The Autel MaxiCOM MK808S and the Autel MaxiCheck MX808S are both impressive mid-level OBD2 tablet scanners offering the same features.
These products have a great mix of both basic and advanced features, perfect for car owners and mechanics. But if you have had a look at both of these products, you may be wondering, what’s the difference between the MK808S and the MX808S?
Let’s look at these devices in a bit more detail and find out if there’s actually any difference between them!
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S vs. MaxiCheck MX808S – Comparison Table
| Product Name | Autel MaxiCOM MK808S | Autel MaxiCheck MX808S |
|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |  |
| Price | Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon |
| Service Functions | 28+ | 28+ |
| Bidirectional Control/Active Testing | Yes | Yes |
| OS | Andoid 11.0 | Andoid 11.0 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
Popularity and price
As you can see for the simple comparison of the two devices above, they both appear to be identical in terms of features and hardware. However, the Autel MaxiCOM MK808S is a far more popular device than the Autel MaxiCheck MX808S in terms of numbers of units sold per year. The MK808S far outsells the MX808S.
What is the reason for this? Is the MK808S cheaper than the MX808S? The answer is, surprisingly, no! The MaxiCOM MK808S is usually slightly more expensive than the MaxiCheck MX808S by around $30. Check out the latest prices for these devices below.
So what is the reason for the more expensive MK808S being more popular than the slightly cheaper MX808S?
The answer is that we are honestly unsure ourselves, as the devices are actually identical in every way, other than their price! The Autel MaxiCheck MX808S is marketed as the “US version” of the Autel MaxiCOM MK808S, so perhaps the international market is what is inflating sales of the MK808S over the MX808X, we are not entirely sure!
Since these two devices basically have no difference (other than their name and price!), we’ve given an in-depth review of both of these tools below, from their hardware through to their functionality, showing that they are, in fact, exactly the same.
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S and MaxiCheck MX808S – Hardware
Check out the table below for the hardware specifications of the two devices.
| Product Name | Autel MaxiCOM MK808S | Autel MaxiCheck MX808S |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Andoid 11.0 | Andoid 11.0 |
| Processor | Rockchip RK3566 4-core processor | Rockchip RK3566 4-core processor |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Expandable SD memory | Yes (Up to 64 GB) | Yes (Up to 64 GB) |
| Screen size | 7-inch touchcreen | 7-inch touchscreen |
| Screen resolution | 1024x600 | 1024x600 |
| Battery | 5,000mAh lithium-polymer battery | 5,000mAh lithium-polymer battery |
Screen
Both scan tools come with a 7-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1024×600 which is to be expected from these devices at this price point. The screen is large and comfortable enough to read live graphs and data.
Processor and operating system
Both devices come with a fast Rockchip RK3566 4-core processor. This powerful chipset performs quick diagnostics, making it the perfect OBD2 scan tools for a busy auto shop. The 4-core processor paired with Android 11.0 provide great synergy allowing the device to perform advanced functions seamlessly.
Storage and battery
Storing a vehicle’s live data on the device is not an issue, as these devices come with 64GB of internal space. However, if required, users can increase the storage space of these OBD2 scanners by an additional 64GB by using the expandable SD memory.
Although the scan tools have a relatively modest battery of 5,000 mAh, it is still an upgrade over basic code readers that require a vehicle’s battery to work. In addition, 5,000 mAh is still more than enough for 6 to 8 hours of usage.
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S and MaxiCheck MX808S – Functions
Compatibility
The MK808S and MX808S both offer basic OBD2 functions for all US-based 1996 models and above, EU-based 2000 models and newer vehicles. The devices support advanced professional functionalities for a large number of US, EU, and Asian car brands.
Some of the car companies compatible with these devices are:
- Seat
- Porsche
- Mini
- Daewoo
- Lexus
- Suzuki
- GM
- Ford
- Mitsubishi
- And more
These devices are perfect for auto technicians as they cover a range of different car models. With 99% of the vehicles on their compatibility list, you won’t run into compatibility issues using either of these devices.
All module diagnosis
These OBD2 scanners are capable of all module diagnoses. It includes engine, transmission, airbags, and other systems on more than 150 car brands worldwide.
It goes without saying that the devices can help users read and erase fault codes, view data, analyze reports, and other basic code reader functions.
IMMO keys
The MK808S and MX808S both have an IMMO key feature allowing users to replace a lost or stolen key with a new one. The device remotely deactivates the previous key, but this feature is only available with vehicles with low-grade or outdated anti-theft systems.
At this price point, it doesn’t matter if you’re going to be using this feature or not, it’s a great add-on.
28+ service functions
The devices offer quick access to different vehicle systems, types of scheduled service, and maintenance.
Some of the service functions it is capable of are:
- EPB reset
- Throttle reset
- Oil reset
- TPMS
- BMS
- And more
Bi-directional control (Active testing)
Both the MK808S and MX808S are able to perform active testing or bidirectional control.
This allows auto technicians to test certain electronic systems and actuators in the vehicle from the scan tool itself, instead of having to manually test these on the vehicle when trying to diagnose a vehicle’s problems – a very helpful feature which can save a lot of time when diagnosing problems.
Overall, bidirectional control is a very impressive feature which is not generally included in devices around this price point.
Conclusion: Which one should you buy?
Let us quickly summarize all the details before giving my verdict.
Both the devices are very user-friendly, loaded with great features, and packed with powerful hardware. The 7-inch screen is perfect for viewing, and the Android 11.0 OS provides a seamless user experience. The screen size also works well with the decent 5,000 mAH battery and will last for 6 to 8 hours of continuous use (and takes less than 30 – 45 minutes to be fully recharged.)
The processor and computing power are where these OBD2 scanners truly shine. Both devices come equipped with a Rockchip RK3566 4-core processor, which means that these devices perform well under stress during busy auto shop hours.
But which one should you buy, the Autel MaxiCOM MK808S or the Autel MaxiCheck MX808S?
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S – Super Popular Best Seller
Autel MaxiCheck MX808S – Identical to MaxiCOM MK808S and slightly cheaper
Well, as you can tell from our comparison and review above, these devices are literally identical, in terms of both features and hardware. My advice would be to go for the cheaper device, the Autel MaxiCheck MX808S, as it is exactly the same as the MK808S, and for slightly less money – it seems like a no-brainer to me!
However, having said that, the Autel MaxiCom MK808S has been a bestseller for a number of years, and that is unlikely to change, despite the slightly higher price when compared to its identical twin, the MX808S!
I have personally used both the the MK808S and the MX808S in my auto shop, and I can confirm that they both performed great for me. I must admit however, that I personally have an MK808S sitting in my shop at the moment, so I am also guilty of following the herd and going for the more popular device – despite the higher price!
In all honesty though, both devices are exactly the same, so it’s completely up to you!