CX-919 Quad Core Android Mini PC Review

[@larsoncollin]

i agree with boosting, i ordered the cx-919 (worried about heat issues) and i wish there were more in depth videos about these devices as not many other parties are publishing videos.

[@uncaringbear]

Thank you for putting in the great info about the wifi performance. For a lot of people, the wifi can make or break the success of the unit. Keep up the great work!

[@Somecooltech1]

No problem. I spent a lot of hours testing everything. I appreciate the feedback.

[@jinx5005]

Wonderful video, thank you again. I haven't decided which device I want to get yet, plus I want to get as much information on MAPCs as I can, so I can see if they meet my needs. Keep them coming, learning a lot and when I do decided whether I want one or not, I will at least be making an informed decision. Thanks again.

[@mumumumah]

Nice review Rivers - I was trying to find on-line if the 'large' antenna actually made a difference. Your review showed that very well - something like a 8-10 db improvement. That made the difference in me selecting this device over other RK3188 devices.

[@harryjones2572]

This is what all TV should have built into them now. They will eventually have this style of true smart hub. I know I will buy this and in a couple months they will bring out the doing this anyway

[@alexjorge3]

Very Professional job over all. Just works in the speed of you voice at the end of the video (you cut to much and when to fast) Thanks for this excellent update. You easily can works in TechTV :D Peace and Blessings

[@maartendevriendt0811]

Very good review! Straight forward and not to much mumbo-jumbo-bla-bla! Decent! Considering buying it. :-)

[@twice2wice]

Buy a amlogic s802 or rk3288 box... This one is outdated

[@Somecooltech1]

out of those two the CX-919 but all the 3188 devices are pretty similar. Since the hardware is all pretty similar look for the one with the best software support. Popular devices are usually good.

[@RonClark2000]

The KING of mini pc reviewers does it again! :D

[@mchu519]

I got this after watching your review. I have no problems streaming HD videos. I don't know what the stutters are that people are talking about. I use it with Netflix, KZbin, and BubbleUPnP UPnP/DLNA + MX Player. No issues streaming my HD videos from my NAS.

[@Somecooltech1]

Thanks for the feedback mchu. I think the problems were form 6 months ago when certain ROMs were buggy.

[@Somecooltech1]

yes I know, Im waiting for the X7 and maybe Ouya first though. They are all pretty similar right now. Mainly the software sets them apart. The Mk908 1080p ROM is pretty nice but it gets pretty hot with it. I think i might have install a bigger heat sink.

[@Somecooltech1]

Its got a 720p kernel and is upscaled to 1080p. It looks really crisp though so I think the did something differently . Almost all the quad coresare unscaled kernel right now. The only ones that have a 1080p kernel available are the MK908 and hte imito QX1. It causes heat issues though.

[@jurgentreep]

It doesn't have a headphone jack. The sounds goes through the hdmi cable. There are adapters on the market that split the sound and video. Is that what you are looking for?

[@Somecooltech1]

tough decision but edge to the MK8\908 because it has a 1080p kernel and even though it gets to hot and must be cooled with a fan or heat sink that is worth it. But if your ok with 720 kernel which looks really good this thing runs and looks great.

[@Somecooltech1]

Ive had some flickering with the MK808. Updating the ROM seemed to help. I'd try the finless 4.1.1. If that doesn't work you might need to order a replacement. It could possibly be a heat problem too.

[@GarryRackley]

ok +Rivers.....time to do a quad core comparison video because I can't decide....the Tronsmart seems to be the safe bet..also I am very interested in the upcoming(?) Minix Neo X7 because the X5 seems to be your "go to" streamer.....Great job on all your videos!!!!

[@stephamag]

very good review, i wanted to buy MK908 but now i will buy CX919 for sure. thanx. i like your channel

[@NexiTech]

My cx-919( model rk31_5931) android 4.4.2 has score 17457 on Anntutu v5.3 but only 40 Mflops on linpack. Why is that? it's not very smooth even on 720p. It has RK3188T x4 1.6Ghz but clocked only at 1.4Ghz. I tried to install some other version of android 4.2, 4.1 and nothing is work! Only his own 4.4.2 weird bugy firmware with ugly icons... Looks am stuck on this one... Any suggestions?

