Today we present the review of the new TV-Box Nexbox A95X Pro a new version of the classic Nexbox A95X model, this new version is interesting because it has a voice remote control compatible with Google Assistant that integrates with the Android TV system installed. A device that mounts the AMLogic S905W Quad Core SoC and has 2 GB of RAM, a basic model that competes in the price sector. As an attractive point this model includes DRM Google Widevine L1 certificate which allows us to see Netflix FullHD for example. Let’s see how it behaves in our review and how it defends with this hardware with the Android TV environment.
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SPECIFICATIONS
| Model | Nexbox A95X Pro |
| CPU | Amlogic S905W Quad Core Cortex-A53 @ 2 GHz |
| GPU | Mali-450MP5 |
| OS | Android TV 7 (32bit) |
| RAM | 2 GB DDR3 |
| Storage | 16 GB eMMc |
| WiFi | WiFi b/g/n – 2.4GHz |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Ports | 2x USB 2.0 microSD reader HDMI 2.0 Jack AV Jack SPDIF Ethernet 10/100 |
| Others | Status Led Reset button(inside AV jack) |
| Content | RF remote control with microphone + IR HDMI cable 5V 2A DC adapter (10W) Manual Measures: 3,66 x 3,66 x 0,59 inches Weight: 3.6 oz |
CONTENT DESCRIPTION
Package content
The Nexbox A95X Pro model is presented in a cardboard box with a generic name on the top and basic specifications. Inside the box we find the TV-Box in an upper compartment, the rest of the accessories are in a lower area, a RF remote control with USB adapter and microphone integrated, HDMI cable, manual and a 5V 2A adapter.
Product Details
The Nexbox A95X Pro box is very compact, is made of plastic and at the top we have a microphone icon, on the front we have a status LED and an IR receiver hidden behind the slots of the box. A box identical to the original A95X model where only the logo changes.
In one of its sides we have a microSD card reader with self-extracting mechanism and two USB 2.0 ports.
In the back we have all the other ports, DC connector, HDMI 2.0 connector that allows 4K30fps, also a 10/100 Ethernet port, AV video / audio jack (inside we have the reset button) and another digital audio jack SPDIF which requires an adapter.
In the lower part of the Nexbox A95X Pro we have four small legs in relief, the sticker that identify the model and several ventilation slots that allow minimal air intake.
CONNECTING THE DEVICE
Connection and desktops
When connecting to the power adapter the Nexbox A95X Pro boots directly, the first thing we find is a wizard that guides us to launch the Android TV system, we can adjust the system connecting with our Google account and once we setup the selected network adapter.
After we complete the setup wizard we arrived at the Android TV 7.1 environment, we have the classic rows design, in the first one we have the highlighted contents that change dynamically, in the second shortcuts and in the last configuration elements.
- Boot time: 21 seconds
Keeping pressed the microphone button on the remote control Google Assistant is activated and we can give direct indications or commands to search for contents or launch applications, we will always need a little practice to use it, we can put it in other languages.
Being an Android TV system this environment does NOT have navigation bar or notification bar, we can only customize the number of bars of recommended items on the home screen.
The installed applications by default are the classic ones of this system, we have Miracast that allows us to share the screen of our mobile, Play Store, YouTube and YT Kids, TED, Red Bull TV, Spotify, DRM info, Netflix app for Android TV, Chrome and ES Explorer.
Within the language settings we have all the classic Android languages, we can change to another language without problems.
User Experience
The performance of the TV-Box Nexbox A95X Pro is correct for a basic use, the Amlogic S905W Quad Core processor moves well the system through its 2 GB of RAM that allows to load apps correctly, we do not have direct access to the multitasking system which is somewhat uncomfortable to change apps. At a general level the system behaves smoothly and we do not have forced closures of apps or erratic behavior.
Android Settings
By default in the Nexbox A95X Pro we have two different settings, on the one hand we see the classic TV-Box settings on the sidebar that gives us access to all basic controls. Within these settings in Advance Settings we have special settings for TV-Box controls in several aspects.
If we click on More Settings we get to the Classic Settings of Android we have some options more than in the previous settings but they are quite limited and it seems that some menus have been cut that would have allowed us to fine-tune the system.
Android System
Installed by default in the Nexbox A95X Pro we have the Android TV 7.1.2, a fairly modern system today. The kernel as we see is the version 3.14.29 and the compilation is dated 05-04-2018. With this version we have made the review that you can read in the following pages.
- This model is compatible with Tanix Dual OS firmware
Brand Support
The Nexbox brand does not have any official support, fortunately it seems that updates are distributed by OTA, when we boot the device for a first time the system install one of them correctly, we probably will not receive many in the future and we will have to look for firmwares in the network, if we find them we publish them as always in our Website.
