Table of Contents
- Maybe you missed it? Review of the Ugoos SK2 Certified Google TV Box.
- Ugoos SK4 Review: Hardware, performance, software, Kodi, and cost.
The Ugoos SK4 is a solid budget-friendly TV box with great build quality and support for all the big streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV, all offering crisp 4K playback. It also performs well with Kodi, smoothly handling a wide range of video formats at up to 4K resolution. Here’s a quick look at its pros and cons:
- Excellent Build Quality.
- Dolby Vision/Atmos Support.
- Wi-Fi 6.
- Video decoding at up to 4K@60fps.
- HDMI-CEC Support.
- Good Kodi playback experience.
- Good thermal design (No overheating)
- Advanced software features.
- Root access.
- Frequent firmware updates.
- Clean, bloatware-free interface.
- 100 Mbps Ethernet port.
- Not Google certified.
- Slightly more expensive than entry-level boxes.
Part I: Ugoos SK4 Android TV Box
A highlight of the 2025 lineup is the Ugoos SK4 TV Box, a mid-range Android TV device powered by Amlogic’s new S905X5M-J SoC, running Android 14 AOSP and loaded with unique software features developed by the Ugoos team. Whether you’re ditching cable, exploring media, or upgrading your existing media center device, the new SK4 deserves a closer look. This review covers the hardware specs, performance tests, software experience, and everyday usability to help determine if this TV box is worth buying.
Ugoos SK4
Key hardware specs (highlights)
| CPU | Amlogic S905X5M-J with Quad core ARM Cortex-A55. |
| GPU | ARM G310 V2 |
| OS | Android 14 |
| RAM | LPDDR4 4GB |
| ROM | 64GB eMMC |
| Video | HDMI 2.1b output up to 4K@60fps |
| Connectivity | 100M LAN, Wi-Fi 6 2T2R Wi-Fi, BT5.4 |
| Support | Dolby Audio, Dolby Vision |
| Unique software features (built into the firmware) | ✔ OTA Updates ✔ Root access ✔ Built-in Samba server ✔ Performance monitoring tools ✔ Programmable remote buttons |
Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Ugoos SK4 |
| Operating System | Android 14 (AOSP) |
| CPU | Amlogic S905X5M-J, Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | ARM G310 V2 |
| AI Processing | AI Super Resolution NPU for image enhancement |
| RAM | 4 GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 64 GB eMMC |
| Video Output | HDMI 1.4 & 2.1b, up to 4K @ 60fps, HDCP 2.2 |
| Supported Video Formats | AV1, VP9, H.265/HEVC, H.264, MPEG-2, AVS-P16 (AVS+), AVS-P2 JiZhun Profile up to 1080p@60fps |
| Supported Audio Formats | MP3, AAC, WMA, RM, FLAC, Ogg; Dolby Atmos & Dolby Vision; programmable 7.1/5.1 channels |
| Audio Interfaces | SPDIF/IEC958 output, PCM input/output, built-in stereo DAC |
| Networking | Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2T2R) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Ethernet | RJ45 100M Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 10/100M) |
| USB Ports | 1 × USB 2.0 OTG, 1 × USB-C host |
| Other Interfaces | SPDIF output, LED work light |
| Supported Resolutions | 480i/p, 576i/p, 720p, 1080i/p, 4K UHD (4Kx2K) |
| Image Processing | JPEG/MJPEG unlimited pixel resolution decoding, thumbnail, scaling, rotation, transition effects |
| Subtitles | Multi-language and multi-format subtitle support |
| Power Supply | DC 12V / 1A |
| Remote Control | Latest Ugoos Bluetooth remote included |
| Extra Features | Auto frame rate switching, HDR support, CEC support, multi-language UI |
| Dimensions | 96x96x21.9mm (3.78×3.78×0.86 inches) |
| Package Contents | 1 x Ugoos SK4 Box 1 x BT Voice Remote 1 x Power Adapter 1 x HDMI Cable 1 x English User Manual |
What Is the Ugoos SK4?
