The last few years Xiaomi Mi Box remains one of the most popular Android TV- consoles on the market due to the combination of affordable price, performance and support 4K HDR. However, since the release of the Mi Box S (2018 year) and Mi Box 4S (ZXPH0005QXZ year for the Chinese market), fans of the brand are waiting for a full update of the line. In 2026, rumors about the new generation intensified — but when will it be different from the MiXPH000 or the Box000, the ZXPHKXPH000000000000?
In this article, we’ve gathered all the known information about the upcoming release, from preliminary release dates to expected specifications, comparisons with competitors and tips for those who are planning to buy right now, and we’ll also see whether it makes sense to wait for a new model or choose an alternative from Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV or even Apple TV.
Official and unofficial release date data
At the time of writing (June 2026), Xiaomi has not officially announced a new version of the Mi Box, the latest global model being the Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB), released in 2018, but there are several indirect signs that the release may take place in the coming months:
- 📅 Certification in databases: In early 2026, records of new Xiaomi devices with codes MDZ-XX-AB (similar to the Mi Box line) appeared in FCC (US) and EEC (Europe) databases, often preceding the release of gadgets.
- 🔄 Update line every 2-3 year: Following tradition, the new model could be released in 2023–2026 years (the last global release was in 2018-m).
- 📢 Insider Leaks: Several sources (including XDA Developers and Chinese forums) claim that Xiaomi is testing a Google TV-based console (instead of Android TV) with an improved processor.
The most likely timeframe for exit:
| Probable period | Reason. | Chances (%) |
|---|---|---|
| September–October 2026 | Traditional time for Xiaomi announcements (along with smartphones) | 60% |
| November-December 2026 | Preparation for holiday sales (Black Friday, New Year) | 30% |
| 2026 | Delays due to Google TV switching or hardware issues | 10% |
If the new model will be released in China before the global release, the difference may be 3–6 For months (like the Mi Box) 4SFollow the news on the official website of Xiaomi or in the brand accounts in Twitter/X and Weibo.
Expected Features: What will change compared to the Mi Box S
Even if Xiaomi doesn’t disclose details, it can predict key improvements based on market trends and leaks.
- 🖥️ Processor: Switching from Amlogic S905X (to Mi Box S) to Amlogic S905X4 or Rockchip RK3588 (as in Xiaomi TV Stick 4K) will give AV1- codec support and better gaming performance.
- 🎮 Graphics: A Mali-G52 or Mali-G610 video kernel for smooth playback of content in 4K@60fps and lightweight games from Google Play.
- 📺 Ports and connections: HDMI 2.1 (instead of 2.0b) for 120Hz and VRR (relevant to gamers). USB-C instead of microUSB (for power and peripheral connectivity). Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2.
- 🎬 Multimedia: Support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos (now only Dolby Audio). Google TV instead of Android TV (a more user-friendly interface with recommendations).
For comparison, the current characteristics of the Mi Box S:
| Parameter | Mi Box S (2018) | Expected novelties |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Amlogic S905X (4x Cortex-A53) | Amlogic S905X4 / Rockchip RK3588 |
| RAM/ROM | 2/8 GB | 3/16 GB or 4/32 GB |
| HDMI | 2.0b (4K@60) | 2.1 (4K@120, VRR) |
| OS | Android TV 9 | Google TV 12/13 |
| Dolby Vision | No. | Yes. |
⚠️ Warning: If the new model comes out with Google TV, some apps (e.g., Kodi or SPMC) may not work as stable due to platform limitations.
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If you’re critically interested in Dolby Vision support, look for alternatives like the Nvidia Shield TV Pro or Apple TV 4K, which already support the format.
Should I wait for a new model or buy the Mi Box S now?
The solution depends on your needs, and here is a short checklist to help you decide:
☑️ When to buy the Mi Box S and when to wait for a new model
0
You need a console right now and the budget is limited |Buy the Mi Box S – it’s still relevant for most tasks
You plan to use the console for games or 4K@120Hz | Wait for the new model with HDMI 2.1
Support for Dolby Vision/Atmos|See alternatives (Shield TV, Apple TV)
You want Google TV instead of Android TV | Wait for updates or get Chromecast with Google TV
If you are choosing the Mi Box S today, consider its key limitations:
- ❌ No Dolby Vision (only) HDR10).
