Ugoos SK1 8K UHD TV Box review with Android 11 and WiFi 6

Description

Design and Build Quality

The SK1 8K UHD TV Box immediately stands out with its sleek navy blue exterior. Its compact dimensions, measuring 6.69 x 4.33 x 1.18 inches, make it easy to fit into any entertainment setup without dominating the space. The device is lightweight at 2.28 pounds, which makes it portable, though once it’s plugged in, you probably won’t move it around much. The inclusion of two built-in WiFi antennas is discreet yet functional, adding to its polished appearance. The UR02 remote that comes with it feels ergonomic, and the voice and gyro functionality is a nice touch for seamless navigation.

The overall build feels sturdy, but I did notice that the plastic casing could have been of slightly higher quality for a more premium feel. That said, considering its modern design and functional layout, it fits well in both minimalist and elaborate entertainment setups.

Performance and Features

This streaming box truly shines with its Amlogic S928X-K chipset, a combination of ARM Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A55 cores, and the Mali G57 MC2 GPU. During testing, the 8GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB EMMC storage delivered smooth performance, even when juggling between multiple apps or streaming 8K content at 60fps. Whether it’s HDR visuals or H.265 compression, the playback quality is stunning, and colors look incredibly rich.

The device runs on Android 11 (Red Velvet Cake), which felt intuitive, though I did notice some apps took a moment longer to load compared to my previous streaming box. The AV1 coding format ensures efficient compression without compromising on quality, making it future-proof for modern streaming standards. Features like the automatic refresh rate (AFR) system were a pleasant surprise, as they helped maintain smooth playback without manual adjustments.

Key Benefits

• 8K resolution support ensures crystal-clear visuals, even on the largest screens.
• WiFi 6 and dual-band support provide a stable and fast connection, perfect for streaming without buffering.
• Bluetooth 5.2 with LE technology is faster and energy-efficient compared to older versions.
• Over-the-Air (OTA) updates mean the device will stay updated with the latest features.
• Multi-language support makes it user-friendly for global users.

Areas for Improvement

• The plastic build could feel more premium, especially for a product in this price range.
• While Android 11 works well, a few apps occasionally lagged, which might bother users who demand faster performance.
• The UR02 remote, though functional, sometimes felt less responsive when using voice commands.
• Lack of Dolby Atmos support was noticeable, especially for audiophiles looking for immersive sound.

User Experience

Using this device was straightforward and enjoyable, especially with its intuitive interface. I tested it for streaming, gaming, and even light browsing. Streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube ran perfectly in 4K and 8K modes, and the playback quality was phenomenal. The voice control on the UR02 remote worked reasonably well, although it had some difficulty understanding certain accents.

Gaming on this box was surprisingly smooth for casual titles. The USB 3.0 port came in handy for attaching external drives, and the 1000M Ethernet port ensured a lag-free experience when I connected directly to my router. However, the Android TV-specific interface could use some refinement to make transitions between apps snappier.

Competing Products

Compared to other options like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro and Amazon Fire TV Cube, this device holds its ground well. The 8K capabilities of the SK1 are a standout feature, as many competitors in the same category max out at 4K. Additionally, the WiFi 6 compatibility and dual USB ports make it more versatile than the Fire TV Cube.

That being said, the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro edges ahead for gamers with its AI upscaling and better Dolby Atmos support. The Fire TV Cube, on the other hand, is more user-friendly for those deeply integrated into the Amazon ecosystem. The SK1 might not have the slickest interface compared to these, but its hardware capabilities and expandable storage options give it a unique edge.

Price Performance

For its technical specifications, the SK1 offers solid value for money. With 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and an 8K playback capability, it outperforms many cheaper streaming boxes that lack these advanced features. While it’s slightly more expensive than some budget-friendly options, the WiFi 6 support, Bluetooth 5.2, and OTA updates make it a long-term investment.

If you’re someone who values performance and future-proofing, this device delivers a lot for its price. However, if you’re on a tight budget or only need basic streaming features, alternatives like the Roku Ultra might suffice at a lower cost.

Who Should Buy This?

The SK1 is ideal for tech enthusiasts, home theater aficionados, and anyone looking for a high-performance streaming box with advanced features. Its multi-language support makes it a global-friendly device, and the high-resolution playback is perfect for users with 8K TVs. However, casual users who just want to watch Netflix might find its full feature set unnecessary.

For those seeking a future-proof device with strong connectivity options and robust performance, this is a compelling choice. Streaming quality is where it truly excels, though there are minor software tweaks that could further enhance the experience.

Additional information