Amlogic S905X5 vs S905X4 vs S905X3: Features Comparison of Three Leading TV Box SoCs

The Amlogic S905X series has established itself as a dominant force in the TV box SoC (System on Chip) market, providing high-performance solutions for media streaming and smart TV devices. The latest chipset, Amlogic S905X5, brings significant improvements over its predecessors, the Amlogic S905X4 and Amlogic S905X3. In this article, we’ll compare the features of these three popular SoCs to help you understand how each one stands out and which is best suited for your media needs.

1. Video Codec Support: AV1 and H.266 Lead the Way

• Amlogic S905X3: The S905X3 supports the H.265 (HEVC) codec, which was a major step forward in video compression technology at the time of its release. It handles 4K video content efficiently but lacks support for newer codecs.

• Amlogic S905X4: The S905X4 introduced support for the AV1 codec, a significant upgrade from H.265. AV1 delivers superior compression efficiency, making it ideal for 4K streaming with lower bandwidth usage.

• Amlogic S905X5: The latest S905X5 not only supports AV1, but also adds H.266 (VVC), the next-generation video codec. H.266 offers up to 50% better compression than H.265, enabling smooth 8K video playback while reducing data requirements. This makes the S905X5 the most future-proof option for handling ultra-high-definition content.

Key Difference: While the S905X3 supports H.265, both the S905X4 and S905X5 include support for AV1, with the S905X5 going further by adding H.266 for 8K content.

2. AI-Driven Features: Ai-SR Only in S905X5

• Amlogic S905X3 and S905X4: Neither of these chipsets include AI-driven features for video processing, relying on traditional hardware for upscaling and playback.

• Amlogic S905X5: The S905X5 introduces Ai-SR (AI Super Resolution) technology, which uses artificial intelligence to upscale lower-resolution content to near-4K or 8K quality. This feature dramatically improves the clarity of standard-definition or HD content, making it appear much sharper on modern high-resolution displays.

Key Difference: Only the Amlogic S905X5 offers AI Super Resolution, making it ideal for users who want advanced upscaling for older or lower-resolution videos.

3. Performance and Power Efficiency: ARM Cortex-A55 Across All

All three SoCs—S905X3, S905X4, and S905X5—are powered by ARM Cortex-A55 CPU cores, which balance power efficiency and performance for media processing. However, the newer chipsets come with incremental performance optimizations.

• Amlogic S905X3: Equipped with Mali-G31 GPU, the S905X3 delivers good performance for 4K streaming and light gaming. Its performance is solid for Android TV boxes but starts to show its limitations with more demanding tasks.

• Amlogic S905X4: The S905X4 maintains the Cortex-A55 CPU and Mali-G31 GPU, but with better video codec support and slight improvements in power efficiency compared to the S905X3.

• Amlogic S905X5: The S905X5 retains the Cortex-A55 CPU and Mali-G31 GPU, but with enhanced architecture that delivers better performance and energy efficiency. It is optimized for 8K video processing, multitasking, and next-gen features, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy usage.

Key Difference: While all three SoCs share similar CPU and GPU configurations, the S905X5 offers the most optimized performance and energy efficiency, especially for 8K content.

4. Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Ethernet Improvements

• Amlogic S905X3: Supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Gigabit Ethernet, suitable for stable 4K streaming.

• Amlogic S905X4: Like the S905X3, the S905X4 supports Wi-Fi 5 but adds some internal tweaks for better wireless performance and reliability in streaming environments.

• Amlogic S905X5: The S905X5 steps up with support for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), the latest wireless standard that provides faster speeds, improved efficiency, and reduced latency. It also maintains Gigabit Ethernet for wired connections.

Key Difference: The S905X5 is the only SoC with Wi-Fi 6 support, offering superior wireless performance for modern media devices compared to the Wi-Fi 5 in the S905X3 and S905X4.

5. 8K and 4K Video Output

• Amlogic S905X3: Limited to 4K video output at 60fps, the S905X3 handles 4K content well, but it cannot process or output 8K video.

• Amlogic S905X4: The S905X4 also supports 4K@60fps output with HDR10+ and HLG support, ensuring better color accuracy and contrast in HDR content, but it does not support 8K.

• Amlogic S905X5: The S905X5 moves ahead with 8K video output, making it ready for future media formats. It also supports HDR10+, HLG, and additional color enhancement technologies, ensuring a premium viewing experience with both 4K and 8K content.

Key Difference: The S905X5 is the only chipset that supports 8K video output, positioning it for the next wave of ultra-high-definition content.

6. Operating System Compatibility

All three SoCs—S905X3, S905X4, and S905X5—are compatible with Android TV and Linux operating systems, ensuring flexibility for developers and manufacturers to build diverse media platforms. However, the S905X5 is optimized for the latest versions of Android TV and offers better future-proofing for updates.

Key Difference: While all SoCs offer great OS compatibility, the S905X5 offers improved support for future Android TV updates.

Conclusion: Amlogic S905X5 vs S905X4 vs S905X3

The Amlogic S905X5 clearly leads the pack in terms of advanced features, with its H.266 (VVC) support, Ai-SR, 8K video output, and Wi-Fi 6 compatibility. It is the best choice for future-proofing your media device, particularly if 8K content, AI-driven enhancements, and high-speed wireless connections are priorities.

The Amlogic S905X4 remains a solid middle-ground option, especially for users focused on 4K streaming with AV1 support and reliable performance.

The Amlogic S905X3 is ideal for users who are content with 4K video and don’t need the latest advancements, offering good value for less demanding media devices.

For those looking to build or purchase cutting-edge TV boxes and media streamers, the Amlogic S905X5 is the clear winner, delivering superior performance, future-proof technology, and the most advanced media capabilities.