Xiaomi Mi TV to choose: a detailed guide to the series

Choosing a new TV in todayโ€™s electronics range is a challenge, especially when it comes to the popular Xiaomi brand, where the market is oversaturated with models with similar characteristics but radically different functionality and image quality, and potential buyers are often lost in acronyms like QLED, MEMC or Dolby Vision, not understanding what it takes to view comfortably.

In this article, we will discuss in detail which Xiaomi TV to choose so as not to overpay for unnecessary features or, conversely, not to be disappointed in the quality of the picture. We will analyze the current series, types of matrices and features of the operating system so that you can make an informed decision.

It is important to understand that the Xiaomi brand does not produce panels on its own, but buys them from large suppliers, so different matrixes can occur in different batches of the same model, which is why carefully studying reviews of a particular diagonal before buying is a critical step, since the characteristics can vary even within the same line.

Xiaomi TVs: P1, A Pro and Master Series

The first thing customers face is a lot of series, each focused on its own audience. Basic models, such as the Xiaomi TV P1 series, are designed for those who need a simple smart screen for the kitchen or summer cottage without any claims to cinematography.

The mid-range Xiaomi TV A Pro series offers significantly more advanced specs, and here you will find HDR10+ support, improved color reproduction and a more powerful processor, making these models optimal for the living room.

  • ๐Ÿ“บ P1 Series: Budget Solution with Basic Android TV, secondary-room.
  • ๐Ÿš€ A Pro Series: Mid-range with improved brightness and game mode support.
  • ๐Ÿ’Ž Master Series: Flagship OLED Mini-LED models with reference color reproduction.

The top-end Master Series lineup is designed for enthusiasts and professionals, and these devices use advanced technologies such as Mini-LED or the like. OLED-panels that provide perfect black color and infinite contrast.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Donโ€™t confuse global TVs with Chinese. Global versions already have Google Play built-in and Russian language support out of the box, while Chinese versions require complex setup and launcher installation.

When choosing between series, itโ€™s important to base your choice on use cases: If the TV is going to work in the background or for news, it doesnโ€™t make sense to overpay for the Master Series, but for watching movies in 4K and connecting next-generation consoles, itโ€™s worth considering models at A Pro level or higher.

๐Ÿ“Š What TV use scenario is a priority for you?
Viewing terrestrial TV and YouTube: 4K movies and streaming: Games on consoles (PS5/Xbox): Background and interior design

Matrix technologies: IPS, VA, QLED and OLED

Image quality depends on the type of panel installed. In Xiaomi TVs, the most common matrix types VA and IPS, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the lighting conditions.

Vertical Alignment (VA) matrices provide high contrast and deep black, which is ideal for watching movies in a darkened room, but they have a drawback: narrow viewing angles, which can fade when viewed from the side.

In turn, IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels give excellent viewing angles and more natural colors, but sacrifice contrast. Black on IPS often looks like dark gray, especially noticeable when the lights in the room are off.

Technology QLED, Xiaomi is introducing into mid- and top-end models, which is an improvement LED-It's backlit by quantum dots, and it allows you to achieve brightness that you wouldn't normally see. LCD-panels, and cover a greater percentage of the color space DCI-P3.

  • ๐ŸŒ‘ VA Matrix: The Best Choice for Home Theater and Dark Rooms.
  • ๐Ÿ‘€ IPS Matrix: Ideal for wide living rooms where you look at an angle.
  • โœจ QLED/OLED: Maximum brightness and color coverage for demanding users.

When choosing a particular model, be sure to check the type of matrix from the seller or in technical reviews, as Xiaomi often does not explicitly specify this in the specifications on the box. IPS wins often VA.

Operating system and ecosystem of Android TV

One of the key features of Xiaomi TVs is the use of Android TV (or Google TV in new models), which turns the TV into a full-fledged multimedia center with access to thousands of applications.

Unlike other vendorsโ€™ closed systems, you can install almost any software from the Google Play Market, which includes not only streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Kinopoisk, but also file managers, browsers, and even retro game emulators.

Voice search through Google Assistant allows you to control your TV without a remote, just by giving commands. You can ask about the weather, run a specific app, or find a movie without typing in text manually, which greatly speeds up navigation.

It should be noted that the performance of the interface depends on the amount of RAM. In budget models with 1.5 GB of RAM, the interface can slow down, while models with 3 GB or more run smoothly and quickly switch between tasks.

