Why I have stuck with Amlogic for over 10 years and dont bother with the 1000s of Allwinner knock offs out there.
For streaming, Amlogic processors are generally better than Allwinner due to superior video decoding, performance, and software support.
🧠 Performance & Architecture
- Amlogic chips like the S905X4 and S928X-J feature powerful multi-core CPUs (Cortex-A55 or Cortex-A76) and Mali-G31/G57 GPUs, offering smooth 4K playback and responsive UI performance.
- Allwinner chips (e.g., H616, H618) use older Cortex-A53 cores and Mali-G31 GPUs, which are less powerful and may struggle with demanding apps or multitasking.
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📺 Streaming & Video Decoding
- Amlogic excels in media playback with hardware decoding for AV1, VP9, H.265, and HDR10+, making it ideal for Netflix, YouTube, and IPTV.
- Allwinner supports basic formats like H.265 and VP9, but lacks AV1 support and may have issues with DRM or HD streaming on some platforms.
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🔧 Software & Firmware Support
- Amlogic has better support from developers, including custom ROMs (e.g., CoreELEC) and frequent firmware updates. It’s widely used in certified Android TV boxes.
- Allwinner chips often suffer from limited firmware updates, weaker community support, and compatibility issues with some apps.
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💰 Price vs Value
- Allwinner boxes are cheaper, making them tempting for budget builds.
- Amlogic offers better value for streaming, especially if you want reliable 4K playback and app compatibility