AndroidPCtv
  • NEWS
    • Android TV
    • Mini PC
    • Smart TV
    • Laptop & Ultrabook
    • Projectors
    • Consoles
    • Wearables & Domotics
    • Electric Vehicle
    • Tablet & 2-in-1
    • Smartphone
    • Processors & SoC
    • Robots & Vacuums
    • Development Boards
    • Others
  • REVIEWS
    • Android TV
    • Mini PC
    • Laptop & Ultrabook
    • Tablet & 2-in-1
    • Smartphone
    • PC Components
    • Apps & Software
    • Others
  • TUTORIALS
    • Android TV
    • Mini PC
    • Tablet
    • Smartphone
  • DEALS
  • FIRMWARES
  • DEVICE SHOPPING GUIDE
    • BEST ANDROID TV-BOX
    • BEST MINI PC
    • BEST SMART TV
  • CONTACT
No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
    • Android TV
    • Mini PC
    • Smart TV
    • Laptop & Ultrabook
    • Projectors
    • Consoles
    • Wearables & Domotics
    • Electric Vehicle
    • Tablet & 2-in-1
    • Smartphone
    • Processors & SoC
    • Robots & Vacuums
    • Development Boards
    • Others
  • REVIEWS
    • Android TV
    • Mini PC
    • Laptop & Ultrabook
    • Tablet & 2-in-1
    • Smartphone
    • PC Components
    • Apps & Software
    • Others
  • TUTORIALS
    • Android TV
    • Mini PC
    • Tablet
    • Smartphone
  • DEALS
  • FIRMWARES
  • DEVICE SHOPPING GUIDE
    • BEST ANDROID TV-BOX
    • BEST MINI PC
    • BEST SMART TV
  • CONTACT
No Result
View All Result
AndroidPCtv
No Result
View All Result

REVIEW: TANIX TX5 MAX with 4GB RAM and Amlogic S905X2 SoC

Kim by Kim
02/20/2019
6
TANIX TX5 MAX is a new Android TV-Box of which we present today its analysis or review a Box that has the new Amlogic S905X2 SoC, which represents a significant improvement over the previous S905X as we have seen in a special article. This TV-Box integrates a total of 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB of internal storage, has a Wifi ac 2×2 dual band adapter, Bluetooth 4.1, Gigabit Ethernet and as an operating system runs Android 8.1 in its classic version. Let’s see in our review how this device behaves and the power of its hardware compared to its competition.
  • TANIX TX5 MAX can be purchased on Gearbest.com only for $59,99 (€53,4) with shipping cost.
  • You have a list of add-ons such as Flymouse, disks or USB memories to improve this device

Table of Contents

  • PRODUCT DETAILS
    • Description
  • ANDROID SYSTEM
    • Environment and user experience
    • System, support and store apps
  • HARDWARE TESTS
    • Storage and RAM Memory
    • WIFI and Bluetooth
    • Power consumption, temperature and noise
  • PERFORMANCE TEST
    • SOC
    • Benchmarks
    • Games and gamepads
  • VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST
    • Video and audio connections
    • Video playback test
    • Audio playback test
    • Streaming services
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • Score
    • Opinion
  • WHERE TO BUY AND ADD-ONS
    • Add-ons
tanix tx5 max review n05 min

PRODUCT DETAILS

Model TANIX TX5 MAX
Basic Specs SoC: Amlogic S905X2 Quad Core Cortex A-53 (64bit) / GPU Mali-G31 MP2 / 4x ARM-A53 @ 1.8GHz
System: Android 8.1 Oreo (32bit)
RAM and Storage: 4 GB DDR4 / 32 GB eMMC
Network: Wifi ac 2×2 (RTL8222BS) – Bluetooth 4.1 – Ethernet Gigabit
Ports: HDMI 2.1 4K@75fps / SPDIF / 1x USB 2.0 / 1x USB 3.0 / MicroSD / Internal reset
Extras: IR Remote control / HDMI Cable / Manual / DC 5V 2A adapter

Description

The TV-Box TANIX TX5 MAX has a classic design in a plastic box with the logo on top. On the front we have a LED panel with the hour and information of the connections quite bright. At the connector level, we find a USB 3.0 port as a novelty, we also have HDMI 2.1 connector up to 4K@75fps, another USB 2.0, microSD reader, SPDIF and the power connector.

  • Materials and measures: Plastic / 108 x 108 x 20 mm / 115 gr.
  • Package contents: HDMI Cable / Manual / DC 5V 2A adapter / IR Remote control (2x AAA batteries not included).
  • Interfaces: HDMI 2.1 4K@75fps / SPDIF / 1x USB 2.0 / 1x USB 3.0 / MicroSD / Internal reset
  • Leds and panel: LED panel with time information and connections / Can not turn off.
tanix tx5 max review n06 min
tanix tx5 max review n03 min
tanix tx5 max review n02 min
tanix tx5 max review n01 min 2

In the lower part we have only four rubber feet that hide the screws of the lower cover. The IR remote control does not stand out especially, we recommend changing it by a fly mouse or wireless mouse to have better control.

  • Remote control: Basic IR Remote.
  • Alternative remote control: We can control remotely from our mobile or Android TV-Box using the app  Cetusplay or connect a flymouse, mouse or keyboard.
tanix tx5 max review n08 min
tanix tx5 max review n07 min

If we open this box we can see the Wifi chip ac + BT 4.1 in this case an RTL8222BS, it has an internal antenna attached to the housing and an external one. The reset button is hidden under the front plastic just under the power connector, you have to disassemble the entire TV-Box to access it, if you want we can make a hole in the plastic to make it more accessible. The cooling system consists of a block of thermal silicone and a steel plate, fulfills its function correctly.

tanix tx5 max review n10a min
tanix tx5 max review n09a min

ANDROID SYSTEM

Environment and user experience

We start the TANIX TX5 MAX by connecting it to its power adapter, it starts up automatically and we have an input animation. We arrived at the launcher by default called Alice UX based square and it has three main categories, the first customizable in the bottom bar, the second with the list of apps and the third with the settings and different areas to add apps. On one side we have some quick accesses to the latest apps that we have run. In this model the system works fine moving the apps, the hardware performance is correct thanks to the 4GB DDR4 RAM and the S905X2 Quad Core SoC.

In this model the system moves well, the S90X2 SoC and the 4GB of RAM fulfill their function, the internal storage is fast enough to make the loading of apps fluid. It has some running process because the screenshots come out with delay but it does not seem to affect the overall performance.

  • Launcher: Basic Launcher / YES we can change launcher but only Pixel launcher works 100% / Android UI rendering at 1080p.
  • Multitasking and access: Multitasking not available / DON’T have lower access bar or notification area (YES with custom firmware)
  • Installed apps: Google play, AirScreen, Media center (DLNA), Update, Youtube, Files, TV Center (KODI) and Droid Settings.
  • Languages: All the international Android classics.
  • On/Off Controls: If we leave the power button off, the TV-Box show a configurable menu in settings.
tanix tx5 max review n01 min 1
tanix tx5 max review n02 min 1
tanix tx5 max review n03 min 1

System, support and store apps

The model TANIX TX5 MAX we has installed two different settings menus, one the classic side menu with global android settings, other in the Droid Setting app with the TV-Box settings, the system don’t have the classic settings menu with white background. The Google Play store behaves normally and we can find the most common apps. The version of the system and the compilation of the kernel is quite new.

  • System version: Android 8.1.0 (32 bit) / Kernel 4.9.76 / Build 2018-12-26 / Referencia U211.
  • App store: Google Play with all the apps available for the Android system.
  • Brand support: TANIX has a website but we can not find info about this model.
  • Root:The system IS root by default / NO menu to deactivate it in settings.
  • Firmware and Scene:  Firmware available / Custom firmware available / NOT compatible with LibreELEC.
tanix tx5 max review n06 min 1
tanix tx5 max review n05 min 1
tanix tx5 max review n04 min 1

HARDWARE TESTS

Storage and RAM Memory

In this model we pass our usual memory tests for the internal storage in the TANIX TX5 MAX using the SD bench app. The internal memory has a good speed. In this model we also have as a novelty with a USB 3.0 connector, the transfer speed is quite good and serves to save or view high bitrate content without problems.

