What Xiaomi Media To Choose For A TV In 2026: Model Comparisons And Expert Advice

Choosing a TV set-top box is a challenge that requires dozens of nuances, from screen resolution to preferred streaming services. Xiaomi offers several models of TV boxes and sticks, but not all of them are equally good for different use cases. Some devices are optimized for 4K HDR-Dolby Vision-enabled content, others are compact and priced, and others may disappoint because of an outdated processor or the lack of Google Play.

In this article, we will analyze all the current Xiaomi media consoles (including the Mi Box S). 2nd Gen, Mi TV Stick 4K Mi Box 4K Ultra, compare them on key parameters โ€“ performance, format support, connection interfaces โ€“ and give clear recommendations on which model to choose for Full HD-televisions. 2018โ€“2020 years of production and modern 4K OLED/QLED-frequency-panel 120 Hz. Also, we will analyze the typical mistakes when buying and tell you how to save without losing functionality.

Xiaomi Media Confidence Selection Criteria: What to Look For

Before buying, determine the basic requirements for the device. Here are the key parameters that should be evaluated:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Television resolution: for Full HD (1920ร—1080) It will even be a budget Mi. TV Stick, and for 4K HDR You need boxing. HEVC, VP9 Dolby Vision and.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gaming Opportunities: If you plan to play Cloud Gaming (e.g. Xbox Cloud or Xbox Cloud) NVIDIA GeForce NOW), Choose a model with a processor not weaker than Amlogic S905X4 and 2 GB of RAM.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Interfaces: availability HDMI 2.1 critically 4K@120Hz, huh. USB 3.0 It is useful for connecting hard disks.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Audio formats: Dolby Atmos support is important for home theaters DTS:X (Not all Xiaomi models support them!).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Control: Check compatibility with the TV remote (via HDMI-CEC) or the ability to control from a smartphone.

Pay attention to the Android version TV/Google TV. Outdated models (such as the Mi Box) 3) They work on Android 8.1 and do not support new versions of applications. Modern consoles (Mi Box S) 2nd Gen) upgraded to Android TV 12 And they get security patches.

โš ๏ธ If your TV is released before 2016, check for port HDMI 2.0 or higher. Older models with HDMI 1.4 will not be able to reproduce 4K-Xiaomi content even with the support of the TV box.

Top.-5 Xiaomi media consoles in 2026 year: comparative table

Below are the current models available on the official Xiaomi website and in trusted stores (for example, AliExpress, Wildberries, M. Video). Prices are indicated as of May 2026 and can vary depending on the region and stocks.

ModelProcessorRAM/ROMMax, permission.Support for HDRPrice, โ‚ฝ
Xiaomi Mi Box S 2nd GenAmlogic S905X3 (4 cores, 1.8 GHz)2/8 GB4K@60HzHDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision4 990
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4KAmlogic S905Y4 (4 cores, 2.0 GHz)2/8 GB4K@60HzHDR10, HLG3 490
Xiaomi Mi Box 4K UltraAmlogic S905X4 (4 cores, 2.0 GHz)2/16 GB4K@120HzHDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos7 990
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (1080p)Amlogic S805X (4 cores, 1.5 GHz)1/8 GBFull HD@60HzHDR102 290
Xiaomi Mi Box 3 (Old)Amlogic S905 (4 cores, 1.5 GHz)2/8 GB4K@30HzHDR10 (partly)3 990

The table shows that the Mi Box 4K Ultra is the most advanced model with support 4K@120Hz and Dolby Atmos, but its high price is only justified for gamers or owners of premium TVs. For most users, the best choice will be the Mi Box S. 2nd Gen or Mi TV Stick 4K.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of TV is in your house?
Full HD (until 2018)
4K (2019โ€“2022)
4K 120Hz (2023โ€“2026)
I don't know.

Xiaomi Mi Box S 2nd Gen: The best balance of price and quality

This is an updated version of the classic Mi Box S, Released in 2022. It runs on Android. TV 12 (with the option to upgrade to Google) TV), equipped with an Amlogic processor S905X3 It supports all the key streaming services: Netflix, YouTube, Disney.+, OKKO, Kinopoisk.

The main advantages:

  • ๐ŸŽฌ Full support 4K HDR Dolby Vision โ€“ the picture looks brighter and contrasted than competitors in the same price category.
  • ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ The ability to connect a gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller) over Bluetooth for cloud gaming.
  • ๐Ÿ”— Presence HDMI 2.1 (although without 120 Hz support) and USB 3.0 for external drives.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Built-in Dolby Audio and DTS 2.0 โ€“ The sound is transmitted without distortion to most sound systems.

