Introduction
Are you looking for an affordable way to transform your television into a smart entertainment powerhouse? Or perhaps you’re wondering if a truly budget-friendly Android TV box can actually deliver a worthwhile Kodi experience? The market is flooded with options, many promising the world but delivering little. Today, we’re diving deep into the MX V S905 Android TV box, a device frequently touted as a cheap Kodi box contender. This comprehensive review will dissect its performance, features, and overall value proposition, placing particular emphasis on whether its specified two gigabytes of RAM can actually handle the demands of modern streaming.
First Impressions and Unboxing
The MX V S905 Android TV box arrives in fairly standard packaging, a simple cardboard box adorned with promotional images and key specifications. Inside, you’ll typically find the box itself, a remote control, a power adapter, and an HDMI cable. The inclusion of the HDMI cable is a welcome touch, saving you an immediate purchase.
The box itself has a fairly unassuming design. It’s usually made of a lightweight plastic, which immediately betrays its budget nature. While not offensively ugly, it certainly lacks the premium feel of higher-end streaming devices. The build quality is acceptable, but don’t expect it to withstand any serious abuse.
Setting up the MX V S905 is relatively straightforward. Plug it into your TV via HDMI, connect the power adapter, and turn it on. The initial boot sequence is fairly slow, which is a common characteristic of cheaper Android TV boxes. Once booted, you’re greeted with a stock Android interface, typically an older version, which we’ll address later. The interface feels reasonably intuitive, though navigating with the included remote can be a bit clunky at times. It’s important to note that some versions of this box come loaded with pre-installed apps, some of which might be considered bloatware. Removing these is generally advisable to free up storage space and improve performance.
Hardware Under the Hood
The MX V S905 Android TV box is powered by an Amlogic S905 processor. This is an older chip, and it’s essential to manage expectations accordingly. While adequate for basic tasks, it’s not a powerhouse for demanding applications or high-resolution video decoding. The box comes with two gigabytes of RAM, which is often marketed as a significant advantage. However, the actual impact of the RAM depends on how well it’s optimized within the operating system.
Storage typically ranges from eight to sixteen gigabytes, which is sufficient for installing Kodi and a selection of apps. However, if you plan on downloading a large library of offline content, you’ll likely need to expand the storage using a USB drive or SD card.
Connectivity options usually include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, multiple USB ports, and an HDMI output. The Wi-Fi performance can be inconsistent, depending on the specific chipset and your network environment. A wired Ethernet connection is almost always preferable for stable streaming.
Kodi Performance: The Main Event
The real test of any Kodi box is its ability to run Kodi smoothly and reliably. After all, many users purchase these devices specifically for their Kodi capabilities. Installing Kodi on the MX V S905 is a simple process, usually done via the Google Play Store or by sideloading the APK file.
Once Kodi is installed, navigating the interface is generally acceptable. However, expect some lag and occasional stuttering, especially when browsing large libraries or using resource-intensive add-ons. Add-on compatibility is usually good, with most popular add-ons functioning without major issues.
The crucial factor is video playback. The MX V S905 can generally handle standard-definition and high-definition content without too much trouble. However, when it comes to four K videos, the experience can become very frustrating. Expect buffering, frame drops, and potentially even crashes, especially with high-bitrate files.
The claim of having two gigabytes of RAM often raises expectations, but the reality is that the overall system optimization plays a bigger role. While two gigabytes is better than one, the S905 chip and the older Android operating system can still create bottlenecks. It’s essential to keep expectations realistic and avoid pushing the box too hard.
Compared to other cheap Kodi box options, the MX V S905 offers a mixed bag. Some similar boxes with slightly better-optimized software can deliver a marginally smoother experience. However, the MX V S905 is often more readily available and comes at a very competitive price point.
Android TV Functionality Beyond Kodi
While Kodi is a major focus, the MX V S905 also functions as a general Android TV box. The Android interface is usually a somewhat outdated version, often lacking the polish and features of more modern Android TV systems.
The responsiveness of the interface can vary. Basic navigation and launching apps are generally acceptable, but multitasking and switching between apps can be slow and clunky. App compatibility is decent, with access to the Google Play Store providing a wide range of apps. However, some apps might not be fully optimized for the older Android version.
Streaming performance outside of Kodi can also be inconsistent. Netflix, YouTube, and other popular streaming services generally work, but expect some buffering and potentially lower video quality, especially on four K content.
The presence of bloatware is a common issue with these boxes. Many come pre-loaded with unnecessary apps that consume storage space and system resources. Removing these apps is highly recommended to improve overall performance.
The Remote Control Experience
The included remote control is usually a fairly basic affair. It’s typically made of cheap plastic and has a limited number of buttons. The buttons themselves can be somewhat unresponsive, requiring multiple presses to register an input.
The remote lacks advanced features like voice control or air mouse functionality, which are common on higher-end streaming devices. Overall, the remote is functional, but it’s definitely one of the weaker aspects of the MX V S905 package. Consider investing in a separate, higher-quality remote for a significantly improved user experience.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced View
Now, let’s break down the key advantages and disadvantages of the MX V S905 Android TV box.
Pros
- Affordable Price: The primary selling point is undoubtedly its low price, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
- Kodi Compatibility: It can run Kodi, albeit with some limitations, making it a viable option for basic streaming.
- Android TV Functionality: It offers basic Android TV functionality, providing access to a range of apps.
- Relatively Easy Setup: The setup process is straightforward, even for novice users.
- Advertised RAM: The two gigabytes of RAM is better than less, though its impact is limited by other factors.
Cons
- Outdated Hardware: The aging S905 processor limits performance and four K streaming capabilities.
- Performance Limitations: Expect buffering, lag, and occasional crashes, especially with demanding tasks.
- Bloatware Issues: The presence of pre-installed bloatware can negatively impact performance and storage.
- Questionable Build Quality: The plastic construction feels cheap and flimsy.
- Basic Remote: The included remote is functional but lacks advanced features and responsiveness.
- Older Android Version: The outdated Android version limits app compatibility and security updates.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re not entirely convinced by the MX V S905, several alternatives offer varying trade-offs. Other budget-friendly Android TV boxes with slightly newer processors or better-optimized software might provide a marginally improved experience. Consider devices running Android TV OS certified by Google for a smoother and more reliable experience, though these are usually more expensive. Streaming sticks from reputable brands are also worth exploring if portability is important.
Conclusion: Worth the Risk?
So, is the MX V S905 Android TV box worth the investment? The answer depends on your specific needs and expectations. If you’re simply looking for the absolute cheapest way to run Kodi and are willing to tolerate some performance issues, then it might be a viable option. However, if you value smooth streaming, reliable performance, and a modern user experience, you’re probably better off spending a little more on a higher-quality device.
This box is best suited for casual users who primarily watch standard-definition or high-definition content and are not particularly demanding in terms of performance. It’s also a reasonable choice for those who need a basic streaming device for a secondary TV or travel.
Ultimately, the MX V S905 represents a gamble. You might get lucky and have a reasonably positive experience, or you might end up frustrated with its limitations. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a purchase. If the primary goal is to find a review cheap kodi box mx v s905 android tv 2gb ram and nothing else, then this device might meet your needs. But consider that investing in a slightly more expensive device might save you the headache of constant troubleshooting and buffering.
