Xiaomi Mi TV 4A and 4S: 11 key differences that will affect your choice

Choosing between the Xiaomi Mi TV 4A and Xiaomi Mi TV 4S is often a headache for customers, especially when the price difference seems unjustified. Both models are marketed as budget smart TVs with support for 4K HDR, but in practice differ not only in the “stuffing”, but also in the user experience. In this article, we will analyze 11 critical differences that will help determine the purchase – from the type of matrix to the nuances of working with the voice assistant.

Now, if you're looking for a TV that's just for movies and TV shows, some of the differences may seem small. But for gamers, music lovers, or those who plan to connect external devices, the difference between 4A and 4S becomes crucial. For example, only the Mi TV 4S supports Dolby Vision and has a built-in Chromecast, which makes it more versatile for streaming content from mobile devices.

We've analyzed the official specifications, user reviews, and test results to highlight key parameters, and at the end of this article, you'll find a FAQ- block with answers to some of the most controversial questions, such as why the 4S can slow down when watching YouTube in the 4K, despite its more powerful processor.

Type of matrix: VA vs IPS – which is best for your tasks?

The main difference that catches your eye when comparing is the matrix technology. Xiaomi Mi TV 4A is equipped with a VA- panel, and Mi TV 4S is IPS. This is not just a marketing ploy, but a fundamental difference in image quality:

• 🔹 VA (4A): higher contrast (up to 3,000:1 vs. 1,000:1 in IPS), deep black, but smaller viewing angles. Ideal for dark rooms.
• 🔹 IPS (4S): wider viewing angles (up to 178°), natural color reproduction, but backlight can leak out in dark scenes (the "dirty screen effect").

In practice, this means:

• 🎬 For a movie theater, the house is better 4A — black is deeper, details in the shadows are better worked out.
• 🎮 For games or side viewing (e.g., in the kitchen) 4S, as the picture does not fade when it deviates from the center.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to hang the TV on the wall at an angle, the VA- matrix 4A can be frustrating -- when viewed from the side, the colors will be distorted and the contrast will fall. Check this in the store before you buy!

2 Processor and Performance: Why the 4S Can Brake?

On paper, the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S looks like a winner: it is equipped with a 4-core processor Amlogic T962 (in the 4A - 2-core Amlogic T968), but in practice it is not so clear.

• 📈 4S is faster in everyday tasks: launching apps, switching between them, working with PatchWall (the shell of Xiaomi).
• 🐢 But slows down in 4K: when playing YouTube videos in 2160p resolution, there may be a slowdown in the sound/picture due to a weak video decoder.
• 🎮 Games: Both TVs support ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), but 4S will do better thanks to the more powerful hardware.

The problem with the 4K on 4S brakes is that the Amlogic T962 processor uses an outdated VP9 Profile 2 video decoder that doesn’t always handle high-bitrate content.In 4A, that’s not an issue, as it just doesn’t pull 4K@60fps in some applications.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to watch 4K- content from YouTube or Netflix, check for software updates for 4S. In recent firmware, Xiaomi has optimized decoding, but the problem is not completely resolved.

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Before buying a Mi TV 4S, check the firmware version in the store. If it is older than 2.0.185, ask the seller to upgrade - this will reduce the number of lags when watching 4K.

3.Sound: Why is the 4S losing out to the cheaper model?

Here, the Xiaomi Mi TV 4A is unexpectedly in the lead, and although both TVs feature 2×8W stereo speakers, the 4A uses better components:

• 🔊 4A: speakers with improved acoustic camera, clearer high frequencies.
• 🔊 4S: Standard speakers, "empty" sound at high volume, bass is virtually non-existent.

In addition, 4A supports Dolby Audio, and 4S only supports DTS-HD.

• 🎵 The music and movies on 4A sound bigger.
• 🎬 For 4S you'll have to buy a soundbar if you care about sound quality.

Interesting fact: some 4S versions (like the L43M6-6ARS) have even worse sound due to savings on the amplifier.

