Today, thanks to the collaboration of the Gearbest store, we offer you the review of the new TV-Box Tanix TX9 Pro, a model that uses the Amlogic S912 Octa core SoC. This is a processor that we have seen in a myriad of devices but in this model seems to have a good balance between specifications and price, we have 3GB of DDR3 RAM, 32GB of internal storage, Wifi ac and Gigabit Ethernet among other features. A perfectly valid model to reproduce any type of content in 4K quality with support for HDR. Let’s see if we are facing an interesting or mediocre product in our usual review.
|
SPECIFICATIONS
| Model | Tanix TX9 Pro |
| CPU | AMLogic S912 Cortex-A53 Octa Core |
| GPU | Mali-T820MP3 |
| OS | Android 6.0.1 |
| RAM | 3 GB DDR3 |
| Storage | 32 GBÂ eMMc |
| WiFi | WiFi ac |
| Bluetooth | 4.1 |
| Ports | 2x USB 2.0 HDMI 2.0a microSD reader Ethernet Gigabit Jack audio port |
| Â Others | Recovery button |
| Â Content | IR Remote HDMI Cable 5V/2A DC adapter Manual |
CONTENT DESCRIPTION
Package content
This new Tanix TX9 Pro Android TV comes in a cardboard box with a very conventional design. Inside we have the device and the rest of the accessories that accompany this model that are located in the bottom under a cardboard cover. We have a fairly simple manual with the first start up steps, an HDMI cable, IR remote and a 5V / 2A power supply with round plug.
Product Details
The box of the Tanix TX9 Pro is made of plastic and has a peculiar triangles design in relief, in the central part we have a square with the logo of the brand that lights up when you turn it on. On the front we have a light panel that shows us the time and data on the network or USB connections, we have not found a way to turn off this lighting.
On one of its sides we have only a microSD reader.
On the back we find the other ports, an audio jack (say SPDIF but is a regular jack), reset button, two USB 2.0 ports very close together, Gigabit Ethernet connector, HDMI 2.0 video output that allows us to have video up to 4K@60fps and the DC-IN power connector.
In the lower area of the Tanix TX9 Pro we only have four rubber feet and the stickers that identify the model.
CONNECTING THE DEVICE
Connection and desktops
We connect the Tanix TX9 Pro to the power and it starts up directly, the first thing we find is an assistant that helps us to launch the device in a simple way, adjusting network, screen and controls.
The desktop of the Tanix TX9 Pro is the classic launcher based on squares, we have direct access to TV Center which is Kodi, access to Google Play, the Netflix app, Youtube and the Chrome browser. In the lower part we have a row where we can add optional shortcuts with our apps, to the left in a roulette we have access to settings and the list of installed apps. We can change the launcher but if we restart we always jump to the default launcher, something quite annoying if we do not want to use it.
- Boot time: 22 seconds
If we enter the configuration icon, we can see a direct access to the Android configuration, an application to clean the memory and a network speed test, on the right we have three spaces for additional shortcuts.
This model have navigation bars and an upper notifications tab that is appreciated when want to use a mouse for example.
The installed applications by default are not excessive, we have AirScreen and Miracast that allows us to share the screen of our mobile, an appInstaller, Chrome, File browser, Kill apps, a Kodi updater, Modbro to watch streaming content, a Netflix app , Speedtest, TV center (Kodi), app to update and YouTube.
User Experience
The performance of the Tanix TX9 Pro is fluid thanks to its 3 GB of DDR3 RAM, we can jump between applications without problems thanks to multitasking. The system loads the apps quickly thanks to its internal memory and during our tests we have not suffered any forced closure which indicates that the firmware behaves normally. In general, the system seems stable and we have enough power to run any modern app from Google Play.
Android Settings
In the Tanix TX9 Pro we have several different settings, first some simple made by Tanix with the basic settings of the system, if we click on More adjustments we reach the lateral settings.
