[Android Stick & Console AMLogic based Computers] Alberto96:
Introduction

As a minor upgrade to the NEO-U1, Minix released a newer, and slightly more powerful, Android Mini PC with Native 4K and HDR support. Other changes, except OpenGL 3 support, might not be as impressive though. This is the Minix NEO U9-H.

Unboxing

Most of you will receive two packages when you order it (unless you buy only the Mini PC), the Minix NEO U9-H Package and the Minix A3 (Air Mouse/Keyboard with Microphone) package.

Just like it's predecessor, the package comes with many accessories: 1x HDMI Cable, 1x Power Supply (5V/3A), 1x WiFi Antenna, 1x Micro-USB Cable, 1x Micro-USB OTG Cable, 1x Remote Control (no Air Mouse), 1x Multi-Language Setup Guide, 1x Product Brochure and the Mini PC (of course).

No Air Mouse/Keyboard is included in the main package, so you may choose to get the complete bundle, or save some money and get the old A2 Lite controller instead of the A3. It is up to you, depending on what you want and how much you can spend.

The NEO A3, compared to the A2 Lite, is almost identical. The only difference i noticed is the built-in microphone together with a slightly different key layout. I do not own a standard A2 (no Lite), but based on the specs, it seems that the A2 was including a Speaker, unlike the A3, so i have to consider this a downgrade. It can still work also on other devices such as standard Desktop PCs or anything else that has a USB Port and supports Mouse/Keyboard input.

Device

Some parts of this paragraph have been merged with my previous NEO U1 review, because the chassis look the same, identical.

Talking about the Design, its Chassis is made of plastic and with a kind of rubberized surface, this is what makes the device look so opaque. Heat Dissipation isn’t impacted though, so don’t worry even if this isn’t made of Metal.

It is as compact as most of all Mini PCs, just 12.8x12.8x2.4 and it is also lightweight enough.

As specified before, the whole surface (except the lower side) is kind of rubberized. On the Upper Side there is just a big brand logo (pretty cool, not printed), nothing else. Absolutely clean.

On the front side there is the IR Receiver (required to use the included Remote Control) and a Blue/Green Power LED.

Power On = Blue | Standby Mode = Green

On the left, there is just 1x Wi-Fi Antenna Connector but the Second Antenna is internal, fixed to the upper side of the chassis. (2x2 RX/TX Wi-Fi Adapter)

On the right, there are 3x Standard USB 2.0 Ports, 1x micro SD Card slot, 1x Kensington Lock, 1x Micro-USB Connector (used for OTG or to connect the device to a PC) and a Power Button.

USB Ports are well designed here, you won’t have any kind of problem even with big USB Sticks. Well Done Minix!

The rear features separate Headphone/Microphone Jacks (like PCs), 1x HDMI port, 1x SPDIF port, 1x LAN 10/100/1000 port, and 1x 5.5mm DC in.

On the lower side there isn’t anything at all, absolutely clean.

Testing

WARNING: Portrait Screenshots are bugged, this is why they may look weird. This bug has been already reported to Minix.

This device runs on Android 6.0.1 (February OTA update), but the Android Security Patches are outdated. I hope you Minix update them as soon as possible. As regards the OS, it is smooth, clean, and features some third-party apps pre-installed (can be uninstalled/disabled though). I always love the Minix Launcher, it is great to use with the Air Mouse (or any Remote), and manages to handle 99% of all Android Settings without issues. All extra new features are here too, such as HDR handling.

Every app work just like on your Smartphone/Tablet, but there is an issue with Portrait Screenshots. I'll alert Minix about this, hoping to get a fix as soon as possible.

If you don’t like Minix Settings, or if you need something that is missing, you can still open the Standard Android Settings.

The new updated XBMC app is included too, with better UI but the same core hidden in the background. A necessary app for all Mini PCs!

The built-in Wi-Fi Adapter is fast, but the Internal LAN adapter is even faster. (as you would expect). LAN on the left, WiFi on the right.

I can now test the LAN performance even better, so here you can see a Local Streaming benchmark, transferring files between the Mini PC and my Desktop PC. Both connected via LAN. This is something that can be impacted by the Router too, and considering that mine is crappy (using my ISP router unfortunately), this result is impressive.

You won't have any issue with any DRM app here, a complete support is offered by Minix. If i am not wrong, the Microsoft's PlayReady support wasn't here with the NEO-U1.

This device is powered by an Amlogic S912 CPU supported by an ARM Mali-820MP GPU. I admit that this isn't the best performing chipset i have ever seen, but what matters here is Hardware Acceleration for Media Purposes and Light Gaming, there isn't any need for super powerful chipsets without optimized HW Acceleration.

Latest available OTA Update is based still based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, unfortunately this depends on AMLogic's SDK so if they do not release the Nougat version, Minix won't be able to update this Mini PC.​