This Ugoos AM7 Review is authored by Troy from TROYPOINT. It’s based on my experience using the Android TV Box regularly for a week. I purchased this streaming device from Banggood.com. My aim is to offer an unbiased review, highlighting both the pros and cons of this Android TV Box.
At the time of writing, this streaming box is incredibly popular. It’s sold out in most places as a result. Luckily, I’ll be hosting a giveaway for two of these devices. I’ll share more details about the giveaway and purchasing options later in the review.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive review. It’s packed with all the information you need to make an informed purchase decision.
Ugoos AM7
Before diving into the review, I want to highlight something crucial. The Ugoos AM7 is a generic Android TV Box. This means it utilizes stock Android instead of Android TV.
Stock Android is commonly found on phones and tablets. Android TV, on the other hand, is typically used on streaming devices. A popular example is the NVIDIA Shield.
The manufacturers of these generic boxes create custom launchers. This adaptation allows the device to function with a remote control on a television screen.
I’ve moved away from reviewing generic Android Boxes lately. I find them clunky and not well-suited for a TV viewing experience. Many of these boxes lack regular updates. Their customer support is often subpar or entirely absent.
However, the buzz surrounding Ugoos streaming boxes piqued my interest. I decided to give the AM7 a shot, and see what it was about. You can learn more about the distinctions between stock Android and Android TV in my article below.
The Ugoos AM7 stood out to me because it possesses the key features I seek in an Android TV Box.
This device uses stock Android, that’s true. However, Ugoos clearly knows how to optimize that operating system for a television. They have done an impressive job in this area.
Ugoos AM7 Features at a Glance
The Ugoos AM7 is powered by the Amlogic S905X4 processor. It’s equipped with 4GB of Memory and 32GB of internal storage, providing ample space.
The AM7 runs stock Android 11. It boasts support for the AV1 codec along with other popular video formats, ensuring compatibility.
It’s a plus to have a 1Gbit LAN port. The inclusion of a WIFI 6 MIMO Chipset with two Dual-band antennas enhances connectivity.
- Runs Android 11 on Amlogic S905X4, ensuring smooth video playback
- Includes the new AV1 video codec
- Features a voice assistant on the remote control
- Supports HDR / Dolby Vision
- Offers Dolby Atmos / DTS Audio / Dolby True HD (with Kodi only)
- Includes Bluetooth 5
- Provides a unique Ugoos Settings Panel
- Features a 1GB Gigabit Port & WiFi 6
- Offers Samba server setup capability
- Comes with an excellent remote control
Buy Ugoos AM7 on Banggood
4K HDR Resolution
The Ugoos AM7 supports a crisp 4K resolution at a smooth 60 fps. Plus, it supports HDR, making for an even better viewing experience.
Most of us rely on Android TV Boxes to watch movies and TV shows. High-quality output is essential, and the AM7 delivers in this department. It ensures you get the most out of your entertainment.
Ports and Connections
The Ugoos AM7 offers a variety of ports for all your connection needs.
Here’s a closer look:
- HDMI
- 3 USB 3.0
- 1 USB 2.0
- 1 USB-C
- 1 SPDIF
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1000M Ethernet Integrated IEEE 802.3 10/100/1000M Ethernet)
It has all the essentials. The only port I didn’t spot, which some users might desire, is a micro-SD slot. That’s something to keep in mind.
Ugoos AM7 Over the Air Updates
Upon booting up the device, I was greeted with a pleasant surprise. Six updates were ready to be installed.
Most of these required a reboot, adding up to about 10 minutes of update time. However, I didn’t mind. It’s clear that Ugoos is devoted to providing frequent updates. This dedication is truly commendable.
This level of support is rare among generic Android TV manufacturers. It’s a significant advantage in my book. Well done, Ugoos!
Let’s take a look at the changes introduced in firmware V. 1.0.6. This was released on January 14th, 2022, and is the latest version at the time of this review. It highlights Ugoos’s commitment to improvement.
1. Improvements of automatic frame rate function
2. Fixed error where video size might not fit the screen
3. Fixed GeForce Now freezes
4. Added power indicator settings
5. Added Bluetooth settings
6. Added DTS-HD and TrueHD audio pass-through for hardware audio decoder
7. Fixed synchronization of DTS-HD and TrueHD audio pass-through
8. Improvements of video codecs
9. USearch changes:
– added sorting and deleting of search results
– changed results design
– added settings menu
– added application launch after clicking on icon (results row)
– fixed problem of long search for
applications.
10. And many other changes have been made for system stability.
Ugoos Settings Panel
The Ugoos AM7 has additional settings. You won’t find these on most other Android TV Boxes.
The AM7 offers some extremely helpful settings. They can be manipulated to your liking.
