What is a SkyStream X5 exactly ?
Well if I were to put it short I would say it’s a tiny box full of entertainment, but I don’t like keeping it short, so instead here’s a more detailed answer. The SkyStream X5 is an Android powered T.V box. Now an Android TV box sounds boring doesn’t it ? Well unlike your typical boring Sky HD or Freeview box an Android T.V box has access to almost everything your mobile device has access too. That means millions of applications, millions of T.V shows on demand, millions of movies on demand, millions of songs, millions of games and well the list goes on. So as well as a T.V box or entertainment media centre, it’s literally a mini Android-powered PC that connects to your T.V and in turn turns your T.V into a ‘smart T.V’. There are many different types of these boxes but today I am reviewing the SkyStream X5.
- Amlogic S922X Hexa-core ARM Cortex-A73 and dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor,Android 9.0 operation system.
- 4GB DDR4 support high-definition video display smoothly, 64GB storage allows for massive software download.
- Support 4K 60fps 2.4GHz + 5.8GHz dual WiFi antenna design, stronger WiFi signal and transfer speed,LAN 1000Mbps,bluetooth 4.1
- HDMI 2.1 output up to 4K@75Hz,3D video formats and HDCP 2.2,1xUSB 2.0, 2 x USB3.0 interface .
- 2.4G Vocie remote meet your needs,smarter and simpler operation，the remote control power: 2 x AAA batteries ( not included ).
Specifications:
So what lays under the hood of the X5? Here’s its official specifications:
- Amlogic Quad core S812 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz
- Mali 450 Octa core GPU
- 2 GB of DDR3 DRAM
- 16 GB Flash storage
- Resolutions up to 4K
- Running rooted Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Now these specifications aren’t the amazing specifications you may find in a flagship mobile, but for a T.V box, this is by far the best specifications sheet I have seen yet, all of my other boxes are equipped with 1GB of RAM and only 4 or 8 GB of Flash storage for a comparison. In terms of raw power, these specifications do make this box amazing and I’ll go more into how, when I get to the software and performance section of this review
Design:
I own about 6 Android T.V boxes before this one and five of those are all generic looking squares that well are basically all the same, but with different branding on them as they all originate from Chinese companies. The X5, however, is actually designed by SkyStream themselves and Skystream are an American company so the product is actually unique with it looks.
Instead of the traditional square shape I’m used to seeing from Android T.V boxes, the X5 has a rectangular shape which is also accompanied by curves that really help to give it some edge. This is more than just a boring rectangular shape, it more like a sleek gorgeous rectangle that has been designed to sit nicely in a T.V cabinet.
In terms of colouring the X5 is coloured in Black with a glossy finish that gives it a little bit of shine. Running around the edge of the front face plate is a strip of yellow, that stands out and makes the box known, I suppose you say it’s to stop the box from being completely camouflaged.
When it comes to offering connectivity ports the X5 isn’t shy at all, in fact on the left-hand side of the box are four USB ports as well as an SD card slot, my other boxes only have two USB ports. This means if you decide to use a mouse and keyboard, you still have two ports left over for other things. Around the back of the box are all the basic ports you’d expect to see such as the DC in, a HDMI port and an ethernet port, but also present here is an HD aerial connection that can be used to watch local T.V (now I must admit I’m not sure if this will work here in the U.K as the DTV application doesn’t seem to list the U.K) and there’s some more good news, if you happen to be using a none HD T.V that has a white, yellow and red port (know as AV) you can still use the X5 as it has this connection option available, of course, you won’t get the benefits of HD, but you can still turn your old T.V into a smart T.V. Also present on the back of the box is a WiFi antenna that can be set at many different positions to ensure you get the best signal possible.
Now onto the remote control, normally I would be ranting about how I hate the plain boring remotes that often come with Android T.V boxes. They’re usually terrible and lack no interesting features at all, they’re so horrible I always end up using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. However , I am completely unable to rant or even find myself using a keyboard and mouse with the X5 over the remote that comes with the X5 as the X5 actually comes with a pretty amazing device that has pretty much left me speechless. The X5 comes with a three in one device that is a remote, wireless keyboard and air mouse. Yes, you read that correctly it actually comes with something that isn’t a terrible slab of plastic with buttons on it.
Now in terms of the design it’s a normal sized remote, now that sounds impossible as it’s also a wireless keyboard, well it’s not, because whichever genius designed this thing had the amazing idea to put the remote on one side in a vertical position and put the keyboard on the other side in a horizontal position. So basically it’s a two-sided remote/keyboard/mouse and wait for it, I have been calling it a three in one, but I should actually call it a four in one as well because it’s also a microphone. Yes, the remote has a built-in microphone, just another amazing feature on an already featured packed remote.
