Introduction
In today’s world, turning your television into a smart hub for entertainment is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Android TV boxes have emerged as affordable and versatile solutions to achieve this, offering a wide array of streaming services, media playback options, and even gaming capabilities. Among the numerous brands in this market, AKASO has carved a niche for itself by focusing on budget-friendly devices. The AKASO T95Z Plus 4K S912 2GB Android TV Kodi box is one such offering, promising to deliver a feature-rich experience without breaking the bank.
This review aims to provide an in-depth look at the AKASO T95Z Plus. We’ll dissect its key features, assess its performance in real-world scenarios, and ultimately determine whether it lives up to its promises and is worth your hard-earned money. This review is geared towards individuals seeking an inexpensive way to upgrade their viewing experience by transforming their standard television into a smart one. If you’re looking to stream content, enjoy media files, and access a multitude of apps, keep reading to discover if this Android TV box is the right choice for you.
Unveiling The Core: Features and Specifications
Understanding the specifications of any device is essential before diving into its performance. The AKASO T95Z Plus boasts a configuration that aims to strike a balance between affordability and functionality. Let’s break down the key components.
At the heart of this Android TV box lies the Amlogic S912 processor. This octa-core processor is designed to handle a variety of tasks, from streaming videos to running applications. While not the most powerful chip on the market today, it is well regarded for its efficiency and ability to handle basic operations.
The device is equipped with two gigabytes of RAM. This is arguably one of the most important factors to consider when evaluating performance. Two gigabytes allows for decent multitasking but may struggle with extremely demanding applications or excessive background processes.
For storing your applications, media files, and other data, the AKASO T95Z Plus comes with sixteen gigabytes of eMMC internal storage. While this amount of storage might seem limited, especially for users who plan to download a large number of apps or media files, the device includes an SD card slot for expansion. This allows you to increase storage capacity easily to accommodate your growing needs.
The operating system on the AKASO T95Z Plus is Android. It is crucial to note that the specific version of Android it ships with can significantly impact user experience, security, and compatibility with newer apps. Be sure to check the current version offered, as older versions may have some limitations.
The device is equipped to deliver stunning visuals, supporting 4K UHD video output. This means you can enjoy your favorite movies and shows in incredible detail, provided you have a compatible television and content. The box also offers support for HDR (High Dynamic Range), enhancing the contrast and color range for an even more immersive viewing experience.
The AKASO T95Z Plus comes with multiple connectivity options, including wireless fidelity for connecting to your home network. The device offers both the standard point four Gigahertz and five Gigahertz bands, allowing you to choose the best option depending on your router and environment. An Ethernet port provides a more stable and reliable wired connection for seamless streaming. It also includes Bluetooth, allowing users to connect wireless accessories such as headphones, speakers, or game controllers.
The device offers multiple USB ports. These ports can be used for connecting external storage devices, keyboards, mice, or other peripherals, making it easy to access and manage your media files.
The AKASO T95Z Plus has pre-installed Kodi. Kodi is a popular open-source media player that allows you to organize and stream your media files. Pre-installing saves users time and effort. The device also comes with access to the Google Play Store, enabling you to download a vast selection of apps, games, and streaming services.
Aesthetic Appeal: Design and Build Quality
The AKASO T95Z Plus features a rectangular design, common among Android TV boxes. It is primarily constructed from plastic. The device feels reasonably sturdy for its price point. Its compact size allows for easy placement near your television without taking up too much space.
The port layout on the AKASO T95Z Plus is well-organized and easily accessible. The ports are located on the sides and rear of the box, allowing for convenient connections without creating excessive cable clutter.
The remote control included with the AKASO T95Z Plus is fairly basic. It features standard buttons for navigation, volume control, and accessing menus. The remote is powered by infrared, which means it requires a direct line of sight to the box.
Navigating the System: Setup and User Interface
Setting up the AKASO T95Z Plus is a straightforward process. Once connected, the device will boot up, guiding you through the initial setup. This includes selecting your language, connecting to your wireless network, and logging into your Google account.
The Android interface on the AKASO T95Z Plus is relatively clean and uncluttered. It is easy to navigate with the included remote. The interface is customizable to some extent, allowing you to rearrange apps and widgets to suit your preferences. The overall responsiveness of the user interface is decent.
Installing apps from the Google Play Store is a breeze on the AKASO T95Z Plus. Simply navigate to the Play Store, search for the app you want, and click install. The download and installation process is quick and efficient.
The AKASO T95Z Plus comes pre-installed with Kodi. The Kodi build is a customized one. It includes some popular add-ons. The overall Kodi performance on the AKASO T95Z Plus is acceptable.
Putting it to the Test: Performance and Streaming
The video playback on the AKASO T95Z Plus is generally smooth. It handles point four K video playback without any significant issues. The device also supports HDR, enhancing the viewing experience.
In terms of audio performance, the AKASO T95Z Plus supports a range of audio codecs. The audio quality through both HDMI and other outputs is clear and crisp.
The AKASO T95Z Plus is not ideally suited for high-end gaming. It is able to run casual Android games smoothly, but it struggles with more demanding titles.
The wireless fidelity connection on the AKASO T95Z Plus is stable. An Ethernet connection provides even more stable and reliable performance, especially for streaming high-resolution content.
Kodi Deep Dive: Integration and Functionality
The pre-installed Kodi build on the AKASO T95Z Plus offers a decent out-of-the-box experience. It includes pre-installed add-ons.
Installing and using Kodi add-ons on the AKASO T95Z Plus is a straightforward process.
Balancing the Scales: Pros and Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of the AKASO T95Z Plus:
Pros:
The affordable price of the AKASO T95Z Plus makes it an attractive option.
Its four K support allows you to enjoy high-resolution content.
Pre-installed Kodi offers a convenient way to manage and stream your media files.
Access to the Google Play Store provides a wide range of apps and services.
Expandable storage via an SD card allows you to increase storage capacity easily.
Cons:
Limited RAM can result in performance issues with demanding apps.
The Android version might be outdated.
The quality is questionable.
The device is not suitable for high-end gaming.
Exploring Alternatives: Other Options to Consider
While the AKASO T95Z Plus offers a compelling package, it is essential to consider alternative options before making a final decision. Several other Android TV boxes in a similar price range provide comparable or even better features and performance. One notable alternative is the Xiaomi Mi Box S, which offers a sleek design, smooth performance, and a user-friendly interface. Other budget-friendly options include the TiVo Stream point four K and the onn. Android TV point four K Pro. When comparing these alternatives, consider factors such as processor power, RAM, storage capacity, and software support.
Final Verdict: Is the AKASO T95Z Plus Worth It?
The AKASO T95Z Plus has strengths and weaknesses. Its affordable price, four K support, and pre-installed Kodi make it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. However, its limited RAM, potentially outdated Android version, and questionable build quality are areas of concern.
This product is best suited for users who are primarily looking for a basic streaming device and do not require high-end performance or gaming capabilities. It is an ideal choice for turning an older television into a smart television.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly Android TV box for basic streaming and media playback, the AKASO T95Z Plus is worth considering.
