Matricom has released a successor to the popular G-Box Q for 2016, but they decided to keep the same name….sort of: The Matricom G-Box Q2.
The new Matricom G-Box Q2, or Q² depending on how it’s written, is a much needed refresh of the original G-Box Q.
The spec sheet shows two huge improvements right off the bat.
The AmLogic S802 has been upd=graded to the newer (but still not cutting edge) AmLogic S812. As the comparison chart from CNX-Software below shows, the AmLogic S812 improves upon the S802 in several ways, but leaves some important features out.
The S812 handled 4K content much better due to the H.265 hardware decoder, but it’s internal memory is limited to 2GB. Sorry, there won’t be a 4GB version of the G-Box Q2.
The other big bonus is the Matricom has finally moved to Lollipop. As a bonus, existing G-Box Q owners will be receiving an OTA firmware update that will update their devices to Lollipop as well. We’ll have more details on that as the update is released.
Also included is a new HUD Launcher UI which appears to bring a more “Kodi-like” interface to the device, rather than the Android TV like interface they’ve used previously.
G-Box Q2 Specs
| CPU/GPU | Amlogic s812 Quad Core @ 2GHz |
| Mali-450 Octo Core 3D GPU | |
| MEMORY | 2GB DDR3 |
| STORAGE | 16GB Flash Storage |
| ANDROID OS | Android Lollipop 5.x, Full Version |
| USB PORTS | Two (2) USB 2.0 |
| ETHERNET | 10/100 Full Duplex |
| WI-FI | Broadcom 5G 802.11 Dual Band |
| BLUETOOTH | V.4.0 Low Power, Full Speed |
| DIMENSIONS | Lenght: 12.5cm, Width: 12.5cm, Height: 2.5cm |
Initial Thoughts
In our review late in 2015, one of the main knocks against the original G-Box Q was the poor quality of 4K playback. It actually seems like Matricom heard that feedback and took some serious steps to improve it.
Not only that, but moving both current and new G-Box Q owners to Android 5 is a big win. We’ll see how that rollout goes, but anytime a manufacturer provides a free-of-charge update to the core Android operating system, I have to give them huge credit for it. Good job Matricom!
The new G-Box Q2 is available exclusively through Amazon.com.
I cant find out if the G-Box Q² has an SD Card slot??
Starting to think it does not……
It does. There’s no OTG port on the G-box Q or Q2, so that’s one of the ways how you have to do manual updates. USB flash drive is the other way.
matricom g-box q2 v minix neo u1. which wins? torn between which one to buy.
They’re both good, Kai, but my vote is for the Minix U1.
Is there a reason for going with Minix over Matricom?
Hi Alex. Lots of them actually. But the important one is that MINIX actually is responsive to their customers – both the good stuff and the bad stuff. MINIX also releases their firmware much more often than Matricom does.
Just bought the G Box Q2 a couple of weeks ago, my very first android tv box. So far, so good. My biggest issue is getting it set up with Ethernet instead of wifi. (location). I’m thinking of getting a second box for our upstairs bedroom but need to be budget minded. Minix Neo is a little more costly than the G Box q2, anything worthy in the sub $100 level worth getting? I paid $99 for the G Box q2.
Hi Travis. Welcome to the TV box family! The biggest question you need to answer about a second box is whether you need 4K or not. If you don’t need a 4K box, then there are plenty of options like Beelink, Zidoo and ProBox2. If you do need another 4K box, I’d recommend getting another Matricom Q2. There’s something to be said for making it easy on yourself by having the same device. Upgrades, interfaces and accessories can be switched between the two.
I. Try to get to you guys before I lost the email you sent me the guesting was I am having a problem with the sound I cannot get any sound can you help me
Just upgraded to the new g box q2 but I was very much disappointed because just after you click on Kodi it freezes in less than 2 min and you have to unplug it from the wall . I waited so long to get it and now I can’t used it .It is 100% guaranteed to happen every time I try to use it and this is right out of the box
Looking for a box to watch movies box sets and live sports that won’t keep buffering what would you recommend
We received ours yesterday and so far it’s great {g2}. My only concern is that they continue to have updates and give customer support. Previous box was rippl-tv and the thing stopped working. After manually putting in the update suggested through a random forum the box becomes bricked. I hope when this box has any issues these guys will be around. Through searches I’ve heard the matricom team is great and thorough with helping when and if an issue arises. The one we purchased was $94 or so on Amazon. I did not have the “plug in play in the description. It wasn’t too tricking installing exodus and such! Good luck and happy savings!!
-Rob
I noticed the Q2 has bluetooth abilities, can you send music to a bluetooth speaker or do you have to get a usb transmitter for it?
You can use the Bluetooth to stream to a wireless speaker.
Can I connect this G-Box with my Samson Smart TV
Hi Dan. Yup. As long as your TV has an HDMI port, you can connect any TV box to your TV.
I have an LG Smart TV and I use wi-fI on it. Will this box work with wifi or freeze?
Hi Eve. This will work with WiFi. If it freezes then there’s normally something else causing the issues.
I set up the box and it seems to be updating for a long time. is that normal?
I had a lot of difficulty trying to update my test Matricom box. I’m going to let the community handle this one. Can anyone help out Lee?
I have a problem with my gbox q2 where I have to unplug on startup or nothing goes to the tv. I have a samsung smart tv and when I turn the gbox on the tv is blank. The gbox lights up with the blue light but nothing. I can unplug and replug the gbox and work fine again. Any ideas as to what would cause this problem?
Can you record or re play sports or luve shows on the g2?
Why doesn’t it turn off win I push the turn off button and what’s the key for
I have the same issue. I have the GBox Q with the latest firmware upgrade and now can’t turn off the box. No issues with the original Matricom GBox Q firmware. Now I have to unplug it every single time to turn it off. Matricom can You weigh in here please
I would like to know if this can handle a 4tb usb 3.0 portable HDD plugged into it ?
i currently have a seagate fast usb 3.0 4TB portable HDD
Well…it doesn’t have a USB 3.0 port, so that’s going to be the first problem.
I’m looking at buying a g-box q2 but I’m wondering will it work in Australia if I’m looking to watch American tv
Hi Marzy. Android boxes will work in any country. All they need is an Internet connection to connect. You may need a VPN to get around geo filtering of the content you want to watch, however.
We just purchased/upgraded to the new gbox q2. It was trying and time consuming but we finally got it all updated. We are familiar with the system as we had the gbox q. Was excited to watch some movies but non of the streams work. Insight please? Fyi our tv shows play fine.
I have an issue with my g box q2 firmware, I get “Error 1003 Server Connection Refused” . I get no response from matricom support. I’ve uninstalled/reinstalled kodi but error message returns. Anyone have the same problem? Suggestions and help to fix appreciated.
Yes I have the same problem it’s the lack of answers that drive me crazy the company’s a joke
Can anyone help me in getting firmware 1.5 for the G-Box Q? Seems nobody has it at all and it’s not listed on the Matricom site. Or maybe someone has the link to where I can download it?
TiM; I have a huge problem with the Matricom G-Box Q. I plugged it into my LG Smart TV via the usual HDMI port using the HDMI cable and everything seemed fine up to the point where I want to switch back to TV viewing – PROBLEM. I go through the usual procedure of finding the correct HDMI source for the TV and then —– nothing. I have to unplug the box, and reboot my receiver, wait for some time (groan), to get TV reception. The net result is the box sits on the TV stand gathering dust. What a waste!!!!!!