Cheap but Reliable Android TV Box (or other options)

Wombat22 on 23/09/2018 - 18:35

I recently bought a (dumb) smart tv, with only a simple smart tv os. I'm wanting to extend it with a 4K Android TV box. Something I can stream 4K content on.

I'm considering a few options, but I'm wanting it to be cheap. I'm considering a MI box 4, is there any current offers for them?

My next option is, I have an old Galaxy S5, that is no longer used. I've flashed the rom to Nougat and I've changed the resolution which looks alright when full screen is casted onto a tv (Netfix is also forced on a wide screen when not in a video). Only issue of this is actually controlling it. Maybe I could get a mhl to hdmi adapter and an air remote, and have it always charging by the tv. This would be a cheap option, and would make use of an old phone, but not sure how reliable or great it'd be.

Could anyone suggest any ideas or any reliable android boxes?

Thanks

Electrical & Electronics Android TV Media Player

Comments

  • cauilfield on 23/09/2018 - 19:31
    +1

    MiBox 3?

    • Wombat22 on 23/09/2018 - 19:36

      Whats the main differences between the MiBox 3 and 4?

      • kahn on 23/09/2018 - 19:54

        1

      • Clear on 23/09/2018 - 20:13

        The Mi Box 4 hasn't been released internationally. Only in China running a different OS. But it's expected to be released as the Mi Box S in coming months.

        Besides Android Oreo out of the box the only other notable differences is a Mic button for Google Assistant and a dedicated Netflix button on the remote. The hardware inside will still be the same.

  • Mibo on 23/09/2018 - 20:16

    You could always get a board like Rock64 (not the pro version) and chuck android tv onto it. It has ir remote support which you can use your s5 to control.

  • markb28 on 23/09/2018 - 21:59

    Your S5 idea was one I went with, however it was just a pain with the mhl cables and power charger being constantly connected and notifications coming up all the time. Mibox just about runs 4k and will do a job - however I've just upgraded to the Shield and I would wait for a deal that brings it under $200 which will shortly happen, mine was $203 on a deal here, Mibox is pretty old now.

    • Wombat22 on 23/09/2018 - 22:01

      $200 is a bit much for what Im looking for. I'm probably only willing to spend upto $70.

      It would be a pain having to charge, however I think i'd be able to sort out notification, like blocking all of them or something. But another thing is, I don't think this will run 4K content. I think my better choice would be the MiBox 3

  • spackbace on 24/09/2018 - 01:42

    Mibox for a remote, chromecast ultra for Google…

  • sc7 on 24/09/2018 - 18:20

    I have a Mibox 2nd gen. It works fine if you only need to install 2 or 3 apps. It's quite cluttered with pre-installed china apps that you probably won't use. Looking to get a second box too, has anyone used MXQ Pro?

  • chrisng on 24/09/2018 - 21:35

    I have Mibox 3nd gen, international edition for a year or so. Running Android 8.0 oreo recently without issues, Chromecast was a new feature and works well.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join