A95X Max Amlogic S905X2 TV Box Review
So we already know that the Amlogic S905X2 and the Mali G31 is off to a great start for 2019 and just when you thought you have seen it all the A95X Max TV Box arrives with something new. I have been monitoring the A95X brand for some time now and it appears that are very consistent in delivering solid Android TV boxes, and it seems like they are well researched and presents features based on the user experience in mind. In this latest release they are taking it up a notch and delivering features that’s both innovative, attractive, and competitive.
Gearbest – http://shrsl.com/1k15a
Geekbuying – http://shrsl.com/1k15m
Banggood – http://shrsl.com/1k15q
Fasttech – http://shrsl.com/1k15r
TomTop – http://shrsl.com/1k15u
Aliexpress – http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bWLm7vbE
Amazon – https://amzn.to/2P8KWPP
Hard-Drive that works on this box
Amazon – https://amzn.to/2Tkx49S
Aliexpress – http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/ObVPUPI
A95X Max Hardware
The A95X Max fall into the same category as the X96 Max and the T95Q. It runs on the new Amlogic S905X2 quad core CPU, but the difference in the A95X Max it that they governed the CPU clock speed to 1.7 GHz. The S905X2 can run up to 2.0GHz by design but at that frequency there is going to have overheating issues, hence the 1.7 GHz limitation.
The display is powered by the Mali G31 GPU with a refresh rate of 60Hz and OpenGL ES 3.2. The performance from this new GPU has been great thus far and has out performed previous GPU’s like the Mali 450.
The memory and storage is where there is a difference on this box. It comes with 4GB DDR4 RAM and 64GB internal storage which is great, but also comes with brand new feature which is a SATA storage expandable bay to the top of the box with a max capacity of 2TB.
It has 802.11ac dual band 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1.
IO Ports With Extras
- 1 HDMI
- 1 USB 2.0
- 3 USB 3.0
- 1 SATA Expansion Bay
- 1 Optical Audio
- 1 RJ45 Ethernet LAN
- 1 Audio Video
- 1 Micro SD card reader
Android OS/UI/Apps
With all those hardware specs and IO ports the A95X Max does not stop there. The box comes with one of the best launchers for 2019 that features changeable main function buttons, expandable shortcuts with easy remove feature. It comes with a navigation bar to the bottom and a notifications bar to the top, something I highly appreciate and would encourage all TV box manufacturers to follow this trend as it provides a very easy way to navigate a TV box with home and back buttons, volume controls and multitasking capability.
The box runs on a full version of Android 8.1 Oreo operating system, it is rooted. Also if you don’t want root access you have the option the switch off the root in the advanced settings area. The box on the other hand does not not have the required DRM support for Netflix to show in HD or 4K quality. Netflix will not install off of the Google play store, so you will have to install the Aptoide app store and install the latest Netflix build. Once installed Netflix only shows in standard quality.
The A95X max comes with screen recording app to record activity like gaming and anything you want to record live on your box. However it is limited to 720p only.
4K Video Playback/Streaming/Gaming
If you have lots of 4K videos and games you can install a 2TB hard drive or SSD and install into the SATA expansion bay and have easy access to your files for quick and fast playback. In my reviews I always play the same 4K samples all at 60fps and in MKV, MP4, and TS formats. The A95X Max was able to play most of them with ease, but struggled with the Jellyfish video at 400Mbps.
The YouTube app does not come pre-install, however you are free to install the regular version from the Google Play Store, or the Android TV version from the Aptoide app store. The Android TV version plays in 4K quality, and the regular version plays up to 1080p.
The high performance gaming continues with the MAli G31 GPU on this box , I had a very good gaming experience with full key-mapping capability.
Benchmarks
- Antutu – 56380
- GeekBench4 – 669 single-core 2013 multi-core
- Ice Storm Extreme – 4782
- Sling Shot – 489
- RAM speed – 2027.61 MB/s
- ROM speed – 147.85 MB/s read 103 MB/s write
- SATA speed – 50.89MB/s read 60.97 MB/s write
- WiFi/LAN speed – Max speed on all connections
Final Thoughts
I really like the performance and UI experience on this box. The specs and IO ports are great along with than new SATA expansion bay that can accommodate a 2TB drive. I like how the box has root on and off switch. My movie streaming, YouTube, 4K video playback, and gaming experience was a good one.
