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REVIEW: Mecool KM3 with Android TV 9 and Google certification

Kim by Kim
05/30/2019
36
Mecool KM3 is an Android TV model that we present today in our review, a model that follows the path of other devices of this brand and that surprises us with its Google Certification that allows you to have Google Cast to streaming content from our smartphone to the TV-Box. We also have 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 64GB of internal storage, has a WiFi ac Dual-band adapter, Bluetooth 4.2 and operating system has Android TV 9. Let’s see in our review how this device behaves and the power of its hardware compared to its rivals.
  • Mecool KM3 available in Geekbuying only for $65.99 (59€) from china with the coupon MECOOLKM3 and with shipping from Europe (Spain) only for $73.99 (66€) with the coupon ESMCKM3

Table of Contents

  • PRODUCT DETAILS
    • Description
  • SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE
    • Environment and Android system
    • Power and performance
    • Network, storage, RAM and ports
  • VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST
    • Video playback test
    • Audio playback test
    • Streaming services
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • Score
    • Opinion
  • WHERE TO BUY AND ADD-ONS
    • Add-ons
mecool km3 review a02 min

PRODUCT DETAILS

Model Mecool KM3
Basic Specs SoC: Amlogic S905X2 Quad Core Cortex A-53 (64bit) / GPU Mali-G31 MP2 / 4x ARM-A53 @ 1.8GHz
System: Android TV 9 Oreo (32bit)
Ram and storage: 4 GB DDR4 / 64 GB eMMC
Network: Wifi ac 2T2R + Bluetooth 4.2 (AP6359S) – Ethernet 10/100
Ports: HDMI 2.1 4K @ 75fps / AV Jack 3.5mm / 1x USB 2.0 / 1x USB 3.0 / MicroSD
Extras: BT+IR remote with microphone / Cable HDMI / Manual / Adapter DC 5V 2A

Description

The Mecool KM3 TV-Box is presented in a cardboard box with magnetic lid, inside we have the TV-Box, remote control with microphone, HDMI 2.0 cable, small manual first steps and 5V 2A power adapter with its adapter if necessary. The IR + Bluetooth remote control with microphone can be connected automatically by pressing OK + Vol- on the remote control.

  • Remote Control: The default IR + Bluetooth remote with integrated microphone, basic but functional. We can choose other alternatives.
  • Voice control: By default we can use Google Assistant to perform searches by pressing the microphone button.
  • Alternate control: We can control remotely using the app  Cetusplay / Don’t have its own remote control app.

mecool km3 review a03 min

The model Mecool KM3 has a classic design, the tiny black box only has the logo of the brand in relief at the top. On the front we only have a small discrete white LED and on the perimeter we have all the connectors, the USB 3.0 port that is new in this SoC, we also have HDMI 2.1 connector up to 4K@75fps, AV jack, another USB 2.0, microSD reader and indicated with a red circle the power connector. In audio jack we have a hole for the update button of your firmware if necessary.

  • Materials and measures: Plastic / 109 x 109 x 18 mm / 166 gr.
  • Package contents: Manual / Adapter DC 5V 2A / HDMI cable / BT+IR remote with microphone (2x AAA batteries not included).
  • Interfaces: HDMI 2.1 4K@75fps / AV Jack 3.5mm / Jack AV / 1x USB 2.0 / 1x USB 3.0 / MicroSD / Reset.
  • Leds and panel: Frontal RGB LED.
mecool km3 review a04 min
mecool km3 review a05 min
mecool km3 review a06 min
mecool km3 review a07 min

When opening the TV-Box we can see the Wifi ac 2T2R + Bluetooth 4.2 (AP6359S), It has two antennas stuck to the outer shell. The cooling system consists of a simple metallic heatsink attached to the SoC, a fairly basic design that we will see how it behaves in the thermal tests.

mecool km3 review a09 min
mecool km3 review a10 min

SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE

Environment and Android system

We connect the Mecool KM3 to the current, the TV-Box starts automatically with an animation and the frontal LED lights up. The system installed by default is Android TV 9, an Android version focused on its use on television screen and use with remote control that has its advantages and disadvantages, we have a lot of installed streaming apps (too many, we recommend deleting them). The performance is very good and the system moves very fluid, it shows much more powerful hardware than a Xiaomi Mi Box S for example.

  • Launcher: Android TV 9 Launcher / We can’t change the default launcher / Android UI rendering at 1080p.
  • Multitasking and access: Android TV notification system / Multitasking available directly with long press in Home.
  • Installed apps: Google play, Netflix, Sideload launcher, Youtube, FX Explorer. Settings and dozens of streaming apps.
  • Languages: All the international Android classics.
  • On/Off Controls: If we keep press the power button we have reset and power off option / Configurable in settings.
mecool km3 review n01 min
mecool km3 review n02 min
mecool km3 review n03 min
mecool km3 review n04 min

We check the system data within the Android settings and through analysis software, we can see the details of the system installed by default, in this case in Android TV 9 with support for 32bit apps only. The system has a Google Certification because Chromecast has an encrypted system that can only be obtained with that license, but that does not mean that we have Google system updates, we will only find a firmware file released by Mecool if we are lucky.

  • System version: Android TV 9 (32 bit) / Kernel 4.9.113 / Build 2019-03-20 / Reference U211.
  • App store: Google Play with all the apps available for the Android system.
  • Settings and root: Android + Droid Settings / The system IS NOT root by default / NO menu to deactivate it in settings.
  • Support: Mecool DON’T has a website to contact / Firmware available / Custom firmware no yet
mecool km3 review n05 min
mecool km3 review n06 min

Power and performance

In the power aspect the Mecool KM3 has very good results in the line of the new Amlogic S905X2 Quad Core SoC with ARM Cortex-A53 processors and Mali-G31 MP2 GPU in a very good position. This new SoC made in 12nm offers us a good efficiency, the temperatures do not reach a worrying figures at any time and in normal use it behaves fast and cool.

  • Consumption: Off 0W / Standby 2.7W / Basic use 3.8W / Maximum 7.2W
  • Thermals: Minimum 46ºC / Maximum 71ºC / Maintains performance up to 100% / Small heat zone on the top / Noise 0db
  • You can read our Comparison article for Amlogic S905X2 SoC with all its technical details
mecool km3 review n07 min
mecool km3 review n08 min
mecool km3 review n09 min
mecool km3 review n10 min
mecool km3 review n11 min
mecool km3 review n12 min

We pass our benchmarks and we can see how the Amlogic S905X2 SoC is almost on par with the most powerful Amlogic last generation SoC the S912. In general the results are below that a powerful SoC like the Rockchip RK3399 or the new Amlogic S922X as we has seen in the Beelink GT-King review few days ago.

Mecool KM3 test eng 04 3DMark min
Mecool KM3 test eng 06 GeekBench min

In the following you can see a test of how PUBG moves in medium settings with the S905X2 SoC, the result is good and we can move without problems. We recommend reading our tutorial to play with keyboard and mouse to PUBG in a TV-Box.

  • Games and emulators: IS possible to play demanding titles such as PUBG / Emulators up to Wii / NO Vulkan support.
  • Controls: Compatible with Gamepads by cable or bluetooth.

Network, storage, RAM and ports

In the Mecool KM3 model we have integrated eMMC memory as internal storage, USB 3.0 ports and SD card reader. In the network section we have a Wifi ac 2T2R + Bluetooth 4.2 (AP6359S) and Ethernet 10/100 port. The performance of the Wifi chip is good and we arrive at correct figures for this type of adapter.

