Box that we present today in his review, a model that has the extended Amlogic S905X3 SoC, a chip that includes ARM Cortex-A55 CPU cores that replace the ARM Cortex-A53 from the previous S905X2.
This smart box has several very similar hardware versions, the A95X F3 Air and the A95X F3 Slim, all with the Android 9 Pie system. Let’s see in our review how this device behaves and how it defends itself against its rivals.
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PRODUCT DETAILS
Unboxing
The A95X F3 comes in a standard cardboard box with a generic name in the top, inside we found the TV-Box, IR remote, HDMI cable 4K@60fps compatible, Manual and a DC 5V 2A adapter.
Description
This model A95X F3 is made in plastic and has a box design with lines and stands out for its superior LED strip that changes color rhythmically (can be disabled). On the front we have an LED display that indicates the time, on the sides and in the back area we have all the connectors in a classic configuration. This model includes a simple IR remote control that allows us to perform basic functions in apps like KODI but is limited for more complex ones.
Inside the audio jack we have the update button in case it is necessary to update the firmware. On the motherboard we can see the Wifi aC Dual Band + Bluetooth 4.2 (Mediatek MT7668RSN) chip little known and has one internal Wi-Fi antenna. The cooling system is simple, an aluminum heatsink attached to the SoC that as we will see fulfills its function, while on the top cover we have attached the module of the LED strip with four cables to the motherboard.
- Remote Control: Basic IR Remote with copy keys/ NO microphone / We can choose other alternatives.
- Alternate control: Have its own control app / We can try Cetusplay in our smartphone.
SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE
Environment and Android system
We turn on the A95X F3 boots automatically, we arrive at a simple launcher based in squares, it is valid for use with the default remote, it has a upper row that we can customize with the icons of the apps we want. The installed apps include Airscreen, Miracast, Cetusplay, PLEX and TVMC (KODI)Â with various addons installed. The performance of Android 9 is quite good at the desktop level or with heavy apps, it works stable and without forced app closures. You can turn off the light LEDS with the app color light settings.
If we are going to play and make intensive use of this model we recommend buying the variant with 4GB of RAM, if we want to adjust our budget and we are only going to use it as a media player we may have enough with the 2GB model.
- Launcher: As an alternative we have Pixel launcher to use mouse or Ugoos for IR control / Android UI rendering at 1080p.
- Multitasking and access: Multitasking ONLY available in lower bar / YES lower Android bar but NO upper bar.
- Languages and Google Play: All the international Android classics / Google Play installed.
- On/Off Controls: If we keep press the power button we have reset and power off option / Configurable in settings.
- System version and root: Android 9 Pie (32 bit) / YES root by default / YES root menu / Build 2019-11-25 / Model Droidlogic Ampere.
- Support: A95X don’t have a site with firmware / Firmware available / Custom firmware not available yet.
Network, storage, RAM and ports
The model A95X F3 has eMCP memory for internal storage + DDR3 RAM, it has two USB 3.0 port and SD card reader. In the network section it has a wireless adapter Wifi aC Dual Band + Bluetooth 4.2 (Mediatek MT7668RSN)Â and Ethernet 10/100 port. As we can see in the tests the results are good, the wifi does reach decent speed figures although the range is normal for a model with an internal antenna.
- Storage: Total 32GB – Free 29GB / NTFS + exFAT compatible / Expandable with a USB or SD external memory.
- RAM: Total 4GB – Free 3GB / DDR3.
- Network: Good speed with one internal wifi antenna / Range 42dBm, fine. / Bluetooth OK.
- We recommend reading our Tutorial SAMBA on Android networks if we are going to use files from our network PC.
| USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 | microSD | SATA | |
| Read / Write | 23/18 MB/s | 82/37 MB/s | 21/19 MB/s | – |
Power and performance
In the performance level the A95X F3 has installed the Amlogic S905X3 a Quad Core SoC with ARM Cortex-A55 processors and in the graphic section a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU that is in the mid-range. This SoC is manufactured in 12nm, has a fairly low consumption but as we have seen the cooling system is basic and the temperatures are low all the time, the processor correctly scales the speeds so as not to overheat.
- CPU performance: Min 500 MHz / Working MHz / Max 1,75 MHz
- Check our Amlogic S905X3 SoC Comparison against all SoCs in the sector for more details.
- Thermals: Min. 40ºC / Working 53ºC / Max. 60ºC / Maintains performance up to 100% / Heat zone on the top / Noise 0db
- Consumption: Off 0.6W / Min 3W / Working 4.1W / Max. 6.8W
- Games and emulators: IS possible to play titles such as PUBG with low settings / Emulators up to Wii / NO Vulkan support.
