Mecool KD5 TV Stick Review
Mecool is the only manufacturer that has consistently release streaming devices with Google certification, and with this latest release called the Mecool KD5 TV stick it’s certified for Netflix and other premium streaming services. This TV stick is geared towards the budget consumer looking for a certified streaming device to watch Netflix in HD. It uses a new unusual CPU/SOC not seen before called the Amlogic S805X2 CPU with limited RAM and internal storage for just around $43.
This model runs on Android 11 (red velvet cake) and it has all the features of an official Android streaming device such as built-in Chromecast, Google assistant, and the Android TV version of the play store. The play store is limited to those apps that are compatible with the SOC is limited resources. The KD5 is not meant for gaming and should be primarily used for streaming premium movie services such as Netflix, and altered apps such as Kodi and streaming APKs.
Mecool KD5 TV Stick specs
CPU – Amlogic S805X2 4X 1.8GHz
RAM – 1GB LPDDR4
Internal Storage – 8GB
Wi-Fi – Dual Band 2.4GHz + 5GHz
Bluetooth – 4.2
I/O ports
1 Micro USB
Mecool KD5 TV Stick Benchmarks
Antutu – 47,145
Geekbench 4 – Single core 660 | Multi-core 1,718
RAM Copy Speed – 3,493
Internal Storage Speed – Read 99 MB/s | Write 49 MB/s
Wi-Fi Speed – 5GHz 60% | 2.4GHz 15%
Ice Storm Extreme – 5,503
Sling Shot – 514
Features
Google certified Android 11 TV OS
DRM support for Netflix in HD ESN
Disney+/Amazon prime video/other premium movie services work in HD
Bluetooth voice remote with Google assistant
HDR display
HD 1080p resolution max
Pays 1080p videos
Kodi and streaming APKs
YouTube 1080p with HDR
built-in Chromecast
HDMI CEC
DDR4 RAM
No overheating
Average gaming performance
Cons
No 4K resolution
No Dolby Atmos or DTS audio
No Dolby vision
No Vulkan support
Limited Google play store
No USB type C ports
limited 1GB of RAM and 16GB of external storage
Low benchmarks
Cannot play 4K videos
No root access
No temperature monitoring
Premium movie services are limited to HD only
HDR always on by default with no HDR adaptive switch. Non-HDR TVs will have brightness and contrast issues
Final thoughts
If you are looking for a high-end performance streaming TV stick the KD5 will not meet that criteria. The stick is for streaming movies and TV shows and only provides limited resources for extracurricular activities such as gaming. Just keep in mind that the maximum resolution of the stick is up to 1080p.
