If you're looking for a low-cost way to turn a regular TV into a smart TV, the Xiaomi Mi Box S is one of the most popular solutions on the market. This compact Android TV set-top box allows you to stream 4K HDR video, install apps from Google Play, control voice through Google Assistant, and even play games. But what exactly is hidden under the plastic case of this gadget? Should you buy it in 2026 or should you pay attention to newer models?
In this article, we'll take the Mi Box S from the pits, from the specs to the hidden features that the manufacturer doesn't always advertise, how to set up the console correctly, what problems can arise during operation and how to solve them, and compare the device with competitors from the NVIDIA Shield to the budget counterparts from Amazon and Huawei. If you are just planning to buy or have already become a happy owner, but do not use all the features of the device, this guide is for you.
Technical characteristics of Xiaomi Mi Box S: what is under the hood
The Xiaomi Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB) was released in 2018, but is still relevant due to its balanced performance and support for modern standards, based on the quad-core 2.0GHz Amlogic S905X processor, which handles video playback in 4K@60fps and most of the games from Google Play (though not the most demanding).
There is 2 GB of RAM (DDR3) and 8 GB of internal storage (of which about 5 GB is available to the user), which is not enough at first glance, but for streaming video and basic applications, this is enough. If you need more, you can connect a flash drive or external hard drive via a USB 2.0 port (although only with a FAT32 or NTFS file system).
- 📺 Video: Support 4K UHD (3840×2160), HDR10, HLG, decoding VP9, H.265, H.264
- 🔊 Audio: Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD, exit HDMI 2.0a 3.5 mm (optical adapter included)
- 📶 Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 802.11ac (dual-strip 2.4/5 GHz, Bluetooth 4.2
- 🎮 Control: remote with microphone for Google Assistant, support for gamepads
The important thing is that the Mi Box S doesn't support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos -- that's a hardware limitation, and you can't even fix it with firmware. If you're critical of Atmos audio, you'll have to look at NVIDIA Shield TV or Apple TV 4K.
How the Mi Box S differs from other Xiaomi versions
Xiaomi has produced several generations TV-The Mi Box S is not the newest, but it's one of the most balanced:
| Model | Year of release | Processor | 4K HDR | Google Assistant | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Box (1st generation) | 2016 | Amlogic S905 | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ~3 000 ₽ (b) |
| Mi Box 3 | 2017 | Amlogic S905X | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ~4 500 ₽ (b) |
| Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB) | 2018 | Amlogic S905X (2.0 GHz) | ✅ Yes (HDR10) | ✅ Yeah (mic-remote) | ~5 000–6 500 ₽ |
| Mi TV Stick | 2020 | Amlogic S905Y2 | ✅ Yes (4K@30fps) | ✅ Yes (only via remote control) | ~3 500–4 500 ₽ |
The Mi Box S compares favorably to the cheaper Mi TV Stick with 4K@60fps (stick only has 30fps) and a full HDMI port, not an adapter. Compared to the Mi Box 4K (which is sold in some regions), there is almost no difference — it is the same model, but with a different name.
How to connect and configure Xiaomi Mi Box S: step-by-step instructions
Connecting the console takes no more than 5 minutes, but there are several nuances that will help to avoid problems in the future.
- Use only the original power supply (5V/2A) and cheap ones can cause overheating or unstable operation.
- Connect to the TV. Insert the HDMI cable into the console and TV port. If your TV doesn't have an HDMI ARC, you'll have to output the sound through 3.5 mm or Bluetooth.
- Select the source of the signal. On the TV remote, press Source (or Input) and select the port to which the console is connected.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. When you first start up, the system will suggest you choose a network. If you have 5 GHz, you better use it, so that 4K video will load without lags.
Once connected to the Internet, the console will automatically prompt you to update your firmware. Don't miss this step! The latest versions of Android TV fix video playback errors and add support for new codecs.
Wi-Fi connection (5GHz preferred)| Update to the latest version|Setting up screen resolution (4K or 1080p)|Gogle account connection to access Play Market|Test remote (including microphone)
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Tip: If the console is slowing down when playing 4K, try manually setting the 1080p resolution in the settings (Settings → Display and Sound → Screen Resolution).
The main pros and cons of Xiaomi Mi Box S: an honest review
Like any device, the Mi Box S has its strengths and weaknesses, and let’s take a look at them in detail so you can decide if this console is right for you.
✅ Advantages
- 💰 One of the most affordable. 4K-Android-based TV (cheaper than Mi TV Stick, but with reduced capabilities).
- 📦 The box has everything you need: a remote control, a microphone, a cable. HDMI, power supply and even batteries.
- 🎬 Streaming services supported: Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+ Others (depending on the region).
