Choosing a media player for a TV in 2021 has gone from just buying a gadget to a real test for the nervous system of the consumer, the market is full of devices that look almost identical, but radically different in performance, software support and even configuration of remotes. If you are still using the built-in Smart TV, which is slow, freezes when switching channels or does not support the desired applications, TV-The console will be a real salvation, turning any screen into a powerful multimedia center.
Xiaomi has strengthened its position in 2021 by offering consumers several relevant solutions, each aimed at a specific audience: some users are chasing the maximum resolution and support for new codecs, others are looking for a way to covertly install the device behind the TV, and the third important voice search in their native language. Understanding these nuances will help you not overpay for unnecessary features and get exactly the experience you expect from digital television.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the key models available this year, compare hardware and software features, and not just list the dry specs from the specification, but explain how these parameters affect the actual use of the device in everyday life. In 2021, support for the AV1 codec and the Widevine L1 standard became critical, without which many streaming services will not be able to broadcast content in high quality.
Key criteria for choosing a media player
Before we go to specific models, we need to figure out what to look for when choosing. Many users make the mistake of buying a device just for the price or appearance of the remote, forgetting about the internal stuffing. The hardware platform is the heart of any Android TV box, and it depends on how fast the applications open and how smooth the interface will work.
Special attention should be paid to support video standards. If you have a TV that supports 4K and HDR, but the console can not decode the corresponding formats, you will not get a quality picture. It is important to check the availability of certificates from Google and Netflix, because without them Android TV can work unstable, and popular services will limit the resolution to 480p or 720p.
Also (don't ignore) RAM capacity: In 2021, 2GB became the minimum comfortable standard, although for heavy gaming and multitasking it is better to look for options with high volume. Don't forget about ports: USB 3.0 is necessary for connecting external hard drives, and Bluetooth 5.0 support will provide stable communication with wireless headphones and gamepads.
- 🚀 Performance: The processor should not be older 2-3 years to deal with heavy interfaces.
- 📺 Codec Support: Mandatory H.265 (HEVC), VP9 preferably AV1 YouTube 4K.
- 🔌 Interfaces: HDMI 2.0a/2.1, USB (preferably 3.0), sound-out.
⚠️ Warning: Beware of cheap "Mi Box" analogues that don't have official Google certification.They often run a stripped-down version of Android for tablets, leading to remote management issues and a lack of voice search.
Xiaomi Mi Box S (2nd generation)
The classic Xiaomi Mi Box S remains the gold standard among budget media players, a box-type device that fits perfectly on a nightstand or shelf under a TV, and the main advantage of this model in 2021 was the optimization of software that runs on Android TV 9.0 (with the possibility of updating), ensuring stable operation of all popular streaming services.
The device has an Amlogic processor installed inside the device. S905X, And he's still doing great things, despite his age, in decoding video. He's very good at streaming video. 4K and supports all necessary HDR-formats, including HDR10 and HLG. For those who like to watch movies from an external drive, the port is available. USB 2.0 will allow you to connect a flash drive, although the speed of reading large files can be limited by the port standard.
The remote that comes with the option is a special feature, which includes Netflix Quick Access buttons and Google Assistant Voice Search button, which works great, recognizing commands even in Russian, eliminating the need to type search queries using a virtual keyboard, making content navigation quick and easy for all family members.
💡
Use voice search to find actors or directors – the system will find movies with their participation faster than manually typing.
But the model has its limitations. It doesn't have a port. USB 3.0 can be a bottleneck for those who plan to watch heavy 4K-rips with bitrate above 80 Mbit / s from the external HDD. In such cases, the device may slow down or produce a playback error, and the absence of Gigabit Ethernet means that it is better to use dual-band Wi-Fi 5 GHz for stable viewing of heavy content.
Compact in business: Xiaomi Mi TV Stick
If your TV is wall-mounted and you don't want to clutter up the space with extra wires and boxes, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is the perfect solution. It's a flash drive form factor device that plugs directly into the HDMI port and hides behind the TV body. Despite its miniature size, it hides a full-fledged Android TV computer inside.
Technically, the Stick is based on the Amlogic S905Y2 processor, which is the younger brother of the Mi Box S. It also supports 4K and HDR10, but because of its compact body has heat removal limitations. With prolonged high-resolution video viewing, the case can significantly heat up, but the protection system usually prevents overheating, reducing the frequency of the processor. For most use cases (YouTube, Netflix, online cinemas), performance is quite enough.
