A superb Android TV device, with support for true 4K resolutions
We recently reviewed the Windows 8.1 version of the Minix NEO tiny PC and were immensely pleased with its design, performance, potential and the fact that can fit in the palm of your hand. Now it's the turn of the Android Minix NEO, but it does it have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the windows 8.1 version?
The X8-H Plus is ever so slightly bigger than that of the previously reviewed Z64. However, despite measuring just 256 x 256 x 25mm it somehow manages to pack in a Quad core A9r4 Cortex processor with an Octo-core Mali 450 GPU, 2GB I of DDR3 memory, and a 16GB eMMC flash storage - which comes pre-installed with Android (KitKat 4.4.2, to be precise).
The physical connectivity is a little different from the Z64 too, with 1.4b HDMI port. Gigabit Ethernet, three USB 2.0 ports, OTG port, SD/MMC card reader, optical S/PDIF, Dual Band 802.11a/c wi-fi, Bluetooth, and headphone and mic port. There's even an IR sensor with an Android remote control included in the package.
The design, though, is much the same its Windows counterpart. The hardware ports, power socket and button are spread along the rear of the unit and down the right-hand side. With left-hand side housing the screw connection for the wi-fi antennae. The top of the X8-H Plus has an identical debossed Minix logo, and again the entire unit feels sturdy and extremely well put together.
Once you've booted the unit and setup your Android/Google details, you'll appreciate the fact that this is unlike most other under-the-TV Android units. Where they occasionally stutter along, or feel awkward on anything other than a tablet, the NEO X8-H Plus is fluid, quick to respond and is breeze to navigate with the included remote. That's not all, though. This is primarily an Android TV box and with it comes the kind of capabilities you would normally expect to find inside a far more expensive PC with a top of the range graphics card.
The dual band a/c wi-fi offers a fast connection to a network, and means streaming high definition - and even ultra-definition - content isn't an issue. Speaking of ultra-high definition, the X8-H Plus is capable of playing H.265/ HEVC video at 2K and even full 4K. This is thanks to the combination of the Quad Core A9r4 and eight core Mali 450, which supports the new higher compression H.265 media standard. Needless to say, if you have a 4K TV or monitor, then the X8-H Plus will display your content at 4096 x 2160, and without even breaking into a sweat.
The default Minix Android desktop hosts a collection of pre-installed apps, with XBMC, YouTube, Netflix, Plex, and support for the Google TV Remote app, which will use your current Android phone or tablet as a TV remote.
Watching ultra-high video isn't the only talent the X8-H Plus has. Android gaming (utilising a handy Bluetooth controller) is exceptionally good. What's more, as with the video playback, there's no signs of lag or deterioration due to an underperforming processor.
In short, if you're in the market for an Android-based all-in-one entertainment device, then the Minix NEO X8-H Plus is the one for you. At just £120, it's an absolute bargain and will certainly show off your TV technology in its best light. David Hayward
The best Android TV unit we've ever had the pleasure of testing.