The Mediabox has come a long way since NAG first discussed it back in 2017. Now, we’re on the second version of the Mediabox Maverick, the Maverick 2, which is the company’s staple streaming solution.
Overall, the Maverick 2 has taken what worked well with the original model and then upgraded the rest. Exactly what you’d expect from a second-generation device.
On the inside we still have 2GB of DDR4 RAM handling the running of the apps, but an increased storage of 32GB for more app installtions, updated WiFi to WiFi 6, updated Bluetooth to 5.2, and Bluetooth BLE, a built-in USB-C port, and, best of all, a new CPU, the AMLogic S905X5m Quad-Core, that now allows for the Maverick 2 to stream in 4K at 120FPS.
This 120FPS upgrade is great for live-streaming sports or high-action TV, or even for squeezing more frames out of Steam Link’s remote play.
The Maverick 2 also comes in a much more compact shell, so you can really hide it behind your TV for a nice, minimal look.
Of course, just as before, the device is as plug-and-play as possible. Once it’s powered on, you’re shown the Google login screen, which you can access by either scanning a QR code with your mobile device for a quicker login or using the remote and on-screen keyboard if you’re of the patient type.
Once you’re logged in, you can choose which apps you’d like to have automatically downloaded for you, and then it’s ready to go!
I also have a small Google Home setup, and the device immediately recognised it, which meant it popped up a screen that let me slot it right into my home setup for those smart features.
In terms of extra features, the USB port at the back supports local streaming from hard drives or USB sticks, and the same goes for the USB-C port in the front, though I found the front port more handy for keeping my controller topped up on juice.
The Maverick 2 itself supports HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision for sharp visuals, and the Optical Audio output allows for crisp, clean sound, should you have a device that supports it. The Maverick 2 also supports 4K upscaling, meaning it will attempt to make older content look sharper where possible. Upscaling is never perfect, but the Maverick did a fine job in this department.
The only thing I would consider a bit of a negative, or at least in my eyes, is the addition of the “Live TV” button on the controller. The remote itself has a decent click on the button, feels good in the hand, and is pretty straightforward with the rest of its buttons, but the Live TV button doesn’t actually bring up Live TV. In reality, it’s just a second quick-launch button for launching the Google Home App, or any other app you have installed. I suppose you could use it for DSTV, but if you don’t, it just feels weird giving it a name that isn’t related to the app you choose.
I suppose it’s also a bit of a let-down that we’re still running on 2GB of RAM here, when everything else received an upgrade. 4GB would have really future-proofed the Maverick 2, making it a great device to pick up for years.
Other than that, though, I really don’t have anything more negative to say about the Maverick 2. It’s a decent all-around upgrade over the first-generation model, provides a smooth overall experience, and is even compact enough to toss into your bag for a work trip where you might still wanna stay up to date on The Ultimatum.
Price-wise, it is on the higher end of streaming boxes, coming in at R1,799, but its upgraded internals mean it should have a lot more oomph than the rest of your mid-range streaming boxes out there. The 4GB RAM upgrade I mentioned would’ve really sealed the deal on the price here, but for some, the extra R400 or so might see them choosing something cheaper.
