X88 PRO X5M, Review: Cheap Android TV-Box with AMLogic S905X5M SoC

We present today the X88 PRO X5M in our analysis or review, a classic Chinese Android TV-Box with its advantages and disadvantages.

In the X88 PRO X5M we find the new AMLogic S905X5M SoC that replaces the popular S905X4. This small TV-Box offers us as Android 14 system (not Google TV) and includes a Bluetooth remote control, which integrates a microphone to use Google Assistant, for example. It is a TV-Box without DRM certificates that prevents us from watching streaming services in maximum quality, but also gives us enough freedom of use and allows us to use KODI, IPTV or other apps without limitations.

Let’s see in our review how this system behaves and what it offers compared to the rest.

X88 PRO X5M Details

Unboxing

The new X88 PRO X5M comes in a simple and generic cardboard box. Inside we find the small TV-Box, remote control, HDMI cable and a first steps manual.

Description

The new X88 PRO X5M has a compact size and mounts a front LCD clock. On the side we find two USB-A 2.0 OTG and a micro SD slot. We have an HDMI 2.0 connector, Gigabit Ethernet port, AV jack and SPDIF audio connector.

The remote control is Bluetooth Infrared and features a microphone for Google Assistant. It has dedicated keys for microphone, Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and apps. The remote is paired by pressing OK Vol -.

• Remote Control: Bluetooth + IR remote with mic / Compatible keyboard+mouse / Android TV App.
• USB Port: Allows to use a USB HUB, for peripherals or to add Ethernet.

System and Performance

Environment and user experience

We start the X88 PRO X5M and start its configuration wizard where we can set the language and Wifi. We have the simple launcher based on frames, it works quite well for the use we can give to this box. As a system we find Android 14 without customizations and we have the Android mobile store, much better than the Google TV store on this hardware. As we see the performance is fluid, we move smoothly between the most common apps and the environment in 4K resolution.

• Launcher: Replaceable / No notification bars or nav icons / Android UI rendered in 4K.
• Multitasking and access: Multitasking NOT available / Notifications on top icon.
• Languages and app store: English and others / Android mobile app store.

System

We look at the system data and see that it only has 32-bit instructions. It is very possible that this TV-Box does not have OTA updates, but it does have some official Firmware and some Custom ROM.

• Version: Android 14 (32 bit) / Model: ross / Root: Yes
• Support: No OTA support / Firmware available for restore

Network, Storage, RAM and Ports

The X88 PRO X5M has 4 GB of RAM and for storage we have 32 GB eMMC with an acceptable speed. In the network section it has a Wifi 6 wireless adapter and Bluetooth 5.0 that give us normal results and a Gigabit Ethernet port. We also have two USB-A 2.0 OTG ports for connecting peripherals. Storage expandable via USB or micro SD.

• Network: 40 dBm / Wifi 5G 1600 Mbps.
• Storage: 24 GB free eMMC / NTFS OK / exFAT OK.
• RAM: 3 GB free.
• Tutorial on SAMBA Networks on Android to play files on our local network.

Power and performance

As we can see, the X88 PRO X5M is powered by the new AMLogic S905X5M SoC , a Quad Core with ARM Cortex-A55 processors up to 2.5 GHz and a Mali-G310 V2 GPU. In the results, as we can see, the computational performance is similar to the AMLogic S905X4 processor, but its GPU is three times more powerful. It is possible to use streaming apps, KODI, PLEX, IPTV and games or emulators at medium level without complications.

• CPU performance: Min. 0.5 GHz / In use 1.2 GHz / Max. 2.5 GHz.
• You can read our AMLogic S905X5M Comparison for more details.

Games and emulators

In the gaming section we can run somewhat demanding titles or cloud services like NVIDIA GForce Now or play streaming games with our PC using Sunshine server and Moonlight as a client. In the emulators section we can get at most run some Wii and PS2 titles. But we will not have problems with 2D games of classic consoles with emulators like Retroarch or from KODI, the EmuELEC system can not be run, as it is not compatible.

• Games: Simple 3D games / YES supports Vulkan / Emulators up to Wii/PS2.
• Controls: We can use USB or Bluetooth Gamepads.

Consumption and temperature

The AMLogic S905X5M processor , manufactured in 6 nm, has a low power consumption, the cooling system works perfectly and temperatures are low in general. The power consumption is only 5 W and it is possible to power it with a USB from our own TV if it has a power of 5V 2A.

• Thermal: Maintains performance up to 100% / Surface heating / 0 db noise.
• Consumption: Off 0.9W / Min. 1W / In use 2W / Max. 5W.

Video and Audio Test

Playback test

In terms of video playback, the X88 PRO X5M supports the AV1 codec and all the other classics. It also supports HDR format with resolutions up to 4K@60fps. It allows HDMI 2.0 video output that has game mode options, also automatic refresh rate change and AISR image enhancement option. In our test this SoC offers good image quality in video playback in general.

• Video: 4K@60fps / HDMI-CEC / Refresh rate switching / Game mode / HDR / AISR.
• Audio: HDMI 7.1 / SPDIF 5.1 / Apps stereo streaming / KODI or PLEX 7.1.
• Linux OS: NOT compatible with LibreELEC or CoreELEC system.
• Tutorials: Install add-on in KODI / Judder, how to fix it / Multi-channel audio / Dark video playback fix
• We recommend reading the Setup Guide of our TV to get the best picture quality.

KODI: Video and audio test results

• Maximum Bitrate: 350 Mbps.
• HW = Hardware Acceleration / SW = No Hardware Acceleration.

• Formats: Native = Full compatibility / Core = 5.1 only / PCM = Stereo / More info.

Streaming services

We ran several tests on streaming services to check the most popular services. This box does not have DRM certificates, so we are limited in terms of the resolution we can achieve. As we know, Netflix only gives compatibility to their app to assemblers that comply with the Hailstorm program.

• DRM: Google Widevine L3.
• Certificates: Basic HDR.

Streaming test results

• Multichannel audio only via HDMI connection in streaming services, SPDIF stereo only.

Conclusions and purchase link

X88 PRO X5M Review

The X88 PRO X5M is a classic Chinese Android TV-Box that offers a good platform if you want something flexible and are not interested in using paid streaming apps. The new AMLogic S905X5M SoC has more than enough power to use popular apps like KODI, PLEX, IPTV, mid-level games and support for 4K@60 HDR playback, although without Dolby Vision or Atmos certificates. It is very grateful to have the app store for Android Mobile that allows you to use many more applications.

It comes with a Bluetooth remote control, something unusual in cheap boxes and that allows us to use it more comfortably. In addition, it integrates a Wifi 6 adapter with decent speed, something that does not happen in other similar TV-boxes that mount a much worse wifi.

As we can see, the X88 PRO X5M is a very powerful system with many possibilities. A device for those who want to tinker and try different apps or emulators without the limitations of Google TV.

Where to buy the X88 PRO X5M

Review