The lateral adjustments are more complete than the previous ones and we find options for all our devices, we must highlight the screen and audio settings since this is really where the most important ones are in this regard.
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
In the TV-Box Tanix TX9 Pro we have Android 7.1.2Â as operating system, an interesting point since we are to the last in compatibility. The kernel is 3.14.29 and the compilation is dated 09-16-2016, with this version of firmware we have done the review.
Brand Support
Tanix brand has a website where we find some of the firmware of their models but not all, although there is a more modern version of the firmware that we have installed in this box we have tried to update by all methods and it has been impossible for us, pity that despite having firmware it seems that it does not do help good.
Storage and RAM
The Tanix TX9 Pro includes 32GB of eMMc storage memory, from this storage memory we have actually available about 25GB, 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.
As we have seen we also have 3GB of DDR3 RAM and 2GB that are free after a long navigation through the system, so we can load quite a lot of content in it.
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 Tanix TX9 Pro are very good in storage memory while the DDR3 RAM maintains the speeds we have been able to see in other similar devices.
Consumption and temperatures
In terms of power consumption, the Tanix TX9 Pro with the S912 SoC shows results within the range of other devices, even putting the SoC to the brim with games with 3D graphics only 5,8 W peak are reached in consumption terms in specific moments.
The temperature of the box is quite high in the use although we have not noticed loss of performance executing applications of intensive use, as we see arrived punctually to 1.2 GHz although normally it is maintained in 0.8 GHz
Google Play and Amazon App Store
With the Google play store we had no problem finding the most common apps in our tests except we only had some inconvenience with specific apps, we can always download the APK’s we are interested in and install them manually. With the Amazon App Store equal result, no problem noticeable with this new TV-Box.
Root
In the Tanix TX9 Pro TV-Box we have root access enabled in this software so we have full access to the file system of this device.
Power Off / Standby / Power On
In the Tanix TX9 Pro TV-Box we do not have a physical shut-off button in the box, we only have it on the IR remote control. If we make a short press on the button of the IR control the device cuts off the video signal and if we press it for a longer time we have a menu where we can completely turn off the device. The option to switch off by means of the short key-press can be controlled by a setting in the configuration. Finally note that we have a virtual shutdown button on the bottom bar of the launcher.
TEST BENCH
Video and audio connections.
The Tanix TX9 Pro Android TV with the AMLogic S912 SoC is in the same league of devices of this price range, it has video output support for HDMI 2.0a that allows a maximum resolution of 4K @ 60MHz and videos with 10 bit color. Within the setup menus we have the few options that appear in most of the TV-Boxes that incorporate this AMLogic SoC. The image quality is correct, although we have to keep in mind that we are in front of a computer that costs what it costs.
In these systems as always we lack control of brightness, contrast and saturation. In the settings we have an option to activate automatic refresh change that does NOT work as it always happens in these systems, something necessary to avoid the Judder effect as we have seen. We can find support for changing the RGB mode something that is needed on some TV models that have incompatibility with the current color modes.
DLNA and Miracast
Installed in the Tanix TX9 Pro we can share the screen using the Miracast or AirScreen app and we have NO problem using a Smartphone LG G3, as we know this type of connections depends on many factors.
The Tanix TX9 Pro system has installed the typical DLNA app called MediaCenter. With this system we can 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 ran several videoconferencing tests with the Tanix TX9 Pro, with Skype we have been able to video conference without any notable problems using a simple webcam Logitech C170, a model very compatible with Android.
NETWORK CONNECTIONS
Wi-Fi and Ethernet
By default in the Tanix TX9 Pro we have a Dual Band Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter and Gigabit Ethernet 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 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi and achieved a speed of about 28 mbps, with the 5Ghz Wi-Fi network we reached about 40 mbps a value that can be improved. This model has a Gigabit network connector with which we used a Category 6Â network cable to guarantee the speed, using this connection we reach about 128 mbps which is a fairly good transfer speed for this type of TV Box.
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 correct for this kind of hardware but not excellent, we recommended to use the 5GHz channel on wifi.
