WeChip V7 Android TV Box Review

The WeChip V7 is an Android TV box that packs a big punch. Formidable hardware and memory, root access, and a practical user interface make this TX box a contender in a crowded marketplace. Like most TV boxes, the WeChip V7 has both pros and cons. Our review covers the WeChip V7’s ($64.99) unboxing, critical specs, and performance.

Specifications

• Hardware: Amlogic S912, octo-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU
• Software: Android 7.1 Nougat
• Memory: 3 GB RAM, 32 GB ROM
• HD: Yes
• Ethernet: Yes
• WiFi: Dual-Band 2.4G + 5G WiFi
• Sharing: DLNA, Airplay
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 10.8 x 8.5 x 2.0 cm (4.25 x 3.35 x 0.79 inches)
• Weight: 107 g (3.77 ounces)

Unboxing

Shipping was fast and easy but when it arrived we have to admit that the WeChip V7 didn’t look like much. The white sleeve looks outdated and the cardboard package feels flimsy; it’s surprisingly plain given that they print “Colour Your Life” right on the box. Thankfully, the WeChip comes with all the right components—English user manual, power cord, HDMI cable, TV box, and remote (two triple-AAA batteries not included).

The rectilinear device has a clean and simple design with a narrow light bar along the leading edge. The strip glows blue when the device is asleep and green when the device is on. Some users might find the size and intensity of the light bar annoying; it will only turn off completely when the device is powered off. On the left-hand side of the box there is a USB 1.0 port and SD card slot. On the back there are ports for optical and AV cables, HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0, Ethernet and, of course, power.

Interface and Apps

It was easy to plug the WeChip V7 TV Box in to our HDTV. We used the accompanying HDMI cable, remote, and local WiFi to test the device’s basic functions. First off, the remote feels cheaper than the box. While the box has a sleek if simple design, the remote is drab. It looks and feels like cheap plastic with garish blue buttons that don’t match the shade of blue emitted by the light bar—subtle, but annoying. That said, it’s useful to have a remote for basic streaming and TV services. The buttons are large and easy to use. We could navigate the initial homescreen using the device, although the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen is for touchscreen or Bluetooth devices; we would recommend a third-party controller, remote, and keyboard, especially if you want to use downloaded apps.

Out of the box, the interface looks like Windows 8 or 10 with colorful tiles on the main screen. Let’s just say it works better for a TV box than a PC. It’s easy to see and select your main apps and change basic settings. Using the accompanying remote, the interface was responsive if not lightning fast.

WeChip preinstalled the device with Netflix, YouTube, Google Play, and KDPlayer. We were watching YouTube videos and Netflix almost as soon as we turned it on. You can connect the KDPlayer to your home network and shared files to watch TV and movies or download third-party apps to find your favorite shows. You can mirror your phone or tablet on the big screen, use Airplay to share from your computer, or attach an external hard drive loaded with music and video.

Performance

The WeChip V7 has competitive hardware and memory, with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of ROM. (Preloaded software uses 4.04 GB of memory.) It can run all of the preinstalled apps with ease. Streaming video was fast, clear, and clean over WiFi. We had no problems with Netflix or YouTube. KODI works well with Surround Sound 5.1, DTS, and Dolby Digital. The device looks good and sounds good. That said, unlike some boxes this is not a gaming device. We wouldn’t bother downloading any serious games from Google Play. Also, while advertised as a 4K TV Box, this is not an optimal 4K experience. We can’t comment on whether or not it can handle 3DTV.

While the box looks good, we noticed that it tends to run a little hot, perhaps due to a lack of ventilation. Don’t put this box flush to your speaker, gaming console, or cable box. Keep it slightly elevated to avoid any overheating issues.

Performance was more than adequate for the size and price. Advanced optimization is available for savvy users via root access; you can customize the operating system, delete unwanted apps, and install your own tools to improve your home theater experience. This is a big pro for some buyers.

Without any advanced customization, we found that the WeChip V7 TV Box is optimized for streaming video and screen sharing. The device is fast, with lots of connectivity options, looks good on the TV stand, and has 32GB of memory to download additional apps, movies, and shows from Google Play. If that’s what you need, the WeChip V7 is a great deal at just under $100.00.

[affegg id=30]