Of course, a remote needs something to power it, well this one has a built-in rechargeable battery. Now I’m not all entirely sure just how long this battery can last, because I have been using it for a good while now and so far it’s still going, but when it does need recharging you will be happy to hear it’s charged using a simple MicroUSB cable and that a simple MicroUSB cable is also included.
The remote is by far the best I have ever received with an Android T.V box and really makes using the box so much fun as it just feels like I have so much more input than ever before with an Android T.V box. it’s also extremely comfortable to use and despite the unusual design I never once felt awkward using it, it just feels so right.
Software and performance:
The X5 comes running a heavily skinned version of Android 4.4.2 which has also been rooted for maximum access to the entire O.S. Now in all honesty I have nothing but praise for the work the guys at Skystream have done to make the O.S amazing, although I will say I do feel the choice of Android 4.4 over a more recent Android version is something I don’t like, but this is a small issue and who knows maybe Skystream are working on an update for the firmware version.
As I mentioned above this box is running a ‘skinned’ version of Android 4.4.2. This means the guys at Skystream have created their own skin that sits on top of the O.S that has enabled them to make the X5 as easy as it is fun to use. Right from the start I already felt as if I knew my way around the box because the simplicity and styling of the user interface made me feel that way. Now on the box it list the name of the interface as ‘Windows 8’, now this doesn’t mean the box is running Windows 8, it actually appears to say that the company has taken inspiration from the U.I of Windows 8 and innovated from the Windows 8 U.I to create a fun and easy to use U.I of their own. The main similarity of the U.I here and the U.I of Windows 8 is the tile appearance used, but in all honesty, this is where the similarities end.
Navigating around the U.I is both easy and fun. The main home screen makes use of the tiles I mentioned above and there are six of them listed here. As well as this there’s also a bar at the bottom where you can add or remove applications, this is basically a shortcut bar that allows you to have any applications of your choosing for quick and easy access without having to open the main application drawer.
Now in terms of performance, it appears to me that despite using a heavy skin, this box works like a charm and that’s because Skystream has put a lot of time and effort into making the CPU, RAM and GPU work in perfect harmony along with the O.S itself, this is often a challenging process, that many major O.E.M’s of smartphones always seem to do a less than perfect job of. Right from the start this box seems to have no trouble loading up applications and running them. This can be put down to the fact that 2GB of RAM is in use here. I have so far used a few catch-up T.V applications, played some games, used some of the pre-installed applications and even viewed Facebook from this box and each application was handled with ease. Seriously the experience was so smooth, the box just seemed to handle anything I threw at it with ease. It’s so smooth I have secretly been playing Angry Birds just for fun.
Overall:
It’s just so hard to find anything to dislike about the X5. It looks stunning, It has an amazing remote that comes as standard, it has the best specifications I have seen yet from an Android T.V box and it even has a built-in digital T.V as well as a built-in DVR for the built-in digital t.v, so if you fancy watching local channels and recording your favourite shows just pop in an aerial, although in all honesty I don’t know if this feature works outside of the U.S, I can’t see why it wouldn’t, but the settings for the DTV didn’t mention many countries and I don’t actually watch live T.V as I don’t support the T.V licence, so I haven’t actually tested this feature properly.
DISCLAIMER: I was sent the X5 for free in return for my honest and unbiased review. This has had no effect on my overall opinion of this product.
Best Android TV Box Review of 2023
- 【Powerful Streaming Media Player 】Our mi box streaming media player delivers a fast, fluid 4K streaming experience. Enjoy a lightning-fast interface and channels like Sling, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video that launch in a snap on the fastest, most powerful player ever.
- 【Cinematic Experience 】High Clarity 4K HDR . Xiaomi Mi Box S wiht features the latest 4K HDR technology and high-speed 4K processing for up to 60fps playback. Enjoy an ultra high-definition, lifelike viewing experience. Premium Audio puts you in the action. Dolby and DTS deliver crisper, three-dimensional surround sound.
- 【High Performance with Storage Capacity】2GB RAM + 8GB Storage. Install tons of awesome apps, watch extended cuts, and play more games while enjoying faster performance and stability.
- 【Remote Control】Control your smart home devices conveniently. With the Google Assistant, you can quickly access entertainment, get answers and control devices around your home. Just press the mic button on your remote to get started.
- 【Easy to Connect】Our Mi box S Supports Wired & Wi-Fi connections. Get up and running in 3 simple steps. Step 1. Attach Mi Box to TV. Step 2, Connect to internet. Step 3. Start streaming.
