Turning a TV into a smart entertainment center is easy today, just buy a TV- set-top box. Among the many brands Xiaomi stands out for the optimal ratio of price, performance and functionality. But how not to get lost in the range of models Mi TV Box, which differ not only in generations, but also in technical characteristics?
In this article, we will analyze all the current versions of Xiaomi consoles (including the Mi Box S, Mi TV Stick and flagship models), compare them on key parameters: processor, 4K HDR support, operating system and even connection nuances. You will learn which model is suitable for watching movies in high resolution, which will cope with modern games and which will be a budget solution for giving, and also reveal the hidden limitations of some consoles, which the manufacturer does not mention in advertising.
The key criteria for choosing Xiaomi Mi TV Box
Before you compare specific models, decide what tasks you need the console for, and that depends on what characteristics you should pay attention to first.
1. Screen resolution. If your TV supports 4K (3840×2160), take a model with HDR10+ decoding and Dolby Vision — for example, the Mi Box 4S Pro or Mi TV Box S 2nd Gen. For Full HD (1920×1080) a budget Mi TV Stick will also work, but note that it does not pull content above 1080p.
2. Performance. For streaming movies, a 2-core processor will suffice, but for games (for example, through Google Stadia or emulators), you need a chipset no weaker than the Amlogic S905X4 (as in the Mi Box 4S Pro). Note the amount of RAM: 2 GB is the minimum for comfortable work, 3 GB is optimal.
3. Operating system. All modern Xiaomi consoles run on Android TV (not regular Android!), which guarantees support for Google Play, YouTube in 4K and voice assistant. But budget models (such as Mi TV Stick) may not have Google Assistant.
- 📺 For movies and TV series, priority is support for 4K HDR, Dolby Audio and port HDMI 2.1.
- 🎮 For gaming: You need a powerful processor (from Amlogic S905X3), at least 2 GB of RAM and support for Bluetooth gamepads.
- 💰 For savings: you can get by with the Mi TV Stick, but prepare for resolution and performance limitations.
- 🔌 For smart home: check compatibility with Mi Home and availability of a IR- port for appliance control.
⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi International suffixed consoles (e.g. Mi Box S International) have global firmware and support Russian out of the box. Models for the Chinese market (CN- versions) often require manual firmware and may not work with Google Play.
Comparison of all current models Xiaomi Mi TV Box (2026)
The table below shows the key features of consoles that are officially sold in Russia and Europe, eliminating outdated models (for example, the Mi Box 3) and focusing on current solutions.
| Model | Processor | RAM/ROM | Max, permission. | HDR/Dolby Vision | Bluetooth | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV Stick | Amlogic S805Y (4 cores, 1.5 GHz) | 1/8 GB | 1080p | ❌ No. | ✅ 4.2 | ~2 500 ₽ |
| Mi Box S (2nd Gen) | Amlogic S905X2 (4 cores, 2.0 GHz) | 2/8 GB | 4K HDR | ✅ HDR10 | ✅ 4.2 | ~4 000 ₽ |
| Mi Box 4S Pro | Amlogic S905X3 (4 cores, 2.0 GHz) | 2/16 GB | 4K HDR | ✅ HDR10+, Dolby Vision | ✅ 5.0 | ~5 500 ₽ |
| Mi TV Box S 2nd Gen | Amlogic S905X4 (4 cores, 2.0 GHz) | 3/32 GB | 4K HDR | ✅ HDR10+, Dolby Vision | ✅ 5.0 | ~7 000 ₽ |
As you can see from the table, the price difference between the budget Mi TV Stick and the flagship Mi TV Box S 2nd Gen is almost 3 times. But is overpayment justified? Let's figure it out.
Mi TV Stick: Pros and cons of a budget solution
The Mi TV Stick is the most affordable console in Xiaomi’s lineup, but its capabilities are severely curtailed, and it’s suitable for those who want to turn an old TV into a smart one at minimal cost, but do not claim to be of high quality.
Advantages:
- 💰 Price: cheaper than any other Xiaomi console (from 2,500 ₽).
- 🔌 Compact: Connects directly to the HDMI- port of the TV, does not take up space.
- 📱 Smartphone control: You can use your phone instead of your remote via the Mi Remote app.
Disadvantages:
- 🚫 No 4K: the maximum resolution is 1080p, which is critical for today's TVs.
- 🐢 Weak CPU: slows down when multitasking (for example, if you open YouTube and start a game).
- 🔊 No Dolby Audio: sound is transmitted in a basic format, without volumetric effect.
- 🔋 Overheating problems: With prolonged use, it may turn off due to high temperature.
⚠️ Warning: Mi TV Stick does not support Google Assistant and has a stripped-down version of Android TV without some features (e.g., you can't install Netflix in 4K due to hardware limitations).
Who's good for? For a summer cottage, a second TV, or if your TV is older than 2015 and doesn't support 4K. In all other cases, it's best to look at the models more seriously.
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If you still chose Mi TV Stick, be sure to buy HDMI- extension - the console blocks adjacent TV ports due to its shape.
Mi Box S (2nd Gen): The Gold Standard for Most Users
The Mi Box S 2nd Generation is the most balanced model in the lineup. It supports 4K HDR, has a fairly powerful processor and is inexpensive (from 4,000 ₽), which is the best choice for 90% of users who want to watch movies, TV shows and sometimes play simple games.
What does it do?
- 🎬 4K HDR10: Reproduces content in high resolution with improved color rendering.
- 🎮 Games: This will be able to handle emulators PS2, Nintendo 64 and cloud services like GeForce NOW.
- 🗣️ Voice Assistant: Built-in Google Assistant with support for Russian.
- 📦 Memory: 8 GB of internal memory (can be extended via USB or microSD).
Limitations:
- 🎵 No Dolby Vision: only HDR10, which is slightly inferior to the flagship models.
- 🔄 Bluetooth 4.2: There may be a delay when connecting wireless headphones or gamepads.
- 🔧 No IR- port: You cannot control a TV or other appliance through the console.
Compared to the Mi TV Stick, this model is a winner in everything from performance to format support to stability. If your budget is limited to 5,000 ₽, the Mi Box S 2nd Gen is the best choice.
Support 4K your TV|Port availability HDMI 2.0 (or higher)|Compatible with your Wi-Fi router (5 GHz)|Availability of firmware updates-->
Mi Box 4S Pro and Mi TV Box S 2nd Gen: flagships for demanding users
If you are looking for a console "for growth" or want the maximum quality of the picture and sound, pay attention to the top models: Mi Box 4S Pro and Mi TV Box S 2nd Gen. They differ not only in iron, but also in support of premium formats.
Mi Box 4S Pro:
- ✅ 16GB of storage: enough to install dozens of applications.
Mi TV Box S 2nd Gen:
- ✅ 3GB of RAM: Best Multitasking among all Xiaomi consoles.
If you want Dolby Vision (for example, to watch movies on Disney+ or Apple TV+), take the 4S Pro. If you want maximum performance and memory, the Mi TV Box S 2nd Gen.
How is Dolby Vision better than HDR10?
Hidden Problems and How to Avoid Them
Even the most reliable Xiaomi consoles can be a problem, if you don’t take into account some nuances, here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
1.The console is braking or overheating
- 🔥 Cause: weak processor (in Mi TV Stick) or cache cache cache.
- 🛠️ Solution: Clear the cache in settings (Settings → Apps → Clear the cache) or install Clean Master.
2.No sound through HDMI
- 🔇 Cause: Incorrect audio output settings or outdated firmware.
- 🛠️ Solution: Go to Settings → Sound → Out HDMI and select Auto or PCM.
3: Google Play or Netflix is not working
- 🚫 Reason: The console for the Chinese market (CN- version) with locks.
- 🛠️ Solution: Reflash to the global version (instructions are available on 4PDA).
4.The remote does not respond to pressing
- 🎛️ Cause: Settled batteries or interference from other IR devices.
- 🛠️ Solution: Replace the batteries or reconnect the remote to Settings → Remote.
⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi consoles do not support Widevine L1 on all models. This means that some services (such as Netflix or Disney+) can only show content in 720p, even if your TV supports 4K.
Xiaomi Alternatives: Should Other Brands Be Considered?
Xiaomi is not the only player in the TV- console market. If neither model suits you, look for alternatives:
- 📦 NVIDIA Shield TV Pro: Best console for gamers (GeForce NOW support, AI- upscale to 4K), but expensive (from 20,000 ₽).
- 💰 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: cheaper than the Mi Box S, but with Google Play stripped down (many apps will have to be installed manually).
- 🎬 Apple TV 4K: The perfect ecosystem for iPhone owners, but no support for AV1 and limited game selection.
- 🛠️ Mecool KM2/KM6: Xiaomi analogues priced but with support for AV1 and Google Assistant.
Should you overpay for alternatives? Only if you need specific features:
- For games, NVIDIA Shield.
For the Apple ecosystem, Apple TV.
For maximum savings, a Fire TV Stick (but be prepared for limitations)
In all other cases, Xiaomi offers the best price/quality ratio.
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If your TV supports Dolby Vision and your budget allows, take the Mi TV Box S 2nd Gen. Otherwise, the Mi Box S 2nd Gen covers 90% of users’ needs.