The manual says that I can pair the remote control to turn on or off my TV, that would eliminate one remote from my shelf, however the manual does not say how to do that, Do you know?
Hi Juan,
The instructions to program the remote is located behind the remote in fine print.
Best
TV Box Stop
Yes, the instructions are on the back of the remote, but I do not understand the wording. Are there instructions available in US English? Thanks
Directions are on the back of the remote literally
Will it receive the latest software updates?
The cooling fan are 5V , 12V or 24 V ?
Tks
It’s a 5V fan, however there are mini fans that cover a range of voltages like 5V – 12V, so they will work also. Take note of the pin type used in this box.
Regards
TV Box Stop
Have 2 of these boxes (December 18 and January 2019)and the socket for the cooling fan is NOT fitted to the board. As shown in pictures of this review. Also the sata drive (SSD480G)is only recognised as an USB drive.
Otherwise nicest tv boxes I’ve used to date and plan to purchase more.
Yes it is going to be recognize as a USB drive, but that’s OK once it works. Only mini PCs and Windows devices will be assigned as a drive letter.
What is the fan pin 2 or 3?
Good day Chris, it’s a 2 pin fan
Regards
TV Box Stop
Thanks ^-^ one more question does https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07LBMMFWN/ref=ox_sc_act_image_6?smid=A3L6ECUK7SFJ4T&psc=1
You thank wold have the female pin for the fan on the motherborad because some people has ran in to it not haveing to female pin for the fan on the motherborad
Here’s the thing. I cannot guarantee that the box on Amazon will have the female pin. The one I bought was from GearBest http://shrsl.com/1fpb5
Does it play 4k MKV 59.94 files or only MKV 4k 30 or less framerate files?
I would stay in the 30fps as the 59.94 had some issues
How to install iptv on this box. I dont want use kodi. Can I just put in a url from my for iptv
You need the IPTV app from your provider or you can install Chrome browser and enter the URL
Per your suggestion I ordered from Gearbest. After a month, they still haven’t shipped item and no way to communicate with them.
Ok I will contact them for you tonight what’s you Full Name?
TV Box Stop
So you are saying you order the tv box and you not receive it as yet over a month that not good. Glad you mention it for I was thing an buying it.
The reason he did not get his box is because I too ordered boxes and due to the Chinese 2 weeks holiday all businesses, shipping and orders were held back. I had some money from some items I sold and that to had to wait.
TV Box Stop
I didn’t know how to leave my own reply on this site so all I’m doing is answering to this I bought the a95x Max and it says from gearbest it’ll take 15 to 28 days to receive it well I waited 20 days got still didn’t receive it so I got a hold of gearbest they said they was out of stock wouldn’t have any until the following month at the end of the month and it would be another 15 28 days after that I waited over three months before I finally got my a 95 x max I had for maybe a day and it almost caught fire on me so now it’s no good won’t even try to turn on tried getting ahold of gearbest to see what they can do about it message several people on there gearbest will not talk to you on the phone they will only message you through gearbest by typing you don’t even feel like you’re a human but the best of gearbest could do is tell me how sorry they were and how they wish there was something they could do about it I couldn’t even get a refund so just think twice before or during this and if you do order it I wouldn’t order it from gearbest because they treat you like you’re a robot and they will not help you out whatsoever they will not reimburse you over a faulty product that they sell I will never do business with gearbest again
Hi Melba, Sorry for your troubles please send me the order number at tvboxstop@gmail.com identify the email so I would not miss it. I will forward this message and order number to my agent for assistance.
Regards
Nick
They are all Chinese so English phone-calls is an issue. I have never spoken to one of then either, only messages and emails translated.
i bought a A95X BOX BUT CAN NOT FIND OUT WITCH HARD DRIVE FITS IT AND WERE TO BUY IT
Hi John, to buy a hard-drive to fit this box the box can take up to 2TB in size. So if you tell me what size (Storage Capacity) you are looking at I can recommend one for you and where to buy if you tell me where you prefer to shop. Like Amazon, Aliexperss etc.
TV Box Stop
OK John if you are unsure, this is the Hard-drive that I have with me right now that will work on this box. Also you can buy 1TB, 250GB, the price varies.
