YOKATV IPX2: The Return of a Legendary Android TV Box Brand
After years of absence on the TV box market, YOKATV is making a comeback with the release of a new model called the YOKATV IPX2. The Android TV box market has seen countless brands come and go over the years, but few can claim the legacy of YOKATV. As one of the founding brands that helped shape the Android TV box landscape back in 2015 and 2016, YOKATV has earned a special place in the hearts of streaming enthusiasts. Remarkably, some users still report that their original YOKATV devices continue to function flawlessly years later. Now, after a notable absence from the market, YOKATV has made a triumphant return with its latest offering: the YOKATV IPX2.
YOKATV IPX2 Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon opening the package, you'll find everything you need to get started right away. The YOKATV IPX2 comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including a Bluetooth voice remote with voice search and voice command capabilities. Additionally, the package includes an HDMI cable, a 12V 1A DC power supply, and a detailed user manual. This thoughtful inclusion of essential accessories means you won't need to purchase anything separately to begin your streaming journey.
Design and Build Quality
The YOKATV IPX2 features a clean, modern aesthetic with its white plastic shell prominently displaying the YOKATV branding. While plastic construction might seem modest, it keeps the device lightweight and affordable without compromising functionality. Furthermore, the design includes practical elements such as four rubber feet on the base for stability, cutouts for wall mounting, and strategically placed ventilation holes to ensure proper cooling during extended use.
Comprehensive Connectivity Options
When it comes to connectivity, the YOKATV IPX2 doesn't disappoint. The rear panel houses an impressive array of ports, including an HDMI 2.1 port for the latest display standards, a gigabit LAN port for wired internet connections, optical audio output, an AV port for legacy devices, an IR extender port, and the DC input socket. Meanwhile, the side panel provides convenient access to a USB 3.0 port, an additional USB 2.0 port, and a microSD card reader for expanding your storage options.
YOKATV IPX2 Performance and Features System Specifications
At the heart of the YOKATV IPX2 lies the powerful Amlogic S905X4 chipset, which has established itself as one of the best-performing processors in the Android TV box market. This quad-core Cortex A55 CPU runs at 2.0 GHz in 32-bit mode, paired with the Mali G31 GPU featuring OpenGL ES version 3.2 support. Moreover, the device comes equipped with 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB of internal storage, providing ample resources for smooth multitasking and app installations.
The device runs on Android 11 TV OS, offering a stable and familiar interface for users. Additionally, it supports Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless peripherals and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz) for flexible internet connectivity options. The system also maintains an idle operating temperature of approximately 57°C, indicating efficient thermal management.
YOKATV IPX2 IPTV Launcher and Navigation
The YOKATV IPX2 features a specialized IPTV launcher designed specifically for hosting various live TV services. This launcher utilizes horizontal scrolling panels and includes a convenient utility shortcut bar at the bottom of the screen. Importantly, this box falls into the OTT (Over-The-Top) category, similar to Buzz TV models, serving as a hub for your preferred streaming services without providing the services themselves.
The utility bar provides quick access to essential functions, including settings, Wi-Fi configuration, wireless updates, system information, power key definitions, and wallpaper customization options. Furthermore, upon first connection to the internet, the device automatically prompts for a firmware update, ensuring you're running the latest software version.
Streaming and Media Capabilities Display and HDR Support
The YOKATV IPX2 delivers impressive visual capabilities when connected to a 4K display. The device supports a maximum resolution of 4K at 59.94Hz with HDR display functionality and an adaptive HDR feature. Additionally, it offers up to 12-bit color depth, HDMI CEC options, and auto framerate switching through a feature called HDMI self-adaptation. These specifications ensure compatibility with modern displays and optimal picture quality.
Audio Performance
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the YOKATV IPX2's comprehensive sound support. The device includes surround sound audio passthrough with Dolby and DTS settings. During testing with a 7.1 AV receiver, the box successfully processed Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS Virtual X formats. However, it's worth noting that Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio, and DTS X are not supported.
Video Codec Support
The YOKATV IPX2 comes equipped with support for modern video codecs, including HEVC, AV1, and Dolby Vision capabilities. In practical testing, the device successfully processed HDR10, AV1, and HLG formats. Nevertheless, Dolby Vision content was processed as either HLG or HDR10, rather than native Dolby Vision. Similarly, HDR10+ content defaults to standard HDR10 processing.
Digital Rights Management and Streaming Services
For premium streaming services, the YOKATV IPX2 features Google Widevine Level 1 with HDCP 2.3 protection. This combination provides the necessary security framework for services like Prime Video and Max to stream in HD and 4K quality. However, the device lacks an official Netflix ESN license, which restricts Netflix playback to HD quality when using compatible modified apps.
On the other hand, YouTube performance is excellent, with the Android TV version of the app supporting up to 4K 2160p resolution with HDR. The device also includes official Miracast support for casting from Android smartphones and DLNA for PC casting, both functioning effectively during testing.
Benchmark Results and Performance Metrics
The YOKATV IPX2 demonstrates solid performance across various benchmarks. The RAM achieves transfer speeds of 3,493 MB/s, while the internal storage delivers read speeds of 126 MB/s and write speeds of 64 MB/s. In Geekbench 5, the CPU scored 144 in single-core and 414 in multi-core tests.
Graphics performance yielded a score of 189 in the 3DMark Wildlife test with an average of 1.10 fps. Furthermore, the device achieved an overall score of 111,760 in AnTutu Benchmark version 10. These results place the YOKATV IPX2 at position 42 on the performance chart with a three out of five-star rating.
Network performance testing revealed that the 5GHz Wi-Fi band can achieve maximum network speeds, while the 2.4GHz band averaged around 45 Mbps. Interestingly, despite being advertised as gigabit-capable, the LAN port averaged around 94 Mbps during testing.
Final Thoughts
The YOKATV IPX2 represents a solid return for this legendary brand, offering reliable performance and comprehensive streaming capabilities. While enthusiasts might have hoped for newer chipset options like the S928X-K, the proven Amlogic S905X4 delivers dependable performance for everyday streaming needs. Consequently, this device serves as an excellent option for users seeking an OTT streaming solution with robust codec support and versatile connectivity options.