X98 Max TV Box Buying Guide 2024

The X98 Max (and its variants like the X98 Plus/Q) represents the current "value-performance" sweet spot in the budget Android TV box market for 2024–2026. Built on the Amlogic S905W2 platform, its primary market advantage is native AV1 hardware decoding at a significantly lower price point than premium tier-1 devices. Walmart Tvpao

Core Product Specifications

* Performance: Powered by the Amlogic S905W2 Quad-core CPU with a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU, the X98 Max supports 4K @ 60fps and native AV1 decoding, which is 20-30% more efficient than H.265. Walmart

* Configurations: Typically offered in 2GB/16GB and 4GB/64GB ("Max") versions running Android 11, ensuring longevity and app compatibility compared to older Android 9/10 budget boxes. Walmart Tvpao

* Connectivity: Features dual-band 2.4G/5G WiFi, Bluetooth, and a diverse I/O suite including HDMI 2.1, dual USB 2.0 ports, and optical (SPDIF) output. Walmart

Market Trends & Insights (2024–2026)

* AV1 Adoption: The shift toward AV1 by major platforms (YouTube, Netflix) is driving the replacement of older S905X-based boxes that lack hardware decoding for this codec. Walmart

* Streaming Strategy: The X98 series competes directly with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. While it offers more physical connectivity (USB/Ethernet), it lacks official Netflix 4K certification, positioning it primarily for users of Kodi, IPTV, and local media playback. Walmart Aliexpress

* Sourcing Landscape: Shenzhen remains the global hub for these devices, with suppliers like Shenzhen Hutron and Guangzhou Qiton offering competitive wholesale pricing between $15 and $32 per unit depending on configuration and quantity.

I have compiled a detailed list of products and suppliers matching these specifications in the files below.