For the MXQ Amlogic S805 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
, there is no official Android 5.1.1 Lollipop release from the manufacturer. Most of these older TV boxes are stuck on Android 4.4 KitKat. However, community-developed ports (unofficial firmware) exist, though they come with risks. Unofficial Firmware Options
Since official support has ended, you must rely on custom ports developed by enthusiasts:
Android 5.1.1 "K1 Port": This version was originally built for a "K1" phone but adapted for
boxes. It is known to work on some "all-black" MXQ models but may have issues with Wi-Fi or shutdown commands. Minix Neo X6
Firmware: Some users have successfully flashed firmware intended for the Minix Neo X6 onto MXQ boards, as they share the same processor.
Alternative OS (LibreELEC): For a smoother experience with modern Kodi versions (like Kodi 18), many experts recommend LibreELEC over unofficial Android updates. Required Tools & Preparation To attempt a firmware upgrade, you will need the following:
Amlogic USB Burning Tool: Standard software for flashing .img files via a PC and USB-to-USB cable.
MicroSD Card: Used for the "SD card method" which requires a recovery.img and a firmware .zip file.
TWRP Recovery: A custom recovery image often required to install unofficial Android ROMs safely. Installation Steps (General Guide)
Backup Your Data: Unofficial firmware can brick your device; use tools like TWRP to perform a full system backup first.
Prepare Media: Copy the firmware files (unzipped) to the root of a FAT32-formatted SD card. Enter Recovery Mode: Disconnect power.
Insert a toothpick or thin object into the AV port to press the hidden reset button.
Hold the button, plug in the power, and wait for the recovery screen to appear.
Flash Firmware: Select the update file from the SD card within the recovery menu.
Updating an older MXQ TV Box with an Amlogic S805 chipset can breathe new life into a device that likely shipped with the dated Android 4.4 KitKat. While official support from manufacturers has long since ended, the developer community has provided high-quality custom ROMs that bring Android 5.1.1 Lollipop to this hardware. mxq amlogic s805 android 511 lollipop download high quality
This guide explores how to download and install these "high-quality" firmware images to improve your device's performance and app compatibility. Why Upgrade to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop?
The transition from KitKat (4.4) to Lollipop (5.1.1) on the S805 chipset offers several critical benefits:
Art Runtime: Lollipop uses the Android Runtime (ART) by default, which significantly improves app responsiveness compared to the older Dalvik runtime.
App Compatibility: Many modern streaming apps no longer support Android 4.4; moving to 5.1.1 extends the usable life of your hardware.
Visual Refresh: You gain the Material Design interface, which is cleaner and more modern than the legacy MXQ skins.
Security: Although 5.1.1 is now aged, it includes several years of security patches and bug fixes not found in original factory builds. Top Firmware Downloads for MXQ S805
Since "high quality" is subjective, the most stable and popular 5.1.1 build for this specific hardware is known as Abdul's Lollipop ROM.
Abdul's Android 5.1.1 Lollipop: This is widely considered the gold standard for S805 custom ROMs. It is often hosted on community forums like Freaktab or 4PDA.
Stock Firmware Images: If you prefer the original look, China Gadget Reviews often archives stock lollipop images for various MXQ variants (ensure you match your Wi-Fi chip, e.g., RTL8189 or AP6181).
Alternative—LibreELEC: If your goal is purely media playback (Kodi), many users recommend LibreELEC for S805 over Android 5.1.1, as it is much faster on limited hardware. Installation Guide (The "Toothpick Method")
To flash a new 5.1.1 image, you generally need a Micro SD card and a small tool like a toothpick. YouTube·MXQ PROJECThttps://www.youtube.com
Upgrading the MXQ Amlogic S805 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop is a popular modification that can breathe new life into older hardware typically stuck on Android 4.4 KitKat
. While the S805 chip is older, a Lollipop upgrade allows for better app compatibility, including newer versions of Kodi. Firmware Options for S805
Most "Android 5.1.1" releases for this device are custom ROMs rather than official manufacturer updates. Custom ROM by Abdul
: One of the most stable builds was originally developed for the K1 box but ported to the S805. It uses Kernel 3.10.33 Alternative Firmwares For the MXQ Amlogic S805 Go to product
: Users often experiment with firmware from similar devices, such as the Minix Neo X6 , which also features the S805 processor. Linux-Based Alternatives
: For those primarily interested in a media center experience, dual-booting
is often considered a safer and more reliable "high-quality" path than Android for this specific chipset. Prerequisites and Risks Hardware Variants
: There are many variations of MXQ boards (e.g., HD18Q, m201d, m201C). A firmware built for one variant may another or cause issues with Wi-Fi and the remote control. RAM Limitations : This upgrade is generally intended for boxes with 1GB of RAM
. It is not recommended for "clone" versions with only 512MB. Recovery Tools : You will typically need TWRP recovery to flash these custom images. Standard Installation Process Flashing a new image usually follows these steps: Preparation : Download the firmware (typically an file) and copy it to the root of a FAT32-formatted Micro SD card Toothpick Method
: Power off the box. Insert the SD card, then press and hold the reset button
(often hidden inside the AV port) with a toothpick while plugging in the power.
