When choosing a 32-inch Xiaomi budget TV, many people are faced with a dilemma: which is better – Mi TV 4A or Mi TV 4S? At first glance, the models seem almost identical: the same screen size, similar design and even a close price. However, under the hood hides critical differences in the matrix, processor and functionality that directly affect the quality of the picture, speed and compatibility with modern standards.
In this article, we will detail 9 key differences between the Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 32" and Mi TV 4S 32" including performance tests, port comparisons and software analysis. You will learn which model is better for gaming, why the 4S wins in color reproduction but loses in power consumption, and whether to overpay for an updated version in 2026.
We will pay special attention to the hidden "pitfalls": for example, why 4A may slow down when viewing 4K-content USB, 4S Dolby Vision doesn't support Dolby Vision despite its promises, and we'll also uncover myths about "same sound" and show how the dynamics of models differ in practice. If you plan to connect your TV to Xiaomi Mi Box or use it as a monitor for PC, this guide will help you avoid mistakes when buying a TV.
Matrix and Image Quality: VA vs IPS and Why It Matters
The main difference is Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 32" from" 4S 32" is in the matrix type. VA-panel, and the second — IPS. In practice, this means:
- 🔹 Contrast: 4A (VA) It shows a deeper black color (contrast ratio) ~3,000:1 against ~1000:1 at 4S), but suffers from "washing" when viewed from an angle.
- 🔹 Viewing angles: 4S (IPS) retains color reproduction up to 178°, then 4A already 30° from the center of the picture fades.
- 🔹 Color coverage: 4S cover 90% DCI-P3 versus 72 percent 4A, what you see when you look at it HDR-content.
- 🔹 Backlight: B 4S uniform LED-lighting without darkened areas, and 4A You may suffer from "clouding" in dark scenes.
For moviegoers who watch movies in a dark room, the 4A is preferred because of its high contrast. But for kitchens or living rooms where TV is viewed from different angles, the 4S will be more practical. Note that neither model supports local dimming, so bright objects on a dark background will "glow."
2.CPU and performance: why 4S is 40% faster
Under the hood of Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 32" installed 4-core processor Amlogic T962 with a clock speed of 1.5 GHz, while the 4A runs on 2-core Amlogic T962E (1.2 GHz).
| Parameter | Mi TV 4A 32" | Mi TV 4S 32" | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of CPU cores | 2 | 4 | +100% |
| That's the frequency. | 1.2 GHz | 1.5 GHz | +25% |
| GPU | Mali-450 MP3 | Mali-G31 MP2 | A new generation |
| RAM | 1GB | 1.5 GB | +50% |
| Internal memory. | 4GB | 8GB | +100% |
In practice, this means:
- 🎮 Games: 4S It runs Asphalt 9 on medium settings without lags, while 4A slow down.
- 📺 Interface: Switching between applications to 4S It happens instantly, and 4A may be hanging on 1-2 seconds.
- 🔄 Multitasking: 4S Keeps up to 5 applications in the background, 4A — maximum.
Important: Both models work on Android TV 9.0, but 4S It will be updated to Android 11 (as Xiaomi says) 4A It's going to stay on the old version, and it's going to affect compatibility with new apps like Disney.+ or Tizen-applications through emulators.
💡
If you plan to use the TV as a PC monitor, choose 4S – it supports Game Mode mode with a input delay of ~15 ms versus ~30 ms in 4A.
3.Sound: why the 4S is louder, but not always better
Official specifications state that both models are equipped with two speakers of 8 watts, however, in practice the differences are significant:
- 🔊 Power: B 4S A class D amplifier is used, which gives 20% more volume at the same 8 watts.
- 🎛️ Frequency range: 4S plays bass up to 80 Hz (vs. 100 Hz y) 4A), but high frequencies are limited to 16 kHz (y) 4A — 18 kHz).
- 🎵 Technology: Only 4S It supports Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X (Virtual surround sound).
The 4S is preferable for watching movies because of its better sound balance. However, if you listen to music through a TV, the 4A may seem more "transparent" at high frequencies. Note that none of the models support Dolby Atmos, which is the archetype of the salesman's claims.