The disadvantages are the absence AV1-It's decoding (important for YouTube in high resolution) and sometimes slowing interfaces when multitasking. But for everyday use, it's the best price-per-quality option.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you buy a Mi Box S 2nd Gen for a TV with HDMI-CEC, Enable the option "Management" in the settings of the consoles HDMI" (Settings โ†’ Display and sound โ†’ HDMI-CEC). This will allow you to control boxing from the remote from TV.

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K: lossless compactness as

If you need a console that you can take with you on a trip or hide behind the TV, Mi TV Stick 4K โ€” It's a perfect choice, despite its tiny size. 95 mm long, the device supports 4K@60Hz and equipped with an Amlogic processor S905Y4, rife 15% More efficient than the Mi Box S 1st Gen.

Pros of the model:

  • ๐Ÿš€ Portability: weighs only 29 grams, connects directly to the HDMI-TV port (does not require a separate seat).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Powered by USB-Type-C (you can use charging from a smartphone).
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Built-in Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Provides stable streaming even with a weak signal.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Support for Google Assistant and voice control via remote control.

However, there are limitations:

  • โŒ No Dolby Vision (only) HDR10), What is noticeable when watching movies on OLED-TV-set.
  • โŒ There is no Ethernet port (wifi only), which can be critical for online gaming.
  • โŒ Just 1. USB-C-port (cannot be connected simultaneously to the storage and charging).

โš ๏ธ Attention: When using Mi TV Stick 4K with Samsung TVs or LG 2020-2022 may be required HDMI-Xiaomi includes it, but if you lose it, you have to buy it separately.

Xiaomi Mi Box 4K Ultra: for gamers and movie-philes

This model is the flagship in the Xiaomi line, aimed at users with premium TVs (for example, Sony Bravia). X95K or LG C3). The main difference from other consoles is support. 4K@120Hz through HDMI 2.1, What is critical for modern games and dynamic content.

Key features:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game mode with input delay <20 MS (suitable for GeForce) NOW Xbox Cloud Gaming).
  • ๐ŸŽง Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X โ€” voluminous.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ 16 GB of memory (vs. 8 GB of competitors) allows you to install more applications.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Ability to connect externally SSD through USB 3.0 for broadcast recording (if the TV supports Timeshift).

Cons:

  • โš ๏ธ High price (almost 2 times more expensive than Mi Box S).
  • โš ๏ธ Overheating during long gaming sessions (recommended to use with a cooling stand).

This prefix is only justified if you:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Play cloud games or use TV as a PC monitor.
  • ๐ŸŽฅ Watch movies in the movies. 4K HDR high bitrate (e.g., high bitrate, UHD Blu-ray rips).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Connected to the TV sound system with support for Dolby Atmos.
How to check for support 4K@120Hz on your TV?
Find out if your TV is compatible with the Mi Box 4K Ultra at maximum settings, go to the TV menu: Settings โ†’ General. โ†’ Television information โ†’ Specifications HDMI. Look for lines "4K @ 120Hz" or "HDMI 2.1". If they are not, the console will only work in mode. 4K@60Hz.

Budget options: Mi TV Stick (1080p) and obsolete models

If your TV doesnโ€™t support you 4K (For example, the Samsung Series 5 or LG UK6300), It makes no sense to spend money on top consoles. In this case, Xiaomi Mi will do. TV Stick (1080p) โ€” cheapest model in the lineup.

Her features:

  • โœ… Price from 2,290 โ‚ฝ (It is often sold for $1,990. โ‚ฝ).
  • โœ… Support HDR10 (though HD-screen-shift SDR minimal).
  • โœ… Compact and easy (you can take on vacation with you).

However, there are serious limitations:

  • โŒ Just 1 GB of RAM โ€“ Apps can hang when multitasking.
  • โŒ No Dolby Vision and DTS.
  • โŒ Processor Amlogic. S805X It is much more competitive than its competitors (such as Amazon Fire). TV Stick Lite).

There are also older models on the market, such as the Mi Box 3 or Mi Box 4, which are not recommended for the following reasons:

  • ๐Ÿšซ Android 8.1, which does not support new versions of Netflix and YouTube.
  • ๐Ÿšซ No. AV1-decoding (YouTube in the 4K will slow down).
  • ๐Ÿšซ Weak Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 4), which leads to lags when streaming.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the budget is limited, it is better to pay 1,000-1,500 more. โ‚ฝ Take the Mi Box S 2nd Gen instead of old models, it'll save you nerves and money in the long run.

Comparison with competitors: why Xiaomi, not Fire TV Apple TV?

The media console market is dominated by three brands: Xiaomi, Amazon (Fire). TV) and Apple. TV). Letโ€™s see where you can choose Xiaomi:

CriteriaXiaomiAmazon Fire TVApple TV
Price.๐Ÿ’ฐ 2 300โ€“8 000 โ‚ฝ๐Ÿ’ฐ 3 500โ€“12 000 โ‚ฝ๐Ÿ’ฐ 12 000โ€“20 000 โ‚ฝ
Support for 4K HDRโœ… Yes (except Mi). TV Stick 1080p)โœ… Yes.โœ… Yes.
Dolby Vision/Atmosโœ… Only in the Mi Box S 2nd Gen and 4K Ultraโœ… Yes, in all models)โœ… Yes.
Google Playโœ… Full supportโŒ Limited Store (must be installed) APK)โŒ Only the App Store.
Playing opportunities๐ŸŽฎ Medium (suitable for cloud gaming)๐ŸŽฎ Good (Fire) TV Stick 4K Max)๐ŸŽฎ Excellent (Apple) TV 4K + Apple Arcade)

Choose Xiaomi if:

  • ๐Ÿ’ก You need a full Android. TV/Google TV app-accessible.
  • ๐Ÿ’ก You donโ€™t want to overpay for the Apple or Amazon ecosystem.
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Your TV doesnโ€™t support AirPlay (in this case, Apple) TV loses).

Give preference to Fire TV Apple TV, if:

  • ๐ŸŽฌ Dolby Vision support is critically important for all models (Xiaomi does not have it everywhere).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ You are actively playing Apple Arcade or using Luna (cloud gaming from Amazon).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ You need maximum integration with other brand devices (like HomePod or Echo).

Checklist before buying: how not to make a mistake with the choice

To avoid disappointment after buying, go through this list:

Refine maximum resolution and supported formats HDR your TV set

Check if you have free access HDMI-Port of the Sea (especially for the Mi) TV Stick)

Check the speed of your Wi-Fi (for example, 4K You need a tariff of 100 Mbit / s)

Decide if you need Dolby. Vision/Atmos (If so, take the Mi Box S. 2nd Gen or 4K Ultra)

Consider whether you will connect external devices ( SSD, gamepad, keyboard)

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Also, pay attention to the package. The box with the prefix should be:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ The media box itself.
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Cable HDMI (for Mi TV Stick is the extension).
  • โšก Power supply unit (at Mi) TV Stick - USB-Type-C cable).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Battery-powered remote control.
  • ๐Ÿ“„ Guarantee card (minimum 12 months).

If something from the list is not โ€“ this is a reason to be wary (possibly you are selling a used device or a fake).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you use the Xiaomi media console for IPTV?
All Xiaomi models support the IPTV through apps SS IPTV, Lazy IPTV For stable operation, it is recommended to use a wired connection (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi 5 GHz. Disable energy saving mode in the settings of the consoles (Settings) โ†’ Screen and sleep mode โ†’ Sleep mode. For ether recordings, connect an external drive via USB.
How to update the firmware on Xiaomi media console?
Update firmware is automatic, but you can run it manually: Go to Settings โ†’ About the device โ†’ Update system. Click "Check Updates." If update is available, confirm installation. If console is not updated: Check Internet connection. Reset to factory settings (Settings) โ†’ About the device โ†’ Download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website and install it through USB.
Xiaomi Mi Box is suitable for TV without Smart TV?
Xiaomi media console turns any TV with a HDMI-port TV. You'll have access to all streaming services, YouTube, browsers, and even games, and the main thing is that the TV supports the resolution of the console (for example, if you have Full Full). HD TV, take Mi. TV Stick 1080p).
Can I connect a hard drive to Xiaomi Media?
Yes, but with reservations: ๐Ÿ”น Mi Box S 2nd Gen and Mi Box 4K Ultra is supported USB 3.0 and can read disks up to the size of 8 TB (formatted in TB) FAT32 or NTFS). ๐Ÿ”น Mi TV Stick only has USB-Type-C, which is used for power โ€“ external drives can not be connected. ๐Ÿ”น To play movies from the disc, use applications VLC Or Kodi, if the disc is not determined: 1. Reformat it into FAT32 (file-wise <4 GB or exFAT. 2. Connect via externally powered hub (if the drive requires a lot of power). 3. Check the file system in the settings of the consoles (Settings) โ†’ Warehouse).
Which Xiaomi console is better for gaming?
For cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce) NOW) Mi Box is fine. 4K Ultra thanks: ๐ŸŽฎ Support 4K@120Hz and low input delay. ๐ŸŽฎ Possibility to connect the gamepad via Bluetooth or USB. ๐ŸŽฎ The Amlogic processor S905X4, rife 30% More powerful than the Mi Box S. For local games (emulators) PS2, Nintendo 64) That's enough for the Mi Box S. 2nd Gen, but you will need to install emulators manually through bootloader or ADB.