Amazon Fire TV Cube
Score: 81/100
Minix U8K-Ultra
Score: 80/100Rankings
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a hands-free 4K streaming box with a powerful octa-core CPU and full HDR/Dolby Atmos support. Its bulkier form factor, lack of gaming-focused features and occasional ad-laden UI are trade-offs. Ideal for Alexa-centric homes that value HDMI switching and high-speed Wi-Fi 6E.
The MINIX U8K-Ultra is an Android-based 8K media player delivering true 8K@60Hz playback with AI-enhanced upscaling and full Dolby Vision/Atmos support. Its fanless design and larger chassis can limit sustained performance and placement flexibility. Ideal for home-theater enthusiasts who prioritize top-tier video quality and connectivity.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2 GB | 8 GBbest | |
16 GB | 128 GBbest | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 10 Wbest |
| ↓ lower better | 513 g | 253 gbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Processor | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Amlogic S928X-K (Cortex-A76 + Quad-Core Cortex-A55) |
GPU | ARM Mali G52-MP2 800 MHz | ARM G57 MC2 |
RAM (GB) | 2 GB | 8 GB |
Storage(1) | ||
Internal Storage (GB) | 16 GB | 128 GB |
Display(1) | ||
Maximum Resolution | 4K | 8K |
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Fire OS 7 | Android AOSP 11 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio/MAT, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC-LC, AC3, eAC3, FLAC, MP3, PCM/Wave, Vorbis | Dolby Atmos, HDMI 2.1, Optical S/PDIF, 3.5mm jack |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi‑Fi 6 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 513 g | 253 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 86×77×86 mm mm | 28x128x128 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Fire TV Cube for its powerful octa-core CPU, comprehensive HDR and Dolby Atmos support, and the unique hands-free Alexa with HDMI input that simplifies switching between streaming and live sources. However, they note the mediocre SDR upscaling, lack of gaming-focused features like VRR/ALLM, and a bulkier form factor compared to slimmer competitors.
Everyday users consistently highlight the convenience of hands-free Alexa, rapid app launches, and excellent 4K/Dolby Vision picture quality, while expressing frustration over intrusive ads, occasional voice-recognition hiccups, and sub-par upscaling of non-4K content.
Professional reviewers commend the U8K-Ultra for its reliable 8K@60Hz decoding, Dolby Vision/Atmos support, ample RAM and storage, and stable performance, while noting that AI upscaling is helpful but not revolutionary and that the fanless design and larger size are minor drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently praise the flawless high-resolution playback, expandability via USB and micro-SD, and the robust hardware decoder, with occasional concerns about the bulkier chassis and the limited thermal headroom of the fanless design.
“It does what it says and plays back 8K video... supports HD streaming with all popular apps.”
“Bigger chassis but appreciate the dedicated hardware decoder for modern codecs.”