  • Storage: Total 64GB expandable with a USB memory stick / NTFS + exFAT compatible.
  • RAM: Total 4GB – Free 3GB / DDR4.
  • Network: Good speed in 5G with two wifi antenna / Range 26 dBm, correct. / Bluetooth works 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 21/17 MB/s 113/36 MB/s 18/19 MB/s –
Mecool KM3 test eng 03 Streaming min
Mecool KM3 test eng 01 Disk min

VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST

Video playback test

Regarding the video playback section, the Mecool KM3 has the S905X2 SoC and a Amlogic TruLife Gen8 VPU compatible with most modern video formats such as h.265 and VP9. In this TV-Box we can use players like MX Player or install KODI from Google Play without the slightest problem, the system comes by default with the option to install to install KODI that works without problems. Thanks to the Google Certification we can use Chromecast from applications such as Youtube, Google Play Movies, Music or similar, but due to security limitations and certifications we can not use it in apps like Netflix or similar.

  • Settings and HDMI-CEC: NO image quality settings / RGB and SDR modes available / HDMI-CEC works
  • Automatic refresh rate change: Not available.
  • Media sharing: Chromecast NO / Miracast NO / DLNA with BlubblePnP / Airplay NO.
  • LibreELEC: This model is NOT compatible with LibreELEC.
  • Tutorials: Judder effect and how to avoid it / Multi-channel audio guide / Correct dark screen when playing video on Android.
mecool km3 review n14 min
mecool km3 review n13 min

We perform several multimedia playback tests with the Mecool KM3 and check that it works perfectly using the new Amlogic S922X SoC, which has video output support for HDMI 2.1 that theoretically allows maximum resolution up to 4K@75fps with HDR information with  support for Dolby Vision, check the settings.

  • Performance: HEVC 10 bit HDR OK / VP9 P2 OK / 8K no compatible / 1080i with frameskips.
  • Ports: HDMI 2.1 4K@75fps / Jack audio stereo
  • Max. bitrate: 100 Mbps = 12,5 MB/s.
  • Tutorials: Install Addons in KODI in a simple way / LibreELEC installation guide for the TV-Boxes with Android

Video results

Formats Result
h.264 / 1080p / 4K / 8bit OK
h.264 / 4K / 10bit OK
h.265 / 4K / 8bit OK
h.265 / 4K / 10bit HDR OK
VP9 P1 / 4K / 8bit OK
VP9 P2 / 4K / 10bit HDR OK
VP9 P2 / 8K / 10bit HDR Frameskip
  • You can see more details in the article Video decoding tests with Amlogic S905X2 SoC.
  • The maximum bitrate depends on the port used to connect or the limitations of SAMBA Networks.

Audio playback test

For testing the audio in the Mecool KM3 we use a Yamaha AV receiver, we check that they supports DD and DTS pass through sound. We can only listen to the multi-channel audio up to 5.1. If we do not have an AV receiver to listen the files with AC3 or multichannel sound we must configure the system to listen to configure the system to listen to multichannel AC3 videos in stereo on any TV.

  • Ports: HDMI up to 5.1 / Stereo Jack
  • Passthrough and certification: Available in settings / NO official certificates / NO Chromecast audio.
  • Tutorial:  Multi channel audio configuration in Android devices
mecool km3 review n15 min
mecool km3 review n16 min

Audio test results

Formats DD / DTS 5.1 DD+ / DTS MA DD True / DTS HR DD Atmos / DTS X
HDMI OK / OK OK / Core Core PCM / Core*
Optical – – – -*
  • 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 / DTS base system
    * Our AV receiver does not support these native formats but we verify that it is played back to 7.1

Streaming services

We pass the classic tests on streaming services to see how the most popular services work. The BMecool KM3 presents an unusual configuration since we are certified with both Google Widevine L1 and Microsoft Playready, in addition to support HDCP 2.2. On a practical level despite these certificates we can only see Netflix in SD+ quality, other services such as HBO or Amazon Prime Video can not be played despite having the DRM certificates for different incompatibilities.

