CloudnetGo CR18 Review

Product Introduction

CloudnetGo CR18 is a new fresh Android Set-Top Box, based on the latest solution from Rockchip that offers new improved hardware specifications vs. Previous RK3288 Soc Solution. Specifications include an RK3368 64-bit octa-core processor running at clock speed up to 1.5 GHz along with GPU PowerVR G6110, capable of playing videos in 4K at 60 fps, also supporting hardware decoding for H.265 codec.

The rest of the technical specs include 2 GB of RAM, 8/16 GB EMMC internal storage, Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. As for the other interfaces and ports, Its has two USB 2.0 ports, one OTG port, a connector CVBS output, coaxial SPDIF, HDMI 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet.

CloudnetGo CR18 Review focus:

1. Product Features, introduction, Specs.
2. Unpacking Video.
3. Items in package.
4. Accessories.
5. Design & Quality.
6. System.
7. Operation.
8. Performance.
9. Product Video : Main UI & Kodi/XBMC Playback Demo.
10. Final Words.

Main Highlights:

• Model: CloudnetGo CR18
• Product  in AliExpress : Click Here
• Optional Colors: Black, Silver, Gold.
• Casing Material: Aluminum.
• CPU: RK3368 Octa-Core(TWO CPU clusters) 64-bit.
• Main Frequency: ARM Cortex-A53 (ARM MP Core processor Up to 1.5 GHz).
• OS: Android 5.1 Lollipop.
• 2GB RAM + 8GB/16GB ROM.
• GPU: 3D/2D Graphics Engine OpenGL ES3.1/2.0/1.1(600 MHz GPU).
• Wifi: Support BCM AP6330 (2.4G and 5.8 GB dual Mode)
• Camera: External USB camera
• XBMC KODI pre-installed.

Interface:

• HDMI Output:  1 x HDMI2.0 4K*[email protected] display.
• 2 x USB2.0 Host,1*USB Host OTG.
• 1 x Optical output.
• 1 x MicroSD card.
• 1 x RJ45 10M/100M/1000M.
• Power Supply DC 5V/2.5A.
• 1 x Coaxial  output.
• 1 x AV output.

Items in Package:

• x1 HDMI cable
• x1 USB Cable
• x1 Power supply
• x1 Remote control
• x1 User Manual
• x1 USB Power Cable

Dimensions:

• Unit Size:  170*115*25mm
• Net Weight 0.65KG

CloudnetGo CR18 Unpacking 

Items inside CR18 Package:

• 1x CR18 TV Box.
• 1x IR Remote Control.
• 1x HDM Cable.
• 1x USB Cable (OTG Cable for Firmware Updating).
• 1x 5V 2A Power Adapter.
• 1x Power Supply Cable.
• 1x User Manual.

Accessories

Design & Quality:

The CR18 Case is all made from aluminum material.The company also provide black and golden colors in mass quantity orders, according to customer needs. For this review I received their silver colored model. From my impression Build, design and general quality are superb. On the base cover of the units you have a series of ventilation holes for getting the extra heat out. Also one thing I noticed, worth mentioning is that in normal operation unit doesn’t seem to heat much, Indicating product design is good.

System

The device comes with a fully rooted system, Installed with the latest Android OS Lollipop version 5.1.1 running under kernel version 3.10.0. UI uses Rockchip interface, designed in a Windows Tiles Style. The overall user experience was good and the device is very easy to operate.

Pre-Installed Applications

The company included basic pre-installed Apps such as Netflix, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, few non needed Chinese apps you can easily uninstall and Special customized Kodi version called TVMC, based on Isengard 15.1 that includes all popular add-ons for streaming movies, listening to music and so forth.

Kodi/XBMC 

Performance & Benchmarks

The unit is equipped with the latest Rockchip RK3368 64-bit ARM Processor that looks very promising, especially with the new HDM version 2.0 standard support and fast Octa-core (8 Cores CPU). In terms of performance device ranked between 34829 – 35931 (second Test) in two AnuTuTu Benchmark tests, with result slightly higher score compared to other products based on Amlogic S812 Hardware.

After playing with the Box, Rockchip solution looks very high energy efficient, with minimum heating. RK3368 Processor Cores operate at clock frequencies ranging from 312 MHz Up to 1.2 GHz (Peak), In normal operation mode, without overloading the system all 8 CPU cores normally work in speeds between 312 MHz – 600 MHz.

Main UI & Kodi/XBMC Playback Demo

Final Words

The CR18 is an excellent well designed Android Set-Top Box with very high build quality. I didn’t find any disadvantage with the product. It could have been nicer if there was an analog audio jack out connection. Kodi/XBMC Playback performance under RockChip’s RK3368 hardware was surprisingly good playing high bitrate video files. For further information You’re welcome to check cloudnetgo website and buy the product directly from their Official AliExpress Store Here.

  AliExpress Store: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/932994

Alibaba: http://www.cloudnetgo.en.alibaba.com

 Company Website: www.cloudnetgo.com