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REVIEW: A95X F4 a low-cost Android TV-Box with Amlogic S905X4 SoC

Kim by Kim
05/29/2021
15

A95X F4 is the Android TV-Box that we present today its review. Undoubtedly this will be one of the most popular devices on the market for those looking for something economical, powerful and do not need certificates for streaming.

The new A95X F4 has the new Amlogic S905X4 SoC that allows Android to move smoothly, a hardware far superior to the Xiaomi Mi Box for example and has support for the new AV1 codec. This TV-Box has Android 10 operating system, includes a remote control and flashy colored LEDs. This hardware as we say is not intended for paid streaming systems, but we have that if much more freedom to install and manage apps of all kinds.

Let’s see in our review how the A95X F4 performs and what it offers compared to its current rivals.

  • A95X F4 is available in Aliexpress or Geekbuying only for $42 (€ with schipping cost included. Copons for Geekbuying, 2/16GB 5AQZA25N, 4/32GB 5AQZ6MCM, 4/64GB 5AQZ2RZD, 4/128GB 5AQYXTCV.

A95X F4

Table of Contents

  • PRODUCT DETAILS
    • Unboxing A95X F4
    • Description
  • SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE
    • Environment and Android system
    • System
    • Network, storage, RAM and ports
    • Power and performance
  • VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST
    • Video playback test
    • Streaming services
  • CONCLUSIONS AND BUY LINKS
    • Opinion
    • Score
    • Where to buy

PRODUCT DETAILS

A95X F4
SoC: Amlogic S905X4 Quad Core 4x ARM-A55 @ 1.8GHz (64bit) / GPU Mali-G31 MP2 / 12nm.
System: Android 10 (32bit).
Components: 2/4GB RAM DDR3 / 16/32/64/128GB eMMC / Wifi ac + Bluetooth 4.2 (RTL8822CS).
Ports: HDMI 2.1 / USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 / AV / SPDIF / microSD.
Extras: IR Remote / HDMI Cable / Manual / Adapter DC 5V 2A (10W).
Materials and dimensions: Plastic / LED Panel / LED RGB LED top / 112 x 135 x 24 mm / 250 gr.

Unboxing A95X F4

The Android TV-Box A95X F4 comes in a cardboard box with the image of the product in the upper area and little information about its functions. Inside we find the TV-Box, remote control, HDMI cable, 5V 2A charger and a first steps manual.

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Description

This A95X F4 has a hexagonal design, on the sides we have a 10/100 Ethernet connector, USB 2.0, AV jack, HDMI 2.1, SPDIF, power connector, a USB 3.0 and microSD reader to expand the internal storage. We also have a fairly basic IR remote control that may not be worth changing for a wireless PC mouse to operate it more comfortably with a pointer.

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This TV-Box has a Wifi aC + Bluetooth 4.2 chip (RTL8822CS) with an internal wifi antenna. The passive cooling system is very basic. On one side it has a reset button to reboot the system if it suffers a software catastrophe and be able to reset it.

  • Remote Control: Basic IR Remote / Compatible with keyboard and mouse / App control for Cetusplay.

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SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE

Environment and Android system

We turn on the A95X F4 and it starts automatically, after a few seconds we get to the new launcher installed which is based on rows with different shortcuts. In general this launcher is quite uncomfortable and we can change it for another that we like more from Google Play. The performance is good, we can move smoothly and quickly between menus. Unfortunately we do not have navigation bars or notification area.

  • Launcher: We can change de the launcher / Android UI rendering at 1080p.
  • Multitasking and access: Multitasking NOT available / Notifications NOT available.
  • Languages and Google Play: All the international Android languajes / Google Play installed.

A95X F4 review s01

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A95X F4 review s03

System

We check the system data and the options it includes as far as root is concerned, we also observe what power on/off system this device allows us. This TV-Box will have updates via OTA to correct possible failures, at least for now.

  • On/Off Controls: Sleep mode / Shutdown settings available.
  • System version and root: Android TV 10 (32 bit) / NO rooted / NO root menu / CPU r2p0 (S905X4) / Model ohm.
  • Support:  OTA support / IMG firmware available.
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A95X F4 review s05
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Network, storage, RAM and ports

The TV-Box A95X F4 has 4GB of RAM and for storage we have 32 GB eMMC that we can expand with a USB memory. It has a USB 3.0 port for connecting external drives (read only) or peripherals and we also have an extra USB 2.0 port. In the network section we find a wireless adapter Wifi ac + Bluetooth 4.2 that as we can see in the tests the results are quite good, the network connector is only Ethernet 10/100, a pity. The internal memory is not the fastest but fortunately does not slow down much.

