Introduction
The Mecool BB2, a Kodi box powered by the Amlogic S912 chipset, once held a prominent position in the budget-friendly streaming device market. Boasting an eight-core processor, sixty-four-bit architecture, and two gigabytes of random access memory, it promised a smooth and capable Kodi experience for users looking to cut the cord and enjoy their media libraries on a larger screen. However, the landscape of Android TV boxes is constantly evolving, with newer devices entering the fray, offering improved specifications and advanced features. This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Mecool BB2 in the current year, evaluating its features, performance, and overall value proposition in the context of today’s streaming needs.
This device was aimed squarely at the consumer interested in Kodi media playback who wasn’t looking to break the bank. It came onto the scene at a time when people were rapidly getting more sophisticated about their home theater setups. People were looking to move away from the linear TV viewing experience that cable and satellite providers were pushing on people. It represented a step toward a more user controlled ecosystem. But how does that device hold up as a modern streaming tool? That’s what we’re here to explore.
We’ll delve into the specifics of its hardware, analyze its software capabilities, and test its performance with various media formats. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the Mecool BB2 still holds its own as a viable option for Kodi enthusiasts and budget-conscious consumers or if there are better alternatives available in the market. The ability to run Kodi well is going to be the main measure we use to judge the quality of this device. We’ll also look at general media playback performance to determine how well it works as a general purpose streaming box.
Unboxing and Design
The Mecool BB2 typically comes in a simple cardboard box, containing the device itself, a remote control, a power adapter, and an HDMI cable. The inclusion of the HDMI cable is a welcome addition, as it allows users to get started immediately without having to purchase one separately.
In terms of physical appearance, the BB2 sports a relatively compact and unassuming design. It’s a small, black box, typically made of plastic. The build quality feels reasonable for its price point, although it doesn’t exude a premium feel. It isn’t an eyesore by any means, and it won’t look out of place in most home theater setups.
The front panel usually features an LED indicator light to show the power status. On the rear and sides, you’ll find a variety of ports, including:
- HDMI output: For connecting to your TV or monitor.
- USB ports: Typically two USB ports for connecting external storage devices, keyboards, mice, or other peripherals.
- Ethernet port: For a wired network connection.
- SD card slot: For expanding storage capacity.
- AV output: For connecting to older TVs that don’t have HDMI.
- Power input: For the power adapter.
The placement of these ports is generally well-thought-out, allowing for easy access and cable management. Compared to some other Kodi boxes, the BB2’s design is fairly standard, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. It has all the essential ports.
Hardware and Specifications
At the heart of the Mecool BB2 lies the Amlogic S912 chipset. This system on a chip (SoC) features an eight-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, which is designed to deliver a balance of performance and power efficiency. The eight-core design allows the box to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, which is beneficial for running Kodi, streaming video, and browsing the web. Each core is capable of handling different processes so that the processing is distributed among them which helps performance.
The S912 also includes a Mali-T820MP3 GPU (graphics processing unit). This GPU is responsible for rendering graphics and handling video decoding. It supports various video codecs, including H.264 and H.265/HEVC, which are essential for playing high-definition and Ultra HD video content. The Mali GPU is not the most powerful on the market, but it is enough to get decent performance out of Kodi.
The two gigabytes of random access memory is arguably the device’s biggest limitation in the current era. While it was considered sufficient when the BB2 was first released, modern apps and streaming services often require more RAM for optimal performance. The two gigabytes of RAM can lead to slower multitasking, occasional stutters, and difficulty running multiple apps simultaneously. It is a constraint to be aware of as you are using the device.
The internal storage typically comes in around sixteen gigabytes, which is a decent amount for storing apps, Kodi addons, and some media files. However, if you plan to store a large media library locally, you’ll likely need to expand the storage using the SD card slot or USB ports. The amount of storage also constrains which apps you are able to install on the device.
Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi supporting the eight hundred and two point eleven A, B, G, N, and AC standards, as well as a Gigabit Ethernet port for a faster and more reliable wired connection. Bluetooth connectivity is also included, allowing you to connect wireless headphones, speakers, keyboards, or other peripherals. The range of the wifi signal will determine how well the device connects to the internet wirelessly, so it’s important that the radio is performing well.
