Strong Leap-S1

The first Android TV streamer from this new-to-the-UK brand is a good system fit, says Steve May, but there are some shortfalls that need fixing first

- Steve May

AV INFO

PRODUCT: Android TV streaming box

POSITION: Currently the only streaming product from Strong

PEERS: Amazon Fire TV 4K Max; Roku Streaming Stick+

THERE’S A NEW (media) player in town, the Leap-S1 from Strong. An Android powered streamer with comprehensive connectivity, unlike its main rivals it isn’t simply an HDMI dongle; it benefits from a more boxy form factor, and that means it’s a tad more versatile regards integration in an AV setup.

Not much bigger than a pack of cards, the Leap-S1 has an HDMI output, plus digital optical and 3.5mm stereo audio outputs, and an Ethernet port. There are also two USB ports, one of which is v3.0, and a microSD card slot on one of the sides so that you can expand its onboard storage. Wi-fi6 doesn’t get a look in (this is a Wi-fi5 device) and Bluetooth is version 4.2.

The chassis measures just 11cm x 11cm x 2.2cm and weighs 170g. Overall design is utilitarian, but this box is well made; some small LEDs convey power and connectivity status, while beneath the hood there’s a quad-core 1.8GHz ARM Cortex-A53 processor.

The supplied remote is an unfussy pointer, marginally larger than what you’d get with a Fire TV device, with Home, volume and menu navigation, dedicated keys for Prime Video and Netflix, plus a Google Assistant mic button.

As you might expect of an Android device, setup is quick and painless, the option of wired as well as wireless networking particularly welcome. It’s all very plug 'n' play.