[Review] Beelink GT1 (Amlogic S912) Android TV box - Android Stick & Console AMLogic based Computers

Disclaimer: I received this box free as part of a beelink beta-test group. I am not a professional reviewer so please take this review as more from an average user perspective.
On tearing open the package, I have to say the premium feel of this box is outstanding and on a level above any other Android TV box I’ve received in this price range. The sleek black box with the silver lettering definitely screams classy premium.
[See pics posted at end of review]
Specs:
OS: Android 6.0
CPU: Octa Core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU up to 2GHz(DVFS)
GPU: ARM Mali-T820MP3 GPU up to 750MHz(DVFS)
RAM：DDR3 2GB
ROM：Onboard eMMC Flash 16GB
Connectivity: 1000Mbps LAN; WIFI: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac，2.4G+5.8G
Bluetooth: BT 4.0
USB: 2x USB 2.0 ports
Expand Memory: Micro SD Card (Maximum support 32GB)
Language: Multi -language
Power Supply – 5V/2A
Android Version: 6.0.1
Security Patch Level: June 1 2016
Build #: GT1_102M0
For a complete listing of hardware and video output specs please see forum post linked here: http://www.bee-link.com/Beelink-274-1-1.html
Unboxing:
[see pics at end]
Initial Setup/Performance:
Included in the box is the main device itself, a “high speed” HDMI cable, power adapter and remote which carries 2xAAA batteries (batteries not included).
The top of the device carries a classy beelink logo with a glossy finish helping this box stand out. The right side of the device is blank and I wish there was an additional USB port here. The back houses the main ports: Power, 1xUSB, HDMI, GB Ethernet and SPDIF. On the left side of the box is a 1xUSB port and a microSD card slot. Beelink states the microSD slot supports up to 32GB cards but I was able to read/write to my 64GB PNY card with no problems. On the bottom there are four subtle feet to help stop the device from sliding around.
Powering up the device you will find 1 ‘soft’ white LED status indicator on the front. Thankfully it’s not super bright and shouldn’t keep you up at night.
Boot time - first boot 23.7 seconds
Reboot from home screen - 34.06 seconds
The beelink launcher is one of the best Android TVBox launchers out there. It’s simple, uncluttered with big bright unmistakable icons and most of all it works great with the remote or a mouse.
Bluetooth is also natively supported on the box (you won’t need an external dongle) and I successfully connected my bluetooth speakers and headset for use.
There is no bloatware on this box. None at all. Kudos to beelink for this as some manufacturers preload too much unnecessary software on these boxes. Of the 16GB storage about 10GB is available to the user to install apps or store your media files. Here’s a list of what’s installed by default: App4TV, AppInstaller, Browser, FileBrowser, Fishing Joy, Gallery, Kodi, KodiMate, Media Center, MoviePlayer, Music, Play Store, PPOE, Settings, Update&Backup.
Additional apps I’ve installed:
MXPlayer - plays pretty much everything you can throw at it.
CrossyRoad - game response is better than expected even with the slow remote
Riptide GP - gameplay was good even with the slow remote
Youtube for AndroidTV.
Antutu Benchmark - direct through Play Store
Geekbench 4 - direct through Play Store
Youtube installed via play store does not have the native Android TV resolution or controls and is extremely hard to navigate without a mouse. You will have a better experience if you manually install Youtube for Android TV. Max resolution available 1080p60.
Download Youtube for Android TV (current version 1.3.11) from APKMirror here: http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/youtube-for-android-tv/
The included remote is very basic, is lighter than their previous controls and does not match the premium feel of the box. It’s functional but somewhat slow.
Wifi Connectivity:
The S912 device successfully found and connected to both my 2.4 and 5GHz networks. Also picked up a few of my neighbors
The following results are from the SpeedTest.net app from the Play Store:
My home internet speed 250 Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up
Router 3 feet away
2.4GHz - 30.91 Mbps Down / 38.18 Mbps Up
5GHz - 107.88 Mbps Down / 48.86 Mbps Up
Router 13 feet away with 1 wall between
2.4GHz - 2.94 Mbps Down / 26.50 Mbps Up
5 GHz - 16.58 Mbps Down / 15.52 Mbps Up
The 5GHz band is clearly superior so I’d recommend using this if you can.
Benchmarks:
I’m not a big fan of software benchmarks so I won’t go into any details here as there are plenty of other reviews listing them. However here are the scores:
Antutu scored - 41407
Geekbench 4 score - 585 Single-Core / 2418 Multi-Core
Video Playback:
Majority of videos play smooth with no issues including 4K. Streaming via Kodi was smooth and error free on those add-ons we all love to use that I won’t mention. Playback was fast from both attached USB drives and the microSD card. Pausing and seeking (forward and back) provided no challenges.
I have experienced some video stutters and audio is out of sync with some 4K files but this will need further testing. Not sure if this is user error or a limitation of this particular chip as has been mentioned of boxes from other manufacturers carrying the S912 chip. However, this shouldn’t be a problem for the average user whose main goal is to stream general content via Kodi, Hulu, Netflix and 1080p Youtube.
Video Test Files:
BigBuck Bunny
4K Samples from: http://4ksamples.com/
Linaro Sample Media: http://samplemedia.linaro.org/
Google Widevine - Supported
Apps like Netflix need Widevine Level 1 DRM to be able to stream in a resolution above SD.
Missing Features / Issues:
Button on remote to open multitasking like on the Zidoo boxes.
Remote not as responsive as the MiniMX III remote. Clicks sometimes don’t register or register as double. Hopefully this can be fixed in a software update.
Does not come pre-rooted. Hopefully root can come as part of an OTA update.
HDMI CEC - starts the box when you turn on your TV. Would be a nice feature to have.
Overall:
From my limited time with this device I am highly satisfied with this box specs vs performance. If you enjoyed the beelink MiniMX III then you will enjoy the upgrade this box provides. This is another great offering from beelink and I doubt you will find another Android TV box with this spec/performance for this price. I would definitely recommend this to my customers.
Image Album: http://imgur.com/a/T9tOe
You can purchase this beelink GT1 on GearBest or from the Beelink Official Store on Amazon
Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01KFMLCX6
GearBest: http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box-mini-pc/pp_416057.html

