The last major release of the set-top box from Xiaomi — the model Mi Box S (2nd generation) — occurred back in 2019, and since then, fans of the brand are waiting for an updated version. In 2023, rumors about the development of the Mi Box 5 with support AV1, Dolby Vision and the Amlogic processor S905X4, But there was no official announcement, and the competitors were like, NVIDIA Shield and Apple TV 4K Xiaomi has long overtaken in performance and functionality.
In this article, we’ve gathered all the available information about upcoming Xiaomi TV set-top box releases, from leak analytics to comparisons with alternatives. TV Stick 3), what technical novelties it will bring, and whether it is worth waiting for its release or better buy existing models now, and understand why Xiaomi has not updated the line for so long - and what factors may affect the release date.
The latest official model: Mi Box S (2019) – what we have today
At the time of writing (June 2026), the current console from Xiaomi remains the Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB) — It's a device that was released 5 years ago, and despite its age, it's still sold in official stores and is supported by firmware:
- 🔹 Processor: Amlogic S905X-H (4 cores Cortex-A53, up to 2.0 GHz)
- 🖥️ Graphics: Mali-450 MP5 (support 4K HDR, But without Dolby Vision)
- 🧠 RAM/ROM: 2 GB/8 GB (eMMC)
- 📶 Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.2
- 🎮 OS: Android TV 9.0 (with the option of upgrading to Android 11)
The main disadvantages of the Mi Box S in 2026 are:
- ❌ No support. AV1 — streaming codec (important for YouTube, Netflix in high resolution).
- ❌ Outdated Wi-Fi 5 can slow down when downloading content 4K.
- ❌ Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos are the key standards for premium content.
- ❌ Processor Amlogic. S905X-H weaker than competitors (for example, NVIDIA Shield TV Pro with Tegra X1+).
However, the Mi Box S remains one of the most affordable consoles with Android. TV on board - its price ranges from 3 000-4 500 rubles (depending on the region), but for modern tasks (especially gaming or watching). 8K-content content is no longer sufficient.
Leaks and rumors: what is known about the Mi Box 5 and new models
Information about Xiaomi’s new set-top boxes appears fragmentary, but a few key details have already leaked to the network:
- Model range: According to insiders, Xiaomi is preparing two new consoles at once: 📦 Mi Box 5 – flagship model with improved “iron». 📏 Mi TV Stick 3 is a compact device in the format of “stick” (like Fire) TV Stick).
Processor:
Amlogic S905X4
S905Y4
Cortex-A55
Mali-G31 MP2
- 🔥 Support AV1 (hardware-decoding).
- 🎬 Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- 🎮 Best performance in games (e.g. Google Stadia or Xbox Cloud Gaming).
- RAM and memory: Probably 3 GB of RAM and 16-32 GB of ROM (with support for microSD or external drives).
- Operating system: Android TV 12 or 13 (with Google Assistant and Chromecast support).
- Design: Possible rejection of plastic case in favor of metal (like the Mi Box 4), as well as the addition of a port USB-C instead of micro-USB.
The most intriguing leak is related to support 8K@60fps — Although unlikely for a budget device, such functionality could be a serious advantage over competitors (ALLM), What is relevant for cloud gaming.
According to the resource XDA Developers, prototypes of new consoles are already being certified in FCC (United States and EEC (Europe, which indirectly confirms the imminent release, but the exact dates are not yet — Xiaomi traditionally does not announce devices in advance.
Why Xiaomi has not been updating TV sets for so long?
Expected release dates: forecasts and real timelines
Analyzing the history of Xiaomi releases and current market trends, we can highlight several possible scenarios:
| Model | Expected release date | Probability (%) | Reason. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV Stick 3 | September–October 2026 | 80% | It is updated every 2 years (last version is Mi). TV Stick 2 in 2022). |
| Mi Box 5 | November 2026 – January 2026 | 60% | Difficult to manufacture, delays due to testing AV1. |
| Mi Box 5 Pro (hypothetical) | 2026 (2nd quarter) | 30% | If Xiaomi decides to release a premium version with 6 GB of RAM and HDMI 2.1. |
Why those deadlines?
- 📅 Fall 2026: Xiaomi often announces new devices at fall presentations (e.g. Mi 14 or Redmi Note 13).
- 🎄 Before the New Year: Coming to the consoles before the holiday sales is a typical strategy (as it was with the Mi Box S in 2019).
- 🔄 Update cycle: Mi TV Stick is updated more often than Mi Box, so its release is more likely.
However, there are risks of delay:
⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi decides to focus on developing its own Smart TV (For example, Xiaomi lines TV A Pro, the consoles may be delayed indefinitely, and in 2023, the company has already reduced the range of accessories for TVs, which caused fears among fans.