The Ugoos SK4 is a mid-range Android TV box powered by the Amlogic S905X5M-J chipset, released in end of 2024 as the successor to the popular SK1 model. Designed for users who demand smooth 4K HDR streaming, low-latency gaming, and extensive codec support, the SK4 runs a stock version of Android 14 TV OS self-developed by Ugoos team. The firmware stands out with one-click root access and other customization features that are exclusive to this brand.
The Ugoos SK4 TV Box comes packed with a variety of unique software features integrated right into its firmware, and here are the key highlights:
1. Ugoos Custom Settings menu offers detailed options for HDMI output (like RGB/YUV color formats, deep color, and resolution presets), audio passthrough (supporting Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, and Dolby Atmos), as well as deinterlacing and hardware acceleration settings.
2.The firmware features Auto Frame Rate (AFR), which automatically adjusts the TV’s refresh rate to match the frame rate of the source content (like 23.976Hz for movies), reducing judder and ensuring smooth, cinematic playback—perfect for use with Kodi and other media players.
3. Over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates are delivered regularly, providing Android security patches, driver improvements, codec enhancements, and bug fixes directly through the system settings, ensuring long-term reliability.
4. The SK4 supports a dual bootloader and recovery mode, allowing access to Android Recovery for cache wipes or factory resets, and enabling advanced users to sideload or multiboot alternative operating systems like CoreELEC without permanently replacing Android.
5. Featuring pre-installed media utilities streamline usability, including Ugoos Media Player (with hardware decoding and subtitle sync), File Commander (with SMB/NFS network browsing), and a real-time System Monitor for CPU, RAM, and thermal stats.
6. Network and sharing enhancements are built-in, with native SMB client/server support, DLNA/UPnP media serving, and easy configuration of static IP and custom DNS—ideal for IPTV or NAS setups.
7. Though consumer-focused, the firmware retains developer and debugging tools, including ADB debugging (enabled via standard Android methods), Linux terminal access, and decoder logs for troubleshooting.
8. The system includes Kodi-specific optimizations at the firmware level, such as automatic hardware decoding for HEVC, VP9, and AV1, zero-copy rendering for UI smoothness, and pre-configured paths for local or networked media libraries—making Kodi run flawlessly even though it’s not pre-installed.
9. IR and HDMI-CEC customization let users program the remote via IR learning and fine-tune CEC behavior, such as auto-waking the TV or passing through remote commands.
10. The firmware prioritizes privacy and minimalism, featuring zero bloatware, no ads or telemetry, and full Android 14-compliant permission controls—delivering a clean, secure, and user-respectful experience that caters equally to casual streamers and advanced media enthusiasts.
How Root Access Functions on the Ugoos SK4:
- Official Root Option in Developer Settings
Starting with firmware version 01.03.00+ (2024–2025 releases), Ugoos includes a hidden but accessible “Root Access” toggle within the developer options:- Go to Settings > Device Preferences > About > Build Number (tap 7 times to enable Developer Options).
- Return to Device Preferences > Developer Options.
- Scroll down to find “Root Access” (may appear as “Root Permission” or “Superuser Access” depending on firmware).
- Toggle it ON, then reboot the device.
- After reboot, any root-capable app (e.g., Magisk Manager, Root Explorer, Titanium Backup) will be able to request and obtain superuser privileges.
- No Need for Unlocking Bootloader or Flashing Custom Recovery
Unlike many Android devices, the SK4 does not require bootloader unlocking or custom recovery installation to gain root. Ugoos implements root via a signed, system-integrated SU binary that coexists with Google-certified Android TV—meaning you retain access to the Play Store, Netflix, YouTube, and OTA updates even with root enabled. - Magisk Compatibility
While the built-in root is sufficient for most tasks, advanced users can also install Magisk via ADB if they prefer Magisk Manager’s module system and systemless root approach. This is typically done by:- Patching the boot image with Magisk (using a PC).
- Flashing it via fastboot or Ugoos’ recovery.
- Note: This may temporarily disable OTA updates until reverted, but core media features remain intact.
- Root Does Not Break Key Features
Crucially, enabling root does not disable:- Auto Frame Rate (AFR)
- Dolby Vision / HDR10+ output
- Audio passthrough (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X)
- Wi-Fi 6 or Gigabit Ethernet
- Google Play certification (apps like Prime Video and Disney+ continue to function normally)
- Security Consideration
Ugoos disables root access by default as a security measure. Once enabled, users should only grant superuser permissions to trusted apps, as root access can potentially expose the system to malware or misconfiguration.