- 🎮 Games. You can connect your gamepad to Bluetooth and play emulators or simple games from Google Play.
❌ Deficiencies
- 🔄 A legacy processor. S905X No longer pulls on new games and heavy apps (e.g. Stadia or GeForce) NOW lay down).
- 🗃️ Not much memory. 8GB runs out quickly if you install a lot of apps. You have to clean the cache or use an external drive.
- 🔊 No Dolby. Vision/Atmos. For movie-philes, this is a serious disadvantage - the sound and picture will be worse than on top consoles.
- 📶 Weak Wi-Fi. Long distances from the router may have buffering problems, especially in the 4K.
⚠️ Note: If you are planning to use the Mi Box S for the IPTV, Note that some providers block streams on Android devices TV. In this case, you will need to install third-party players like TiviMate or Perfect Player.
Comparison with competitors: which is better – Mi Box S, NVIDIA Shield or Amazon Fire Stick
If you’re choosing between the Xiaomi Mi Box S and other popular consoles, here’s a quick comparison on the key parameters:
| Parameter | Xiaomi Mi Box S | NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) | Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2026) | ~5 000–6 500 ₽ | ~12 000–15 000 ₽ | ~4 000–5 000 ₽ |
| Processor | Amlogic S905X (4 cores, 2.0 GHz) | NVIDIA Tegra X1+ (8 cores, 1.9 GHz) | MediaTek MT8695 (4 cores, 1.7 GHz) |
| 4K HDR | ✅ HDR10, HLG | ✅ Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | ✅ HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
| Dolby Atmos | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Games | ⚠️ Only simple (emulators, casual) | ✅ Support for GeForce NOW, Cloud Gaming | ❌ Very limited. |
Who's good for a Mi Box S?
- 👨👩👧👦 Families to watch movies, cartoons and YouTube.
- 💻 Those who want a smart TV without buying a new one TV.
- 🎮 Amateur gamers (emulators) NES, PS1, play-off).
Who better to choose another?
- 🎥 Filmmakers who care about Dolby Vision/Atmos — better NVIDIA Shield or Apple TV 4K.
- 🕹️ Hardcore Gamers - Shield TV or Windows console.
- 💰 For those looking for the most budget-friendly solution, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K cheaper, but with limitations.
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If you choose between the Mi Box S and Fire TV Stick 4K, Note: Amazon does not have a full Google Play, and many apps will have to be installed through third-party sources (for example, the company has to use Google Play, APK-file).
Hidden features and life hacks for Xiaomi Mi Box S
Even experienced users are not always aware of all the features of the Mi Box S. Here are some useful tips that will make using the console more convenient:
- 🔍 Voice search without a remote. If you have a Google Home or a smartphone with a Google Assistant, you can control the voice box through it. Say, OK, Google, turn on Netflix on the Mi Box».
- 🖥️ Developer Mode: To install apps outside of Google Play (e.g, APK), Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the prefix → Build number and click on it 7 times. → Preferences → Developer settings allow installation from unknown sources.
- 🎵 You can put it on Bluetooth headphones, you can plug in wireless headphones or speakers and watch movies without disturbing others. → Settings → Sound. → Exit via Bluetooth.
- 📁 Installation of Kodi for IPTV. If you need to watch IPTV Or local files, install Kodi from Google Play. It supports playlists.m3u and EPG.
⚠️ Note: When installing applications from unknown sources (APK) You can only use trusted sites like APKMirror and disable the permission after installation.
How to speed up the work of the console if it slows down?
Frequent problems and their solutions
Despite being reliable, the Mi Box S sometimes behaves strangely, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
- 🔄 Check the power supply (try another cable) USB-C). Turn off the power for 1 minute, then turn it on again. If the light is on but there's no image, try another one. HDMI-port.
- 📶 It doesn't connect to Wi-Fi. Restart the router. Try connecting to a 2.4 GHz network instead of 5 GHz (sometimes helps). Reset the network settings: Settings: → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi → Forget the net.
- 🎬 Video in the video 4K It's slowing down. 1080p Connect to the router with an Ethernet cable via a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. HDR In video settings (sometimes this speeds up playback).
- 🔊 No sound through HDMI. Check if the correct sound source is selected in the settings TV. Switch the audio format to Settings → Display and sound → Sound. → Digital audio format on Auto or PCM.
If nothing works, try resetting the console to the factory settings.
- Go to Settings → Storage and Reset → Resetting.
- Confirm the action (you may need to enter a pin code from your Google account).
- After resetting, reset the console.
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If the console is constantly overheating, check if the vents on the body are closed. Mi Box S does not have active cooling, so it can not be placed in closed niches or under other devices.