Choosing a TV set-top box in 2026 has gone from a simple purchase to a complex process of analyzing characteristics that were considered redundant a couple of years ago. The market is oversaturated with Xiaomi models, and it is very easy to get confused with the names of the Mi Box S, Xiaomi Box S 2nd Gen and the new Xiaomi TV Box S Pro. Consumers often face the dilemma of overpaying for the latest version or saving on a time-tested device that is still relevant.
The challenge is that visually, the devices may look similar, but the stuffing is very different, and it depends on the speed of the interface, support for modern codecs and the quality of the image on your device. 4K-In this article, we will break down the technical details so that you can make an informed choice.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi is constantly updating the lineup, introducing new DRM standards and improving Wi-Fi modules, so buying a 2018 model can be a disappointment if your TV supports advanced HDR technologies.
Evolution of the line: from classics to Pro-versions
The Chinese giant’s smart consoles began with the classic Mi Box 3, which set the standard for the budget segment, a bestseller thanks to its pure Android TV and affordable price tag. However, with the release of the S series, hardware requirements have grown, and even basic models are now required to support 4K and have voice control.
The current model range can be divided into three main categories: entry-level devices, middle ground and flagship solutions. Xiaomi Mi Box S (1st Gen) has long been the benchmark, but in 2026 it should be considered only as a temporary solution for the secondary market or for older TVs with a resolution of 1080p.
New generations have improved processors that don’t warm as much and run quieter. If you’re choosing between second and third generation, look for support for the AV1 standard, which is becoming dominant for high-resolution streaming.
Why do old models stop pulling?
Comparison of technical characteristics of models
To understand which Xiaomi Mi Box to choose, you need to study the specifications in detail. The difference in performance lies not only in the name, but also in the amount of RAM and Bluetooth version.
The flagship model Xiaomi TV Box S Pro received support for the standard Dolby Vision and Atmos, which is critical for home theater owners. Basic versions are often limited to the usual HDR10, which on large diagonals of TVs significantly reduces contrast and color reproduction.
The USB 3.0 in the Pro version allows you to connect external hard drives to view heavy files without lags. At the same time, younger models often feature slow USB 2.0 ports that may not pull high-bitrate videos.
| Characteristics | Mi Box S (2nd Gen) | Xiaomi TV Box S Pro | Mi Box 3 (Legacy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permission | 4K HDR | 4K Dolby Vision | 4K HDR |
| RAM (RAM) | 2GB | 4GB | 2GB |
| Memory (ROM) | 8GB | 32GB | 8GB |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4/5 GHz | Wi-Fi 6 | 2.4/5 GHz |
As you can see from the table, the generational gap is enormous, and it directly affects the number of apps installed and the speed of their launch. The 32GB Pro allows you to store dozens of games and heavy applications without having to constantly clean the cache.
Performance and operating system
The heart of any console is a processor. In 2026, the de facto standard was Amlogic or MediaTek, which optimized for Android TV 12 and later. Older versions of the OS may not support some banking applications or newer versions of streaming services.
The user interface needs to be responsive. If you see delays when you switch between the Netflix and YouTube tabs, then the processor is not coping. Xiaomi TV Box S Pro features a more powerful graphics accelerator, making animations smooth and the menu “flying.”
☑️ Performance check before buying
It is also important to consider the cooling system: Powerful processors generate heat, and if the housing does not have effective ventilation or passive cooling, the device will thrott (reduce frequencies), which will lead to friezes.
Multimedia capabilities and codecs
For many users, the console is primarily a media player, and support for the AV1 codec is becoming increasingly important as YouTube and Netflix are moving to it to save traffic while maintaining quality.
The sound part has also changed, and if you have a sound system that supports Dolby Atmos, it narrows down to the top models, and budget options often only know how to transmit sound in PCM or stereo, which will not unlock the potential of your audio complex.
⚠️ Some cheap Chinese versions of consoles may not have official Google Widevine certification L1. This means that you will not be able to view the content in the 4K on Netflix or Disney+, only in SD-quality.
Gamers will also appreciate the presence of Bluetooth 5.0 and higher, which allows you to connect modern gamepads with minimal input latency. On consoles with Android TV you can run retro console emulators, and here the power reserve of 4 GB of RAM will not be superfluous.
Design, remote and ergonomics
The look of the device is often ignored, but Xiaomi has made the console compact and hidden in recent models. HDMI-cable in the set (in some revisions).
The remote is your main interaction tool, and in the new models it has separate buttons for streaming services (Netflix, Prime Video) and an improved microphone for voice search. Voice input in Russian works quite accurately, recognizing even complex queries.
The console build quality has also improved, the buttons are softer and the response is clearer, but remember that not all versions of the remote control have an IR port, so check the package before you buy if you want to control the volume of the TV with a single button.
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Buy a silicone case for the remote immediately - white surfaces quickly get dirty, and finding the original case separately can be difficult.
Network Connections and Stability
In the age 4K-The Wi-Fi 6 module in the new models provides not only high speed, but also better penetration of the signal through the walls, which is important for routers standing in another room.
If your router supports dual-band, be sure to connect to a 5GHz network. 2.4GHz frequency is often overloaded with neighbor networks and smart home devices, which causes video jerks even at a good provider tariff.
For maximum picture quality and no compression, a wired connection is best. Although there is no Ethernet port in the boxes themselves, using a USB-LAN adapter (via the hub) can solve problems with unstable Wi-Fi.
The final verdict: what to buy in 2026
The choice of a particular model depends on your needs and budget. If you are looking for a device for a child or in a kitchen where you do not need 4K, the Mi Box S 2nd Gen will do.
For the main living room and large TV, the unambiguous leader is the Xiaomi TV Box S Pro. The overpayment here is justified by the amount of memory, support for Dolby Vision and a margin of performance for several years ahead.
Should I buy an old Mi Box 3? Only if the budget is extremely limited or the device is needed for specific tasks that do not require high power, otherwise it is obsolete.
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The best choice in 2026 is the Xiaomi TV Box S Pro model thanks to the support of modern codecs, large memory and the current version of Android TV.