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 40 dBm a figure that indicates we have a good range.
Bluetooth
In the WiFi adapter of the Tanix TX9 Pro we have integrated Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity with which we have no major problems in detecting other devices.
CONTROL SYSTEMS
Remote control
With the Tanix TX9 Pro TV-Box we have a default IR remote control powered by two AAA batteries, giving us access to all the functions of the TV Box. The keys are correctly mapped for use with KODI-type apps.
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 different results depending on our TV model.
Remote control app
To control the Tanix TX9 Pro 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
To control games on the Tanix TX9 Pro we can connect a Xbox 360 Gamepad and the device recognizes it without problems, it also works correctly the Xiaomi Bluetooth Gamepad. We can use them in games with this type of support, in general we will not have problems with conventional PC controls. As for power the Mali-T820MP3 GPU that is incorporated in this AMLogic S912SoC runs any Android game without problems with the settings to the maximum, as we will see in the performance tests this new GPU has a performance far superior to the Mali-450 SoC S905.
- Check our guide about PUBG MOBILE on Android and how to play with Gamepad or keyboard and mouse
PERFORMANCE TEST
SOC
The performance of the Tanix TX9 Pro with its Octa Core AMLogic S912 SoC and 3GB DDR3 RAM are good, the cores works between 100 Mhz and 1.5GHz depending on the performance needs of the system. This SoC integrate a Mali-820Tmp3 GPU with incorporates hardware decoding support for the h.264, 10-bit H.265 video codec and is capable of decoding video signal at 4K@60fps thanks to the HDMI 2.0a output connector. Globally offers us a very positive user experience when using it the system runs very smooth at all times thanks to the RAM speed and storage. Otherwise a device in the line of others who carry this SoC from AMLogic.
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
Passing our usual video tests on the Tanix TX9 Pro and it obtains the same results as other TV-Boxes with the AMLogic S912. we can reproduce all the usual files without major problems with resolutions to 1080P or also in format 4K coded with h.265 or VP9 codec. This SoC also supports HDR modes with 10 bit color, an option that we can activate in its settings.
- This model is compatible with LibreELEC as we have checked using our LibreELEC a quick installation guide.
- Check our guide about Judder in video playback, what is and how to fix it in Android
Test results
| H.264 format | Default player | KODI |
| BBB – H.264 8bit – 1080p@25fps – 7 Mbps | Correct | Correct |
| Birds – H.264 8bit – 1080p@24fps – 40 Mbps | Correct | Correct |
| Samsung Oceanic Life – H.264  8bit– 1080p@30fps – 40 Mbps | Correct | Correct |
| Anime – H.264 10bit – 1080p@24fps – 10 Mbps | Artifacts | Frame skip |
| Skyfall – H.264  8 bit – 4K@24fps – 10 Mbps | Correct | Correct |
| Timelapse – H.264 8bit – 4K@24fps – 43 Mbps | Correct | Correct |
| H.265 format | ||
| Tears of steel – HVEC 8bit – 1080p@24fps – 17 Mbps | Correct | Correct |
| Beauty – HVEC 8bit – 4K@120fps – 12 Mbps | Correct | Correct |
| Anime – HVEC 10bit – 1080p@24fps – 21 Mbps | Correct | Correct |
| Samsung UHD Dubai – HVEC 10bit – 4K@24fps – 51 Mbps | Correct | Correct |
| HDR format | ||
| Life of Pi HDR –  HVEC – 4K@24fps – 45 Mbps | Correct | Correct |
| TravelXP HDR HLG – HVEC – 4K@24fps – 20 Mbps | Correct | Correct |
| Planet Earth II – HDR HLG – HVEC 10L5 – 4K@25fps – 31 Mbps | Correct | 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 Tanix TX9 Pro we have the Amlogic S912 SoC Octa 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-577Â AV receiver and we naturally check that in the device we have audio pass through for DD and DTS 5.1 as usual, with 7.1 sound the results are variable depending on the software we use or the type of file.