It comes with a remote that is similar to the one that comes with the Mi Box S, but with one important difference: it supports control of the TV via the IR port. This means that you can adjust the volume and turn on / off the TV with one remote control, which is very convenient. It takes minutes to set up the device: just plug it into the HDMI port, select the signal source and follow the instructions on the screen.
| Characteristics | Mi Box S (2nd Gen) | Mi TV Stick |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Amlogic S905X | Amlogic S905Y2 |
| RAM | 2GB | 1GB |
| Permanent memory | 8GB | 8GB |
| Ports | HDMI, USB 2.0, Audio Out | HDMI, Micro-USB (power) |
| 4K support | Yes (60 fps) | Yes (60 fps) |
⚠️ Attention: Don't plug in Mi TV Stick directly to port USB TVs often do not produce enough current, which leads to reboots and unstable Wi-Fi operation.
2021: Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K
In response to the growing demand for high image quality, the company released an updated version, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K. This device became a real hit of 2021, as it brought support for modern standards in the stick form factor. The main difference from the regular version was the support for 4K Ultra HD resolution at 60 frames per second, as well as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies.
Inside, the new product is a more powerful processor Amlogic S905X2, which provides not only a better picture, but also a smoother interface. Increased RAM (2 GB vs. 1 GB in the usual version) allows you to switch between applications faster and reduces the number of freezes, which makes the device suitable not only for watching videos, but also for installing light games and applications.
An important update is the support for the AV1 codec, which is becoming the standard for YouTube and other streaming platforms, which means you can watch 4K videos on YouTube with less traffic and better detail, and Bluetooth 5.0, which improves the stability of the connection with audio devices and allows you to connect more modern gamepads.
What is the difference between Dolby Vision and HDR10?
The package has also undergone changes: the remote has received a quick access button to Amazon Prime Video (which can be reassigned) and has become even more ergonomic. However, it is worth considering that due to 4K support, the device can heat up more, so it is recommended to provide it with good ventilation, not hiding it deep behind the TV without air.
Comparison of performance and interface
All of these devices are running Android TV, which guarantees a single user experience. The interface is a grid of recommended cards, a search bar and a number of installed applications. However, the response rate may vary depending on the model. The Mi Box S and Stick 4K are noticeably faster than the regular version of Stick, especially when running heavy applications like Kinopoisk HD or Wink.
Google Assistant is built into all devices and works through the remote. It can not only search for movies, but also control the smart home, show the weather and start timers. In 2021, Russian speech recognition became much better, making voice input the main way to control many users. You can just press a button and say, "Put Stranger Things on Netflix."
For gamers, it's worth noting that the devices support Bluetooth connection of gamepads, but the built-in graphics are not designed for heavy-duty graphics. 3D-These consoles are best suited for retro emulators, simple arcades or cloud gaming, where the main load is placed on the server. TV-Boxes based on MediaTek or Rockchip processors.
- 🎮 Games: Xbox and PlayStation controllers supported (via Bluetooth).
- 📡 Wi-Fi: All models support dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz).
- 📱 Broadcast: Built-in Chromecast lets you stream content from your phone to TV.
💡
For normal TV and YouTube viewing, the usual Mi TV Stick is enough, but for 4K content and comfortable interface work, it is better to choose a version of 4K or Mi Box S.
Setup and installation of third-party applications
One of the main reasons for the popularity of Xiaomi consoles is the ability to install third-party applications. the official Google Play store contains most of the necessary programs, but sometimes you need to install install APK-You can use a file manager downloaded from the Play Market or send the file to the console through the Send Files to app. TV.
The installation process is usually simple: you need to allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings. After that, you can install any Android TV-compatible apps, including alternative stores or specialized software. However, it is worth remembering that applications that are not optimized for TVs can only be controlled with the mouse or require a keyboard connection.
Settings → Security and Restrictions → Unknown Sources → Allow for the desired applicationAlso popular is installing launchers that change the look of the interface. Google's standard launcher can seem overloaded with advertising and recommendations, so many users prefer lighter alters like ATV Launcher or FLauncher.This allows for faster device performance and more user-friendly menus.