When choosing a modern 55-inch TV, customers often face a dilemma: two models of the same brand, similar specs, but different price. In Xiaomi’s lineup, the 4A and 4S series raise the most questions, since they can appear almost identical visually, but the difference lies in the details that directly affect the durability of the device and the quality of the content reproduced.
The basic misconception is that the resolution of the matrix is the only important parameter. In fact, the company's engineers have made significant changes to the body design, the audio system, and even the way the screen is attached to the stand, understanding these nuances will allow you to not overpay for unnecessary functions or, conversely, save on critical components.
In this article, we will discuss design features in detail, compare image and sound quality, and evaluate the performance of the operating system. HDR-Content and Why Frame Design Can Be a Critical Factor When Buying.
Design and design features of the body
The first thing that catches your eye when comparing the Mi TV 4A 55 to the Mi TV 4S 55 is the build approach and the materials used. The 4A series model is made primarily of plastic, including the back and the bezels around the screen. This makes the TV lightweight, but visually it looks more budget-friendly. The bezels are standard for the budget segment, which is worth considering if you plan to watch content without black fields.
In turn, the 4S series is positioned as more premium, and this is confirmed by the use of a metal body: the rear panel and the screen edge are made of aluminum, which not only improves the appearance, but also contributes to better heat removal from the internal components.
⚠️ Attention: Metal body of the model 4S It requires more careful transportation, as when hit hard, aluminum can deform, unlike plastic, which often just cracks or cushions.
The 4A uses a classic screw connection where the legs are screwed directly to the body. It is a reliable method, but it limits the possibility of fitting into niches. The 4S often features swivel legs or hidden mounts, allowing you to adjust the angle of inclination or set the TV on a wide bench where the central support would be uncomfortable.
Image quality and HDR support
Both models feature 3840×2160 (4K UHD) resolution arrays, which provide high detail. However, signal processing technologies and support for extended dynamic range differ. 4S TVs typically feature more advanced decoders that support HDR10 and HLG standards at the hardware level, meaning that when playing compatible content with Netflix or YouTube, the picture will have deeper black colors and bright highlights.
Model 4A also supports 4K, but is often limited to basic color reproduction without full brightness optimization for HDR-content. Color coverage in series 4S And more broadly, through better filters and lighting, if you're planning on using your TV to connect a new generation of game consoles or watch movies in high bitrate, the difference in gradients will be visible to the naked eye.
The viewing angles of both panels remain typical for VA-The contrast is lower when viewed from the side, but in the model, 4S This effect is mitigated by a better layer of polarization, and in a living room where the TV is viewed from different points, this can be an important advantage.
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For maximum color rendering, always select Mode Mode or Filmmaker Mode and turn off all power saving features in the settings.
Audio system and sound quality
Sound is one of the areas where the difference between the 4A and 4S series is most noticeable without having to run complex tests. The 4A budget model has two speakers with a total power of 10-12 watts (2×5-6 watts). The sound here is monophonic or pseudostereo, pointing down, which often leads to a loss of high frequencies and no volume. For normal news watching, this is enough, but for movies it is not enough.
The 4S series has an improved acoustic system with up to 20 watts (2×10 W) and support for virtual surround sound technology DTS-HD. The speakers are positioned to create a wider sound scene. Low frequencies in the 4S are worked out deeper, which allows less use of external acoustics.
- 🔊 Power: 4S It produces almost twice the volume without distortion at maximum.
- 🎼 Codecs: 4S Supports a wider range of audio formats out of the box».
- 📡 Bluetooth: Both models have Bluetooth, but in the 4S Connection to sound panels is more stable.
Unless you plan to buy a separate soundbar in the near future, the 4S will be more rational, and the built-in acoustics of this model can sound a room of up to 20 square meters, whereas the 4A will require external assistance already in a medium-sized room.
Performance and operating system
Both TVs run on the Android TV operating system (or its global version), which provides access to the Google Play store and a huge number of applications. However, the hardware stuffing of the models is different. The 4A series often installs a previous generation processor with less RAM, which can lead to longer launches of applications and periodic slowdowns of the interface when switching between heavy programs.
The 4S comes with a more modern chipset and increased RAM. This provides smooth menu animations, quick remote response and the ability to install more background applications without losing performance. For users who plan to install third-party launchers or use TV as a heavy-shell media center, 4S power reserve will be critical.
Settings → About TV → Android versionVerification of software is the first step after purchase. 4S Updates come earlier, as this series is considered flagship in its segment. the stability of the Wi-Fi module is also higher in the older model, which is important for streaming. 4K-content without buffering.
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Switching and connection ports
The connector set is another point where the difference in positioning is evident. Both TVs have the minimum HDMI and USB ports, but their version and bandwidth can vary. In the 4S model, HDMI 2.0 ports with ARC (Audio Return Channel) support are more common on all or most connectors, allowing you to connect powerful receivers and transmit multichannel audio.
In the budget series 4A port HDMI supportive ARC Often only one version, and the rest may be versions. 1.4, limiting transmission 4K-frequency 30 Hz instead 60 Hz. This is critical for gamers who want to use the console in mode. 4K HDR. Also in 4S often present optical output (S/PDIF), model 4A Can be replaced by a minijack 3.5 mm requiring an adapter.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 55 | Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Case material | Plastic. | Metal (Aluminum) |
| Support for HDR | Basic/Partial | HDR10, HLG (Full) |
| Sound power | 2 x 5-6 W | 2 x 10 W |
| RAM | 1-2 GB (depending on audit) | 2 GB (standard) |
When choosing a location, look at the location of the ports. In some 4A revisions, the connectors are strictly sideways, which can interfere with the TV's tight fit to the wall if the cables are thick. In 4S, engineers tend to take this into account by making niches deeper or changing the angle of the sockets output.
Energy consumption and heating
The energy efficiency of modern TVs is high, but the difference in lighting technology and housing materials affects the final consumption. The plastic housing 4A less heat dissipates, so the system can use ventilation more often (if it is active) or limit the brightness of the matrix during long-term operation. This is not critical, but reduces the resource of the components.
The 4S metal body works like a huge radiator, passively dissipating heat, allowing the matrix and processor to operate in a more gentle temperature mode, which in the long run reduces the risk of burnt-out pixels or degradation of backlights at the edges of the screen.
⚠️ Warning: Do not seal the vents on the back of the TV, even if it is installed in a niche. 5-10 The wall is mandatory for both models.
Summary comparison and recommendations
To sum up, we can say that the choice between Xiaomi 4A and 4S If the budget is strictly limited and the TV is bought as a second screen in the kitchen or bedroom for background viewing, the model will be the best choice. 4A She's offering honesty. 4K-Image for minimal money, sacrificing materials and sound power.
However, if the TV is the main one in the living room, the price difference between the series is fully justified.The metal body, support for full HDR and improved acoustics make the 4S model a significantly more attractive purchase for media entertainment.You get a device that not only looks better, but also lasts longer thanks to efficient heat sink.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
Remember that software can be updated to change functionality, but the physical stuffing – the body, speakers and matrix – can not be changed, so investing in a better “iron” base of the 4S model is a smarter step for comfortable use for 5-7 years.
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The overpayment for the 4S series is an investment in durability (metal) and comfort (sound + HDR), not just marketing.