The Xiaomi Mi Box S is competent, but still not an optimal solution compared to its competitors. Things may have played better if Xiaomi had followed its ideals and provided lower pricing. If the Mi TV Box is your only alternative, it is worth a look, but similarly priced gadgets from Google, Roku, and Amazon are prospering bargains.
While Mi smartphones are well-known all across the world, their appeal across the United States is limited. In contrast to its smartphone focus, Xiaomi has focused its North American efforts on automated gadgets, most notably on Android TV players. The Mi Box S is an option with robust 4K support. However, in the crowded market, the question arises: is it worth buying or not? Our Mi TV box review is dedicated to answering this very question and showcasing its true worth.
Xiaomi Mi Box S: Pricing and Availability
In the United States, the Mi TV box S costs $59.99, which is $10 more than its primary competition, the Chromecast with Google TV. It’s also pricier than the TiVo Stream 4K, which is a more direct competition because it lacks the Chromecast’s Google TV UI.
You can purchase this TV box on almost every online retailer and e-commerce site like Amazon, Walmart, and more. Or you can simply visit Mi’s official site for more details and current offers.
Xiaomi Mi Box S: In-Depth Look at Smart Features
Mi TV box S’s smart features are designed to make your entertainment experience more intuitive, convenient, and customized to your preferences. From accessing content swiftly to controlling your smart home devices, this device brings a new level of integration and ease to your living room.
Availability of Streaming Services
The Mi Box S boasts a simple user interface that offers you quick access to a large number of popular streaming apps. This means you can use apps like Netflix and YouTube without switching between devices or input sources. It makes it effortless to track down and enjoy your favorite streaming media.
Voice Control
You may use your voice to manage your entertainment experience with the Mi Box S. By speaking into the remote control, you may search for movies, TV series, or even certain genres with the built-in voice control capability. This feature is particularly useful when seeking something specific and does not want to waste time typing or navigating through menus.
Google Assistant Compatibility
The Mi Box S seamlessly integrates with Google Assistant, a powerful virtual assistant. By connecting the Mi Box S to Google Assistant, you can control your media playback alongside other smart devices in your home. For instance, you can ask Google Assistant to dim the lights, adjust the thermostat, or provide you with weather updates—all through the Mi Box S remote or a compatible device.
Universal Search
The Mi Box S offers a universal search function. This allows you to search for desired media across multiple streaming apps and platforms at the same time. It eliminates the need to individually search within each app, saving you time and effort.
Xiaomi Mi Box S: Interface
The Xiaomi Mi Box S offers a different approach from the smaller Mi streamer, presenting Android TV on a larger scale instead of using a dongle design. This model stands out by supporting 4K HDR video quality at 60fps, comparable to similarly priced competitors and even approaching the video quality of the NVIDIA Shield TV. Enhanced by Dolby Audio and DTS 2.0 support, its audio performance is also commendable.
The Mi media streamer, like the Mi TV Stick, offers an improved Android TV experience. There are no major changes, unlike devices such as the TiVo Stream 4K. Also, it lacks the latest Google TV UI seen in Google Chromecast. It is totally up to you whether you find this simplicity useful or just annoying. If you’ve dealt with earlier Android TV devices, this will feel much more familiar. There are other basic features like as Chromecast compatibility. This allows you to transfer stuff from your mobile device directly to the Android TV player.
Xiaomi Mi Box S: Design and Layout
The design of this streamer is quite different from its previous model. Instead of giving the same old stick design, this one offers a small box-like look. Let’s see what else its form factor has to offer.
Design and Form Factor
The Mi Box S is a streaming device that is designed to be both functional and attractive. It is larger than the Mi TV Stick. It allows room for more hardware components and better airflow. This results in higher performance and less heat.
Ports and Connectivity
The device has many different ports and connectors, so you can easily connect it to your TV, speakers, and other devices. It also has a small LED light on the front that shows you the status of the device, without being too bright.
Xiaomi Mi Box S: Intuitive Remote
The Mi TV Box S comes with a remote control that is designed to provide a quick and simple navigation experience. The remote control has been carefully crafted to improve the user’s interaction with it. Its simplicity, dedicated Google Assistant integration, voice search functionality, and layout all work together to make your TV interactions more pleasant and efficient.
Simplified Button Layout
The remote features a well-organized layout with clearly labeled buttons for basic functions. This arrangement makes it easy to control basic actions like playback, volume adjustment, and navigation.
Dedicated Button for Google AI
A dedicated button for Google Assistant is included, allowing you to quickly access voice control. This feature enables you to search for content, launch apps, and control many different aspects of your entertainment using natural voice commands. It does increase your convenience.
Ease of Voice Search
The remote’s simple design is comfortable to hold and navigate. Its lightweight build makes sure long use without causing discomfort. Its integrated microphone facilitates voice search, enabling you to find movies, TV shows, and apps simply by speaking into the remote.
Quick Access Buttons
Additional buttons allow quick access to key functions including home, back, and recent applications. These shortcuts make navigation much easier and reduce the need to scroll through menus.
Minimal Design
The simple design of the remote is quite pleasing to the eyes. And it surely improves the modern style of the TV Box. It works smoothly with the streaming stick to ensure a simple setup. Its wireless link enables effortless and fast control, even from a distance.
What’s in the package of the Xiaomi Mi Box S?
When you get your hands on the the Mi Box S, you can expect the package to have all of the necessary components and accessories that needed to begin your streaming:
Mi Box S Device
The main component of the package is the Mi Box S itself. This device serves as your Android TV player, connecting you to a world of endless possibilities.
