Xiaomi TVs have become some of the most popular on the market in a few years thanks to a combination of affordable prices, cutting-edge technology and minimalist design. But when did the company, known primarily for smartphones, decide to enter the Smart TV market? This question is of interest to many buyers, especially those who follow the evolution of the brand and want to understand how reliable modern models are.
Xiaomi’s TV debut came as a surprise to even the brand’s fans. Unlike the gradual expansion of its range (as it was with smart lamps or robot vacuum cleaners), the TV market was a strategic step in time for global expansion. Today, the Mi TV line includes models from budget to premium, but few people know that the first prototypes appeared long before the official announcement.
Xiaomi’s first TV: Mi TV 1 (2013) – revolution or experiment?
Officially, the first Xiaomi TV was introduced in September 2013 under the name Mi TV 1. It was a 47-inch model with a resolution of 1920×1080 (Full HD), running on the basis of Android 4.2 with a proprietary shell MIUI TV. The price of the device was about 3000 yuan (≈450 dollars at the time), which was 2-3 times cheaper than similar TVs from Samsung or LG.
Fun fact: The Mi TV 1 was sold exclusively in China through flash sales on the Mi.com platform. The first 10,000 sold out in 9 minutes! This success proved that Xiaomi had the potential to compete with the giants of the electronics industry.
- 🔌 Lack of standard connectors (e.g. AV-in), which limited compatibility with older devices.
- 📶 Weak Wi-Fi module that often loses connection when streaming high-resolution video.
- 🔄 Unable to upgrade to new Android versions (the system is stuck on 4.2).
Despite childhood illnesses, the Mi TV 1 was a milestone, proving that Xiaomi could produce not only smartphones but also complex consumer electronics, and most importantly, it learned to scale production through a partnership with Wistron, a Taiwanese manufacturer that also works with Apple.
2014–2017: Expansion and the First Global Models
After the success of the Mi TV 1 Xiaomi didn't stop. 2014 It was Mi. TV 2 — diagonally 49 and 55 inch, support 3D (in the top version) and the MStar processor 6A928. But the real breakthrough happened in 2015-When the company introduced the first 4K-TV - Mi TV 2S permittingly 3840×2160.
Key developments during this period:
| Year | Model | Innovations | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Mi TV 2 | 3D support, improved remote with voice control | Price from $500, sales only in China |
| 2015 | Mi TV 2S | First. 4K-Xiaomi TV, Amlogic processor T968 | The thickness of the body is 9.9 mm, weight 12.8 kg |
| 2016 | Mi TV 3 | Modular design, removable processor unit | Diagonals 55, 60, 65 and 70 |
| 2017 | Mi TV 4 | 4.9 mm thickness, Dolby Audio technology, HDR | The first model with a metal body |
In 2016, Xiaomi went on a risky experiment with the Mi TV 3 with a modular architecture, the idea being that the processor unit (with ports and Wi-Fi) could be disconnected and upgraded separately from the screen, but the concept didn’t catch on: users complained about the module overheating and the inconvenience of connecting cables.
⚠️ Note: If you find a Mi in the secondary market TV 3 with the module disconnected — check the integrity of the contacts. Often during transportation, they were damaged, which led to artifacts on the screen.
2018: Global Market Entry and Mi TV 4
2018 was a watershed year for Xiaomi TVs, with the company officially announcing its entry into international markets including India, Europe and Russia, with the first global model being the Mi TV 4 (55 and 65 inches) with HDR10 support and the Amlogic T962 processor.
What made this model special:
- 🌍 Localized software with support for Google Play and Netflix (unlike the Chinese versions).
- 🎮 Game Mode with 12 ms input delay.
- 🔊 Built-in Dolby Audio speakers with a power of 20 W (against 8-10 W at competitors).
The price of the Mi TV 4 55 in Russia started from 39 990 rubles – 30-40% cheaper than similar models from Samsung or Sony. This caused a real boom: in the first months of sales, TVs sold out faster than they could be delivered to the warehouse.
💡
When buying Mi TV 4 in the secondary market, check the serial number on the Xiaomi website - some batches of 2018 had a matrix defect (the appearance of "broken pixels" after 1-2 years of operation).
