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 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.