After a long absence since our review of TV Boxes, we are back with the new device from the VONTAR series under the VONTAR R3, For those who don’t know VONTAR is one of the leading brands in the manufacture of budget TV Box that provide us with many devices in different shapes and specifications and at cheap price. This full review will leave no stone unturned as we unbox the device, explore its hardware specifications, evaluate its user interface, discuss its customization options, and provide a hands-on assessment of its performance. So, let’s embark on this tech journey together and discover what the R3 has to offer.
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VONTAR R3 Features
- Rockchip RK3528 Quad Core
- DR3 2GB/4GB, eMMC 16/32/64/128GB
- Android 13 OS
- 10/100M RJ45, Wifi6, BT5.0
- 8K Video, 4K@60fps, HDR10+, H.265
- RGB Light Speed/Brightness/Colors Adjustable
- UI Customize, Root On/Off, Autostart App
- Wallpaper Changeable, Google Voice Input
Design And Build Quality
The VONTAR R3 TV Box showcases an elegant and modern design that seamlessly blends form and function. Crafted in a sleek square form factor, it is constructed from durable black plastic, giving it a stylish yet robust appearance. The top of the device features subtle curves that not only enhance its aesthetics but also contribute to its contemporary look. The centerpiece of the design is the eye-catching RGB lighting in the middle, configured in the shape of a square, which adds a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation. Emblazoned with the VONTAR logo, this lighting element draws attention and exudes a futuristic vibe.
On the front, a vibrant blue LED screen takes center stage, providing valuable information such as the time and Wi-Fi network status, ensuring that the user remains informed at all times.
Along the sides, the VONTAR R3 offers a comprehensive array of connectors commonly found in TV boxes, including a DC port output, a 100M Ethernet port, one USB 3.0 port, one USB 2.0 port, a Micro SD slot, and an AV jack. Notably, the HDMI 2.0 port.
Software & User Experience
The VONTAR R3 TV Box stands out with its robust Android 13 operating system, delivering a more efficient and secure user experience. This updated OS enhances compatibility with the latest applications, ensuring users have access to a wide array of functionalities. Notably, the Android 13 OS comes pre-configured, providing access to permissions and allowing the installation of applications that require root activation, offering users greater control over their devices.
Upon booting up, the VONTAR R3 impresses with its speed, taking users directly to the launcher without the need for a protracted setup wizard. The launcher itself boasts a clean and intuitive flat design, thoughtfully adapted to the TV screen environment, mirroring the layout of Android TV. The home screen features convenient shortcuts to popular apps, including Google Play, YouTube, Google Chrome, Firefox browser, and more. Below the interface menu, users can access a shortcut menu housing essential applications like Settings, a wallpaper changer app, and a button for the apps list. This level of customization empowers users to tailor their interface to their preferences, creating a more comfortable and user-friendly experience. The option to change the background adds a further layer of personalization.
However, one notable absence is the navigation bar and status bar, which could enhance multitasking and navigation. Nevertheless, users can explore alternative applications to address this omission. Overall, the VONTAR R3’s performance is commendable, offering smooth and rapid navigation throughout the menus.
In terms of apps, the VONTAR R3 supports the installation of apps from the Google Play Store, with several pre-installed apps such as Chrome and Firefox browsers, a file manager, Google Play Store, YouTube, and more. The device seamlessly integrates with Google services, enabling users to access a variety of apps available on the Play Store. While it may not be a certified Android TV box, limiting access to the full Google Play Store, users have the flexibility to use third-party stores or employ the Google browser to search for and download APK apps, expanding their application choices.
Performance & Hardware Specifications
The SoC used in the VONTAR R3 is Rockchip RK3528 Quad-core ARM Cortex A53, it has 4 cores, 4 threads, a maximum frequency of 1.5GHz accompanied by the high-performance Mali-450 GPU and has a 34,632 score in the latest Antutu benchmark. This SoC clearly its for entry-level devices and dedicated to the tv box sector. This powerful combination ensures seamless multitasking, smooth navigation, and flawless playback of media, even in the most demanding scenarios.
To cater to diverse user needs, the TV BOX offers a choice between 2GB and 4GB of memory, enabling users to optimize their entertainment experience based on their requirements. Additionally, the device is available in three storage options: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of ROM. Whether you’re a casual user or a power consumer, this TV BOX is capable of delivering smooth experiences, whether it’s streaming videos, playing games, or multitasking between various applications.
