SberBox Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
add_circle Pros
- The SberBox has some seriously cool features, like the ability to stream content from my phone or laptop to the TV.
- It's super compact, so it won't take up too much space on your entertainment center.
- Setting it up is a breeze - just plug it in and go.
- The remote control is super intuitive, and I love that it's included in the package.
- The SberBox is a total time-saver, since I can access all my favorite streaming services from the comfort of my couch.
remove_circle Cons
- One thing that's a total bummer is that you have to pay extra for some of the premium features.
- I wish the SberBox came with more storage space, since I have a ton of movies and TV shows stored on my phone.
- The power adapter could be a bit longer, since it's a bit of a stretch to reach the back of my TV.
- I've had some issues with the SberBox freezing up on me, but I think that's just a software glitch.
- The SberBox doesn't have any built-in speakers, so you'll need to hook it up to your TV's audio system.
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Editor's Summary
I gotta say, I was a bit skeptical about the SberBox at first, but it's been a total game changer for me. I mean, I got this thing for free with my SberPrime subscription, but even if I had to pay for it, I'd say it's worth every penny. The SberBox is basically a device that turns your dumb TV into a smart one, and it's ridiculously easy to set up. Just plug it into your TV's HDMI port, and you're good to go.
Specifications
I got approached by a Sberbank representative in April 2022 to sign up for a SberPrime subscription, which would give me some sweet perks on other Sber products. I thought, why not? But as time went on, I realized it'd be way more convenient to use the subscription from my TV, rather than my laptop or smartphone. But, of course, my TV is super basic and not smart. What's a girl to do? Luckily, Sber came to the rescue.
The SberBox is a device that lets you turn your dumb TV into a smart one in no time.
The SberBox comes with the bare essentials: the device, a remote, and a power adapter with a cable. It's a breeze to set up - just plug the device into your TV's HDMI port and leave it be. The power adapter connects to the device and plugs into the wall.
The rest of the setup is a piece of cake, thanks to the on-screen prompts. Nothing too complicated there. Plus, the device downloads and installs updates the first time you connect it, which takes about 5 minutes (if you've got a decent internet connection).
You'll also need to download the 'Salyut - Virtual Assistants' app on your phone and log in with your Sber ID (if you're a Sber customer, you've already got one).
The interface is super intuitive - even a kid could figure it out.
I won't go through all the sections, but I'll give you the lowdown on the ones I use most.
YouTube's the real MVP for me when it comes to SberBox. I can log into my YouTube account with ease. The main functionality's all there, and I'm stoked to report that it works like a charm even with my 80-90 Mbps internet speed (thanks to my trusty Xiaomi Mi Router 4A).
Okko. It's a subscription-based service, and I'm loving the content they've got.
The browser's another winner. I can just use voice commands to find what I'm looking for in a snap.
SberZvuk's another favorite of mine. I can search for specific artists, browse playlists, or just chill to some tunes. Plus, many English tracks come with lyrics, which is a total bonus for karaoke lovers like me. It's also a subscription-based service.
And if that's not enough, you can also install online streaming services like Wink, ivi, more.tv, and kion. I haven't used Wink or Kion much, since most of their content requires a subscription. But ivi and more.tv have a ton of movies and shows that you can stream without a subscription.
One thing I mentioned earlier is the presence of voice assistants on the SberBox. There are three to choose from: Sber, AfinA, and Joy. Sber is polite but unobtrusive, addressing you with a formal tone. AfinA is more business-like and polite, also addressing you with a formal tone. Joy is chatty and loves to joke, addressing you with a more casual tone. The assistants are super easy to use and can handle simple tasks without any issues.
For some people, the fact that you can't install third-party apps on the SberBox might be a problem. For me, though, the SberBox's functionality is more than enough. I'm actually considering using it without a subscription in the future - I can find plenty of movies and shows on YouTube or in my browser, and I don't need a SberPrime subscription for that. I can also listen to music online without a subscription.
Overall, I'm really happy with my SberBox. Watching YouTube videos and movies on my TV without having to download them on my phone or laptop is a total game-changer for me. And thanks to Sber for making it possible.