MINIX U8K Ultra TV Box: A Game-Changer for 2024
Today I’m excited to introduce the MINIX U8K Ultra one of the biggest TV box releases for 2024. If you’re in the market for a high-performance Android TV box, you’re going to love this one. The MINIX U8K Ultra TV Box rivals models like the UGOOS SK1, UGOOS AM8, and Zidoo Z9X 8K with its cutting-edge features.
With a penta-core Amlogic S928X-K CPU, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and AI-powered upscaling, this box is a powerhouse. It also boasts 8K display support, Wi-Fi 6 technology, and Google Widevine level one certification. Curious to find out more? Stick with me as I take you through my full review.
What’s Inside the Box?
When you open the box, the first thing you’ll notice is the MINIX U8K Ultra TV Box itself. It comes with a Bluetooth remote and a mini keyboard combo, which, honestly, might be the best remote setup out there right now. In addition to that, you get:
- An HDMI cable
- An OTG cable (a welcome addition!)
- A 15V 2A power adapter with both EU and UK plugs
- A user manual
Everything you need to get started is included, and the MINIX U8K Ultra TV Box boasts a sleek design with a durable plastic shell. The MINIX logo is featured prominently on top, giving it a clean, modern look.
Ports and Connectivity
This box is loaded with ports to suit any setup. Here’s what you get on the MINIX U8K Ultra:
- One HDMI 2.1 port
- A Gigabit Ethernet LAN port
- Optical audio output
- A headphone jack
- A 12V USB Type-C PD port
For external storage, you have a USB 3.0 OTG port, a USB 2.0 port, and a microSD card reader. There’s also a Kensington lock, ventilation holes, and a reset button. The front of the box has an IR sensor and a simple LED light. It sits on four anti-skid rubber feet for stability.
MINIX Metro Launcher
Now, let’s discuss the interface. Initially, upon startup, you’re greeted by the MINIX Metro launcher. This is an intuitive interface organized into categories that let you create shortcuts to your preferred apps. Additionally, it features a convenient date and time widget. Furthermore, you have quick access to the file browser, Google Play Store, and even a one-click task killer.Moreover, the MINIX Metro launcher offers a seamless user experience. It runs on Android, so you also get the familiar navigation and status bars.
Display and Audio Features
The MINIX U8K Ultra offers an impressive 8K display, though it’s worth noting that on a 4K TV, it maxes out at 4K 2160p at 59.94 Hz. The MINIX U8K Ultra TV Box supports up to 12-bit color depth, adaptive HDR display, and Dolby Vision. Additionally, there’s an option to switch between Dolby Vision and HDR10, depending on your TV’s capabilities. Furthermore, HDMI CEC options and surround sound audio features round out the package, including an audio passthrough feature.
Unique MINIX U8K Ultra Settings
MINIX has incorporated several unique firmware features into this device. For instance, it includes an OTG switch, a customizable LED light control for the top of the box, and the option to toggle the navigation and status bars.There’s also a cool “fake Wi-Fi” feature, which lets you run apps that require Wi-Fi even when you’re connected via Ethernet.
In the AI settings, you can enable AI upscaling, which enhances picture quality significantly. The AI picture quality settings include super-resolution options and even AI face detection. For those who love tinkering with settings, the MINIX U8K Ultra offers a lot of customization.
Remote Control Features
The Bluetooth remote, called the MINIX A3 Pro, is another highlight. It comes pre-paired with the box, but if it loses connection, pairing is simple. Just press and hold the left and right buttons on the direction pad until the LED flashes, then pair it in the Bluetooth settings. The remote also has a mouse feature, a full QWERTY keyboard, and Google voice search capabilities. I tested it by asking, “What’s the fastest car in the world?” and it worked flawlessly.
MINIX U8K Ultra System and Hardware
Let’s delve into the system and hardware specifications of the MINIX U8K Ultra. Powered by the Amlogic S928X-K chipset, this device boasts a robust performance. Furthermore, it features 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking, and a spacious 128GB of internal storage for ample file storage. The CPU configuration is impressive, comprising a quad-core Cortex A55 operating at 2.0 GHz for everyday tasks and a single-core Cortex A76 clocked at 1.89 GHz for demanding applications. While it’s unfortunate that it runs in 32-bit mode, the Mali G57 MC2 GPU with OpenGL ES 3.2 support ensures excellent video and gaming performance.
This box also features Wi-Fi 6 for dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connectivity and supports Bluetooth 5.2. It runs on Android 11 and is not rooted, which allows for secure streaming on platforms like Netflix, though only in 1080p unless you use a modified app.
Streaming and Playback
Speaking of streaming, the MINIX U8K Ultra delivers fantastic 4K playback on YouTube, whether you’re using the mobile app, Android TV app, or Smart YouTube TV app. It also supports screen casting, though the official Miracast app failed to work for me. However, the Airscreen app is a good alternative, albeit without full HD casting.
For local media playback, the box supports 4K HDR10, HLG, AV1, and Dolby Vision formats. I tested several videos, and both Dolby Vision and HDR performed as expected. The AI upscaling is particularly impressive, allowing you to upscale 1080p content to 4K with excellent quality. It even works with movie subscription services.
Audio Performance
The MINIX U8K Ultra excels in audio performance, supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS HD, Dolby Digital Plus, and more. Moreover, to get the best surround sound experience, you’ll need to enable audio passthrough in the settings.Whether it’s Dolby TrueHD or DTS X, this box handles high-quality audio seamlessly.
Gaming and Performance
For gaming, this box is fantastic with gamepad-ready titles. However, because it’s not rooted, some popular keymapping apps like Panda Mouse Pro won’t work. Still, the MINIX U8K Ultra handles high graphics settings without breaking a sweat. I also tested its benchmark performance, and it scored 294,262 in the Antutu benchmark, ranking it seventh on my chart.
Final Thoughts on the MINIX U8K Ultra TV Box
To conclude, the MINIX U8K Ultra emerges as a formidable contender for the top Android TV box of 2024. Its impressive performance, Google certification, and AI-powered upscaling capabilities set it apart from the competition. While it doesn’t support full 64-bit architecture and lacks root access, these are minor drawbacks when compared to its overall performance.
In the market for a reliable Android TV box that can handle 8K displays? Then look no further than the MINIX U8K Ultra. Not only is it a great choice, but it’s currently available on Amazon for a very reasonable price of $259. What’s even better? There’s a $40 coupon available, making it a truly solid deal. But wait, there’s more! If you’re looking to maximize your savings, reach out to me at tvboxstop@gmail.com. I can offer you an incredible 50% discount on an open-box unit.
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