MINIX NEO U1 Android Media Player review
1. About the MINIX NEO U1 Media Player
Review Pages
2. Unboxing
3. Powering up the player, audio/video tests
4. Benchmarks, Read/Write Storage Tests, Neo A2 Lite Remote
5. Final words
Today we have in our hands the Neo U1, a new media player based on the Amlogic S905 chipset. The player runs on Android and is among the very few S905 boxes currently available at the market. Minix has differentiated by delivering improved hardware specifications, such as:
- 2 x 2 MIMO Dual-Band ac Wi-Fi (compared to most competitors using Single-Band n internal Wi-Fi)
- 2GB RAM (compared to 1GB RAM)
- 16GB eMMC 5.0 Storage (MLC) (compared to 8GB NAND Flash)
- Larger heat-sink, and overall build quality
Basically, whereas most of the S905 boxes are based on the typical development board, Minix has made specific modifications to it.
The NEO U1 is a home entertainment media hub, designed to bring online entertainment to your living room; including web browsing, stunning Ultra High-Definition video playback and real-time streaming, access to media player apps such as KODI, screen-casting capability, local media playback capability via USB port, Internet radio and audio streaming services, Skype along with other VoIP services, Android gaming and much more.
As we previously mentioned, the player showcases the latest wireless advancements with the inclusion of 802.11ac 2 x 2 MIMO Dual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5.0GHz), combining both an internal and external antenna to accomplish flawless streaming. NEO U1 also features Gigabit Ethernet for those who prefer a wired connection.
NEO U1 is the company's first Media Hub for Android to support video output up to 4K @ 60Hz. It also supports up to 10-bit color format, significantly increasing the dynamic range of colors displayed, adding new depths and vibrant picture quality not found on previous Media Hubs for Android.
The player also gains on application performance and responsiveness thanks to its Android Lollipop 5.1.1 OS. MINIX’s launcher presents a well-designed and accessible interface that makes finding what you want easy. And F.O.T.A (Firmware-Over-The-Air) Update System means all updates will be available to download and install automatically onto the player.
NEO U1 features a silent thermal control management system meaning you won't be disturbed by noise while enjoying a movie.
The next generation 64-bit architecture of NEO U1’s CPU offers great power efficiency. MINIX prides itself on the minimal power consumption of its Media Hubs for Android, and ensures that the NEO U1 can be safely powered-on 24-hours a day without any worries about costly electricity bills.
Specifications
Processor |
Quad-Core Cortex A53 Processor(64-bit) |
GPU |
Penta Core Mali-450 GPU |
Memory |
2GB DDR3 |
Internal Storage |
16GB eMMC 5.0 Storage(MLC) |
Wireless Connectivity |
802.11ac 2 X 2 MIMO Dual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz / 5.0GHz), Bluetooth 4.1 |
OS |
Android Lollipop 5.1.1 |
Video Output |
HDMI2.0, up to 4K @ 60Hz Supports HDMI-CEC |
Audio Output |
Via HDMI2.0, 3.5mm stereo jack, optical SPDIF |
Peripheral Interface |
RJ-45 GIGABIT Ethernet - supports hotspot sharing via WiFi |
Power |
DC 5V, 3A adapter included (CE, FCC certified) |
Supported Video Formats |
DAT/MPEG/MPE/MPG/TS/TP/VOB/ISO/ AVI/MP4/MOV/3GP/FLV/MKV/ M2TS/MTS/M4V/WMV/ASF |
Supported Audio Formats |
MP2/MP3/WMA/WAV/OGG/OGA/FLAC/ALAC/APE/AAC |
Review Pages
2. Unboxing
3. Powering up the player, audio/video tests
4. Benchmarks, Read/Write Storage Tests, Neo A2 Lite Remote
5. Final words