- Newest OS Android 10: Enjoy the latest version of Android TV 10, perfect for home entertainment, home theater, business use
- Access Tons of Content: Access to 3000+ channels and Apps, Enjoy movies and TV episodes from Netflix, VUDU, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and more ( *Some Apps may only be available in certain regions. Ex. Disney+ only supported in US)
- High Clarity 4K HDR: Supports 4K Ultra HD resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR), experience clarity and smoothness like never before
- Voice Control that Does It All: Built-In Google Assistant and in Apps voice search. Search for photos, check the weather, set an alarm. Life should be simple
- Chromecast Built-in：Easily cast your favorite movies, music, and more to your TV
- Allwinner H618 ANDROID 12.0 TV BOX: Android 12.0 installed by this TV which works quickly, comes with the new UI which has simple operation but rich user experience. times faster than other tv boxes we test. Android Box 12.0 also supports more stable and faster 2.4G/ 5.8GHz Dual-Band Wi-Fi and 100M Ethernet LAN.
- 4GB RAM + 32GB ROM: TV box has 4GB/32GB upgrade with high speed flash memory. You can also expand the memory as much as you want via an extra 1TB HDD, 64GB SD card and 64GB TF card. Android 12.0 OS TV box is connected through an HDMI cable. Two USB ports connect with your mouse and keyboard to help you operate more conveniently.
- HDR Ultra 6K+3D& BT 5.0: Magcubic android Box H618 supports Ultra HD 6K resolution with H. 265 decoding technology, which significantly improves picture quality and enables rich colors and deep details while the hidden beauty comes to life. OTA (Over the Air Download Technology), which automatically downloads update packages and automatically updates via the network.
- Support Multiple External Devices: This Android TV 12.0 box has two USB ports and a Micro SD card slot which allows you to connect with another device, such as hard drive or camera, etc. Also you can connect your IOS or Android mobile phone with the TV Box under the same WiFi which will allow you to push pictures and videos from your phone to TV screen.
- What's Included: 1x TV BOX, 1x Remote Control, 1x Mini Keyboard, 1x HD Cable, 1x User Manual, 1x US Power Supply and our professional after-sales team. Please don't hesitate to contact Magcubic if you have any question or problem, we will fix your problem within 24 hours. (Note: AAA dry battery not included).
- 【2023 Newest Android 12.0 TV Box】 This Android Box 12.0 is equipped with the latest generation Operating System 12.0 on the market in 2023 and built-in powerful H618 chipset (H616 upgraded version) which has better performance. The TV box Android has better compatibility, shorter boot time, faster apps starts, more stably and smoothly high-load scene runs.
- 【More Stable WiFi6 & Ethernet】 This Android TV Box 12.0 adopts WiFi6 wireless network technology function and Ethernet 100M LAN. WiFi 6 technology compatible with 2.4G/5.0G WiFi, which providing faster, lower latency and more stable WiFi signal environment to enjoy a higher quality to browse websites, play games, also meets the future high-definition and big data wireless transmission needs.
- 【4GB RAM 64GB ROM】 This TV Box Android 12.0 supply excellent memory (4GB 64GB) which let you have more space to download your favorite movies and apps and make sure higher performance, more smoothly download movies, apps without buffering and freeze, no more crashes.
- 【Ultral HD 6K & HDR10】This latest smart TV box supports 6K Ultra HD decoding and HDR10 technology, which can provide more dynamic range and image details, better reflect the visual effect in the real environment. Enjoy every detail of the screen is glossy.
- 【H.265 Decoding & Bluetooth 5.0】This T95Zplus Android TV Box supports H.265 image processing technology, which use less WiFi resources than H.264, which makes you watch movies more smoothly with the same picture quality loaded. Enjoy a high-quality experience with less buffering. More over, this Android box Built-in Bluetooth 5.0 function, allows you connect Bluetooth keyboard, Mobile phone, Speaker or other Bluetooth devices more easily.
- 【Newest Android 11.0 OS & RK3318 Chip】The 2022 newest android tv box is equipped with the newest Android 11.0 OS, powered by RK3318 quad core cortex-A53 ultra high frequency CPU, which makes sure the android box running faster. Support changing wallpaper. Privacy protection, totally new UI designed and can update online directly.
- 【2GB eMMC+16GB DDR3】Android 11.0 tv box provides plentiful room 2GB RAM 16GB ROM to quickly start your apps and games, download more apps and movies.You can extended USB Hard Disk up to 2TB Storage or TF card up to 64GB which improves the reliability of your android box and prevents crashes due to lack of memory.