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Can you do me a favor, can you check in the playstore if the game "Summoner Wars: Sky arena" is avaible for this tv box, please, i want to buy one to play, it is good to play?

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Apps like Netflix need Widevine Level 1 DRM to be able to stream in a resolution above SD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This means it will not run videos in Netflix above 480p, correct?

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Is there a way to get Widevine Level 1 DRM on it if it doesnt have it
---------- Post added at 06:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:24 PM ----------
agentevic said:
Can you do me a favor, can you check in the playstore if the game "Summoner Wars: Sky arena" is avaible for this tv box, please, i want to buy one to play, it is good to play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes its on the play store

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Can you check if its possible to send picture to a miracast enabled TV?

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i have 3 issues with this GT1 box.
1) Plugging 1TB hard drive while the box is on will cause the screen goes blank. Nothing can be done except turn off and on the power plug to reboot it.
2) Random green screen flickering. Change to other HDMI cable and change display setting still not solve the issue.
3) Picture quality a little bit darker compare to my other android box. Can notice when I watch movie with a lot dark scene.

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How to send picture with the Miracast?

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fincax said:
How to send picture with the Miracast?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to know if it has the option. I think it would be more settings, display, cast screen then enable "enable wireless display" option

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I have same issues. Green screen flickering, maybe caused by automatic brightness option or by Rendering Section, maybe option "Turn off hardware overlays" hardware overlays", will force the device to always use GPU for screen compositing.
I read this somewhere....

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1Gbit lan
Hello,
I'd like to use it to share my external harddisk with Samba, have you tested the speed transfert between a computer and an external device connected?
Got a RPI2+ but the transfert is maximum 11MB/S due to 100mbits chip.
Thanks

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Hevc 10-bit
My problem is with hevc 10-bit videos. While in some video reviews I watched over the Internet everything worked perfectly, when I tried it didn't go very well. While with h264 and h265 video files everything is ok in kodi, there is no way to play h265 10bit videos(with kodi). Green flickering all over the screen, absolutely unwatchable. Also tried to play h265 10bit video files with mx player and default media player and everything was working smooth with hw decoding. Absolutely no idea why kodi can't play h265 10bit files. Any idea?

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Plex app for android same result when using direct play. Green flickering. Interesting that when I use external player for plex (mx player, default video player) no flickering at all

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If you're planning on using any live tv/live channels or streaming on kodi with this box, it will NOT work.
A lot of us are having issues with anything live on Kodi. Meanwhile, 1080p Youtube, 4k media files, kodi with pre-recorded programs all play fine, very smooth and without issue, and so it isn't a network problem.
But load up Kodi and open any addon with any live tv/channel streaming (Exodus, cCloudTV, Phoenix) and all you get is working audio with very choppy/lagging video that changes one frame every 3-5 seconds. Other standalone streaming apps work without problem. The problem is just Kodi but Kodi is far too important and I might have to return this drive if there's no fix.
Many people are complaining on the company site and Beelink is just ignoring them. Avoid this box if you are planning on using Kodi streaming.

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theviper07 said:
Plex app for android same result when using direct play. Green flickering. Interesting that when I use external player for plex (mx player, default video player) no flickering at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing with my box. Very disappointed.

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Beelink forum has a thread about this, and they said change kodi system set may solve this problem.

