Mecool MEon1 Review: Affordable Google TV Box Packs Expandable Storage and Ethernet Connectivity

Mecool has launched the MEon1, a competitively priced 4K Google TV box that stands out in the crowded streaming device market through hardware expandability and connectivity options typically reserved for premium models. Priced at $103.58 on AliExpress, this Android TV box runs Google TV on Android 14 and targets users needing local storage expansion and wired networking capabilities absent in popular sticks like Chromecast or Fire TV.

Hardware Breakdown At its core, the MEon1 uses Amlogic's 6nm S905X5M system-on-chip featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU and Mali-G310 V2 GPU. This combination delivers sufficient processing power for streaming and light gaming, with 2GB RAM supporting multitasking. The 32GB eMMC storage provides adequate space for apps, but the inclusion of a microSD slot supporting up to 128GB cards addresses a critical limitation in competing devices. This expandability allows users to store large media libraries locally rather than relying solely on cloud services.

Connectivity options significantly differentiate the MEon1. While most streaming devices rely solely on Wi-Fi, Mecool includes a dedicated Ethernet port for stable wired networking alongside Wi-Fi 6 support. The rear panel houses two USB 2.0 Type-A ports for peripherals, plus legacy AV and S/PDIF outputs for audio systems. The bundled remote features a built-in microphone for Google Assistant voice commands and dedicated streaming service buttons.

Performance and Media Capabilities The MEon1 supports modern media standards including AV1 decoding—essential for YouTube and Netflix efficiency—and 4K playback at 60Hz with HDR10 color. Dolby Atmos and Vision certifications enhance premium content playback, while Netflix 4K certification ensures compatibility with the streaming giant's highest quality tiers. Bluetooth 5.2 enables wireless audio connectivity to headphones or speakers.

Market Comparison Against Google's $50 Chromecast 4K, the MEon1 justifies its higher price through tangible hardware advantages:

• Storage: Chromecast's fixed 8GB storage vs MEon1's 32GB + expandable microSD
• Ports: MEon1 adds USB, Ethernet, and audio outputs absent on Chromecast
• RAM: 2GB vs Chromecast's 1.5GB

Compared to Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max ($60), the MEon1 offers more physical connectivity but lacks Alexa integration. Both support AV1 and Wi-Fi 6, though Mecool's Ethernet option provides reliability for high-bitrate 4K streams.

Target Audience This device appeals to three distinct user profiles:

1. Media Archivists: Users with local video libraries benefit from USB/microSD expansion
2. Network-Conscious Streamers: Gamers or 4K viewers preferring wired Ethernet stability
3. Legacy System Owners: Those needing AV/S/PDIF outputs for older audio setups

Practical Considerations The USB 2.0 ports limit external storage speeds, making them better suited for media playback than running apps. While the S905X5M handles current streaming demands, intensive gaming may reveal performance constraints. At $103, it occupies a middle ground between basic streaming sticks and NVIDIA Shield-tier devices.

Mecool's MEon1 delivers unique flexibility in the budget streaming segment, prioritizing hardware expandability where competitors minimize ports and storage. For cord-cutters building localized media ecosystems, it presents a compelling alternative to cloud-dependent solutions. Availability is currently through AliExpress via Mecool's storefront.