[@Somecooltech1]

actually it stays pretty cool but inside the case the chip is not connecting to the outside so heat is building. It runs fine but i worry if a 1080p kernel comes out you will need to open it and put a heat sink on it.

[@925boosting]

Looking forward when you review the Finless 4.2.2 with this device. I'm not sure if it's available now but I know its in the works. If possible can you do the review with the XBMC player installed? I'd imagine XBMC runs a lot better with the RK3188.

[@dog-gonedogs6939]

Now that was a frickin good review!! Thanks!

[@Somecooltech1]

there's one launcher called TV launcher that's meant to use a remote you could try.

[@Somecooltech1]

I haven't had any power supply problems. I found one i like and just use it all the time. I think its the one that came with the MK908 but im not sure. The best rule of thumb is the higher the Amps the better. This might be just superstition but I think if they weigh more they are better too. The Minix X5 has a heavy supply and its the best but it uses a different voltage and connector than the rest and its 3A.

[@rancher12121]

great vid, thanks I've had mine for about a week. super cheap and fast on a 32" screen love it

[@Somecooltech1]

The reason i don't is that it changes over time so I just put a link so its always up to date.

[@NeilMartinIsHere]

Love the reviews. I'd like to know if there are any android mini PC's out there that have stutter free playback on netflix/youtube/xbmc. 720p or 1080p. Would love to see the playback on Netflix included in your reviews, but even a mention in the description would be great.

[@Somecooltech1]

Thanks so much. Yes I'll do a shoot out once the x7 comes out.

[@jurgentreep]

Currently you can only install it to your storage and after that transfer it to your sd card. Google disabled the option to automaticly do it and only samsung has a feature that does it. I hope it will be ported over some day.

[@eladbari]

QUESTION is: Out of all of those Android TV Sticks- which one has best stability [=also doesn't get that hot] + Good Wifi reception performance? And if space isn't an issue - then is it just better to go with the Minix Neo X7? Maybe these kinds of bigger devices are better than those small Android TV sticks?

[@Somecooltech1]

I'd say this is one of the best ones out at the moment amzn.to/1gjjtRT

[@eladbari]

SomeCoolTech Ohhhh yeaahhh! Thank you for the personal Reply! It's quite confusing to understand which product gives the best performance & I/O connections, but from what I've seen, actually your review of The "Tronsmart Vega S89 Elite"- felt to me like it was the Best Android TV station according to now. I notice its important to have a 1080p Kernel for smooth playback [but it never says so on the product's details].. Whaddya think, buddy? :]

[@4thwalltvandfilm]

i bought one of these after watching your videos, it is a but video playback stutters on on youtube and netflix with 4.2 stock rom. and even with netflix stutters a little on finless 1.4, 4.1.1

[@hyperboogie]

I'm so glad you did this review. I purchased this unit a month ago but I'm having trouble controlling it. What mouse/keyboard are you using? I've tried using my mobile phone's bluethooth to connect to this device but I can only pair it. It will not connect. I will appreciate any words of advice.

[@MyDannyo]

Is the 10" Quad Core Tablet for 180USD you mentioned manufactured from Measy as well. I dont see it on their website.

[@BrunoNRG]

Hi Rivers, great review as always. Can you please tell me what live wallpaper (spinning earth planet) is on your galaxy s3 when it appears on this video? Thanks

[@statvila]

Usual stuff, the market is full of these kind of devices. We are looking to get good preloaded and preinstalled gadgets, but not only ampty units, where you have to do a lot of work to get them ready to work for you.

[@xtimex1]

Already ordered, I'm the award also air mouse -egreat ak 64 a nice pair! Btw, nice video and your site!