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Cptn_Nemo said:
If you're planning on using any live tv/live channels or streaming on kodi with this box, it will NOT work.
A lot of us are having issues with anything live on Kodi. Meanwhile, 1080p Youtube, 4k media files, kodi with pre-recorded programs all play fine, very smooth and without issue, and so it isn't a network problem.
But load up Kodi and open any addon with any live tv/channel streaming (Exodus, cCloudTV, Phoenix) and all you get is working audio with very choppy/lagging video that changes one frame every 3-5 seconds. Other standalone streaming apps work without problem. The problem is just Kodi but Kodi is far too important and I might have to return this drive if there's no fix.
Many people are complaining on the company site and Beelink is just ignoring them. Avoid this box if you are planning on using Kodi streaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered this device for kodi live stream..terrible news!
I am trying to sign in beelink forum without result.
But how is possible they ignore this problem in kodi?
Inviato dal mio ONEPLUS A3003 utilizzando Tapatalk

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Tabs78 said:
I ordered this device for kodi live stream..terrible news!
I am trying to sign in beelink forum without result.
But how is possible they ignore this problem in kodi?
Inviato dal mio ONEPLUS A3003 utilizzando Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is terrible. Everyone buys this box for kodi and it does not even work properly. They not only ignore the problem in their website forum but they have intentionally deleted posts about this problem.
I managed to get it fixed today after many factory resets and using the pre-installed kodi. So it looks like Kodi doesn't work on the Beelink GT1 box if you remove/uninstall the one that comes already included with the Beelink and attempt to use a brand new Kodi from the Play Store or Kodi website. I do not like this as I prefer a clean fresh kodi install and you can never know what they might have put in the already installed kodi.

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Cptn_Nemo said:
It is terrible. Everyone buys this box for kodi and it does not even work properly. They not only ignore the problem in their website forum but they have intentionally deleted posts about this problem.
I managed to get it fixed today after many factory resets and using the pre-installed kodi. So it looks like Kodi doesn't work on the Beelink GT1 box if you remove/uninstall the one that comes already included with the Beelink and attempt to use a brand new Kodi from the Play Store or Kodi website. I do not like this as I prefer a clean fresh kodi install and you can never know what they might have put in the already installed kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, my english is bad.
You say if i use preinstalled kodi maybe i could not the problem?
Inviato dal mio ONEPLUS A3003 utilizzando Tapatalk

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Tabs78 said:
Sorry, my english is bad.
You say if i use preinstalled kodi maybe i could not the problem?
Inviato dal mio ONEPLUS A3003 utilizzando Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is what appears to happen.
You said you already ordered it, right?
When the box comes, before you do anything, try using the preinstalled kodi and see if it streams properly and good. If it works, that is great. Then try erasing Kodi and installing a fresh new one from the Play Store and try streaming with that one. If you see any problems, just do a quick system factory reset and use the preinstalled kodi.
This is what I ended up doing now

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theviper07 said:
My problem is with hevc 10-bit videos. While in some video reviews I watched over the Internet everything worked perfectly, when I tried it didn't go very well. While with h264 and h265 video files everything is ok in kodi, there is no way to play h265 10bit videos(with kodi). Green flickering all over the screen, absolutely unwatchable. Also tried to play h265 10bit video files with mx player and default media player and everything was working smooth with hw decoding. Absolutely no idea why kodi can't play h265 10bit files. Any idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which video files are you trying? Any chance you can give me the names or provide a download link and I'll test. Also have you tried SPMC instead of Kodi? The guy behind SPMC was the main Android Dev for Kodi but he left the group a few months back.
Cptn_Nemo said:
If you're planning on using any live tv/live channels or streaming on kodi with this box, it will NOT work.
A lot of us are having issues with anything live on Kodi. Meanwhile, 1080p Youtube, 4k media files, kodi with pre-recorded programs all play fine, very smooth and without issue, and so it isn't a network problem.
But load up Kodi and open any addon with any live tv/channel streaming (Exodus, cCloudTV, Phoenix) and all you get is working audio with very choppy/lagging video that changes one frame every 3-5 seconds. Other standalone streaming apps work without problem. The problem is just Kodi but Kodi is far too important and I might have to return this drive if there's no fix.
Many people are complaining on the company site and Beelink is just ignoring them. Avoid this box if you are planning on using Kodi streaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly since Koying stopped developing the main Kodi app I've been using his fork SPMC, With SPMC I don't have any issue with Live TV/Channel streaming. cCloud, Clu IPTV, UKTurks all work ok. Phoenix has always been hit or miss for me so I hardly ever use it. I expect this is a problem with Kodi which the Android devs have yet to fix since it works OK in SPMC which is a fork of Kodi.
Tabs78 said:
I ordered this device for kodi live stream..terrible news!
I am trying to sign in beelink forum without result.
But how is possible they ignore this problem in kodi?
Inviato dal mio ONEPLUS A3003 utilizzando Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until they fix the Kodi app you can give SPMC a try. It works great and is in active development.
Cptn_Nemo said:
It is terrible. Everyone buys this box for kodi and it does not even work properly. They not only ignore the problem in their website forum but they have intentionally deleted posts about this problem.
I managed to get it fixed today after many factory resets and using the pre-installed kodi. So it looks like Kodi doesn't work on the Beelink GT1 box if you remove/uninstall the one that comes already included with the Beelink and attempt to use a brand new Kodi from the Play Store or Kodi website. I do not like this as I prefer a clean fresh kodi install and you can never know what they might have put in the already installed kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I mentioned above, this could be a problem for the Kodi devs to fix not Beelink. I could be wrong, however the fact that SPMC (the Kodi fork) works great for live streaming, is still actively developed by the guy that was the main Android dev for the Kodi team, speaks volumes.
Also the Kodi that comes pre-installed on the box is the same from the PlayStore, check the signature on the apk.