[Review] [Unboxing] - Beelink UBox S812 Android - Android Stick & Console AMLogic based Computers

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Beelink/ROOFULL UBOX S812 ANDROID TV BOX​
I am taking a long and pretty hard look at the latest generation of what is colloquially termed as TV Sticks AKA Smart Media Players. Before we get there, lets take a short history lesson to put us all in perspective.
TV STICK EVOLUTION -
The first generation pretty much consisted of devices based either around Arm Cortex-A9 or Amlogic's A9 processor. Those were single core and started typically with Android ICS (4.0.4) @1 GHz. They carried a small form factor, typically looking like a slightly larger USB drive. Tronsmart and Favi are among many some or little known manufacturers. Connectivity wise these typically only had Wireless connection and sometimes Bluetooth.
Then came second generation from the same manufacturers. Those are typically dual core devices with Cortex-A9 Dual core @1.5 GHz. Bluetooth is more common among these devices and so is RJ45 LAN Connector port. However this is led to a slightly larger form factor. MK808 based on Rocketchip RK3066 is one of the more popular in this class. Although I personally bracket the Chromecast into this category, I am very well aware, it does not run on Android and is more of a DLNA Client without original setup.
The 3rd generation has been introduced in last year or two. Those devices seriously focused on media delivery and hardware acceleration. In order to deliver home theatre experience, these devices focused HDMI 1080p Video and possibly DTS or Dolby surround sound. So you'd find hardware decoders plenty with these devices. Also in addition, serious effort is being put into GPU arena with bigger and better GPUs appearing as compared to the traditional phones and tablets with their tiny screens. Now these devices have fairly bigger canvas (as big as your tv), so a monster-house of a GPU is a distinct possibility.
However, more manufacturers and makers started to tap into this niche area and you will see an explosion of devices into this arena. Primary Processors, you are likely to see here are from Amlogic, Intel, Arm and Rockchip. However Arm Cortex A9 being a Juggernaut, Intel has decided to exit from this scene. So in short, we are seeing a multitude of devices now with each trying to find its own niche. They have taken different directions and the fact that there are quiet a few unbranded devices out there, our choice or decision for the right device has just become wholly complicated. Some of the good examples of 3rd generation are Minix X8H, Tronsmart Vega S89 and U Box S812, the device of this review.

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DISCLAIMER - I want to clear some things up front. I was approached and offered this device for review. This was due in part to my work with the JASS Rom.
Since I follow XDA Code of Conduct, I have made every effort to provide honest, impartial and non-judgemental review of the device at hand. As you might imagine, I have done significant research into the field of Android TV sticks. And my intention is to combine review of the device with a review of this category of devices in general.
This Review is going to focus on Beelink UBox S812 4K device. There are quiet a few names for this device depending on which retailer/reseller you are looking at. However, the one I will be reviewing here looks like the picture in OP. The Package as I received was fairly compact. Came via DHL unlike Hongkong Post Office.
Packaging as shipped -
The packaging was pretty nice and the unit comes in a nice little package.
This actually turned out to be box within a box. Here is an actual side view for reference,
So the inner box is,
Inside this box happens to be the actual unit.

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First Impressions -
It appears like you have all the necessary basics included in the package. Here's what we have.
The device has predictably larger form factor than the first generation Android Sticks. Its reminds me of Roku's form factor. It is understandable that the device is larger now with so many connectivity options as well as more powerful processor. Comparing to its predecessor, the UBOX S805 MXIII, you can see the form factors are fairly identical. The IR sensor for the remote is still up front. However, this time the blue/red power led is moved to be next to the IR Sensor and the power button is gone.
There are a set of connectivity options along the back with Power and HDMI(1080p) being Key features. There is RJ/45 to compliment Wireless Support for A/B/G/N. There is also A/V out as well as S/PDIF out as well for those who are interested. Along the right edge, we have additional ports. Those are USB OTG, two full size USB and one MicroSD slot. Giving ample choices for extended storage options. The two USB slots are particularly appreciated as one is likely taken by external device connectivity (Joystick/mouse/trackpad) leaving the other for USB Drives. Of course there's Bluetooth 4.0 as well so you can easily connect that way for peripherals. The S812 does come with a remote, which is not only intuitive, but also pretty handy and easy to use. Although I have a Favi Wireless Keyboard with track pad, I found myself relying more on the included remote.
Hardware and Software configuration -
The device runs of Android Kitkat 4.4.1 and it appears to be fairly Stock version with minimal bloat. There are some preinstalled apps that offer you access to Movies and apps and then there's Kodi. The unit I received has 1 GB Ram with 8 GB internal storage. There is a choice of getting 2GB Ram and 16 GB internal storage as well.
HARDWARE -
CPU: Amlogic S812 Quad Core 2.0 GHz
RAM: 1GB or 2GB option.
GPU: Mali-450 Storage: 8GB or 16GB
External Storage: Up to 32G via MicroSD.
Interface: Micro USB, OTG, HDMI, AV, RJ45,
WiFi: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (2.5 Ghz only)
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0
Hardware Decoders : H.265/AVC
Video Format: MKV, MPEG, RM, AVI, MVC, MP4, DAT, WMV, MPG
Audio Format: OGG, FLAC, MP3, RM, WMA, AAC, WAV
Photo Format: JPG
Power Supply: External Adapter with Dual support 110v/230v and 50 Hz/60 Hz
Other Features: Support Miracast / DLNA

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In Depth Look -
Once Powered on, the S812 took approximately 10 to 12 seconds to go through the boot animation and present me with this home screen.
Of course they have a custom Launcher. Kind of looked like Windoz 8 home screen to me. Didn't like it very much for the convoluted way to add favourite apps to this screen. I am sure some might like it. Possibly its convenient to choose app with the included remote.
I didn't like it in SmartStick where I had included Apex Launcher in my Rom. Since I didn't like it, here in this case, I went poking under settings. Thankfully they had left Kitkat stock launcher alone and in the firmware. So I got this screen instead, which is an improvement.
I did change the wallpaper and add the Clock to the screen, but you get the idea. (So Kodi's included from the beginning ? That's nice.) Thank God for the Screenshot button! Also notice the Power Button. Let's take a look at what else we have here, hoping not much bloat.
Yeah not much bloat. There was one game in there for Catch Fish. I removed it before taking screenshot. Antutu and ES File Explorer are my additions. So next up, check to see if it is rooted or needs rooting. If my experience with other devices, is any indication, it would be pre-rooted. So I checked and yes it is! I had to install SuperSU, since the binary was old and there wasn't a gatekeeper. I had pushed the 2 Screenshot apps for this review. I guess redundant now. I had let my netflix account expire, so included app is of no use to me. But it will be handy to others.
PERFORMANCE -
I do however have Amazon Prime and played a movie from there. Apart from initial buffering, which is Amazon's doing, I did not have any interruptions whatsoever. I played the movie 1080p Full HD. No issues. It did support Dolby as well as DTS. So, that piece works as advertised. As I said, I removed the one game app and am not going to be playing any games on here. So Can't speak to that. You can see the Youtube video I have included bellow for that.
I did run AnTuTu Benchmark. Mixed bag of results.
Hmm. Not too bad. Here's how it stacks up to other Comparable devices.
Notice it says Unverified. Per AnTuTu's Clarification, that indicates some tweaking by manufacturer to beat AnTuTu's benchmarking tools. So take it with a pinch of salt.

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Under the hood tweaking -
So me being me, and that the audience is android savvy, I did what any of us do. Went looking at what kernel is supporting that can boost the actual performance even better. Say hello to [APP][ROOT] Trickster MOD [Kernel Settings]!
Looking under the hood, I see that the kernel supports, two TCP/IP Compression Algorithms, Cubic and Reno. Of these, cubic a default. That's a decent choice too. I found, that the buffering if any was reduced with cubic over WiFi. This factor is particularly important that with Full HD streaming, you have to have best network throughput or you will see buffering. Although cubic was better for me, your mileage may very.
As far as Governors and Schedulers are concerned, there are two choices for scheduler, cfq and Row. Cfq is default. For governers, we have more choices, HotPlug, Ondemand and Performance. I found that performance governor was bit unstable and the S812 kept shutting down intermittently. Ondemand on the other hand, increased the overall AnTuTu score. So I'd stick with it. Although it is possible to use any of these governors for the GPU as well, I personally don't prefer to do it. Since we are not trying to save battery here, I don't even want to talk about undervolting.
Oh and if you are looking for a refresher or a crash course on these governor names and scheduler names, then look at the Overclock and undervolt link in my signature for reference.

