MECOOL KM2 Review: First MECOOL’s Netflix 4K Certified TV Box

We’re already after testing the first MECOOL’s Netflix 4K certified Android TV streaming device called MECOOL KM2. So here’s the MECOOL KM2 review.

Surely you could have found the statement MECOOL KM2 killer (tamer) Mi Box / Mi Box S TV Box. Of course, such a statement is correct. However, taking into account the period when the Mi Box / Mi Box S was launched, compared to the MECOOL KM2, as well as the current new Android TV streaming device, Mi Box / Mi Box S fares poorly.

Nevertheless, back to the MECOOL KM2. So far, MECOOL has introduced Android TV Boxes with only Google certification. This has changed with the MECOOL KM2. Finally, MECOOL’s device supports Netflix 4K. Therefore, the first Netflix-certified Android TV Box in the MECOOL portfolio should interest you all the more. It supports all available 4K / HD content streaming and has other valuable features. However, what are our impressions and how it turned out in the tests, you can find below.

Is it worth buying MECOOL KM2? we encourage you to read our impressions, which you will find in our MECOOL KM2 review.

Availability and price

I want to say thanks to the MECOOL brand (www.mecoolonline.com) for sending us a MECOOL KM2 device to review.

MECOOL KM2 Google and Netflix Android TV 4K streaming device now is available at MECOOL Offical store at Aliexpress for $58.41

You can buy KM2 also directly from the MECOOL brand store for $71.10 after coupon: FBKM2 or ANDROIDTVBOX (10% OFF)

If you are looking for a different solution, be sure to check out MECOOL Now Google Certified Video Calling on Your TV (review here) device you can buy directly from the MECOOL brand store for $117 also after coupon: ANDROIDTVBOX (10%OFF) or MECOOLNOW10. 

MECOOL KM2 Review: Product details

MECOOL KM2 ATV Specification

• SoC – Amlogic S905X2-B quad-core Cortex-A53 processor
• Memory – 2GB DDR4
• Storage – 8 GB eMMC flash, MicroSD card slot
• Video
  • Output – HDMI 2.1 up to 4Kp60 with HDCP 2.3, HDMI-CEC support
  • Codecs – H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, VP8 & VP9
  • HDR – HDR10+, HDR & HLG
  • DRM – Widevine L1, Playready 3000
• Audio
  • Optical S/PDIF, digital audio via HDMI;
  • Codec – AAC & HE-AAC; Dolby Digital & Dolby Digital Plus & MS12; Dolby Atmos Passthrough
• Networking – Ethernet, Dual-band 802.11b/g/n/ac WiFi 5 2R2T & Bluetooth 4.2/5.0 via Realtek RTL8822CS
• USB – 1x USB 3.0 Type A port, 1x USB 2.0 Type A port
• Misc- Power button
• Power Supply – 12V/1A via DC jack
• Certifications
  • Google ATV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
  • MS12 including DD & DD+/HDMI 2.1 (with CEC)/HDCP 2.3, CE/FCC, RoHs, PoPs, REACH
• Dimensions – 110*110*24.05mm
• Weight – 530g

The box included everything that you need to get started:

• MECOOL KM2 streaming device
• Bluetooth Voice Remote Control
• Power adapter
• HDMI Cable
• User Manual

The following video from our YouTube channel where you can take a look at more MECOOL KM2 details and bundled accessories.

MECOOL KM2 Review: First impressions, settings, an overview of features

The execution of KM2 is flawless. On the other hand, the white housing with rounded edges looks unusual. We are used to the color black in this segment and the format of devices. Does the TV Box look nice? we leave it for your interpretation.

The front panel has an LED bar (with smart breathing green light). On one side are two USB ports (USB 2.0  and USB 3.0) and a micro SD card slot. In the back are the Power button, AV port, RJ45 Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1 port, and DC jack (12V/1A), and IR port. On the bottom you will find two non-slip rubber strips, ensuring a stable position of the device. It is also worth mentioning about Bluetooth voice remote, which has a well-known Google reference design, as well as dedicated hotkeys with popular streaming services: YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play. Voice remote in combination with the Google Assistant works without any problems. Pictures below.

