MECOOL KM6 Classic Review: TV Box with S905X4 SoC (AV1 codec)

We’re already after testing the first Android TV Box powered by the new Amlogic S905X4 SoC from the MECOOL brand called MECOOL KM6 Classic, so today, we would like to show you the KM6 Classic review.

As we mentioned, MECOOL KM6 (Classic and Deluxe Edition) is the first Android TV Box in the MECOOL portfolio powered by Amlogic S905X4 SoC supports AV1 video codec (more video for less data, save 20%-30% more bandwidth efficiency than H.265 or VP9). Besides, TV Box runs on Android TV 10 OS. 

Is KM6 Classic TV Box worth buying? Is the presence of the new S905X4 SoC noticeable? These and more questions you should find the answer to in our review.

Availability and price

I want to say thanks to the MECOOL brand (www.mecoolonline.com) for sending us a MECOOL KM6 Classic Edition to review. 

Now KM6 Classic Edition TV Box you can buy directly from MECOOL brand store for $63 after coupon: ANDROIDTVBOX (10%OFF)

Alternatively, the more expensive KM6 DELUXE edition for $99 after coupon: ANDROIDTVBOX (10%OFF). However, if you are looking for HDMI Stick format, it MECOOL KD1 TV Stick for $45 also with the same coupon.

MECOOL KM6 Classic Review: Product details

MECOOL KM6 Classic Edition Android TV Box Specifications:

• CPU – Amlogic S905X4 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU
• GPU – ARM-G31 MP2 GPU, OpenGL ES 3.2, Vulkan 1.1 and OpenCL 2.0 support
• OS – Android 10.0 ATV
• Memory – 2GB
• Storage – 16GB eMMC flash + micro SD card slot (up to 128GB)
• Video Output – HDMI 2.1 up to 4K @60 fps, AV port
• HDR – Supports Dolby Vision (optional), HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, and Technicolor HDR processing
• Audio – HDMI,  AV port (stereo audio)
• Video Decoder:
  • 4-AV1 [email protected] up to [email protected]                                               
  • VP9 Profile-2 up to [email protected]
  • H.265 HEVC [email protected] up to [email protected]
  • AVS2-P2 Profile up to [email protected]
  • H.264 AVC [email protected] up to [email protected]
  • MPEG-4 [email protected] up to [email protected] (ISO-14496)
  • WMV/VC-1 SP/MP/AP up to [email protected]
  • AVS-P16(AVS+) /AVS-P2 JiZhun Profile up to [email protected]
  • MPEG-2 MP/HL up to [email protected] (ISO-13818)
  • MPEG-1 MP/HL up to [email protected] (ISO-11172)
  • RealVideo 8/9/10 up to [email protected]
• Video Formats – [email protected], H.265, AVI, H.264, VC-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DIVD/DIVX, Real8/9/10, RM, RMVB, PMP, FLV, MP4, M4V, VOB, WMV, 3GP, MKV
• Connectivity – Built-in 2T2R 2.4G/5G WiFi  Support IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Fast Ethernet 10/100Mbps, Bluetooth 4.2
• Interfaces – HDMI 2.1,USB 2.0, USB 3.0, TF CARD Support 1~128GB, 3.5 Phone out CVBS&L/R output, RJ45 LAN, SPDIF OPTICAL port
• Misc – IR + BT receiver and remote controller, Supports OTA updates, Smart breathing light
• Power Supply – DC 5V/2A
• Dimensions – 110g
• Weight – 10.00 x 9.80 x 2.00 cm

The box included everything that you need to get started:

• KM6 Classic Edition TV Box
• 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 details MECOOL KM6 Classic and bundled accessories.

MECOOL KM6 Classic Review: First impressions, settings, an overview of features

KM6 Classic TV Box is a small and solidly made Android TV Box. The housing is made of matte black plastic (does not fingerprint) and the top cover is the MECOOL logo in the center. 

The front panel has an LED bar (with smart breathing light). On one side are two USB ports (USB 2.0  and USB 3.0) and a micro SD card slot. On the rear panel are the AV port, RJ45 Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1 port, and DC jack. At the bottom of the device, there are holes for good ventilation, and four rubber pads to prevent shifting.

The device comes with a Bluetooth remote controller that supports voice commands via Google Assistant and, at first glance, and three dedicated buttons, for Netflix, Prime Video streaming service, and Google Play. Pictures below.

Impressions from the use

As we mentioned KM6 Classic 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. KM6 Classic was fast and stable. WiFi connection works well, stable, and fast. Wifi: Download – 178Mbps Upload – 187Mbps, Gigabit Ethernet: Download – 93.0Mbps Upload – 94.6Mbps. 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.

KM6 Classic TV Box more details from the use

MECOOL’s TV Box is Google Certified TV Box and comes with built-in Chromecast support (you can stream your favorite entertainment and apps from your phone, tablet, or laptop).

Streaming Services

As for video streaming, KM6 Classic plays Youtube, Google Play Movies up to 4K 2160p without a problem, also with AV1 codec. HBOGo, Prime Video also up to 4K 2160p. Unfortunately, the device is not certified by Netflix, but you can look for a modified app and get Full HD. By contrast, not everyone uses Netflix. 

Besides, on the KM6 Classic 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. Additionally, KM6 Classic comes with an IPTV application pre-installed. For testing, we used the free of 5000+ publicly available IPTV channels from all over the world .m3u (Github source here). If you need to control the TV Box through a smartphone, you can use the Android TV Remote Control app or CetusPlay.

Below you will find a lot of screenshots.

MECOOL KM6 Review: Operating system and components

KM6 Classic TV Box runs on Android TV 10.0, Kernel version 4.9.180, and supports OTA updates. The TV Box uses OTA firmware version 907102003001. As we mentioned, the TV Box is equipped with a new Amlogic S905X4 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU @ processor up to 2.0GHz and GPU Mali-G31MP2, CPU speed between 100MHz and 2.0GHz. 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.

KM6 Classic review: Performance tests and benchmarks

For testing, we use the AnTuTu Video Tester 3.0 app, and unfortunately, the normal AnTuTu Benchmark 8.4.5 failed to install, we installed the AI version. Besides, GeekBench 4, 3D Mark, and, GPUBench.

Video Tests

Video result 1066 and one unsupported codec. Playback by Kodi 18.9 Leia 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.  Also, we tested several video formats – AVI, MKV, MP4, ISO (typical formats in which it holds the majority of movies), which also played fine. The tested sample with the AV1 codec also works smoothly.

Video Playback via Kodi 18.9

Benchmarks

As we wrote, we only launched AnTuTu AI Benchmark (result in the screenshot). Below other screenshots, from GeekBench 4.2.0, 3D Mark,  and GPUBench. Internal memory benchmarks (via A1SD Bench app): Read 109.29MB/s – Write 38.12MB/s. RAM copy speed was 3272.42MB/s.

MECOOL KM6 Classic Review: Conclusions

MECOOL KM6 Classic Edition is an Android TV Box worth recommending. It is certified by Google, works smoothly without problems, plays 4K video also with AV1 codec, plays streaming video smoothly. If you are looking for an inexpensive and efficient TV Box for the next few years with a new chipset that supports the AV1 codec, and if you do not use Netflix (or are able to settle for HD content) then KM6 Classic will definitely satisfy you. We recommend the MECOOL KM6 Classic TV Box.