Storage and RAM
The model Nexbox A95X Pro includes 16 GB of eMMc storage memory, from this storage memory we have actually available about 11 GB, a figure enough to install a good number of apps. As a device with AMLogic SoC this has a single partition in the storage memory which facilitates the management of our files.
In the section of memory we have 2 GB of DDR3 RAM that behave normally, of this amount we are still available about 650 GB at boot, we can load several apps without noticing slowdowns.
We check the memory and internal storage testing the hardware that is integrated in this device, we used the SD bench app as usual. The results of the Nexbox A95X Pro give us correct values for this kind of low-cost TV-Box.
Consumption and temperatures
In the terms of power consumption the Nexbox A95X Pro with the S905W SoC shows results within the range of other devices, even putting the SoC to the brim with games with 3D graphics only 7 W peak is reached.
We pass a thermal throttling test where we can see how the performance does not fall if we keep it to the maximum, we reach 80ºC, in normal use the SoC stays at 70ºC a rather normal figure.
The design of the Nexbox A95X Pro box does not help much in the thermal aspect, concentrates the heat in the upper part that does not have any ventilation slots although it does not seem critical.
Google Play and Amazon App Store
We conducted several searches in the Google Play store observed that we have no compatibility problems, as we will always be limited by the catalog of Android TV apps. As an alternative we can use the Apptoide TV app or the Amazon appstore to install the classic Android apps that we will not find on Android TV.
Root
In the Nexbox A95X Pro firmware we have a Root selector that allows us to activate or deactivate this type of permission in the system, a very useful setting for some apps that block its use with the root actived.
Power Off / Standby / Power On
If we leave the Nexbox A95X Pro control button pressed down, it offers us a menu with which we can completely turn off the device. If we want to change this behavior in the TV-Box settings, we have a menu with several options.
MEDIA PORTS TEST
Video and audio connections.
Integrated into the Nexbox A95X Pro, we have the new Amlogic S905W SoC, a product that supports HDMI 2.0 video output but is limited to a maximum resolution of 4K@30fps, with 10bit color and HDR support.
In this model we do not have image quality control for brightness, contrast or saturation, but we can adjust them by means of an app as we explain in our manual on the subject. We can change the size of the mouse pointer and the captions of several streaming services following our turorial.
In this system we have automatic refresh rate setup something that would be interesting but does not work, this setting avoid us to play content with the annoying Judder effect. Within the advanced settings of HDMI we find control to choose the format and depth of color in detail, something that we will do well to adjust the image with respect to our TV, for example we can put RGB mode for old screens.
DLNA and Miracast
Installed in the Nexbox A95X Pro we can share the screen using the Miracast app and we have NO problem using a Smartphone LG G6, as we know this type of connections depends on many factors.
We can use the DLNA service to access the multimedia content that we have in our device easily using an app like BubbleUPnP from an Android mobile or from a PC with Windows file explorer.
Webcam
We test the TV-Box for videoconferencing with the Nexbox A95X Pro we use Skype and we can do a video conference without any notable problems using a simple webcam Logitech C170, a model very compatible with Android.
NETWORK CONNECTIONS
Wi-Fi and Ethernet
Installed in the Nexbox A95X Pro we have a b/g/n Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter and Ethernet 10/100 chip, with which we have connected with an ASUS RT-AC1200G+ Router, a mid range device. We transferred files over a SAMBA network connected through 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi and achieved a speed of about 21 Mbps. This model has a 10/100 Ethernet connector with which we used a Category 6 network cable to guarantee the max speed, using this connection we reach about 56 mbps which is a basic transfer speed. Low but classics results in a product of this low-cost sector. This model does not have a Bluetooth adapter.
We also ran tests on the network adapters for streaming using the iPerf measurement tool with which we have the maximum connection speed in each type of network. With this figure we have how far we can reach using the available connections, the final performance will depend on our internet provider, the contracted speed, the distance of our Wi-Fi network and other factors. The results are basics for this type of network adapters, quite limited but enough to see Netflix 4K contents that ask for at most 20 Mbps.
During the Wi-Fi coverage tests with the device located at a distance of about 16 ft as always and with a wall in between we verified that we have connection without cuts, the signal reaches a level of about 49 dBm a low result, don’t go far away from the router.
CONTROL SYSTEMS
Remote control
The Nexbox A95X Pro by default comes with a remote control with USB RF adapter that allows us to control it without having to point to the TV-Box, it also has an IR transmitter but unfortunately the only key that works is the power no/off using this communication. In the upper area we have the microphone, we have too a microphone button for Google Assistant, a status LED that indicates when we perform some action, crosshead keypad, OK button, back, home, menu, volume controls, channel change keys and mouse emulator with the crosshead. We can synchronize the remote by pressing the PG – and Vol – keys at the same time.