VONTAR R3 Performance
The VONTAR R3 TV Box offers you a good solution if you are a fan of series and movies and like to enjoy the highest possible resolution, then this device will give you a resolution of 4K and compatibility with most programs that display video content with the ability to play games for a great experience.
Video Playback
VONTAR R3 supports 4K 60fps video output via HDMI 2.1 port which brings you high definition viewing and fluent video playback, making it the highest resolution signal available for home movies to let you watch 4K movies smoothly, every detail of the screen is clear and with high color saturation and quality excellent picture, no lag or stuttering, that’s the strength of this device. When playing some 4k video samples from a USB Drive on a USB 3.0 port via the included Media player, it’s shown on 4k at 30-60 FPS with ultra-smooth, and High quality.
VONTAR R3 Streaming Service
As it’s known, it’s not possible to watch paid services like Netflix and amazon prime in 4k because these applications require specific licensing, This means they don’t have the DRM support required to stream HD or 4K from Netflix or other streaming services. And this is where the strength of the Android TV OS, which you cannot find in the Chinese TV box. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy Netflix and all other streaming services at a smooth 480p (Basic Quality). However, IPTV services remain one of the solutions that you will find on this tv box and support high resolutions, and there are also other programs similar to Netflix for free.
YouTube Quality
When you go to YouTube, you can play videos on 2160P 60FPS, and this is the maximum limit to enjoy high quality but with freezing and with smooth performance, although playing videos on 1080p will be more than enough. However, this box has a maximum refresh rate ranging from 40 to 60 fps on average in HD / FULL HD.
Play Games
The graphics processing in the VONTAR R3 is based on the Mali-G410 MP2, which offers good performance on medium games like Asphalt 9, and this is at a resolution of 1080p because at 4K the situation will be disastrous, as for powerful games like PUBG or Call of Duty you will be able to play with low settings, that is why I think that the rest of the games will not face any problems and the gameplay will be smooth for the best gaming experience. When you put this tv box under pressure its temperature can be reached 75ºC or more, causing a performance little drop. But on normal use like watching movies, the temperature is acceptable between 55ºC – 65ºC And I find that the cooling system is fine on this box because the body has a big number of ventilation holes, which provide the necessary cooling of the tv box. and you can make it even lower by using a cooling fan for this purpose.
Connectivity
The VONTAR R3 TV Box Equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi support, it offers both 2.4GHz and 5GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac frequencies. This dual-band capability not only improve the versatility of wireless connectivity but also promises faster data transmission speeds, enabling smoother streaming and online gaming experiences. What sets the VONTAR R3 apart is its integration of Wi-Fi 6, a cutting-edge wireless technology that takes performance to the next level, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive tasks and delivering a better streaming experience. Additionally, the device features a 100Mb LAN port, ensuring a reliable wired connection for users who prioritize stability. Complementing its advanced networking capabilities is Bluetooth 5.0, providing seamless connectivity with a wide range of compatible devices.
Final Verdict
All in all, the VONTAR R3 stands out as one of the most compelling TV Boxes powered by the Rockchip RK3528 chipset, and it offers remarkable performance, especially when it comes to flawlessly playing 4K content, all within an affordable price range. When it comes to streaming via platforms like YouTube, it may experience minor delays in achieving 4K resolutions. While the absence of DRM support for Netflix in 4K is a common limitation, gaming performance remains decent. The device boasts a fast launcher, although it lacks a status bar and navigation bar. However, when evaluating its specifications and features in comparison to other TV boxes, the VONTAR R3 stands out. Considering the exceptional value for its price, it’s a noteworthy choice for anyone seeking a quality TV Box in 2023. For those pondering the best TV Box to purchase, the VONTAR R3 proves to be a worthy contender. It’s available for purchase on the AliExpress store, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers seeking an outstanding entertainment solution without breaking the bank.
Related Android TV Box Reviews & Streaming Benchmarks
If you are exploring other 4K HDR media streamers, certified Google TV devices, or dedicated live sports hardware, check out our tested benchmarks of the H96 Max RK3528 budget 4K TV box and the Xiaomi Mi TV Box S 2nd Gen review. You can also explore our full comparison of streaming hardware in our TV Box Reviews Hub.