  • DRM: Google Widevine L1 / Microsoft Playready / HDCP 2.2.
  • Certification: No
  • Tutorial: Change the size of the captions and the mouse pointer on Android / Install Addons in KODI in a simple way
Streaming service Video / Audio Result Manual
Youtube 4K (2160p) / Stereo OK –
Google Play Movies FullHD (1080p) / Stereo OK –
Netflix SD+ (540p) / Stereo OK,  installing the apk and needs a mouse Netflix on Android
HBO HD (720p) / Stereo OK, with Android TV apk –
Amazon Prime Video SD (480p) / Stereo OK with apk for Android Mobile + mouse
Playback control are not the best
Amazon Prime video on Android
netflix sd 960x540 8bpc 25fps min
mecool km3 review n17 min

CONCLUSIONS

Score

Mecool KM3 _

0.00
Mecool KM3 _
7.3

DESIGN AND CONNECTIVITY

8.5/10

HARDWARE

7.0/10

SOFTWARE

7.5/10

SUPPORT

6.0/10

PRICE/QUALITY

7.5/10

Pros

  • Chromecast (with limitations)
  • Fast Android TV 9
  • Compact and powerful
  • BT remoto with voice
  • Wifi ac with two antennas

Cons

  • Ethernet 10/100
  • No Flymouse in the remote

Opinion

The TV-Box Mecool KM3 is a very interesting model based on the S905X2 SoC that has Google Certificate, a certificate that allows to use the Chromecast system in Google applications although unfortunately outside these app we can not use it, apart from that point the certificate does not provide special support or something extra remarkable. At the network level, the Wifi ac Dual band adapter gives us good figures, regrettably that a simple 10/100 Ethernet port is mounted instead of a Gigabit one that will allow us to go more relaxed in a local network.

This model Mecool KM3 integrates on its motherboard 4GB of DDR4 RAM, which allow us to load several apps from the internal memory and switch between them from the included remote control. This TV-Box has the latest Android TV 9 system that allows us to handle it in a very comfortable way on our TV and we can give orders with the microphone through Google Assistant, it’s a shame that it is not Flymouse because it limits the use of certain apps. A model that behaves well as a video player, for example with KODI or for powerful games and all kinds of commonly used apps.

This TV-Box is powerful and have Chromecast (to a certain extent), a perfectly valid model for local content playback that also has a remote control with microphone that facilitates user-level use. Consult our recommended models to see other alternatives.

WHERE TO BUY AND ADD-ONS

  • Mecool KM3 available in Geekbuying only for $65.99 (59€) from china with the coupon MECOOLKM3 and with shipping from Europe (Spain) only for $73.99 (66€) with the coupon ESMCKM3

Add-ons

  • Logitech K400 keyboard with trackpad control zone.
  • Keyboard and mouse Logitech MK270 economic and quality.
  • Flymouse with integrated microphone and full keyboard with light.
  • USB 3.0 pendrive to expand internal storage.
  • External hard disk up to 3GB to save media.
  • Bluetooth Gamepad to play games
  • Logitech Basic Webcam to video chat.

mecool km3 review a01 min

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Shah
Shah

Unable to run astro go. Got any advice??

Reply
Dennis
Dennis

Piece of junk. On day 3, it does not power on. Returning it for refund.

Reply
vishal
vishal

my device google cast not working

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  vishal

Do test it with Youtube? Only works with Google apps.

Reply
vishal
vishal
Reply to  Kim

both way but it failed..it also not showning in google home …i am using km3 rare 128gb vaariant…i had upload video on my problem

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  vishal

Try a factory reset and delete chromecast app data.
If not work comment with your store.

Reply
vishal
vishal
Reply to  Kim

still not workingg
i email to mecool services with drm info ..they said ur wideene and hpdc is abnormal

Reply
vishal
vishal
Reply to  vishal

hlooo in my wide vine is abnormal how to fix it

Reply
vishal
vishal
Reply to  Kim

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GatLWHgUs7A&t=7s

Reply
Abba Eban
Abba Eban

Netflix is not working on KM3. What is the solution?

