Are you yearning for the convenience of Kodi on your television but hesitant to break the bank? The allure of turning your ordinary TV into a smart entertainment hub is strong, and the MX V S905 Android TV box, sporting a seemingly attractive price tag and a decent amount of RAM, promises to deliver just that. But does this budget-friendly option truly live up to the hype when it comes to Kodi performance? This is the question we aim to answer in this honest review. We’ll delve deep into its capabilities, performance, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision about whether this cheap Kodi box is the right fit for your needs. Our primary focus will be on its effectiveness as a Kodi platform, examining how well it handles streaming, add-ons, and general navigation within the popular media center application.
A Glance at the MX V S905 Android TV Box
Before we dive into its Kodi prowess, let’s take a closer look at what the MX V S905 Android TV box offers straight out of the box.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Opening the package reveals the box itself, a remote control, a power adapter, and an HDMI cable. The build quality is what you might expect at this price point: mostly plastic. The ports are clearly labeled and appear functional. You’ll typically find HDMI, USB ports, an Ethernet port, and perhaps a micro SD card slot for expanding storage. The device itself is relatively compact and lightweight, designed to sit discreetly next to your television. The remote is a standard infrared remote, which, while functional, lacks the sophistication of Bluetooth remotes found on more expensive models.
Under the Hood: Specifications Breakdown
At the heart of the MX V S905 is the Amlogic S905 processor (or a variant thereof, depending on the specific model). This is a budget-oriented chip designed for basic media playback. The graphics are handled by a Mali GPU, which is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with more demanding games or high-resolution content. The box boasts two gigabytes of RAM, which is a crucial factor we’ll examine closely when discussing Kodi performance. Storage typically ranges from eight to sixteen gigabytes, which can fill up quickly if you plan to download a lot of apps or local media. It runs on Android, often an older version like Android seven point one or Android nine, which might lack some of the latest features and security updates. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi, usually supporting the common standards, an Ethernet port for wired internet access, HDMI for connecting to your TV, and USB ports for peripherals or external storage. The included power adapter is standard and does the job.
User Interface and Initial Setup
Setting up the MX V S905 is generally straightforward. The Android interface is relatively clean, although it might be cluttered with some pre-installed apps, some of which might be unwanted bloatware. Navigating the menus is simple enough, and customizing the launcher is possible if you prefer a different look and feel. Initial setup involves connecting to your Wi-Fi network and logging into your Google account.
Kodi Performance: The Real Test
Now for the most important part: how well does this budget Android TV box handle Kodi?
Installing and Configuring Kodi
Installing Kodi is a breeze. You can download it directly from the Google Play Store or sideload it using an APK file. Kodi installation is usually very easy and doesn’t present any compatibility issues. Adding your favorite add-ons and repositories is also a standard process, familiar to anyone who has used Kodi before.
Streaming Performance Analysis
The performance with seven hundred twenty p and one thousand eighty p content is generally acceptable, especially when streaming from local files on an external hard drive. However, when streaming from online sources, you might encounter buffering, especially during peak hours or with slower internet connections. The box handles common codecs like H dot two sixty-four reasonably well, but it might struggle with H dot two sixty-five, also known as HEVC, particularly at higher resolutions. Don’t expect stellar performance with four K content; the limited processing power and RAM mean that smooth playback is unlikely.
Add-on Compatibility and Stability
Compatibility with popular Kodi add-ons is generally good. You should be able to install and use most of the common streaming add-ons and utility add-ons without major problems. However, stability can be an issue. The limited RAM can cause add-ons to crash or become unresponsive, especially if you have multiple add-ons running simultaneously.
The Impact of Two Gigabytes of RAM
The two gigabytes of RAM is the biggest limiting factor in this device. It significantly affects multitasking and overall Kodi performance. Memory management can be problematic, leading to slowdowns and occasional crashes, especially when dealing with large media libraries or resource-intensive add-ons. This lack of memory can make the whole user experience sluggish.
Beyond Kodi: Exploring Android TV Functionality
While Kodi is the primary focus, the MX V S905 is still an Android TV box, so let’s see how it fares in other areas.
General Android Performance
The overall speed and responsiveness of the Android operating system are adequate for basic tasks. App compatibility is generally good, although some apps might not be optimized for TV use. Web browsing is possible, but the experience can be clunky due to the limited processing power and lack of a proper web browser optimized for TV. Gaming performance is limited to casual games; don’t expect to play demanding titles smoothly.
Connectivity and Media Playback Options
The MX V S905 can play media from USB drives and external hard drives. It supports network streaming via DLNA, allowing you to access media stored on other devices on your network. Bluetooth connectivity, if available on your particular model, allows you to connect wireless headphones or speakers.
The Remote Control Experience
The included remote control is functional but basic. Its ergonomics are acceptable, and it provides basic navigation within Android and Kodi. However, its responsiveness can be slow at times, and its range might be limited.
Weighing the Options: Pros and Cons
Let’s sum up the good and the bad of this budget Kodi box.
Advantages of the MX V S905
The most appealing aspect is the affordable price, making it accessible to users on a very tight budget. It offers passable Kodi performance for basic streaming, especially with lower resolution content. The Android TV functionality provides access to a wide range of apps and services. The connectivity options are decent, allowing you to connect various peripherals and storage devices.
Disadvantages and Limitations
The limited RAM (two gigabytes) is a significant bottleneck, impacting overall performance and stability. The potentially outdated Android operating system might lack the latest features and security updates. The build quality is what you’d expect at this price point: cheap plastic that might not be very durable. There are definite limitations with four K content due to the underpowered hardware. You might encounter stability issues and limited software updates in the long run.
Considering Alternatives
Before committing to the MX V S905, consider other budget-friendly Android TV boxes with similar specifications. While they might not be significantly better, some might offer slightly improved performance or a more up-to-date Android version. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, consider slightly more expensive options with improved processors and more RAM. For Kodi enthusiasts, setting up a Raspberry Pi as a dedicated Kodi box is another alternative, offering greater flexibility and customization.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?
So, is the cheap MX V S905 Android TV box with two gigabytes of RAM worth it for Kodi? The answer depends on your expectations and budget. If you’re a casual user with basic streaming needs and a very limited budget, it might be an acceptable option. However, be prepared to compromise on performance, especially with higher resolution content and demanding add-ons. For users who demand a smooth and reliable Kodi experience, or who plan to stream four K content or use multiple add-ons, it’s best to invest in a more powerful Android TV box with more RAM.
Ultimately, the MX V S905 is a budget device, and it’s important to set realistic expectations. While it can provide basic Kodi functionality, its limitations are clear. Before making a purchase, weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider your specific needs and usage patterns. We hope this review has been helpful in guiding your decision. Have you had experience with the MX V S905 or similar budget Kodi boxes? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
