Zidoo X1 Android TV Box Unboxing and Teardown

Zidoo X1 is an Android media player powered by Allwinner H3 quad core processor with support for 4K videos up to 30Hz and H.265 / HEVC video codec. The company sent me one unit for review, and today I’ll start by unboxing and tearing down the device, before further testing to get the review posted in a few days.

Zidoo X1 Unboxing

I’ve received the package by (MY)DHL a few days after it was shipped.

Zidoo_X1_PackageThe package shows some of the main features like 4K and 3D support, H.265/HEVC codec, Kodi support, and ZIUI which must be the name given to Zidoo user interface.

Zidoo X1 and Accessories (Click to Enlarge)
Zidoo X1 and Accessories (Click to Enlarge)

The box comes with an HDMI cable, a user’s manual in English, a warranty card, a 5V/2A power adapter, and a standard IR remote control with IR learning function for 5 keys: Vol +/-, power, AV/TV, and SET so that you can control your TV with a single remote control, in case HDMI CEC does not work.

Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge

I’ve already reviewed a device that looks like a spaceship, but I find Zidoo X1 is more alike to a flying saucer, and one person told me it looks like a shark fin… Nevertheless, the design is interesting and quite different from other rectangular boxes. All ports are at the back: AV jack (composite + audio), HDMI out, one USB 2.0 host port, 10/100M Ethernet, another USB host port and micro SD slot, and a power barrel (5V). There are also the IR receiver and LED on the front of the device which we can see through the semi-transparent casing. A pinhole can also be found on the bottom of the device to enter recovery mode for firmware update (in the unlikely case OTA does not work, or your firmware is corrupted).

If you prefer unboxing videos, here it is…

Zidoo X1 Teardown

Opening the enclosure is fairly easy. Remove the four sticky rubber pads on the bottom of the enclosure, and loosen the four screws.

Zidoo_X1_Enclosure_Bottom

There are also eight plastic clips, so you’ll have to use some sharp tool, preferably made of plastic too to avoid damaging the casing, to completely pop-up the top cover.

Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge

The first thing that surprised with the board is how small Allwinner H3 processor – as well the corresponding heatsink – is compared to more powerful processors.

Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge

The board is name Z-H3-OTT_V1.1, and for those who’d like to hack the board, the serial connector is still there with clear marking. The processor is coupled with SKHynix H27UCG8T2ATR-BC NAND flash (8GB), and two SKHynix H5TQ4G63AFR DDR3 SDRAM chips providing 1GB RAM. A Realtek RTL8189ETV module is used for WiFi connectivity. There’s no built-in Bluetooth.

Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge

The board can be completely removed from the casing by gently pulling it out. The micro SD  slot and the u-boot and recovery button can be fond on the bottom of the board. The MAC address starts with DCC0DB, meaning Zidoo has continued its partnership with Kaiboer for hardware design and manufacturing, just like it did for Zidoo X9. A thermal pad and metallic plate are attached to the bottom of the enclosure, and make contact with the bottom of the board to make sure the device stays cool during operation.

If you are interested in buying in quantities, you can contact Zidoo directly, but the box is sold retail for $49.99 on GeekBuying, as well as Amazon US, and  Aliexpress.

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10 Comments
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m][sko
9 years ago

Are there any public android sdk source codes for Allwinner H3 ??

Gabe
Gabe
9 years ago

Orange Pi 2 linux image(on sd card) works on the box(wifi doesn’t work, I think it needs some firmware file).

Ghino
Ghino
9 years ago

Hi, can it to be connected as wireless display to an ezcast dongle to mirror Its display by Wi-Fi?

Ghino
Ghino
9 years ago

Thanks. The wireless display function (miracast) is aviable on Android as option on setting ?

FatMatt
FatMatt
9 years ago

another positive review of it https://www.avforums.com/review/zidoo-x1-android-tv-box-review.11769 interesting to note auto-refresh rate switching is implemented.
How does this SoC stack up against the likes of the budget Amlogic S805 ?

Bruce Wayne
Bruce Wayne
9 years ago

@FatMatt

Its on par with a 805 or a little slower… depending what test you run. Reading trough the forums on zidoo and freaktab it seems that its a buggy device for now. Even problems with airmouses are reported which is a nogo for a tvbox.

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