- Check our tutorial about Basic concepts and configuration for multichannel audio on Android
Test results
| Formato audio | PCM* | HDMI | Optical |
| Dolby Digital 5.1 | Correct | Correct | – |
| Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 | Correct | Cuts | – |
| Dolby True HD 7.1 | Correct | Core | – |
| Dolby Atmos 7.1 | Correct | PCM * | – |
| DTS 5.1 | Correct | Correct | – |
| DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 | Correct | Core | – |
| DTS-HD High Resolution 7.1 | Correct | Cuts | – |
| DTS-X 7.1 | Correct | 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
Using the TV Box Tanix TX9 Pro we can navigate in a quite good way opening a good number of tabs, something normal since it includes 3GB DDR3 RAM and manages them quite well. The contents that are reproduced in HTML5 do not have major problems with the included default browser which has a good general compatibility, we can install the browser that we like.
DRM
As for the DRM certificates required for some payment Streaming apps we do not have any installed by default, something usual in this type of models, as a novelty we see that we have CENC ClearKey.
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 1080p without any problems with the version that comes installed by default.
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.
- 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 (480p)* | Stereo | Correct |
| Amazon Prime Video | SD (480p) | Stereo | Correct |
| HBO | – | – | Not working |
- For more details check our streaming guides
- Guide for Netflix on Android, inside you can found a solution for Error 0013 and installation for rooted devices or chinese TV-Boxes.
- Guide for Amazon Prime video on Android
CONCLUSIONS
Opinion
As we have seen in our review of the TV-Box Tanix TX9 Pro equipped with the Amlogic S912Â SoC behaves correctly, we have a generous figure of 3GB of DDR3 RAM, 32 GB of fast internal storage and the network adapters that behave efficiently. A device that serves as a media player and streaming without problems thanks to its compatibility with the most modern codecs at video level.
On the other hand the Tanix TX9 Pro has some weak point as is its high temperature in normal situations and some low values ​​in performance tests that tell us that the speed of the CPU goes down when it is stressed, we have also had problems with the firmware from the official website that does not let you install it in any way, a bit worrisome because it seems that there are two versions of this hardware. In general we are facing an interesting product if we are looking for something with good specifications but we must say that it has its limitations.
- You can compare this device with our Recommended Android TV models
Where to buy
|
Tanix TX9 Pro
Pros
- Low Price
- 3G of RAM DDR3 + 32G eMMC
- Fast Wifi and Ethernet
- Compact design
- Android 7.1
Cons
- Little hot on demanding apps
- USB ports too close
- Default Launcher always starts
- Led too bright
My Tx9s android box will not accept my WiFi password
Hi. How do I update software to keep the box running smoothly and able to find more links for shows/movies? Thanks.
Which one better
1.mx10 pro
2. H96 max x2
3. TX9 pro
These are better:
https://androidpctv.com/comparison-best-android-tv-mini-pc-buy-tv-box-android/
Can you get Britons on this ?or any other thing
Can you please tell me what kind of wifi chipset this box has? Is it Qualcomm 9377 or something else?
Does the port ‘SPDIF’ accept a ‘mini TOSLINK’ plug like https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=2671
No, is just a stereo jack with bad labeling.
Thanks. I don’t understand the use of it. I tied plugging in some headphones into it, and no sound came through. My actual goal is to connect the SPDIF to the audio IN on the DENON receiver. I sometimes use the box to listen to music, but don’t want the tv on. I can use the tv to select something in say Deezer, and listen via the DENON receiver (box to DENON to TV). As soon as I turn off the TV, the audio stops.
You try to change the audio output? check our audio test screenshot.
Try using the app SounAbout to send the audio through the jack.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.woodslink.android.wiredheadphoneroutingfix
Test with a headphones, after that you an play with the AV receiver.
Avoid this box like the plague!Constant overheat and having to pull lead on constant freezes.Support useless updates don’t rectify nothing.Total garbage box! And I’ve had many a cheaper item and lower specs that outdo it.
