Introduction
In the ever-expanding world of streaming devices, finding the right Android TV box can feel like navigating a maze. Amidst the plethora of options, the AKASO T95Z Plus 4K S912 Android TV Kodi Box emerges as a budget-friendly contender. This device promises access to a world of entertainment, boasting capabilities like 4K resolution support, an S912 chipset, and seamless Kodi integration. But in a market flooded with newer, more powerful alternatives, the question remains: is the AKASO T95Z Plus still a worthwhile investment? This review delves into the depths of its features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. We’ll explore its strengths, expose its weaknesses, and compare it to the competition, providing you with a comprehensive overview of what this Android TV box truly offers in the current landscape. We’ll assess everything from its ability to handle demanding streaming services to its ease of use, ultimately determining whether it deserves a spot on your entertainment setup.
Unboxing Experience and Initial Impressions
The AKASO T95Z Plus arrives in a fairly standard package containing the essentials you’d expect. Inside the box, you’ll find the TV box itself, a remote control, a power adapter, an HDMI cable, and a user manual. The packaging is functional but not particularly impressive, focusing on practicality rather than flashy aesthetics.
Taking a closer look at the box, the design is relatively simple. It’s a small, rectangular device made of plastic, with a glossy black finish. The size is compact, making it easy to tuck away behind your TV or place discreetly on a shelf. The build quality feels decent for a budget device, though the plastic construction might not exude a premium feel.
The front of the box features a small LED display, while the sides and back house various ports, including USB ports, an HDMI port, an AV port, an SPDIF port, and an Ethernet port. These ports provide a good range of connectivity options for connecting external devices, audio systems, and wired internet connections.
Setting up the AKASO T95Z Plus is a straightforward process. Simply connect the HDMI cable to your TV, plug in the power adapter, and power on the device. The initial setup involves selecting your language, connecting to your Wi-Fi network, and logging into your Google account. The entire process is relatively quick and easy, even for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy.
The user interface is immediately noticeable upon booting up. It’s a fairly standard Android interface, although it may not be the most modern or visually appealing. The initial impression is that it’s functional but somewhat cluttered, with a variety of pre-installed apps and shortcuts. Navigating the interface feels responsive enough, although there’s a slight hint of lag when switching between apps or scrolling through menus. This initial experience suggests a device that prioritizes functionality over finesse, hinting at potential performance limitations that we’ll explore further.
Hardware and Technical Specifications
Under the hood, the AKASO T95Z Plus is powered by an Amlogic S912 Octa-Core processor. This chipset, while not the latest on the market, was a solid performer when it was released. It’s coupled with a Mali-T820MP3 GPU for graphics processing. These components work together to handle video decoding, app execution, and overall system performance.
The device features two gigabytes of DDR3 RAM, which is a common amount for budget Android TV boxes. While two gigabytes of RAM can handle basic tasks like streaming and browsing, it might struggle when multitasking or running more demanding applications. The internal storage is sixteen gigabytes of eMMC, which provides space for installing apps and storing media files. Fortunately, storage is expandable via the SD card slot, allowing you to add more space for your content.
In terms of connectivity, the AKASO T95Z Plus offers both Wi-Fi and Ethernet options. The Wi-Fi supports both two point four gigahertz and five gigahertz bands, providing flexibility for connecting to different wireless networks. The Ethernet port enables a wired connection for a more stable and reliable internet connection. Bluetooth connectivity is also included, allowing you to connect wireless peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and game controllers.
The port selection is decent, with an HDMI port for connecting to your TV, USB ports for connecting external storage devices or peripherals, an AV port for older TVs, an SPDIF port for digital audio output, and an Ethernet port for wired internet. It covers most of the essential connectivity needs.
The operating system is Android, but it’s an older version. This is a major drawback. While Android offers a wide range of apps and customization options, using an outdated version means you might miss out on newer features, security updates, and compatibility with certain apps.
The AKASO T95Z Plus supports four K resolution, allowing you to enjoy content in stunning detail on compatible TVs. However, the actual performance of four K streaming depends on various factors, including your internet speed, the streaming service, and the device’s decoding capabilities.
Software Functionality and User Interface
The Android interface on the AKASO T95Z Plus is relatively straightforward, offering a familiar layout for Android users. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t the official Android TV OS. Instead, it’s a standard Android version adapted for TV use. This distinction is crucial as it impacts the user experience and functionality. The interface can feel clunky and less optimized for TV navigation compared to Android TV.
Navigating the interface is generally responsive, although you might encounter occasional lags or stutters, especially when running multiple apps or switching between them. The overall user experience is functional but not particularly polished or refined.
