Xiaomi Mi TV 4A and 4S: Key differences and characteristics

Choosing a modern TV is often a challenge due to the abundance of similar models with almost identical names. Xiaomi Mi TV line is a prime example of how easy it is to get confused in the indexes and letter designations of the series. Consumers often wonder what makes the 4A budget model different from the more advanced 4S, because visually they can look almost the same, and the price differs slightly.

In this article, we will make a detailed comparison of the two popular series so you can understand what you are overpaying for, and whether it is worth improved acoustics or premium design, the difference lies not only in marketing tricks, but also in real technical solutions that affect the durability and quality of the picture.

Understanding these nuances will help you avoid disappointment after buying and choose a device that will fit perfectly into your living room. We will take a look at everything from the materials of the case to the features of the Android TV operating system.

Design and design features of the buildings

The first thing that catches your eye when comparing the Xiaomi Mi TV 4A to the 4S is the design approach that directly affects the experience of the device in the interior. The 4A series is made in a classic, utilitarian style: here you will see a wide bezels around the screen made of matte plastic. It is a practical solution that hides possible build defects, but it makes the TV visually more cumbersome.

The 4S is positioned as a premium, so Xiaomi engineers have relied on minimalism and thin profiles. The frames here are almost invisible, which creates a soaring image effect. The metal body in the older diagonals of the S series not only improves heat sink, but also gives the device a solidity, which is deprived of the plastic A series.

The 4A series also features simple plastic supports that may not be very stable on narrow cabinets. The 4S version often features more sleek and stable legs, and some diagonals feature the ability to mount to the wall without a gap due to the specific geometry of the rear panel.

If you plan to build a TV into a niche or use hidden editing, the body thickness of the Mi TV 4S can be significantly less than that of a brother in the 4A series, which is critical for tight spaces.

• 🎨 Materials: 4A — plastic, 4S — metal and high quality composite materials.
• 📏 Frame: y 4A and visible, and 4S — ultra-thin, almost frameless design.
• ⚖️ Weight: metallic elements 4S make it heavier, which requires more reliable mounting when mounted on the wall.

⚠️ Note: When buying a wall bracket, be sure to check compatibility with the model 4S, since the location of the fastening holes VESA It may be different from the standard series. 4A metal back panel.

Matrix quality and color reproduction of the image

Both series of televisions are based on LED-lighting technology, but the quality of the panels used can vary depending on the year of production and diagonal. 4A more often equipped with matrixes with basic brightness and standard color coverage, which is enough to watch terrestrial television and YouTube in an unlit room.

In turn, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S It's often equipped with panels with improved contrast and support for wider color coverage, which is especially noticeable when viewed. HDR-And the difference between the light and dark parts of the frame is more natural, although both models support resolution. 4K UHD, Image processing algorithms in the S series processor work more efficiently, removing digital noise.

Viewing angles are another important parameter. 4A When viewed from the side, the colors can fade noticeably, which is characteristic of VA-Budget segment matrices. Models 4S in some diagonals, they are used IPS-panels or improved versions VA, Allows you to watch movies with a large company without losing quality pictures for those who sit with the edge.

There are a set of presets for calibrating the images in the menus of both models, but the 4S has a more nuanced setup toolkit that allows you to adjust the color temperature and gamut in more detail, which will be appreciated by fans of high-quality video content.

Audio system and sound quality

One of the most noticeable differences between the two lines is the sound system. Xiaomi engineers did not save on audio in the 4S series, equipping it with powerful speakers with a total power of up to 20 watts (depending on the diagonal) with support for Dolby Audio technology.

The 4A offers a more modest solution, with standard speakers that provide speech intelligibility but do not provide the immersion you get from the older series, with little to no bass, and distortions can appear at high volume, especially in metallic action scenes.

If you want quality sound, but you’re choosing a budget 4A, you should budget for a Soundbar or an external speaker system. In a 4S, the built-in sound can replace the entry level of a home theater for a small apartment.

• 🔌 Access to acoustics: the presence of optical output (S/PDIF) Both models have it, which makes it easy to connect an external amplifier.

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To improve sound on the 4A model, use an external DAC or connect the TV via Bluetooth to high-quality wireless speakers, as the built-in Bluetooth module transmits the signal stably.

Performance and operating system

At the heart of any Smart TV is the processor and RAM, both running on Android TV (or PatchWall in some regions), which provides access to the huge Google Play app store.

The 4S series often comes with a more powerful processor and more RAM, which affects the speed of opening applications, switching between channels and smooth interface. In the 4A series, when several heavy applications are running simultaneously, there can be micro-slowing menus.

The amount of internal memory is also important. 4S is better for installing a large number of applications and games, since the free space there ends up slower. In 4A, the user will have to monitor the storage more often and remove unnecessary software.

Navigation in the menu is done using the remote control. 4S Often there is a more ergonomic remote with voice control, which is more responsive thanks to the better module. Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Note: Do not install the series on TVs. 4A too heavy third-party launchers or games, this can lead to unstable system operation and frequent reboots due to a lack of RAM.

Switching and connectivity

The port set is the interface between your TV and the outside world. In Xiaomi Mi TV 4A and 4S models, it is quite similar, but there are nuances to the implementation. The standard set includes several HDMI ports, USB, antenna input, composite input (AV) and headphone output.

The key difference may be the HDMI version. In the newer 4S revisions, HDMI 2.0 ports with ARC (Audio Return Channel) support are often found, allowing audio to be transmitted to the receiver over a single cable. In the budget 4A, ARC support is also claimed, but implementation can be limited to a specific port, which should be considered when connecting.

Wi-Fi module in both series supports dual-band standard (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), but antennas in the 4S They can have better gain ratios, which allows for more stable streaming. 4K-content without buffering at long distances from the router.

For wired Ethernet (LAN) connection in both cases, a 100 Mbps port is provided. This is enough for viewing online cinemas, but for transferring heavy files over a local network, the speed may be a bit low, although this limitation is typical for most TVs in this class.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To organize the information and show the difference, we have prepared a summary table of basic parameters, which will help you quickly navigate your choices in the store.

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The main conclusion: overpayment for the 4S series is justified if you care about the design, quality built-in sound and the absence of lags in the interface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)