Airtel has stepped up its digital ecosystem with the Smart Router Android TV Box—a fusion of a dual-band router and Android TV streaming device in one chassis. Designed for users who want both seamless connectivity and OTT/live TV access, this box attempts to replace multiple devices in your living room setup.
But is it truly a game-changer, or just another smart box in disguise? Let’s break it down from a technical perspective.
Core Hardware Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Quad-core MediaTek 1.4 GHz (efficient for multitasking) |
| GPU | Mali-class GPU (handles 4K decode with moderate load) |
| RAM | 2GB DDR3 (good for streaming + multitasking, but not future-proof) |
| Storage | 8GB eMMC (4.7GB usable; expandable via USB/OTG) |
| OS | Android TV 10 (customized Airtel Xstream UI) |
| Networking | Built-in router with dual-band Wi-Fi + LAN port |
| Video Output | 4K @ 60fps (HDR10 support; SDR content sometimes oversaturated) |
| Audio | Dolby Digital & DTS passthrough supported |
Performance Benchmarks
- Boot Time: < 20 seconds — significantly faster than most Android TV competitors.
- UI Fluidity: Near-zero frame drops while navigating apps or switching between DTH and OTT.
- Streaming Quality:
- 4K playback supported, but some OTT apps default to 1080p, limiting resolution.
- YouTube runs at native 4K without issue.
- Voice Assistant: Airtel’s custom remote integrates Google Assistant with high recognition accuracy.
Pros & Cons for Power Users
Pros
- Dual functionality: router + Android TV box in one device.
- Reliable multitasking—installing apps while streaming 4K works smoothly.
- Voice command response is fast and accurate.
- Compact form factor, easy to set up.
Cons
- Limited onboard storage (8GB) restricts heavy app/game installations.
- HDR processing sometimes oversaturates SDR content.
- OTT platforms like Netflix/Prime Video cap at 1080p, not true 4K.
- DTH recharge is often mandatory for full feature unlock.
How It Compares to Competitors
- Vs. Mi Box S (Android TV 9): Airtel’s box wins on multitasking and router integration, but Mi Box delivers more consistent 4K playback across OTT apps.
- Vs. Fire TV Stick 4K Max: Fire Stick has better OTT app support and 4K optimization, but no router features. Airtel’s hybrid nature makes it unique.
- Vs. Jio Set-Top Box: Jio’s offering is more locked to its ecosystem. Airtel provides a more open Android TV experience.
Ideal Use Cases
- For heavy streamers: Perfect if you combine DTH + OTT and want a clutter-free setup.
- For smart home enthusiasts: Works seamlessly with Google Assistant and voice search.
- For data-hungry households: Built-in router ensures steady connectivity for both streaming and browsing.
Not ideal for purists who demand consistent native 4K across all platforms.
Airtel Smart Router Android TV Box vs Competitors
| Feature / Device | Airtel Smart Router Android TV Box | Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max | Mi Box S (Android TV) | Jio Set-Top Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android TV 10 (custom Airtel UI) | Fire OS (based on Android) | Android TV 9 | Android TV (locked UI) |
| CPU / GPU | Quad-core 1.4GHz / Mali GPU | Quad-core 1.8GHz / IMG GE8300 | Quad-core 2.0GHz / Mali | Quad-core 1.6GHz |
| RAM / Storage | 2GB / 8GB (4.7GB usable) | 2GB / 8GB | 2GB / 8GB | 2GB / 8GB |
| Networking | Dual-band Wi-Fi + Built-in Router + LAN | Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 | Dual-band Wi-Fi | Dual-band Wi-Fi + LAN |
| Video Output | 4K @ 60fps (HDR10, SDR oversaturation) | 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | 4K HDR10 | 4K HDR10 |
| OTT Support | Netflix (1080p cap), Prime (1080p), YouTube 4K | Full 4K support across major OTT apps | Full 4K support | Limited OTT integration |
| Voice Control | Google Assistant (fast + accurate) | Alexa Voice Remote | Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Boot Time | < 20s (very fast) | ~30s | ~25s | ~28s |
| Extra Features | Router + TV box hybrid | Superior OTT app ecosystem | Affordable entry-level device | Bundled with Jio services |
| Price Point (Approx) | Mid-range | Mid-range | Budget-friendly | Budget-friendly (often bundled) |
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Airtel Smart Router Android TV Box is a solid all-in-one solution that merges internet + entertainment into one device. Its performance is snappy, the dual-use design saves space, and the voice assistant integration is top-tier.
However, if true 4K OTT streaming is your dealbreaker, you may want to look at alternatives like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro or Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
For most users, especially those tied to Airtel DTH, this box strikes a strong balance between convenience and performance.
The post Airtel Smart Router Android Box Review – Is it Worth it? appeared first on Wealth Creation.
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