Software and User Interface
The Mecool BB2 typically runs on an older version of Android, often Android six point oh Marshmallow or Android seven point one Nougat. This is a significant drawback, as these versions of Android are no longer supported by Google, which means they don’t receive security updates. This can leave the device vulnerable to security threats.
The user interface is a custom launcher designed for TV use. It’s generally simple and straightforward, with large icons and easy navigation. However, it can feel somewhat dated compared to modern Android TV interfaces.
The BB2 often comes with some pre-installed apps, including Kodi and some streaming services. The quality and usefulness of these pre-installed apps can vary, and you may want to uninstall some of them to free up storage space.
Kodi integration is a key aspect of the Mecool BB2. It’s designed to be a Kodi box, and it usually comes with Kodi pre-installed. You can easily install Kodi yourself if it’s not pre-installed or if you want to upgrade to a newer version. However, the Kodi version might be outdated if the device has been sitting in a warehouse for a while.
The availability of firmware updates is another concern. Since the BB2 is an older device, firmware updates may no longer be available, which means you won’t receive bug fixes, performance improvements, or security patches. Keeping the firmware up to date helps a device stay secure and perform optimally.
Performance
Kodi performance on the Mecool BB2 is generally decent, especially for playing seven hundred twenty pee and one thousand and eighty pee video content. However, playing four thousand video content can be more challenging, especially with high bitrates. The two gigabytes of ram can limit the device’s ability to handle large video files.
The BB2 supports various video codecs, including H dot two sixty-four and H dot two sixty-five/HEVC, which allows it to play a wide range of video files. However, performance can vary depending on the specific codec, bitrate, and resolution.
Buffering issues can occur, especially with larger video files or when streaming over a slower network connection. The overall smoothness of the system is generally acceptable, but you may experience occasional stutters or lags, especially when multitasking or running demanding apps.
General Android performance is adequate for basic tasks, such as browsing the web and launching apps. However, the limited RAM can affect app launching speed and multitasking capabilities. Gaming performance is limited due to the Mali-T820MP3 GPU and the two gigabytes of ram.
Heating can be an issue with the Mecool BB2, especially during extended use. The device can get quite warm, which can potentially affect performance and longevity. The remote control is a basic infrared remote, and it’s generally responsive. However, it lacks some advanced features, such as voice control.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable price.
- Decent hardware for basic Kodi usage.
- Versatile connectivity options.
- Compact and unassuming design.
Cons
- Outdated Android version.
- Limited RAM.
- Potentially limited storage.
- Possible lack of firmware support.
- Can overheat during extended use.
Alternatives
There are numerous alternatives to the Mecool BB2 in the Kodi box market. Some popular options include newer Android TV boxes with more powerful processors, more RAM, and more storage. Some of these alternatives will include better and more responsive remote controls. These alternatives typically come with a higher price tag, but they offer a significant improvement in performance and features. For example, the Nvidia Shield TV offers much better performance for a significantly higher price. If you don’t mind a proprietary operating system, the various Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices are reliable and popular alternatives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mecool BB2 Kodi box, while once a popular choice, is showing its age in the current year. Its Amlogic S912 chipset, eight-core processor, and sixty-four-bit architecture still offer adequate performance for basic Kodi usage, but its limited random access memory, outdated Android version, and potential lack of firmware support are significant drawbacks.
The BB2 is best suited for users who are on a tight budget, only need basic Kodi functionality, and don’t mind dealing with an older operating system. However, if you’re looking for a smoother, more responsive, and future-proof streaming experience, you’re better off investing in a newer Android TV box with more RAM, a more powerful processor, and a more up-to-date version of Android.
Given its limitations, I would rate the Mecool BB2 two out of five stars. While it’s still functional, there are simply better options available in the market for the same price or slightly more. A beginner looking for a very inexpensive way to start exploring Kodi might still find it useful, but more experienced users will likely be disappointed. If you need a very inexpensive device as a secondary or travel Kodi box, then it might still have a place in your arsenal.
