How to choose a Xiaomi TV set-top box: a guide to models

Modern TVs, even those with Smart TV support, often fail to cope with the tasks that the user sets for them: a slow interface, no support for modern codecs or the inability to install the right applications. In such cases, external media players come to the rescue, and Xiaomi occupies one of the leading positions in the market, the right device allows you to turn any screen with HDMI into a powerful multimedia center.

The company’s range includes both budget sticks and advanced boxes with support 4K Understanding the technical nuances of each model is critical, because similar devices can be radically different in performance and functionality. TV Google TV, presence USB-Wi-Fi 6 support and port connectivity are just the tip of the iceberg of features to consider.

In this article, we will take a look at key parameters, compare current models and help you determine which console will be the perfect addition to your home entertainment system.

Key technical characteristics for selection

The first thing to look at when buying is the resolution of the output image. Most modern models support 4K Ultra HD, but budget versions can be limited to Full HD. If your TV has a diagonal of more than 40 inches, there is no point in saving on resolution, since on a large screen pixelation will be noticeable even from two meters.

The second critical parameter is the processor and RAM, and the slow interface negates all the enjoyment of viewing content. TV A minimum of 2GB of RAM is required. 1GB models will work, but constant delays when switching apps can be annoying. Having dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) is a must for stable streaming 4K-video.

Also, a set of ports should be considered. USB-The port allows you to connect external hard drives, keyboards or gamepads, which turns the console into a full-fledged game console or media center for local files. The lack of an Ethernet port in some compact models can be a problem if the Wi-Fi signal in the room is weak.

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Check the HDMI version on your TV. 4K HDR at 60 frames per second requires a cable and HDMI port version 2.0 or higher, otherwise you will only get 30 FPS or no HDR.

Comparison of current models: Mi Box, TV Stick and Pro versions

Xiaomi’s line of devices is quite diverse, and it’s easy for a beginner to get confused in names. The main division goes into form factors: classic boxes (square) and sticks (elongated, plugged directly into HDMI).

To make a good comparison, let’s look at the main features of popular devices on the market, which will help you quickly navigate the differences between generations and modifications.

Xiaomi Box S Pro stands out from the rest with the presence of a Gigabit Ethernet port and Wi-Fi 6 support, which makes it ideal for a local network and a large network. NAS-It's a storage facility, but it's a regular one. TV Stick is deprived of these capabilities because of the dimensions, but wins in portability and the possibility of hidden editing behind the TV.

Google’s operating system and ecosystem

All modern Xiaomi consoles are running the Android operating system TV or the new version of Google TV. This provides access to the Google Play Market store, where thousands of apps are available, including Netflix, YouTube, and the likes of the game, IPTV-Players and games. It's important to understand that certified devices are licensed by Google, which guarantees that streaming services will work in high quality.

Google TV offers personalized content recommendations by combining movies and TV shows from different apps into a single feed, which is much more convenient than the classic list of apps where you need to remember which service the desired movie is in.

⚠️ Note: Buying uncertified devices (often labeled as “Global Version” without a Google logo) may make it impossible to install Netflix or YouTube on your device. HD/4K Check if Google and Netflix logos are on the box.

Google Home integration allows you to control the voice console via speakers or smartphones. You can say "turn on Stranger Things on your TV," and playback will start automatically. Chromecast built-in is also available to stream content from your phone to the big screen.

Support for codecs and audio formats

For cinephiles and high-quality audio enthusiasts, support for audio and video codecs is an important aspect. Flagship models such as the Xiaomi Box S Pro support AV1 video decoding, which is becoming the standard for YouTube and Netflix, providing better picture quality with less bitrate.

In terms of sound, consoles must support multi-channel audio transmission via HDMI. Having Dolby Audio and DTS certificates allows you to connect the device to a home theater or saunbar to get surround sound 5.1 and even 7.1. Budget models are often limited to stereo or basic Dolby Digital Plus.

If you plan to use the console to view heavy files from an external drive, make sure the processor copes with bitrate.Powerful chips easily digest files weighing 50-80 GB, while weak ones can slow down or not open the file at all.

Gaming opportunities and connection of peripherals

While Xiaomi consoles are not game consoles in the full sense of the word, they allow you to run light games from Google Play, retro console emulators and cloud gaming. USB-port to which you can connect the gamepad. in the model Xiaomi Box S Pro used USB 3.0, which provides high data transfer speed.

Cloud services like GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming require stable internet and low ping, where wired connectivity (LAN) is a crucial factor, and sticks that lack an Ethernet port will have to use a USB-LAN adapter, which is not always convenient and requires external power.

For installing third-party applications (APK-You need to activate the developer mode, this is done through the settings menu, but it requires care not to change the unnecessary settings of the system.

adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555


adb install game.apk

Using the ADB command line allows you to install applications that are not in the official store or not available in your region, which opens up wide opportunities for customization, but requires basic knowledge of working with the command line.

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For games and heavy tasks, USB 3.0, an Ethernet port and a minimum of 4 GB of RAM are critically important, which is only available in Pro versions.

Frequent questions and problems in choosing

Users often face a dilemma: buy a new model with less memory or an old one with more specs. For Android TVs, it is better to use a newer device, since system optimization and codec support are more important than the raw power of the old processor. Also important is the issue of heating: compact sticks can warm more than boxes due to the lack of active cooling or a large radiator.

Another nuance is the remote, which features fast-access buttons for Netflix and Prime Video, and a microphone for voice input, and the lack of an infrared port in the remote (only Bluetooth is used) means you won’t be able to turn off the TV with this remote unless you set up universal control via HDMI-CEC.

⚠️ Attention: When in use HDMI-CEC The console may conflict with the TV remote. If the buttons are pressed chaotically, try turning off the function. CEC in the settings of the TV or console.

The choice between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 is relevant only if you have the appropriate router and Internet tariff above 100 Mbps. Otherwise, overpay for the support of the latest communication standards does not make sense, since the speed will rest on the capabilities of the provider.

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To reduce the heat of the stick, don't hide it deep behind the TV in a niche without ventilation. Use an HDMI extender to keep the device outdoors.