Himedia Q30 is Himedia’s newest box based on HiSilicon Hi3798M V200. Himedia specializes in TV Boxes that put an emphasis on quality video over all else. Their designs are well built, works quite well out-of-the-box, and produce crisp and clean video – in my experience so far.
My thanks goes to the Nicole and Patrick from Himedia, for providing yet another wonderful sample!
What do we get in the box?
Looks and design
Q30 Technical Specifications
| Chipset |
HiSilicon Hi3798M V200 quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor |
| GPU | Multi-core ARM Mali-450 supporting OpenGL ES2.0/1.1, OpenVG1.1, EGL,Imprex 2.0 PQ engine with HDR/HLG/SLF/HDR to SDR,BT.709+BT.2020 |
| Memory / Storage | 2GB DDR3 / 8GB eMMC flash and SD card SD Card Slot (up to 32GB) |
| LAN | Fast Ethernet 10/100 Mbps |
| Wireless | 802.11 b/g/n WiFi with external antenna |
| OS | Android 7.0 with 1080p UI |
| Video Output | HDMI 2.0a up to 4K @ 60 Hz, 1x composite video (RCA) |
| Audio Output | HDMI, stereo audio (RCA), optical S/PDIF port |
| Power | DC 12V/2A |
| Peripheral Interface | SD slot up to 32GB, Front LED, IR receiver, 1 * HDMI(A type Male), 1 * RJ45 LAN Port, 1x USB 3.0 host port, 2x USB 2.0 host ports |
| Packing Included | 1 * A5, 1 * Adapter(DC 12V/2A), 1 * HDMI Cable ,1 * IR Remote Controller, 1 * User’s Manual |
- As you may notice, Bluetooth is not supported in this box
Benchmarks and Testing
All benchmarks have been repeated 3 times and results have been averaged to give a more accurate reading:
Antutu Benchmark
The Antutu benchmark tests single core performance over multi-core as it is a better indication of the performance of one device over others in most situations. Q30 takes a nice place in the lower half of the table, between two Amlogic boxes (S905 and S912 based ones). This means it’s not a speedster when it comes to general performance, but it’s not at the bottom of the pack either.
GPU Mark Benchmark
GPU Mark tests 3d gaming performance and also provides a normalized score according to the used screen resolution (for a more accurate result). The test is quite short and should be taken as a supporting result to that of the more demanding 3D Mark benchmark. Q30 takes low places (8th and 10th place from the low end of the chart) – re-affirming that this is not a box targeted at heavy gamers – with average frame rates that dips under 30 frames per second..
A1 SD Benchmark
A1 SD Benchmark tests RAM and flash memory speeds. As can be seen in the provided graphs, RAM is much faster (by a factor of about 40) than flash memory – that is why it’s in smaller amount and is also volatile (does not keep its contents after a reboot). Q30 shows a bit more oomph in this test which places it again in the middle of the pack – possibly thanks to faster RAM (though still only DDR3 and not DDR4 like in other new models) and a better than usual SD card reader
PC Mark Benchmark
PC Mark suite of tests tries to measure performance in day-to-day tasks such as image processing, word processing, video playback and editing and so on. Q30 could not run the older Work 1.0 test suite (common issue with switching to other tests which results in application freezing). However, In the Work 2.0 suite it took a middle-low spot – again showing that it is less versatile and more suited and targeted at Kodi users.
3D Mark Benchmark
3D Mark is a labor intensive 3D animation and gaming Benchmark. It runs a series of 3d heavy game and video animations. Q30 barely managed to go through this heavy duty test as can be seen from the low placement. This box is not for 3d gaming, and even Asphalt 8 (intensive 3d racing game which I test with) did not work properly
Video Playback testing (Using KODI)
| Resolution | Video Format | Local Playback | Network (PLN LAN) Playback |
| 720p (1280*720) | AVC (High@L4.1) | Playing correctly | Playing correctly |
| 1080P (1920*1080) | AVC (High@L4) | Playing correctly | Playing correctly |
| 2160P (3840*2160) | HEVC (H.265) – 10Bit | Playing correctly | Playing correctly |
| 4K (4096*2304) | AVC (High@L5.1) | Playing correctly |
Playing correctly |
| 4K TS HEVC files | HEVC (H.265) | Playing correctly | Some video and audio stutter * |
* Video playback was almost perfect – only when using the wrapper app (plays inside Kodi with the manufacturer’s hardware optimized player) and after setting it up with the correct credentials for the LAN share used. One of two 10 bit HEVC TS files tested exhibited video and audio stutter.
Network performance
Network performance has been tested using Speedtest.net Internet speed measuring app, in WiFi and in Wired (*) mode. My Internet connection is 500 Mbit Symmetric Fibre connection. Performance is quite good for WiFi (AC/5Ghz standard is supported), but there is plenty of room for video playback optimization as it does not manifest well in Kodi:
- Wired works over Power-line adapters and those has been upgraded now to a AV1200 kit which gives a big bump to network performance.
Issues and Bugs
- Issues with navigation inside Kodi (no proper “back” button functionality in air mouse, no “menu” functionality in most menus with included remote). Issue may grow worse if Kodi is updated from version 17.1 to 17.3. Air mouse tested (Probox2 Remote+) does not allow to use “back” button. This issue was observed in a previous (Q10 Pro) model as well with a different Air mouse
- Angry Birds 2 cannot advance past the first level due to not allowing to click in a selection screen
- Asphalt 8 does not allow proper navigation – nor with the included remote nor with a air mouse. directional buttons do not respond
- Missing options under settings. No screenshot option for status bar, no accounts option (account is set by going into the google play store for the first time)
- No root solution
- Bluetooth support is omitted from this box – which will make it impossible to use any BT featured accessories and devices
All the issues and bugs mentioned have been reported to Himedia and should be addressed in future firmware updates.
Gaming performance
I tested three games: Angry Birds 2, Asphalt 8 Airborne, and Walking War Robots. I could not measure CPU or RAM usage, since no root solution is available.
Angry Birds 2, a popular 2d game – worked fine during the first level, but then could not advance as it did not allow to click on a required item.
Asphalt 8 Airborne , intense 3d racing game, Does not allow to turn, so even though the frame rate is good, the game is unplayable at this point.
Walking War Robots – an online 3d robot battle game, works fine – as usual, but still cannot shoot. Frame rate is quite smooth.
Himedia Q30 Conclusions
Himedia Q30 impressed me so far as a video machine with plenty of options as long as it is used for that purpose.
This box is mostly bug free – especially inside Kodi – but the few bugs outside of Kodi may annoy people who use their streamer for other purposes – such as gaming.
Did I like it? Yes, as long as you are only planning to use it to play video content.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with the same reservations I mentioned before.
So you’d like to buy this box? You can find it for a mere 98 USD here: AliExpress.com Product – 2017 Latest HiMedia Q30 Hisilicon Hi3798MV200 Android 7.1 Kodi 17.1 2GB DDR 8GB EMMC Android Smart TV Box
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