My Experience Using the Safaricom Digital TV and Internet Box

I spend a lot more time consuming content than I would like to admit, as am sure do so many other people arouond the world. It never ceases to amaze that in my lifetime (I am a millenial) I have witnessed us go from scheduled programming on TV to VOD (Video on Demand) and of course access to an endless array of content online thanks to reduction of production costs, availability of platforms and fast internet.

Safaricom had made an attempt in 2015 to compete in the set top box market with the Big Box but it failed. In 2017, Safaricom decided to give it another shot and launched the Safaricom Digital and Internet Box, which is an improvement on the original and seems poised to do better in the market. I got my hands on the box that is going for Ksh 9,999 and comes with 3 months of Showmax and 5 GB data free. If you’re on Safaricom Home Fibre like me, the box goes for Ksh 5,999.

What is an Android Box?

An android box is a TV box that is running on the Android operating system. It’s the same OS running on android phones. Basically, an android box allows a user to get content from the internet.

What’s in the Box?

• Safaricom Android Box
• Power cable
• Remote and batteries
• Audio to RCA cable
• HDMI cable
• 3 months free Showmax voucher

How do you set up?

Setting up is quite straightforward. You just need to connect the box to a power soource and then to your TV using the HDMI cable provided. There is a manual in the box to help you set up in case you run into any problems, but that is unlikely.

Internet access is via WiFi, ethernet cable or bundles. Safaricom has data bundles specifically for the box that can be bought by dialling *400*3# from your Safaricom line. The bundles available are: 5GB for Ksh 1,199, 15GB for Ksh 3,199 and 30GB for Ksh 5,999.

What do you get out of the box?

You can use the Safaricom Digital TV and Internet Box to watch local free to air channels as well as stream TV shows and movies to your TV. It comes with pre-loaded apps such as Showmax, DW, Iflix, Aljazeera, AJ+, France 24 and YouTube.

You can load more apps through Google Play and sideloading (transferring from another device like your mobile device through USB).  The 24 GB memory is more than enough to run a variety of apps. The box also allows you to cast content from your phone or tablet.

Viewing Experience

The Safaricom Digital TV and Internet Box supports up to 4K video but I’ve been streaming at 1080P and my Safaricom Home Fibre connection has been quite stable for this. The ample internal storage means that the viewing experience is seamless. I used chromecast quite a bit especially for streaming from YouTube. I thought I needed to buy a keyboard as with other Android boxes, but thanks to the Android TV app, I’ve been using my phone as a remote.

I honestly, don’t have major complaints and only would like to access more apps and services like Netflix and Songa. This is though a good product and a great option for those who prefer an Android Box to a smart TV.