Within the settings menus we also have the possibility to activate HDMI CEC to be able to use the control of our TV with the TV-Box itself, a system that gives varied results depending on our TV models.
Remote control app
By default in the Nexbox A95X Pro we have the option of using the Android TV Remote Control app that we can install and synchronize from Google Play. As alternative we can use the alternative CetusPlay to control it from our mobile or tablet, we only need to install the server in our TV-Box and the client app in or desired device.
Gamepad and games
You can play games on the Nexbox A95X Pro connecting a Gamepad with cable or bluetooth that work without problems, we can use this control in the games with this type of support, in general we will not have problems with conventional PC control. We can use them in games with this type of support, in general we will not have problems with conventional PC controls. With the Mali-450MP5 GPU that incorporates this SoC the performance is basic, we can’t play titles like PUBG Mobile only basic 3D games.
PERFORMANCE TEST
SOC
Inside the TV-Box Nexbox A95X Pro we have the Amlogic S905W SoC that integrates four processors ARM Cortex-A53 of 64bits and a classic GPU Mali-450MP5. A SoC that moves the Android system correctly with a speed between 100 Mhz and 1.2 GHz depending on the performance needs of the system, normally this SoC works up to 1.5 so the speed has been limited to keep temperatures low, something that shows in the results of the tests. The system moves the Android environment correctly even though it is not the fastest in the market as the test data reflect, a normal model in its sector.
Benchmarks
Antutu
With this famous test we get an idea of the general performance of the device and we can compare it with others. Since this tests changes a lot of scale we can not use it in our graphics.
A new benchmark in SoC testing that offers fairly reliable numbers of CPU’s working in a single core or multiple cores ate the same time, it also has a section of GPU computing that gives us an overall result of the processing capacity.
3Dmark
The graphical performance test par excellence with a fairly solid continuity in the results which helps us to compare the performance of GPU’s historically.
PCMark
This benchmark tests the device in various scenarios of image processing, web browsing and other everyday uses of our device, the results are useful to check if you defend well in these areas.
VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST
Video format test
We passed our classic video playback test in the Nexbox A95X Pro, in this TV-Box we have the Quad Core Amlogic S905W SoC that gives us good results in general lines. It is possible to reproduce the files in all formats without problems, although the system is rendered at 720p the videos are played in their native resolution in a fluid way. We can watch videos at native resolutions up to 4K@30fps encoded with the h.265 codec, this SoC also supports HDR modes and 10-bit color files. An option that seems to work in the native player and in KODI smoothly.
- This model is compatible with LibreELEC as we have checked using our LibreELEC a quick installation guide.
Test results
| H.264 Format | Result |
| BBB – H.264 8bit – Simple@L1 – 1080p@25fps – 7 Mbps | Correct |
| Samsung Oceanic Life – H.264 8bit – High@L5.1 – 1080p@30fps – 40 Mbps | Correct |
| Timelapse – H.264 8bit – High@L5.1 – 4K@24fps – 43 Mbps | Correct |
| Anime – H.264 10bit – High 10@L5.1 – 1080p@24fps – 10 Mbps | Frameskip |
| H.265 Format | |
| Tears of steel – HVEC 8bit – Main@L6.2@Main – 1080p@24fps – 17 Mbps | Correct |
| Samsung UHD Dubai – HVEC 10bit – Main 10@L5.2@Main – 4K@24fps – 51 Mbps | Correct |
| Jellyfish – HVEC 10bit – Main 10@L6.1@High – 4K@30fps – 392 Mbps | Frameskip |
| Anime – HVEC 10bit – Main 10@L4@Main – 1080p@24fps – 21 Mbps | Correct |
| HDR Format | |
| Life of Pi HDR10 – HVEC 10bit – Main 10@L5.1@High – 4K@24fps – 45 Mbps | Correct |
| LG Demo – Dolby Vision – HVEC 12bit – Main 10@L5@Main – 4K@24fps – 30 Mbps | Correct |
| Planet Earth II – HDR HLG 10bit – Main 10@L5@High – 4K@25fps – 31 Mbps | Correct |
| The world in HDR – VP9 Profile 2 10bit – 4K@60fps – 20 Mbps | Correct |
- The MKV, Blu-ray ISO and BDRemux formats are only containers, inside we can have different codecs, resolutions, audio channels, chapters or subtitles. To play the Blu-ray format menus we need KODI or a compatible program.
