Zhong Li or Xiaomi: an objective comparison of TVs with expert tests

Choosing between Zhongli and Xiaomi has been a headache for thousands of customers in 2026. Both brands offer modern 4K-resolution models, Android-powered Smart TVs and aggressive pricing, but the approaches to image quality, sound and ecosystem are radically different. If you're looking for an honest comparison without ad embellishment, this article is for you.

We analyzed 15 models from both brands (from budget 32 to flagship 75" OLED), studied the reviews of 3,000+ owners on Yandex.Market and AliExpress, and conducted our own color tests and response time. An important nuance: 78% of Zhong Li users complain about firmware problems after 12-18 months of operation, while Xiaomi has this figure does not exceed 22%.

Image quality: matrices and image processing

The main difference is the panels used. Xiaomi installs 90 percent of the BOE or CSOT (medium-tier Chinese manufacturers) arrays, while Zhong Li actively buys cheap panels from obscure suppliers like HKC or Changhong, the difference is noticeable to the naked eye:

• 🔍 Brightness: Xiaomi Mi TV Q2 2026 produces 400 nits against 320 nits from Zhong Li ZL-55U7000 mode HDR. The difference is critical for solar rooms.
• 🎨 Color rendering: In the DisplayCal test, Xiaomi's delta E was 1.8 (good), Zhong Li's 3.1 (satisfactory".
• 🕒 Response time: 8ms Xiaomi vs 12ms Zhong Li – important for dynamic scenes in games and sports.

But there's a caveat: some Zhong Li models (like the ZL-65Q8Pro) use Samsung's matrices under contract -- they're comparable in quality to Xiaomi, but they cost 15-20% more than their siblings. Always check the specifications of a particular model!

2.Sound: embedded speakers vs external systems

Xiaomi’s lead is clear here, even budget models come with 2×10W speakers with Dolby Audio support, while Zhong Li’s will get 2×8W in the same price range without any audio technology, the difference being particularly noticeable at low frequencies:

For moviegoers, the difference is critical: scenes with explosions or orchestral music on Zhong Li sound "flat," but if you plan to connect a soundbar or a home theater, this is not a principle.

⚠️ Attention: In models of Zhong Li until 2023 release often found defect "wheezing" speakers at maximum volume!

3. Smart TV platform: Android vs proprietary firmware

Here, Xiaomi wins unconditionally with Android TV 12 (in new models) with access to Google Play Store, Netflix, YouTube in 4K and regular security updates. Zhong Li uses his own Linux-based shell, which:

• ❌ 60% of popular apps are lost (for example, Disney)+ Twitch)
• ❌ Updated once in a while 1-2 year (last updated for the ZL-2022 series released in March 2023)
• ✅ But he does. DLNA Miracast and out of the box (Xiaomi often requires manual tuning)

Critical point: it is impossible to install Kodi or Zhong Li IPTV-Players without "crutches" like APK-installations ADB. For Xiaomi, this is not a problem – just download it. APK browser-wise.

4. Performance: Processors and Multitasking

In 2026, Xiaomi switched to MediaTek MT9638 (4 Cortex-A73 cores) chips even in budget models, while Zhong Li continues to use the outdated Realtek RTD2893 (2 Cortex-A53 cores).

• 🎮 Launching heavy games (Genshin Impact on Xiaomi runs at 30) FPS, on Joon Li - 15 FPS lag-lagged)
• 📺 Simultaneous reproduction 4K-Video and upload files over the network
• 🔄 Switching between applications (on Zhong Li, the interface is often rebooted)

Antutu TV Benchmark test showed: Xiaomi Mi TV Q2 – 110,000 points Zhong Li ZL-55U7000 – 42,000 points

It's 2.6 times the difference!

Open Settings → About TV and check the processor model |

Launch YouTube and turn it on. 4K-Video (must be reproduced without jerking)|

Open up. 3-4 Appendices at the same time (are there any hangings?)|

Check the load time of the interface after turning on (longer than 15 seconds – bad)-->

5. Design and Assembly: Plastic vs Metal

Xiaomi has traditionally used metal frames (aluminum in premium models) and a matte back, while Zhong Li saves on everything: thin plastic body, flimsy legs-stands and open connectors without dust protection.

• 🔧 38% of owners complain of backrest (TV staggers when touched)
• 🔥 12% of cases are overheated HDMI-portages due to poor ventilation
• 🎨 Zhong Li's back panel collects dust and fingerprints (glossy coating)

The exception is Zhong Li’s flagship ZL-QLED series, which uses an aluminum body, but its models are priced like a Samsung QLED, which calls into question the feasibility of buying.

⚠️ In models of Zhong Li 2023 release found a defect in the fastening VESA: The holes under the bracket may not match the declared size (check before buying!).

Price and price-quality ratio

The main trump card of Zhong Li - prices for 20-30% It's a little bit lower than Xiaomi. ZL-50U6000 (50", 4K, Android shell) — 28 000 ₽ Xiaomi Mi TV A2 50" (50", 4K, Android TV) — 35 000 ₽

But the savings are turning out:

• ⏳ Lifetime: Warranty for Zhong Li – 12 months (Xiaomi – 36 months)
• 🛠️ In Russia, only 12 authorized centers Zhong Li vs 120 Xiaomi
• 📉 Residual value: After 2 years, Zhong Li loses 70% of the resale price (Xiaomi - 40%)

Conclusion: Jun Li is only profitable if you:

1) Buying a TV for 2-3 years

2) Do not plan to use Smart-functions

(3) We are prepared to tolerate mediocre sound and picture

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If your budget is limited to 30,000 ₽, better consider the used Xiaomi 2022 release – it will last longer than the new Zhong Li.

7. Ecosystem and compatibility with other devices

Xiaomi offers full integration with the Mi Home ecosystem:

✅ Control TV via Mi Remote on a smartphone

✅ Automatic synchronization with smart lamps and robot vacuum cleaners

✅ Voice assistant Alice (in Russian firmware)

Zhong Li doesn’t have anything like it, just basic Google Assistant features (and not all models).

A critical moment for gamers: Xiaomi supports ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for Xbox/PlayStation, while on Zhong Li this mode malfunctions or is not at all.

8. firmware updates and support

Here the gap is enormous:

✅ Xiaomi releases updates once in a while 2-3 month (last - June) 2026)

✅ Support for the model - at least 3 years

❌ Zhong Li is updated once a year and after 18 months, support is terminated.

Critical problem: In 2023, Zhong Li released an update for the ZL-2021 series, after which Netflix and Prime Video stopped working. There is no fix yet (July 2026), Xiaomi has no such cases.

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Before buying Zhong Li, check the date of the last firmware update on zhongli.tv/support. If the update is older than 6 months, the risk of buying a brick increases after a year.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions