Out of the Box and Design Assessment
Unboxing Experience
The anticipation builds as you eagerly anticipate the arrival of a new gadget. Unboxing the H96 Pro Plus is a straightforward experience. Inside the box, you’ll find the Android TV box itself, a remote control, a power adapter, an HDMI cable, and a user manual. The packaging is functional, offering adequate protection for the device during shipping. There are no over-the-top flourishes here, just the essentials needed to get you started.
Design and Build Quality
The first impression of the device is generally positive. The H96 Pro Plus boasts a sleek and modern design. The box itself is compact and easily blends into any home entertainment setup. The design is generally functional, with a focus on usability rather than extravagant aesthetics. Constructed from durable materials, the chassis feels solid and well-built.
On the front, you’ll find a discreet power LED that indicates the device’s status. The side panels house a selection of ports, including USB ports for connecting external storage devices or peripherals like game controllers, a microSD card slot for expanding storage, an HDMI port for connecting to your TV, an Ethernet port for a stable wired internet connection, and a DC power input. The placement of these ports is strategically designed to maximize convenience and accessibility.
Remote Control
The included remote control is an integral part of the overall user experience. It features a standard button layout with essential controls for navigating the Android interface, controlling media playback, and adjusting volume. While the build quality of the remote is adequate, it could be improved. The range of the remote is sufficient for most living room setups, providing easy control from your couch.
Unpacking the Hardware and Performance Under the Hood
Processor
The heart of the H96 Pro Plus Android TV Box is a powerful combination of hardware components designed to deliver a smooth and enjoyable user experience. The central processing unit, or CPU, is critical for handling all of the core functions of the device. This model features the Amlogic S912 processor. This processor is designed to efficiently handle demanding tasks like video playback and gaming. This is key to understand when discussing the performance of the device.
RAM and Storage
Paired with this impressive CPU is a generous helping of RAM. This model boasts an impressive amount of RAM, allowing the device to smoothly multitask between multiple applications. This capacity enables users to switch between apps without any noticeable slowdowns. This is a great benefit when streaming and navigating the interface.
Storage plays a pivotal role in allowing users to store media files, install applications, and cache data. The device provides a solid base, offering ample space for all your essential files. Furthermore, the presence of a microSD card slot provides the opportunity to expand the storage capacity.
GPU
The graphic processing unit, or GPU, handles the visual rendering tasks, and is crucial for the visual quality. The H96 Pro Plus utilizes the Mali-T820MP3 GPU, a capable graphics processor that excels in handling video playback and delivering a smooth gaming experience. This provides excellent performance for running high-resolution videos and playing a wide array of games.
Connectivity
Connectivity is another essential aspect of a versatile media player. The H96 Pro Plus offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing it to connect to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless networks. The inclusion of 5 GHz Wi-Fi is particularly important for providing a stable and fast connection for streaming 4K content, avoiding the limitations of the less reliable 2.4 GHz band. In addition to Wi-Fi, the device also offers Bluetooth support, allowing you to connect wireless peripherals, such as headphones or game controllers.
Benchmarking
Benchmarking can be utilized to provide an objective measurement of the device’s performance.
Navigating the Software Landscape and User Experience
Operating System
The software is a critical element of the Android TV box experience. The H96 Pro Plus runs on a version of the Android operating system, providing access to a vast ecosystem of applications and features. The user interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing even novice users to quickly familiarize themselves with the device.
The user interface is clean and responsive, with a customizable home screen that allows you to personalize the device. The pre-installed apps offer an out-of-the-box experience, providing a selection of popular streaming services and media players. The Google Play Store is readily available, granting access to a vast library of applications, games, and utilities.
OTA Updates
The user experience is significantly enhanced by the availability of over-the-air (OTA) updates. These updates are critical for the continuous improvement of the device.
Video and Audio Excellence: A Performance Review
4K Playback
The H96 Pro Plus is designed to bring your content to life with stunning visual and audio quality. The device supports up to 4K resolution. This can significantly enhance your viewing experience. Testing 4K video playback from various sources, including YouTube and local media files, reveals a smooth and detailed visual experience. The device handles 4K content without any stuttering or dropped frames, providing a premium viewing experience.
Audio Support
Audio support is another essential element of the entertainment experience. The H96 Pro Plus supports a wide range of audio codecs, including Dolby Digital and DTS, delivering immersive and high-fidelity audio. The ability to deliver premium audio complements the device’s visual capabilities.
Video Streaming
Streaming is a key function of any Android TV box. Testing popular streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video reveals excellent performance. The device is capable of delivering high-quality video streams, including 4K and HD resolutions, provided your internet connection is sufficient. Buffering issues are kept to a minimum, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience.
Unleashing the Gamer Within: Gaming Performance Analysis
The H96 Pro Plus offers an unexpected level of gaming capability. Testing a variety of Android games reveals a solid performance, making it an appealing option for casual gamers. Frame rates are generally smooth, and the graphics quality is decent, making for an enjoyable gaming experience.
The performance of the device is reliant on the type of game.
The inclusion of USB ports means that external controllers can be connected. This can considerably enhance the gaming experience.
The Remote Control: A Closer Look
The included remote control is a crucial component of the user experience. The remote control features a standard button layout that offers easy navigation and control of the device’s functions. The build quality is decent and its ease of use is good. The remote is responsive and allows users to effortlessly navigate the interface, select content, and control media playback.
The range and responsiveness of the remote are generally satisfactory, ensuring a smooth user experience from a typical viewing distance.
Weighing the Scales: Pros and Cons
In order to provide a well-rounded assessment, it is necessary to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the H96 Pro Plus.
Pros
Some of the main advantages include:
- Excellent processing power.
- Great video quality for all of your content.
- Ample storage for your files and apps.
- An affordable price point.
Cons
Some of the disadvantages of the device include:
- The software occasionally has bugs.
- The included remote quality is not of the highest quality.
The Verdict: Our Recommendation
After rigorous testing and analysis, the H96 Pro Plus Android TV Box emerges as a solid contender in the crowded media player market. For budget-conscious users seeking an affordable solution that delivers 4K streaming and versatile media playback, the H96 Pro Plus stands out as a compelling option. It strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those looking to elevate their home entertainment experience without breaking the bank. The processing power of the S912 chip is remarkable, and the RAM provides smooth performance.
While it may not be perfect, the H96 Pro Plus provides an impressive value proposition, making it a compelling choice for streamers, movie enthusiasts, and anyone looking to cut the cord.
Should you buy this device? The answer depends on your individual requirements. If you are searching for an affordable Android TV box that delivers reliable 4K streaming and smooth media playback, the H96 Pro Plus is an excellent choice.
If you are looking for a more premium experience, you may want to consider alternative options.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The H96 Pro Plus Android TV Box offers a compelling blend of features, performance, and value, making it a great option for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment setup. The combination of a powerful processor, ample RAM, and excellent 4K capabilities allows the device to perform smoothly. The device offers an enjoyable user experience.
Thank you for reading this comprehensive review. If you have any experiences with the H96 Pro Plus, please share them in the comments section below. Do you consider the H96 Pro Plus?
