Hey everyone! Today, let's dive into a comparison of two popular streaming devices from Xiaomi: the Mi TV Stick 4K and the Mi Box S. If you're in the market for an affordable way to upgrade your TV viewing experience, you’ve probably stumbled upon these two. Both promise to bring a world of streaming content right to your screen, but they have key differences that might make one a better fit for you than the other. We’re going to break down everything from their specs and performance to their design and user experience, so you can make an informed decision. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started!

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, both the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K and the Mi Box S are quite minimalist, but they cater to different preferences. The Mi TV Stick 4K is incredibly compact and portable. It’s designed to plug directly into an HDMI port on your TV, making it virtually invisible once set up. This is great if you want a clean, clutter-free look around your entertainment center. Its small size also makes it super easy to travel with, so you can take your streaming library with you wherever you go. On the other hand, the Mi Box S is a small, square box. It's a bit more noticeable than the stick, but it still maintains a sleek and unobtrusive design. The box needs to sit on a surface near your TV, which might mean a bit more cable management. However, some users might prefer the stability of having a box rather than a stick hanging directly from the HDMI port. Both devices are made of plastic, but they feel reasonably well-built for their price range. Neither feels particularly premium, but they don’t feel cheap either. The matte finish on both devices helps to keep fingerprints at bay, which is always a plus. Ultimately, the choice here comes down to whether you prioritize portability and a hidden setup (Mi TV Stick 4K) or a more stable, traditional box design (Mi Box S).

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K and the Mi Box S have some notable differences that impact their performance. The Mi TV Stick 4K is powered by an Amlogic S905Y4 processor, while the Mi Box S uses an Amlogic S905X processor. While both are quad-core processors, the S905Y4 in the Mi TV Stick 4K is slightly more efficient and offers better support for newer video codecs like AV1. This means the Mi TV Stick 4K might handle 4K streaming with less buffering and better overall performance, especially on services that utilize AV1. Both devices come with 2GB of RAM, which is adequate for most streaming apps, but it can sometimes feel a bit limiting when multitasking or running more demanding apps. In terms of storage, both offer 8GB of internal storage. This is enough for installing a decent number of apps, but you might find yourself needing to uninstall some less-used apps to make room for new ones. Neither device offers expandable storage via microSD card, so you’re stuck with the built-in 8GB. In real-world use, both devices perform reasonably well for streaming video, browsing menus, and basic app usage. However, the Mi TV Stick 4K generally feels a bit snappier and more responsive, likely due to the more efficient processor. The Mi Box S can sometimes feel a bit sluggish, especially when launching apps or navigating through menus. If you value smooth performance and future-proof codec support, the Mi TV Stick 4K has a slight edge.

Software and User Interface

Both the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K and the Mi Box S run on Android TV, which means you get access to a wide range of apps and services through the Google Play Store. This includes popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and many more. The Android TV interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate, making it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced streamers. One of the biggest advantages of Android TV is its Google Assistant integration. Both devices come with a voice remote that allows you to control your TV, search for content, and even control smart home devices with your voice. The Google Assistant works seamlessly on both the Mi TV Stick 4K and the Mi Box S, providing a convenient way to interact with your TV. Both devices also support Chromecast, allowing you to easily cast content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to your TV. This is great for sharing photos, videos, or web pages with friends and family. Xiaomi does push out regular software updates for both devices, which is good for bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. However, the update frequency can vary, and some users have reported delays in receiving updates. Overall, the software experience is quite similar on both devices, but the Mi TV Stick 4K benefits from a slightly more optimized and responsive interface, likely due to its more efficient processor. The Android TV experience is smooth and enjoyable on both, making it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV's smart capabilities.

Remote Control

The remote controls included with the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K and the Mi Box S are quite similar in design and functionality. Both remotes are compact, lightweight, and comfortable to hold. They feature a minimalist button layout that includes a power button, a Google Assistant button, a navigation pad, a back button, a home button, a menu button, and volume controls. Both remotes also have dedicated buttons for launching Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, providing quick access to these popular streaming services. The remotes connect to the devices via Bluetooth, which means you don't need to point the remote directly at the TV. This is a convenient feature that allows you to control your TV from anywhere in the room. The voice control functionality is also a major selling point of both remotes. By pressing the Google Assistant button, you can use your voice to search for content, control playback, adjust the volume, and even control smart home devices. The voice recognition is accurate and responsive, making it a useful tool for everyday use. While the remotes are largely the same, there are a few minor differences. Some users have noted that the Mi TV Stick 4K remote feels slightly more premium and has a more tactile button feel. However, this is subjective, and both remotes are perfectly functional and well-designed. Overall, the remote control experience is excellent on both devices, providing a convenient and intuitive way to control your TV.

Audio and Video Quality

When it comes to audio and video quality, both the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K and the Mi Box S deliver impressive performance for their price range. As the name suggests, the Mi TV Stick 4K supports 4K resolution, allowing you to enjoy stunningly detailed and vibrant visuals on compatible TVs. The Mi Box S also supports 4K resolution, so you won't be missing out on picture quality if you opt for the older model. Both devices support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which enhances the contrast and color accuracy of the image, making for a more immersive viewing experience. However, the Mi TV Stick 4K has a slight advantage in terms of HDR support. It supports both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, while the Mi Box S only supports HDR10. Dolby Vision is a more advanced HDR format that provides even greater dynamic range and color accuracy, resulting in a more lifelike picture. In terms of audio, both devices support Dolby Audio and DTS, providing high-quality surround sound for compatible sound systems. Whether you're watching movies, TV shows, or playing games, you'll enjoy clear and immersive audio. The Mi TV Stick 4K also supports Dolby Atmos passthrough, which allows you to send Dolby Atmos audio to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver for an even more immersive audio experience. Overall, both devices offer excellent audio and video quality, but the Mi TV Stick 4K has a slight edge due to its support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos passthrough. If you're a cinephile who values the best possible picture and sound quality, the Mi TV Stick 4K might be the better choice.

Price and Value

When it comes to price and value, both the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K and the Mi Box S are very competitive. The Mi TV Stick 4K typically retails for slightly more than the Mi Box S, but the price difference is usually not significant. Both devices offer excellent value for money, providing a wealth of features and performance at an affordable price. The Mi Box S has been around for a while, so you might be able to find it on sale or at a discounted price. However, the Mi TV Stick 4K offers some advantages over the Mi Box S, such as a more efficient processor, support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos passthrough, and a more compact design. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize portability and the latest features, the Mi TV Stick 4K is worth the slightly higher price. If you're on a tight budget and don't need the latest features, the Mi Box S is still a great option. Both devices provide access to a wide range of streaming apps, support 4K resolution and HDR, and offer a user-friendly Android TV experience. No matter which device you choose, you'll be getting a great value for your money.

Conclusion

So, which one should you choose, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K or the Mi Box S? Well, it really boils down to what you're looking for in a streaming device. If you want something super portable, with the latest tech like Dolby Vision and a slightly smoother performance, the Mi TV Stick 4K is the way to go. It's a bit more future-proof too, thanks to its updated processor. On the other hand, if you're on a tighter budget and don't mind a slightly older model that still gets the job done, the Mi Box S is a solid choice. It still offers 4K streaming, Android TV, and all the essential features you need. Both devices are great options, and you'll likely be happy with either one. Just consider what features are most important to you and choose accordingly. Happy streaming, folks!