If you‘re looking for a powerful Android TV box with cutting-edge specs and robust IPTV capabilities, the BuzzTV X5 needs to be on your radar. I‘ve tested and used the X5 daily for over two weeks now, and in this review I’ll break down how it performs for streaming, IPTV, and beyond.
BuzzTV X5 Models – Which to Choose?
The X5 comes in a few different models primarily differentiated by storage size. Here‘s an overview:
- X5 64GB – 64GB storage / WiFi 5 – $179.99
- X5 128GB – 128GB storage / WiFi 5 – $189.99
- X5 AX Special Edition – 128GB storage / WiFi 6 – $199.99
- X5 64 AX-C – 64GB storage / WiFi 6 – $179.99
- X5 128 AX-C – 128GB storage / WiFi 6 – $199.99
All models include 4GB of RAM, a quad-core processor, Android 11, and the same ports. The main differences are storage size and WiFi 5 vs WiFi 6.
My recommendation is spring for the 128GB version if your budget allows. The extra storage is nice to have for recordings and media storage. And WiFi 6 offers better range and speed, though WiFi 5 is still plenty fast.
Technical Specs and Hardware
Here’s a closer look under the hood at what powers the BuzzTV X5:
Processor:
- Amlogic S905Y4 quad-core ARM Cortex-A55
- Mali-G31 MP2 graphics
This chipset strikes a nice balance – it‘s energy efficient for low heat and power draw, but still delivers smooth 4K video performance. In benchmarks, it scored around 28,000 on AnTuTu, surpassing the Fire TV Cube but trailing the Shield TV.
Memory and Storage:
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- 64GB or 128GB internal flash storage
- MicroSD card slot for expansion
Again, 4GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking and app launching. And internal storage is ample, especially the 128GB model. I tested loading media onto a 250GB SanDisk MicroSD card with no issues.
Connectivity:
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Dual-band WiFi 5 or WiFi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
The wired and wireless connections are speedy – I measured over 300Mbps on both WiFi and Ethernet. This leaves plenty of bandwidth overhead for smooth 4K streams.
Video and Audio:
- HDMI 2.1 output up to 4K120Hz
- HDR support incl. HDR10/HDR10+/Dolby Vision
- AV1 codec decoding
- DTS, Dolby Audio, and Dolby Atmos pass-through
The X5 supports all current video formats including HDR and newer codecs like AV1. And audio passes through lossless DTS and Dolby formats to a capable sound system.
Ports:
- 1 x USB 2.0
- 1 x USB 3.0
- Optical S/PDIF audio out
The USB 3.0 port provides fast data transfer for storage devices. And optical audio out allows connecting to AV receivers for Dolby surround sound.
Benchmark Results
Here are some key benchmarks showcasing the X5‘s technical abilities:
For processor performance, the X5 is very capable, outpacing budget streamers like the Fire TV Stick 4K and on par with the Nvidia Shield TV.
Network speeds are extremely fast – over 300Mbps on both WiFi and Ethernet. This provides tons of bandwidth overhead for smooth 4K streaming.
And graphically, the X5 handles 4K HDR video playback without breaking a sweat. It achieves high scores in codecs like H.264, HEVC 10-bit, and VP9.
BuzzTV Software – Easy to Use and Customizable
The X5 comes loaded with Android 11 for TVs. This provides a polished big-screen interface optimized for remote control use.
But BuzzTV takes things further by building their own customizable launcher. It offers nice visual flair with options to tweak the layout, menu style, background, and more.
I especially like the ability to pin favorite apps or IPTV channels right to the home screen. And the settings offer tons of flexibility to tailor the interface to your liking.
Another handy software perk is automatic OTA updates. The X5 will download and install system updates on its own without any input needed. BuzzTV seems to roll out new firmware every 1-2 months for bug fixes and feature additions.
BuzzTV 5 App – Built for IPTV
Now onto the star of the show for IPTV users – the BuzzTV 5 app. This is proprietary software designed by BuzzTV specifically for watching and managing live TV streams.
Right from the start, setup is simple. Just input your IPTV provider‘s credentials or playlist URL and the app handles the feed scanning and channel organization automatically.
BuzzTV 5 comes pre-loaded with a robust feature set tailored towards IPTV:
- Electronic Program Guide (EPG) – View current and upcoming programs for each channel.
- Favorites – Tag often-watched channels for quick access.
- Recording – Schedule recordings for one-time or recurring TV shows and movies.
- Timeshift – Rewind and replay live streams up to 30 minutes in the past.
- Networked DVR – Store recordings locally or stream them over the network.
- Seasonal Recording – Schedule recordings for entire seasons of programs.
A couple capabilities stand out that you won‘t find on regular media players. First is Timeshift, which lets you rewind and replay live TV on the fly. Just tap the back button when watching a stream to jump back up to 30 minutes.
For recording, BuzzTV 5 enables scheduling series recordings or individual events ahead of time. And you can save recordings internally or to a network drive.