[@s1ky19]

a video about all the suitable launchers would be great. i'm looking for a good launcher that doesn't require a mouse or touch pad to navigate. im looking to make it more of a google tv/ set top box rather than mini pc.

[@javierruiz464]

Excellent review. Just what I wanted to know.

[@BrunoNRG]

Thanks, not sure if I understood what RfiEu is, and that's probably why I haven't found the live wallpaper yet...

[@alexmellegers7716]

Hi Rivers, Would the CX919 be the better AMP for this price range in regards to wireless distance. I was looking at the MK808 or MK809III but this one seems to look like it will handle wifi better with the external aerial.

[@matvangogh]

Just to give you ALL a HEADS UP,I just bought this 2 month (@amazon>85 bucks). Its works pretty good so far but I discovered a problem. This video mentioned 1 gig ram for apps/ 8 for data. Mine has a sticker of 2gb and 8gb. The problem is when you try to install a HD game( such as a driving game/ FPS game that takes up 300-600mb of extra space to download. you run out of space VERY FAST.. Meanwhile my Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 tablet ( which is a year old and only a dual core 1gb ram) utilizes the 8gb for both apps and data( giving you alot more room to have HD apps. the CX-919 is fast but you cant install more than 1-3 HD games without running out of memory!This this memory layout means it cant replace my tablet.I only use it for browsing/netflix/videos/non HD games.Shame.

[@mkruger3852]

yeah they should fix that limitation.

[@matvangogh]

Mark Kruger i had to use the finless 1.6 to modify it. Now i can install more apps. still They should have had it set like that to begin with..

[@TheDannyc1982]

If u want flash player to work, u have to use the pre installed web browser. I use all movie and sport sites and they stream perfect.

[@thmanj]

Hello Rivers not sure if you answer your comments but which device do you think is best. The MK809iii or the Cx919? I was looking to purchase one but you didn't have a ver in depth review of the CX919. Please let me know. Thanks.

[@richardralph9721]

Just wondering if you have tested the Tronsmart MK908II (external aerial). Apparently the MK908II has much improved cooling. I am trying to decide between the Trons CX-919 and the Trons MK908II. Any help/Advice would be great.

[@MrUdayakiran]

Thanks for the great review! I have almost decided to buy this one. However, I have 1 doubt: what about the heat? Does it get too hot if used for long time? And is it stable? I mean, no sudden crashes and stuff.

[@MrBrymstond]

Great Channel! I really want to see a dongle or box made with the NVidia Tegra 4 soon using a a15 Processor and not get cheap with the other hardware! What a beast that would be! Any thoughts on this? Imagine the graphics and Antutu would probably come in at a 35,000 to 40,000 depending on the nand and ram, Bluetooth 4... I would go all out on a setup like this and people would buy it with no complaints, I would! I would design it to work with a touch screen monitor.

[@coolblue1106]

I have watched some of your reviews. I noticed that your always includes Netflix and KZbin. How about XBMC?. I'm sure that many of your followers would like to see it included in your reviews.

[@_GarethRossUK]

Nice video, great and informative as always and nice to see an external anteni for the wifi thats my mine concern, I want one to watch different tv streaming services and after only having the mk808 this is something that I am looking for.

[@itsadandk]

So now we need to total score, compared to all the other devices you made a huge test on. Does it beat minix x5???

[@MyDannyo]

Can you please let me know if the auto hide arrow icon on the status bar is a feature of the ROM or the Launcher. and thanks again for the VID.

[@jessragan6714]

That's pretty nifty. I bought the CX-919 II with double antennas... does it make much of a difference?

[@ArchieDodge]

Does this work with touch screens and could a add a soft keyboard to use with one?

[@krishnakandasamy85]

nice video. im going crazy again deciding which quadcore to buy. i use it mostly on gaming and as media player. which one would you recomend? tronsmart t428, imito qx1 or this cx919? and everybody keep talking about rooting? im new at this, can u explain it in layman term wut it means? and how do i make ps3 wireless controllers to work with the mini pcs? thanks bro for the help.

