The MediaBox Maverick 2 arrives at a time when the streaming device market is more competitive than ever. With strong contenders from Google, Xiaomi, Amazon, and Nvidia, a modern streaming box needs to offer more than just access to Netflix and YouTube. Fortunately, the Maverick 2 manages to carve out its own space by delivering a polished Google TV experience, improved hardware, and several meaningful upgrades over the original Maverick.
Design and Setup
At first glance, the Maverick 2 retains the compact and understated design philosophy of its predecessor. The device is small enough to disappear into most entertainment setups, while the included remote remains simple and intuitive, with dedicated streaming shortcuts and Google Assistant voice controls.
Setup is quick and straightforward. As a Google-certified streaming device, users can sign into their Google account, install apps from the Play Store, and start streaming within minutes. Unlike many generic Android TV boxes, there are no workarounds required for Netflix or other major streaming platforms.
Performance
The biggest improvement comes from the newer Amlogic S905X5M processor, which provides noticeably faster navigation and app loading compared to the original Maverick’s S905X2 chipset. Menus feel snappier, multitasking is smoother, and the overall Google TV experience is more responsive.
While the device still ships with 2GB of RAM, the upgraded processor helps offset this limitation in everyday use. Streaming apps launch quickly, 4K content plays without issue, and voice searches return results almost instantly. Heavy users may still wish for 4GB of RAM, but for typical streaming duties the Maverick 2 performs admirably.
Picture and Audio Quality
This is where the Maverick 2 makes its most significant leap forward. The addition of Dolby Vision support immediately places it ahead of the original Maverick, which supported HDR10 but lacked Dolby Vision compatibility. Combined with HDR10 and HLG support, the Maverick 2 delivers richer colours, improved contrast, and a more premium viewing experience on compatible televisions.
Whether you’re watching Netflix, Disney+, Showmax, or YouTube in 4K, image quality is excellent and on par with many of the leading streaming devices currently available.
Maverick 2 vs the Original Maverick
The original Maverick earned a strong reputation in South Africa thanks to its reliability, Netflix certification, and user-friendly Android TV interface. However, after several years on the market, its 8GB of storage and older hardware were beginning to show their age.
The Maverick 2 addresses most of those shortcomings:
- Storage increases from 8GB to 32GB.
- A newer processor delivers faster overall performance.
- Dolby Vision support improves HDR playback.
- Updated Google TV software offers a more modern interface.
- Bluetooth and connectivity features have been refreshed.
For existing Maverick owners, the jump in storage alone may justify the upgrade, especially for users who install multiple streaming apps or frequently run out of space.
How It Compares to Other Streaming Devices
Xiaomi TV Box S
The Xiaomi TV Box S remains one of the Maverick 2’s closest competitors. Both offer Google TV, 4K streaming, and broad app support. The Maverick 2’s larger 32GB storage capacity gives it a clear advantage, particularly for users with extensive app libraries.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Amazon’s streaming stick offers excellent performance and strong value, but its Fire OS ecosystem is heavily focused on Amazon services. The Maverick 2’s Google TV interface feels more familiar and flexible for Android users and integrates more naturally with Google Assistant and Google Home devices.
Verdict
The MediaBox Maverick 2 successfully builds on everything that made the original Maverick popular while addressing several of its biggest limitations. The combination of Google TV, 32GB of storage, Dolby Vision support, and a faster processor makes it one of the strongest streaming boxes currently available in South Africa.
Its unchanged 2GB RAM configuration prevents it from being the perfect device, and power users may still gravitate toward premium options like the Nvidia Shield TV. Nevertheless, for most households looking for a reliable, feature-rich streaming solution without spending a fortune, the Maverick 2 strikes an excellent balance between performance, features, and value.
The Maverick 2 isn’t just a refresh of the original—it’s the upgrade the Maverick should have become years ago, and one of the best mid-range streaming devices available today.
thanks to Apex Interactive for the review product
