Introduction
The year two thousand and sixteen was a pivotal time for home entertainment. Streaming services were exploding in popularity, and people were increasingly looking for ways to ditch expensive cable subscriptions. Enter the Android TV box, a versatile device that promised to transform any television into a smart hub, capable of streaming movies, playing games, and running a plethora of apps. If you were eager to experience the freedom of on-demand content and a customizable entertainment experience, an Android TV box was a tempting proposition. But with a rapidly growing market flooded with options, knowing which device to choose could be overwhelming.
That’s why we decided to compile our list of the best Android TV boxes from two thousand and sixteen. In this article, we will revisit some of the top contenders that stood out from the crowd based on performance, features, user experience, and overall value. We’ve carefully considered what made these boxes special back then, giving you a glimpse into the state of Android TV technology at that time. We have sifted through the many available at the time to narrow it down to several that we think offered the best experience.
This article is not just a trip down memory lane. Understanding what made certain Android TV boxes successful in two thousand and sixteen can provide valuable insights into the evolution of streaming technology and the enduring appeal of open-source entertainment solutions. We will explore what made each box unique, considering aspects like processor speed, operating system version, connectivity options, and the availability of key features like fourK support and voice control.
So, sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into our picks for the best Android TV box two thousand and sixteen!
Criteria for Selection
Choosing the best Android TV box two thousand and sixteen was no easy feat. The market was teeming with devices, each promising to revolutionize your viewing experience. To make our selections, we established a rigorous set of criteria, focusing on the factors that truly mattered to users seeking a reliable and enjoyable streaming experience.
First and foremost, performance was paramount. We evaluated each box based on its processor, RAM, and graphics capabilities. A powerful processor ensured smooth navigation, quick app loading times, and seamless playback of high-resolution content. Adequate RAM prevented frustrating slowdowns and allowed for multitasking between apps. And a capable graphics processor was essential for enjoying demanding games and visually stunning fourK videos.
The operating system was another critical consideration. We focused on devices running the official Android TV operating system, as opposed to generic Android implementations. Android TV offered a streamlined user interface optimized for the big screen, access to the Google Play Store with its vast library of apps, and seamless integration with Google services like Google Cast. We also considered the availability of software updates, as ongoing support was crucial for maintaining security and ensuring compatibility with the latest apps and services.
Features played a significant role in our evaluation. We looked for boxes that offered fourK support, allowing users to enjoy stunningly detailed videos on compatible televisions. HDR support was another desirable feature, enhancing picture quality with vibrant colors and improved contrast. Connectivity options, such as Bluetooth and WiFi, were essential for connecting peripherals like game controllers and keyboards, and for accessing the internet. We also considered the availability of ports, such as HDMI, USB, and Ethernet, for connecting to various devices and networks. Storage options were also evaluated, looking at available internal storage for apps and the ability to add external storage via USB.
The user interface was crucial for a positive user experience. We prioritized boxes that offered a clean, intuitive, and responsive user interface that was easy to navigate with a remote control. The remote control itself was also evaluated, considering its ergonomics, button layout, and the inclusion of features like voice control.
Price was, of course, a major factor. We aimed to identify boxes that offered the best value for money, balancing performance and features with affordability. We considered the prices of each box at the time of their release in two thousand and sixteen.
Finally, we took into account reviews and reputation. We scoured user reviews and expert opinions to get a sense of the real-world performance and reliability of each box. We looked for devices that had a track record of customer satisfaction and a reputation for quality and support.
By carefully considering these criteria, we were able to narrow down the field and identify the Android TV boxes that truly stood out in two thousand and sixteen.
The Best Android TV Boxes of two thousand and sixteen Detailed Reviews
Box one: NVIDIA SHIELD TV The Ultimate Streaming Powerhouse
The NVIDIA SHIELD TV was and remains one of the most talked about Android TV boxes ever, and for good reason. In two thousand and sixteen it was widely considered the best overall option for demanding users who wanted the ultimate streaming and gaming experience.
Key Features included the Tegra Xone processor which was incredibly powerful at the time, genuine Android TV operating system, fourK HDR support, Geforce NOW cloud gaming platform access, built in Google Assistant, expandable storage, and a bundled game controller.
Pros of the NVIDIA Sheild TV were its exceptional performance for both streaming and gaming, the clean Android TV interface, the access to Geforce NOW, and the regular software updates that NVIDIA provided.
Cons included the premium price, and the game controller bundled was not everyone’s favorite.