- Controls: Compatible with Gamepads by cable or bluetooth.
VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST
Video playback test
For the video playback aspect, the A95X F3 features the Amlogic S905X3 SoC and a VPU Advanced Video Engine Gen10 compatible with most modern video formats such as h.265 and VP9 with 4K HDR native resolution or even 8K@60fps support, don’t have video quality settings. We can use players like KODI or PLEX without the slightest problem, the system comes by default with a version of KODI full of addons that we recommend uninstalling. At the audio level we can play DD and DTS sound up to 5.1 through the HDMI port. Check our Amlogic S905X3 SoC Comparison against all SoCs to see more details about A/V aspects of this SoC.
- Video Settings: Image quality settings / RGB and SDR / HDMI-CEC available, see manual / Automatic refresh rate with root + AFRd.
- Audio Settings: HDMI and SPDIF up to 5.1 audio / Stereo Jack.
- Media sharing: GoogleCast NO / Miracast YES* / DLNA with BlubblePnP / Airplay YES* / *With Airscreen.
- LibreELEC: This model can be 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 in Android.
- We recommend reading the Setup Guide of our TV to get the best picture quality.
Video 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 | Frameskip (SW) |
| AV1 / 4K@24fps / 10bit | Frameskip (SW) |
| Max. Bitrate | 100 Mbps = 12,5 MB/s. |
- The maximum bitrate depends on the port used to connect or the limitations of SAMBA Networks.
- SWÂ = does not have hardware acceleration and may have have some frameskip in very heavy files.
Audio test results
| Support | Format |
| Native | Dolby 5.1 – Plus / DTS 5.1 – Master Audio |
| Core | Dolby HD – Atmos / DTS HR – X |
| PCM | All |
- Native – Supports the format directly in our AV receiver or similar / More info.
- Core – Only the 5.1 core of the format is played so we go to the Dolby or DTS base system / More info.
- PCM – Only stereo downmixing from DD or DTS.
Streaming services
We pass our usual tests with streaming services to check how the most popular services work. The A95X F3 presents the classic configuration without certifications which limits us in quality in several streaming services, luckily if it is compatible with most services even if they are in its most basic quality of SD video
- DRM: Google Widevine L3.
- Audio certification: No.
- Tutorials: Change the size of the captions and the mouse pointer on Android /Â Install Addons in KODI in a simple way
| Streaming service | Calidad / Audio* |
| Youtube | HD (720p) / Stereo |
| Google Play Movies | HD (720p) / Stereo |
| Netflix | SD+ (540p) / Stereo / Netflix Guide |
| HBO Max | No compabile / HBO Max Guide |
| Disney+ | HD (720p) /Stereo / Disney+ Guide |
| Amazon Prime Video | SD (480p) / Stereo / Prime Video Guide |
| Apple TV+ | No compabile / Apple TV+ Guide |
| DAZN | HD (720p) / Stereo |
| IPTV | FullHD (1080i) / Stereo |
CONCLUSIONS AND BUY LINKS
Score
A95X F3
0.00
Pros
- Cheap
- Fine tuned Android 9
- Good Wifi ac
- Root selector and lower Android bar
- LED lud can be turned off
Cons
- No Android upper bar
- Only Ethernet 10/100
Opinion
As we have seen in our analysis, the A95X F3 is Android TV-Box low-cost with many positive aspects, it has surprised us positively in general. In this device we have the Amlogic S905X3 SoC that improves its CPU cores to the Cortex-A55 and updates its VPU with VP9 video support up to 8K. The GPU allows us to play quite powerful titles like PUBG, if we are going to play we recommend the 4GB model, the 2GB model we only recommend as a media player with KODI programs.
At the level of WiFi connectivity the A95X F3 is quite good, its Wifi ac Dual Band adapter has acceptable speeds within its price, although its 10/100 Ethernet port could be Gigabit to take advantage of our local network. With this model we also have a basic IR control, a firmware with lower Android navigation bars, root selector, its cooling system works correctly and we will not have thermal problems at any time. Luckily the LED lighting strip located at the top is configurable and we can deactivate it through an app that includes.
In short, the A95X F3 is a low-cost TV-Box with good performance in general, at thermal level we have no problems, we have root selector and quite good Wi-Fi.
