Ugoos AM8 PRO 8K Android TV Box review with powerful Amlogic S928X-J features

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Ugoos AM8 PRO stands out immediately with its sleek design and compact dimensions of 4.57 x 4.57 x 1.02 inches. Its matte black finish gives it a modern look that blends seamlessly with any entertainment setup. I appreciate how lightweight it feels at just 2.05 pounds, making it easy to place anywhere. The ventilation design ensures effective heat dissipation, a feature that can’t be overlooked in a device meant for extended use. While the build feels sturdy, there’s a slight plasticky vibe that, while not a dealbreaker, might not scream premium to everyone.

Performance and Features

This streaming box offers some serious hardware under the hood. Powered by the Amlogic S928X-J chip, which includes a Cortex-A76 big core and Quad-core Cortex-A55, this is by far one of the most powerful chips available in TV boxes today. Testing its 8GB LPDDR4 RAM and 64GB internal storage, I found that apps loaded quickly, and multitasking was smooth. Running on Android 11, the interface was responsive, though there’s a slight learning curve for newer users.

Streaming in 8K Ultra HD at 60fps was nothing short of stunning. The colors popped, and the clarity was unreal, especially when paired with the HDR support. During my binge-watching sessions, there wasn’t any stutter or lag, even with high-quality H.265 videos. I tested it with gaming as well, and while it handled light gaming effortlessly, more graphics-intensive titles demanded a bit more from the system.

Key Benefits

• 8K Ultra HD resolution with HDR support for stunning visuals.
• WiFi 6E dual-band connectivity ensures stable streaming without interruptions.
• Bluetooth 5.3 paired effortlessly with multiple devices, including my wireless headphones.
• The airmouse remote makes navigation intuitive, and the voice search feature was unexpectedly accurate.

Connectivity Options

The connectivity on this device is impressive. With WiFi 6E, I streamed high-resolution videos without buffering, even when my family was using the internet simultaneously. The 1000Mbps LAN port is a game-changer for anyone who prefers a wired connection.

The three USB 3.0 ports were incredibly handy—I connected everything from an external hard drive to a wireless keyboard without running into any issues. Additionally, Miracast and DLNA support let me cast content seamlessly from my phone onto the TV, which I loved for sharing photos and videos with friends.

Shortcomings

While the device is undeniably powerful, there are a few areas where it could improve:

• The remote is functional but feels a bit cheap compared to the rest of the package.
• Lack of Dolby Vision support may disappoint cinephiles expecting the ultimate HDR experience.
• The Android 11 interface, though smooth, could benefit from a more user-friendly layout for beginners.

Competing Products

When compared to other streaming boxes like the Nvidia Shield TV and Apple TV 4K, the Ugoos AM8 PRO holds its own in some areas but also falls short in others. The Shield TV offers better support for Dolby Vision and Atmos, which elevates the audio-visual experience for movie enthusiasts. However, it doesn’t provide 8GB of RAM or the extensive connectivity options available here. The Apple TV 4K is incredibly polished in terms of user experience, but its locked ecosystem can be limiting.

Where the AM8 PRO excels is in its hardware specifications and open customization options, making it a great choice for tech-savvy users who want to tweak and optimize their system.

Bang for the Buck

Considering its powerful CPU and GPU, ample RAM, and 8K streaming capabilities, this product offers excellent value for its price. While it may not have the brand recognition of its competitors, the sheer performance it provides at this price point is hard to ignore. I’d recommend it for someone who wants a high-performance streaming box without paying a premium for the brand name. However, casual users looking for a plug-and-play experience might find the learning curve a bit steep.

Final Thoughts: Despite minor flaws, the Ugoos AM8 PRO delivers where it matters most—performance, versatility, and connectivity. If you’re someone who loves diving into settings and pushing your devices to their limits, this box won’t disappoint.

Additional information