The modern media player market is oversaturated with budget solutions that often disappoint the user with unstable operation and reduced functionality. However Ugoos X4 Pro stands out against this background as a powerful device that can satisfy the needs of even sophisticated enthusiasts. This TV box is based on a modern operating system Android 11 in its own Ugoos OS 3.0 shell, which provides access to a wide range of applications and advanced system settings. Unlike standard set-top boxes, here the user gains full control over the hardware and software.
The main value of the device lies in its ability to reproduce high-definition content without delays or artifacts. Support for codecs H.265 i AV1 ensures that even the heaviest files with bitrates over 100 Mbps will play smoothly. Moreover, the presence of modern connection interfaces allows you to integrate the set-top box into any home media system, be it an old TV or a new 4K monitor with HDR support. Let's take a detailed look at what exactly this gadget is capable of under real operating conditions.
Hardware platform and system performance
The heart of the device is the processor Amlogic S905X4, made using a 12nm process technology. It is a quad-core chipset with Cortex-A55 architecture, which provides excellent power efficiency and high processing speed. It is paired with 4 GB of standard RAM DDR4, which is the de facto standard for comfortable work with heavy applications and multitasking. This amount of RAM allows the system not to “choke” when switching between dozens of open tabs or services.
Built-in storage of 32 GB type eMMC ensures fast system loading and installation of applications. The read and write speed here is significantly higher than that of cheap analogues with NAND memory, which directly affects the responsiveness of the interface. To expand disk space, USB 3.0 ports are provided that support connecting large external hard drives without the need for additional power in most cases.
- 🚀 Processor Amlogic S905X4 provides video decoding up to 8K@60fps.
- 💾 RAM 4 GB DDR4 guarantees smooth operation of the Ugoos OS 3.0 interface.
- 🔌 Two ports USB 3.0 allow you to connect high-speed drives and peripherals.
For maximum performance, use flash drives with the exFAT or NTFS file system, since the native Android file system can work with them more stably with large amounts of data.
It is important to note that the cooling system in Ugoos X4 Pro is implemented passively, but thanks to the well-thought-out design of the case and radiators, the device practically does not heat up even under prolonged loads. This eliminates throttling (a decrease in processor frequency due to overheating), which often happens in competitive compact boxes. Stability of clock frequencies is a key factor for watching movies in high definition.
Features of the Ugoos OS 3.0 operating system
The software shell installed on the device is a deep reworking of the standard one Android TV. The developers from Ugoos have removed unnecessary Google services that may interfere with work in some regions, and added their own launcher with flexible customization. The user can change the location of widgets, select wallpaper and customize the behavior of the system to suit their needs. The interface is adapted for control from the remote control, as well as from a mouse or keyboard.
One of the strongest aspects of the firmware is the presence of built-in Root access out of the box. This means that the owner does not need to spend hours searching for vulnerabilities and flashing the device to obtain superuser rights. root access allow you to install specialized applications for system-level ad blocking, processor frequency control, and deep configuration of the network stack. However, using these features requires a certain technical literacy.
⚠️ Attention: Obtaining root access allows full access to system files. Careless removal of critical components through a file manager with superuser rights may make the system unable to boot. Always create backup copies before making changes to the system partition.
The system supports automatic OTA (Over-The-Air) updates, which allows the device to remain up-to-date without connecting to a computer. Developers regularly release security patches and new features. In the settings you can select the update channel: stable or test. For ordinary users, it is recommended to stay on the stable branch to avoid possible bugs in early versions of the software.
Multimedia capabilities and codec support
The main task of any media player is high-quality video playback, and Ugoos X4 Pro it copes brilliant with her. Hardware decoding supports almost all modern formats, including Dolby Vision (in profiles 5 and 7, if there is a corresponding TV) and HDR10+. This provides the widest dynamic range and color saturation when viewing content from streaming services or local media. Color rendition becomes more natural, and details in shadows and highlights are better developed.
The audio subsystem also did not go unnoticed. The player supports multi-channel audio transmission via HDMI in Dolby Atmos and DTS:Xformats. If you have a compatible receiver or soundbar, you can enjoy full surround sound. For older TVs or stereo systems, an optical S/PDIF output is provided, which correctly transmits compressed multi-channel streams (Passthrough) for external decoding.
| Video format | Maximum resolution | Frame rate | Support HDR |
|---|---|---|---|
| H.265 (HEVC) | 4K UHD | 60 fps | HDR10, HLG |
| AV1 | 4K UHD | 60 fps | HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| VP9 | 4K UHD | 60 fps | HDR10 |
| MPEG-4 / H.264 | 1080p / 4K | 60 fps | No / SDR |
For fans of local film collections, excellent work with the Blu-ray disc menu (ISO images) has been implemented. The built-in player Kodi in version 19 or later (depending on the firmware version) allows you to navigate through the complex structure of discs, selecting chapters, audio tracks and subtitles. Support for 3D content is also present, although this format is now less common. The system automatically detects the 3D format and switches the TV to the appropriate mode.
Why is the AV1 codec important?
The AV1 codec provides better video compression compared to H.265 with the same picture quality. This is critical for 4K streaming, as it reduces the load on the Internet channel and reduces the likelihood of buffering. Support for AV1 at the hardware level makes Ugoos X4 Pro ready for future content standards.
Network interfaces and wireless communications
In the era of 4K streaming, network connection speed comes to the fore. Ugoos X4 Pro equipped with a gigabit port Ethernet (1000M LAN), which provides stable data transfer up to 940 Mbit/s. This is more than enough to play heavy remixes of films weighing 60-80 GB over a local network without any stuttering. A cable connection is always preferable to a wireless connection for tasks that require constant high throughput.
As for wireless technologies, a modern module Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with support for two bands 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz is installed here. The Wi-Fi 6 standard not only increases the maximum connection speed, but also works better in noisy air conditions when there are many neighboring networks around. Dual-band mode allows you to choose a less congested frequency: 2.4 GHz for a longer range, and 5 GHz for maximum speed.
- 📡 The module Wi-Fi 6 provides speeds of up to 1200 Mbit/s in ideal conditions.
- 🔗 Gigabit port LAN supports Jumbo Frames to speed up transmission over the local network.
- 📶 The 5dBi antenna improves signal reception in rooms with complex layouts.
The device also supports technology Bluetooth 5.0, which allows you to connect not only remote controls and keyboards, but also wireless headphones, gamepads and audio systems with minimal latency. Version 5.0 provides greater communication range and lower power consumption compared to previous versions. This makes the set-top box a convenient control center for various smart home peripherals.
⚠️ Attention: The actual Wi-Fi speed depends on your router and room conditions. Even with Wi-Fi 6 support, if your router is old (Wi-Fi 4 or 5), you won't get the benefits of the new standard. To check the speed, use built-in utilities or applications like Speedtest.
Using an Ethernet cable remains the most reliable connection method for viewing 4K HDR content with high bitrates, eliminating any risk of losing data packets.
Installing applications and working with repositories
The Android ecosystem allows you to install almost any application available for this platform. B Ugoos X4 Pro a store is preinstalled Google Play Store, through which you can download popular streaming services, games and utilities. However, given the specific regional restrictions, many users will need to install applications using third-party methods (sideloading). To do this, just enable the “Unknown sources” item in the settings.
A popular installation method is to use download managers or transfer APK files over the network. The firmware has built-in support ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to install applications remotely from your computer by command. This is especially convenient for mass installation of software or debugging. There are also specialized app stores for Android TV, such as Aptoide TV, which contain optimized versions of the apps.
adb connect 192.168.1.XX
adb install nome_prilozheniya.apk
For users interested in watching IPTV and torrent streaming, the device offers excellent compatibility with applications such as TiviMate, Numerous or LazyMedia. High processor performance allows you to process streams in real time without buffering. It is only important to make sure that the application version is compatible with the processor architecture (usually arm64-v8a).
☑️ Installing a third-party application
Additional functions and fine-tuning
In addition to basic functions, Ugoos X4 Pro offers a number of unique features for advanced users. One of them is support for running the operating system from an external USB drive. This allows you to test other firmware or use specialized software without writing an image to the internal memory. The function is implemented through a special application "Burn Image" or through the boot menu at startup.
In the "About Device" section there is a hidden engineering menu, which can be accessed by a certain press on the remote control (usually a series of presses on the "Up" button or a combination of buttons). There you can view detailed information about core temperatures, real-time processor load and the status of network interfaces. This is an invaluable tool for diagnosing problems with overheating or network failures.
Also worth mentioning is the ability to configure CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). This function allows you to control the TV from the set-top box remote control and vice versa. For example, when you turn on Ugoos X4 the TV will automatically turn on and switch to the desired HDMI input. Correct operation of CEC depends on the compatibility of a particular TV, but in most cases the setting works reliably.
⚠️ Attention: The CEC function may not work correctly with older TV models, causing devices to turn on/off spontaneously. If you observe this behavior, try disabling CEC in the system settings or on the TV itself.
Use the "CPU-Z" or "AIDA64" application to monitor the system status. They will show the real processor frequency and temperature, which will help you understand whether the device is overheating under prolonged load.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does Ugoos X4 Pro support Dolby Vision?
Yes, the device supports Dolby Vision Profile 5 and Profile 7 (FEL/MEL), provided your TV also supports this HDR format. In the video output settings, you must select the appropriate mode (Color Mode).
Can the set-top box be used as a server for downloading torrents?
Of course. Thanks to the presence of USB 3.0 and a powerful processor, you can install Transmission, rTorrent or other clients on the Ugoos X4 Pro. The downloaded files will be saved to the connected external hard drive without loading the main computer.
How to reset the settings to factory settings if the system is frozen?
If you cannot access the menu, you can perform a Hard Reset. To do this, you need to turn off the power, hold down the reset button (usually inside the AV port or a separate hole on the case) and, while holding it, connect the power. Hold the button for about 10-15 seconds until the logo appears.
Does voice search work with a remote control?
Yes, if a remote control with a microphone is included (usually the voice remote control comes in extended packages or is purchased separately), Google Assistant voice search works fully. Voice control via an application on a smartphone is also supported.
Do you need to update the firmware immediately after purchase?
It is recommended to check for updates in the "About the device" section. New firmware versions often contain bug fixes and codec compatibility improvements. However, if the device is stable and you are satisfied with the functionality, you can postpone the update.