  • Storage: Total 32GB – Free 23GB. / Is expandable with a USB memory stick
  • RAM: Total 4GB – Free 3GB / DDR4.
  • Compatible formats: NTFS compatible / exFAT compatible
USB 2.0 USB 3.0 microSD SATA
Read / Write 20/18 MB/s 114/37 MB/s 20/18 MB/s –

Tanix TX5 Max test eng 01 Disk min

WIFI and Bluetooth

At connection level the TANIX TX5 MAX TV-Box has a Wifi ac 2×2 2.4/5GHz (RTL8222BS) with Bluetooth 4.1 and Ethernet Gigabit with which we connect to an ASUS RT-AC1200G+ Router, a mid-range device. We perform tests on the use of streaming using the iPerf measurement tool to see the maximum performance of each network adapter.

  • Wifi speed results: Correct speed for this wifi adapter, quite stable with their internal + external antennas.
  • Wifi range: At a distance of 5 meters with a wall we have a signal of 34 dBm, good value.
  • Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet with good speed although it does not reach the maximum it could give.
  • Bluetooth: We can connect compatible devices without problems.
  • We recommend reading our Tutorial SAMBA on Android networks if we are going to use files from our network PC.

Tanix TX5 Max test eng 03 Streaming min

Power consumption, temperature and noise

In the consumption side this Android TV TANIX TX5 MAX using the Amlogic S905X2 SoC has very good results in terms of efficiency. This new SoC is manufactured in 12nm and has a maximum consumption of only 4W, a correct result within its range.

Tanix TX5 Max test eng 02 Power min

The performance of the TV-Box in scenarios of maximum sustained performance and in its usual use, we use a stress app for fifteen minutes and thermal camera to detect hot areas. As we have seen the TANIX TX5 MAX performs well and we only have some peak of fall of punctual performance.

  • Loss of performance: The system maintains the 100% of his performance.
  • Temperature: The upper part heats up a little but does not affect the general use of the TV-Box.
  • Noise: Fanless system, 0db.
tanix tx5 max review n21 min
tanix tx5 max review n07 min 1
tanix tx5 max review n08 min 1

PERFORMANCE TEST

SOC

In the raw performance side Android TV-Box TANIX TX5 MAX has acceptable results thanks to the new Amlogic S905X2 Quad Core SoC with ARM Cortex-A53 processors and Mali-G31 MP2 GPU. observing the results we can see how it is almost on par with the most powerful SoC Amlogic the last generation the S912, in general section is below of powerful Rockchip RK3399 SoC that has ARM Cortex-A73 cores, in general a product with good performance using this SoC.

  • You can read our Comparison article for Amlogic S905X2 SoC with all its technical details
tanix tx5 max review n12 min
tanix tx5 max review n11 min
tanix tx5 max review n10 min
tanix tx5 max review n09 min

Benchmarks

Tanix TX5 Max test eng 06 GeekBench min
Tanix TX5 Max test eng 07 Antutu min
Tanix TX5 Max test eng 05 PCMark min
Tanix TX5 Max test eng 04 3DMark min

Games and gamepads

In the gaming aspect the TANIX TX5 MAX have the Amlogic S905X2 SoC that integrates a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU, this model allows us to correctly move most Android titles without performance problems and good compatibility. The titles with a lot of 3D load also move quite well and this GPU allows us to play them correctly in low or medium settings.

  • Compatibility: IS possible to play demanding titles such as PUBG.
  • Emulators: Up to Wii games / NO Vulkan support.
  • Controls: Compatible with Gamepads by cable or bluetooth.
game pubg test n01 min
game android test n08 min
game android test n12 min

VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST

Video and audio connections

At media playback level the TANIX TX5 MAX works perfectly using the new Amlogic S905X2 SoC, which has video output support for HDMI 2.1 that theoretically allows maximum resolution up to 4K@75fps with HDR information. We also have SPDIF optical output and no AV Jack.

This SoC we verify that we have image quality settings with brightness, contrast and saturation, and several preconfigured, also has DNR “Digital Noise Reduction” that effects a smoothing effect of the image with results that depend on personal tastes, all of these settings do not seem to work because of some problem in the Amlogic SDK that could fixed soon. We also have specific settings to activate Dolby Vision if we have a compatible TV.

