- Maybe you missed it? Ugoos SK1 Review
- Ugoos SK2 Review (Upcoming): Hardware, Performance, Software, Kodi, Price.
The Ugoos SK2 is a great mid-range Google TV box that excels with its outstanding build quality and compatibility with all leading streaming services, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV. All are capable of delivering breathtaking 4K playback. Moreover, it also excels in Kodi playback, supporting a diverse range of video formats with a maximum resolution of 4K. Let’s take a closer look at its pros and cons:
- Great Build Quality.
- Google TV Certified.
- Dolby Vision/Atmos Support.
- Wi-Fi 6 (Supports up to 1200Mbps).
- Video decoding up to 4K.
- HDMI-CEC Support.
- Excellent Kodi playback experience.
- Good thermal design (No overheating)
- Currently, incompatible running 64-bit APKs.
- Only two USB ports are available (USB 2.0)
- No Micro SD Card slot
- 100Mbps Ethernet port
- Less suitable for intensive gaming
Part I: Introducing the UGOOS SK2 Google TV Streamer Features
Ugoos, a renowned manufacturer for its Android boxes designed for advanced users seeking exceptional audio and video playback. Ugoos unveils its latest Google TV Box: the Ugoos SK2. This TV box represents a significant milestone for the brand, being its first Android TV model officially certified by Google, featuring the Google TV GUI. This strategic decision not only paves the way for a new user demographic but also introduces certain limitations that differ from the brand’s previous offerings.
Ugoos SK2
Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ugoos |
| Model | SK2 |
| Year | 2025 |
| Code Name | HPR3A1325_4K / HPR3ADFK (RMQ) |
| Operating System | Google TV (Android TV 12) |
| Streaming Services Compatibility | Disney+, Netflix, and Prime Video Certified |
| SoC | Realtek RTD1325 |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.7 GHz Clock Speed: Up to 1.7 GHz |
| CPU Architecture | ARM Cortex-A55 cores |
| CPU Process Node | 12nm fabrication |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC1, GPU supports OpenGL E5 3.2, Vulkan 1.3 (Max clockspeed up to 850 MHz). |
| RAM | 4GB RAM DDR4/LPDDR4 @ 2400 MHz |
| Storage | 32GB eMMC |
| USB Port | 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB Type-C |
| Video Codecs | − AV1 [email protected] up to 8Kx4K@60fps − VP9 [email protected] up to 8Kx4K@60fps − H.265 HEVC [email protected] up to 8Kx4K@60fps − AVS3 Phase 1 up to 8Kx4K@60fps − AVS2-P2 Profile up to 8Kx4K@60fps − H.264 AVC [email protected] up to 4Kx2K@30fps − MPEG-4 ASP@L5 up to 1080P@60fps (ISO-14496) − WMV/VC-1 SP/MP/AP up to 1080P@60fps − AVS-P16(AVS+) /AVS-P2 JiZhun Profile up to 1080P@60fps − MPEG-2 MP/HL up to 1080P@60fps (ISO-13818) − MPEG-1 MP/HL up to 1080P@60fps (ISO-11172) − Multiple language and multiple format subtitle video support − MJPEG and JPEG unlimited pixel resolution decoding (ISO/IEC-10918) − Supports JPEG thumbnail, scaling, rotation, and transition effects. |
| Audio Container | Supports MP3, AAC, WMA, RM, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, Opus, SRS Truvolume, Dolby Audio Optional, DTS Optional, and programmable with 7.1/5.1 down-mixing. |
| Other Licenses | ||Google TV, Widevine L1 Support |
| Image enhancement features: | ✅ AI-SR (Super Resolution) ✅ AI-PQ (Picture Quality) |
| Video Codecs | ✅ AV1 ✅ VP9 ✅ H.264/H.265 (HEVC) |
| Audio and visual technology: | ✅ HDR10+ ✅ DTS Audio ✅ Dolby Vision ✅ Dolby Atmos |
| HDMI Output | HDMI 2.1a Type-A |
| Optical S/PDIF port | ✅ Included |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, 100Mb Ethernet (RJ45) |
| Google Related Features | Supporting Google Cast, Google Assistant |
| DLNA, Miracast Protocol Support | ✅ |
| Remote Control Features | ✅ Buttons for popular streaming apps. ✅ Voice search. |
| Geekbench Benchmark Scores (Max values) | Single-Core Score: 133 / Multi-Core Score: 485 |
| Package Contents | 1x Ugoos SK2 1x BT/IR Remote 1x Power Adapter 1x Manual |
| Power Supply | 12V 1A |
| Dimensions | 96x96x19mm |
| Certifications | FCC ID, CE |
Optimized for the ultimate user experience.
Compatible with all major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.
The SK2 marks a significant evolution from earlier Ugoos boxes that operated on Android AOSP. This new device is powered by Google TV, utilizing Android TV 12—a version specifically optimized for television use, featuring a user-friendly interface tailored for remote control navigation. With Google certification, users gain complete access to the Android TV Play Store, seamless integration with the Google Voice Assistant, and built-in Chromecast (Google Cast) functionality, enabling effortless casting of content from smartphones or tablets.
External Design
Focusing on the case design, the SK2 retains several characteristics from the previous premium SK1 model while featuring a square shape, measuring 96x96x20 mm. It also comes with a glossy finish crafted from high-quality plastic, which is a positive thing. As with most Ugoos TV box designs, the internal cooling system is likely to employ a passive cooling strategy, highlighted by a substantial heatsink that ensures optimal thermal management of the main PCB components.
No venting holes?
The case design does not include venting holes, which is a different choice compared to many other devices on the market. The SK2 hardware, powered by Realtek’s low-power chip technology, stands out for its ability to remain relatively cool even under heavy usage conditions.