A95X F4 test eng 01 Disk scaled7

  • Storage: Total 8GB  – Free 3.5GB / Expandable with a USB external memory.
  • RAM: Total 4GB – Free 3GB / DDR3.
  • Network: Good speed with internal wifi antennas / Range 40dBm, good. / Bluetooth YES.
  • Read/Write Ports: USB 3.0 OTG / On external USB drives it is only possible to read data.
  • We recommend reading our Tutorial SAMBA on Android networks if we are going to use files from our network PC.

A95X F4 test eng 03 Streaming scaled

Power and performance

On the performance side the A95X F4 features the Amlogic S905X4 Quad Core SoC with ARM Cortex-A55 processors limited to 1.8GHz, on the graphics side it has a mid-range Mali-G31 MP2 GPU. This SoC is an improvement of the previous S905X2 and is very similar to the previous S905X3. As the results show we have a good performance for the hardware set and the performance of this new AMLogic SoC, it is equal to the new Googlecast TV and far exceeds the Xiaomi Mi Box which is already somewhat outdated in comparison.

  • CPU performance: Min 0.5 GHz / Working  1.0 GHz / Max 1.8 GHz
  • Check our Amlogic S905X4 SoC Comparison against all SoCs in the sector for more details.

A95X F4 test eng 06 GeekBench scaled

A95X F4 test eng 04 3DMark scaled
A95X F4 test eng 05 PCMark scaled

As for games we can run PUBG in medium/low quality and also cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GForce Now or Google Stadia 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 yet.

  • Games and emulators: Possible to play titles such as PUBG /  YES Vulkan support / Basic emulators in RetroArch or KODI.
  • Controls: Compatible with Bluetooth or USB Gamepads.

A95X F4 review s08

This 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. 39ºC / Working 50 ºC / Max. 62ºC / Maintains performance up to 85% / Heat zone on the top / Noise 0db
  • Consumption: Off 0.9W / Min 3W / Working 3.6W / Max. 5.2W
A95X F4 review s09
A95X F4 review s10

VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST

Video playback test

In the video playback section, the A95X F4 is compatible with most modern video formats such as h.265, VP9 with native resolution support 4K@60fps HDR, although it does support the recent AV1 codec that for now has a testimonial use. It does not have a video quality settings app and no automatic refresh rate change. We have official HDR support is available to get a better image from some streaming services.

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 DD 7.1 and DTS up to 5.1 through its HDMI port, 5.1 via SPDIF and stereo via the AV jack.

  • Video Settings:  NO image quality settings / RGB, SDR / HDMI-CEC available / Automatic refresh no available, needs root.
  • Audio Settings: HDMI  7.1 / SPDIF 5.1 / Jack stereo / NO USB audio settings.
  • Color and HDR: 10Bit / RGB / HDR 10 / HLG.
  • Media sharing: GoogleCast NO / Miracast Yes* / DLNA with BlubblePnP / Airplay Yes* / *With unofficial app AirScreen.
  • 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 in Android.
  • We recommend reading the Setup Guide of our TV to get the best picture quality.

video sample test n09 min

A95X F4 review s11
A95X F4 review s12

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 OK
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 = OK | Atmos = Core
DTS 5.1 = OK | MA / HR / X = Core
  • PCM – Stereo only doing 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 the streaming services to check how the most popular services work. The A95X F4 presents us with the classic configuration without certificates which limits us in quality on several services. We can use it with many of these services, but in basic quality.

  • DRM: Google Widevine L3.
  • Audio/Video certification: No.
  • 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 HD (720p) / Stereo
Google Play Movies HD (720p) / Stereo
Netflix SD+ (540p) / Stereo / Netflix Guide
HBO HD (720p) / Stereo / HBO 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
  • Multichannel audio only available via HDMI connection in streaming services, via SPDIF stereo only.
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CONCLUSIONS AND BUY LINKS

Opinion

As we have seen the new A95X F4 its main attraction is the Amlogic S905X4 SoC, undoubtedly a chip with good performance that allows us to run any app smoothly. The IR remote control included is very basic and we may have to opt for another control if we want to get more usability.

