Understanding the Amlogic S905 Family
Amlogic's S905 series has powered Android TV boxes for years. But the naming has become confusing: Amlogic S905X5M, S905X5, S905X, S905X2, S905W... what's the difference?
In this guide, we'll break down every chip in the S905 family, explain their architecture, and help you choose the right one for your IPTV setup.
📊 Quick Summary
- Amlogic S905: The original (2015) - outdated
- Amlogic S905X: 4K HDR upgrade (2016)
- Amlogic S905X2: New GPU, DDR4 (2018)
- Amlogic S905X4: AV1 decoding (2021)
- Amlogic S905X5M: 6nm refresh (2024)
- Amlogic S905X5: Full Armv9 + NPU (2025)
Full Comparison Table: All S905 Variants
| Chip | Year | Process | Architecture | 8K | H.266 | NPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amlogic S905 | 2015 | 28nm | ARMv8 (A53) | No | No | No |
| Amlogic S905X | 2016 | 28nm | ARMv8 (A53) | No | No | No |
| Amlogic S905X2 | 2018 | 12nm | ARMv8 (A53) | No | No | No |
| Amlogic S905X4 | 2021 | 12nm | ARMv8 (A55) | No | No | No |
| Amlogic S905X5M | 2024 | 6nm | ARMv8 (A55) | Limited | No | No |
| Amlogic S905X5 | 2025 | 6nm | ARMv9 (A510) | Yes | Yes | 3.2-4 TOPS |
1. Amlogic S905 - The Original (2015)
The Amlogic S905 was the first chip in the family. It's a 28nm quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor with Mali-450 GPU. It supports 4K@60fps decoding with H.265 codec.
Verdict: Outdated. Don't buy any device with this chip in 2026.
2. Amlogic S905X - The First Big Upgrade (2016)
The Amlogic S905X added HDR support and improved video decoding. It's still a 28nm Cortex-A53 chip, but with better multimedia capabilities.
Verdict: Outdated. Limited to 4K@60fps and no modern codecs. For context, read our S905X5 Complete Guide.
3. Amlogic S905X2 - The GPU Upgrade (2018)
The Amlogic S905X2 brought a new GPU (Mali-G31 MP2), support for DDR4 RAM, and USB 3.0. It's still a 12nm Cortex-A53 chip, but significantly faster than its predecessors.
Verdict: Basic 4K streaming. Not recommended for 8K or modern IPTV.
4. Amlogic S905X4 - The AV1 Era (2021)
The S905X4 introduced AV1 hardware decoding and Cortex-A55 cores. It became the standard for mid-range 4K TV boxes. Compare it directly with the S905X5M in our S905X4 vs S905X5M comparison.
Verdict: Still viable for 4K IPTV in 2026, but lacks AI features and 8K support.
5. Amlogic S905X5M - The 6nm Refresh (2024)
The Amlogic S905X5M is an update to the S905X4, but with important improvements:
- 6nm manufacturing (vs 12nm on S905X4)
- Higher CPU clock (up to 2.5 GHz)
- Newer GPU (Mali-G310 V2)
- Still ARMv8 (Cortex-A55, not A510)
- No NPU (no AI upscaling)
- No H.266 support
The S905X5M is used in devices like the Z1 Max TV Box Android 15 and the Mecool MEon1.
Verdict: A solid mid-range chip. Better than S905X4 but not as powerful as the full S905X5.
📖 Read Also:
For a direct comparison between S905X4 and S905X5M, read our S905X4 vs S905X5M Guide.
6. Amlogic S905X5 - The Generational Leap (2025)
The Amlogic S905X5 is a completely new chip:
- ARMv9 architecture (Cortex-A510)
- 6nm manufacturing
- 40,000+ DMIPS (nearly 2x the S905X4)
- 3.2-4 TOPS NPU for AI Super Resolution
- H.266 (VVC) support
- True 8K decoding at 60fps
- Up to 8GB RAM (LPDDR4/4X/5)
For a complete breakdown, read our S905X5 Complete Guide.
Verdict: The best choice for IPTV in 2026. Devices using this chip include the Ugoos AM9 and BuzzTV Classic AI.
What About S905X vs S905W?
The S905W is a cost-reduced variant of the S905X. It's limited to 4K@30fps (vs 60fps on the S905X) and lacks some audio codec support. In 2026, neither chip is recommended for new purchases.
Which S905 Chip Should You Choose in 2026?
✅ Choose S905X5 If You...
- Want true 8K decoding
- Want AI upscaling for 1080p content
- Want H.266 support for future-proofing
- Have a 4K or 8K TV
- Watch a lot of live sports
✅ Choose S905X5M If You...
- Are on a tighter budget
- Only need 4K streaming
- Don't need AI or 8K support
- Want a device like the Z1 Max
❌ Skip S905X4, S905X2, S905X, S905 If You...
- Want a modern device for 2026
- Need AI upscaling or 8K
- Want future-proof hardware
Choosing the Right Device for Your Chip
Once you've chosen your chip, you need to pick a device. See our guides:
- Top S905X5 Android TV Boxes
- Best 8K Media TV Boxes 2026
- S905X5 vs Z1 IPTV comparison
- S905X5 vs S905X4 comparison
Setting Up Your Device for IPTV
Once you have a device with the right chip, follow these guides:
- How to Install Dream 4K IPTV on Firestick
- How to Watch 8K TV IPTV on Firestick
- How to Fix IPTV Buffering
- How to Get an 8K IPTV Free Trial
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⭐ Get iPTV8KMax Now → 💬 Free Trial on WhatsApp →Frequently Asked Questions
Is S905X5M the same as S905X5?
No. The S905X5M is an update to the S905X4 (ARMv8, no NPU). The full S905X5 uses ARMv9 with an NPU and H.266 support. They are completely different chips.
Which is better: S905X5 or S905X5M?
The full S905X5 is significantly better for IPTV. Read our S905X5 Complete Guide.
Do I need S905X5 for 8K IPTV?
Yes, for true 8K decoding. Read our Ultimate Guide to 8K Premium IPTV.
What's the difference between S905X and S905W?
The S905W is a cost-reduced S905X, limited to 4K@30fps instead of 60fps. Both are outdated in 2026.
Which chip is used in the Z1 Max TV Box?
The Z1 Max TV Box typically uses the S905X5M or similar mid-range chip.
Conclusion
If you're buying a new TV box in 2026, the answer is clear: choose a device with the Amlogic S905X5. It's the only chip in the S905 family with ARMv9, NPU, H.266, and true 8K support. The S905X5M is a solid budget alternative, while all older chips (S905X4, S905X2, S905X, S905W, S905) should be avoided.
For the best IPTV experience, pair your device with iPTV8KMax. Learn more in our Best 8K IPTV Streaming Service 2026 guide.