The Beelink GT-King Pro is the successor to the previous GT-King. AFAIK, it's the first Android OS powered box to pack this new SoC variant. AMLogic has a thing where they offer manufacturers different variants depending on if they require HD audio licensing or not. I suspect this is where the "-H" factor comes in (For Dolby & DTS Listen audio licensing). This is the major difference between the GT-King's S922X and the Pro's S922X-H. Well, there's that striking blue color and finish. We'll come to that later. Similarly in the upcoming MINIX NEO U22-XJ box, that should pack the AMLogic S922XJ variant (with just Dolby licensing IIRC). Let's kick off with a list of the GT-King Pro's specifications.

Specifications


See below spoiler for Box & HW images.


As expected, there are some distinct hardware differences between the GT-King & GT-King Pro. First of all would be the bold color choice and feel. The GT-King's casing is black all around and made mostly of plastic, with different textures on the top, sides and a softer feel on the bottom. The GT-King Pro goes completely against the typical sleek black design. Instead opting for this striking blue color and all round aluminum casing that's smooth and cool to touch. There are two rubber strips underneath the box, to give it some breathing room. This is very much needed as the device does get noticeably warm quicker than it's plastic predecessor. Though Beelink reassures us that this is normal and won't damage the unit (there are wordings to that effect on the bottom of the Pro). On the plus side, it aluminum dissipates heat better and thus, the box cools down faster too.

Side by side image comparisons of the GT-King & GT-King Pro


Other differences include;


The GT-King Pro is also being marketed as the better option for audio enthusiasts and as such, it adds two professional audio chips. See below image for more clarity. After which we move back on to reviewing the GT-King Pro.


Software Screenshots


Speedtest


AIDA64


Antutu V8


AITUTU Benchmark (Beta)


CPU Monitor


PassMark PerformanceTest


PCMark for Android Benchmark


3DMark - The Gamer's Benchmark
For this test, I choose to run the more intensive "Sling Shot Extreme" test. This is a test typically used to measure and compare flagship Android devices from HTC, LG, OnePlus, Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi, and other manufacturers with the latest iPhone and iPad models. Now includes Vulkan and OpenGL ES 3.1 tests.


Media Playback Performance
Disclaimer: My system is only able to accurately process/handle audio up to Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD MA..Both being 5.1. I'm unable to personally test for Dolby ATMOS and DTS:X yet. I welcome forummers with higher audio systems, whom are willing to volunteer their equipment for further testing. I'll update the review once I can personally confirm this and or from a reputable and independent source. Media players of choice remains Kodi & VLC. Though I leaned towards Kodi more due to familiarity, cuztomizations and ease of use. The following are the results of the tests.

Video
Type: HDR HEVC 10-bit 25fps
Astra DVB Sample.ts (Played smooth and okay)

Type: Dolby Vision
LG Demo DolbyVision Comparison.mkv (Played smooth and okay)
LG Demo DolbyVision Trailer.mkv (Played smooth and okay)

Type: VP9
Eye of the Storm 4K Ultra HD.mkv (Played smooth and okay)
The Redwoods.mkv (Played smooth and okay)
The World in HDR.mkv (Played smooth and okay)

Type: Jellyfish (HEVC + UHD + 10bit)
jellyfish-60-mbps-hd-hevc-10bit.mkv (Played smooth and okay)
jellyfish-250-mbps-4k-uhd-hevc-10bit.mkv (Played smooth and okay)
jellyfish-300-mbps-4k-uhd-hevc-10bit.mkv (Played smooth and okay)
jellyfish-400-mbps-4k-uhd-hevc-10bit.mkv (Plays but with some hiccup at the start..Also while playing, there are occasional jerks.)

Type: 5K Resolution
Snow Monkeys in Japan 5K Retina 60p (Ultra HD).mkv (Played smooth and okay)

Type: 8K Resolution
PATAGONIA 8K.mkv (Played smooth and okay)

YouTube up to 4K/UHD

Update: Also see post #20 for ISO & AFRD support.

HD Audio Passthrough
Dolby Digital (also known as Dolby AC-3) No issues on either Kodi/VLC
Dolby Digital Plus (also known as Enhanced AC-3) No issues on either Kodi/VLC
Dolby TrueHD No issues on VLC...Kodi on the other hand could only passthrough core Dolby audio.
DTS-HD MA No issues on VLC...Kodi on the other hand could only passthrough core DTS audio.
Dolby ATMOS **Core Dolby is processed and passed on.
DTS:X **Core DTS is processed and passed on.

*With normal files playback through Kodi, I didn't need to preset a custom cache size for video buffering and playback. Yet the player skips forwards or backwards almost instantly.. Can't says the same for the higher bit-rate jellyfish files. During a 10 seconds fast-forward (250 & 300mbps..400mbps starts with and has slight noticeable jerks, so irrelevant), both Kodi (stock, no tweaked cache parameters) & VLC require a moment to catch up & resume playback. About 2 seconds, then it's smooth again. Though if you rewind it back, through areas it has played, the delay is absent. It just plays pretty much instantly. This wouldn't concern most, as majority of the common files to be played won't even have bit-rates over 100mbps. It's nice to know that the SoC is more than capable.

Pros
*It's a very quick device.. Even the Internet speed-test via the Ookla app was completed in what seems to be the blink of an eye. Apps are downloaded and installed from the Play Store quite fast too.
*OTA update was awaiting upon first boot. Downloading this first update took at least 4 hours to complete from 0 - 100%, before it began installing. Probably their servers were being hammered. Hope improvements on that. After-which, there was another firmware update released, but rather than wait for it's availability on the OTA server (& another lengthy wait), I pre-downloaded normally and flashed manually via USB. This method took less than 10 minutes. Downside of this method over the OTA method is that, flashing via USB wipes the device. So if you have important stuff or would rather not setup all over again? Wait for the OTA to be pushed onto the servers and upgrade via the OTA method.
*Finally, we get a dedicated Power button. So once plugged in, it doesn't immediately begin booting, like most of other similarly designed devices (i.e GT-King). The Power button on the included remote can power on and shutdown ONLY after an initial button press and whilst power is left plugged in. Even while shutdown, as long as the device remains plugged in, one could simply press the remote's power button to power up. Else, if the power plug is disconnected? Powering on the box will require one to push the button behind on the box itself. This might be considered a disadvantage for those who tend to have devices tucked away from plain sight and or difficult to reach positions.
*The design (IMO) looks quite good. Build quality is definitely the best so far too. There's something about the heft and feel that feels just right.
*Full sized SD card slot. It's easier to insert/eject an SD card/adapter containing a micro-SD, vs inserting/ejecting the tinier micro-SD card from an equally tiny slot.
*HDMI-CEC & Bluetooth works okay.
*Voice Assistant using the bundled remote works. If you face any issues, try pressing and holding down the mic button, wait a second or 2 then speak. Your command should be captured.
*Device is rooted and so AdAway works. Great for most pesky ads.
*Latest YouTube for Android TV 2.07.02 works. Plays 4K@60FPS videos smoothly. It's remote friendly and so I advise installing this over the mobile variant from the Play Store.
*Elementum works with the default options in Kodi. I expect Quasar and the rest to work as intended too.
*Packs an Ethernet Gigabit port, Wifi ac MiMO 2.4/5GHz, 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 64GB eMMC ROM. Don’t get me started on the SoC.. This like that of the GT-King is also a combo I can live with.
*The bundled remote is basic, but better than most .. As it supports both Voice input and air mouse mode. Buttons feel good to click, with a rubbery texture on top. Best to get a third party air mouse though with keyboard for easier data entry.
*The remote’s power key can be set as either “Sleep Now”, “Shutdown”, or “Restart”. Best to set as “Sleep Now” as this puts the device to sleep. press the power button on the remote to Sleep/Wake up the device.
*Press & Hold the power button to bring up the Power off menu. Shows Power off, Restart and Screenshot.
*The typical ehem apps work without issues.
*Since receiving the device, we've had three FW updates to squash pesky bugs. Naturally, we expect additional firmware updates, as more "kinks" have been reported and fixes are being made. There’s an Update app in the app drawer, this is to perform updates from an SD card source. Alternatively, there's a Wireless update/OTA section under the "About Device" section in Settings that checks their servers for updates. OTA works fresh out of the box.

Cons
*Bluetooth 4.1 vs the latest 5.0
*The removal of the SPDIF port, replaced with an RS232 port. ..Sure, HDMI can carry both video & HD audio signals, but isn't this supposed to be a HD audio focused box? When asked, Beelink replied pretty much the same. Also that the RS232 port is an interface that can be used to control the TV box. Typically from a computer using a COM line (up to 15 meters). So it appears to be a plus point from an interested developer's point of view. Personally, I doubt i'd ever use that port especially since USB ports are so much more faster than the older RS232 port.
*Not Android TV OS. I remain hopeful for an official ATV OS. Though I expect the community will get right on that, as they did with the GT-King. Custom ROMs.
*There appears to be a slight Ethernet connection issue. Shows as not connected (Internet works though) until one toggles on and off the WiFi button. Then it correctly shows as connected. This is only in the "Device Preferences" area only.
*There's no "fake WiFi status" to allow apps to think they are connected to a WiFi network. Downloading additional files for apps/games such as Asphalt 8, requires one to be connected to a WiFi network before it commences downloading. Also, can't have both Ethernet & WiFi connected simultaneously. Has to be either or. So in order to use WiFi, one must first disconnect the Ethernet cable. Then only will the WiFi connection establish, else it keep throwing an error.. A FW update should fix this in due time. However, with "Fake WiFi status", such apps are tricked into thinking the Ethernet connection is a (you guessed it) connected WiFi network. For those who's devices are far from their wireless router and or get significant speeds over cable than WiFi, this is a noteworthy feature. Hopefully, such is implemented in the future.
*In order to get the weather info for Kuala Lumpur, one has to enter “kualalumpur” without spaces for it to locate it. This same issue happened on the GT-King, not sure why it's still present on the Pro, as it's supposed to have been fixed.. Feedback sent.

Expected/Norm
*Widevine CDM Security Level 1
*Out of the 64GB, there's 55GB of total internal space available upon first boot.
*No Netflix FHD+, at least not through the easy install from Play Store and login method. Had to side-load. Similarly with the GT-King, there is a pre-loaded app market/source bundled with the FW, one can find compatible apps to click-install. Saves some hassle to go fetch from other sources.
*Rooted device by default and there’s NO option to hide/disable it by default..Tested just for kicks and nope the latest stable/default As*** Go app refuses to run on it (There's a workaround though). Still no "Off Root" switch, so have to keep using the working alternatives for now.

Conclusion
If the positive differences between this Pro & GT-King isn't what you want? Then you are better off getting the non-Pro GT-King box instead, as it's cheaper and still a very capable device. Nevertheless, the GT-King Pro is an absolute powerhouse. It's noticeably faster than the GT-King, scoring over 147k on Antutu. Heavy graphics games on highest settings, have no issues speeding along on this device (get a controller). I'm overly impressed with the performance so far and would recommend the GT-King Pro for anyone who wants the absolute second best TV box on the market now.

Official Beelink Website...GT-King Pro Product Page
Beelink Youtube Page
Beelink Facebook Page
Beelink Instagram




Post-review updates
*GT-King Series now support dual-booting feature..
*EmuELEC emulation support now available..
*Alvatech ATV OS Custom ROM...Images and insight.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Jul 26 2020, 01:28 AM

Nice! Did you get to update the firmware? Saw Beelink facebook got an update for this GT-King Pro.

The pictures not loading for "See below spoiler for Box & HW images."

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Oct 24 2019, 08:55 PM

Yep.. I'm fully updated on the GT-King Pro. Though, it seems the update is for the GT-King and not the Pro variant. I believe I'm running the latest stable FW currently. I was probably behind the report on the shutdown bug. So held off the review until that among other stuff were fixed. Then flashed the update. I expect a more stable FW version 906P0 will be released soonest. I'll check the GT-King for this updated FW..Need to finish this first.. Currently the supplied url is requesting a Microsoft login, which it usually doesn't..

