Xiaomi Mi Box S REVIEW: FINALLY the Global Version of Mi Box 4!
As you know, TV Boxes from Xiaomi are very popular. They allow you to watch not only TV shows, but also to discover a whole world of virtual entertainment – games, social media, series and online movies.
However, Xiaomi TV Boxes have one big problem – the Chinese user interface. First, Xiaomi releases its gadgets on Chinese market, and after a few weeks or even months – international market. The similar situation with Xiaomi Mi Box 4. It is the next generation of very popular Xiaomi Mi Box 3, but the Chinese user interface with Chinese language, apps and services scares many people.
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Finally, Xiaomi releases the global version of Mi Box 4 with English language, Google services and stock Android TV. It will be sold under the name Xiaomi Mi Box S. The screenshot below confirmed that Xiaomi Mi Box S and Mi Box 4 are the same devices, but for different markets.
So, in this article we will have review of new TV Box from Xiaomi. Yes, Mi Box S is a global version of Mi Box 4, but also it received some new features and even updated remote control. The main features of new TV box are voice control and 4K HDR video playback.
Xiaomi Mi Box S: Specifications:
- Processor: Quad Core ARM Cortex-A53
- Graphics processor: Mali-450
- RAM: 2GB RAM
- ROM: 8GB ROM
- System: Android 8.1 Oreo
- Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4/5 GHz
- HDMI Version: 2.0
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2
- Interface: 3.5mm audio jack, HDMI port, USB port and power connector
- Audio Format: AAC, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, APE, FLAC, OGG, WAV, WMA
- Decoder Format: H.263, H.264, H.265, HD MPEG4
- Image Format: BMP, GIF, JPEG, TIFF
- Video Format: 3GP, AVI, FLV, M2TS, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG, RM, RMVB, TS
- Language: multilingual
- Power Source: Charging Adapter
Xiaomi Mi Box S: Unboxing
The new TV Box comes in a small box with a description of main technical specifications and features. Inside the box, you can find only necessary things, such as TV box itself, remote control, power adapter and user manual.
All accessories from the package including TV Box are made in a single black color.
The power supply is branded Xiaomi. It is made high quality, and works without any problems.
The control panel is made of the same durable plastic as TV Box. It is lightweight and has a very compact size. It is powered by two AAA battery.
A set of buttons consists of a navigation touch ring, “Back”, “Return to the main menu”, a call for a voice assistant and a volume control. Xiaomi Mi Box S remote control has received the dedicated buttons to call Google Assistant voice assistant, to quickly access Netflix and launch a live broadcast. Also we should note about built-in functions of Google Chromecast.
Xiaomi Mi Box S has integrated intelligent assistant. It can identify different user voices. It helps you search for keywords, launch applications, check weather, calendars, and more. To turn on voice control, simply click the button on remote control with the microphone icon and say the commands you want.
The voice control works very well. The microphone built into the remote control is very sensitive. However, we still recommend you to bring the remote control as close to your lips as you can when giving a command.
Xiaomi Mi Box S: Design
Xiaomi Mi Box S looks very simple and stylish. It pleasantly surprises with its compact size and smooth shapes. The dimensions are only 9.52 x 9.52 x 1.68 cm and weight 300 grams.
The case of the device is made in matt black color. The device is compact and can easily fit in the palm of your hand.
On the top panel, in the center placed the logo of Mi series. On the bottom there are four plastic legs, thanks to which the device practically does not slide on the surface.
The infrared port and LED indicator are placed on the front side. On the back we can see all the ports and connectors: a 3.5mm audio jack, an HDMI port, a USB port and a power jack.
The build quality is fine. The case is durable and reliable, has no gaps and does not creak, if you press it hard. Xiaomi Mi Box S will easily become part of any room, thanks to its versatile design.
Xiaomi Mi Box S: Performance
New TV Box from Xiaomi is powered by Cortex A53 processor with 4 cores up to 2 GHz. Also there is Mali 450 graphics accelerator. The device is designed for use exclusively with TV, so it has very good performance. All functions and interface work quickly and smooth.
Not so much RAM – only 2GB DDR3 and built-in memory – 8GB. Also you need to remember that the system also use internal memory, so you will get no more than 5GB of available storage for installing apps. Anyway, it is not a problem, because you can expand the memory with USB drive.
As for the wireless connection, there is Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4/5 GHz.
The main purpose of this TV Box is to play high-quality streaming content from popular services. Due to its performance, it runs 4K HDR videos at 60 frames per second without any problems. It can cope not only with high-resolution videos, but also with heavy games.
Xiaomi Mi Box S: User interface
Since the TV Box has no power button, it turns on immediately after connecting the power. It is a good thing, because the front panel does not light up with bright status indicator.
Out of the box Mi Box S runs on Android 8.1 Oreo with pure stock Android TV, which is designed to be controlled by remote control.
When you first turn on the TV Box, you will be prompted to perform first setup.
You need to choose WiFi network, create or login into Mi account, and install MiTVAssistant mobile app on your smartphone.
As we already said, Xiaomi Mi Box S has Google’s Android TV Launcher. It is very simple and convenient. The main screen contains tiles of all installed applications, as well as recommended apps. There are many online services available, including YouTube, Play Music, Play Movies, Play Store and Netflix.
Google search works very well. You can watch the weather, search for videos on YouTube, etc. For example, if you look for a movie, then in the search results you can see its description and even actors. You can immediately go to Google Play Movies to watch the trailer and screenshots.
You can install various apps using Google Play. The applications for watching videos work fine, including 4K resolution.
The settings menu is conveniently divided into sections: device, settings, remote control, about. Xiaomi Mi Box S supports almost all codecs and formats. The remote control is very useful when searching, but for games it is better to use a gamepad.
Xiaomi Mi Box S: Price
Xiaomi Mi Box S is a universal TV box, which is perfect for playing multimedia content. It is able to completely replace a computer or laptop when watching your favorite movies.
Now you can order Xiaomi Mi Box S for $89. The new TV Box from Xioami confidently copes with the declared functions, works smoothly and quickly, without braking and freezing. The built quality of gadget is high, just like other Xiaomi products.
However, the main feature of Xiaomi Mi Box S is Android TV, support English and Google services, such as Play Store, YouTube, Search, etc. You can install any apps from Google Play Store.
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Source: mi
