Android 8.1 vs 9.0 on a TV Box - does it really matter?

by stonecats

i know there are lots of articles comparing 8.1:9.0 regarding smartphones, but i could not find any specific to TV boxes so I thought I'd ask here. i'm trying to decide between two $70usd boxes (a95x max -or- km9 pro * ) where the 8.1 has more hardware features that i like than the 9.0 has. ideally if i could count on the 8.1 upgrading to 9.0 later, this would be no brainer, but unfortunately Android updates can't be counted on to do this.
any insights regarding the Android version impact on a TV box would be appreciated.

i don't care about widevine * and please don't make this thread into why
i should, and yes, i know both boxes are not netflix hd certified either.

513

I'm not really answering to your question here but the KM9 Pro is Google certified (Google Assistant, Play Store, Chromecast Built-in), the A95X Max is NOT!

9.0 will obviously be more stable.

CuvisTheConqueror

At this point, there are no Android TV devices running 9.0 that I'm aware of. There are some boxes running modified versions of the standard Android OS, but that's generally a poor choice for TV usage (and would be outside the scope of this sub, in any case).

thedugong

any insights regarding the Android version impact on a TV box would be appreciated.

None I can think of.

To be honest, consider going for a properly supported box, like a Mi Box or shield. The reason for this is updates. Security is still a thing and most android boxes simply don't get updates, the Mi Box and Shield do.

acetipped

MeCool KM3 also has Android 9 (Pie)

arghness

You're probably after /r/AndroidTVBoxes -- this sub is specifically meant for boxes running the AndroidTV OS (mainly MiBox 3/S, Shield TV, and a few TVs, although there are some others), so you might get users more familiar with other boxes there.

The 8.x/9.x difference probably won't be noticeable, in general. Not many apps use features from 9.x, particularly not streaming apps.

Edit: As /u/513 indicates, the KM9 Pro does seem to run AndroidTV.

PalebloodSky

Yes it matters, there is considerable amount of performance (via overhauled ART) and security improvements in the newer versions of Android, especially 9.0 and 10.0 beta. Vulkan offers much better performance too, and Bluetooth support is vastly improved with reduced latency. Overall there are good reasons to upgrade.

future_man_18

I have the km9 Pro... Ethernet connection not working and only 2.4g on WiFi...

That being said its a great box.

File linked does not support android 9 yet so can be a task to get going. Other than that a great device...