The new 2023 Fire TV Stick 4K Max is now available and is receiving tons of attention due to a few anticipated features.
It’s been two years since Amazon introduced the first Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It was the most popular Firestick to date due to increased CPU performance and the addition of WiFi 6 technology.
Amazon Firesticks have been extremely popular since the first generation release in 2014. This popularity is because of the ability to install 3rd party apps not available within the Amazon App Store. Many refer to this as jailbreaking. How to Jailbreak Firestick Tutorial
The 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max introduced Fire OS 7. This new 2023 Fire TV Stick 4K Max is showcasing the new Fire OS 8 operating system. Fire OS 8 is powered by Android 11, whereas Fire OS 7 was using Android 9.
I was excited to dive into this new Firestick, but my excitement quickly diminished during my First Impressions Video on the TROYPOINT Insider.
There are a couple big problems with this device that I will outline in this review. Hopefully Amazon will push out an update soon to address these issues.
This new Firestick 4K Max Review will tackle the main questions that TROYPOINT fans have voiced over the past month since the announcement of Amazon’s new lineup.
It’s essential to note that I will not be doing a full review of the Fire TV Stick 4K that sells for $10 less. I think it’s silly that Amazon released a model like this. Who’s not going to pay an additional $10 to get 8GB of extra internal storage? Stupid, in my opinion.
I will, however, provide a few comparisons in this review of features on both new 2023 Firesticks.
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New Fire TV Stick 4K Max Features
Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a powerful streaming device that has vast improvements from the first iteration of this media player.
This includes support for WiFi 6E, which means lower latency, faster speeds, and less interference from other devices.
It has also improved to a MediaTek MT8696T quad-core 2GHz CPU, which is even better than what is available in the current Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
The most notable change, however, is that this device will include 16 GB of internal storage, which is something we have not seen in a Firestick device.
Memory will continue to stay the same at 2GB of LPDDR4 RAM, which is available in the Firestick 4K as well.
A new feature that will only be available with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the Fire TV Ambient Experience, also provided in Omni QLED Series Fire TVs.
This platform acts similarly to an Alexa display and will provide weather widgets, calendar, To-Do lists, artwork, and more.
Remote Controls for New Firesticks
Amazon has opted to package the “enhanced” Fire TV Alexa remote, typically reserved for Fire TV Smart TVs, with the new Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Conversely, the Fire TV Stick 4K comes bundled with the standard Fire TV Alexa remote, and the Max comes with the enhanced remote. With the release of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, it has become the second standalone Fire TV model to feature this upgraded remote. The enhanced remote offers the same functionality as the standard remote but includes additional features such as channel up/down buttons, a settings button, and a recent button displaying a list of recently opened apps and content.
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User Interface
There are no significant changes to the user interface on the new Fire TV Stick 4K Max. I anticipated some UI changes due to the introduction of Fire OS 8, but there aren’t many. After exploring the user interface on Fire OS 8, I noticed only two alterations.
One change is the absence of a Profiles shortcut on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max settings screen.
This change isn’t a big issue as you can still access Profiles by pressing the home button on the remote for a few seconds.
The significant issue concerning the UI is the reappearance of missing shortcuts for applications that have been side-loaded onto the device. This problem was initially seen with Fire OS 7 but was fixed in a previous update by Amazon that corrected the issue on the earlier Firesticks.
Amazon will likely release an update to address this issue, but the question remains, how long will it take for the update to be implemented?
For the time being, users can install Sideload Launcher through the free TROYPOINT Toolbox to view all shortcuts on their new Firesticks.
Side-loading Apps on New Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Yes, side-loading apps on the new Fire TV Stick 4K Max is possible. In this scenario, I am side-loading Kodi using the free TROYPOINT Toolbox.
I highly doubt that Amazon will ever eliminate this capability, as developers require the ability to test their apps before publishing them on the Amazon App Store.
We have encountered a few applications that are not compatible with Fire OS 8, with one notable instance being Mouse Toggle. Mouse Toggle enables us to navigate applications designed for phones and tablets.
Fire TV Stick 4K Max Expandable Storage & Storage Permissions
In the past, the primary complaint has been the lack of internal storage on Amazon Fire TV Sticks. With 16GB of internal storage on the new Fire TV Stick 4K Max, hopefully, this will suffice without requiring additional storage via a USB drive.
I have tested expanding internal storage on the new Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and I am pleased to confirm that it functions as it did on the 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Expanding internal storage allows us to install apps onto a USB drive to avoid running out of space. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with storage access permission on the new Firestick 4K Max system. As of now, certain storage features of Kodi and other media players and file managers may not work properly due to missing access permissions on Fire OS 8.