You unit is defective, open a dispute a claim your money.
This box is not built for normal people, the buttons are way too small. Can’t even select a Netflix movie, it doesn’t display the titles, only one row at the bottom of the screen. People say it is fast, it may be fast but I can’t get it to do anything- you press the key to select and it kicks you back to the main menu. Just too hard to control . It’s going back, waist of money and time.
Change resolution to 1080p and lock it.
Use a mouse to control it instead a remote, this going back problem is not normal.
You should do something with your warranty.
I have this little box and is working well.
The only problem I have with it, is the fact that if I change from cable to wireless when isn’t on, it’s freezing.
The rest is ok and is working great.
I bought tx9pro a week ago and it works fine, only have problem connecting to my router(Tp link AC1350) by Ethernet, it appeared connected but offline and the Ethernet option in the setting is dimming. Any help please.
Try other cable, if not work open a dispute.
Hi
I received my TX9 PRO a day ago. Everything works OK as per your review. The only thing that does not work properly, is the WiFi connection. It keeps on connecting and disconnecting every 5 seconds non stop. If I plug in the Ethernet cable it works 100%. All my other devices that are connected to the WiFi works perfect without any disconnect problems. It is just the TX9 Pro box that does that.
Any idea what the problem might be?
Regards
Hi
You can try to change the Wifi channel in your router, change between 2,4G and 5G.
If you can try with other router to discard a TV-Box malfunction.
Good luck.
problem with hight temperature-80*C-dis is OK?
80ºC is normal in high loads, try this app to check the performance loss.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=skynet.cputhrottlingtest
after 15 min.test CPUthrottled to 73% off its max.perf.-Temp.81*C-upgrade biger heatsink?
If you don’t have problems in your normal use don’t need to upgrade
Ok,thank you
I bought Tanix T9 pro I would like to know how can i root my device i have checked the
settings -> more settings -> (preference ) Superuser
1) open root access i have selected
2) close root access
Still i dont have root access
What might be problem and is it possible to solve it?
Try to install supersu app from google play and see the results.
Root undetected Error
supersu version 2.82 failed
You have the last firmware?
https://androidpctv.com/new-firmware-tanix-tx9-pro-with-s912-soc-and-3gb-of-ram-02-05-2018/
Yes
the current
Built number is 20180104
Android Version is 7.1.2
Is old, try the new one.
TX9 Pro Firmware 3GB/32GB Android 7.1.2 Full Image 20180205
i will upgrade and come to you..
Thank You
settings -> more settings -> (preference ) Superuser
open root access i have selected
Built number is 20180205
Android Version is 7.1.2
supersu 2.82 give error as su binary occupied
Thank a lot brother
I did figure it out and it went successful
God Bless U
My pleasure.
Have a nice day.
This box with Ghostware firmware is way better.
Link with info?
Thanks.
Do you really tested the box ???? I think NOT !!!
This whole review seem a copied text from another similar box.
How do you get test resuts from optical audio from a device WITHOUT AN OPTICAL output.
Tanic T9Pro only gots wired spdif !!!!
Typo error, jack says SPDIF and is a mistake, only stereo jack. Even in the settings menu you have SPDIF… Do you think all the pictures, screenshots with the info for this specific box and the results are from a evil genius of the review sector? We are not perfect, simply as that 😀 All our reviews have a template to make the same tests (we can’t invent a different template for each review as you can understand), all have a specifics results and specifics text explains each aspect of this product, nothing is equal, only have similar aspect. If… Read more »
I bought Tanix T9 pro a month ago and I have problem with reproducing videos from my removable HDD disk (connected with Tanix by USB port). I can see video but on some video there isn’t any sound. What might be problem and is it possible to solve it?
Those videos have DTS or DD audio?
You need to configure your media player to support this formats.
I recommend MX Player with this codec addon for DTS:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/mx-player/mx-player-custom-codec-dts-support-t2156254