Thanks, the missing pictures have been fixed. It's the precise issue I was trying to avoid by uploading this partly completed review. I've noticed that one shouldn't keep the forum's new post editor open for too long (couple hours at least), as it's prone to "corruption". Files that have been previously uploaded and linked, suddenly go missing. Have to re-upload and re-link again.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Oct 24 2019, 09:48 PM

The session will time out 🤣 happened to me a few times before...

Yeah... I figured.. Made a mess a few times for me too.. Okay, back on point..

i am a little surprised that vlc can pass thru ddtruehd/dtshdma but not kodi...

Same here.. Usually it'd be the other way around and I wouldn't even need to try any other Media Player. Toggled this and that.. Didn't seem to help. Any thoughts? Onkyo AVR here.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Oct 25 2019, 01:04 AM

how much you bought and where u bought it? Very good spec but is it like evpad can watch all channel?

Can u try mx pro?

TQ.

what about premium apps..
eg netflix hulu so on

What channel you referring to? Middle East or Scandinavian?
Netflix 4K i think need to do the 2 apps install thru side load,just maybe?

Voncrane you need to get subscription to Hulu, Prime to complete your review.

this box able to output Dolby Vision without any issue? Not downgrading to HDR10

asstro AOD lol

Hi.. I included a link to sales page on Gearbest.. Rest assured, can purchase from there safely. Got promo price going on..

No, as you can see from the images.. Beelink aren't like evpad that promotes illegal IPTV streams as their core service. Besides, if you are resourceful, you can find a similar or even better service and install on other devices. Personally, I'm not a fan of boxes like evpad. Their advertising and marketing is causing more harm than good.

Hardware-wise, it's no contest..evpad boxes are on a much lower level compared to even the GT-King, much less this Pro version. Noticed I mentioned that the usual ehem apps work. Read that as you may.

Unfortunately, I don't have access to one. Will be sure to do so if one pops up..

The usual will be encountered. I figured that was generally understood at this point. Netflix remains limited to SD+ res (540p max res). No surprises there. You could try the various workarounds and get better results. However, I believe it's also safe to assume that the average person interested in a box of this level already has a decent 4K/UHD + HDR10 and or DV capable TV. These TVs typically ship with such apps as default and can get full UHD+HDR10, etc. I advise using those instead. More intuitive and not reliant on any third party device.

As for Hulu, this requires a IP masking software to work in Malaysia..No? No worries, I'll try that and report back.. I expect it work as intended.

Apologies.. Give me a day or two and I'll sort both out real quick.. Will report back.

Sorry fam, no DV capable TV to test on.. Mine maxes out at 4K HDR10.. I can confirm that those 2 work. Stunningly smooth pq.

Currently the beta version still works. That doesn't check for root and so trusted. It functions exactly as the latest stable version from the Play Store. Played for hours yesterday and all good. So using that till it's killed for good by its creator.. Unless one's obtaining the modded apk from a trusted source (I know no names ), the beta trumps seeking a modded apk from dubious sources online.

Not astro On the go

it is asstro AOD and cinema movie in evpad which is illegal la.

How much for the box?

according to below link, DV works with GTKP.


however, it is unclear if it will deliver dolby atmos, dtsx audio.
as per voncrane test with his HT, playing with kodi does not even pass thru ddtruehd/dtshdma whereas it can with vlc.
the audio part is always tricky as most reviews u read do not do exhaustive tests on audio capabilities.
i am also looking for a box that can do all the advanced video and audio stuff.
the best bet will probably be the coming new shieldtv - that, gotta wait for complete reviews.
still, i am not sure if "dolby vision+dolby atmos" applies to netflix online streams or local playback or both..?
in addition, will be impt to know if it can do bdmv full menu, auto framerate switching nicely.
the other box of interest will be minix u22-xj, supposedly launching next month.

can get the apk with this appstore app:
https://www.malavida.com/en/soft/apktime/android/#gref
there is a chance it will work with mx pro becos it does on one of my boxes.

those ahem illegit vod streams are typically tied to low end boxes.
not something to discuss openly... u should pm the sellers.

