There are countless Android boxes for sale, making it difficult for manufacturers to distinguish themselves. The Minix NEO U9-H throws a lot of computing power at it and the device also contains a pre-installed version of Kodi 17. After some effort, Netflix is even available in HD. A first for Chinese Android players!
Minix NEO U9-H
Price € 169,95Video resolution 3840 x 2160 pixels
media processor Amlogic S912-H (ARM Cortex A53)
Clock speed 2GHz
Video chip ARM Mali-820MP3
Ram 2GB
Internal storage 16GB
Connections HDMI 2.0, S/PDIF (optical), 3.5mm headphone and microphone jack, 3x USB 2.0, OTG port, Micro SD slot, 10/100/1000 Mbit/s Ethernet, WiFi (802.11b/g/ n/ac), bluetooth 4.1
OS Android 6.0.1
Website www.minixwebshop.nl 8 Score 80
- Pros
- Lots of computing power
- Ultra HD in 60 Hz
- Automatic refresh rate switching
- Regular firmware updates
- Negatives
- Supplied remote control
- Pricey
The NEO U9-H has a standard housing, as we now know from many other Android-based media players. The flat box is square, with three USB ports and a micro SD card reader visible on the side. Users connect the device to the television or receiver via the HDMI 2.0 port. For sound transmission, the box also has an optical S/PDIF output.
As soon as we turn on the NEO U9-H, the checkered menu will appear on the screen in no time. Equipped with the Amlogic S912-H media processor and 2 GB ram, this media player navigates smoothly. 16 GB of flash memory is built in for the storage of apps. The supplied remote control is somewhat limited, so preferably use a so-called air mouse with a keyboard on the back. Minix sells its own airmouse under the name NEO A3.
Netflix?
Unfortunately, this media player is not Netflix certified, so the Android app only supports resolutions up to 480p. An alternative apk file from Netflix is available via the Minix web store. This allows you to watch movies and series in HD quality. The question, of course, is how long such an app will continue to work. Fortunately, apps such as Ziggo GO and YouTube offer good image quality as standard.
File Compatibility
There are no restrictions when it comes to playing your own media files. The NEO U9-H accepts almost anything, even transmitting Ultra HD images at up to sixty frames per second via the h.265/hevc codec. The support for HDR10 is also special. If you often watch movies, series and TV programs, you will have to deal with different refresh rates. Unlike many other Android-based players, this one will automatically switch to the correct refresh rate if the correct setting is enabled. The media player also sends well-known surround formats such as dolby digital, dts-hd and even dolby atmos to a suitable receiver.
Conclusion
The NEO U9-H is a complete Android box, on which you can also watch Netflix in HD with a little effort. This box can also process ultra-HD images, but you have to take care of media files in this resolution yourself. Playback compatibility is fine. Apart from the relatively high purchase price, there is little to criticize about this neat media player.
