HK1 X3 Amlogic S905X3 TV Box – Custom ROM Makes it Great

HK1 X3 TV Box Review

The HK1 X3 TV box is a regular Amlogic S905X3 TV box who’s stock firmware would have earned it a negative review from me. However with the creation and timely intervention of a custom ROM, it transformed the X3 into a feature-rich TV box with features similar to Ugoos and A95X models. So this review began with a bit of frustration then ended on a very good note. The cons on this box are very minimal and I do recommend using a cooling fan only if you intend to play three games, other than that not needed. The box has good hardware performance with its CPU clocked at 1.9 GHz and under the new custom ROM all systems are working perfectly in clothing the IR remote. So if you intend to get this box and do not have any idea or you are fearful of performing a firmware update please be advised that the stock firmware has some issues, and the internal wireless updates doesn’t seem to work. The only way is to perform a manual update via your PC and they Amlogic USB burning tool. I placed a link to the custom ROM, and an update for the stock ROM below.

Available here – $41.99 https://wp.me/P7Izmk-20o

 

Install USB Burning Tool and paste the License folder from the custom ROM in the installation folder. Then when you load the custom rom select the checkbox “mac” before flashing. Also you must use a USB 2.0 port, a USB 3.0 port will not work.

Custom ROM here – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GfuEWdcF9AGAzh1-x5iEgZ5akGuKcc4u?usp=sharing

Stock Firmware update here – https://drive.google.com/file/d/18yFXnEv-awubFjS3fuEH2g2DJ9mx6E8C/view?usp=sharing

✔️2020 TV Box Rank Chart – https://wp.me/P7Izmk-1E3

✔️Alternative TV Box Navigation Bar – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgbCTnzyiqk

✔️Best TV box cooling fan – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE00BNnFiYI

✔️Sony Dolby/DTS Receiver used in video – https://amzn.to/2TyylsH

HK1 X3 in the box

✔️HK1 X3 Hardware

  • CPU – Amlogic S905X3 4X 1.9 GHz
  • GPU – ARM Mali G31
  • RAM – 4GB DDR3
  • Internal Storage – 32GB
  • Wi-Fi – 2.4GHz + 5GHz
  • LAN – RJ45 1000Mbps
  • Bluetooth – 4.0

HK1 X3 system info

HK1 X3 CPU info

✔️IO Ports

  • 1 HDMI 2.1
  • 1 RJ45 LAN
  • 1 Optical Audio
  • 1 USB 3.0
  • 1 USB 2.0
  • 1 Micro SD Card slot
  • 1 AV

HK1 X3 HDMI port HK1 X3 USB ports HK1 X3 optical port HK1 X3 Micro SD card slot HK1 X3 LAN port

HK1 X3 bottom view

✔️Benchmarks

  • Antutu – 74,473
  • Geekbench 4 – 768 Single Core | 1,716 Multi-core
  • 3D Mark – Ice storm Extreme 5,274 | Slingshot 493
  • RAM Copy – 3,236 MB/s
  • Internal Storage – 329 MB/s read | 40 MB/s Write
  • Wi-Fi – 5GHz 100% | 2.4GHz 53%
  • LAN Speed – 100% 1000Mbps

HK1 X3 Antutu benchmark

✔️Custom ROM Features

  • Amlogic S905X3 4X CPU 1.9Ghz
  • Rooted
  • Navigation Bar/status bar
  • Root Switch
  • Screen Rotation
  • Alternative launchers
  • HDR Display
  • Dolby Vision
  • 4K 2160p 60Hz
  • High benchmarks
  • Kodi/APKs/IPTV apps work OK
  • 4K videos play OK
  • Dolby Atmos/DTS-X/THX/Dolby Sur/DTS HD MA
  • Max 5GHz/LAN 1000Mbps bandwidth
  • High Graphics gaming/ gamepad keymapping
  • Bluetooth 4.0 working OK
  • YouTube 4K 2160p 60Hz in HDR

HK1 X3 Old launcher HK1 X3 Update firmware HK1 X3 Custom Rom

HK1 X3 Dolby Atmos

HK1 X3 IR remote

✔️Cons

  • Netflix in basic 480p Lacking DRM
  • IR Remote
  • Mild Overheating
  • Webcam don’t work with social apps

HK1 X3 Pros and cons

Final thoughts

The HK1 X3 is a good TV box with a crappy stock firmware. Thanks goodness someone created the custom rom with all those features, transforming it into a great feature rich experience. If you intend to get this box please be aware of firmware challenges and what you need to do to correct it.

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6 thoughts on “HK1 X3 Amlogic S905X3 TV Box – Custom ROM Makes it Great”

  1. Root switch disactivated in this custom rom to avoid conflicts with Magisk whis is included in the Rom from ath156 (freaktab) . With Magisk you can do all you need.

    Reply
  2. I forgot something:

    concerning the SquareHome Launcher which also i use, by my opinion is one of the best launchers.

    The free version is enought, 98% of the settings you can do. Only some smaller issues (rounded corners of the app-logos) are not included in the free version.

    And by the way, this little money is also fair for the paid version of this good launcher, i bought it.

    Reply
  3. TV Box Stop
    Congratulations on the video (YouTube) and the blog article.
    Your videos and articles that help me a lot.

    Friends.
    I’ve been using firmware_by_ath156 (FreakTab and XDA) since I bought my HK1 BOX S905X3 box.

    About the Custom ROM by ath156 I have to comment the following:

    1) Solid,
    2) Specific (it is not generic, it serves box models, which the developer ath156 has and to be able to test exhaustively)
    3) Supported (on FreakTab and XDA ath156 attends everyone with care, dedication and special attention).

    Summary: It looks like I’m talking about the developer ath156 and not the Custom ROM. The qualities of the two are mixed, for our happiness.

    I agree 100% with Tom comments:

    [Square Home Launcher}: in my opinion it is the best Launcher for Android TV BOX and the free version meets 98% of the needs. I bought the license as an incentive and recognition for the work of the developer (ChYK the dev.).

    [Root and Magisk]: Regarding root, Tom clarified in his comment. “Magisk is the Dude!” With the stock firmware, I was unable to use an app because the root was detected. With firmware_by_ath156 and Magisk this problem is solved as if it were magic!

    Best regards.

    Reply

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