Feature Formuler Z12 Ultra Formuler Z11 Pro Formuler Z11 Pro Max CPU Realtek RTD1319C (Quad-Core) Realtek RTD1319C (Quad-Core) Realtek RTD1319C (Quad-Core) GPU Mali-G57 MC1 Mali-G57 MC1 Mali-G57 MC1 RAM 4 GB DDR4 2 GB DDR4 4 GB DDR4 Internal Storage 128 GB eMMC 16 GB eMMC 32 GB eMMC Operating System Android 12 Android 11 Android 11 Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6E (Tri-Band) Dual-Band 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) Wi-Fi 6 (AX, 2×2) Ethernet Gigabit LAN Gigabit LAN Gigabit LAN Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.2 Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.0 HDR & Audio Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10+ HDR10+, HLG, AV1 HDR10+, AV1 Video Decode 4K @ 60fps, AV1, HEVC, H.264, etc. 4K @ 60fps, AV1, HEVC, H.264, etc. 4K @ 60fps, AV1, HEVC, H.264, etc. Ports 1× USB 3.0, 1× USB 2.0, HDMI, Micro-SD, LAN, SPDIF 1× USB 3.0, 1× USB 2.0, HDMI, Micro-SD, LAN Same as Z11 Pro Remote Control Backlit BT Remote (BT3) Basic BT Remote (BT1 optional) BT1 Edition (optional) Power Use Max 12 W, Standby ~0.5 W Max 12 W, Standby ~0.5 W Similar Dimensions 135 × 100 × 24 mm 105 × 105 × 21 mm 105 × 105 × 21 mm
The two big disappointments with this box are that Formuler have not future proofed it in respect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. They have adpoted Wi-Fi 6E why? Wi-Fi 7 is the latest available technology and blows Wi-Fi 6E not just out of the water but into the stratosphere when it comes to AV streaming and gaming, big mistake Formuler.
Wi‑Fi 6E vs Wi‑Fi 7
Release
• Wi‑Fi 6E: 2021
• Wi‑Fi 7: 2024–2025
Frequency Bands
• Wi‑Fi 6E: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
• Wi‑Fi 7: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
Max Channel Width
• Wi‑Fi 6E: 160 MHz
• Wi‑Fi 7: 320 MHz (double)
Peak Speed
• Wi‑Fi 6E: ~9.6 Gbps
• Wi‑Fi 7: ~46 Gbps
Latency
• Wi‑Fi 6E: Low
• Wi‑Fi 7: Ultra‑low (sub‑millisecond possible)
Key Technologies
• Wi‑Fi 6E: Extended spectrum (6 GHz), OFDMA, MU‑MIMO
• Wi‑Fi 7: Multi‑Link Operation (MLO), 4K QAM, advanced scheduling
Use Cases
• Wi‑Fi 6E: Gaming, streaming, VR
• Wi‑Fi 7: 8K streaming, AR/VR, cloud computing, smart homes
🔑 Key Differences
• Speed & Bandwidth: Wi-Fi 7 offers up to 5× faster speeds than Wi-Fi 6E thanks to wider channels and higher modulation.
• Efficiency: Wi-Fi 7’s Multi-Link Operation (MLO) lets devices use multiple bands simultaneously, improving reliability and reducing congestion.
Then theres the Bluetooth, why oh why have Formuler used the dated 5.2 version when version 6.1 is available and far superior.
Bluetooth 5.2 vs Bluetooth 6.1
Release
• Bluetooth 5.2: 2020
• Bluetooth 6.1: 2025
Core Audio Technology
• Bluetooth 5.2: Introduced LE Audio with LC3 codec
• Bluetooth 6.1: Refined LE Audio, improved multi‑stream handling
Latency
• Bluetooth 5.2: Reduced compared to earlier versions, but still noticeable in gaming/video
• Bluetooth 6.1: Ultra‑low latency, optimized for AV sync
Multi‑Stream Audio
• Bluetooth 5.2: First version to allow multiple synchronized streams
• Bluetooth 6.1: Enhanced multi‑stream with better stability and device coordination
Efficiency
• Bluetooth 5.2: Improved power usage over 5.1
• Bluetooth 6.1: Further optimized for battery life + performance balance
Range & Reliability
• Bluetooth 5.2: Stable connections, good for IoT and audio
• Bluetooth 6.1: Improved interference management, more robust in crowded environments
New Features
• Bluetooth 5.2: LC3 codec, multi‑stream audio, Isochronous Channels
• Bluetooth 6.1: Bluetooth Channel Sounding (precise device distance/location), scalability for dense device networks
Other issues I notice although not too detremental but still disappointing are; no USB-C Gen 3.2 ports, no 8K video support, 128GB storage - why? I can use a removable thumbdrive and finally ...Gigabyte LAN this really should have been at least 10GB LAN capability to match the router market and ISP package developments thus future proofing the box.
It appears that Formuler have just rebranded the Z11 with some simple upgrades applied and a new remote controller (Wow). Big opportunity missed to bring to the market an outstanding product that would have been in high demand but unfortunately this Z12 Ultra doesn't do anything better than my Homatics Box R. Ah well I'll have to wait and see what the Z13 brings, whenever that might be.