  • Automatic refresh rate change: Not available, the settings exist but it does not work. *
  • Audio passthrough: Available in audio settings. *
  • Image adjustments: Image quality settings exists but don’t work / RGB mode / HDR <> SDR modes. *
  • Media sharing: Chromecast NO / Miracast NO / DLNA with BlubblePnP / Airplay YES with AirScreen.
  • HDMI CEC: Available in settings.
  • * Tutorials: Judder effect and how to avoid it / Multi-channel audio guide / Correct dark screen when playing video on Android.
tanix tx5 max review n15 min
tanix tx5 max review n14 min
tanix tx5 max review n13 min

Video playback test

In the video playback aspect the TANIX TX5 MAX with the S905X2 SoC and a VPU compatible we can seen that model is compatible with the most modern video formats as we see in the video tests. We can use players like MX Player or install KODI from Google Play, we can uninstall the pre installed without problems. This model is NOT compatible with LibreELEC.

With the VPU called TruLife Gen8 gives us a pretty good image quality, we have more defined colors than in the S905X models where video processing is basic. We must also highlight the best compatibility with VP9 P2 video in 4K resolution, plus we notice improvements in the playback of Anime HVEC but still charge the CPU although it is a very specific niche format.

  • Compatibility: HEVC with good performance at 10 bit color or HDR / VP9 correct with P2, not compatible with 8K
  • Tutorials: Install Addons in KODI in a simple way / LibreELEC installation guide for the TV-Boxes with Android

Test results

H.264 / VC-1 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 Correct
MKV – VC-1 – Advance@L3 – 1080p@24fps – 17 Mbps Correct
H.265 / VP9 SDR
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
Anime – HVEC 10bit –  Main 10@L4@Main – 1080p@24fps – 21 Mbps Correct
Eye of the Storm – VP9 – 4K@24fps – 14 Mbps Correct
H.265 / VP9 HDR
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
Peru 8K HDR – VP9 Profile 2 10bit – 8K@60fps – 20 Mbps Frameskip
MAX BITRATE
Jellyfish – HVEC 10bit – Main 10@L6.1@High – 4K@30fps – Test up to 400 Mbps 100 Mbps = 12,5 MB/s
  • * The maximum bitrate depends on the internal storage, usb port, Ethernet adapter or wifi used, we have used the fastest available, see Hardware tests section of this same review to have more information and have consider the limitations of SAMBA Networks.

Audio playback test

We check the audio in the TANIX TX5 MAX using a Yamaha RXV-577 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 and we have problems to listen to 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 / SPDIF 5.1
  • Certification: No
  • Chomecast Audio: No
tanix tx5 max review n18 min
tanix tx5 max review n17 min
tanix tx5 max 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 OK / OK Core Core 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 / 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. In this model does not have certificates for these services. The TANIX TX5 MAX model presents the classic configuration without certifications that limits us in quality in several streaming services, all the compatible services works without problems.

  • DRM: Google Widevine L3
  • Certification: No
Streaming service Video / Audio Result Manual
Youtube FullHD (1080p) / Stereo OK –
Google Play Movies HD (720p) / Stereo OK –
Netflix SD+ (540p) / Stereo OK, installing the apk and needs a mouse Netflix on Android
HBO FullHD (1080p) / Stereo OK, with custom firmware –
Amazon Prime Video SD (480p) / Stereo OK Amazon Prime video on Android

 

tanix tx5 max review n19 min
tanix tx5 max review n20 min
tanix tx5 max review n22 min

CONCLUSIONS

Score

TANIX TX5 MAX _

0.00
TANIX TX5 MAX _
6.7

DESIGN AND CONNECTIVITY

6.5/10

HARDWARE

6.5/10

SOFTWARE

7.0/10

SUPPORT

6.5/10

PRICE/QUALITY

7.0/10

Pros

  • External wifi antenna
  • Good thermals
  • Android 8.1
  • Ethernet Gigabit
  • Cheap

Cons

  • No audio jack and hidden reset
  • Firmware can be better

Opinion

As we have verified the TV-Box TANIX TX5 MAX is a classic model of low cost within the new products with the Amlogic S905X2 SoC. This processor now includes as a novelty USB 3.0, we also have visual improvements in video playback and a very controlled consumption. At the network level, the Wifi 2×2 ac adapter with the external antenna gives good results and the Gigabit Ethernet port speed allows us to get the maximum performance from our local network.