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Abba Eban

Read this:
https://androidpctv.com/netflix-device-compatible-version-root-bootloader-fix/

Reply
shai kedem
shai kedem

hi
Im using android streamer to play movie files from a NFS share in Kodi, over wired LAN in my house.
Im considering purchasing the KM3 streamer to replace my current older Yoka TV KB2 streamer, as Im not satisfied with its performance when playing 4K movie files.
The KM3 have few models with 64GB and 128GB RAM
Is there any performance effect to the size of RAM for playing 4K / HDR video files from LAN?
thanks

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  shai kedem

Hi.
No.
You need a better VPU to decode 4K and a ethernet gigabit port or good wifi ac.
Go for a Zidoo realtek o nvidia shield if you want video quality, if you want something cheaper go for gt1 mini with S905x2 or s905x3.
Have a nice day.

Reply
shai kedem
shai kedem
Reply to  Kim

thanks for the reply!
gt1 like this model: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Beelink-GT1mini-2-Smart-TV-Box-With-2-4G-Voice-Remote-Amlogic-S905X3-4GB-64GB/274123697164?hash=item3fd30bac0c:m:mzfhtD5vD5UsTLMUfjx8zCQ ?

Reply
Ashtray
Ashtray

What’s the difference between km3 and km9 models

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Ashtray

The Wifi adapter.

Reply
Joe
Joe

I have the km3 plugged in but it’s not getting any power

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Joe

Read this:
https://androidpctv.com/android-tvbox-minipc-solve-common-problems/

Reply
Jeffery
Jeffery

Hi Kim, given that I’m not a big fan of Netflix HD/4K, would you recommend this mecool km3 over xiaomi mi box s? Or xiaomi mi box s is still clearly an overall winner?

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Jeffery

Depends… you want more ports/ram/power? go for KM3.
You want more support/chromecast/DRM? go for Xiaomi.

Reply
Jeffery
Jeffery
Reply to  Kim

Is 2GB DDR3 sufficient for 4K streaming without lag? (I have a 100Mbps internet connection, if that helps)

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Jeffery

Yes, you can see youtube 4k in this box

Reply
Engin Sen
Engin Sen

which is superior
KM3 vs KM9

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Engin Sen

Are basically the same, only change the wifi adapter.

Reply
Nagarajan G
Nagarajan G

can i download chrome browser in KM3 model

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Nagarajan G

Just install the APK.

Reply
Roberto Small
Roberto Small
Reply to  Kim

How do you intall the APK if there is no browser?

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Roberto Small

You can install any file explorer using Google Play, just search.

Reply
ray
ray

I know the lan connection is only 10/100.but if I get a usb 3.0 to gigabyte Ethernet connector and plug it into the usb 3.0 will I get 1 gbps?
I have 1000 mbps from my internet provider

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  ray

USB 3.0 haves is speed limitations and maybe the firmware can’t detect this adapter.
You need to test it, use amazon.

Reply
Bernard
Bernard

Hello, I have discovered there is no built in customisable control of the audio sound in the KM3 settings menu. I would like to be able to equalise/customise audio sound from websites using the chrome web browser. Is this possible? Many thanks for your help in this matter!

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Bernard

Hi.
Maybe using a equalizer app?
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=equalizer&c=apps

Reply
Евгений Ширяев
Евгений Ширяев

could you please in your future reviews test for EAC3 (dolby digital plus)? because km9pro doesn’t have eac3 support in plex for example (((

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Евгений Ширяев

Put a sample link if you want.
I will test it and update the review, but i don’t go to check PLEX as a player just KODI.
Have a nice day.

Reply
Hans Jones
Hans Jones
Reply to  Kim

Hi Kim! Maybe you can add Emby for Android? It does not require any purchase and is similar to Plex.

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Hans Jones

Nice app, i will take a look.
But will work as Plex without problems i suppose.

Reply
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