Audio format test
In the Nexbox A95X Pro we have the Amlogic S905W SoC Quad Core that as we know it is NOT licensed for the use of audio pass through for DD and DTS. For the sound tests we use our Yamaha RXV-577 AV receiver and we naturally check that in the device we have audio pass through for DTS and DD5.1 although in some 7.1 formats we have noticed audio errors.
Test results
| Formato audio | PCM* | HDMI | Optical |
| Dolby Digital 5.1 | Correct | Correct | Correct |
| Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 | Correct | Correct | Core |
| Dolby True HD 7.1 | Correct | Cuts | Core |
| Dolby Atmos 7.1 | Correct | PCM * | PCM |
| DTS 5.1 | Correct | Correct | Core |
| DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 | Correct | Correct | Core |
| DTS-HD High Resolution 7.1 | Correct | Cuts | Core |
| DTS-X 7.1 | Correct | Core * | Core |
- PCM – Stereo downmix from DD or DTS
- Core – Only the core of the format Dolby / DTS is played
- * Our AV receiver does not support these native formats but we check that it does downmix fine
WEB NAVIGATION AND STREAMING
Navigation
We perform performance tests on the Nexbox A95X Pro using the serial browser where we have no problems with multiple tabs open using the 2 GB of DDR3 RAM. The content that is reproduced in HTML5 does not have major problems installing a browser compatible with Android TV from its app store.
DRM
At the level of DRM certificates needed for some payment Streaming apps we have Google Widevine L1 installed by default as is common in this family of products, we also have the HDCP 1.x certificate required to watch Netflix FullHD and other services.
Youtube and streaming apps
We installed some of the most common Streaming apps to watch TV online that we downloaded from the Play Store, we don’t have problems. This TV-Box can play Youtube up to 2160p (4K) without any problems with the version installed from Google Play.
Streaming services with subscription
We do our battery test as usual on the most popular streaming services to verified if can work correctly, the power of this device is more than enough to see any type of content on this services, although as we know we are limited on the streaming quality for the restrictions of each company. In this model we have the option to watch Netflix FullHD thanks to Widevine L1 certificates, HDCP protection and Android TV system, NETFLIX BAN THIS OPTION
- NOTE: We remind that these TV-Box do not have official support for these streaming apps, the compatibility with these services can vary depends of any new limitations imposed for this companies. The tests are perform with the indicated firmware and the version of the streaming app at the date of the review.
| Streaming service | Video | Audio | Performance |
| Netflix | SD+ (540p) | Stereo | Correct, installing the mobile apk and needs a mouse |
| Amazon Prime Video | – | – | Don’t work |
| HBO nordic | – | – | Don’t work |
- You can consult our guides where we explain in detail all the most known streaming services, what are their limitations in each platform and how to configure them to see content in HD or 4K quality if possible.
- Guide for Netflix on Android, inside you can found a solution for Error 0013 and installation method on rooted devices
- Guide for Amazon Prime video on Android
By default the system has a problem with Netflix that shows some black and gray bars that cut out the playback area, now we will explain how to eliminate this gray bar when using Netflix in the Nexbox A95X Pro.
- Activate the root permission of the TV-Box in Settings> Advanced Settings> Root> ON
- Go to ES Explorer and activate root mode in the sidebar menu> Root Explorer
- Access the root folder of the device in the menu Local> Device
- We enter the folder /System/ and click on the file Build.prop
- Select the ES Explorer note editor
- Go to the end of the file and click on the edit icon
- Add the line: qemu.hw.mainkeys=1
- Save and restart the TV-Box
- We can already see Netflix in full screen
CONCLUSIONS
Opinion
The Nexbox A95X Pro model as we have seen in the review offers to us an interesting device for their price, a model that has Android TV as an operating system and that is compatible with Google Assistant thanks to its remote with built-in microphone. It also has Google Widevine L1 DRM certificate that allows you to watch Netflix in FullHD quality (Netflix ban this option), although as we can see, we need to fix the problem manually in the firmware.
At the hardware level the Nexbox A95X Pro as we have seen is quite basic, something logical for the price it has. We miss the Bluetooth connectivity option in the system, the wireless performance is basic and the Ethernet adapter only has 10/100, for streaming it is enough but it could be quite better. In general a TV-Box correct for basic use, the device works well with Android TV thanks to its 2 GB of RAM and to have a stable firmware, its a low-cost product with certain interesting aspects.
- You can compare this device with our Recommended Android TV models
WHERE TO BUY
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Add-ons
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Nexbox A95X Pro _
Pros
- Low price
- Remote with microphone
- Android TV and Google Assistant
- Cheap
- Compact
Cons
- Basic Wifi
- No Bluetooth
After recent update Netflix not working in HD
Yes, is banned.
si può sapere se ci gira l’app RAIPLAY? grazie
very good product…much more stable dan faster than x88.