Where to buy for A95X F3
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Add-ons
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A95X F3
0.00
Pros
- Cheap
- Fine tuned Android 9
- Good Wifi ac
- Root selector and lower Android bar
- LED lud can be turned off
Cons
- No Android upper bar
- Only Ethernet 10/100
I have just received 2 x A95X F3 boxes.
The issue is that I cannot get any sound output from either of the two boxes.
I have a shield that was all working including sound.
I took the hdmi cable from my shield and plugged it into the A95XF3, still no sound.
I took the hdmi cable out of the A95X F3 and plugged it back into the shield, sound works.
Any ideas why I get no sound output from the 2 x A95X F3s?
I am hoping it’s a setting issue.
Hello.
Try with another TV and sound hardware setup.
Check the sound settings.
If my shield works, then moving the hdmi from my shield then the A95X F3 should work. All works except the sound.
I have tried different sound settings and failed to get sound working.
Do you know a specific sound setting I should check?
Do you test it in another tv?
Maybe you have a modified setting in the tv.
Test this first.
hello I bought the a95xf3 box and I would like to know how to connect it to my pc ..
thank you
Hi and thanks for this review
I have one a95x f3 air but since a week ago its hdmi port does not work. When i connect hdmi cable to my tv, it says hdmi conected but theres no video or sound.
I used different cables but againe there was no picture.
av output works fine
would you please help me what should i do the make it work?
Check with another TV.
You have an old tv model?
No it is not old. The model of tv is 49ub830 lg series.
I checked with other tv too but the result was the same
Maybe the box have a physical failure in the HDMI connector, a weld point may be broken.
A repair phone workshop can repair this or open a dispute with your shop.
One more question, do you know the exact differences between the A95X F3 and the F3 AIR version, apart of the cost?
Internal storage type and lights
Which one would you recommend, A95X F3 or Tox1? 🙂
Wanted to edit but time was up. A95X F3 RGB 2/16 version Firmware 202006 Not possible to install CoreElec even with trying to reflash older version. When USB3 port is used by USB 3 hub wifi shut off after 1-3 min. In USB 2 port no problem. Box reaches 75 C even the cpu is already limited to 1700. The front vent is blocked by the display unit and there is no top vent. The aluminum heat sink ist flimsy at best but glued very strong to the chip. (not possible to replace) If you remove the display board, 2… Read more »
Thanks for comment.
75ºC is not normal, system works at 100MHz in idle.
Maybe now have worst hardware version?
Hi,
Congrats on the site, very good reviews and explanations.
Could you tell me which box is better in terms of WiFi signal/reception, the TX6 or this one?
Besides, according to your experience, could you tell me the best affordable box with the better WiFi signal.
Thanks a lot.
Hello.
A95X F3 is fine in this sector, better than TX6.
Wifi is a complex thing, a lot of variables in each home/setup.
Have a nice day.
Perfect, thanks!
One more question, do you know the exact differences between the A95X F3 and the F3 AIR version, apart of the cost lol?
Hello, please can you help me. I buy this device and he has a root switch to on or off. When I install one apk that I use, I can not use that apk because its says that apk is not compatible with root device. I try to instal Super Su and when I unroot it was stuck on logo after reboot, so I instal firmware and return device to life. Is there and posibility to unhide root or remove root so that I can use that apk? Thank you and I m sorry for my bad English, I hope… Read more »
It’s complicated.
Some apps need a 100% not root device in a chinese box.
Yes, I know that, I make a resarch, the problem is that android 9 and X are more prorected than other version. So is there any option or way to hide or unroot device. I use some apk to unroot but when I install root viewer its say that root its not properly installed, so its impossible to unroot device or?
100% clean, no.
Hi
I just bought the device and it all works well but I’m a bit disappointed with the Netflix quality. SD+ is really bad. Is there somehow anyway that I could enjoy Netflix in a better quality?
Thank You
Hi.
No, you need to buy a Netflix certificated box:
https://androidpctv.com/netflix-hd-4k-hdr-android-guide-tvbox/
Have a nice day.
Experiencing average WiFi speeds with this box. Anyone else having same issue?
I might be a bit late to the party but I have an issue that I am hoping can be sorted out. The size of the mouse pointer on my A95X F3 Air is driving me up the wall! It’s way too big and I wanted to know if I can make it smaller. I have tried the usual method, settings>accessibility> etc. but the size will not change. Have tried to change the launcher but it seems the way the box is configured, one cannot change the native launcher without loosing some of the functionality of the box. If anyone… Read more »
Is hardcoded, not easy to change.
