Rockchip RK3518 Quad-Core Comprehensive Overview & Rockchip RK3518 TV Box
The Rockchip RK3518 is a high-performance processor designed for multimedia and smart devices, widely used in OTT TV boxes, smart TVs, tablets, and more.
Here's an overview of the Rockchip RK3518 systemonchip (SoC), based on available technical specifications and implementation details, and the latest RK3518 TV Box X96Q Pro+ officially released by Shenzhen Amedia Technology Co., Ltd——X96 Brand Official
| CPU | Chipset | RK3518 | ||
| Architecture | Quad-Core Cortex-A53 | |||
| GPU | Chipset | ARM Mali-450 GPU | ||
| Architecture | OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0 and OpenVG 1.1 support | |||
| RAM | Capacity | 1GB (2GB Optional) | ||
| ROM | Capacity | 8GB (16/32GB Optional) | ||
| External storage | USB Storage Devices | Supported | ||
| Micro SD card | Supported | |||
| Software | ||||
| Operating system | OS Version | Android 14 | ||
| Language | Multi-Language | |||
| Multimedia | Video | * Video Decoder | ||
| H.264/AVC BP/MP/HP profile @ level 5.1; H.264/AVC MVC; up to 4Kx2K @ 60fps | ||||
| H.265/HEVC Main/Main10 profile @ level 5.1 High-tier; up to 4Kx2K @ 60fps | ||||
| AVS2 4KX2K @60fps | ||||
| MPEG-1, Main profile, up to 1080P @ 60fps | ||||
| MPEG-2, SP@ML, MP@HL, up to 1080P @ 60fps | ||||
| MPEG-4, ASP profile @ level 5, up to 1080P @ 60fps | ||||
| AVS, Jizhun profile @ level 6.0; up to 1080P @ 60fps | ||||
| AVS-P16 (AVS+), up to 1080P @ 60fps | ||||
| H.263, up to 576P @ 60fps | ||||
| VC-1, SP@ML, MP@HL, AP@L0-3, up to 1080P @ 60fps | ||||
| * Video Encoder | ||||
| Support video encoder for H.264, HP@level4.2 | ||||
| H.264 maximum frame rate is up to 1920x1080 @60fps | ||||
| Capable of encoding HEVC Main Profile @ L4.1 High-tier | ||||
| H.265 resolution and frame rate are up to 1920x1080 @60fps | ||||
| JPEG encoder included | ||||
| Audio | Serial Audio Interface | |||
| SPDIF | ||||
| Audio CODEC | ||||
| Image | HD JPEG、BMP、GIF、PNG、TIF | |||
| Network service | ||||
| Wi-Fi | Type | Support WiFi IEEE 802.11 b / g / n / ac / ax | ||
| Frequency | Support 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi 6 | |||
| Antenna Type | Single antennas | |||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Support BLE | ||
| Interface | ||||
| Charge | DC connector | DC IN(5V/2A) | ||
| Video output | HD | 4K*2K UHD Output, HD 1.4/2.0 | ||
| IR Reciver | On board | Remote Reciver Connect | ||
| Micro SD | External memory | Support | ||
| USB port | USB host | USB3.0 *1 | ||
| USB2.0 *1 | ||||
| Ethernet | Ethernet | 100M Ethernet | ||
️ 1. Rockchip RK3518 Core Architecture & Performance
CPU: Quadcore ARM CortexA53 CPU cluster, operating at up to 1.42 GHz . This 64bit architecture balances energy efficiency with entrylevel processing power.
GPU: Integrated ARM Mali450 MP2 GPU, supporting OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0 and OpenVG 1.1 for basic graphics rendering. Not optimized for intensive gaming but handles video playback and lightweight UI tasks .
2. Rockchip RK3518 Multimedia & Video Capabilities
4K Ultra HD Support: Decodes video at up to 3840×2160 resolution (4K) via HDMI 2.0, with frame rates up to 60fps .
Video Codecs: Hardwareaccelerated decoding for H.265 (HEVC), H.264, VP9, MPEG1/2/4, and AVS formats. Supports mainstream 4K streaming and local file playback .
Encoding: Limited to H.264 at 1080p (max 60fps), suitable for basic recording/streaming .
3. Rockchip RK3518 Connectivity & I/O
WiFi 6 & Bluetooth: Dualband WiFi 6 (802.11ax) for improved bandwidth and reduced latency, alongside Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE support .
Ports: Typically integrated into devices with:
USB 3.0 + USB 2.0 ports
10/100 Mbps Ethernet
MicroSD slot for storage expansion
HDMI 2.0, AV output, SPDIF audio .
4. Rockchip RK3518 Memory & Storage Options
RAM: Paired with 1GB or 2GB DDR3 RAM in commercial devices (e.g., TV boxes) .
Storage: Supports 8GB–32GB eMMC flash, expandable via microSD .
5. Rockchip RK3518 Software & Use Cases
OS Compatibility: Runs Android 14 (with Google TV OS in some implementations), enabling modern app support and voice control .
Target Devices: Optimized for costsensitive applications:
Entrylevel Android TV boxes (e.g., X96Q, priced under $20 ).
Hotel IPTV systems, digital signage, and basic smart home hubs .
️ 6. Rockchip RK3518 Positioning & Limitations
LowEnd Chipset: A simplified variant of the Rockchip RK3528, prioritizing affordability over performance. Not recommended for heavy multitasking, gaming, or DRMcertified streaming (e.g., Netflix HD) due to lack of Widevine L1 support . Power Efficiency: 5V/2A power input (10W), suitable for alwayson devices .
7. Rockchip RK3518 TV Box
Rockchip RK3518 X96Q ATV Android 14 4K Android TV Box 
8. Summary
The RK3518 is a budgetoriented SoC for 4K media playback and lightweight Android applications. Its strengths include WiFi 6 connectivity, 4K 60 decoding, and Android 14 support, but its entrylevel CPU/GPU and limited RAM constrain highperformance use cases. Ideal for basic streaming devices or commercial solutions where cost is critical.