- 【5G WiFi & Bluetooth4.0】 2022 android tv box 4K supports dual band WiFi 2.4G/5G and Ethernet 100M LAN. Fast and high quality Wi-Fi signal will makes you surf the internet more freely and smoothly, no worry freezing and buffering. BT4.0 allows you easier connect mini keyboard or other Bluetooth devices.
- 【4K, HDR 10 & H.265 Smart TV Box】Android 11.0 smart TV box supports 4K Ultra HD decoding, HDR10 and H.265 image process Technology and 3D, which significantly improves picture quality, brings richer and brighter color performance. All details will be caught by your eyes.
- 【Easy to Connect】TV box android 11.0 with infrared remote control let you enjoy your wonderful life which the wireless brings to you. The maximum transmission bandwidth of USB 3.0 is faster than USB 2.0.Just plug in the power supply, connect the box HDMI cable and Wi-Fi/Ethernet, you can enjoy whatever you like.
- 【Android 11 OS & S905W2 Quad-Core】The W2B Android TV Box is powered by Android 11 and driven by the S905W2 chipset. The system interface is very simple and easy to operate, and users can easily download or uninstall the applications they want. The Android 11 TV box configuration ensures that the TV box runs stably and provides an enhanced user experience.
- 【4GB DDR3 64GB eMMC】With 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM built into the W2B Android TV Box, it is almost the largest set-top box on the market in terms of memory storage. 4GB RAM makes it run very fast and easy to download programs quickly, and 64GB ROM ensures it can store more data such as apps, 4K pictures, videos and more. And the device is compatible with a wide range of basic common apps.
- 【Powerful Wifi & Bluetooth wireless features】2.4G/5G dual WiFi, depending on the current WiFi signal strength, it can automatically switch to 2.4GHz or 5GHz network, intelligent switching provides a stable network environment for you to use your Android TV box at home. Bluetooth 4.2 enables users to connect to more technological devices such as Bluetooth headsets, Bluetooth keyboards and more.
- 【Remote control and backlit mini wireless keyboard】 The standard package comes with a remote control (without batteries) and a wireless keyboard. The remote control can act as a keyboard without the keyboard, while the wireless keyboard combines the functions of a mouse remote control and a keyboard. Working in tandem, they are absolutely perfect companions for the set-top box. Providing convenience for the user, it enhances the experience of use.
- 【Reassuring security】For physical security, the entire back of the Android TV box has small, evenly distributed holes for heat dissipation. For information security, after you have reset the box due to personal needs, all your personal information will not be retained and it will then become a TV box without any information. No leakage of your personal information.
- 【Newest Android 12.0 OS】Android TV box equipped with Latest Android 12.0 operation system, the latest Allwinner H618 Quad-Core Cortex-A53 CPU, which ensure the android box running stable and smooth for loading movies, pictures and games without buffer. andshows a more modern and rounded shape and color.
- 【2GB RAM + 16GB ROM】The most popular storage in the market at present, 2G RAM large storage ensures speed and stability of the operation system, supports much higher running speed, without buffering or breaking down; 16GB ROM, gives enough room for installing apps, games etc. You can also expand the memory via the micro SD card slot. No need to worry about running out of space.
- 【2.4G/5.0G WIFI6 &BT 5.0】Android TV box supports 2.4G/5G WiFi. WIFI 6 wireless technology has the characteristics of faster speed, lower latency, larger capacity and more secure network. Stable, Fast and High Quality WIFI signal, make sure enjoy a higher quality to browse websites, play games, run programs, watch movies.
- 【6K + 3D】T95 Android TV Box supports decoding and playing almost all popular audio and video formats, you can enjoy 6K ultimate HD video, which is the clear than 4K resolution ,more realistic image effect. You can play thousands of android games in a large 6K screen and enjoy a higher quality experience with less buffering. What's more, this TV box support 3D, you can enjoy the visual feast.
- 【Free Mini Backlit Keyboard & Remote】Packaged with a remote and 92 keys qwerty layout wireless keyboard, which supports multi-touch gestures and scrolling bar. Built-in ultra-sensitive mouse touch pad and 360-degree flip design. Android TV box with RGB atmosphere lights, red, green and blue cyclic gradient, more dynamic.
- 【Newest Android 12.0 OS】The Android TV Box equipped with the newest Android 12 operation system,and builts in powerful AllWinner H618 Chipest ，It has the best compatibility which ensure the box booting time shorter, starting apps faster and running high-load scene smoothly.
