Xiaomi Mi TV 4A and 4S: What is the difference and which TV is better to buy?

Choosing a budget smart TV from Xiaomi, many are faced with a dilemma: which is better – Mi TV 4A or Mi TV 4S? At first glance, the models seem almost identical: the same minimalist design, support for Smart. TV Android-based TV, And even the diagonals are often the same, but underneath the hood, there are key differences that affect the quality of the picture, the sound, and even the gamer experience.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what Xiaomi Mi TV 4S different 4A — From the matrix type and the processor to the nuances of the software, you'll know if you're paying too much for the model. 4S, or 4A And if you've already made up your mind about the choice, but you're not sure what the settings are, at the end of the article, you'll find a few. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions on Both Models.

Basic technical specifications: comparative table

Let's start with the dry numbers. Below is a table with the key parameters of both series, and notice the differences that are highlighted, which determine what tasks each model is suitable for.

As you can see from the table, Mi TV 4S It's a win-win for most things, but it's not always a big difference. For example, RAM is important if you plan to install a lot of apps or play heavy games over cloud services (VA vs IPS) It affects viewing angles and color reproduction, which is noticeable when watching movies in dark scenes.

⚠️ Attention: In Mi models TV 4A A 32-43 inch diagonal is often used matrix IPS, 4S same diagonal, already VA. Check the specifications of a specific modification before buying!

Matrix and picture quality: VA vs IPS

One of the main differences is the type of matrix. TV 4A often set up VA-panels, and in 4S — IPS (for diagonals up to 55 inches) or improved VA (So let's see what that means in practice.

• 🔹 VA-matrix (4A): Higher contrast (black is really deep) but smaller viewing angles, ideal for dark rooms and movie watching.
• 🔹 IPS-matrix (4S up to 55): better viewing angles (colors do not burn out when viewed from the side), but less contrast.
• 🔹 Improved. VA (4S 55"+): combines high contrast with extended viewing angles (up to 178)°). The best option for large screens.

If you plan to hang the TV on the wall and watch it strictly in the center — VA into 4A But if there are multiple viewing areas in the room (for example, a sofa). + chairs on the sides, it is better to choose 4S s IPS or improved VA.

Critical nuance: in models 4S 2023 and later, Memc (engine interpolation) technology is used, which smooths the picture in dynamic scenes (sports, action films). 4A This function is not.

Performance: processor and memory

Under the hood of Mi TV 4S It is a more modern processor Amlogic Cortex-A55 (up to 1.9 GHz, whereas in 4A obsolete Cortex-A53 (The difference in performance is noticeable at:

• 🎮 Launching games through cloud services (Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce) NOW).
• 📺 Multiple applications running simultaneously (e.g. YouTube) + Twitch in the background).
• 🔄 Switching between menu and content 4S animations smoother.

Also. 4S equipped with 2 GB of RAM against 1-1.5 GB in 4A. That means that:

• ✅ V 4S less often there is a forced reboot of applications with a lack of memory.
• ✅ You can install more games and applications (embedded memory is also 2 times more – 16 GB vs 8 GB).

However, for basic use (watching movies, YouTube, IPTV) capacity 4A The difference will only be noticeable when you're under intense load.

⚠️ Attention: In Mi models TV 4A A 32-inch diagonal is often found with just 1 GB of RAM. This can lead to slowdowns when working with modern applications (for example, Disney).+ kodi).

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If you plan to use the TV as a media center with a lot of applications – take it. 4S. For a basic viewing, and 4A.

4.Sound: speakers and format support

The sound on Xiaomi TVs is rarely perfect, but it’s not. 4S It does offer noticeable improvements:

• 🔊 Power of speakers: 10-12.5 W 4S 8 watts 4A. The difference is particularly noticeable at low frequencies (bass).
• 🎵 Support for formats: 4S It is also working with Dolby Audio and DTS-HD, then 4A Supports only basic codecs (AAC, MP3).
• 🎧 Bluetooth: B 4S Bluetooth 5.0 (less delays when connecting headphones) 4A — 4.2.

If you do not use an external sound system (soundbar, receiver), 4S It sounds more natural, especially in surround-sounding movies, but for music or podcasts, the difference is not fundamental.

