So I've been lurking around internet trying to get a good Android Tv box for under $50.
My requirements:
-4K capable
-Android TV layout preferable, but not crucial
-Full compatibility with all android apps
-Ok gaming performance
Couldn't care less about brand or appearance. I'm pretty new to this stuff so I need to get familiar with this stuff.
Thanks!
Not for that price. Also, Android TV is not fully compatible with all android apps... As a matter of fact, one could argue that android is not fully compatible with all android apps /s
Best box I can recommend is the Nvidia Shield TV. Maybe you can get a cheap used one somewhere...
Only option you have is to buy something like a AMLogic S912 and if you feel like some DIY - flash an Android TV ROM on to it.
Those ROM's for all sorts of S912's are found on the Freaktab website - AMLogic sub forum. If you want 1080p Netflix you have to buy a MECOOL M8S Pro L because that box has Widevine L1 DRM and HDCP 1.x needed by Netflix and other paid for video streaming services.
Otherwise Netflix will stream Max. 480p resolution.
Cannot be bothered with DIY - only option left is the Android TV - Mi Box. AML S912's are quicker than the S905X chipset in the Mi Box. Better GPU's on S912's as well for gaming.
With the Android TV operating system, you basically have 2 options: Xiaomi Mi Box and NVIDIA Shield TV.
I don't recommend Android boxes.
shield on sale for $150. for how much you will use it, doesn't make sense to go cheap on the box.
When you require gaming, it seriously narrows your options to essentially nothing under 50. The only box I've heard that is good at gaming is the shield tv.
Without gaming, I'd say 2015 4k fire tv or mi box are the best boxes for the money.
The problem with alot of cheap boxes is they won't ever get updated so if you use things like Kodi, you'll find them incompatible after a couple years.
This is the Android TV subreddit. You have basically two options these days: Mi Box and Nvidia Shield TV. Everything else is running generic Android and made by foreign companies looking to eat your money and make you regret every second you spent using their shitty devices.
I know you’re new to this, but please listen when we recommend not getting those Android boxes. You won’t get what you think you’re getting.
Never going to get all that for $50.
Minix offers a line of media players that run basic Android (not AndroidTV) so they'll be compatible with most android apps, provide 4K playback, but probably cost $150-200.
I would recommend a Mi Box it's a basic entry to Android TV but it's worth the money and can do 4K.