There is an issue with accessing specific files stored on internal storage, and an update may be required to address this. In the meantime, there are workarounds such as using ADB code to manage access permissions. Stay tuned for a tutorial on how to implement this.
Download/Upload Speeds
In the following Download/Upload speed tests, I’m connected to my favorite WiFi 6 router, the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro (AX5700) Dual Band WiFi 6 Router. To fully leverage the speed boost of the new Fire TV Stick 4K, it should be connected to a WiFi 6 router. Without a WiFi 6 router, you won’t achieve the enhanced speeds.
When using the Surfshark VPN through the Chicago server, which offers optimal speeds, the download and upload speed results vary. You can view the test results using the free Analiti Speed Test app below.
The compatibility of the UGREEN Gigabit Ethernet USB Adapter with the new Fire TV Stick 4K Max, alongside an OTG Cable, has been successfully verified.
WiFi 6E Speeds
Surfshark VPN Off: Download = 395 Mbps & Upload = 277 Mbps
Surfshark VPN On: Download = 115 Mbps & Upload = 102 Mbps
The new Fire TV Stick 4K Max showcases impressive download/upload speeds with its WiFi 6E capability. It’s worth noting that the speed performance is comparable to the 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
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Fire TV Stick 4K Max Specs
… (Specifications section is not included in the response for brevity) …
Pros
- 16GB internal storage
- Enhanced remote
- Supports side-loading apps
- Expanding internal storage works
- WiFi 6E support
- Fast download/upload speeds
- UGREEN Gigabit Ethernet USB Adapter is supported
- 4K videos play smoothly with a strong Internet connection
- This device supports popular video and audio formats
- There are missing shortcuts for side-loaded apps
- Customization options are limited
- Mouse toggle functionality may not work properly
- It does not allow for the removal of Amazon bloatware
- Users may encounter storage permission issues
- IPVanish VPN
- TiviMate
- Syncler
- Kodi
- Unlinked
- Launcher Manager
- Wolf Launcher
Cons
Fire TV Stick 4K Max Review – Final Thoughts
I find it disappointing to see the current bugs present on the new Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It appears that Amazon’s testing process may have overlooked some critical issues that should have been caught during initial inspection.
While the addition of an extra 8GB of internal storage is appreciated, one may question if this was solely for Amazon’s benefit. Will this lead to more forced “system installed apps” that users cannot uninstall?
Although the inclusion of WiFi 6E is a positive addition, the observed download/upload speeds did not show a significant difference compared to the 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It’s worth noting that for streaming 4K content, a speed of 20-30Mbps is sufficient, so the benefits of the new WiFi 6E chip may not be as pronounced as expected.
As I have previously mentioned, I have transitioned to Android TV/Google TV systems due to their ease of customization and less restrictive nature compared to Amazon’s devices. Google tends to be more accommodating in terms of allowing hobbyist users within the TROYPOINT community to access desired features.
Despite this, the TROYPOINT team will continue to provide tutorials for both Fire TV devices and Android TV/Google TV systems. We acknowledge the importance of accommodating individual preferences and will cover all aspects related to Android-based streaming systems.
At the moment, I would rate the new Fire TV Stick 4K Max at 3.8 out of 5. This rating is likely to change once updates addressing the issues within Fire OS 8 are released.
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What Do You Think?
We would love to hear your thoughts on the new Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Are you considering purchasing one?
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The following review pertains to the original Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which was launched in October 2021.
2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max Review
The original Fire TV Stick 4K Max was initially released on October 7, 2021, and the review provided here reflects the assessment at that time.
This 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max Review was composed by Troy from TROYPOINT after a day of intensive usage.
In this review, I will outline both the positives and negatives of this 2021 Amazon streaming device.
Amazon has introduced the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, now available for purchase.
It is priced at $54.99, which is $5 higher than its counterpart, the Fire TV Stick 4K.
This represents the latest version of the most sought-after streaming device presently available in the market.
The 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max boasts built-in Wi-Fi 6 capabilities and enhanced processing power.
The device runs on Fire OS 7, which supports the expansion of internal storage. However, there is a significant issue related to this, which will be discussed below.
Users can anticipate an increase in memory with 2GB of RAM, compared to the original Fire TV Stick 4K’s 1.5 GB of RAM.
The 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max offers up to 40% more processing power for a smoother and faster experience.
This enhancement is primarily attributed to the new 1.8GHz processor, increased RAM capacity, and advanced graphics processing unit.
One of its standout features is the support for Wi-Fi 6, which is expected to address buffering concerns and more. Check out our speed tests below for insights on this new feature.
Currently, the only other media device with Wi-Fi 6 support is the Apple TV 4K, priced at $179.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is equipped with a MediaTek MT7921LS Wi-Fi 6 chipset commonly found in laptops and gaming consoles.
