The Android TV box market is constantly evolving. However, finding a device that truly delivers on its promises can be challenging. Enter the UGOOS SK4, the latest release from the world’s number one Android TV box manufacturer.
This device runs on the cutting-edge Amlogic S905X5 chipset. Moreover, it features Android 14 mobile version. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.
What’s in the Box?
First things first. Unboxing the UGOOS SK4 reveals a complete package. You get the SK4 unit itself. Additionally, there’s a Bluetooth voice remote with air mouse functionality. Furthermore, an HDMI cable is included. The package also contains a 12V 1A DC power supply. Finally, you’ll find a comprehensive user manual.
Everything you need is right there. No surprises. No disappointments.
Design and Build Quality
The design mirrors the SK2 model. It features a glossy plastic outer shell. The UGOOS branding sits prominently on top. Overall, it’s sleek and modern.
Moving to the ports, you’ll find excellent connectivity. At the rear, there’s one HDMI 2.1 port. Next, you have an optical audio port. Also included is a non-gigabit ethernet LAN port. The DC input socket completes the rear panel.
On the side, storage options shine. There’s one USB Type-C port. Additionally, a USB 2.0 port is available. The reset button sits conveniently nearby. At the front, an LED power light indicates status. Unfortunately, the base has no ventilation holes. However, four rubber feet provide stability.
UGOOS SK4 Hardware Specifications
Now, let’s talk specs. This is where things get interesting. The device packs 4GB DDR4 RAM. Storage comes in at 64GB internally. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures modern connectivity.
The chipset is impressive. It’s the Amlogic S905X5M. Importantly, this started rolling out in late 2025. The CPU is quad-core Cortex A55. Here’s the kicker: it’s clocked at 2.5GHz. That’s higher than most high-end models.
However, there’s a caveat. It’s still configured in 32-bit mode. This limits its full potential. Nevertheless, performance remains solid.
Graphics come from the Mali G310 processor. It supports OpenGL ES version 3.2. Additionally, Vulkan API version 1.3 is supported. This brings improved graphics rendering capabilities.
Network connectivity is excellent. WiFi 6 is onboard. It supports dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. Consequently, streaming is smooth and reliable.
Software and Interface Experience
The operating system is Android 14. Specifically, it’s the mobile version. This is crucial to understand.
Upon startup, you’re greeted with a UGOOS animation. Then, a first startup wizard appears. Interestingly, you can choose between two launchers. There’s Launcher3 and UGOOS ULauncher.
Launcher3 offers the full mobile experience. It includes drag-and-drop shortcuts. Long-press menus pop up naturally. Most importantly, there’s a navigation bar. The status bar features full system controls.
Furthermore, split-screen functionality works perfectly. You can navigate with a PC mouse. Alternatively, the included air mouse remote works beautifully. Voice search and voice commands are supported too.
UGOOS SK4 Firmware Updates
Here’s something remarkable. UGOOS consistently releases firmware updates. In fact, upon connecting to the Internet, an update appeared immediately. Shortly after, another update arrived. This demonstrates their commitment to support.
This sets UGOOS apart from competitors. Many manufacturers abandon their devices quickly. Not UGOOS. They keep improving their products continuously.
Display and Video Capabilities
Video performance is outstanding. The device supports up to 4K 2160p at 60Hz. HDR display options are comprehensive. You can force HDR always on. Alternatively, automatic content matching works seamlessly.
Color depth reaches up to 12-bit. Auto framerate switching prevents judder. Screen rotation options include portrait and landscape modes.
UGOOS SK4 HDR and Dolby Vision Support
Supported video formats are extensive. HDR10 works flawlessly. HLG is fully supported. Dolby Vision triggers correctly. There’s even a Dolby Vision mode feature. This adjusts color depth between 8-bit and 12-bit.
Auto Dolby Vision display is available. This is fantastic for compatibility. Testing confirmed HDR10 triggers properly. AV1 videos play with HDR10. Dolby Vision content displays correctly. Dolby Atmos audio accompanies supported content beautifully.
Audio Format Support
Audio capabilities are equally impressive. The device supports all major formats. Dolby Atmos delivers immersive sound. Dolby Digital Plus works perfectly. DTS HD Master Audio plays flawlessly.
Additionally, Dolby Surround is supported. Dolby TrueHD processes correctly. DTS:X rounds out the premium formats. However, media player choice matters. Kodi processes all audio formats. Nova Player handles Dolby but not DTS.
Gaming Performance
Gaming tests revealed interesting results. The Mali G310 GPU shows improvements. However, 32-bit architecture limits potential. Shadowgun Legends ran at extreme settings. Frame rates stayed between 59-60 fps consistently.
The device didn’t overheat. Performance remained stable throughout. Nevertheless, 64-bit would unlock true potential. This is the device’s biggest limitation.
UGOOS SK4 Benchmark Results
Benchmark scores tell the story clearly. RAM copy speed reached 4533 MB/s. Internal storage read speed hit 254 MB/s. Write speed came in at 145 MB/s.
WiFi performance impressed greatly. The 5GHz band maxed out network speeds. The 2.4GHz band averaged 85 Mbps. Ethernet LAN averaged 94 Mbps. Remember, it’s not gigabit ethernet.
Geekbench 5 CPU scores were respectable. Single-core scored 195 points. Multi-core achieved 682 points. 3DMark Wildlife with Vulkan scored 618. Average fps was 3.70.
AnTuTu benchmark version 11 delivered 236,407 points. Overall, it ranks position 14 on comparison charts.
Digital Rights Management Limitations
Here’s an important consideration. DRM support is limited. The device has Widevine Level 3 only. There’s no HDCP protection. Consequently, Netflix is restricted to 480p. Disney Plus faces the same limitation. Prime Video is similarly affected.
This stems from the mobile Android implementation. If streaming services matter most, consider the SK2 instead. That model offers proper DRM support.
Root Access and Advanced Features
Root access is surprisingly simple. Out of the box, firmware isn’t rooted. However, enabling root is straightforward. Navigate to settings and enable Superuser. The device restarts automatically.
Then, Magisk appears in apps. Install Magisk and restart again. Boom. Root access is yours.
Additional features are plentiful. HDMI CEC options provide control flexibility. Button mapping customizes remote functions. CPU clock speed adjustments optimize performance. Hardware monitoring displays system processes. Temperature monitoring keeps you informed.
UGOOS SK4 Value Proposition
Price makes this compelling. At just $122, it’s competitively priced. You get premium features affordably. Firmware support ensures longevity. Build quality meets expectations.
However, the 32-bit limitation hurts. A 64-bit configuration would make this perfect. Nevertheless, for mobile Android enthusiasts, it’s excellent.
Final Verdict
The UGOOS SK4 earns three out of five stars. It’s almost perfect for its purpose. Audio and video capabilities shine brightly. Firmware support is industry-leading. The price point is attractive.
Yet, 32-bit architecture holds it back. Additionally, DRM limitations restrict streaming services. For most users though, this won’t matter.
If you prefer mobile Android’s flexibility, buy this. If you need Netflix in HD, choose SK2 instead. Either way, UGOOS delivers quality consistently.
This marks a great start for 2025. The SK4 proves innovation continues. UGOOS maintains their reputation admirably. They haven’t dropped their standards whatsoever.
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