- ❌ HDMI 2.0b does not support 120 Hz and VRR.
- ❌ The Amlogic S905X processor is weak for modern games (e.g. Genshin Impact at minimum settings).
- Android ❌ TV 9 is no longer getting security updates.
On the other hand, the Mi Box S still does a great job of:
- ✅ Streaming videos (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ in 4K HDR).
- ✅ IPTV and local playback (via Kodi or VLC).
- ✅ Basic games from Google Play (e.g., retro console emulators).
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If your TV doesn’t support Dolby Vision and you don’t need 4K@120Hz games, the Mi Box S is still a bargain for its price (around $50-$70).
Xiaomi Mi Box: What to Buy Instead of Waiting
If you don’t want to wait for a new model, consider these options depending on the budget and tasks:
| Model | Price (2026) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nvidia Shield TV Pro (2019) | $199 | ✅ Most powerful console (Tegra X1+), ✅ Dolby Vision/Atmos, HDMI 2.1 ✅ GeForce support NOW | ❌ Expensive❌ Design is obsolete |
| Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max | $59 | ✅ Compact ✅ Good Optimization for Prime Video ✅ Wi-Fi 6 | ❌ Limited Google Play❌ No Dolby Vision |
| Apple TV 4K (2022) | $129 | ✅ Best ecosystem for owners of iPhone/Mac ✅ Dolby Vision/Atmos ✅ Quick updates | ❌ No Google Play❌ More expensive than competitors |
| Xiaomi TV Stick 4K | $49 | ✅ Cheaper Mi Box S ✅ Support AV1 ✅ Compact form factor | ❌ Weak processor❌ No Ethernet |
⚠️ Warning: If you use a IPTV console with Russian channels, check for app compatibility (e.g., SS IPTV or Lazy IPTV) before buying. Some models (e.g., Apple TV) require bypass solutions to install third-party APK.
How to Update Your Firmware on the Current Mi Box S: Preparing for a New Model
If you already own the Mi Box S and want to extend its life until the new version comes out, keep an eye out for firmware updates. The latest official version as of 2026 is Android TV 9 with a security patch from 2023.
- Go to Settings → About the console → System update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If the update is available, confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.
If the automatic update does not work:
How to install firmware manually
- Download the latest firmware from miuirom.org (Mi Box S section).
- Copy the update.zip file to a FAT32 flash drive.
- Connect the flash drive to the console and go to Settings → About console → Local update.
- Select a file and wait for the process to complete (don’t turn off the power!).
⚠️ Risk: Incorrect firmware can turn the console into a brick. Make sure you download the file specifically for your model (MDZ-22-AB for the global version).
After the update, it is recommended that:
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings (Settings → Storage and Reset → Resetting).
- 🧹 Clear the app cache (Settings → Apps → Select the app → Clear the cache).
- 🔒 Disable automatic app updates in Google Play (saves space).
What to do if the new Mi Box doesn’t come out: Long-term alternatives
If Xiaomi decides to roll back the Mi Box lineup (as it has done with the Mi Router in some regions), consider these options for the future:
- 📱 Smartphone + Chromecast: Modern flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra) can be connected to a TV via Google Cast or USB-C → HDMI adapter. Minus is battery discharge.
- 🖥️ Mini-PC on Windows: For example, Minisforum UM690 or Beelink SER5. will support any application, but are more expensive and more difficult to set up.
- 🎮 Game consoles: Xbox Series S or PlayStation 5 can replace the media console, but cost significantly more.
- 📺 Smart TV with Google TV: Xiaomi TV A Pro or Sony Bravia TVs have Google TV built-in and do not require an external console.
If you’re attached to Xiaomi’s ecosystem, watch out for the announcements of Xiaomi TV Stick, a smaller, cheaper alternative to the Mi Box that gets updated more often.The latest model (TV Stick 4K) came out in 2023 and supports AV1 and Dolby Audio.
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If Xiaomi doesn’t release the new Mi Box in 2026, the most logical replacement will be Xiaomi TV Stick 4K or Nvidia Shield TV (for advanced users).