The Formuler Z10 Pro Max is one of the latest high-end Android TV boxes aimed at cord cutters who want a powerful device with customized features. I tested this box extensively over a period of two weeks to provide an in-depth and unbiased review.
Overview of the Formuler Z10 Pro Max
The Z10 Pro Max runs the latest Android TV 10 operating system and is powered by a quad-core processor along with 4GB of RAM. This hardware combination provides snappy performance when navigating the interface and switching between apps.
Some of the highlights of this Android TV box include:
- 32GB of internal storage
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Dual-band WiFi
- USB 3.0 and microSD card slot
- Support for AV1 video codec
- Customizable remote control
- Ad-free launcher
The custom IPTV app called MYTVOnline2 is tailored towards IPTV users by allowing customization of remote control buttons. Read on for more details about the features and performance.
Powerful Hardware Specs
Under the hood, the Formuler Z10 Pro Max is equipped with some impressive hardware:
- Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU up to 1.5GHz
- RAM: 4GB DDR4
- Storage: 32GB eMMC flash storage
- GPU: ARM Mali-G31 MP2 graphics
- Wireless: Dual-band WiFi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0
- Ports: HDMI 2.1, USB 3.0, microSD card reader, Gigabit Ethernet
This combination of the quad-core CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage provides excellent performance. I did not experience any slowdowns or lag even when multitasking between several apps.
The 32GB of onboard storage is ample for installing dozens of apps and games. And if you need additional storage, you can add a microSD card or external USB drive.
Advanced Video Playback
If you want to stream 4K HDR video, the Formuler Z10 Pro Max can handle it without breaking a sweat. It supports HDMI 2.1 output up to 4K 60fps with HDR10/HDR10+ high dynamic range.
The box also includes decoding support for the latest AV1 video codec. AV1 offers improved compression efficiency compared to H.264 and H.265. Streaming services like YouTube and Netflix are starting to adopt AV1 for higher video quality at lower bitrates.
In addition, the Z10 Pro Max has Widevine L1 certification for streaming HD video from services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
During my testing, high bitrate 4K HDR content from YouTube and other streaming services played smoothly without any dropped frames or video issues.
Gigabit Ethernet for Fast Wired Speeds
The Formuler Z10 Pro Max has a Gigabit Ethernet port that enables much faster download speeds compared to 100 Mbps Ethernet found on many streaming boxes.
In my speed tests, I measured download speeds over 900 Mbps when connected via the Gigabit Ethernet port. This results in lightning fast streaming start times and buffer-free playback.
The dual-band WiFi also worked well in my testing. I measured download speeds of 280-300 Mbps when connected to my wireless router. Just make sure your router is located nearby and not too far away for optimal WiFi coverage.
Customizable Remote Control
One of the unique aspects of the Formuler Z10 Pro Max is the full-featured remote control included in the box. The remote has dedicated buttons for controlling IPTV playback through the MYTVOnline2 app.
You can even customize the colored buttons to launch specific apps or IPTV channels. The included MyRemote app allows assigning single press, double press, or long press actions to the colored and other buttons.
The remote uses IR rather than Bluetooth. The overall responsiveness is good but you need to point it in the general direction of the box. My only gripe is that it relies on AA batteries rather than being rechargeable.
If you prefer a minimalist remote, the Formuler Z10 Pro Max remote may seem too bulky. But those who want quick access buttons will appreciate the amount of customization.
MYTVOnline2 – Custom IPTV App
MYTVOnline2 is the custom IPTV app developed by Formuler that is optimized for their Android TV boxes. It replaces the stock Android TV Live Channels app.
The main benefit of MYTVOnline2 is how deeply it integrates with the Formuler remote control. All of the dedicated playback buttons on the remote work inside the app.
You can login to IPTV provider portals directly within the app by entering your username, password, portal URL, and EPG URL. MYTVOnline2 also supports M3U playlists.
Some of the key features include:
- EPG guide with current and upcoming programs
- Favorites lists for channels
- Video recording to attached USB or microSD storage
- On-screen display customization
- Mobile app for remote control
Overall, MYTVOnline2 provides a polished IPTV experience tailored for the Formuler Z10 Pro Max. The integration with the remote, favorites, and recording features allow power users to get the most from their IPTV service.