Menu Button
One of my favorites is the new Menu button. It lets me change what happens when I single, double, or triple press it. I can even change what a long press does. It’s a very cool feature!
File Server
Another great feature Ugoos implemented into the AM7 is a file server. This lets you share files from the device.
Other network-attached systems can then access them. The file server is handy for cord-cutters. They may want a central location for home videos, pictures, or TV shows & movies.
These could then be accessible throughout the network. However, users who do this will probably want to attach an external drive. The AM7 only comes with 32 GB of onboard storage.
Buy Ugoos AM7 on Banggood
Hardware Monitor
The Hardware Monitor setting is useful. It lets you place a widget in the corner of your screen. This widget displays various hardware statistics about your system.
If you prefer, you can hide the widget. It will then only appear when you triple-click the menu button on the remote.
Ugoos has implemented about a dozen extra settings that you can tweak. And according to them, more are on the way.
Ugoos Launcher
The launcher that comes with the Ugoos AM7 is familiar. It’s very similar to what you’d find on an Android phone or tablet.
I’m not sure why they chose this layout. It makes navigating a TV screen more difficult in my opinion.
Fortunately, they do allow custom launchers. And they have even developed one themselves. You can download it through the Google Play Store on your device.
Ugoos AM7 Remote
I really like this remote.
It has everything I need. It even comes with a built-in mouse. The mouse function on these devices is usually pretty bad. But this one is smooth, and you can even adjust the settings.
When I first powered on the Ugoos AM7, the remote wasn’t working. I realized this was because I wasn’t pointing it at the unit. The remote works as both Infrared and Bluetooth. Once I figured that out, I pointed it at the box.
Then, I went into settings and paired the remote via Bluetooth. Everything has been working fine since then. The box includes instructions for both Bluetooth and Infrared pairing.
You can use the right power button to turn your television on and off. You’ll need to pair it with the IR instructions first, though. The volume buttons will work, too, but they’ll control the box’s volume instead of the TV’s.
Ugoos AM7 & Side-loaded Apps
The AM7 works great with side-loaded apps and addons.
I loaded up my favorite IPTV service in the TiviMate app. I kept it running for over 12 hours, and it never buffered or closed. It’s a testament to the AM7’s performance.
It performed flawlessly with every application that I tried.
Gigabit Ethernet & WiFi 6
It doesn’t get much better than having both Gigabit Ethernet and WiFi 6.
You get the best of both worlds! You’ll enjoy maximum speed.Regardless of which method you choose for your internet connection. It’s all about finding what works best for you.
Ugoos AM7 Download Speeds
For the following tests, I opted to use the Analiti Speed test app. It’s a reliable tool for measuring internet speed.
My internet service provider offers a 1 GB Fiber download speed plan. It’s a pretty fast connection.
During the WiFi tests, I ensured a solid connection. I connected to the 5Ghz band on my Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 WiFi 6 Router. This router is conveniently located in the same room as the Ugoos AM7, approximately 20 feet away.
For my VPN needs, I rely on IPVanish VPN. I specifically connected to the Chicago Server 04 (chi-a04).
Ethernet Download Speeds
With the VPN activated, the download speed clocked in at 156 Mbps. The upload speed reached 122 Mbps.
When the VPN was deactivated, the download speed soared to an impressive 913 Mbps. The upload speed remained consistent at 116 Mbps.
WiFi Download Speeds
With the VPN engaged, the download speed registered at 122 Mbps. The upload speed reached 95 Mbps.
When the VPN was switched off, the download speed climbed to a respectable 420 Mbps. The upload speed held steady at 112 Mbps.
Buy Ugoos AM7 on Banggood
Ugoos AM7 Specs
The Ugoos AM7 operates on Android 11.0. It offers support for multiple languages.
It’s powered by the Amlogic S905x4 processor, featuring a Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU. The graphics are handled by the ARM Mali G31 MP2 GPU.
The device comes equipped with 4GB of DDR4 RAM. It also boasts 32GB of EMMC flash storage.
For wireless connectivity, it offers both 2.4G and 5G WiFi options. The wireless module adheres to the IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2×2 MIMO standard.
Bluetooth 5.0 with LE technology is also included.
The power supply is rated at DC 5V/3A. It supports HDR content and features an HDMI output (2.1 and 2.0) capable of delivering a maximum resolution of 4K at 60fps (HDCP2.2).
In terms of USB ports, it offers three USB 3.0 ports for fast data transfer, one USB 2.0 host port, and one Type-C (OTG) port.
It also includes an optical output (1 SPDIF) and a network port (1 RJ45 1000M). The power supply is provided through a DC jack.
The Ugoos AM7 supports a variety of audio containers, including MP3, AAC, WMA, RM, FLAC, and OGG. It offers versatile audio output capabilities, supporting various audio formats and programmable options. It also features built-in serial digital audio SPDIF/IEC958 output and PCM input/output. A built-in stereo audio DAC and stereo digital microphone PDM input are also included. Moreover, it supports concurrent dual audio stereo channel output with a combination of analog+PCM or I2S+PCM.
