Micca MPLAY and NBOX Player Comparison
Quick Summary
The MPLAY and NBOX are nearly identical in terms of features and performance. Due to being based off the same Amlogic chipset, both players are able to playback the same broad range of video and audio file formats. What the differences come down to is size, design, and quality. The MPLAY is about 40% smaller than the NBOX and has several advantages in terms of design and quality that gives it an edge as a general purpose media player. Read the full comparison for all the details.Similarities
The Micca MPLAY and NBOX are more similar than they are different. Both are entry-level models based on the same Amlogic 8613 chipset that's the standard for this market segment. Thus both players support the same broad range of media file types and formats. A video that plays on the MPLAY will also play on the NBOX, and vice versa. Similarly, both players also exhibit the same limitations in terms of not being able to play H.264/AVC and MKV video files. For H.264/AVC and MKV support, buyers should look towards a higher end model like the Micca MPLAY-HD.
Both the MPLAY and NBOX feature a user interface that is derived from the standard Amlogic reference firmware. The MPLAY's user interface is more customized with themed background, icons, and menues. In comparison, the NBOX only adds an NBOX logo to the standard Amlogic reference firmware. Functionally, the two interfaces are the same and equally responsive. Setting options are also the same for both players.
For storage support, both players offer a USB 2.0 Host port and a flash memory card reader. Thus the MPLAY and NBOX are both able to play media files from a variety of USB drives, USB hard drives, or flash memory cards. Neither of the players have an internal drive bay. So for those who wish to have an all-in-one media player and storage solution, a player like the Micca Slim that has an internal 2.5" drive bay is worth considering.
Differences
Where the Micca MPLAY an NBOX Player differ comes down to design choices. The Micca MPLAY is about 40% smaller than the NBOX, which is not that large to begin with. And even with its smaller size, the MPLAY uses physical buttons that are larger and easier to use than the membrane switches on the NBOX. The combination of small size and large easy to use buttons makes basic playback controls on the MPLAY very easy even if the remote has gone missing.
The NBOX Player comes with a compact and stylish remote control. While the Micca MPLAY's remote is not as sleek, its larger size is more comfortable to hold for adult hands and the buttons are easier to press.
The Micca MPLAY uses two 3.5mm-to-RCA cables for sending audio and video signals to a TV through either composite or component connections. The NBOX also has composite and component outputs, but due to its usage of RCA output jacks, one of the jacks is dual purpose and users must manually swap cables every time the output is switched between composite and component video. MPLAY's impelentation of video output is therefore simpler and more user friendly.
Lastly, the MPLAY has a physical power switch on the back to completely cut power. During normal use, the remote can be used to turn the MPLAY on or off, but the player draws a small amount of power even when turned off. The NBOX behaves this way as well. With the physical power switch, all power to the player can be cut off with a quick press, without needing to disconnect the power cable.
Summary
Both the MPLAY and NBOX offer a lot of features and capabilities at very low prices. They share the same fundamental platform and offer a nearly identical level of performance. Differences comes down to details in quality and design that tips the balance to the MPLAY's favor.