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Other Items Of Interest -
It seems that there is flashable firmware to be found here with Flash Tool to be had here. I can mirror those google host links myself as well.
Custom Rom Development -
My search for the Source continues. Bee-Link ignored my email.
Video Review -
The following is not mine but with the myrid confusion of devices, I wanted to point out that it comes fairly close. Do understand that the case is different in this case. We don't have the Full SD card slot on the side but have usb ports and microsd slot as discussed above. But gives pretty good idea otherwise. The video is in Spanish but youtube can translate English subtitles.

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Thank you for the review. The illusion on the box is so funny :laugh:.
Could it passthrough DTS or Dolby surround sound to receiver?

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My Review is still in progress. I will be finishing it in a day or two. To answer your question, yes certainly possible to pass the sound. I'd recommend to do so out of your TV as much as possible.

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Here's my device! (Ubox S812 2GB / 8GB version)
This is not Beelink MXIII Plus?
114K4 was installed at the factory. I had hoped to arrive in 4.4.4, but it is at least 4.4.2.
I upgraded the 116K4, but still stutters sometimes bounces sound (HDMI output). I was hoping to help you, but not. There is a new firmware for the device?
A few more questions:
- What alternative Launcher you recommend it?
- Xbox 360 Controller (USB) is used by someone? Native mode works simulators and fps, other games do not. App was not found him. ;(
Thank you!

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tomimidi said:
Here's my device! (Ubox S812 2GB / 8GB version)
This is not Beelink MXIII Plus?
114K4 was installed at the factory. I had hoped to arrive in 4.4.4, but it is at least 4.4.2.
I upgraded the 116K4, but still stutters sometimes bounces sound (HDMI output). I was hoping to help you, but not. There is a new firmware for the device?
A few more questions:
- What alternative Launcher you recommend it?
- Xbox 360 Controller (USB) is used by someone? Native mode and unfortunately FPS simulator works. App was not found him.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have linked the firmware I have. Not sure if that's what you have. This device IS NOT MXIII Plus. What was the type of media you were playing when sound stuttered ?
I haven't used XBOX Controller. But it should be possible to use.

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Perseus said:
I have linked the firmware I have. Not sure if that's what you have. This device IS NOT MXIII Plus. What was the type of media you were playing when sound stuttered ?
I haven't used XBOX Controller. But it should be possible to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But all the same parameter as MXIII plus. The PCB should MXIII about the photo. I think it is NetXeon.
Xbox 360 controller can be used, but only with that support. Not all programs will be recognized.
Not the movie, but the menu stepping sometimes come up with a strong voice crackling. Similarly a blank white noise. The input switching disappear.

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Thanks for the extensive review. I do have a question:
Does it supports connecting an external Hard Drive and if so, does it supports a 3TB hard drive and how do I search its contents?
Many thanks,
Ice

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Ice_machinE said:
Thanks for the extensive review. I do have a question:
Does it supports connecting an external Hard Drive and if so, does it supports a 3TB hard drive and how do I search its contents?
Many thanks,
Ice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 2 USB Ports for this purpose. Those are mounted into /storage/xxxx Partition. You can use any File Explorer program such as ES File Explorer to navigate to that directory. The same program will allow you to search as well.
I am not sure if it supports up to 3 TB Storage. I'd think Kitkat does. So give it a try.

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Thanks, if like to be sure before I'd buy it. I wouldn't want to buy it and only then to discover that I can't use my hard drive.

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Ice_machinE said:
Thanks, if like to be sure before I'd buy it. I wouldn't want to buy it and only then to discover that I can't use my hard drive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Passport 2 TB. If you want I can try that with my unit to see if it reads.

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I'd love that, thx

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Ice_machinE said:
I'd love that, thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok will revert.
EDIT - @Ice_machinE My passport connected flawlessly. I didn't test a lot but played one mp3 song off it. The drive mounts into /storage/ExteSD/sdo

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Just remind me, is it 3TB or 2TB hard drive?

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Ice_machinE said:
Just remind me, is it 3TB or 2TB hard drive?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 TB. But then its my assumption that 3 TB won't be any different. Android would be able to mount the partition if FSTAB is set to mount one.

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thanks, I've ordered the box
Perseus said:
2 TB. But then its my assumption that 3 TB won't be any different. Android would be able to mount the partition if FSTAB is set to mount one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx, with your help, i've made a decision and ordered the box