The model TANIX TX5 MAX also has integrated 4GB of DDR4 RAM, something that gives us fluidity when loading several apps from the internal memory. This model behaves well as a video player, for example with KODI or for powerful games like PUBG and all kinds of Android apps. The firmware to be of Tanix has disappointed us because it is usually something this brand take care at least basically, does not have Android navigation bars, no classic Android settings, no root selector and the launcher Alice is somewhat annoying, in addition the reset button has a complicated access.

This is an economic model but the firmware can be better, only stands out for its external wifi antenna. You can compare this product with our recommended models to know alternatives.

WHERE TO BUY AND ADD-ONS

  • TANIX TX5 MAX can be purchased on Gearbest.com only for $59,99 (€53,4) with shipping cost.
  • You can compare this product with our recommended models to know alternatives.

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.

tanix tx5 max review n06 min

Related Posts

Nokia Streaming Box 8010 review p01
Review Android TV

Nokia Streaming Box 8010, review: new box with Android TV and SoC S905X4-K

12/12/2022
rk3568 soc
Review Android TV

Rockchip RK3568, benchmarks Vs all current SoC

11/23/2022
chromecast google tv hd review t08
Review Android TV

Chromecast with Google TV HD, review: economical and simple

10/26/2022
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
guest
6 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
rikster
rikster

This Tanix TX5 Plus (Deluxe Edition), with S905X3, plays everything I throw at it, and the prices were very affordable,
Unfortunately Amazon, …, were ALL sold out when I tried to grab another one.
This product actually makes DIY (media) SBC’s redundant.

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  rikster

You have similar options with S905x3: https://androidpctv.com/comparison-best-android-tv-mini-pc-buy-tv-box-android/

Reply
Alain
Alain

There is a new firmware that came out just a few days ago. I suppose your review is with the old/original firmware. Did you try the TX5 Max with that new firmware?

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Alain

The firmware in the review is 20181226, i think is the last version.
https://androidpctv.com/firmware-tanix-tx5-max/

Reply
alessa26
alessa26

Hello. what do you recommend between this tx5 max and the max x96 and why? thank you.

Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  alessa26

We recommends this models:
https://androidpctv.com/comparison-best-android-tv-mini-pc-buy-tv-box-android/
X96 have custom firmwares and audio jack.

Reply
wpdiscuz   wpDiscuz
Beelink

TOP REVIEWS (last 6 months)

  • Beelink GTR6
    Beelink GTR6, review: mini PC with AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX and RDNA2
    8.5
  • Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS
    Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS, review: mini PC with AMD Ryzen 7 + RDNA2
    8.5
  • Nokia Streaming Box 8010
    Nokia Streaming Box 8010, review: new box with Android TV and SoC S905X4-K
    8.4
  • Beelink SEi12
    Beelink SEi12, review: new mini PC with Intel Core i5-1235U
    8.2

LASTEST FIRMWARES

  • X98H PROFirmware for TV-Box X98H Pro with SoC Allwinner H618 (01-06-2023)
  • HK1 RBOX H8Firmware for HK1 RBOX H8 Box with SoC Allwinner H618 (02-02-2023)
  • TANIX-W2Firmware update for Android Box TANIX W2 with AMlogic S905w2 (02-20-2023)
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
AndroidpcTV.com / Privacy Policy and Affiliation Agreement  / Cookie Policy (US) / User Data Policy (EU GDPR)
No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
    • Android TV
    • Mini PC
    • Smart TV
    • Laptop & Ultrabook
    • Projectors
    • Consoles
    • Wearables & Domotics
    • Electric Vehicle
    • Tablet & 2-in-1
    • Smartphone
    • Processors & SoC
    • Robots & Vacuums
    • Development Boards
    • Others
  • REVIEWS
    • Android TV
    • Mini PC
    • Laptop & Ultrabook
    • Tablet & 2-in-1
    • Smartphone
    • PC Components
    • Apps & Software
    • Others
  • TUTORIALS
    • Android TV
    • Mini PC
    • Tablet
    • Smartphone
  • DEALS
  • FIRMWARES
  • DEVICE SHOPPING GUIDE
    • BEST ANDROID TV-BOX
    • BEST MINI PC
    • BEST SMART TV
  • CONTACT
wpDiscuz