The AKASO T95Z Plus comes with several pre-installed apps, in addition to Kodi. These apps vary in usefulness, and some might be considered bloatware. This pre-installed software consumes storage space and can clutter the interface, making it less appealing.
Customization options are limited. While you can rearrange the apps on the home screen, there aren’t many advanced customization features available. This lack of customization can be frustrating for users who prefer a more personalized experience.
The most significant issue with the software is the outdated Android version. Running an older version of Android means missing out on crucial security updates and potentially facing compatibility issues with newer apps. This is a major concern, as it can expose the device to vulnerabilities and limit its long-term usability. The absence of timely updates raises concerns about the device’s lifespan and security.
Kodi Performance and Integration
One of the main selling points of the AKASO T95Z Plus is its Kodi compatibility. Kodi is a popular open-source media player that allows you to stream and manage your media library. The device often comes with Kodi pre-installed, although the version might not always be the latest.
The AKASO T95Z Plus performs reasonably well with Kodi, especially when playing local media files. It can handle various video formats and resolutions, including seven hundred twenty p, one thousand eighty p, and four K, although performance can vary depending on the file size and codec.
Streaming performance with Kodi add-ons depends on the add-on and your internet connection. Some add-ons might stream smoothly, while others might experience buffering issues or lag. The overall stability and reliability of Kodi on the AKASO T95Z Plus are decent, but occasional crashes or freezes can occur.
Streaming Performance Beyond Kodi
When it comes to streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, the AKASO T95Z Plus faces some challenges. One of the biggest issues is DRM support. Many streaming services use DRM to protect their content, and the AKASO T95Z Plus might not support the necessary DRM protocols. This lack of DRM support can prevent you from streaming content in high definition or even accessing certain services altogether. The lack of proper DRM is a crucial disadvantage.
Even when DRM isn’t an issue, video quality and playback smoothness can vary. The AKASO T95Z Plus might struggle to stream four K content smoothly, especially with demanding services like Netflix. Buffering issues and lag are common, especially with slower internet connections.
Remote Control Functionality
The remote control that comes with the AKASO T95Z Plus is a basic IR remote. The button layout is fairly standard, with buttons for power, volume, navigation, and playback. However, the remote feels cheap and plasticky, lacking the ergonomic design and premium feel of more expensive remotes.
The responsiveness of the remote can be inconsistent. Sometimes the buttons work fine, while other times you need to press them multiple times to register. The absence of a mouse function or air mouse can make navigating the interface more difficult, especially when using apps that aren’t optimized for remote control. The remote lacks voice control features.
Gaming Capabilities
The AKASO T95Z Plus is not primarily designed for gaming, but it can handle basic Android games. Simple games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds run fine, but more demanding games might experience lag or stuttering. The two gigabytes of RAM and Mali-T820MP3 GPU limit the device’s gaming capabilities. Controller compatibility is limited.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The AKASO T95Z Plus has some notable advantages. The affordable price is a major selling point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. The support for four K resolution is a plus, allowing you to enjoy content in high detail. The compatibility with Kodi offers flexibility for streaming and managing your media library. The inclusion of both Wi-Fi and Ethernet provides options for connecting to the internet.
However, the disadvantages are significant. The outdated hardware, especially the two gigabytes of RAM and older processor, can limit performance. The outdated Android version is a major concern, posing security risks and limiting compatibility with newer apps. The potential performance issues with four K streaming and demanding apps can be frustrating. The limited storage can be restrictive, although it can be expanded with an SD card. The remote control feels cheap and lacks advanced features. The absence of DRM support is a huge issue.
Alternative Choices
Consider alternatives. The Xiaomi Mi Box S is a popular option with official Android TV OS, better performance, and wider app support. The Chromecast with Google TV offers a seamless streaming experience and access to the Google Play Store. These alternatives offer better performance, software support, and overall user experience.
Conclusion and Recommendation
In conclusion, the AKASO T95Z Plus 4K S912 Android TV Kodi Box is a budget-friendly option with limited capabilities. While it offers four K support, Kodi compatibility, and a range of connectivity options, its outdated hardware, outdated Android version, and lack of DRM support are significant drawbacks.
The AKASO T95Z Plus is best suited for budget-conscious users who primarily use Kodi for streaming local media files and are willing to tolerate some performance limitations. However, for users who prioritize smooth streaming, access to a wide range of apps, and long-term software support, the alternatives like the Xiaomi Mi Box S or Chromecast with Google TV are better options. The outdated software and hardware make it difficult to recommend in the current market. It struggles with modern streaming services, and the overall user experience is less than ideal. While the price is attractive, the long-term limitations outweigh the initial cost savings. Before buying, seriously consider if saving a little money now is worth the inevitable frustrations later.
