Sunvell T95Q Amlogic S905X2 Android 8.1 4K TV Box Review

Sunvell T95Q Android TV Box Review

As the rain of the Amlogic S905X2 CPU continues, Sunvell has released their own high-end model the Sunvell T95Q TV box. We know that Sunvell is an established TV box manufacturer and we have seen some great TV boxes as far back as early 2016. However, the competitive environment that know exist in the TV box industry, and the ever growing demand for high performing low cost hardware, makes it difficult to standout from the rest. In this latest release will we see a copycat of boxes already released on the market carrying the same hardware, or does Sunvell present something unique for the TV box fans and hardware enthusiasts. 

Sunvell_T95q_In_the_box_contents

$57.99 $75.99

 

 69.99US$ 99.89

$54.89 after

Coupon: 2019NEW3 

 

T95Q Hardware

Amlogic has redeemed themselves in the last quarter of 2018 with the release of the high performing Amlogic S905X2 chipset. The T95Q uses this same chipset, and in boxes that we have seen already using this new hardware has been getting some great results. So far all the boxes that I have reviewed has been configured in 32bit mode even though the chipset is 64bit. This brings to mind the overheating situation experienced in some boxes. It’s either they are holding back on purpose, or there’s an issue with running the hardware in 64bit mode and heat management. I am glad to see that they have once again moved away from the 1.5GHz  CPU clock speed used in the S912 and the S905 line of chipsets, and we are now seeing boxes ranging between 1.8GHz and 1.9GHz on the new S905X2 chipset. Another great thing about this new chipset is the performance of the Mali G31 GPU. With Open GL ES 3.2 support the new GPU can handle any high graphic Android games.

Sunvell T95Q Ports

  • CPU – Amlogic S905X2 1.8 GHz
  • GPU – ARM MAli G31 650 MHz
  • RAM – 4GB DDR4
  • ROM – 64GB eMMc Flash
  • WiFi – Dual Band 2.4GHz + 5.8GHz
  • Bluetooth – 4.1 Support
  • LAN – 1000 Mbps

Sunvell_T95Q_hardware_specs

Sunvell UI and Android OS

In the T95Q Sunvell has decided to go with the full version of Android 8.1 Oreo, unlike the other boxes that choose to use Android TV OS. I personally like the full version of Android over Android TV OS, because there is so much more you can do with the box other than just stream movies and TV shows. The operating system is rooted, which opens up the box to wide range of apps and games. Users of Netflix who have HD accounts would not agree with their box being rooted and running the Full version of Android, because it affects the DRM support which is needed on the box for play Netflix in HD. The Sunvell T95Q only has Google Widevine L3 and no HDCP encryption, which only allows Netflix to show in standard quality.

A noticeable feature missing from all the S905X2 boxes including this one, is a navigation bar and notifications bar for multitasking. This is has to be an issue with the firmware and enabling it. This is the one feature I use the most on a TV box of any kind, because it gives you easy access to volume controls, home button, multitasking screen, and managing tasks.

Sunvell_T95Q_Launcher

Entertainment Features

When it comes to entertainment, you are literally speaking about the main function of a TV box. Streaming movies, 4K video playback, casting mobile content, and Android games, these are the main entertainment features of a TV box. The T95Q Comes with KD Player which is a custom Kodi build that fully functional, and you can remove and install your own version of Kodi. Netflix as mentioned earlier runs in standard 720p quality, and you can install any movie streaming APK for unlimited streams of movies and TV shows. The 4K video playback of self hosted videos managed to play OK for the most part, but certain 4K formats and higher frame rates had some issues. I thing the most commendable thing about this box is its 3D rendering performance. The new Mali G31 GPU continues to perform well, better than the previous Mali 450 / 720 and this is a single core GPU.

Sunvell_T95Q_Netflix_quality

Benchmarks

  • Antutu – 55561
  • Geekbench 4 – 688 single -core / 1990 multi-core
  • Ice Storm Extreme – 4791
  • Sling Shot – 484
  • RAM Speed – 3518MB/s
  • ROM Speed – 153.02MB/s read – 104.43Mb/s write
  • WiFi Speed – Maximum speed on all channels

Sunvell_T95Q_Antutu_Benchmark

Final Thoughts

There isn’t much to complain about in this box. The hardware specs and performance is really good. WiFi speed and LAN is also at maximum speed, gaming is great. You can still watch Netflix but in standard 720p only, and You have a rooted Android OS where you can install any APK or app from the Google Play Store. The areas where I have some issues is the lack of a navigation bar and notifications bar on the UI  and launcher, some 4K videos played with issues,  I couldn’t get my gamepad key mapping app to work, and the box comes with a stock infrared remote.

Sunvell_T95Q_on_cooling_pad

 

8 thoughts on “Sunvell T95Q Amlogic S905X2 Android 8.1 4K TV Box Review”

  1. Hello! Purchased a TV box T95Q 4GB 64GB Android 8.1. But I have a small problem: I cannot install additional launchers on it. I tried to put several launchers, but they are installed incorrectly, crookedly and do not work. Tell me, please, what could be the reason?

    Reply
      • Hi as much I love have comments on my blog, I cannot have readers calling other readers names. Come on, you can criticize the reader but be respectful and more constructive in your remarks.
        There is nothing such as stupid question.

        Regards

        TV Box Stop

        Reply
  2. Hi , I just received my T95Q but it’s got Remote problems ?Somebody already asked but I can’t see the answer . Were can I find the stock firmware I in case it goes wrong . I like the box but if I can’t fix these problems I’ll send it back .

    Reply

Leave a Comment