The boom of smart TVs is really striking and you are probably already thinking about buying such a TV. But in addition to this popular segment, a new one was created, which offers handy gadgets such as xiaomi mi tv stick or Xiaomi Mi TV Box S.
Both products offer new features by simply expanding via the HDMI connector, and thanks to the connection to the Wi-Fi network, they can also turn your TV or monitor into a smart one, directly with the official Android TV system. Which pair is better, cheaper or offers more features? Our comparison will answer you.
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick vs Xiaomi Mi TV Box S
Each of the two devices is a little different, although their use is practically the same. Xiaomi My TV Stick is a novelty this year and offers small, truly compact dimensions that resemble a thicker flash drive.
The device is very similar to a competitor from Amazon and shares the same target customer with it.
The second device is the Mi TV Box S, which is an improved version of the original TV Box from Xiaomi. He became really popular despite his strong resemblance to the famous Apple TV.
For the money available, however, it brings up to 4K resolution and, like the first mentioned product, a full-fledged Android TV system with a remote control.
Technical specifications
| xiaomi mi tv stick | Xiaomi Mi TV Box S 4K | |
|---|---|---|
memory RAM |
1 GB | X |
repository |
8 GB eMMC | 8 GB eMMC |
CPU |
Quad-core Cortex-A53 | Quad-core Cortex-A53 64 bit |
GPU |
ARM Mali-450 | ARM Mali-450 |
Resolution |
1080p / 60 fps (1920x1080) | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
Connectivity |
HDMI / microUSB | HDMI 2.0 / USB 2.0 / 3.5 mm audio connector |
Wi-Fi |
802.11a / b / g / n / ac (2.4GHz / 5GHz) | 802.11a / b / g / n / ac (2.4GHz / 5GHz) |
Bluetooth |
4.2 | 4.1 |
Audio codec |
DOLBY / DTS | DOLBY / DTS |
Audio format |
MP3 / AAC / FLAC / OGG | MP3 / APE / FLAC |
Video codec |
VP9-10 / H.265 / H.264 / VC-1 / MPEG (1/2/4) / Real (8/9/10) | 4K (60fps) / VP9 / H.264 / MPEG (1/2/4) / VC-1 / Real (8/9/10) |
Video format |
RM / MOV / VOB / AVI / MKV / TS / MP4 | RM / MOV / VOB / AVI / MKV / TS / MP4 / 3D |
Image format |
JPG / BMP / GIF / PNG | JPG / BMP / GIF / PNG / TIF |
packing |
product / remote control / mains supply / manual | product / remote control / HDMI cable / mains supply / 2 x AAA batteries / manual |
Price |
30 € / 35 USD | 50 € / 60 USD |
Product packaging
The contents of the package of both products do not come as a surprise and the manufacturer really packed only what was necessary. When it comes to My TV Stick, the package contains the device itself with an HDMI terminal, a remote control that we can also recognize from other products, a power cord and a simple user manual.
My TV Box S then in the box it will offer the box itself wrapped in a protective foil, but also again a well-known remote control, a separate HDMI cable for connection to the TV, a mains cable for power or a simple manual for use.
Ease of use
Using both products is really easy. Just connect the device to the TV and to the network, then use the remote control to connect to a Wi-Fi network. System Android TV is loading and you just enter your Google Account to access the Play Store. At this point, the world of TV-optimized applications will open up to you.
Launching applications and controlling them is solved using the remote control. You can also play some games from the Play Store with it (those that don't require a driver).
Both devices also include Bluetooth technology for connecting accessories. In addition, Dolby and DTS Surround support is available.
The uses are really different. Both devices offer the ability to watch multimedia content, play music, view photos and much more using the appropriate applications.
Simple My TV Stick offers 1080p image (1920 x 1080) while My TV Box S offers up to 4K content (3840 x 2160) and even an extra USB port.
However, the feeling that the Mi TV Stick is a simpler and lighter version of the original Mi TV Box S cannot be avoided. The same focus, very similar functions, but also connectivity mean strong competition in its own lines in the sales market.
Software: Use as Chromecast
Android TV is available for both of these devices. It is really clear, its controls or settings are very similar to what we know from our mobile phones. TV-optimized apps can be used through the Play Store.
The advantage is also fast software OTA updates, with which Google brings not only innovations for the operating system itself, but also thinks of security in the form of regular security updates. A practical function is also the use as a Chromecast, ie mirroring of content and media or voice search via Google Assistant.
Price and availability
When it comes to the selling price of these devices, the cheaper and more affordable option is definitely the compact Xiaomi Mi TV Stick. It appeared on the sales market only a few weeks ago, but its current price with the use of a discount coupon is at the level of 35 € or. 40 USD.
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (1 GB RAM, 1080p)
Xiaomi Mi Box S European version
It is a more expensive choice Xiaomi Mi TV Box S. Even though this product has been on the market for several months, it still maintains its standard selling price. You will find this product in the offer of international sellers for the price of just under 55 €.
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick vs. Xiaomi Mi TV Box S: Which one to choose?
If you have a 4K TV at home and take advantage of the 4K content support offered by the more expensive of the pair of products, in which case we definitely recommend the Xiaomi Mi TV Box S. It also has the upper hand in performance as it offers up to 2 GB RAM compared to 1 GB RAM in the Mi TV Stick.
If you can do with 1080p (60 fps) resolution, a cheaper, more compact and new alternative is the more affordable Xiaomi Mi TV Stick.
Both devices expand the functions of your standard monitor or TV, and purchasing neither of them will make a mistake. Although the Mi TV Stick is new to the market, don't forget to forget the Mi TV Box S 4K, which still has software support and only recently received an update to the operating system. Android TV in version 9.
When Mi Box S gives you an H.265 codec error
Hello,
Well, a lot of general reviews and comparisons
I would have these "questions":
- I bought a Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and I'm quite satisfied, but what I really miss is the ability to install Google Chrome and watch TV, which I have from my provider
- No proper web browser is available for him. That's why I had a bit of a problem putting Kodi into operation, which is why I bought the device
- I'm thinking now about the Xiaomi Mi Tv Box S and I have a question if there is a possibility to install Google Chrome, and what is better for this device
- information about the Android version also differs, Android 8.0 is written somewhere. Oreo and elsewhere Android 6.0 Marshmallow, here even 9 (if the updates work, I understand)
- I'm mainly interested in installing the Kodi application, I have it in Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and it works according to my ideas. Another condition is the mentioned Google Chrome
- Playing games you think I assume the ones available on Google play, right? I don't believe in these devices in large quantities, even if Chrome isn't for Stick
- Can both a classic and a wireless keyboard be connected to USB (TV Box S)? And can a hub be used to use both the keyboard and the mouse?
Good day,
- Chrome can be installed via the Aptoide app. But don't expect miracles, these devices do not have much performance and the browser is quite a problem
- Mi Box S has regular updates, the latest version is Android 9
- Kodi works without problems on both devices
- Games are limited, only those from GPlay can be downloaded and again, these boxes have no performance to play
- Mi Box S also supports keyboard / mouse connection via USB, the hub should also work.
Thank you very much for the quick response, she decided to buy the Box.
You are welcome. 🙂
Unfortunately, I didn't find either Aptoide or Apptoide on the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick.
It's not on Google Play, you need to download it from an external source and install it via the apk.