The device supports a wide range of video codecs, including AV1, VP9, H.265, H.264, H.264 MVC, MPEG-4 ASP, WMV/VC-1, AVS-P16, AVS-P2, MPEG-2, MPEG-1, RealVideo, and WebM. It also supports multiple language and format subtitle video, MJPEG, and JPEG decoding. It can handle JPEG thumbnail, scaling, rotation, and transition effects. Additionally, it supports various file formats like .mkv, .wmv, .mpg, .mpeg, .dat, .avi, .mov, .iso, .mp4, .rm, and .jpg.
In terms of software, it supports Google Play and APK installation.
It’s also compatible with DLNA and Miracast Protocol, allowing for seamless media sharing and screen mirroring.
The included remote control is Bluetooth-enabled and features voice search and gyro functionality, providing convenient and intuitive control.
The Ugoos AM7 supports popular IM software such as Skype, QQ, MSN, and GTALK (depending on APK availability).
What’s In The Box
- The Ugoos AM7 itself. It’s a compact and sleek device.
- A Bluetooth/IR remote for easy control.
- A power adapter to keep it running.
- An HDMI cable for connecting to your TV.
- A user manual to guide you through the setup process.
What I Like
- The processor is a real powerhouse. It handles everything I throw at it with ease.
- The 4 GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth multitasking. I can switch between apps without any lag.
- Having 32 GB of onboard flash storage is a plus. It provides ample space for apps and media.
- Gigabit Ethernet ensures a fast and stable wired connection. I can stream high-quality content without buffering.
- WiFi 6 support means I can enjoy fast wireless speeds. This is especially useful for streaming 4K content.
- The inclusion of the AV1 codec is a welcome addition. It’s a next-generation video codec that offers better compression and quality.
- Ugoos regularly provides over-the-air updates. This keeps the device running smoothly and securely.
- The remote control has air mouse capability, which makes navigation a breeze. I can easily point and click my way around the interface.
- A hardware monitor is included. This allows me to keep an eye on the device’s performance and temperature.
- The Navigation Bar and Status Bar are customizable. I can arrange them to my liking.
- 4K HDR support means I can enjoy stunning visuals. The colors are vibrant and the details are sharp.
- Dolby Atmos, DTS Audio, and Dolby True HD are supported (on Kodi only). This provides an immersive audio experience.
What I Dislike
- The lack of a micro-SD card slot is a bit disappointing. It would have been nice to have the option to expand the storage.
- Netflix doesn’t work out of the box. This might be a dealbreaker for some users.
- It doesn’t run true Android TV. However, Ugoos has done a great job of making the interface TV-friendly, so it’s not a major issue.
Buy Ugoos AM7 on Banggood
Final Thoughts on the Ugoos AM7
I’ll be honest, I’d stopped reviewing these generic Android TV Boxes. I found that they often lacked true Android TV OS and the support could be unreliable. Plus, with the abundance of Fire TV and Android TV devices, I didn’t see a compelling reason to use them.
But Ugoos has changed my perspective. Their AM7 impressed me.
Perhaps it’s time for these generic Android TV Boxes to make a comeback. With the increasing number of ads on Fire OS (Fire TV) and Android TV (Google TV), there’s a growing demand for ad-free alternatives. And these boxes, like the Ugoos AM7, offer just that.
Going forward, I’ll be keeping a close eye on Ugoos. I’m eager to see what they come up with next and I’ll be sure to provide reviews for their future products.
The Ugoos AM7 is a top contender in my book. If I wasn’t already using an NVIDIA Shield as my main media center streamer, this would undoubtedly be my go-to choice.
I’m particularly impressed by the frequent updates Ugoos releases. It’s evident that they value their customers and are committed to providing long-term support. Plus, they consistently introduce new features and settings to enhance the user experience.
Purchasing Options
The Ugoos AM7’s popularity, combined with the current shortage of processor chips, has made it a hot commodity. Finding it for immediate delivery can be challenging. If you manage to snag one, consider yourself fortunate.
At the time of writing this review, you can order it from AliExpress. However, be prepared for a longer shipping time—it could take around 45 days to arrive.
You might also try your luck with Banggood, as they occasionally have it in stock.
Hopefully, this device will be readily available again soon, as it’s one of the best generic Android TV Boxes on the market today.
Important note: When making your purchase, pay close attention to the power adapter included with the AM7. Many sellers offer adapters that are not compatible with US outlets, so you may need to purchase a separate adapter.
I give the Ugoos AM7 a solid rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
I hope this Ugoos AM7 review has been informative and helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Happy streaming!