[Device Reviews and Information] Jupit3r:
View attachment 5631593

ARM-based open-source computers, which often come in the form of SBCs (Single Board Computers), are designed for tech geeks rather than average consumers. However, the Firefly Station P2, which employs the form factor of a mini PC, doesn’t seem all that out of reach. With a Rockchip RK3568 quad-core processor, 2 Ethernet jacks, WiFi6, plenty of storage extension options, and the ability to boot several operating systems, it can be just as fun for ordinary people as it is for tech enthusiasts.

Main Specs

Operating System: Android 11 / Ubuntu / Android TV / OpenWRT / LEDE

Processor: Rockchip RK3568

CPU: Quad Core (4*Cortex-A53@2.0GHz)

GPU: Arm Mali-G52MP2

RAM: 2/4/8GB LPDDR4

Internal Storage: 32/64/128GB eMMc

Storage Expansion: 1x 2.5’’ HDD/SSD, 1x m.2 2232 SSD, 1x MicroSD card.

HDMI: HDMI 2.0 Output up to 3840*2160px@60fps

Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0

Internet Access: WiFi 6, 2x Gigabit Ethernet

Ports: Gigabyte Ethernet*2, DC-in*1, Control*1, MicroSD card slot*1, USB-A 3.0 port*1, USB-A 2.0*2, HDMI 2.0*1, 3.5mm Audio*1.

Dimension: 142*89*31.5mm

Power Supply: 12V DC/2A

Weight: 450g

Chassis: black, aluminum

Retail Package: mini PC*1, remote*1, HDMI cable*1, power adapter*1, user manual*1, USB A-C cable*1, 2.5'' HDD/SDD lid *1, Screw driver*3.

Packaging and accessories​

​

View attachment 5631595​

The Firefly Station P2 comes with very simple retail packaging, there’s nothing much on the white box besides the branding, the model name and some specs. Inside the box you will find a Station P2 mini PC, two WiFi Antennas, a remote, a 12V-2A power adapter, a USB A-C cable, a tool kit, an HDMI cable as well as a user manual.

Design and build​

View attachment 5631601

The Station P2 mini PC employs an aluminum alloy chassis measuring 142 mm x 89 mm x 31.5 mm, so it has a footprint smaller than most mainstream smartphones. The high-precision CNC machining and matte black finish give the machine a rather premium look. Because the Station P2 doesn’t come with an active cooling fan under the hood, it relies on the toothed top panel and various ports for passive heat dissipation.

View attachment 5631603

View attachment 5631605

The front panel plays host to a Gigabyte Ethernet jack, a USB-C port (OTG Only), 3 USB-A ports (2x USB2.0, 1x USB3.0)，a 3.5mm audio jack (with mic support), a MicroSD card slot and a power button. The rear side hosts two more Ethernet jacks, an HDMI 2.0, a DC-in. There is also an opening for users to insert a 2.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD, but you will need to unscrew and remove the lid first.

View attachment 5631613

The connectivity doesn’t just stop here. With the included screwdriver, you can get easy access to the internals of the mini PC. Besides the 2.5-inch hard-drive tray, you will also get a M.2 2242 PCle SSD slot.

View attachment 5631615

But if you only want to add a 2.5-inch hard drive to the Station P2, it will take you even less effort. After removing two screws on the back side, a metal lid will fall off, and then you can insert the hard drive.

The Station P2 comes with 32GB/64GB/128GB eMMc onboard storage. With two SSDs and a MicroSD card, you can install as many as 4 operating systems on the mini PC, and that could be “dream come true” for any tech geek.

View attachment 5631619

The build quality of the Firefly Station P2 is extremely nice. The metal chassis feels perfectly robust and won’t flex even under a lot of pressure. Also, everything on the motherboard is neatly arranged.

Station OS​

View attachment 5631621

The Station PC runs Station OS out of the box. Being called an OS, it is in fact a TV box skin on top of Android 11. The Station OS skin is clearly built around media playback. The UI is simple and easy to navigate with the included remote or the Station Control app on an Android phone.

View attachment 5631633

The Movie Library App, which has a widget on the UI’s homescreen, will automatically detect all the videos in the chosen directory and find matching covers, posters, and information for them. I think everyone will grow to love this feature, because when you are navigating through your collection of movies and TV shows, you are not just looking at the titles, there is a lot more information to help you decide which one you are going to watch.

View attachment 5631623

The Station P2 scored 889 in the Antutu Video Tester benchmark. Making it a solid, better than average TV box for media consumption.

View attachment 5631631

There are only a limited number of pre-installed applications. Since this is Android, you can also install any app you want on the Station P2, including apps designed for TV, tablets, and smartphones. Some phone apps, such as Facebook and Instagram, don’t have support for landscape mode, and that can be tricky if your display isn’t rotatable. Fortunately, Station OS allows you to activate “ForceLand” in the settings, which will force the app to show vertically in the middle of a screen, making it easier for you to use the app with a mouse and keyboard.

Station OS might not be the right answer for people who want to use the Station P2 as a mini PC. It is nowhere near the experiences you can have with desktop UIs which allow you to run apps in resizable windows, such as Remix OS, Phoenix OS and Samsung’s Dex Mode UI. Also, there is no navigation bar for you to quickly switch between apps. Fortunately, Firefly has made stock Android 11 OS firmware available for those who want to use the Station P2 as an Android PC.