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 upgraded 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 its internal memory is limited to 2GB. Sorry, there won’t be a 4GB version of the G-Box Q2.
The other big bonus is that 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 | Amlogic s812 Quad Core @ 2GHz |
| GPU | 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 | Length: 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 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