Amazon – https://amzn.to/2Tkx49S
Aliexpress – http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/ObVPUPI
i ordered! is the cooling fan size are 3007/3010 or 4007/4010?
This the fan size for it – https://amzn.to/2ExlMGS
Regards
TV Box Stop
Hi ;
I bought one from banggood. And when i opened for the fan unfortunately there is no fan socket.
On the board its written 12 in socket place , but no socket. “A95X_MAX_V10 2018 – 11-21” is writing on the board.
The connector for the fan is missing, that’s not good you should explain to them and return it.
Hi.
I asked bangood customer service and the answer is : “We are sorry that we got the reply from our supplier is that it does not have the function for cooling fan. We beg your understanding.”
The problem I am having is that i can’t scroll down in Netflix. The one from the Play Store. I was wondering what version did you install in your video for this to work,? I have tried almost all of them and still nothing.
I either get an error, or the scrolling just doesn’t work.
Also in your video what remote are you using because it is not the one that comes with the A95x max
I believe.
The Netflix version I installed from Aptoide is 4.26.1 build 15 31696
And during the video review I always use a regular PC mouse, and when watching movies with the family I use this http://shrsl.com/1ezqf it works great.
Regards
Nick
TV Box Stop
hi thanks for all your informative videos, i purchased the a95x max on your recomondation but i have a problem watching youtube videos, sometimes they play ok all the way to the end and other times they start off ok for a short spell then the video is garbled and i can only hear the sound. this happens on even videos that have played ok in the past, ive tried changing the resoloution in display setting and even turned off the auto switch but no luck. can you offer a fix at all please. one other thing can you explain in a future video what is the benefit of being able to use the root switch, is it better to have the switch on or off ? thank you.
I can answer the easy quest first which is the Root switch. Some apps require root to work and other do not it is simple as that. If you turn off root it has no impact on performance only what apps you can install and vice versa.
The Youtube issue could be a firmware problem I hired another developer to create a custom rom but that is going to take some time about a month or so.
Regards
Thanks for your speedy response, I was going to factory re set my box but think I will wait to see what your custom ROM will be like, thank you.
Hi,,
Recently I purchased this Tv box. Every thing works fine .Though i have some issues
1.when I try to change resolution in YouTube,screen starts flickers and some times restarts.
2. Some of my games support portrait mode. I can’t play such games ex magnet ball. It stretches to full screen and Only half of the game window is visible.
3.can you please tell me how do I get the key mapping option. Currently I am using octopus key mapper. Though it doesn’t has option to emulate tilt when I play temple run.
Any fix ? Or any good keymapper ?
Sorry, I can’t help in issues 1 and 2. In issue 3 I use GKM touch though is can’t emulate tilt, only swipe and touch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNAql4SapQ4
Hi, I am just thinking about this box, planning to connect it to my home ethernet network and install SATA drive. But I am not sure, how can I access the drive from network to manage the content or save new files. Is it accesible from windows computers in the same network? Thank you very much.
Regards
Petr
Windows and Android don’t interface. You can use an external source like a NAS drive for both devices to read and write to but you will not be able to writ to each other.
Thank you very much for your answer. Does it mean, that the only possibility, how to change the content of installed drive is to remove it and do it outside? Maybe I can use sone Samba server for Android – for instance LAN Drive or SambaDroid…
I don’t have any experience with the Samba side of things you will have to as you go on that
Hello,
I have same kind of query regarding A95Max box Ethernet capability.
Before buying one, I would like to secure if I will be able to connect my Linux server in Ethernet mode to READ audio (including Flac) and video files (including mkv and DVD..) ?
Many thanks for your support and advices for any TV box which fit with this requirement.
The LAN port is a 100Mbps port. I fixed the low speed issue by switching between Static and then back to DCHP in the Ethernet settings area, but it’s not a GB Lan port so it’s limited.
bought one of these recently so far so good..just a reminder if your thinking of using the SATA drive make sure you’ve reformat it to exFat..android doesnt recognise NTFS
Yep you’re correct NTFS is only for Windows EXT is for Android. I have a question though does anybody know if sling TV works on this box where you can actually install it login and watch TV cuz I had another box and it doesn’t work on every Android box which is dumb anyway nose please let me know thank you
I bought two boxes, when i install the hard drive, takes a long time for the android box to read. Sometimes USB/Hard Drive does not show at all. Anyone encounter this?
