Choosing between an Apple TV and a Xiaomi Mi Box is a classic dilemma that anyone who wants to turn their regular TV into a full-fledged multimedia center faces: At first glance, both consoles serve the same function: they stream content from the Internet to the big screen, but under the hood there are radically different philosophies, software and user scenarios.
One of the key factors is the cost of the devices. Xiaomi Mi Box has traditionally been positioned as an affordable solution that allows you to get the functionality of Smart TV for reasonable money. At the same time, Apple TV is a premium gadget, the price of which can be several times higher than the cost of a competitor. Is it worth overpaying for the logo of a bitten apple, or will the budget console cope with it? Let's figure out.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the specifications, user-friendliness, codec support and integration with the smart home, you will understand which device will fit perfectly into your living room and will not be dusted on the shelf.
Ecosystem and operating system
The fundamental difference lies in the software. Xiaomi Mi Box (depending on the model S or the model S). 4K Pro) runs on Android TV Google TV. This gives the user a tremendous freedom: the ability to install applications from the Google Play Store, use file managers, connect gamepads and even install them. APK-third-party files.
On the other hand, Apple TV uses the tvOS operating system, which is a closed but incredibly optimized platform, and you won't find a file system in the usual sense here, and you can install applications exclusively through the App Store, but it's because of the closedness that it runs smoothly, without jerks and hangs, which often happens on Android consoles with inexpensive hardware.
⚠️ Note: When choosing Xiaomi, remember that in some regions (for example, in Russia) the standard Google Play may work unstable or require additional settings. DNS service-work.
Integration with other devices also plays a role. If you own an iPhone, iPad or Mac, Apple TV will be a natural extension of your gadget. AirPlay allows you to instantly stream a smartphone screen or video to your TV without delay. For Android users, Google Chromecast ecosystem is built into Xiaomi Mi Box, which is also convenient, but the level of synchronization with Apple is traditionally higher.
Productivity and hardware
When we talk about power, Apple TV (especially the latest 4K models) uses A-series processors similar to those found in the iPhone, which provides a margin of performance for years to come. The menu opens instantly, heavy games run smoothly, and the interface does not slow down even with long work.
Xiaomi devices typically use processors from Amlogic or MediaTek. They are quite good at playing 4K video and basic applications. However, over time, as the cache and update applications, the interface may become less responsive. RAM in Xiaomi is often limited to 2 GB, while Apple TV offers more resources for background tasks.
Why isn't Apple TV warming up?
As for the peripheral connection, the Xiaomi Mi Box often benefits from the presence of the peripheral. USB-This allows you to connect flash drives, hard drives, keyboards and mice directly. TV deprived USB-port (except for the port model) HD First generation and professional versions, relying on wireless or cloud storage.
- 🚀 Apple TV: Flagship chip, power reserve on 5-7 years, no lags in the interface.
- 📦 Xiaomi Mi Box: Adequate power for streaming, availability USB for flash drives, but possible heating with prolonged load.
- 🎮 Gaming: On Apple TV The library of games through Apple Arcade is much better and more optimized.
Image quality and codec support
Both consoles support 4K Ultra HD resolution and HDR10. However, there are important nuances in the details. Apple TV is famous for its reference color calibration. Recent models have the feature of automatic screen calibration using the iPhone camera, which allows you to bring the color reproduction of the TV to the reference level.
The Xiaomi Mi Box also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ (depending on the model), which makes the picture rich and contrast. For most users, the difference will be invisible without direct comparison side-by-side on a professional monitor. However, if your TV supports Dolby Atmos, both consoles will be able to transmit multi-channel sound, but the implementation of Apple is often considered more stable in conjunction with receivers.
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For maximum image quality, use a certified HDMI-2.0 or 2.1 cables may not let the signal pass 4K HDR high-frequency.
Apple TV 4K can automatically switch the refresh rate of the TV screen for content (for example, 24 frames for movies), which excludes jerk images (judder). Xiaomi this feature is, but it does not work in all applications and requires the correct settings in the Settings → Display and sound menu.
| Characteristics | Apple TV 4K (3 gen) | Xiaomi Mi Box S (2 gen) | Xiaomi TV Stick 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | A15 Bionic | Amlogic S905X4-K | Amlogic S905YX2 |
| Memory. | 64GB/128GB | 8GB | 8GB |
| Codecs. | H.265, HEVC, Dolby Vision | H.265, VP9, Dolby Vision | H.265, VP9 |
| USB port port | No (Type-C only for service) | Yes (USB 2.0) | No. |
Control and remote control
The Apple TV (Siri Remote) remote is made of aluminum and is one of the best in the industry. It features a touchpad on top that allows you to quickly navigate the menu with swipes, there is a button to switch between the latest apps and a built-in gyroscope for games, it is charged via the Lightning port or USB-C in new versions.
Xiaomi remotes are more traditional, plastic, with rubber buttons, often built into Google Assistant voice search support. Although functional, their build and tactile feel are noticeably inferior to the premium competitor. In addition, Xiaomi remotes are more likely to sit down batteries, because they use conventional AAA batteries, rather than the built-in battery.
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The ergonomics of the Apple TV remote greatly benefits from materials and touchpad, but you need to get used to it after push-button analogues.
The important thing is that you can control the TV, and both remotes support CEC, which means you can adjust the volume of the TV and turn it on and off using the console, and you can set it up automatically when you first connect to it via HDMI.
Installation of applications and content
In the world of Android TV (Xiaomi), you have access to a huge number of apps. You can install an IPTV client, torrent trackers, retro console emulators, and even browsers. This makes it a versatile harvester for enthusiasts.
Apple TV is more conservative, with no browser (except in special cases through AirPlay) and no file system, but all apps in the App Store are strictly moderated to ensure no viruses and big screen optimization. Popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and Apple TV+ work on both platforms perfectly.
☑️ What to check before buying an application
For those who like to watch content from local servers (NAS or PC on the home network), Xiaomi offers more flexibility. Apps like VLC or MX Player on Android can read almost any format of video files directly from the network disk. Apple TV also has great players (like Infuse or VLC), but they can require a subscription to support complex audio formats.
⚠️ Note: When installing applications from unknown sources on Xiaomi (sideloading), you risk system stability.
Price and final choice
We came to the main question: Xiaomi Mi Box costs 3-4 times cheaper than Apple TV. For that money you get a device that does a great job with YouTube, Netflix and online cinemas. If your budget is limited or you just want to revive an old TV in the kitchen or in the bedroom, Xiaomi is the leader in terms of price / quality.
The Apple TV is only worth choosing if you are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, you want maximum performance, no advertising in the interface and better color reproduction. It is a device for those who value time and comfort over money. In addition, the Apple TV remains relevant for longer and receives software updates for 5-7 years, whereas Xiaomi is usually supported for 2-3 years.
Ultimately, the choices are your priorities: You want a workhorse with the ability to install any software? You want Xiaomi. You want a premium experience, the perfect remote and sync with your iPhone? Then you're going to have an Apple TV.