However, if you prefer third-party IPTV apps like TiviMate or iMPlayer, those can be sideloaded onto the device as well.
Customizable Launcher
Android TV boxes often come loaded with bloated launchers filled with ads and unwanted apps. I‘m happy to report the Formuler Z10 Pro Max provides a clean launcher with customization options.
The home screen shows rows of your favorite apps and recently used apps without any ads. You can add shortcuts to IPTV channels making it easy to jump right into live TV.
Within the launcher settings, you can:
- Add/remove row categories
- Customize favorites row
- Change channel rows
- Edit recent apps list
- Select wallpaper
- Configure screensaver
It‘s a breath of fresh air to have a launcher that doesn‘t assault you with ads and recommendations. The level of personalization helps make this feel like your own device rather than something generic.
Sideloading Apps and Games
Since the Formuler Z10 Pro Max runs standard Android TV, you can install ANY app available for the platform. Of course, the Google Play Store comes pre-installed for downloading media apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc.
But for certain apps not available on the Play Store, you‘ll need to sideload the APK files. This is an easy process using a file manager app like X-plore.
I sideloaded Kodi and RetroArch for emulation without any issues. You can also load apps like Cinema HD, BeeTV, and similar media players. Games like Asphalt 9: Legends work great with the gaming-capable processor.
The only limitation is that you can‘t change the default launcher. But the stock Formuler launcher is highly customizable so there isn‘t much need to replace it.
Local Channel Support with USB Tuners
One feature that helps supplement IPTV is the built-in TV tuner support. You can plug in a compatible USB tuner like the Hauppauge WinTV-dualHD to access free local over-the-air channels.
This provides an easy way to watch local news and major broadcast networks without any monthly fees. Most streaming services lack local programming so the tuner fills in the gaps.
During my testing, connecting a Mohu Airwave antenna to the supported Hauppauge tuner allowed me to integrate local channels directly into the MYTVOnline2 app. Picture quality was fantastic.
If local channel access is important and your IPTV provider lacks it, the TV tuner support on the Formuler Z10 Pro Max is a big perk.
What I Like About the Formuler Z10 Pro Max
Here are the standout features that I appreciate about this Android TV box:
- Powerful hardware – Quad-core CPU, 4GB RAM, and 32GB storage provide excellent performance
- Advanced video support – Handles 4K, HDR, and the new AV1 codec flawlessly
- Gigabit Ethernet – Enables much faster download speeds over wired connections
- Customizable remote – Tailored for IPTV with ability to remap buttons
- Integrated IPTV app – MYTVOnline2 is polished and integrates with remote
- Ad-free launcher – Home screen remains clean without recommendations
- Sideloading capability – Can install any Android TV app not in Play Store
- TV tuner support – Supplement IPTV lineups with free local channels
If you are looking for a feature-packed Android TV device focused on IPTV, it‘s hard to beat all that the Formuler Z10 Pro Max offers.
What I Dislike About the Formuler Z10 Pro Max
No product is perfect and there are a few downsides about the Z10 Pro Max to consider:
- High price – $170 MSRP is expensive for an Android TV box
- Remote uses IR – Requires line-of-sight, no Bluetooth option
- Limited launcher flexibility – Can‘t replace the stock launcher
- No voice assistant remote – Must use mobile app for hands-free TV control
While the Z10 Pro Max costs significantly less than the $200 Nvidia Shield TV Pro, it‘s still one of the most expensive Android TV boxes around. You can get 4K-capable boxes for under $100.
I would have preferred a Bluetooth remote option for greater flexibility in placement. And the lack of a built-in mic on the remote means you need to use a mobile app for voice search and assistant features.
Bottom Line
The Formuler Z10 Pro Max stands out as one of the most capable and customizable Android TV boxes with a focus on IPTV performance. From the tricked-out remote control to the polished MYTVOnline2 app, Formuler catered the Z10 Pro Max to IPTV power users.
You‘ll be hard pressed to find another Android TV device with this much internal storage, RAM, tuning support, and tailored integration for IPTV. There are certainly cheaper options out there but they sacrifice many of the extras that the Formuler Z10 Pro Max gets right.
If IPTV is your main source of content and you want advanced features like channel favorites, recording, and trick play with the remote, the Z10 Pro Max is a top choice to consider.