The performance review was stellar. The Tegra Xone processor handled everything with ease, from streaming fourK content to playing demanding Android games. The Android TV interface was smooth and responsive, and the Sheild TV offered access to a vast library of apps and games.
The user experience was top notch. The Sheild TV was easy to set up and use, and the included remote control was well-designed and functional. The voice control worked seamlessly, and the Geforce NOW service offered a unique cloud gaming experience.
The NVIDIA Sheild TV was ideal for gamers, cord cutters, and anyone who wanted the best possible Android TV experience, and the price at the time of review in two thousand and sixteen was around two hundred US dollars.
Box two: Xiaomi Mi Box An Affordable fourK Streaming Solution
The Xiaomi Mi Box was a popular choice in two thousand and sixteen for budget conscious consumers looking for a capable fourK streaming device. It offered a great balance of features and performance at an affordable price point.
Key features include fourK HDR support, the official Android TV operating system, compact design, built in Google Cast, and included voice remote.
Pros were the affordable price, compact and sleek design, smooth fourK streaming performance, and the easy to use Android TV interface.
Cons of the Xiaomi Mi Box were the limited internal storage, the occasional software glitches, and the less powerful processor compared to the NVIDIA Sheild TV.
Performance reviews showed it delivered smooth fourK streaming on most services, and the Android TV interface was responsive. The limited internal storage could be a problem for users who wanted to install a lot of apps.
The user experience was generally positive. The Mi Box was easy to set up and use, and the included remote control was simple and intuitive.
The Xiaomi Mi Box was perfect for budget conscious consumers who wanted to stream fourK content without breaking the bank. The price at the time of review was around seventy US dollars.
Box three: Razer Forge TV A Gaming Focused Android TV Box
The Razer Forge TV was marketed as a gaming focused Android TV box, offering solid performance and access to Razer’s gaming ecosystem. Although it wasn’t as popular as the Sheild TV, it offered a unique value proposition for gamers.
Key features included a powerful processor for gaming, access to the Razer Cortex game launcher, support for multiple game controllers, and the Android TV operating system.
Pros of the Razer Forge TV were solid gaming performance, integration with the Razer Cortex ecosystem, support for multiple controllers, and a competitive price compared to other gaming focused devices.
Cons included a limited app ecosystem compared to other Android TV boxes, occasional software issues, and the lack of fourK support.
Performance reviews showed it handled most Android games well, and the Razer Cortex launcher provided a convenient way to access and manage games. However, the lack of fourK support was a drawback for users who wanted to stream fourK content.
The user experience was mixed. The Razer Forge TV was easy to set up, but the Android TV interface felt somewhat clunky compared to other devices.
The Razer Forge TV was a decent choice for gamers who wanted a dedicated Android TV box for playing games, if fourK support wasn’t a concern. The price at the time of review was around one hundred US dollars.
Honorable Mentions
Several other Android TV boxes were available in two thousand and sixteen, but didn’t quite make our top picks. The Matricom G-Box Q two was a popular option for its affordability, but it lacked the performance and features of our top choices. The Nexus Player was a well-regarded device, but it was discontinued by Google in two thousand and fifteen, making it a less viable option in two thousand and sixteen.
What to Consider When Buying (Even Now!)
While we’ve focused on the best Android TV boxes from two thousand and sixteen, it’s important to consider what to look for in a streaming device, even now. Even though the devices mentioned above are old, you may still encounter them in the used market or you might be curious about their specifications.
Consider the processor, memory, and graphics processing unit. Look for a device with a processor that can handle fourK video playback and demanding apps. Pay attention to the operating system. Make sure that it is running a modern operating system. Consider your budget. Android TV boxes range in price from under one hundred dollars to over two hundred dollars. Choose a device that fits your budget and offers the features that you need. Research the device’s specs and confirm that they meet your specific requirements.
Conclusion
The year two thousand and sixteen was an exciting time for Android TV boxes. The devices we’ve highlighted represented the best of what was available at the time, offering a combination of performance, features, and value. While technology has moved on since then, these boxes provided a glimpse into the future of streaming and home entertainment. The NVIDIA Sheild TV stood out for its unparalleled performance, the Xiaomi Mi Box offered an affordable fourK solution, and the Razer Forge TV catered to gamers. These devices empowered users to cut the cord, access a world of content, and personalize their entertainment experience. The best Android TV box two thousand and sixteen offered something for everyone, and these devices showcased the potential of this versatile platform.