In terms of connectivity the A95X F4 integrates a fairly efficient Wifi aC adapter, we also have USB 3.0 connectivity, another extra USB 2.0 and unfortunately only Ethernet 10/100. As operating system we have Android 10 but we miss the root permissions to use AFR or other advantages of this type of permissions, sure we will soon have some custom firmware to solve this issue, this will be a very popular box.

A valid hardware to play our content in 4K HDR quality. We can also use other apps such as IPTV players, PLEX or KODI to watch local content. We have the classic limitations of Amlogic SoCs such as the lack of image quality control or automatic refresh rate change.

We can say that the A95X F4 is an acceptable TV-Box for its power and price, if we do not care about paid streaming services and we want more flexibility for little money is possibly one of the best options of the moment.

Score

A95X F4

0.00
A95X F4
6.9

Design

6.0/10

Hardware

8.0/10

Conectivity

7.0/10

Support

6.0/10

Price

7.5/10

Pros

  • Powerful
  • Cheap
  • Wifi is ok
  • Good number of ports
  • Not very hot

Cons

  • Ethernet 10/100
  • No root, no automatic refresh
  • No android navigation bars

Where to buy

  • A95X F4 is available in Aliexpress or Geekbuying only for $42 (€ with schipping cost included. Copons for Geekbuying, 2/16GB 5AQZA25N, 4/32GB 5AQZ6MCM, 4/64GB 5AQZ2RZD, 4/128GB 5AQYXTCV.

mecool km6 review f10 min

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Peter F
Peter F

One of my steaming providers have started sending some programs in Dolby Digital 5.1 stereo and old program in PCM. Old program works well with audio. Box is Android 11. In setting Audio I can select automatic or no surround. Selection under is grayed out

Reply
Mori
Mori

Hi
I want to know if the gamepad and wireless keyboard and mouse can be easily connected to it? And as a normal game console, can it be used?
Thankful

Reply
Bluebox
Bluebox

Hi
How did you get True HD audio to work
Please
What did you use
Thanks

Reply
BlueBox
BlueBox

What is everyone using for Dolby passthrough and to achieve 7.1 setup, please
Thanks

Reply
BlueBox
BlueBox

Can someone plug in a USB external hard drive, formatted NTFS and see if it detects and you can see its contents using file explorer.
Please reply to me which Android version you are running and firmware and if it works.
Thanks all

Reply
BlueBox
BlueBox

Has anyone got any recommendations for a way to get a navigation bar and notifications, please
which apps or apk is everyone using
Thanks

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  BlueBox

Is not possible get these bars, are hardcoded in the os.

Reply
Reza-D
Reza-D

Hi Kim
Can I connect the external HDD (up to 4TB) to this device?
Does not make a problem for the device?

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Reza-D

Hi. If you want to work with an external HD go for a mini pc, less problems.
Android is not designed to work with external drives and they give write problems among others.

Reply
Reza-D
Reza-D

Hi Kim
Does the lack of automatic refresh make it problem to watch the movies?

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Reza-D

No, just little annoying in lateral travelings scenes for some people.
You can set 24p mode manually.

Reply
Rocco
Rocco

I bought several units…a95x f4 android tv 11….it is very unstable… system hangs with continuous reboot loops, all units…cannot downgrade to android 10 or 9 firmware… Amlogic USB tool cannot detect device… cannot load custom ROMs as well…truly sux…

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Rocco

Looks like android 11 is a mess, but reboots are not usual… check your DC adapter.
You need the last Amlogic USB tool and use a USB 2.0 or USB HUB.
Use our search to find a firmware, the tool and the tutorial guide.

Reply
max
max
Reply to  Rocco

your problem is Wifi module hawe mistake , works on 3.3V not on 1.8.
https://4pda.to/forum/index.php?showtopic=1023206&st=640

Last edited 1 year ago by max
Reply
Fuad
Fuad
Reply to  Rocco

I have almost similar problem. Not able to to watch IPTV or you can but with a lot of freezing video. In total I will not recommend anyone to buy this device.

Reply
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