This Formuler Z8 Review was done by Troy from TROYPOINT after regularly using the Android TV Box for a week.

This is a genuine review as the Formuler Z8 was bought from Amazon and not sponsored. Explore additional purchase options below.

It’s worth noting that the Dreamlink T3 is identical to this device, so be mindful while shopping.

For simplicity, I will refer to this Android TV Box as the Formuler Z8 throughout this review.

This review offers an impartial evaluation of features, construction, and pricing.

The Formuler Z8 Android TV Box has garnered positive feedback, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to try it out.

Formuler Z8

The Formuler Z8 is a well-known IPTV Box tailored for IPTV users via their MyTV Online 2 application.

Currently, this device operates on Android 7, not Android TV. There is a significant distinction between the two, which is elaborated on in our Android TV Box Resource Guide.

I often categorize devices like this as “generic Android TV Boxes” because of their non-Android TV operating system.

A drawback of these generic devices is that Netflix and Amazon Prime may not offer HD quality playback. However, if you do not use these services, the Formuler Z8 could be the high-performance solution you seek.

Unboxing & First Impressions

Upon unboxing the Formuler Z8, I was pleasantly surprised by its durability.

The exterior shell feels sturdy and more substantial compared to many cheaper alternatives.

The highlight for me was the remote control that accompanies the Formuler Z8.

Usually, these boxes come with a basic IR remote, but not this time!

At first look, it’s evident that the Formuler Z8 is designed for IPTV based on the remote’s available buttons, such as EPG, Favorite, Group, Live, VOD, VFormat, Resolution, Playlist, and sleep. The back of the remote provides instructions on programming the TV and Source keys.

While this seems to be an IR remote, I typically prefer Bluetooth or a wireless dongle for consistent performance.

We will soon discover how well this remote functions.

The immediate question that arises is its operation on Android 7, which is older as Android 10 is now being adopted by many Android devices.

User Interface & Navigation

I appreciate the user-friendly interface for its simplicity and the ability to set up navigation groups and arrange shortcuts.

In the launcher settings, accessed under the main settings icon, we can establish groups that will appear on the home screen. In this instance, I created a group named Video.

Groups simplify the organization of frequently used applications.

We can easily rearrange the sequence of shortcuts by long-pressing and moving the shortcut to the desired position.

Applications

As stated earlier, unfortunately Netflix and Amazon Prime won’t play in HD quality due to licensing. When will these two companies wake-up and allow their services to work properly on all devices? But, the good news is that we have access to thousands of applications through Google Play Store.

We can also sideload all of our favorite free streaming applications directly through Google Chrome browser. I immediately installed the TROYPOINT App with Rapid App Installer.

I then used the app to quickly install Cinema HD, Xanax Kodi Build APK, and TVZion. All of these applications worked extremely well with no problems whatsoever.

Click Here to for Free TROYPOINT App with Rapid App Installer

I also installed Plex to take advantage of the videos, photos, and music on my Plex Media Server. Plex immediately allowed me to switch to TV mode which makes the remote control work fabulously inside the application.

Plex functions perfectly on the Formuler Z8 Android TV Box.

I opened the YouTube application and streamed 4K video without a hitch.

In general, all applications that I tested worked fabulously except for Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Remote Control

The other Android TV Box producers need to take a lesson from the Formuler Z8. This remote is outstanding.

Yes, it is an IR remote but I found it to be quite responsive and not necessary to be pointing directly at the box for it to work as long as the box is located in an open area.

There are four quick launch buttons on the remote (red, green, yellow, blue) that can be programmed to open your favorite applications. Awesome feature!

Formuler Z8 makes it a breeze to program the hotkey buttons.

It’s nice to have my four favorite apps available with the click of a button.

Many of the buttons on this remote pertain directly to the MyTV Online 2 App. It is nice to have shortcuts for all the commonly used features.

Remote Storage

The Formuler Z8 provides an option to connect to a remote server for recording storage.

I really like this feature because I can record IPTV directly to my Plex Media Server. Then, I can play back those recordings on any device.

Formuler Z8 MyTV Online 2 App

The Formuler Z8 is probably best known for its proprietary MyTV Online 2 IPTV Application. This application will not work on any other devices.

This application will work for IPTV services that provide their customers with either an M3U URL or Xtream Codes portal login address.

We no longer cover IPTV services on this site. If you need one, simply search Google or YouTube for IPTV services. Make sure to find one that provides M3U access and is not IP address locked so you can use a VPN with it.

If you are an IPTV user, you will be amazed at the features and options this application provides, especially the recording options.

You can record to both remote storage or a USB drive.

The application lets us create groups of channels, use picture-in-picture mode, record to remote storage or a USB drive, and offers much more.

We also find recording features within this application that are not commonly found in other IPTV apps. One notable feature is the option to record future airings for the same show, similar to a “season pass” option seen on DVR systems.

Currently, we can only record one stream at a time. Hopefully, a future update will expand on that.

If you want to install a MyTV Online 2 clone, try iMPlayer!

iMPlayer Information & Tutorial

Formuler Z8 Updates

Most generic Android TV Boxes do not receive over-the-air updates to fix bugs or add new features.

The Formuler Z8 does provide updates regularly. When updates are available, a red circle appears on the “Software update” tab.

Once I enter that area, I am given the ability to update and view release notes.

Formuler Z8 Download Speeds

I utilized the Analiti Speed test app for these tests.

I am subscribed to a 1GB Fiber download speed plan from my Internet Service Provider.

For the WiFi tests, I am connected to the 5GHz band on my Asus AC3100 Router. This router is in the same room as my Formuler Z8, approximately 20 feet away from the wireless router.

I utilize IPVanish VPN as my VPN on the Chicago Server 04 (chi-a04).

Ethernet

With VPN On: Download = 44 Mbps & Upload = 41 Mbps

With VPN Off: Download = 428 Mbps & Upload = 116 Mbps

WiFi

With VPN On: Download = 37 Mbps & Upload = 34 Mbps

With VPN Off: Download = 170 Mbps & Upload = 32 Mbps

Formuler Z8 Specs

• CPU: Hisilicon Quad-core 64bit
• GPU: Multi-core high-performance GPU
• RAM: 2GB DDR4
• Storage: 16GB eMMC
• Operating System: Android 7
• 2.4G / 5.0G Dual-band – Dual Antenna
• Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000M
• Max Output Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
• Video decoder: 4K@60fps, VP9, H.265(HEVC), AVS, H.264(AVC, MVC), Real, MPEG1/2/4, VC-1
• Video Format: TS, MKV, FLV, MOV, AVI, RM, MP4
• Audio Format: MPEG-1 Layer 1,2, AAC-LC, HE AAC V1/V2
• Image decoder: JPG, BMP, GIF, PNG
• Support Language: Global
• Length: 105mm
• Width: 105mm
• Thickness: 22mm (Install Antenna 121mm)
• Color: Black
• USB2.0: 1
• USB3.0: 1
• Power Interface: 1
• IR Extension: 1
• S/PDIF: 1
• HDMI2.0a (CEC): 1
• Gigabit LAN: 1
• Dual-Band Antenna: 1
• Type: 12V Adapter
• Power Consumption: Max. 15W
• Standby Power: Max. 0.5W (Ultra low power)