For the test, you can include a trailer for the film in Dolby Digital format+ (available on Netflix or Disney+). Nana 4A The sound will be “flat” while the 4S will manifest spatial sound.

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To improve the sound on the Mi TV 4A, Connect the soundbar through HDMI ARC Even low-end models like the Xiaomi Mi Soundbar will give a noticeable increase in quality.

5. Playing opportunities: ALLM, VRR and refresh rate

If you plan to connect to a PlayStation 5 TV, Xbox Series X or PC for gaming, then Mi is the best choice. TV 4S — It's definitely the best choice:

• 🎮 Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Automatically switches the TV to minimum latency when connecting the console. 4A This function must be manually enabled.
• 🔄 Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Maintained in 4S 2023 and later (for models with frequency of 120 Hz) eliminates the gaps of the picture in dynamic games.
• 🖥️ Frequency of update: 4S diagonals 55" and above can operate at 120 Hz (via HDMI 2.1), whereas 4A limited to 60 Hz.

To check the input delay (input lag), you can use the test on the TestUFO website. 4A delay ~20-25 ms, in 4S — ~10-15 ms (in game mode).

⚠️ Attention: To activate 120Hz on the Mi TV 4S, necessary:

1. Connect the device through HDMI 2.1 (Ports are usually signed).
2. In the settings of the TV, select Settings → Display and sound → Screen mode → 120 Hz.
3. On the console or PC, enable the output of the signal at 120 Hz (in the display settings).

6. Software and updates

Both models work on Android. TV, but there are nuances:

• 🤖 Android version: 4A frequently comes with Android 9, 4S — Android 10/11 (This affects support for new applications.
• 🔄 Updates: Xiaomi supports longer 4S — This series includes security updates and new features (e.g. integration with Mi Home).
• 🎛️ Interface: IN 4S using a more modern shell MIUI TV 3.0+ navigationally.

To check the version of the software, go to Settings → On TV. → If your model has not been updated for a long time, you can try installing the firmware manually:

Download the latest firmware from the official Xiaomi website (support section)

Copy the file update.zip flash-drive (FAT32)

Put the flash drive in USB-television-port

Go to Settings → On TV. → Updating the system → Local Update

Confirm installation and wait for reboot-->

Important: When you manually upgrade, don’t turn off the TV until the process is complete (it can take 10-15 minutes).

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If you want stability and long-term support, choose 4S. Models. 4A They often stay on older versions of Android.

7 Design and Connectivity: What's Common and What's the Difference

Outwardly, Mi. TV 4A and 4S It's almost the same, thin bezels, minimalist stand, plastic case, but there's a few nuances:

• 📏 Thickness: 4S 5-10 mm thinner due to more compact electronics.
• 🔌 Ports: In 4S frequent HDMI 2.1 (for 4K@120Hz, whereas in 4A — only HDMI 2.0.
• 📶 Wi-Fi: 4S Supports Wi-Fi 5 support (802.11ac), 4A — Only Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n). This affects the speed of streaming. 4K-content.

Both TVs use the standard for wall mounting. VESA:

• 32–43 inch: 200×200 mm
• 50–55 inch: 300×300 mm
• 65+ inch: 400×400 mm

If you plan to use the TV as a PC monitor, pay attention to the resolution:

• 4A maximum 3840×2160@60Hz.
• 4S (on HDMI 2.1) — before 3840×2160@120Hz or 2560×1440@144Hz.

8.Price and feasibility of purchase: what to choose in 2026

At 2026, the price difference between the Mi TV 4A and 4S (If you're the same diagonal, it's about 20 to 30 percent. Should you overpay? Depends on your tasks:

Conclusion:

• 💰 If the budget is limited, take it. 4A. For YouTube viewing, IPTV And the movies have the potential.
• 🎮 For gamers or movie lovers, only 4S. The difference in image, sound and responsiveness is worth overpaying.
• 🏠 Kitchen or bedroom (diagonals 32-43") — 4A It is quite enough, since the difference in quality on small screens is less noticeable.

⚠️ In 2026, Xiaomi began to gradually withdraw from the production of the model 4A in favor of the new series (Mi) TV A2, Mi TV Q2). If you get caught. 4A For a very low price, check the year of release (in the settings of the TV). Models from 2020 to 2021 may have outdated software.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi TV 4A and 4S