Try to change the global dpi using root or install a new firmware.
Thanks for the quick revert. Figured there wouldn’t be a “quick fix”. Will look up how to do the dpi bit. If I was to install a new firmware can I assume that I would loose the “pretty lights”…not that I use them anyway.
If you install their firmware you don’t loose the lights.
Ask to your shop if have a new firmware or use our search. Share the link to help others.
have decided it is far too much hassle to deal with just to sort out a mouse pointer issue. Update_A95X F3 Air_202003090926 is supposed to be the latest firmware (Just under 1GB). Card maker and USB burner are easy enough to work but then you have to deal with passwrod.bin and switching off the temperature setting. Well considering I have been able to just explain that means that I should give it a try…i think it all boils down to the fact that I don’t have the patience to wait for the file to download (internet speeds here are terrible… Read more »
Did you ever find a way to make the mouse pointer smaller? I find it quite annoying too.
I did, but I cannot for the life of me remeber. If I am not mistaken it was some icon files hidden deep inside the root files. It became a bit cumbersome to navigate with (sensitivity was not calibarted for that size if mouse pointer). In the end, I went back to the clunky large mouse pointer.
Hello. Very nice website and reviews, congratulations. I wish to ask you if is it possible to somehow play YouTube videos on resolution higher than 720p on this device? Thank you.
With the official app is not possible, maybe with another like this:
https://androidpctv.com/smart-youtube-tv-amazon-fire-tv/
Or with a firmware update…
I watched some review videos and they say the device can play 4k youtube videos. I am confused. Is it 720p or 4k?
Official app 720p, check the previous comment app.
Hi I’m really impressed with this review and I am really interested with A95X F3 but I’m wondering can it be used to play games from retroarch? How does it performance when playing games?
Good. But wifi module is not compatible i think.
https://androidpctv.com/tutorial-retroarch-emulator-android-tvbox-smartphone-pc/
Im sorry im still new to this things. But what do you mean by wifi module is not compatible? So retroarch cant read the wifi module in the android box? so in order to connect I need to use LAN?
Hello.
Sorry, Retroarch is no problem, runs inside Android and works with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet.
I am thinking in Emuelec that runs in Linux and have problems with some drivers, my mistake.
I like your reviews! Are there any boxes at this price with ddr4 ram? Also do all these boxes have 32 bit android not 64bit? Is this the best box at this price or something new came out? 😀
I’ve had this box and for the price i’m impressed. The ANTUTU 6 is outdated. My benchmark was somewhere in the 70000s. Updated its firmware on it’s own. Temp stays at 42 no matter what game i throw at it. Not all games are compatible but i paid for higher end boxes with worse issues. This is probably the best budget box thats a notch below that boxes that cost a lot more with the s922x chips and their s905x3 out performs the s912. i say buy one
Yes, as we say is a good box for the price.
Antutu 6 is the only option to compare new hardware with old hardware, is very annoying app in terms of evolution.
tb1 which antutu version did you use as ive downloaded the latest version and cant get it to run on this a95x box. ty
How do we turn off the LED lights?
With the app color light settings.
Thanks Kim.
Could you please confirm Google cast is working 100% ? Tried to find more documentation but was not able to find Google cast support on this box so far, only on this site. I consider buying this box if Google cast is supported. Thanks !
This box don’t have Google Cast, this is only for the Google Certificated boxes.
Go for Nvidia Shield or Xiaomi mi box.
https://androidpctv.com/comparison-best-android-tv-mini-pc-buy-tv-box-android/
Prety box,but very high temperature.Not recommended.
Not hot (normal), tanix tx3 is much hotter, worse firmware and wifi chip.
Firmware keep temps low at media play, we do a monitorization.
Recommended.
You should test the T95 MAX Plus, it could be the new s905x3 best buy or at least on par with the A95X F3!
The A95X has the CPU clocked to 1.7Ghz. This is also correctly reflected in the lower benchmark results when compared with Beelink GT1-MIni2 or X96 Max Plus and may also contribute to lower temperatures. Please update the value in “Basic Specs” and all benchmark score graphs if possible (all show 1.9Ghz). I don’t see this downside reflected in the conclusion, too. Thanks.
Lower temperatures are for the cooler and the firmware work.
X96 Max Plus goes hot for the bad clocking control in the firmware, not for the Soc top speed.
0.2Ghz is not critical in the thermal aspect or in the global performance, high clock is used only in small shots.
We always put the SoC top speed in the chars, not the configured speed in the firmware, you can see the performance in the results.