Choosing a modern smart TV in the budget segment often turns into a search for differences between models that at first glance seem identical. Xiaomi Mi TV 4S and Xiaomi Mi TV 4A are the brightest representatives of this category, causing constant controversy among buyers. On the outside, they may look very similar, but “under the hood” there are significant technical differences that affect the quality of the picture and the durability of the device.
The main confusion is that both series often share similar screen diagonals and support the same HDR standards. However, it is the panel detail, refresh rate and sound quality that are crucial when used. In this article, we will discuss in detail why the difference between the 4S and 4A can become critical for your use cases.
Don't just rely on the price tag at the electronics store. Often, overpaying for the 4S series is a justified investment in a more stable Android TV system and better color reproduction. Let's figure out what you're paying for and whether you should save on the basic version.
Design and quality of assembly of buildings
The first thing that catches your eye when comparing is the approach to materials.The Xiaomi Mi series TV 4S It's positioned as a premium, as evidenced by the use of Unibody's all-metal body. It's not just marketing: metal provides better heat removal from electronic components, which is critical for the stable operation of the processor during long viewing. 4K-content.
At the same time, the 4A model is often (though not always, depending on the year of release and region) equipped with a plastic case or combined materials. Plastic is lighter, but it is less durable during transportation and can accumulate static electricity. Metal frame in the 4S series also gives the device a more rigorous and expensive look in the interior.
It's important to note the thickness of the profile. Xiaomi engineers tried to make both lines as thin as possible, but in the 4S series, this was implemented more elegantly due to the lack of protruding plastic mounting elements. The leg mounting is also different: in the top version it is often more hidden, which allows you to use TV on narrow cabinets.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a model 4A Check the back cover material carefully at a particular store. In different shipments, Xiaomi may change plastic suppliers, and some versions may have a specific smell or be more fragile at the break.
Matrix technologies: IPS vs. VA
The most important difference is inside the screen, and it's the type of matrix that determines how the image will look in different lighting conditions. Traditionally, the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S series has VA (Vertical Alignment) arrays, which means deep black and high contrast, which is ideal for watching movies in the evening.
The 4A series is more often based on IPS-matrixes, and their main advantage is the wide viewing angles. If you plan to watch TV with a large group sitting on the sides of the center, the IPS will show the picture without distorting colors. However, the black color on the IPS looks more like a dark gray, especially in a darkened room.
The brightness and color reproduction are also different. 4S Often more advanced lighting is used, providing better work with HDR-Although both TVs declare support HDR10 and HLG, The real ability to display the nuances of light and dark 4S higher due to local dimming (in some models) and simply better calibration of the panel from the factory.
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You can check the type of matrix in the store using the flashlight app on your smartphone. Illuminate the screen at an angle: if the screen is lit with a white spot, it's IPS, if it's black, it's VA.
Performance: processor and memory
The brain of any Smart TV is a processor. Xiaomi Mi TV 4S models typically have a more powerful chipset, often from MediaTek with Cortex-A53 or A55 cores depending on the year of release, which provides smoother navigation on the Android TV menu and quicker app launches.
RAM is another critical parameter. The 4S series is often generous with gigabytes: you can find 2 GB or even 3 GB of RAM. For comparison, the basic 4A can be limited to 1 GB or 1.5 GB, which, when you actively install heavy applications (Netflix, YouTube in 4K, games), can lead to micro-slowdown the interface.
Embedded memory also plays a role. If you plan to install a lot of third-party memory. APK-files or games from Google Play, version 4S It's going to be more comfortable with 16GB or 32GB of internal memory. 4A 8 GB of memory after installing the system and updates to the user is left with very little space.
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The difference in RAM (RAM) affects the speed of the interface more than the number of processor cores.
Sound: embedded audio systems
The sound quality of budget TVs often leaves much to be desired, but Xiaomi is trying to stand out. The 4S series has a more powerful speaker system, the total power of the speakers here can reach 20 watts (2x10 watts), and also supports Dolby Audio surround sound technology and DTS-HD.
The 4A models typically feature more modest speakers of about 8-10 watts (2x4 watts or 2x5 watts). The sound here is flatter, lacks bass and can be distorted at high volume. This is enough for casual news watching, but it's not enough for movies.
Both series support the main formats, but decoding complex tracks in high bitrate on the 4S is without delay and desynchronization of the audio series, which is sometimes found on weak 4A processors.
Do you need a soundbar for Xiaomi TV?
Interfaces and wireless modules
The port set is something you check once when you connect, but you remember every day. And in the 4S series and in the 4A, there's a standard set: HDMI, USB, optical audio output, antenna input. But the HDMI version may be different.
In newer 4S revisions, HDMI 2.1 ports (or full 2.0 with all-feature support) are often found, which is important for gamers wanting to play 4K at 60Hz. In 4A, ports can be limited to the HDMI 2.0 specification without full bandwidth for HDR at high frame rates.
Wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules also have differences.Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz is present in both series, but antennas in 4S often more powerful, which provides stable streaming of heavy 4K-content without buffering even with a weak signal of the router. 4S allows you to connect better wireless headphones and gamepads with less lag.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
Comparative Characteristics Table
To quickly understand the difference, we'll put the basic parameters in a single table, and note that the specifications may vary slightly depending on the screen size and year of production.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi TV 4S | Xiaomi Mi TV 4A |
|---|---|---|
| Case material | Metal (Unibody) | Plastic/Composite |
| Type of matrix | VA (most often) | IPS (most often) |
| RAM | 2 GB/3 GB | 1 GB/1.5 GB |
| Sound power | 2 x 10 W | 2 x 5 W (or 2 x 8 W) |
| Support for HDR | HDR10, HLG (basic) |
Final verdict: what to choose?
To sum up, we can say that Xiaomi Mi TV 4S — This is a choice for those who want to get the highest possible quality of picture and sound within the budget segment. VA-matrix 4S If the budget allows, the overpayment for this series is fully justified.
Xiaomi Mi TV 4A is a great solution for secondary rooms, kitchen, cottage or office space, where diagonal and price are more important than deep black or powerful sound.
Keep in mind that both models run on Android TV (or PatchWall in some regions), which gives you access to a huge number of applications, but the 4S performance margin will allow the system to stay relevant and fast for a couple of years longer than its younger sibling.