We start the year with a new Android TV-Box that includes the Amlogic S905W2 SoC that is giving very good results in the entry range, it is the XS97 mini and has very classic specifications.
The new XS97 mini integrates the S905W2 SoC, a chip somewhat inferior to the S905X4 in terms of computing power and graphics as we have seen in our review, but perfectly valid for everyday use. The installed operating system is Android 11 and has a hardware generally suitable as a basic media player although we do not have certificates to play Netflix content and other streaming platforms in high quality video.
This Android TV-Box is able to decode the AV1 codec up to 4K@60fps resolutions and with HDR 10+, although it lacks Dolby Vision that reproduces it but downgrading to basic HDR, although now we have little in this format. An economic Chinese Box, but with rivals at a better price.
SoC, RAM and storage
In the new Android TV-Box XS97 mini we find as heart the new SoC Amlogic S905W2, a Quad Core with ARM Cortex-A35 processors and a MALI-G3 MP2 GPU, a sufficient configuration to use streaming apps, KODI, IPTV applications, simple emulators or many Android games.
In this model for now we only have a version where we have soldered on board 2 GB of RAM DDR3 and 16 GB of eMMc storage memory. We have a micro SD card reader located on the side of the black plastic case that allows us to increase its internal storage capacity with up to 64 GB extra.
Other features
In the wireless connectivity section of the XS97 mini we have Dual Band Wifi aC with internal antenna and Bluetooth 5.0. It has multiple connectors such as 2 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI 2.1 port, SPDIF digital audio output, micro SD card reader, 10/100 network connector and finally an analog port for audio and video.
It also integrates in the box a digital display with the time and offers a simple infrared remote control, power supply and all the necessary cables to set it up with our TV.
XS97 mini, price and availability in stores
- The Smart Box XS97 mini can be purchased on AliExpress from $53 / €47 with free shipping and VAT included.
- A high price compared to other similar TV-Boxes.