⚠️ Note: When connecting through HDMI ARC Mi TV 4A It can produce distorted sound at volumes above 80%, and this is a well-known firmware bug that Xiaomi hasn't fixed. 4S fix.
4.Ports and Connections: What the 4A Misses
On the back of the models there are connectors, but their number and capabilities differ:
| Port/Function | Mi TV 4A 32" | Mi TV 4S 32" |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI (total/with ARC) | 2 (1 with ARC) | 3 (1 with ARC) |
| USB (total/USB 3.0) | 1 (USB 2.0) | 2 (1 USB 3.0) |
| AV (RCA) | There is. | No. |
| Optical (TOSLINK) | No. | There is. |
| Wi-Fi (standard) | 802.11n (2.4 GHz) | 802.11ac (2.4/5 GHz) |
Key findings:
- 🎮 For gamers: 4S allows you to connect the console (PS5/Xbox) + The sound system is simultaneously supported by a third HDMI optically.
- 💻 Like a monitor. 4S supportive USB 3.0, which is critical for connecting external drives with 4K-video.
- 📶 Wireless communication: 4A Does not operate in the 5GHz band, which can be a problem in apartment buildings with a loaded 2.4GHz.
⚠️ Note: When connecting Xiaomi Mi Box S to Mi TV 4A through HDMI-ARC Possible protocol conflicts CEC. Solution: Turn it off CEC Control in the settings of the TV (Settings) → System system → Management HDMI).
5.Software: PatchWall vs Standard Android TV
Both models run on Android TV 9.0, but the shells are different.
- 📱 Mi TV 4A: PatchWall 1.0 with limited recommendations and no support for Google Assistant.
- 📱 Mi TV 4S: PatchWall 3.0 with Amazon Prime Video, Netflix integration and voice search.
The difference in convenience:
- ⏱️ Launching applications 4S 30% faster thanks to optimisation of the shell.
- 🔍 Content search in 4S scouts for 20+ Sources (including Torrent and local files) 4A limited to YouTube and pre-installed services.
- 🎤 Only 4S Supports voice control via remote control (Google Assistant button).
Important: 4A won’t get an update to PatchWall 3.0 — Xiaomi has officially stopped supporting, which means that some apps (like HBO Max) may stop working over time.
Update the firmware to the latest version|Check Wi-Fi at 5GHz|Connect the external disk via USB 3.0|Set up a voice assistant-->
6. Energy consumption and heating: hidden drawbacks 4S
Despite the more powerful processor, the Mi TV 4S 32 consumes 15% less power thanks to the optimized chip architecture.
- ⚡ Standby consumption: 4A — 0.5 W, 4S — 0.3 W.
- 🔥 Heating: 4S warm up to 55°C. Long-term loading (e.g., games), 4A — 45°C.
- 🌡️ Cooling system: B 4S an active cooler (small fan) that can make noise at high speeds.
For round-the-clock use (like a digital sign) 4A is better suited – it is less warm and has no moving parts. whereas for a home theater, 4S is more economical, but requires good ventilation (don’t put it in a closed cabinet!).
How to reduce the heat of the Mi TV 4S?
7.Price and relevance in 2026: is it worth overpaying?
At the beginning of 2026, the average prices for models are as follows:
- Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 32": ~12 000 ₽ (b/w, from 8,000 ₽).
- Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 32": ~18 000 ₽ (b/u - from 12,000 ₽).
6000 difference ₽ Justified if you need it:
- 🎮 Three. HDMI-gaming-port + sound-system.
- 📁 USB 3.0 for external drives with 4K-video.
- 🔊 Dolby Audio and Optical Output for Home Theatre.
- 🚀 A smoother interface and support for new applications.
If you want a TV for just watching TV, YouTube and rare movies, the 4A will be a good option. Note that both models do not support DVB-T2 (digital TV) without an external receiver – this is a common drawback of the lineup.
💡
In 2026, the Mi TV 4A should be purchased only as a budget option for secondary tasks (kitchen, bedroom). For the main TV in the living room, it is better to consider 4S or newer models, for example, Xiaomi TV A2 32" with support for DVB-T2 and HDMI 2.1.