Which Xiaomi TV to choose: an expert guide to choosing a model

The smart-tech market is oversupplied, and the question of which Xiaomi TV to choose is becoming increasingly relevant for buyers looking for a balance between cutting-edge technology and reasonable price. The Chinese giant has gone from making budget gadgets to making premium panels that can compete with eminent Korean brands. The sheer number of series, from the affordable Mi TV P1 to the flagship Mi TV Master, creates confusion that even an experienced user can easily get confused about.

When choosing a device, it is important to consider not only the screen diagonal, but also the type of matrix used, the refresh rate of frames, and the operating system that will be responsible for interacting with the content. It is the quality of the image and the speed of the interface that become key factors in determining the comfort of daily use. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances in detail so that you can make an informed decision.

Understanding the differences between the lines will allow you not to overpay for features that you do not need, or, conversely, not to buy a model that does not pull modern games in 4K. We will analyze the technical characteristics, features of the software and real-world scenarios of use of various devices.

Operating System: Android TV vs PatchWall

The first thing that customers face is the choice between two ecosystems, and most of today's models, especially mid- and high-end models, are Android-based. TV Or a newer version of Google. TV. It's a full-fledged operating system with access to the Google Play store, the ability to install any applications from the outside and deep integration with Google services. APK-files directly, that's your choice.

However, in many regions, including Russia and some CIS countries, TVs come with a PatchWall shell.This is a proprietary Linux-based system that offers aggregated content from various online cinemas. It runs faster on weak hardware but has a closed ecosystem. Third-party applications are only possible through sophisticated manipulation of USB debugging or third-party launchers, which can be a problem for inexperienced users.

⚠️ Note: When buying a TV for use in Russia, be sure to check with the seller what system is installed. the PatchWall version may require additional settings to comfortably view familiar content.

For those who are used to the Google ecosystem and use an Android smartphone, the native system will be more familiar: you can stream your phone screen through the Chromecast without unnecessary body movements, while PatchWall offers a simpler, content-oriented interface that older generations or children may like.

Matrix technologies: IPS, VA, OLED and Mini-LED

The quality of the image depends on the type of panel. Budget models, such as the Mi TV P1 series, often feature IPS-matrixes. Their main advantage is the excellent viewing angles: the colors do not distort when you look at the screen from the side, but they have low contrast, black is more like dark gray, which is especially noticeable in a darkened room.

The higher-end models, like the Mi TV Q1 series or Mi TV 6, often use VA-matrixes. They provide deep black and high contrast, which is ideal for watching movies in the evening. But VA-panels have a drawback: when viewed from an angle, colors can turn pale. For home theater, this is often the best compromise.

Flagship solutions such as Mi TV Master, use technology OLED Or Mini-LED. OLED-In the panels, each pixel glows on its own, providing infinite contrast and perfect black. LCD-technology with thousands of local dimming zones, which gives brightness that is not available OLED, deepened.

Gaming Opportunities: Hertzovka and Standards Support

If you plan to use a next-generation TV with consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, the usual 60Hz may not be enough.Gamers should pay attention to models with support for 120Hz. This provides smooth movement in dynamic shooters and racing. It is important to look for support for the VRR standard (Variable Refresh Rate), which synchronizes the frame rate of the console and screen, eliminating image tears.

Also critical is the availability of a port. HDMI 2.1 Only this interface is capable of omitting 4K-120 frames per second. Old ports. HDMI 2.0 is physically limited to 60 frames per resolution 4K. Specifications often say "Game Mode", but a real gaming TV should have hardware support for high frequencies.

• 🎮 Look for the markings. HDMI 2.1 for play 4K 120 FPS.
• 🎮 Dolby Vision Gaming Support Automatically Configures HDR-settings for each game.
• 🎮 Low Delayed Entry (Input Lag) Critical for Competitive Online Gaming.

You don't want to be more specific if you're only playing old consoles or simple arcades. For a Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 4, a high-quality 60-hertz screen with good color reproduction is quite enough. Overpaying for 120 Hz in this case will not be advisable.

Comparison of popular series of Xiaomi TVs

To organize the choices, let's compare the major lines on the market, each tailored to a specific user segment and budget, and understanding the series' positioning will help you quickly cut off the inappropriate options.

The P1 series is still a bestseller for its low price tag, but it's not a workhorse for background news or YouTube in the kitchen. The Q1 series already offers a decent picture with quantum dots, making colors more vivid. The Mi TV 6 and Master are devices for those who appreciate every moment in a game or movie.

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The choice of the series depends on the script: P1 for the background, Q1 for the movie, Mi TV 6/Master for games and premium experience.

Diagonal and Distance to the Screen

Many people make the mistake of choosing a TV based on the size of the niche in the wall, rather than the distance to the viewer. For 4K (Ultra HD) resolution, the pixels are so small that they can't be seen from close range. This allows you to sit closer to the screen, immerse yourself in the content. If you're sitting 2 to 2.5 meters from the sofa, the optimal diagonal is 55 to 65 inches.

At 3 meters or more, you should think about models from 75 inches or higher. A small TV in a large room will lose its detail, and you will not be able to appreciate the benefits of 4K. Conversely, a huge screen in a small room can cause discomfort and fatigue of the eyes due to the need to constantly drive.

⚠️ WARNING: When buying a TV over 65 inches, make sure it passes through your home's doorways and elevator. packing sizes can come as an unpleasant surprise.

You also need to consider the angle of view if the TV is going to be hanging high or from the side, IPS-Matrices win here, but if you watch TV strictly perpendicularly, you can see that the VA-And the best picture you can get is the mounting, because for large diagonals, you need a solid wall and a high-quality bracket that can support the weight of the device.

Sound and additional functions

The built-in acoustics in today’s thin TVs often leave much to be desired. There are almost no basses, and distortions appear at high volume. If you do not plan to connect an external audio system, pay attention to models with Dolby Atmos support and speaker power from 30 watts. Some flagships of Xiaomi, such as the Master series, are equipped with full-fledged subwoofers and systems of 6-8 speakers.

An important aspect is having the right ports. To connect the sound system or the old receiver, you may need an Optical Out, which is not available in all models, and having Bluetooth will allow you to connect wireless headphones to watch movies at night without disturbing your home.

• 🔊 Codec support AAC and SBC mandatory for Bluetooth headphones.
• 🔊 The eARC function allows you to transmit uncompressed multichannel sound to the receiver.
• 🔊 Voice control via remote speeds up content search.

Also worth mentioning is the Smart Home feature. Xiaomi TVs can act as a control center or simply display a picture from CCTV cameras. If you already have Xiaomi devices, integration will go seamlessly. You can display notifications from motion sensors or calls into the door peephole directly to the TV screen.

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Buy a good one. HDMI-2.1 cables are directly connected to the TV, and the complete cables are often of poor quality and do not support the TV. 4K HDR 120 Hz.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)