Xiaomi media owners often wonder when the manufacturer will release a full replacement for the popular Mi Box S. The current situation in the smart TV market is such that the device, released a few years ago, still remains one of the leaders in the budget segment.
The lack of official information from Xiaomi is creating a lot of speculation and speculation in the technical community. Market experts and insiders agree that the company is preparing a major update to the line, but the exact timing of the announcement is kept secret. In this article, we will analyze the available data to see whether to expect a new product in the near future.
Demand for a modernized version of the console with support for 2026 standards is growing every month as existing models begin to experience difficulties with modern heavy applications. Users want to see a new processor, increased RAM and possibly support for gaming services. Letβs take a look at what exactly the manufacturer has to offer in the new generation of devices.
The current status of the Xiaomi TV Box line
To date, the main players in the market remain models Mi Box S (second generation) and the newer Xiaomi TV Stick 4K. These devices are based on the Android TV platform and offer users time-tested, but not the fastest functionality. the processor Amlogic S905X3, installed in current versions, still copes with basic tasks, but begins to βchokeβ when playing heavy content in high bitrate.
Google TV, which is gradually replacing the classic Android TV, requires more computing resources to run smoothly. Owners of older versions of the Mi Box already notice delays when switching between applications.
Also worth noting is the lack of support for some modern audio formats and gaming features in current models. For home theater enthusiasts, this becomes a critical factor when making a purchase decision. Xiaomi TV Box line is at the bifurcation point: either it will receive a powerful update or go down in history, giving way to competitors.
Analysis of rumors and insider information
The Chinese giant is constantly reporting on its upcoming new products, with insiders claiming that the new model, loosely called the Xiaomi Mi Box 4K Pro, is already undergoing testing, and the device is expected to receive a more modern chipset and support for Wi-Fi 6 standards for stable data transfer.
One of the key features attributed to the new product is the support of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ technology at the hardware level, which will allow you to stream content from streaming services in the highest possible quality, which is an important step forward compared to current restrictions, and there are rumors about the introduction of voice control of the next generation.
Why is it so long since there's been no news?
Itβs important to understand that specification leaks are often preliminary, that the final configuration of the device may be significantly different from what is shown in early renders or mentioned in reports, but that the trend toward improved performance is clear.
Expected technical characteristics of the novelty
Based on market trends and the demands of modern applications, it is highly likely that the βstuffingβ of the future console will be predicted, primarily by switching to a more productive processor, most likely from the next generation of MediaTek or Amlogic, which will provide the necessary power reserve.
RAM is also critical, and if 2GB has been the standard in recent years, 4GB of RAM will be the new minimum for comfort in 2026, keeping more applications in the background and speeding up heavy software launches.
βοΈ What to Consider When Choosing
And remember the drive: Increasing internal storage to 32GB or even 64GB will allow you to install more games and applications without the need for external drives, especially for those who plan to use the console not only for watching videos.
Comparison with competitors in the market
While fans are waiting for the new Xiaomi TV Box, competitors are on the rise, with Chromecast devices with Google TV and various models from NVIDIA Shield setting a high performance bar on the market. Comparison shows Xiaomi needs to work hard to regain leadership.
Below is a table showing a rough comparison of Xiaomiβs current capabilities and the expected performance of the new model in the context of competitors:
| Characteristics | The current Mi Box S | Expected novelty | Competitor's flagship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Amlogic S905X3 | MediaTek Pentonic / Amlogic S905X5 | NVIDIA Tegra X1+ |
| RAM | 2GB | 4GB | 3GB |
| Support for video | 4K HDR | 4K Dolby Vision / HDR10+ | 4K Dolby Vision AI |
| Network | Wi-Fi 5, BT 4.2 | Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.2+ | Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.0 |
As the comparison shows, the technical gap can be significant if Xiaomi does not introduce a really powerful device. 3-4 year-end.
The influence of the Android TV operating system
The evolution of the operating system directly affects hardware requirements. The transition to new versions of Android TV and the introduction of the Google TV interface require more powerful graphics accelerators. Older chips simply cannot provide smooth animation and quick menu response.
β οΈ Note: When buying an old Xiaomi Mi Box, keep in mind that support for Android updates may be limited.New apps may stop coming out for legacy OS versions.
The new console will likely come with a pre-installed, up-to-date version of Android and a guarantee of security updates for several years, an important aspect for those who care about cybersecurity and the stability of smart TV.
Projected release date and price
Analyzing the product update cycles of Xiaomi, we can assume that the global announcement of the new console may take place in the second half of 2026 or early 2027, usually timed such releases to major technology exhibitions or sales season.
As for pricing, Xiaomi has traditionally tried to balance performance and availability, and is expected to only marginally exceed current market prices while remaining in the low-end and mid-budget segments.
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Follow the official Xiaomi blog and major technical exhibitions CES and MWC β it is there that new gadgets for the smart home are most often shown.
But the lack of semiconductors and logistical challenges can make some adjustments to the company's plans, so the dates can shift, and you have to be prepared for that. You don't have to rely on one date, you have to keep up with the news.
Should I wait for a new model or buy it now?
This is a question that many customers are concerned about, and if your current console is working properly and is doing well, it may make sense to wait until the new product comes out to see the actual tests, and if the device is already slowing down, it may not be feasible to wait another year.
For those who buy the first set-top box, the current Mi Box S models are still a great choice for their money.They provide a quality 4K content experience and have a user-friendly ecosystem.The balance of price and quality here is still one of the best.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal needs and budget: The smart TV market is growing rapidly, and even Xiaomiβs βoldβ models are able to give a head start to many of the built-in Smart TVs from TV manufacturers.