Impressions from the use

MECOOL KM2 runs on Android TV 10, so the operation on Android TV is known to most of you, or you could read about it in our previous reviews. Working with the device is child’s play from the moment of commissioning and configuration to everyday use.

Throughout testing, there were no problems with the device. KM2 was fast and stable. WiFi connection works well, stable, and fast. Wifi: Download – 201.7Mbps Upload – 241.1Mbps, Gigabit Ethernet: Download – 92.1Mbps Upload – 95.1Mbps. In addition to the Bluetooth remote control with voice feature, we used a Logitech MK540 Advanced set and a gamepad from iPega called iPega PG-9076. By the way, Bluetooth remote control with the voice control feature works well and fast. Big plus! You do not have to navigate the remote control, just tell what you are looking for. BTW, Chromecast built-in works fine. We also installed the latest Kodi 19.1 “Matrix”.

Besides, on the KM2 TV Box can play popular games like PUBG, Asphalt 8, Beach Buggy Racing (we used iPega PG-9076), and also via NVIDIA GeForce NOW without any problems. Now you can also use Google Stadia on KM2.

If you want to control KM2 via smartphone, just install it Android TV Remote Control app or CetusPlay app.

MECOOL KM2 vs. Xiaomi Mi Box S

As for the differences in the specifications, they are significant. However, below you will find graphics that compare well both Android TV Boxes. As you can see, MECOOL KM2 has significantly dominated the Xiaomi Mi Box S and surpasses it in terms of specification and some features.

Streaming Services via MECOOL KM2

And probably the most important thing. As already mentioned, KM2 is the first Android TV Box certified by Netflix. Therefore, this time the device supports Netflix up to 4K 2160p without a problem. Besides, it also supports Youtube, Prime Video, Disney+, Google Play Movies, Apple TV up to 4K 2160p. HBO Go up to 1080p.

MECOOL KM2 Review: Operating system and components

As we mentioned, MECOOL KM2 runs on Android TV 10, Kernel version 4.9.180, and supports OTA updates. As we mentioned, the TV Dongle is equipped with an Amlogic S905X2-B quad-core Cortex-A53 processor @ processor up to 1.8GHz and GPU Mali-G31MP2, CPU speed between 100MHz and 1.8GHz. The factory model of the device is SkyworthDigital LEAP-S1 (HP4035-Mecool). On the following screens, you can see exactly the components used and their specification (Information taken from the CPU-Z app). Below is also a screenshot of DRM info (Supports Google Widevine L1/Playready). The device does not have root access. Below screenshots.

KM2 review: Performance tests and benchmarks

For testing, we use the AnTuTu Video Tester 3.0 app, and Benchmark 8.3.4. Besides, GeekBench 4, 3D Mark, and, GPUBench. 

Video Tests

Video result 1033 and two unsupported codecs. Playback by Kodi 19.1 Matrix runs almost smoothly and stable. TV Box without problem seems to play movies with the resolution of 480p,720p, and 1080p (24fps, 30fps, 60fps) and also 4K (60fps) with various codecs videos such as H.264, H.265, MPEG2, MPEG4, RMVB, and audio – DTS and AC3. Dolby Digital 5.1 passthrough worked fine via HDMI. The device supports also Dolby Digital Plus & MS12
Dolby Atmos Passthrough. We tested several video formats – AVI, MKV, MP4, ISO (typical formats in which it holds the majority of movies), which also played fine.

MECOOL KM2: Benchmarks

KM2 Android TV Box a score of 84247 points in AnTuTuBenchmark v8.3.4. Below other screenshots, from GeekBench 4.2.0, 3D Mark, and GPUBench. Internal memory benchmarks (via A1SD Bench app): Read 138.87MB/s – Write 54.14MB/s. RAM copy speed was 3115.38MB/s.

MECOOL KM2 Review: Conclusions

MECOOL KM2 is a Google and Netflix certified Android TV streaming device worth buying. If you are looking for an efficient streaming device that supports the most popular streaming services up to 4K 2160p, then MECOOL KM2 is just for you. In addition, its price is not excessive (the current offer on Aliexpress is very hot). We highly recommend MECOOL KM2.