Power Batteries
The remote control need batteries to work properly. Mostly, you will find 2 AAA batteries in the package to power the remote and use it right away.
Remote Control
The included remote is designed specifically for the streaming device. It enables navigation through menus, control playback, access apps, and much more.
HDMI Cable
To connect the Mi Box to the TV, an HDMI cable is included in the box. This cable transmits high-end audio and video signals from the device to the TV.
Power Adapter
A power adapter is included to provide the necessary power to the Mi media streamer. This adapter plugs into a power outlet and connects to the device.
Setup Guide
A user manual or quick start guide is typically included to assist you in setting up the Mi Box S and getting familiar with its features and functionalities.
These components work together to provide you with a complete Xiaomi streaming box experience, allowing you to set up and enjoy your Android TV player right away. Keep in mind that the exact contents of the package may vary slightly based on regional variations and packaging updates.
You can also read: Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation (Review)
Xiaomi Mi Box S: Remarkable Specs
Let’s uncover the remarkable specifications of the Mi streamer which makes it stand out in the media streaming industry.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | AmLogic Quad Core S905X-H 1.5GHz ARM Quad 64-bit Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | Mali-450 |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 8GB |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | yes |
| Operating System | Android TV 9 |
| Dimensions | 3.75 x 3.75 x 0.66 |
| Ports | WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac USB 1 USB 2.0 |
| Audio Formats | DOLBY, DTS, MP3, APE, Flac |
| Video Formats | 4K@60fps, VP9, H.264, Real8/9/10, MPEG1/2/4, VC-1 |
Xiaomi Mi Box S: Prosper Alternatives
The Android TV box market has a lot of different options to choose from. And it can get really tough to decide which one is right for you. In this guide, we’ll compare three well-known Android TV boxes: the low-cost Easytone T95 Super, the Amazon-centric Fire TV Stick, and the feature-packed Nvidia Shield TV Pro. However, still the final decision of buying depends totally on your personal needs.
Best Budget Android TV Box: Easytone T95 Super (£28)
The Easytone T95 Super is a less expensive Android TV box that offers decent performance for its price point. While not the most powerful, it’s suitable for basic streaming and media playback tasks.
Specifications
- Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU
- GPU: Mali-450 GPU
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 16GB (expandable via microSD card)
- Video Output: Up to 4K resolution
The T95 Super provides a basic Android TV experience with support for many streaming apps. Its quad-core processor and Mali-450 GPU handle HD streaming well, and the 2GB of RAM is sufficient for most casual users. The 16GB of onboard storage can store apps, while the microSD card slot allows for additional space. It’s worth noting that advanced gaming or resource-intensive tasks might not perform as smoothly as on higher-end models.
Best Amazon Android TV Box: Amazon Fire TV Stick (£45)
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is a preferred choice, especially for those who are already invested in the Amazon ecosystem. This option provides seamless performance with Prime Video, Alexa, and a lots of extra capabilities, for everyone in the house.
Specifications
- Processor: Quad-core 1.7 GHz
- GPU: IMG PowerVR GE8300
- RAM: 1GB
- Storage: 8GB
- Video Output: Up to 1080p resolution
The Fire TV Stick offers smooth streaming performance and quick access to Amazon Prime Video and other Amazon services. The device’s user interface is designed to prioritize Amazon content. The included remote features voice control via Alexa and is designed for ease of use. Its performance is suitable for streaming up to 1080p resolution content, making it a solid choice for most users, especially those already using Amazon services.
Best All-Around Android TV Box: Nvidia Shield TV Pro (£190)
The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is a higher-end Android TV box with impressive performance and capabilities. It is suitable for both media streaming and gaming. It offers a great amount of smart features and capabilities.
Specifications
- Processor: NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor
- GPU: NVIDIA Maxwell GPU
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 16GB (expandable via USB)
- Video Output: Up to 4K HDR resolution
With its Tegra X1+ processor and Maxwell GPU, the Shield TV Pro is capable of handling 4K HDR entertainment and light games. Its 3GB of RAM allows for smooth multitasking, and its 16GB of storage space can be increased with external USB devices. The gadget is compatible with a huge number of apps and streaming channels. It also supports game streaming via Nvidia’s GeForce Now service. It’s a diverse alternative for individuals looking for a faster performance and lots of clever features.
In general, the Easytone T95 Super delivers less expensive solution for daily streaming. The Amazon Fire TV Stick smoothly connects with Amazon services, and the Nvidia Shield TV Pro gives top performance and flexibility for both media and gaming experiences. Your pick will be based on your budget as well as your own personal wants and preferences.
Xiaomi Mi Box S: Pros and Cons
Here the pros and cons of this media streamer. they will surely help you determine whether it is worth it or not?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable 4K streaming. | Limited 8GB storage. |
| Google Assistant integration for voice control. | Modest performance for demanding tasks. |
| Clean Android TV interface. | Basic remote features. |
| Chromecast support. | No Ethernet port. |
| Compact design. |
Final Words
The Mi Box S has a simple Android TV interface that makes it easy to “hunt down” and discover your favorite entertainment. Its small size, the addition of a remote control with dedicated buttons and voice search capability, adds more to its accessibility.
However, just like any other streamer, this one’s also not entirely perfect. It sure does have some limitations, such as limited storage space and the lack of the latest audio and visual technologies such as Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. Also, its performance could be affected while doing some intense or heavy tasks. Well, if you want a less expensive way to experience Android TV and streaming entertainment on your old television, the Xiaomi Mi Box S is a solid choice. It provides good value for money and is well-suited for consumers who want both affordability and ease of use in a streaming device.
Xiaomi Mi Box S: FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that often come up regarding the Xiaomi Mi Box S:
