In the market for a new Android box as my model is outdated.
Budget Max $140 AUD Connected via ethernet so want network adaptor to be fast for wired.
3GB Ram, 16Gb Flash. Must use Android At least v6 Marshmallow (hopefully updatable to Nougat).
Primary use will be Kodi and Youtube at least in 1080p, hopefully 4k. Want firmware updates and am tech savvy so can do custom installations etc if required.
Thanks!
So basically you want a Nvidia Shield....but you don't want to fork over the money it costs to buy one.
Don't let those random great specs on the the surface but with crappy software s912 boxes fool you. There isn't another option that fits your spec requirements. For you it's buy a Shield or settle below that.
Shield is the way to go, definitely worth the extra expense
Mi box is the cheaper alternative, with a usb to ethernet adapter.
Youtube 4k you need something official, so shield. Maybe a Xiaomi Box, but I don't know if they are available in your area yet. It's also only 2/8 so that is less than what you want. Firmware updates is a hassle, you're being pretty picky, specially with your limited budget. :P
If you can throw out your need for firmware upgrade to nougat, I would suggest a Beelink Mini M8S II. It has a great community following on Freaktab, with multiple firmwares available, including an AndroidTV firmware. You can get a 2/16 version for about 50 USD from gearbest. You can get an S912 box with 3 gigs of ram for more money, but it's honestly a waste as the S912 is not any faster than the S905X that is in the Beelink Mini M8S II.
The Nvidia shield but if too expensive go with the Mi Box
MiBox.