This post has been edited by AVFAN: Oct 26 2019, 09:30 AM

Sorry.. Ask around even. Me won't discuss such illegal stuff.. Not at least ever since the govt came out publicly and charging folks. So, you do you yeah..

From the same xda page.. He states "No Netflix or Amazon Prime Video in HD." Which, personally I'm not surprised.. At least from an official standpoint. Beelink isn't advertising it as Netflix and or Prime HDR capable either. So I'm unsure as to the part where Amazon Prime HDR is confirmed supported. Personally I prefer to either report what I can or have tested myself and or gotten direct confirm from the tech guys at Beelink. We've got reputations at stake.

BDMV and 3D ISO etc is supported. Kodi v18 can handle those. Also..Oh, you were referring to the app "MX Player Pro" and not the box. I thought you meant the MX/MXQ Pro box.. Hence my response. No worries, I'll test that too soon.. As for auto framerate switching? There isn't a toggle to turn such on or off. But I've tested different video types and watched for its tell signs and I can say.. There are none. At least via Kodi and using Kodi's own framerate switching tech. I set it to kick in at the beginning of content being played and exit once it's stopped. Smooth playback... AFRD also works. So AFS isn't an issue on this or most AMLogic devices.

As long as a device isn't Netflix certified.. For starters, Netflix will only certify if the device is running stock ATV OS and not regular Android OS. The upcoming Minix Neo U22-XJ will be running regular Android 9.0 OS. So like the GT-King Pro, I wouldn't bank on it being capable of consistently outputting anything more than 540p res and stereo. Minix too..So forget about Netflix DV + Atmos... Again, I stress.. If one owns a Dolby Vision capable TV and audio equipment capable or ATMOS and or DTS:X levels? You are better of using the bundled TV app itself. Don't make it a criteria on an external box. Else, it's the Nvidia Shield and nothing else.

The Minix Neo T5 on the other hand would be running Android TV 9.0 with Google certification. It's unclear if it'll be a Netflix certified device at this point. I doubt it though.

I'll try my best to run as many tests as possible.. Offering clarity.. Oh yeah, speaking of Blu-ray menu support. That is a software/app dependent issue. Not something simply baked into the firmware. Beelink doesn't have a dedicated video player on the same level as say Himedia's. But as with almost all capable devices. You can install the paid app.. VidON XBMC. Should work.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Oct 26 2019, 03:06 PM

ok... u and i know a lot about these things...

minix t5 already declared netflix HD will NOT work, alto it is ATV... licensing issue, i am sure... maybe in time, will get.

u22-xj... i m not interested in netflix, dun care... more interested if the local playback capabilities - video and audio, will follow the reviews.

i am not interested in best of the best for online streaming becos it is never that good anyway.

i dun even watch netflix 4k for blockbusters... prefer to wait for the full wholesome thing!

Haha.. Yeah we do... Imagine my surprise that you too were discussing about Netflix Dv, etc.. haha..How about we agree that the discussion was done for the benefit of those who are still unaware of these type things. So I tried MX Player pro and it's worse.. Equipment wasn't detecting any HD audio signals. not even for basic DD5.1.. Tweaked settings here there.. HW+ to HW to SW decoding etc.. No progress. So i ditched it.. Kodi and VLC then. The following are images showing YouTube @ 4K res using the remote friendly ATV app.. Also, AFS actively working with AFRD. Main review post updated too..

YouTube



BDMV ISO Selection Menu

Choosing the "Show Bluray Menu" option does nothing. File begins playback instead.

AFS via AFRD Not that I felt it was needed in the first place. Beelink made it easier to install by including it in the FW bundled "App Store".

**TV



**Kodi




This post has been edited by voncrane: Oct 27 2019, 12:56 AM