2019–2021: The Mi Era TV 5 and QLED-technology
In 2019, Xiaomi introduced the Mi TV 5 - the first model with QLED-It was a response to the growing competition from the outside. TCL And Hisense, who also started to embrace the premium segment.
Technical chips Mi TV 5 Pro (2020):
- 🖥️ Permission 3840×2160 refreshable 120 Hz (for gamers).
- 🎥 Support MEMC (removing blurry in dynamic scenes).
- 🤖 Google Assistant with a separate button on the remote.
Not all of the innovations were successful, however, with the Mi TV 5 having a built-in microphone for voice control, but due to privacy concerns (rumours of data transfer to China), many users have been turning it off software.
How to turn off the microphone on Mi TV 5?
In 2021, Xiaomi went further and released the Mi TV Q2, the first TV with a mini-LED backlight, which allowed for a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. However, the price of such a model was already approaching the flagships from LG (OLED CX), which caused criticism from fans of the brand, who expected traditional availability.
2022–2026: Modern Models and the Struggle for Leadership
In recent years, Xiaomi has focused on three key areas:
- Budget models (Mi TV A series) for the mass buyer.
- OLED (Mi TV Master Series) for moviegoers.
- Gaming TVs (Mi TV Gaming series) with HDMI 2.1 and VRR support.
Examples of current models (2026):
- 📺 Mi TV Q2 75" — QLED with a brightness of 1200 nits, price ~80,000 rubles.
- 🎮 Mi TV Gaming 65" - 144 Hz frequency, support ALLM console.
- 🖤 Mi TV Master OLED — self-emitting matrix, response time 0.1 ms.
Xiaomi has started to actively cooperate with Netflix and Disney+, offering exclusive viewing modes (for example, Filmmaker Mode for movies with original colors), however, in Russia these features are often blocked due to sanctions restrictions.
⚠️ Warning: When buying Xiaomi TVs from 2023 to 2026, check the firmware region (CN ROM) They do not support Google Play and have a limited set of apps.
Check the firmware version (global or Chinese)
Check for Russian guarantee
Assess the availability of service centers in your city
Compare prices in the official store and at resellers
-->
Chronology of key events in the history of Xiaomi TVs
For clarity, we collected the main milestones in the development of Xiaomi TVs in the form of a table:
| Year | Event | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Mi TV 1 (47) Full HD Release | The brand’s first TV, only selling in China |
| 2015 | Mi TV 2S s 4K-permit | Switching to Ultra HD, the beginning of competition with Samsung |
| 2018 | Global release of Mi TV 4 | Entering the markets of Europe and Russia, localized software |
| 2020 | Mi TV 5 Pro with QLED and 120Hz | Focus on gamers and movie-philes |
| 2022 | Mi TV Master OLED | First. OLED-Xiaomi TV, premium segment |
| 2026 | Mi TV Q2 with Mini-LED | Competitive with Apple Pro Display XDR |
As can be seen from the chronology, Xiaomi has gone from experimental models to a full-fledged player in the market of Smart TV. while the brand retains its key feature – the price / quality ratio, which is difficult to find from competitors.
💡
Xiaomi’s main success in the TV segment is its control of the supply chain, which does not manufacture the matrix itself, but enters into direct contracts with BOE and CSOT, which reduces the cost of production by 20-30% compared to Samsung or LG.
Secrets of Choice: What to Look for When Buying
If you are planning to buy a Xiaomi TV, consider the following nuances:
- Global ROMs support Google Play and have a Russian-language menu. Chinese versions (CN ROM) are cheaper but lack many features.
- Type of matrix: 🔹 VA-panel – high contrast, but narrow viewing angles (budget models). 🔹 IPS — wide angles, but less depth of black (series Mi) TV A). 🔹 OLED/QLED — premium quality, but the risk of pixel burnout (Master series).
Support for HDR formats
HDR
Dolby Vision
HDR10+
Guarantee and service
Xiaomi Russia
Support for HDMI 2.1 (for PS5/Xbox Series X) and VRR (smooth frame rate) technology is critical for gamers, only available in the Mi TV Gaming and Master series.
And if you love movies, look for models with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X – they provide surround sound without having to buy a soundbar.