[@dearprudence2001]

So SomeCoolTech, which of these quad core is your favorite? I think it's time for me to replace my MK808!

[@matvangogh]

why does my launcher on my CX919 always say NOT responding when i turn the device on???

[@mm2012ecu]

Hi, great video. You can provide more information about how the resolution of the videos using the different mini pc I would like you to tell me what would be the best mini pc already indicated on your previous question but I add one more: cx 919, tronsmart Mk 908, ricomagic Mk802 IV unlike the Ram comes with a 1g and 2g Ram others. In that helps me have more Ram, works like a normal pc? Pd. there is a cx 919 with 2g Ram saw on ebay or false? Thank you.

[@amohtar]

Hi Erik, You have an interesting question, and I like to buy one of these mini PC, what did you buy eventually? do you recommend it ?

[@guitarzan2005]

Have you had any trouble with the screen? I have one and the icons get jittery and blotchy, the screen flickers, and the back, home, power.... all flicker when I do anything like change menus or scroll or back out of things

[@TheVRLover]

I don't know why it restart after a while each time I on it! ??

[@ricardomartinh0]

Awesome thanks! Canadá you do a comparison with the transmont T428?

[@jurgentreep]

Do they also get lower benchmark scores with a 1080p kernel. That's what I would think.

[@dzgilad]

So doe this NOT have 1080p output? What's your favorite Android stick/box at moment? Most powerful? thanks for the review

[@Somecooltech1]

yes but a dongle not the built in bluetooth.

[@cameasterby3598]

Lilliput monitor is a touch screen, I failed to mention that earlier

[@Somecooltech1]

The 4.1.1 was not rooted but the 4.2.2 update was rooted.

[@GorillamansGarage]

I bought one and it works great. Video over the network over 1GB tend to be choppy. But all in all a great little unit. Q: What and how do you use the flash mode button?

[@muratremix]

I received my cx-919 about a month ago. It was resetting or quitting from Antutu benchmark because of max. 1.6 ghz clock speed causes problems. I managed to root device and set max. cpu speed to 1.4ghz in order to fix problem. I never tried new 4.2.2 rom because I sold my device. Too bad, finless custom rom just arrived!

[@Doc7Jay]

Hey @Somecooltech1 witch AMP would you recommend me purchasing for running XBMC and able to watch 1080p videos smoothly ? Thanks

[@GabeThundercatSolorzano]

Great work man

[@Somecooltech1]

No problem, glad to help.

[@nice1stuOnline]

Would I be able to use this in a wireless streaming Home Theatre system, like a Plex or XBMC PC/NAS setup? I am looking at plugging this to the Projector and using it to access the Home Theatre Server. I am looking at the Roku stick and Chromecast... so looking into all alternatives.

[@daviddee844]

Hi I was looking into android sticks and would like to know your perferance between 2 that I liked, both from tronsmart, the first is the cx-919, and the second is the t1000. I understand that the t1000 is just screen mirroring my android device. Also does the cx 919 screen mirror?

[@kkcbalaji]

How to make use of i2s interface as mentioned in cx-919 to connect to my spdif in audio system. Can you please make a video for that?

[@RAIZU18]

out of all rikomagic, cx-919, and tronsmart which one would u reccomend im debating on which one i should buy

[@stezo15]

Hi, thanks for the great review. Keep up the awesome work! Is the 4.2.2 still buggy on this device?

[@franciscojrosero]

Hi. This is the second android stick I bought thanks to your help. Can you make a video on "how to mirror from android to android stick"?. Also "best android watches (including the cheap but good. Try not to mention the ones that only consume battery )". Always thanks

[@am1974po]

Question: I have about 12 - 14 meters between the router and the TV. is this range too much for the stick?

[@Mikeey512]

Which one is the popular device? Which one is the best to buy with more updates?