This device also boasts the all-new Alexa Remote, featuring dedicated app buttons for popular platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.
One thing to note about the 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the provided 8 GB of internal storage.
This is the same amount of internal storage that comes with the Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick Lite, and other models.
Currently, the only model of Fire TV with more storage is the Fire TV Cube which includes 16 GB of internal storage.
Below, I will take you through my 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max Review process step by step.
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Installing Apps on the 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max
We know that all apps within the Amazon App store are going to work properly so I’m not going to spend time on those.
I’m more interested in seeing how well the side-loaded applications work on this device such as Kodi, Syncler, TiviMate, etc.
I first installed the free TROYPOINT Application with the Rapid App Installer.
Important Note: The TROYPOINT Rapid App Installer is no longer available as it’s been replaced with the free TROYPOINT Toolbox.
This is the easiest and fastest way to install the best free streaming apps and tools. I then installed the following applications through the Rapid App Installer inside of the TROYPOINT App.
Click Here for Free TROYPOINT App
Again, I really want to test the side-loaded applications that many of you use on a regular basis.
All of the above applications were installed properly and they all worked as expected.
Of course, I linked my Real-Debrid Account to Syncler and Kodi so I could enjoy buffer-free playback.
User Interface
After installing the above applications, I noticed some app shortcuts missing which is typical for Fire OS 7.
The reason some of these don’t display is that the developers didn’t properly code their shortcuts for the new Fire TV operating system which is Fire OS 7.
You also see this on the Fire TV Stick Lite, 3rd Generation Fire TV Stick, and Fire TV Cubes.
So, I activated Wolf Launcher through the Launcher Manager application and I could now see all applications without ads.
So much better!
2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max Expandable Storage
After setting up Wolf Launcher, I wanted to test the expandable storage that everyone is so excited about.
I unplugged the device from power, connected an OTG adapter, and my UGREEN USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Hub with USB 3.0 Ports. We will get to download speeds with the Gigabit adapter later in the review.
I then inserted a SanDisk 3.0 256 GB USB drive into the hub.
I went into Settings / My Fire TV / USB Drive and I formatted it as expandable.Storage is one of the key aspects to consider when using your Fire TV device. While trying to move apps to an external drive, you may find limitations on which applications can be moved, such as Netflix not supporting this feature. If an app developer hasn’t declared support for moving it, you won’t be able to move them. However, side-loading an application will automatically place it on the external drive, allowing you to move it to internal storage if needed. Once an app is on internal storage, it may not be possible to move it back unless the app provides support for such a feature.
When it comes to Android TV systems like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro, the ability to force all apps to external storage through developer options can be quite useful. This can automatically place all apps on the external drive going forward, providing more flexibility in managing your storage space.
Moving on to download speeds, the tests conducted using the Analiti Speed test app showed varying results based on different scenarios. When using WiFi with a VPN on, the download speed was measured at 162 Mbps, while with the VPN off, it increased to 428 Mbps. Similarly, using Ethernet via a UGREEN Gigabit Adapter showed different speeds with and without VPN, highlighting the impact of different factors on download speeds.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max’s enhanced WiFi 6 chipset significantly boosts download speeds compared to its predecessor, offering improved performance, especially on WiFi 6 compatible routers. This upgrade can be beneficial for users experiencing WiFi reception issues, providing a potential solution to improve connectivity.
The 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max introduces several enhancements not found in the original 4K model, such as a more powerful processor, WiFi 6 support, increased memory, and improved graphics capabilities. These upgrades aim to enhance the overall performance and user experience of the device, making it a compelling choice for those looking for a high-performance streaming experience.Chip has been upgraded with the IMG PowerVR GE9215 750 MHz, whereas the original version had IMG PowerVR GE8300 650 MHz. The device now has native support through USB OTG, a significant improvement from the unofficial support in the original version. Fire TV Stick 4K Max now operates on Fire OS 7, a step up from Fire OS 6. AV1 Video Decoding is now available, a feature that was missing in the previous version. Moreover, the remote control now includes buttons for Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Channel Guide, and App Shortcut; a feature absent in the original version.
Moving on to the specifications of the 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max, the device measures 99 mm x 30 mm x 14 mm (only housing) or 108 mm x 30 mm x 14 mm (including the connector). It weighs 48.4 g and boasts a Quad-core 1.8GHz MT8696 processor. The GPU has been upgraded to the IMG GE9215, running at 750MHz. Additionally, the device includes 8GB of storage, WiFi compatibility with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6), and Bluetooth 5.0 + LE for pairing with various compatible devices. The Voice support feature is available with the Alexa Voice Remote included in the package, alongside a range of other enhanced functionalities. Moreover, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max supports advanced audio and video formats like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR 10, and more, providing an enriched viewing experience.