When choosing a TV from Xiaomi’s ecosystem, many people are faced with confusion: what do the Mi TV and Xiaomi TV names mean, and is there a fundamental difference between them? At first glance, both brands belong to the same company, but in practice the differences are much deeper than just a logo on the case. This article will help to understand the nuances of branding, technical features and even hidden “chips” that affect the experience of use.
It's pointless to argue about which TV is better, Mi or Xiaomi, without understanding their positioning. Some models are budget-oriented with a focus on price-to-quality ratio, others offer premium features for the right price. And some differences, like firmware or ecosystem support, only become noticeable after months of use. Let's look at what's behind the marketing titles and how that affects your choices.
Branding and History: Why Two Companies Have Two Names
To start with, Mi TV and Xiaomi TV are products of the same company, but with different positioning strategies. Initially, all Xiaomi TVs were released under the Mi TV brand (2014-2018), but after rebranding in 2019, the company decided to split the lines:
- 🔹 Mi TV — Budget and mid-budget models that are mass-market, often produced in partnership with other manufacturers (e.g. Mi Mi). TV 4A milling TCL).
- 🔹 Xiaomi TV — premium series with improved design, more powerful hardware and advanced features (for example, Xiaomi) TV Q2 Xiaomi TV A Pro).
- 🔹 Redmi TV — A separate sublinear for the overbudget segment (not to be confused with Mi). TV!).
Interesting fact: in some countries (for example, in India), Mi TVs are sold under the Xiaomi Mi TV brand, which further confuses users. In China, since 2021, all new models are released only under the name Xiaomi TV, without the prefix "Mi", this is due to the company's desire to move away from the image of a "budget brand" and position itself as a manufacturer of premium equipment.
Technical differences: “iron” and capabilities
The main differences are not in the name, but in the hardware, and let's compare the key parameters with the example of popular models:
| Parameter | Mi TV 4A (50") | Xiaomi TV Q2 (55") |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Amlogic Cortex-A53 (4 cores, 1.5 GHz) | MediaTek MT9611 (4 Cortex-A73 + 4 Cortex-A53, 1.95 GHz cores) |
| RAM | 1GB | 3GB |
| Built-in memory | 8GB | 32GB |
| Support for HDR | HDR10 (basic) | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG |
| Audio system | 2 8 watt dynamics | 2 dynamics at 12.5 W + 20 W subwoofer, Dolby Audio support |
As you can see from the table, Xiaomi TVs are equipped with more powerful chips, more memory and support advanced image and sound standards. For example, only in the line of Xiaomi TV Q2 and newer implemented MEMC technology for speakers, which improves sound at low frequencies without the need for a separate subwoofer.
Another key difference is that it supports gaming features. Xiaomi TVs (starting with the Q1E series) have ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) mode and 120Hz refresh rate, which is critical for gamers. While most Mi TVs are limited to 60Hz and input latency of up to 20ms.
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If you plan to connect a console (PS5, Xbox Series X) or PC for games, choose models with an index of “Q” or “S” in the title – they are optimized for low input lag.
3. Software: One firmware or not?
The operating system on all Xiaomi TVs (including Mi TV and Redmi TV) is called MIUI TV, but its versions and features are different.
- 📦 Software updates: Premium Xiaomi TV Get updates longer (up to 4-5 years), while budget Mis TV Often stay on the old version after 2-3 years.
- 🎮 Google Play Store: Global models (with Global prefix) pre-installed full-fledged Google Play. Chinese versions (even Xiaomi) TV) It is not available, only the Mi App Store.
- 🔄 PatchWall: Artificial Intelligence for Content Recommendations is Only Available in Xiaomi TV Starting in 2020. TV A simplified version without personalization.
Critical moment: Mi TVs TV, Released before 2021, do not support automatic switching between HDMI-ports when you turn on the console or sound bar. TV This function came from the firmware MIUI TV 3.0.
Another hidden difference is customization: Xiaomi TV allows you to change the launcher (installing alternative shells like ATV Launcher), whereas Mi TV often blocks this feature at the firmware level.
How to check the version of MIUI TV?
4. Design and Assembly: Plastic vs Metal
The externally different Mi TV and Xiaomi TV are different, and not just the logo.
- 🖼️ Screen frame: Mi has TV wider (up to 1.5 cm), Xiaomi TV — almost frameless design (from 3 mm in the series) Q2).