[@joaquimjalmeida8760]

Hi Tech I have one Cx929 4k -bought through Alibaba to Sunchip Tech supplier on jan20 2015. Over the last few weeks the CX929 .RK3288 does not give video signal through the HDMI plug to TV. The litle blue light is on, MicroUSB give power to USB 2.0 -RJ45 wired adapted is on, all seems Ok . It's curious that I just got at first, only conected to start on a TV with HDMI 1080p. The CX 929 didn't give video signal to TV with 720p and also NOt with HDMI Videocomponente adapter (720 p) if connected. ( i have in this TV an boxtv MK902 -RK3188) Work well this 2 years. Perhaps it be a firmware /SO problems i wope. I would appreciate if you know some way to try to retrieve-recover the Cx929 dongle stick, either by plugging in Flash mode, either through PC flash room. desk to reinstall another firmware, or otherwise. What can I do can help??

[@JDraugr]

Is there a good forum for discussing the CX-919? I received mine and performed the 4.2.2 update and everything was working fine. That was last night. Tonight when I got home and started using the device, I noticed that the Bluetooth was off. If I go into setting and try to turn it back on, it quickly goes back to off. Now none of my Bluetooth devices work, even though they were working fine last night. Has anyone else had an issue like this?

[@rosekreuze]

im looking for an android stick that could sit well on my atrix lapdock without any major modifications. CX-919 is the closest however, almost. hopefully the lapdock battery is enough to power up CX-919

[@jurgentreep]

at 4:15 it says the resolution is 1280x672 does that mean it doesn't run in Full HD?

[@franciscojrosero]

Can a usb webcam be attached to this device? Please, let me know. Thanks. Awesome reviews

[@tracybrown7904]

I have a HD mounted to my router with video, can I access the files and watch them using the CX919? Or, can I plug in a 1Tb HD directly?

[@jurgentreep]

They are all very simmilar watch all the video's and decide for yourself. This one has good wifi and bluetooth. Rikomagic IV and tronsmart t428 have alot of software support.

[@biaggio11]

what do you think is better this CX919 or the Tronsmart T428 Quad Core Mini PC Android 4.2 Rockchip RK3188 2G DDR3 Wifi/BT TV BOX? does the T428 have a 1080p?

[@ewoks42]

just for records update 4.2.2 is not fully rooted.. Finless ROM make big troubles mounting external storage...

[@alexgarcia7673]

If I download an app from Google play that uses PUSH NOTIFICATIONS, it will show them on the screen?

[@eramamma]

Question: I have this device, and it replaces an MK802 that we had for the past year. While it is faster for sure, I can't seem to stream any videos clearly. I don't think it's my wifi, as streaming works great on other devices. Any tips to how to get streaming to work better, or to get remote desktop streaming to work?

[@SmallAuToTV]

Thanks for the review

[@nyo64]

what is the best of all Tronsmart MK908 , Tronsmart CX-919 , Tronsmart T428 ????

[@Irishrebel092]

what if I wanted to use a corded mouse and/or keyboard?

[@LuisCastillo-lg9mf]

I conected to my Tv and it shows to choose a launcher in the screen... but I can not choose neither. because I can move the arrow.. :(

[@alxra]

awesome channel. subscribed! However this stuff is confusing. If i'm on a desert island with electricity, broadband and an HDTV, which one of these android miniPC's do I get? All I want to do is youtube, surf the web, email.

[@daurong4966]

Wich is better in you opinion Tronsmart MK908 or the CX-919 ?

[@lepaul26]

Is this player 1080p ? I have the CX919 II and it only gives 720p :-/

[@cameasterby3598]

Is it possible to use Google maps for navigation, Can you use a Lilliput monitor, if so can you use a standard usb gps antenna?

[@SomeOrangeCat]

Can any old Bluetooth game controller work with this? I'm looking to buy one of these as a game console.

[@richardbarrett375]

Mine has very fuzzy text on the home-screen (more or less unreadable) and couldn't get a VPN to work on it!

[@goosertje]

Do websites with flash (movies) work? On my android phone (4.03 on LG) ask me to install flash. After clicking on the link it says that flash is not supported on my device.