Review of Ugoos AM8 PRO 8K Android TV Box with Amlogic S928X-J

Description

Key Features of Ugoos AM8 PRO: A Premium 8K Ultra HD Android TV Box

Testing the Ugoos AM8 PRO (AM8 PRO) has been a unique experience. As someone who loves streaming and pushing devices to their limits, I was excited to see how this Android 11-powered TV box stacks up against other top-tier streaming devices. Spoiler alert: it’s got some serious perks but also a few areas for improvement.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed was the sleek black finish and compact size. At just 4.57 x 4.57 x 1.02 inches, it fits snugly on my entertainment unit without drawing too much attention. The lightweight 2.05-pound build makes it easy to move around if needed, though I rarely did since it’s designed to be stationary. While the design is simple and minimalistic, I did wish it had some LED indicators that could give more feedback about the device’s status.

Beyond aesthetics, the air vents on the sides are a nice touch. This device excels at heat dissipation, a feature that surprised me during extended binge-watching sessions. It stayed cool even after running 8K content for hours.

Performance: A Beast in Streaming

What sets this TV box apart is its Amlogic S928X-J chipset. The ARM Cortex-A76 big core paired with four Cortex-A55 cores ensures buttery-smooth performance. Streaming 8Kx4K content at 60fps felt like a dream, especially when paired with the Mali G57 MC2 GPU. I tested it with a mix of gaming apps, streaming platforms, and high-bitrate movies, and everything loaded almost instantly.

The 8GB LPDDR4 RAM is a standout feature here. Multitasking on this device felt seamless, with no noticeable lag even when running several apps in the background. The 64GB storage is generous, though heavy users might still rely on external storage options—thankfully, the three USB 3.0 ports make that a breeze.

Key Benefits

• WiFi 6E support ensures ultra-fast and stable connections.
• Smooth playback of H.265 videos thanks to advanced decoding capabilities.
• OTA updates mean you don’t need to fumble with manual firmware installations.
• The included Bluetooth remote is intuitive, with voice search and an air mouse function that makes navigation a joy.

Connectivity Game: Next Level

This device thrives on connectivity. The dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz and 5.0GHz) is bolstered by MIMO RSDB technology, ensuring I had a rock-solid connection even in a WiFi-congested apartment building. Whether I was streaming 8K content or gaming online, the connection held strong without stutters.

If you prefer wired setups, the 1000Mbps LAN port offers equally great performance, which I found ideal for streaming large files. The Bluetooth 5.3 integration also deserves a mention—it paired effortlessly with my Bluetooth soundbar and headphones, maintaining a stable connection throughout.

Downsides

While the Ugoos AM8 PRO excels in many areas, it’s not without its shortcomings:

• No Dolby Vision support, which could be a dealbreaker for cinephiles looking for the ultimate HDR experience.
• The remote design, while functional, feels a bit flimsy.
• Limited app compatibility with certain streaming services, which required me to sideload APKs.

Areas for Improvement

• Lack of Dolby Vision support limits HDR options.
• Remote build quality could be sturdier.
• Some apps may require manual sideloading.

Competing Products

Comparing the Ugoos AM8 PRO to competitors like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro or the Amazon Fire Cube, it holds its ground surprisingly well. The Shield TV Pro is a powerhouse for gamers with its NVIDIA GPU but falls short in terms of price-to-performance for regular streaming users. Meanwhile, the Fire Cube is more user-friendly for Amazon ecosystem fans but lacks the raw power and customization offered by the AM8 PRO.

The AM8 PRO outshines both in 8K playback capabilities, but it can’t match the Shield’s AI upscaling or the Fire Cube’s Alexa integration. If you’re a tech enthusiast who enjoys tweaking settings, this TV box is a better fit.

Bang for the Buck

The price-to-quality ratio is impressive. You’re getting 8K playback, WiFi 6E, and ample RAM/storage at a fraction of the cost of flagship models. For anyone who prioritizes performance over brand names, this is a smart investment. However, if you’re looking for seamless app compatibility or premium HDR features like Dolby Vision, you might find better value elsewhere.

Ultimately, this device is a solid choice for tech-savvy users who appreciate customization and top-tier performance.

Additional information