- 🔧 Case materials: Budget models often have a plastic back panel, premium ones have metal with perforation for better cooling.
- 🔌 Connectors: In Xiaomi TV usually 3-4 ports HDMI (including HDMI 2.1), whereas in Mi TV — 2 ports, often of the old standard HDMI 2.0.
Note the wall mount mount. Xiaomi TV uses the VESA 400×400 standard even for 55-inch models, while the Mi TV 4A uses the VESA 200×200 standard, which limits the choice of brackets.
⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV series 4S and 4A (2018-2020) is often a problem with overheating of the power supply due to poor ventilation. If you plan to use TV in a tight space (for example, in a niche furniture wall), choose models with a metal case.
5. Compatibility with the Xiaomi ecosystem
Both types of TVs are integrated into the Mi Home ecosystem, but with the following caveats:
- 🏠 Smart home: Only Xiaomi TV (Starting in 2021, the MiOT Hub is supported by the MiOT Hub, which can control other Xiaomi devices without a separate gateway (for example, turn on Yeelight light bulbs by voice).
- 🎤 Voice assistant: In Mi TV Google Assistant (on global versions) only works in Xiaomi TV — XiaoAI (Chinese analogue of Alice).
- 📱 Mi Remote: The application for managing from the phone fully works only with Xiaomi TV. In Mi TV Only basic functions are available (volume control, channel switching).
An important point for Mi Band or Mi Smart Scale owners is that data from these devices can only be displayed on the TV screen if it supports Mi Fitness widgets, a feature that is available exclusively on Xiaomi TV with MIUI TV 4.0 and higher.
Make sure your TV supports MiOT Hub (if you need smart home control)
Check the availability of Google Play (for global versions)
Refine the version of MIUI TV (from 3.0 for automatic HDMI-CEC)
Pay attention to the connectors (HDMI 2.1 necessary 4K@120Hz)-->
Price and target audience: who is suitable for whom
The price difference between the Mi TV and the Xiaomi TV can be as high as 30-50% in 2026.
- 💰 Mi TV A55 (55", 4K) — ~35 000 ₽
- 💰 Xiaomi TV Q2 55" (55", 4K, 120 Hz) — ~65 000 ₽
Who's good for Mi TV?
- 📺 Those looking for an inexpensive TV to watch movies and TV shows without claims to premium sound or picture.
- 🏡 For a cottage or kitchen, where no game features and advanced settings are needed.
- 🛒 Customers who are willing to accept rare software updates.
Who should choose Xiaomi TV?
- 🎮 Gamers (because of) HDMI 2.1 and 120 Hz).
- 🎬 Movie fans (due to Dolby Vision and the best speakers).
- 🏠 Xiaomi Smart Home Owners (for full integration).
- 🔧 Those who like to “dig” in settings and install third-party firmware.
⚠️ In 2023, Xiaomi announced the gradual curtailment of the Mi brand TV in favor of a single line of Xiaomi TV. This means that new models called Mi will no longer be released, and support for the old models may be discontinued earlier than expected.
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If the budget allows, it is better to overpay for Xiaomi TV – the price difference pays off with durability, updates and advanced features.
7 Hidden Problems: What They Don't Tell You in the Store
When choosing a Xiaomi TV, you should be aware of the typical problems that manifest themselves over time:
- 🔊 The sound in Mi TV: In budget models, the bass is often "hrizzled" at high volume due to cheap speakers.
- 🖥️ Lighting in cheap models: in Mi TV 4A and 4S Direct is used LED light-zone 16×9, which leads to noticeable blooming (glow at the edges of bright objects).
- 🔄 Updates for Chinese versions: If you buy a gray model (e.g. Xiaomi) TV ES55 For the Chinese market, there is a high risk that global services (Netflix, Prime Video) will work with errors or will not be installed at all.
- 🛠️ Service support: In Russia, the official service Xiaomi repairs only TVs with global firmware. Chinese versions remain without warranty.
Another trap is marketing names, like the Mi TV Q1 and Xiaomi TV Q1 are completely different models, despite the similar indexes. The first is for the budget line, the second is for the premium line. Always check the full model name before you buy!
If you are buying a TV from hand, be sure to check:
Settings → About TV → Device status → Working hoursToo high value (more than 20,000 hours) indicates long-term operation and possible wear of the matrix.