[Android Stick & Console AMLogic based Computers] mondohow:
Disclaimer: I received this box free as part of a beelink beta-test group. I am not a professional reviewer so please take this review as more from an average user perspective.

On tearing open the package, I have to say the premium feel of this box is outstanding and on a level above any other Android TV box I’ve received in this price range. The sleek black box with the silver lettering definitely screams classy premium.

[See pics posted at end of review]

Specs:

OS: Android 6.0

CPU: Octa Core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU up to 2GHz(DVFS)

GPU: ARM Mali-T820MP3 GPU up to 750MHz(DVFS)

RAM：DDR3 2GB

ROM：Onboard eMMC Flash 16GB

Connectivity: 1000Mbps LAN; WIFI: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac，2.4G+5.8G

Bluetooth: BT 4.0

USB: 2x USB 2.0 ports

Expand Memory: Micro SD Card (Maximum support 32GB)

Language: Multi -language

Power Supply – 5V/2A

Android Version: 6.0.1

Security Patch Level: June 1 2016

Build #: GT1_102M0

For a complete listing of hardware and video output specs please see forum post linked here: http://www.bee-link.com/Beelink-274-1-1.html

Unboxing:

[see pics at end]

Initial Setup/Performance:

Included in the box is the main device itself, a “high speed” HDMI cable, power adapter and remote which carries 2xAAA batteries (batteries not included).

The top of the device carries a classy beelink logo with a glossy finish helping this box stand out. The right side of the device is blank and I wish there was an additional USB port here. The back houses the main ports: Power, 1xUSB, HDMI, GB Ethernet and SPDIF. On the left side of the box is a 1xUSB port and a microSD card slot. Beelink states the microSD slot supports up to 32GB cards but I was able to read/write to my 64GB PNY card with no problems. On the bottom there are four subtle feet to help stop the device from sliding around.

Powering up the device you will find 1 ‘soft’ white LED status indicator on the front. Thankfully it’s not super bright and shouldn’t keep you up at night.

Boot time - first boot 23.7 seconds

Reboot from home screen - 34.06 seconds

The beelink launcher is one of the best Android TVBox launchers out there. It’s simple, uncluttered with big bright unmistakable icons and most of all it works great with the remote or a mouse.

Bluetooth is also natively supported on the box (you won’t need an external dongle) and I successfully connected my bluetooth speakers and headset for use.

There is no bloatware on this box. None at all. Kudos to beelink for this as some manufacturers preload too much unnecessary software on these boxes. Of the 16GB storage about 10GB is available to the user to install apps or store your media files. Here’s a list of what’s installed by default: App4TV, AppInstaller, Browser, FileBrowser, Fishing Joy, Gallery, Kodi, KodiMate, Media Center, MoviePlayer, Music, Play Store, PPOE, Settings, Update&Backup.

Additional apps I’ve installed:

MXPlayer - plays pretty much everything you can throw at it.

CrossyRoad - game response is better than expected even with the slow remote

Riptide GP - gameplay was good even with the slow remote

Youtube for AndroidTV.

Antutu Benchmark - direct through Play Store

Geekbench 4 - direct through Play Store

Youtube installed via play store does not have the native Android TV resolution or controls and is extremely hard to navigate without a mouse. You will have a better experience if you manually install Youtube for Android TV. Max resolution available 1080p60.

Download Youtube for Android TV (current version 1.3.11) from APKMirror here: http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/youtube-for-android-tv/

The included remote is very basic, is lighter than their previous controls and does not match the premium feel of the box. It’s functional but somewhat slow.

Wifi Connectivity:

The S912 device successfully found and connected to both my 2.4 and 5GHz networks. Also picked up a few of my neighbors :)

The following results are from the SpeedTest.net app from the Play Store:

My home internet speed 250 Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up

Router 3 feet away

2.4GHz - 30.91 Mbps Down / 38.18 Mbps Up

5GHz - 107.88 Mbps Down / 48.86 Mbps Up

Router 13 feet away with 1 wall between

2.4GHz - 2.94 Mbps Down / 26.50 Mbps Up

5 GHz - 16.58 Mbps Down / 15.52 Mbps Up

The 5GHz band is clearly superior so I’d recommend using this if you can.

Benchmarks:

I’m not a big fan of software benchmarks so I won’t go into any details here as there are plenty of other reviews listing them. However here are the scores:

Antutu scored - 41407

Geekbench 4 score - 585 Single-Core / 2418 Multi-Core

Video Playback:

Majority of videos play smooth with no issues including 4K. Streaming via Kodi was smooth and error free on those add-ons we all love to use that I won’t mention. Playback was fast from both attached USB drives and the microSD card. Pausing and seeking (forward and back) provided no challenges.

I have experienced some video stutters and audio is out of sync with some 4K files but this will need further testing. Not sure if this is user error or a limitation of this particular chip as has been mentioned of boxes from other manufacturers carrying the S912 chip. However, this shouldn’t be a problem for the average user whose main goal is to stream general content via Kodi, Hulu, Netflix and 1080p Youtube.

Video Test Files:

BigBuck Bunny

4K Samples from: http://4ksamples.com/

Linaro Sample Media: http://samplemedia.linaro.org/

Google Widevine - Supported

Apps like Netflix need Widevine Level 1 DRM to be able to stream in a resolution above SD.

Missing Features / Issues:

Button on remote to open multitasking like on the Zidoo boxes.

Remote not as responsive as the MiniMX III remote. Clicks sometimes don’t register or register as double. Hopefully this can be fixed in a software update.

Does not come pre-rooted. Hopefully root can come as part of an OTA update.

HDMI CEC - starts the box when you turn on your TV. Would be a nice feature to have.

Overall:

From my limited time with this device I am highly satisfied with this box specs vs performance. If you enjoyed the beelink MiniMX III then you will enjoy the upgrade this box provides. This is another great offering from beelink and I doubt you will find another Android TV box with this spec/performance for this price. I would definitely recommend this to my customers.

Image Album: http://imgur.com/a/T9tOe

You can purchase this beelink GT1 on GearBest or from the Beelink Official Store on Amazon

Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01KFMLCX6

GearBest: http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box-mini-pc/pp_416057.html