Questions about Android Boxes in general

by RapeZz

So I just moved out from home where we had an "android tv" (Sony Bravia Smart Tv) and I am looking for something similiar to attach to a cheap TV (1280 x 720p).

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I compared Amazon Firestick, chromecast and android tv boxes and am currently leaning towards an android box.

My budget is around 50 to 60€ (germany)

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My most important questions are:

  1. Can you watch Amazon Prime and Netflix without any workarounds or loss of quality?
  2. Can you mirror your screen (phone and windows pc)
  3. Can you cast youtube directly from the android app?
  4. Is there anything really important to know for a complete beginner?

Thanks a lot and sorry for being such new to this

EDIT: Since Mibox seems like the best option... Does it support Amazon Prime Video?

paintmekev

Mibox, Nvidia Shield, Jetstream. Choose one.

Thecleaner786

The android boxes you looked at are probably not Android TV they are most likely boxes that just run android

Heaney555

You're looking for the Mi Box S.

pappcam

Avoid the crappy "Android TV Boxes" as they are basically running a version of Android made for a touchscreen and they're basically crap. A basic Fire TV Stick or a Fire TV Stick 4K if the price is close is a good choice. I guess if you think casting is really important then a Chromecast would work but i avoid them as they are basically dumb dongles and they aren't easy for the family to just start up and use.

no_step

To answer:

1- yes if you use a android TV box ( Mibox or Nvidia Shield) as they have a Netfix ID

2- chromecast is built in to android TV

3- MiBox and Shield both have a Youtube app installed

4- Don't get a cheap android box, android is not the same as android TV

LoudlyAnything
  1. No you need a workaround, and it still could not work periodically ( Amazon Prime Video is not available on normal Android Tv boxes (like Xiaomi mi box S) the only one having it are actual Tvs running Android TV and Nvidia Shields).
  2. For chromecast and android TV: on Windows just a single Chrome page on Android I don't know. On the firestick I don't think any form of casting is present.
  3. Yes if you get an android tv box or a chromecast, for the firestick there is no Youtube app you have to use the browser present on the stick so no casting support
  4. There is no perfect box (maybe The Nvidia Shield but it's over budget around 180€) it all depends wich feature you really want.

A possibility could be get a firestick, if Amazon Prime video is important and then get a chromecast (for youtube and all apps that support casting (lots)) this way you can use all Services even Google Play Movies.

flazznc

Do not trust Xiaomi. They have misrepresented their products to such a degree and for so long there really should be a class-action suit. That's my $.02. If you need a budget android TV box go with the jetstream. If you happen to have the extra cash, the Nvidia Shield. I have both and IMO they are both worth their respective purchase price. ^peace