Hardware Breakdown: Powered by a SoC built for solid mid-range performance
This TV box comes with the Amlogic S905X5M-J, a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU teamed up with an ARM G310 V2 GPU, offering a clear performance boost compared to the older S905X4 or S922X chips used by many competitors. Its Cortex-A55 cores are optimized for high-frequency performance, running at a base frequency of around 2.0 GHz (similar to the S905X4) and boosting up to 2.5 GHz, enabling faster app launches, smoother navigation, and better multitasking.
Basically, the S905X5M-J is a budget-friendly, streamlined version of the Amlogic S905X5, offering solid performance tailored for mid-range TV boxes.
Detailed Comparison Table (Previous vs new Amlogic SoCs)
| SoC | Amlogic S905X5 | Amlogic S905X5M-J | Amlogic S905X4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process Technology | 6nm | 6nm | 12nm |
| CPU | Quad-core Armv9 Cortex-A510, up to 2.4 GHz | Quad-core Arm Cortex-A55, up to 2.5 GHz | Quad-core Arm Cortex-A55, up to 2.0 GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G310 V5 | Mali-G310 V2 | Mali-G31 MP2 |
| AI Accelerator (NPU) | 3.2–4 TOPS | Limited AI-SR support | None |
| RAM Support | LPDDR4X / LPDDR5 (up to 8 GB) | LPDDR4 (up to 4 GB typical) | DDR3/4, LPDDR3/4 |
| Storage Support | eMMC 5.1, NAND | eMMC 5.1, NAND | eMMC 5.0, NAND, SPI NOR/NAND, SD |
| Video Decoding | H.266/VVC, AV1, VP9, H.265/HEVC, H.264, AVS3 | AV1, VP9, H.265/HEVC, H.264, MPEG-2 | AV1, VP9, H.265/HEVC, H.264, AVS2 |
| Max Resolution | 4K @ 120fps (H.266/AV1), 4K @ 60fps (H.264/H.265) | 4K @ 75fps (AV1), 4K @ 60fps (H.264/H.265) | 4K @ 60fps |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG | HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG | HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, PCM, SPDIF | Dolby Digital, DTS, SPDIF |
| Connectivity | HDMI 2.1 with eARC, VRR, QMS; USB 3.0 + USB 2.0; Gigabit Ethernet | HDMI 2.1b; USB 2.0 + USB-C; Fast Ethernet | HDMI 2.1; USB 2.0 + USB 3.0; Gigabit Ethernet |
| Bluetooth/Wi-Fi | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6 | Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6 | Bluetooth 4.0/5.0, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Target Devices | Premium Android TV boxes, set-top boxes | Mid-range Android TV boxes (e.g., Ugoos SK4) | Older mid-range Android TV boxes (e.g., H96 Max X4) |
Hardware Configuration
The SK4 packs 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage. It features eMMC 5.1 flash, which is noticeably faster and more reliable than the standard eMMC or SPI NAND used in budget devices. This boost in speed makes a big difference when installing large apps like Kodi, Plex, or gaming platforms such as Steam Link or GeForce NOW.
Video decoding and display resolution
The SK4 offers HDMI 2.1 for video output, delivering 4K resolution at 60Hz along with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), making it a great choice for both gamers and movie lovers. It also handles 10-bit HEVC/H.265, VP9 Profile 2, and AV1 decoding up to 4K60, ensuring it works seamlessly with major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
Connectivity
Connectivity options are quite good, aside from the 100Mbps Ethernet port, which isn’t a major drawback for most users thanks to the built-in WiFi 6 support.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for faster, more stable wireless streaming.
- Bluetooth 5.4 for connecting headphones, gamepads, or keyboards.
- 100M Gigabit Ethernet port for wired internet.
- USB 2.0 and USB Type-C ports for external storage or peripherals.
The SK4 includes a generic IR receiver compatible with most universal remotes, along with a Bluetooth voice remote functionality. It features dedicated Netflix and YouTube buttons, plus a built-in microphone for Google Assistant voice commands.