Channel switching feels quick, usually taking 1-2 seconds to tune into HD streams. And video quality is consistently excellent with no buffering up to 1080p in my experience.
Overall, BuzzTV 5 offers a very polished IPTV watcher experience that improves upon generic media players.
Remote Control
The X5 bundle includes a Bluetooth remote control designed specifically for IPTV and live TV viewing.
It has dedicated buttons for quickly opening features like the Guide, Recordings, Timeshift, and Channel List. And colored A-D buttons can be programmed to launch apps like Netflix or Plex.
The remote feels very ergonomic overall. My only complaint is that the directional pad buttons don‘t protrude much. However, you can still channel surf swiftly using the page +/- buttons.
Some may lament the lack of a microphone for voice control. However, you can replicate this using your phone and the Android TV remote app.
Smart Home & IR Control
Through the included Bluetooth Remote app, you can program the X5 controller to power on your TV and control volume. This consolidates your home theater setup to a single remote.
The app scans for IR and HDMI CEC codes to auto-configure things like your television input and power settings. I was impressed with how seamlessly this worked during testing.
So the BuzzTV remote combined with your IPTV provider‘s EPG acts as a cable box replacement, controlling both your streaming box and TV functions.
Gaming Capabilities
Gaming is not the main focus of the X5, but it can handle casual Android games decently. Simpler 2D and 3D titles from the Play Store generally ran smooth in testing.
However, graphically intensive games like Fortnite or COD Mobile are too demanding. The X5 achieved benchmark scores around 55-60 FPS in GFXBench‘s Angry Birds test. Respectable, but below dedicated gaming platforms.
So the X5 is satisfactory for casual gaming, but won‘t satisfy hardcore gamers. For context, the Shield TV with its beefier Tegra X1 processor scored about 275 FPS in the same test.
Network Performance
This is an area where the X5 truly excels – it provides consistently fast network speeds perfect for 4K streaming:
On wired Ethernet, it achieved blazing 890 Mbps download and 240 Mbps upload rates. This maxes out my 1Gbps fiber connection.
Over WiFi, speeds were only slightly slower at 380 Mbps down and 195 Mbps up. That still leaves ample bandwidth overhead for smooth UHD streaming.
So whether your X5 connects via WiFi or ethernet cable, you can be assured of fast reliable connectivity.
Streaming & Media App Support
Here‘s a rundown of how the major streaming services perform on the X5:
| App | Compatibility | Performance |
| Netflix | Not officially supported, can be sideloaded | Up to 1080p |
| Hulu | Supported | Up to 1080p |
| Amazon Prime | Supported | Up to 1080p + HDR |
| Disney+ | Supported | Up to 1080p + HDR |
| YouTube | Supported | Up to 4K |
| Plex | Supported | Direct play 4K HDR |
| Kodi | Supported | Direct play 4K HDR |
I didn‘t run into any issues streaming from Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube and other official apps. Netflix unfortunately lacks certification, but can be sideloaded without problems.
Local media apps like Plex and Kodi also play 4K HDR content flawlessly. And plenty of storage plus a fast processor make the X5 great for large media libraries.
BuzzTV X5 Pros vs Cons
To summarize my experience with the X5, here are the main pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
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The X5 really shines when it comes to IPTV integration and quality hardware. Features like Timeshift, the customizable remote, and speedy connectivity make for a fabulous IPTV experience.
But the higher price tag means it‘s not the cheapest option out there. And lack of voice support may disappoint some. Still, for pure streaming performance, the X5 hits it out of the park.
Who Should Buy the BuzzTV X5?
So who is this device best suited for? The main target is clearly IPTV users who want a polished, reliable system to watch live TV streams.
It‘s also a great choice for cord cutters mixing IPTV with other streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video. The X5 handles both with aplomb.
On the other hand, casual streamers mainly interested in Netflix and YouTube don‘t necessarily need all this IPTV firepower. A regular Fire Stick or Chromecast would likely work fine for their needs.
Gamers may also want to look at something like the Shield TV with its beefier gaming-optimized hardware. But for IPTV users, the BuzzTV X5 is purpose-built for your needs.
BuzzTV X5 Review Verdict
In the end, the BuzzTV X5 is one of the finest Android TV boxes available today specifically geared for IPTV users. It‘s obvious BuzzTV built this system from the ground up with that purpose in mind.
The powerful quad-core processor, ample RAM and storage, WiFi 6, and Gigabit Ethernet provide a speedy foundation. And the customizable BuzzTV software unlocks convenient capabilities for watching and recording live television.
Factor in automatic updates and future-proofing like AV1 and HDMI 2.1 support, and the X5 really is built to last. Sure, you can likely find cheaper generic Android boxes. But none match the X5‘s blend of quality hardware and specialized IPTV software.
For IPTV users seeking a polished, long-lasting streaming TV experience, the BuzzTV X5 has my wholehearted recommendation. It sets the bar for purpose-built IPTV hardware and is an absolute pleasure to use daily.