โš ๏ธ Note: Over time, the app cache may slow down the system. Periodically clear the memory in the settings or use third-party utilities for optimization to keep the menu running.

The integration with the Mi Home smart home allows you to display images from security cameras directly to the TV screen or control light without distraction from viewing. This makes Xiaomiโ€™s ecosystem one of the most connected on the market.

Game features and support for HDMI 2.1

For owners of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X game consoles, the video output specifications are critical. Xiaomi TVs in the mid- and high-end segments are beginning to support HDMI 2.1.

This interface allows you to transmit a picture in 4K resolution at a refresh rate of 120 Hz. This provides incredible smoothness of movement in dynamic shooters and races, where every millisecond of delay matters.

Another important feature is VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) technology, which synchronizes the frame rates of the console and TV to eliminate image tears, while the second automatically switches the TV to game mode to minimize input delay.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ 120Hz: Necessary to unlock potential PS5 Xbox Series X.
  • โšก ALLM: Automatically reduces input lag when starting a game.
  • ๐ŸŒˆ HDR Gaming: Support for dynamic HDR in games for better detail.

However, be realistic: full 120 Hz and HDMI 2.1 is not in all models of Xiaomi. in the budget series often used marketing trick "MEMC 120 Hz", which is only software interpolation of frames, not the real frequency matrix.

If you plan to use the TV mainly for games, be sure to check the specifications of a particular diagonal. Often, the 65-inch model has gaming features, and the 55-inch version of the same series does not.

Sound and multimedia capabilities

Xiaomi TVsโ€™ built-in acoustics are typically represented by a stereo system with a capacity of 20 to 30 watts. The sound is clean and loud enough for everyday news or YouTube, but may be lacking for a full cinematic experience.

Flagship models are equipped with more advanced systems with a subwoofer and support for surround sound technologies Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This creates an immersive effect, although it does not replace a full-fledged home theater with dedicated speakers.

To improve the audio experience, TVs are equipped with an optical output and an eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) port, which allows you to connect a high-quality sound bar or receiver and transmit uncompressed multichannel sound to them.

ModelSound powerSupport for Dolby AtmosBluetooth version
Xiaomi TV P1 43"2 x 10 WNo.5.0
Xiaomi TV A Pro 55"2 x 12 WYes.5.0
Xiaomi TV Master 65"6 x 15 watts + SabouferYeah (Dolby Atmos)5.2

Wirelessly connecting headphones or speakers via Bluetooth is also a standard feature, allowing you to watch movies late at night without disturbing other family members, or stream music from your smartphone.

โš ๏ธ Note: When connecting Bluetooth headphones, there may be a slight dissynchronization of sound and video. For watching movies, it is better to use a wired connection or external acoustics via eARC.

Multimedia capabilities are expanded by the presence of several USB ports, through which you can play high bitrey video files from external hard drives, since the built-in player supports most popular codecs.

Final comparison and selection recommendations

To sum up, Xiaomi TV choice should be based on a balance between budget and your expectations.There is no point in overpaying for a Master Series if the TV is in the kitchen and used for the background.

For most users, the best choice will be the A Pro series. It offers a modern design, a good matrix with HDR support and sufficient system performance for comfortable work with streaming services.

If you are a cinephile or hardcore gamer, then you should pay attention to models with QLED or OLED matrices, as well as the presence of a full set of HDMI 2.1 ports.

Remember to check the relevance of firmware versions when buying. Often new models require an update out of the box to correctly work all the functions of the Smart TV and eliminate possible bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to buy a set-top box if I buy a Xiaomi TV?
In most cases, the console is not necessary, as the built-in Android system TV It already contains all the popular apps, but if you want specific functionality that doesn't support TV (e.g. codecs or specific apps). IPTV-Players, the console can be useful.
Can I install apps not from Google Play on Xiaomi TV?
Yes, it's possible. You can download it. APK-files of the desired programs on the computer, transfer them to the flash drive and install them on the TV, allowing installation from unknown sources in the security settings.
What is the difference between CN Version and Global Version?
Global Version has Google Play preinstalled, support for multiple languages (including Russian) and a remote with the right buttons. CN Version (Chinese) requires tambourine dances to install Google services and may not have Russian on the menu.
How often do firmware updates come out?
Xiaomi releases security and system updates about once every 1-3 months for current models. Major Android updates can come less frequently, once a year or a half, depending on the TV model.