Strong Leap-S3 Pro, Dolby, AV1-Ready, and IPTV TV Box Review.
Strong Leap-S3 Pro Review: AV1-Ready, Dolby-Certified, and Built for IPTV Power Users.
The Strong Leap-S3 Pro isn’t just another Android TV box — it’s a tactical upgrade for streamers, IPTV users, and benchmarking enthusiasts who demand more than the basics.
With certified Google TV (Android 12), Dolby Vision and Atmos, and AV1 decoding, this box surpasses its price point. Whether you’re sideloading emulators or running 4K IPTV streams, the S3 Pro delivers.
Specs That Matter
Under the hood, the S3 Pro is powered by a Realtek RTD1325 SoC, paired with a Mali-G57 GPU. It supports 4K UHD playback, HDR10+, and AV1 — the codec that’s rapidly becoming the new standard for efficient streaming. With 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, it handles multitasking and sideloading with ease. Wi-Fi 6 and a LAN port ensure stable connectivity, even in congested networks.
The remote deserves special mention: it’s backlit, includes numeric keys, and is designed for dark-room navigation — ideal for IPTV zappers and late-night binge sessions.
Certified and Capable
Unlike many generic boxes, the S3 Pro is Google-certified. That means full access to the Play Store, Widevine L1 DRM for HD streaming on Netflix and Prime Video, and built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant. It’s not a sketchy fork of Android — it’s the real deal, optimized for TV use.
Benchmarking Caveats
While the hardware is impressive, forensic benchmarking hits a snag. Many standard testing apps — CPU-Z, AIDA64, DRM Info — won’t run properly on this OS. That’s likely due to Google TV’s sandboxing, lack of root access, and Play Store filtering. Some apps are blocked outright, while others crash or fail to detect system properties.
Workarounds exist: sideloading APKs via USB or Downloader, using ADB over LAN, or running browser-based benchmarks like WebGL and Octane. Kodi’s system info panel can also provide real-time CPU/GPU load during playback. But for deep forensic analysis, this box requires extra effort.
Don’t let that put you off, though. This box is brilliant for IPTV and gaming, and it’s extremely fast in operation
Performance vs Price
Retail listings hover around £120, but savvy buyers can snag it for much less, and the cheapest place is at TRADEINN in Spain. At £57, the S3 Pro becomes a category disruptor — offering Dolby Vision, AV1 decoding, and certified Google TV at half the price of its closest rivals. Generic boxes with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage may look tempting at £25–£32, but they lack certification, codec support, and build quality.
Verdict
The Strong Leap-S3 Pro sets a new benchmark for IPTV-first, AV1-ready, Dolby-certified streaming under £150. It’s not perfect — especially for testers who rely on deep system access — but for everyday use, it’s fast, stable, and future-proof. If you’re building a buyer advisory or compatibility matrix, this box deserves top-tier placement.