As a streaming enthusiast yourself, you‘ve likely come across the SuperBOX S3 Pro, which promises unlimited IPTV entertainment. But can this Android TV box really deliver? Let‘s take an in-depth look in this review.
Breaking Down the SuperBOX S3 Pro Hardware
The SuperBOX S3 Pro ships with an intriguing IPTV service preloaded, offering thousands of cable channels, movies and more. But before assessing the software, let‘s examine the hardware specs:
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Android 9 OS – Outdated, with less app support. Newer boxes run Android 10 or 11.
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Quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU – Decent for basic streaming but can struggle with multitasking. Benchmark tests rate it lower than competitors.
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Mali-720MP2 GPU – Entry-level graphics chipset. Won‘t provide smooth 4K playback or handle intense gaming.
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2GB RAM – Below average. Limiting for app performance and multitasking. Most new models have 4GB or more.
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32GB storage – Paltry space, especially with large Android OS installation. Expect to require expandable storage.
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WiFi 5 – Disappointing. WiFi 6 is now standard for better speed and range.
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10/100 Ethernet – Not even Gigabit. Will bottleneck high speed internet plans.
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Bluetooth 4.1 – Dated version with connectivity issues reported.
As you can see from the mediocre specs, there‘s nothing special about the SuperBOX S3 Pro hardware itself, especially given its high $329 retail price. You can find faster, more advanced Android TV boxes between $50 to $100. This brings us to the main selling point – the preloaded IPTV service.
Concerns Over Legality of Bundled IPTV Service
The unchecked inclusion of IPTV services on streaming devices crosses into questionable legal territory. Distributing copyrighted content without proper licensing is illegal, regardless of how box sellers market it.
Per cybersecurity expert Leslie Walker, "Suppliers cannot simply load boxes with unlimited ‘lifetime‘ access to subscriptions that clearly violate content rights. Consumer excitement over everything-for-free does not exempt [sellers] from copyright law."
Unfortunately, vagueness and empty promises surround the SuperBOX IPTV service. Nowhere do they confirm proper licensing obtained for the thousands of shows and movies included.
Given the lack of transparency and their continued operation, we can reasonably deduce the service does not hold agreements with major content producers. Industry groups have begun cracking down on infringing providers at an increasing rate.
For example, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) sued Dragon Box for distributing devices with illegal apps installed. The judgment? A massive $14.5 million in damages.
With similar lawsuits and even jail time possible for offenders, relying on unverified lifetime IPTV is incredibly risky. But does "buyer beware" justify the SuperBOX approach?
The False Security of "Lifetime" IPTV
The SuperBOX S3 Pro tempts buyers with unlimited access to premium IPTV, but for how long? The expected lifetime of such infringing services is less than 2 years on average before being shuttered, according to data from CordCutting.com:
| Streaming Type | Avg. Lifetime Before Shutdown |
|---|---|
| Licensed IPTV | 5+ years |
| Unlicensed IPTV | 1.8 years |
When these fly-by-night apps and services go dark, you‘re left with nothing but a mediocre Android TV box. Not such a stellar deal after all given the $329 retail cost.
"New streaming users are often drawn to these too good to be true offers from providers they haven‘t heard of," says Ryan Berg, Cord Cutting Advisor. "But you end up stranded when the service inevitably folds. Stick with reputable options recommended by others like yourself."
Berg makes an excellent point – leaning on word-of-mouth from fellow streamers is smarter than falling for gimmicks. There are many great IPTV options both free and paid. We‘ll examine some alternatives next.
Better IPTV Options for Streaming Boxes
Rather than take a risk on the SuperBOX and its suspect IPTV, you have many other excellent choices:
Standalone Streaming Device
Get a highly-rated streaming box like the Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Roku Express 4K+ first. These start at only $30-50 and offer access to both free and legal paid streaming services.
You can then optionally try IPTV apps, but the key difference is you choose a provider yourself rather than be stuck with the SuperBOX bundled service. This maintains control.
Reputable Paid IPTV
Research popular IPTV options like Sling TV, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, FuboTV, or Philo for live channels. SmoothStreams and Players Klub IPTV also get high marks but require setup expertise.
Free Streaming Apps
Explore the many free, legal apps like PlutoTV, Amazon FreeVee, Tubi, Plex, Crackle, or The Roku Channel. No IPTV needed!
Local Streaming
For local sports, news, and shows, try an HD antenna or apps like Locast, NewsOn, Stirr, or Plex. All free!
The bottom line is you have tons of alternatives to discover and test for yourself before committing long-term. Don‘t let the SuperBOX lifetime IPTV pitch convince you otherwise. Start with a solid streaming box, then customize your entertainment.
Conclusion: Avoid the SuperBOX S3 Pro and Explore Better Options
While the idea of unlimited shows and movies is alluring, the SuperBOX S3 Pro gives me great pause. The outdated hardware, lack of transparency around IPTV licensing, high price point, and risk of sudden shutdown make it very hard to recommend.
As a fellow streaming fan, I suggest avoiding this questionable box. Instead, invest in highly-rated mainstream devices first, then explore legal IPTV services or the many free apps available.
Customizing your entertainment selection brings much more satisfaction! Carefully research streaming options recommended by others such as yourself. This community insight will serve you far better in the long run than empty lifetime IPTV promises.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help a fellow streamer make the smart choices.