4 HDR and Dolby Vision Support: Why is it Important?

Both models support HDR10, but only the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S has Dolby Vision certification. It's not just a marketing ploy, the difference is noticeable to the naked eye:

• 🌈 Dolby Vision (4S): Dynamic HDR that adjusts brightness and contrast to each scene. The picture is more lively.
• 🖼️ HDR10 (4A): static HDR, brightness settings fixed for the entire movie. In dark scenes, details are lost.

But there's a caveat: to make a full use of Dolby Vision, you need content that supports this format.

• 🎬 Netflix (selective films in Dolby Vision)
• 💿 Blu-ray discs labeled Dolby Vision.
• 📺 Some streams on Apple TV 4K.

If you don’t plan on watching this kind of content, overpaying for 4S just for Dolby Vision doesn’t make sense.

5.Ports and Connections: What's missing from 4A?

At first glance, the models have identical connectors: 3×HDMI, 2×USB, optical output, Ethernet.

• 🎮 HDMI 2.1 (4S): One port supports 4K@60Hz and ALLM (important for PS5/Xbox Series X). In 4A all ports HDMI 2.0 are a maximum of 4K@30Hz.
• 🔌 USB 3.0 (4S): One of the USB ports is running in standard 3.0 (blue connector), which speeds up the read of files from the flash drive. In 4A both ports USB 2.0.
• 📶 Wi-Fi 5 (4S) vs Wi-Fi 4 (4A): difference in connection speed and stability, especially when streaming 4K.

A critical point for gamers: if you plan to plug in a PS5 or Xbox Series X, Mi TV 4A won’t work — consoles won’t be able to issue 4K@60Hz because of the limitations of HDMI 2.0. You’ll have to be content with 1080p@120Hz or 4K@30Hz.

⚠️ Warning: Even if you're not a gamer, HDMI 2.1 will come in handy for connecting an eARC-enabled sound system (e.g., Samsung HW-Q900C soundbars). 4A doesn't support this feature.

6.Software: PatchWall and its pitfalls

Both models run on Android TV 9.0 with PatchWall shell, but there are key differences in functionality:

• 📱 Chromecast built-in (4S): You can stream a smartphone screen without any additional devices. 4A You need an external Chromecast.
• 🎤 Voice Assistant (4S): supports Google Assistant and Alice (for the Russian version). In 4A voice control only works via a remote with a microphone (sold separately).
• 🔄 Updates (4A): Getting firmware less often as Xiaomi focuses on supporting new models.

PatchWall’s main problem is advertising, which can be disabled in 4S through settings (Settings → Account & Security → Personalization of recommendations), and in 4A, this item may not be available depending on the software version.

Another nuance: 4S preinstalled more apps (including Disney+ and Apple TV), while 4A they will have to install manually through Google Play.

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If you want to see stability, choose Mi TV 4S – it gets more updates and has fewer bugs with the playback of 4K- content.

7. Design and Assembly: What's Behind Plastic?

The exterior is almost identical: thin bezels, minimalist design, plastic body, but there are a few key differences:

• 🖥️ Thickness (4S): 7.5 mm vs. 8.7 mm for 4A The difference is uncritical, but 4S looks more modern.
• 🔧 Fixing (4A): openings under the bracket VESA 200×200 (in 4S — VESA 300×300 for 55" and above).
• 🌡️ Cooling system (4S): More efficient due to the perforated rear panel. 4A can overheat with prolonged use.

An important point for those who plan to hang the TV on the wall: in the Mi TV 4A, cables are connected from the side, which can interfere with the tight fit to the wall. In the 4S, the connectors are reared, which is more convenient for wall mounting.

Price and target audience: who should choose each model?

The price difference between the Xiaomi Mi TV 4A and 4S (average 3,000-5,000 rubles) is not for everyone.

If you don't fall into any of the categories, ask yourself: Do you need Dolby Vision, Chromecast, and HDMI 2.1? If you don't, take 4A and save. If you do, 4S will pay for the investment.

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The Mi TV 4A is the best choice for a secondary TV (kitchen, bedroom) and the 4S is for the main screen in the living room, especially if you have modern gaming consoles.

FAQ: Answers to the most controversial questions