Choosing the right video encoder in Xiaomi devices is not just a technical detail, but a key factor in the quality of the picture, data transfer speed and even the life of your device. Smartphones, TVs and TV set-top boxes of the brand support several video encoding formats: obsolete H.264 (AVC) modern H.265 (HEVC), AV1 and VP9. But which one is really better? The answer depends on your tasks: 4K-Netflix content with limited internet, stream games through cloud services or mount videos on your smartphone.
In this article, we will look at what video encoders Xiaomi uses in its devices (from the Mi TV Q2 to the Redmi Note 13 Pro+), compare them by key parameters - compression quality, compatibility and CPU load - and give specific recommendations for different scenarios, and learn how to manually switch encoders in settings and what pitfalls await when working with rare formats like AV1.
1.What video encoders support Xiaomi devices in 2026
Modern Xiaomi devices are equipped with hardware support for several video encoding formats, here is a complete list of current encoders and their prevalence:
- 📺 H.264 (AVC) — Basic standard, supported by all devices, including budget Redmi A2 and POCO M6 Pro. Suitable for Full. HD, but ineffective for 4K.
- 🎞️ H.265 (HEVC) — basic format 4K-It's a content. TV Q2 75", Xiaomi TV A Pro and flagship smartphones (Xiaomi 14 Ultra).
- 🌐 VP9 — alternative HEVC, Used by YouTube and Android TV. Supported by most of the Mi Box S and Mi TV boxes TV Stick.
- 🚀 AV1 — It's a new standard with better compression, but it's rare. TV Q2 2026 and some models on MediaTek Dimensity 9000+.
Important: Hardware codec support means that video is decoded without loading on the CPU, saving battery power (in smartphones) or preventing overheating (in TVs). Software decoding (such as AV1 on older chips) can lead to lags and artifacts.
Comparison of video encoders: H.264 vs H.265 vs VP9 vs AV1
To understand which encoder is better, compare them by the key criteria in the table:
| Parameter | H.264 | H.265 | VP9 | AV1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression (efficiency) | Basic | 2 times better than H.264 | Comparing it to H.265. | 30% better than H.265 |
| Support for 4K/HDR | Limited. | Complete. | Complete. | Complete (including 8K) |
| Compatibility | 100% (all devices) | 90% (excluding older TVs) | 80% (IOS issues) | 50% (new devices only) |
| CPU/GPU loading | Low. | Medium | High (without hardware acceleration) | Very high. |
AV1 is the most promising encoder for streaming, but in 2026 its support in the Xiaomi ecosystem remains fragmentary. For example, the Mi TV Q2 can play AV1 on YouTube, but not in local files. and smartphones on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro) decode it only software, which eats up to 20% of battery power per hour of viewing.
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi TV is released before 2021, it may not support it AV1 Even through updates. Check the model in the settings along the Settings path. → On TV. → Model.
3. Which video encoder is best for different tasks
There is no universal answer, and the choice depends on the use case.
- 📱 Smartphones (video/mounting): For YouTube/TikTok — H.265 (Best quality/file size ratio. for Instagram Reels — H.264 (maximum compatibility).
- 🖥️ TV set-top boxes (Mi Box, TV Stick: For Netflix/Disney+ — H.265 (required 4K HDR). For IPTV — H.264 (Most of the providers use it).
- 🎮 Cloud Gaming (Xiaomi Game Box): VP9 or AV1 (If supported by a service, for example, GeForce NOW).
For owners of Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro or Redmi Pad SE, it is important to consider that when writing the screen, the H.265 codec gives a 40% smaller file size compared to H.264 at the same quality.
Set a bitrate of at least 20 Mbps for 4K H.265|
Turn off stabilization when writing to H.265 (it worsens compression)|
Use VFR (variable bitrate) for dynamic scenes |
Check the support HDR10 in camera settings (available on flagships)-->
4. How to check and change the video encoder on Xiaomi
In most devices, Xiaomi codec is automatically selected, but in some cases it can be configured manually.
📺 Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi Smart TV)
Path to settings:
Settings → Picture → Additional settings → Video formatYou can turn on priority for H.265 or VP9. On models with AV1 (for example, Mi TV Q2 2026), the Auto option (AV1 Preferred) will appear.
📱 Smartphones (camera and screen recording)
To change the codec when shooting a video:
- Open the Camera app.
- Put it on the gear (⚙️) → Video resolution.
- Select 4K HDR (automatically activates H.265) or Full HD (H.264).
For screen recording:
Settings → Additional features → Screen recording → Video quality⚠️ Note: On smartphones with Snapdragon chip 7xx (for example, POCO X5 Pro) entry H.265 It can cause overheating with prolonged use, in which case it is better to return to the H.264.
How to turn on AV1 on Xiaomi TV Q2
5. Problems with video encoders and how to solve them
Even modern coders can cause problems. Here are the typical situations and solutions:
- 🔄 Video slows down when playing H.265: Reason: No hardware decoding (check the chip model in Settings) → The phone. → Solution: convert the video into H.264 via FFmpeg or HandBrake.
- 🎵 No sound in AV1-Mi Box video: Reason: Incompatibility of an audio codec (e.g. Opus) Solution: Convert sound to audio AAC.
- 📶 YouTube automatically reduces the quality of the video 720p: Reason: weak Wi-Fi or provider restrictions Solution: Turn on YouTube setting Always play in high quality (requires a Premium account).
If your Xiaomi device doesn’t play AV1 despite the stated support, try resetting to factory settings (Settings → System → Resetting). 10% of the time, the problem is solved by updating the graphics core drivers.
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To check supported encoders on Android, use the DevCheck app (Hardware → Video Codecs section) to show which formats are decoded hardware and which are software-based.
6.The future of video encoders in the Xiaomi ecosystem
In 2026, Xiaomi is actively implementing AV1 support in new devices, but the full transition will take 2-3 years.
- 📅 2026–2026: AV1 It will be the standard codec for the Mi. TV Q and S Pro series will be developed with hardware coding AV1 in smartphones on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (for example, Xiaomi 15).
- 🔮 After 2026: H.265 will be driven out AV1 and VVC (H.266) Budget models (Redmi) A3) will receive hardware VP9 YouTube.
Xiaomi is already testing VVC (H.266) in lab samples, but serial devices with its support will not appear until 2026. This codec promises compression 2 times more efficient than H.265, but will require new chips.
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If you’re buying a TV or Xiaomi smartphone, pay attention to AV1 support – it’s a guarantee of compatibility with next-generation content.