Here is the test of the STRONG SRT2023 case, this transforms your TV into or your monitor into a Smart TV.
This box runs on Android 7.1 and its technical characteristics are rather interesting, they should allow us to enjoy multimedia use. The heart of the box is powered by a Quad Core Cortex-A53 2.0 GHz and the video management is done via a Quad Core ARM Mali-450@600MHz+ (announced as a Penta Core Mali-450@600MHz+ in the downloadable manual).
In terms of connectivity, this box has 2 USB 2.0 ports and a microSD reader, which is sufficient for most uses, although we may regret the choice of USB 2.0 rather than USB 3.0.
The box is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0.
As for the internet connection, we have the choice between WiFi and wired network.
Unpacking and getting started
We will now discover what this small box contains. When unpacking, the impression is good, the packaging is neat. The box contains a remote control and its batteries, an HDMI cable, the user manual as well as the SRT2023 box. This one is really small and light. In terms of space saving it is very appreciable however it will pose problems once connected to the HDMI cable, due to its rigidity, which will take control of the orientation and position of the box. The remote control is refined and its grip is pleasant.
The connections are easy. The box starts up quite quickly, we then find ourselves on the frankly outdated native interface, a little return 10 years ago. We then have to enter our information to be able to use the Play Store, we are on Android, the minimalist remote control turns out to be too simplified, the use of a keyboard with or without wires (not supplied) turns out to be essential (they are easily recognized by the box).
Installing many apps from the Play Store is easy, you just have to make sure they are compatible.
Let's get to its main role, multimedia. Whether with native applications or the many that can be found online, whether to listen to music or watch your favorite movie, the box is subject to micro-cuts, which makes its use unpleasant. I was not able to do the test, but I suspect the power supply box is too weak compared to the power peaks requested by the box, the technical sheet of the box indicates an average power of 4W and peaks at 10W, but the attached power supply delivers 2A in 5V which should cover the peaks, but without margins.
Characteristics
- Processor: Quad Core Cortex-A53 2.0 GHz
- Operating System: Android 7.1
- Video resolution: 2160p, 1080p, 720p
- Internet: WiFi or Ethernet
- TV: IPTV
- Wifi: 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Audio support: Dolby® Digital, Dolby® Digital Plus, MPEG-1 layer1/2
- Support for 4K Ultra HD videos
- Connection of accessories (keyboard, mouse, etc.): USB and Bluetooth
- Connectors: HDMI, AV, USB 2.0 x2, LAN, micro SD card reader (max. 128 GB), 5 V/2 A power supply, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Dimensions: 85 x 85 x 18.5mm
- Box contents: SRT 2023, Remote control (with batteries), power supply and user manual
Conclusion
In short, for an attractive sale price of around €70, STRONG offers a product that has all the elements that one would expect from this type of box. But it is not without its flaws. Indeed, unless you have an extraordinary level of patience, you will quickly have to invest in equipment to bypass the use of the remote control: for my part, I chose a small Bluetooth keyboard-mouse that does the job really well.
Moreover, its untimely micro-cuts go against its primary purpose, namely multimedia.
Article updated on January 4, 2025 by Byothe