💡
If you need a console right now, don't wait for the Mi Box 5 any longer than the end of 2026. The probability of a release in 2026 is plummeting, and alternatives (like the ones in the guise of the new version) NVIDIA Shield or Fire TV Cubes are available now.
Comparison with competitors: should Xiaomi be waiting?
While Xiaomi is in no hurry to update its lineup, competitors are actively releasing new models. Let's compare the expected Mi Box 5 with the current consoles of 2026:
| Characteristics | Mi Box 5 (expected) | NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2026) | Apple TV 4K (2022) | Fire TV Stick 4K Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Amlogic S905X4 | Tegra X1+ | Apple A15 Bionic | MediaTek MT8696 |
| Support for AV1 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Dolby Vision | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Price (exemplary) | ~5 000–7 000 ₽ | ~20 000 ₽ | ~15 000 ₽ | ~6 000 ₽ |
As you can see from the table, the Mi Box 5 has chances to become the best price/quality ratio, but will yield in performance. NVIDIA Shield and Apple TV. The main advantages of the expected novelty:
- 💰 Price: Probably 2-3 times cheaper than premium competitors.
- 🔄 Android TV: Full-fledged OS with support for all applications (unlike Fire) OS Amazon Fire TV).
- 🎮 Potential to play: If support is confirmed ALLM and VRR, The console will be interesting to gamers.
But there are downsides:
- ⚠️ No. HDMI 2.1: Unlike Apple. TV 4K, Mi Box 5 It will probably stay on HDMI 2.0b, limiting 4K@60fps.
- ⚠️ Weak Wi-Fi: Even if Wi-Fi 6 comes along, it will be a stripped-down version (like Redmi Router).
So, if you want a set-top box for watching movies and streaming, the Mi Box 5 might be a great choice, but for gaming or professional use, it's better to consider it. NVIDIA Shield.
💡
If you are planning to buy a console for Netflix or Disney+, Check if the model supports Widevine L1 (required HD/4K The Mi Box S has no problem with that, but some Chinese clones may have a problem with it. L3, which will limit the quality to 480p.
What to do if you don’t want to wait: alternatives from Xiaomi and other brands
If you’re not prepared to wait indefinitely, here are a few alternatives you can buy today:
1. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 2 (2022)
Compact console in the format of “flash drive” with Android TV 11 and support 4K HDR. It is suitable for basic streaming, but weak for games.
- ✅ Pros: price (~2 500 ₽), Portability, Google Assistant.
- ❌ Cons: a weak processor (Amlogic) S905Y2), no AV1.
2. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019, but relevant in 2026)
The flagship among Android TV-console-holder AI-upscaling, Dolby Vision/Atmos and a powerful Tegra processor X1+.
- ✅ Pros: Better productivity, HDMI 2.1, long-term support for updates.
- ❌ Cons: high price (~20 000 ₽), size.
3. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
A good budget option with Wi-Fi 6 support and AV1, but on the base of Fire OS (Limited access to Google Play).
- ✅ Pros: price (~5 000 ₽), Optimization for Prime Video.
- ❌ Cons: no Google Play, weak appstate.
4. Xiaomi Mi Box S (2019) – if you urgently need a console
Yes, it's outdated, but it's still sold and it's still doing basic things. TV «Here and Now for the minimum amount of money.
If you’re waiting for the Mi Box 5, here’s a checklist for what to do for now:
Check the compatibility of your TV with Dolby Vision and AV1
Compare prices for alternative consoles (they may fall in price by the end of 2026)
Subscribe to Xiaomi news in the official Telegram channel or on the XDA Developers
Try cloud gaming on your current console (for example, Xbox Cloud Gaming via your browser)
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How to follow announcements: official and unofficial sources
To avoid missing the Mi Box 5 release, we recommend tracking the following resources:
Official Xiaomi Channels
- 🌐 Xiaomi Russia website: mi.com/ru (section»).
- 📱 Social networks: Xiaomi Russia in Vkontakte, Telegram, Instagram.
- 📢 Press Releases: Usually published 1-2 weeks before release.
Informal sources (insides and leaks)
- 🔍 XDA Developers: xda-developers.com (Section by Xiaomi).
- 📊 GSMArena: gsmarena.com (device database).
- 🤖 Telegram channels: Xiaomi News, Miui Pro, TechDroider.
- 🛒 Aliexpress and Gearbest: sometimes consoles appear on sale before the official announcement.
You can also set up notifications in Google Alerts for:
- "Xiaomi Mi Box 5" release date
- "Mi TV Stick 3" announcement
- Xiaomi Android TV box 2026
⚠️ Warning: Be careful with pre-orders on unknown sites! in 2023, scammers actively sold the "new Mi Box 5" at bargain price, but sent outdated Mi Box S. Buy only from official retailers: SberMegaMarket, Wildberries, M. Video or Mi Store.