HK1 android tv box The quest for affordable yet capable home entertainment often leads down rabbit holes of questionable devices. So, when I stumbled upon the HK1 4K Android TV Box boasting a respectable spec sheet – an Amlogic S905X4 quad-core CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage – all for the incredibly low price of just €33, my curiosity was piqued. Could this budget-friendly box actually deliver a decent smart TV experience, not just for local playback, but for popular streaming services and even the versatile Kodi? After spending some quality time with it, here are my even more detailed thoughts. Unboxing the Basics: The unboxing experience was straightforward, as expected for a device in this price range. Inside the compact box, I found the HK1 unit itself, a standard IR remote control, an HDMI cable (a welcome inclusion!), a basic instruction manual, and the necessary power adapter. Nothing fancy, but everything you need to get started. Unboxing KH1 A Closer Look at the Hardware...
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| HK1 android tv box |
The quest for affordable yet capable home entertainment often leads down rabbit holes of questionable devices. So, when I stumbled upon the HK1 4K Android TV Box boasting a respectable spec sheet – an Amlogic S905X4 quad-core CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage – all for the incredibly low price of just €33, my curiosity was piqued. Could this budget-friendly box actually deliver a decent smart TV experience, not just for local playback, but for popular streaming services and even the versatile Kodi? After spending some quality time with it, here are my even more detailed thoughts.
Unboxing the Basics:
The unboxing experience was straightforward, as expected for a device in this price range. Inside the compact box, I found the HK1 unit itself, a standard IR remote control, an HDMI cable (a welcome inclusion!), a basic instruction manual, and the necessary power adapter. Nothing fancy, but everything you need to get started.
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| Unboxing KH1 |
A Closer Look at the Hardware:
The box itself is fairly small and unassuming. The build quality feels adequate for the price. Around the back, you'll find the essential ports: a power input, an HDMI 2.1 port (promising 4K at 60fps support), an Ethernet port for a stable wired connection, a speedy USB 3.0 port, and a regular USB 2.0 port for connecting peripherals like USB drives or wireless dongles.
Setting Up and Navigating:
Plugging everything in was a breeze. The initial boot-up was reasonably quick, and I was greeted with the Android TV interface. While the default launcher felt a tad dated (more on that later), navigating the menus was surprisingly smooth, thanks to the 4GB of RAM. Connecting to my Wi-Fi network was simple, and I was soon exploring the pre-installed apps.
Performance Put to the Test: Streaming Giants and Beyond!
This is where the HK1 truly surprised me. I immediately tested 4K video playback on the official YouTube app and the popular ad-free alternative, SmartTubeNext. To my delight, both handled high-resolution content flawlessly, with no noticeable stuttering or lag. The picture quality was crisp and vibrant, showcasing the potential of the HDMI 2.1 port.
But what about other popular streaming services? I'm happy to report that Netflix also runs well on this box. You can easily download the app from the Google Play Store and log in to enjoy your favorite movies and shows. The playback was smooth, although the availability of the highest resolutions might depend on Netflix's compatibility with the specific device certification. Other popular streaming apps like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and many more available on the Google Play Store should also function without issues, offering a wide array of entertainment options.
Unlocking Even More Potential: Enter Kodi!
Beyond the mainstream streaming apps, the beauty of an Android TV box lies in its versatility. One of the most popular applications for media enthusiasts is Kodi.
- Organize and play your local media: Watch movies, TV shows, and listen to music from your USB drives or network-attached storage (NAS) with a beautiful interface.
- Stream from various online sources: With the help of community-developed add-ons (always use reputable sources and be aware of legal implications), you can access a vast amount of online content.
- Customize your experience: Kodi offers a wide range of skins and add-ons to personalize its look and functionality.
The HK1, with its decent processing power and ample RAM, handles Kodi surprisingly well for its price point, making it a fantastic option for those looking to build their own media center.
Verifying the Specs and Gaming:
To verify the internal specifications, I installed the AIDA64 app. The results confirmed the advertised hardware: the capable Amlogic S905X4 quad-core ARM Cortex A55 CPU, the Mali-G31MP GPU, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, and 32GB of eMMC storage, all running on Android 11. This configuration provides a solid foundation for everyday use and even some light gaming.
Speaking of gaming, I put the HK1 through its paces with a few titles. Retro emulation via the Xiaoji Emulator was a breeze, with classics like Super Mario running perfectly. Arcade games like Knights of Valor were also smooth and enjoyable. Even more demanding titles like Beach Buggy Racing proved surprisingly playable, maintaining a stable frame rate without significant lag. This little box can definitely handle more than just streaming!
Finally, I tested the Miracast functionality for screen mirroring from my smartphone. The connection was quick and stable, allowing me to easily cast photos, videos, and even mirror my entire phone screen onto the TV.
The Verdict: A Versatile Budget Champion:
For a mere €33, the HK1 4K Android TV Box is an incredibly versatile device. It not only handles popular streaming services like Netflix and YouTube with ease but also provides a solid platform for running Kodi and enjoying local media. The gaming performance is surprisingly good for the price, and the inclusion of Miracast adds another layer of functionality.
The only real downside I encountered was the somewhat outdated-looking default launcher. However, as mentioned before, this is easily fixable by installing a custom launcher from the Google Play Store.
Who is this for?
If you're looking for an affordable way to upgrade your TV to a smart TV, want a dedicated box for a wide range of streaming services, enjoy building your own media center with Kodi, or even fancy some casual gaming, the HK1 is a fantastic option that offers exceptional value for its price.
Where to Buy (Affiliate Link):
If you're convinced and ready to grab one for yourself, you can find it here (affiliate link helps support the blog!):
Further Enhancements:
To get the most out of your Android TV box, consider investing in a comfortable gaming controller (
Don't forget to check out the exclusive discounts for new AliExpress users! (
Let's Connect!
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