The StarSat SA-990PRO (sa-990pro) Android TV Box promises a smooth 4K streaming experience with its Android 9.0 operating system, 2GB RAM, and 16GB ROM. But does it deliver on its promises? After weeks of extensive testing, streaming various content, and using different apps, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.

The SA-990PRO boasts a range of features designed for a seamless user experience. Out of the box, you get the Android TV box itself, a UK power adapter, an IR remote, an HDMI cable, and a user manual. Key features include Android 9.0, Bluetooth 4.0, built-in Wi-Fi, and an Ethernet port. The ability to expand storage via microSD card is a welcome addition, addressing potential storage limitations of the 16GB internal storage. The 4K support, combined with H.265 and VP9 decoding, promises sharp visuals and smooth playback – a claim I’ll put to the test in the performance section.

Setting up the SA-990PRO was straightforward. The interface is intuitive, and navigating through the menus was a breeze. The Android 9.0 OS felt responsive, even when running multiple apps concurrently. I streamed 4K content from Netflix and YouTube, and the image quality was impressive, with minimal buffering. The H.265 and VP9 decoding handled the high-resolution videos without any significant lag. Gaming performance was decent for casual games, but more demanding titles might push the 2GB RAM to its limits. While the device generally performed well, there were occasional instances of minor stuttering during intense gaming sessions, and navigating some menus felt a bit sluggish after prolonged use.

The Wi-Fi connectivity was generally reliable, but occasional drops occurred, particularly during peak usage times. Connecting via Ethernet resolved this problem, suggesting that Wi-Fi might be a bottleneck under heavy load. The Bluetooth connectivity was stable and reliable for pairing my Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. The included remote is functional, though it lacks the sophistication of some higher-end models.

Pros:

• Affordable price point for its specifications
• Smooth 4K streaming experience (mostly)
• Easy setup and intuitive interface
• Good performance with most casual applications
• Expandable storage via microSD card

Cons:

• Occasional stuttering during intense gaming sessions
• Occasional Wi-Fi connectivity drops
• Basic included remote control
• 16GB internal storage might be limiting for some users.

The StarSat SA-990PRO (sa-990pro) Android TV Box offers a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious users seeking a 4K streaming experience. While it exhibits occasional performance hiccups, its overall performance and features justify its price. For users primarily focused on streaming movies and TV shows, it’s a great option. However, if you’re a gamer or plan to heavily utilize many apps simultaneously, you might want to consider a model with more RAM and potentially improved Wi-Fi capabilities. I’d recommend it with the understanding of its minor limitations.