As a result, the plastic case doesn’t heat up significantly, at least on its outer surface. Questions about airflow may arise; however, the design’s efficiency in temperature regulation indicates thoughtful engineering.
A Closer Look at the SK2
Hardware: Supporting a wide range of video decoding formats.
The Ugoos SK2 features a Realtek RTD1325 quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor, along with a Mali-G57 MC1 GPU. This setup is capable of decoding various video formats and provides 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. It also includes support for technologies such as HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, as well as Dolby Atmos and PCM 7.1 for enhanced audio.
The SK2 includes 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB of internal eMMC storage, providing ample room for streaming, app installations, and even some casual gaming.
The device excels in audio and video performance, supporting a wide range of formats such as HEVC, VP8, VP9, and AVI, along with an impressive color depth of up to 12 bits for content processing. This capability guarantees optimal compatibility with cutting-edge HDR formats, even though top-tier televisions currently only utilize a 10-bit display (they translate the 12-bit signal into a 10-bit output).
How does this new box measure up against the SK1?
The SK1 is an impressive Android TV box that features more robust hardware than the SK2; however, it lacks certification for Netflix and other streaming services required to stream content in FHD quality. In contrast, the SK2 shines in this aspect, boasting complete compatibility with all leading streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. It also operates on an official Google TV OS built on Android 12, which is a big advantage in terms of user experience.
Here’s a comparison of the Ugoos SK1 and Ugoos SK2 based on their specifications:
| Feature | Ugoos SK1 | Ugoos SK2 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Amlogic S928X-K | Realtek RTD1325 |
| CPU Cores | 5 | 4 |
| CPU Architecture | ARM Cortex-A76 & Cortex-A55 | ARM Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC1 |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4 | 4GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 128GB eMMC | 32GB eMMC |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.1a | HDMI 2.1a |
| Operating System | Android 11 (AOSP) | Google TV (Android TV 12) |
| Streaming Support | Widevine L1, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos | Widevine L1, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 Gigabit Ethernet | Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 100Mbps Ethernet |
| Additional Features | Superuser (Root) Access, OTA Updates | Google Assistant, Chromecast Built-in |
Comparison of Ugoos SK2 vs. Xiaomi TV Box (3rd Gen) specifications.
| Feature | Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) | Ugoos SK2 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2025 | 2025 |
| Processor | S905X5MTM (Quad-core) Clock Speed up to 2.5GHz | Realtek RTD1325 (Quad-core) Clock Speed up to 1.7GHz |
| ARM Cortex-A55 Architecture | ✔ | ✔ |
| GPU | GPU ARM G310 V2 | ARM Mali-G57 MC1 |
| RAM | 2GB | 4GB DDR4/LPDDR4 |
| 32GB eMMC Storage | ✔ | ✔ |
| Google TV Operating System | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz / 5GHz) Connectivity | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wireless communication | Dual-band Wi-Fi | 2T2R (2 Transmit, 2 Receive) Enhancing signal strength, speed, and reliability by using two transmit and two receive antennas. |
| Integrated Ethernet | ❌ | 100 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet MAC, RGMII Interface. |
| Ports | 1x USB 2.0 | 1x USB 2.0 1x USB-C 2.0 |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.1 Up to 4K 60fps (Maximum) | HDMI 2.1a Up to 4K@60fps (Maximum) |
| Optical SPDIF | ❌ | ✔ |
| Audio Decoders | Dolby Atmos DTS:X | Dolby Audio DTS |
| Video Decoders | ✔ Dolby Vision ✔ HDR10+ | ✔ Dolby Vision ✔ HDR10+ |
| Streaming Services | Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, more | Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, more |
| Remote Control | Minimal remote with Miracast, voice, and streaming app buttons support. | Minimal remote with Miracast, voice, and streaming app buttons support. |
| Estimate Price | $70 | $90 |
Although both devices are categorized as low-budget options, the latest Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) is generally faster than the Realtek RTD1325. The Xiaomi box uses the AMLogic S905X5M processor, which is built on a 6nm process and features four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz.
In contrast, the Ugoos SK2 offers significantly better hardware specifications, which includes more internal storage, better connectivity, and superior audio/video decoding technologies support compared to the Xiaomi Mi Box Gen 3. Plus, it supports 2T2R (2 Transmit, 2 Receive) wireless connectivity, making it ideal for streaming, especially when watching content via Torrent servers.
Which model should you choose?
It depends on your needs. In general, the Ugoos SK1 is a more powerful device with higher RAM and storage, making it ideal for advanced users who want a higher-level hardware. But there’s a catch, because the OS is actually based on 32-bit architecture, therefore users are limited to 4GB RAM when running apps. Plus, it excels in Kodi and is capable of handling heavy-on-resources Kodi GUI/Skins.
In contrast, the Ugoos SK2 has received official certification from Google, providing users with a smoother experience through Google TV and integrated Chromecast which is a nice option to have. This device ensures optimal compatibility with all major streaming services. Furthermore, the Realtek chipset in the SK2 delivers enhanced playback capabilities for a wider range of video file formats, outperforming the SK1, which is equipped with a snappier Amlogic S928X-K processor.
Wired connectivity
The SK2 features a 100Mbps Ethernet port, likely influenced by Realtek’s design choices and aimed at reducing hardware costs. While this may be a drawback for some users, it becomes more reasonable when we consider that the latest Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) entirely lacks a LAN RJ45 connection.
Overall, having at least one low-speed port is always preferable to having none at all. In addition to the wired option, you also have the advantage of Wi-Fi 6 support, which provides an excellent alternative for streaming high-resolution videos.