I really need your advise. Thanks!
Check the format of the drive use NTFS or Fat32 is the sure read format.
Regards
hi, does the box record EPG, i mean if im using IPTV, does it record ?
If the IPTV service is encrypted HDCP encryption then it will not record. If it’s not encrypted then it will record fine. You will have to contact the IPTV provider to find out if has HDCP. Most of them usually don’t have encryption.
Hi, I finally got the box after a 2 month wait. I’ve now had it for 2 months, and while watching it recently, it stopped sending a video signal through the HDMI. I don’t have a way to check the AV port. Geekbuying said to try SW update. I think it completed, but without video I’m not sure. The clock display seems to be functioning correctly (after update, display came on as 18:00, then a few moments later it picked up the correct time). After reporting this to Geekbuying, they offered to buy me out for $30. I see no visible issues on the top of the motherboard. Any ideas or thoughts? It would be nice if I could get a replacement MB for the $30 but haven’t found a source at any price.
So as of now you have no picture coming from the HDMI port? Have you tried a different HDMI cable?
Fan socket seems to be under the motherboard. See the pics above and use dome common sense…
I bought the A95X Max in July, and it is the best box for streaming I have ever purchased. My only problem with it was overheating with the processor, which eventually cooked it after 2 months. I got a free replacement without any hassles and installed a usb cooling fan under the box, which keeps it at 43 degrees (celcius) or less. No other issues. This box is very customizable and the streaming performance has been flawless.
Thanks for sharing Bill
Regards
TV Box Stop
I am trying to install a 2 TB drive in the internal bay. It will not recognize the 2 TB drive. When the 2 TB drive is installed I can hear the drive spin up and down several times when booting and it takes a long time to boot (2 – 3 minutes). When I check the setting/storage after the box boots I see that the 2 TB drive has been dismounted and is safe to remove. When I put a 1 TB drive in it work fine. Boots fast check settings/storage and the drive is mounted. When I connect the 2 TB drive with a USB connector to one of the external ports it works fine. Has anyone else seen this.
Now there were at least two other models of this box released with different mainboards. So the limit may be 1TB
Regards
TV Box Stop
Hi I have read several reviews about this Box, and am thinking of buying one. The one feature that I would be most interested in, is the Recording option, but many customers report that the sound is missing from playback.
Is this still an issue? as of 23/12/2019 Also I am having a problem finding someone who will ship to my home in Thailand.
Will Hulu work on it I have tried with no luck thanks.
Sorry Hu-Lu will not work. Lack of DRM and If living outside of the US sometimes will also prevent it from working
I have just installed the latest firmware using fota and now my bluetooth keeps turning off, i have tried clearing the cache restarting the machine all to no avail, so out of desperation i did a factory rest, but the problem is still there. one other thing when I look a the status of the network, the bluetooth line shows no mac address. can you help please?
Mine was purchased from Amazon in the USA
how do we turn on the topand bottom consoles. i going nuts…..
Hi Don the top and bottom bar are called the navigation bar and status bar. These two bars only respond to a mouse cursor or mouse pointer from an air-mouse, a regular PC mouse wired/wireless, or a mini touchpad keyboard. Click and hold at the bottom of the screen and drag upwards and it will appear. The stock remote cannot do this, you need to purchase an air-mouse or a controller with a mouse pointer on the screen.
Thank you. mini keyboard came with purchase
Hey there, You have performed an incredible job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this web site.|
Thanks Haywood really appreciate the support
I am trying to add a 1GB drive to A95X max. Is there a procedure, I have installed it, but I dont know where to format it or add it for usage!! Can you please help?
Go to the settings area under storage and reset and see if you are seeing the 1 TB hard drive. If you are seeing that choose the race or formatted the drive, and from the option select all you would like to format the drive. Either as removable storage, or as shared internal storage.
If you are not seeing the hard drive in the list then it means you have the remove the hard drive from the box connected to a PC and create a partition, and formatted the drive.
Then returned to the box and formatted again in the settings area.
If the drive does not have a partition which usually happens when you purchase a new hard drive, use this free tool on your PC to create a partition, and that the format the drive https://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html