Nvidia SHIELD Pro
Score: 82/100
Minix U8K-Ultra
Score: 80/100Rankings
The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is a high-performance Android TV player featuring a Tegra X1+ processor, AI upscaling, and support for Dolby Vision, Atmos, and GeForce NOW gaming. Its limited 16 GB internal storage and lack of HDMI 2.1/AV1 keep it from being future-proof. Targeted at power users and gamers who value expandability and top-tier media capabilities.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
3 GB | 8 GBbest | |
16 GB | 128 GBbest | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 7.5 Wbest | 10 W |
| ↓ lower better | 250 gbest | 253 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Processor | NVIDIA Tegra X1+ | Amlogic S928X-K (Cortex-A76 + Quad-Core Cortex-A55) |
GPU | 256-core NVIDIA GPU | ARM G57 MC2 |
RAM (GB) | 3 GB | 8 GB |
Storage(1) | ||
Internal Storage (GB) | 16 GB | 128 GB |
Display(1) | ||
Maximum Resolution | 4K | 8K |
Power(1) | ||
Power Consumption (W) | 7.5 W | 10 W |
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Android 11 (Android TV) | Android AOSP 11 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, HDMI 2.1, Optical S/PDIF, 3.5mm jack |
Ports(1) | ||
HDMI Version | HDMI 2.0b | 2.1 |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11ac | Wi‑Fi 6 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 250 g | 253 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 159x98x26 mm mm | 28x128x128 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the SHIELD TV Pro as a high-performance media powerhouse, emphasizing its AI upscaling, 25% faster Tegra X1+ CPU, dual USB expandability, and robust GeForce NOW 4K cloud gaming. However, they note the hardware design has not changed since 2019 and that it lacks newer interfaces like HDMI 2.1 and AV1 decoding, making it feel a step behind the latest competitors.
Everyday users praise the device for smooth 4K streaming, excellent Plex integration, reliable NVIDIA firmware updates, and powerful GeForce NOW gaming. Recurring complaints focus on the limited 16 GB internal storage, occasional Wi-Fi drops, voice-control glitches, lack of AV1 support, and a setup process that can be daunting for non-technical owners.
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.
“best for PC game streaming to TV”
“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.”