: The device should boot into recovery mode and begin the update automatically, or you can manually select the file via TWRP. Google Groups Potential Sources for Download
Due to the age of these files, official repositories are rare, and users often rely on community forums and direct links: Firmware Databases : Sites like China Gadget Reviews often host legacy firmware archives. Community Forums : Detailed threads on
and various Google Groups provide links to specific custom builds like the "Everclear" or Abdul's Lollipop ROM.
The MXQ Amlogic S805 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
is an older Android TV box that originally shipped with Android 4.4.2 KitKat. While Android 5.1.1 Lollipop firmware exists for this hardware, it was typically custom-built for specific variants (like the "HD18Q" or "S85") rather than released as a universal official update. Firmware & Installation Details
Version Availability: High-quality 5.1.1 Lollipop firmware for the
is often a port originally designed for other devices like the Minix Neo X6 or the K1 box.
Installation Method: Most guides recommend using TWRP recovery or the Amlogic USB Burning Tool. ☐ You have opened your box and noted the PCB version
Hardware Compatibility: There are numerous MXQ clones; firmware must match your specific Wi-Fi chip (e.g., Broadcom AP6181 or AP6210) to work correctly. Using the wrong image can permanently damage the hardware. Top Resources for Firmware Downloads
The MXQ Amlogic S805 is a legacy Android TV box typically released with Android 4.4 KitKat. While some unofficial firmware ports for Android 5.1.1 Lollipop exist, they are often community-developed rather than official releases. Hardware Overview Chipset: Amlogic S805 Quad-Core Cortex-A5 at 1.5GHz. GPU: Quad-Core Mali-450. RAM: 1GB DDR3 (Note: Some clones may only have 512MB). Storage: 8GB NAND FLASH.
Ports: 4 x USB 2.0, SD card slot, HDMI 1.4, AV output, and Ethernet. Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Firmware Details
There is no "official" high-quality Android 5.1.1 Lollipop release from the original manufacturer for the S805. However, users often seek "custom ROMs" ported from other devices (like the K1 or Minix Neo X6).
MXQ Amlogic S805 is a budget-tier, legacy Android TV box primarily designed for basic media consumption. While it was a popular entry-level choice in the mid-2010s, it is now considered significantly outdated for modern streaming demands. Key Specifications Processor: Amlogic S805 Quad-Core Cortex A5 (1.5GHz). Quad-Core Mali-450 GPU. Memory/Storage: Typically 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM. Operating System:
Originally shipped with Android 4.4.2 (KitKat); custom firmwares allow for Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) Video Support: Hardware decoding for H.265 up to 1080p @ 60fps (Full HD). Performance Review Streaming Capabilities: Handles basic and local media playback at
smoothly. However, it lacks the necessary certifications for high-definition streaming on paid platforms like , often capping quality at standard resolution (480p). Software & Updates:
The Android 5.1.1 Lollipop build is often a community-made or modified firmware. While it improves app compatibility compared to KitKat, users frequently report installation issues, such as the device getting stuck on splash screens or failing to boot. Connectivity:
Features multiple USB ports, an SD card slot, and Ethernet. Wi-Fi signal strength is a common pain point, often requiring a wired Ethernet connection for stable streaming. Pros & Cons
Title: The Hidden Gem of Vintage Android TV: A Deep Dive into the MXQ Amlogic S805 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Experience
In the fast-paced world of streaming technology, devices are often forgotten as soon as the next model hits the market. However, buried in the annals of tech history lies a device that defined the budget streaming era: the MXQ TV box powered by the Amlogic S805 processor running Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
While modern boxes boast 8K upscaling and AI processors, there is a growing niche of enthusiasts looking for high-quality downloads of the original firmware for the MXQ S805. But why are users hunting for this legacy software in 2024? Let’s explore the legacy, the utility, and the process of finding high-quality firmware for this iconic set-top box.
// Check available external storage
File externalStorage = getExternalFilesDir(null);
if (externalStorage == null)
// Fallback to USB OTG if mounted at /storage/usb0 or /mnt/media_rw
File usbOtg = new File("/storage/usb0");
if (usbOtg.exists() && usbOtg.canWrite())
downloadDir = usbOtg;
XDA is the gold standard. Search for "MXQ S805 firmware" in the Android TV box subforum. Look for threads by recognized developers like "pix104" or "Nayam."
Typical file name: update_MXQ_S805_Android_5.1.1_20161221.img
Before clicking any "MXQ Amlogic S805 Android 511 Lollipop download high quality" link, confirm:
forum.xda-developers.com, github.com, or archive.org.This site maintains an extensive archive of AMLogic firmware. Search "MXQ S805 5.1.1" – they provide direct Google Drive or MEGA links with MD5 checksums.
.img firmware file.