- 【2.4G/5G WiFi &BT 4.0】Android 12 tv box supports 2.4G/5G WiFi and Ethernet 100M LAN which provide fast and stable high quality WiFi signal. Enjoy a higher quality to browse websites, play games and watch movies under low latency, fast and stable WiFi environment. The Android box supports Bluetooth 4.0, enables wireless devices connection to enjoy the android tv box.
- 【3D 6K & H.265 TV BOX】This Android media player supports 6K Ultra HD decoding and playing almost all popular formats. The H.265 image processing technology make you watch movies more smoothly with the same picture quality loaded. Bringing you to enjoy 6K ultimate HD video. More over, you could watch 3D movies at home no need to go to the cinema.
- 【2GB RAM 16GB ROM】This EASYTONE android TV box is built with high speed 2GB RAM with 16GB ROM to download more apps, movies and games. With our newest efficiently android 12 system, it provide a extremely high frequency and responsive performance.
- 【Easy to Connect】The Smart TV Box 12.0 just plug in the power supply, connect the TV Box HDMI cable and WiFi/Ethernet , then you can enjoy your leisure time.The USB 2.0 port can connect the mouse and keyboard. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any problem,our technology team will do the best to help you solve it.
- 【Newest Android 12.0 OS】Android TV box equipped with Latest Android 12.0 operation system, which ensure the android box running stable and smooth for loading movies, pictures and games without buffer，and shows a more modern and rounded shape and color.
- 【Powerful H618 chip】 TV Box with latest Allwinner H618 Quad-Core Cortex-A53 CPU has a very fast launch speed that helps to open Apps quickly and switch between interfaces without having to wait for a long time.
- 【4GB RAM + 32GB ROM】The most main popular storage in the market, 4G RAM large storage ensures speed and stability of the operation system, supports much higher running speed, without buffering or breaking down; 32GB ROM, gives enough room for installing apps, games etc. You can also expand the memory via the micro SD card slot. No need to worry about running out of space.
- 【2.4G/5.0G WIFI6 &BT 4.0】Android box supports 2.4G/5G WiFi. WIFI 6 wireless technology has the characteristics of faster speed, lower latency, larger capacity and more secure network. Stable, Fast and High Quality WIFI signal, make sure enjoy a higher quality to browse websites, play games, run programs, watch movies.
- 【6K + 3D】T95 TV Box supports decoding and playing almost all popular audio and video formats. You can enjoy 6K ultimate HD video, which is the clear than 4K resolution ,more realistic image effect. You can play thousands of android games in a large 6K screen and enjoy a higher quality experience with less buffering. What's more, this TV box support 3D, you can enjoy the visual feast.
- ✅【Netflix and Google Dual Certified】： tv box Netflix Certified Android 11.0 ATV TV Box Media Player. you can one key directly NETFLIX, YouTube, prime video, Google play interface.
- ✅【2GB + 16GB & Voice Control Remote】：Android TV box supplies excellent memory (2GB+16GB) to let you download more movies, games or other files. Hold down the Google assistant button and tell it what software you want to open like YouTube, Spotify, prime video, and Google play interface. When pairing the remote control for the first time, the distance should be within 20 cm.
- ✅【4K/HD Resolution + Support HDR10+】：This 4K streaming TV box has optimized for 4K playback with a superb G31 MP2 GPU. This processor delivers amazing processing power (Up to 4Kp@60) to deliver the best content and super smooth interface experience. HDR10+ supports most high-quality HDR video codecs on the market, including hevc, vp9 and av1, and is the only advanced HDR solution on the market that can provide such cost-effectiveness.
- ✅【NEWEST Android 11.0 OS & Amlogic S905Y4】: TV Box with Android 11.0 OS, S905Y4 Quad-Core A55, which makes sure the box runs stable and smooth to load movies, pictures and games without buffer. Built-in lots of content and entertainment from the Android ecosystem, including 4K Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney Plus, etc.
- ✅【Great Connectivity】： HD port, AV port, SPDIF port, Network port on the back of the device allows you to establish a high- quality connection for the best visual and audio performance. Additionally, it features 2 x 2 MINO Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2 x USB port along with a 100M Ethernet connection.
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- NUOLUX Kids Painting Apron Review: A Cheap Apron To Keep Those Expensive Clothes Free Of Paint
- Smoove Universal Chain Lube Review
- Best VR Headsets (Review) of September 2023
- Suaoki 12V Portable Pressure Sprayer Washer Review: Perfect For The Boot Of A Car
- Sades USB 7.1 Surround Sound PC Gaming Headset Review: Cheap But Good Enough
