Hey everyone! Today, we are diving deep into a comparison of two super popular streaming devices from Xiaomi: the Mi TV Stick 4K and the Mi Box S. If you’re in the market for a compact and efficient way to stream your favorite shows, movies, and more, you’ve probably come across these two. Both promise to bring the world of streaming to your TV, but they have some key differences that might make one a better fit for you than the other. Let’s break it down, keep it real, and figure out which one deserves a spot in your entertainment setup!

What to Expect

In this article, we're going to cover everything from the specs and performance to the user experience and pricing. We'll look at what makes each device unique, highlight their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately help you decide which one is the best bang for your buck. Whether you're a casual streamer or a hardcore binge-watcher, this comparison is designed to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's get started!

Design and Build Quality

Mi TV Stick 4K

When it comes to design, the Mi TV Stick 4K is all about portability and sleekness. It’s incredibly compact, resembling an oversized USB drive, which makes it super easy to carry around. The minimalist design ensures it stays out of sight once plugged into your TV’s HDMI port. Made of durable plastic, it feels sturdy enough to handle everyday use without being overly flashy. The matte black finish keeps it low-profile, blending seamlessly with most TV setups. One of the significant advantages of its design is its size; you can easily take it with you on trips, making it a great travel companion for streaming on the go. Plus, it includes a simple, user-friendly remote that is comfortable to hold and easy to navigate, featuring dedicated buttons for Google Assistant, Netflix, and Prime Video. The build quality is reliable, ensuring that it can withstand being plugged and unplugged frequently without showing signs of wear and tear, making it a practical choice for those who value portability and simplicity in their streaming devices.

Mi Box S

The Mi Box S, on the other hand, takes on a more traditional set-top box approach. It's a small, square-shaped device with rounded edges, designed to sit neatly next to your TV. The build quality feels solid, giving it a premium feel. Its larger size allows for more internal components and better heat dissipation, which can be beneficial for long streaming sessions. The top surface features a subtle, minimalist design with a small Mi logo, while the back houses all the necessary ports, including HDMI, USB, and audio output. Like the Mi TV Stick 4K, the Mi Box S comes with a remote that's easy to use, featuring quick access buttons for Google Assistant, Netflix, and live TV. The remote’s ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, making navigation a breeze. Overall, the Mi Box S exudes a sense of robustness and reliability, making it a great addition to any home entertainment system where portability is not a primary concern. Its sturdy build and well-thought-out design make it a dependable choice for users looking for a stable and consistent streaming experience.

Hardware and Performance

Mi TV Stick 4K

Under the hood, the Mi TV Stick 4K is powered by a quad-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM. This setup is generally sufficient for smooth streaming in 4K resolution, but it can sometimes struggle with more demanding tasks or when running multiple apps in the background. Navigating the interface is usually snappy, but you might encounter occasional lags, especially during initial boot-up or when switching between apps. The device supports dual-band Wi-Fi, ensuring a stable and fast internet connection, which is crucial for buffer-free streaming. The built-in storage is limited to 8GB, which might be a concern if you plan to download a lot of apps or games. However, for most users who primarily stream content, this should be adequate. The Mi TV Stick 4K also supports various audio and video formats, including Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, enhancing the overall viewing and listening experience. While it may not be the most powerful streaming device on the market, it offers a decent balance of performance and portability, making it a great option for users who need a compact and capable streaming solution.

Mi Box S

The Mi Box S also features a quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, similar to the Mi TV Stick 4K. However, its larger form factor allows for better heat management, which can lead to slightly more consistent performance over extended periods. The device handles 4K streaming with ease and generally provides a smooth and responsive user experience. Navigating the interface feels fluid, and app loading times are reasonably quick. Like the Mi TV Stick 4K, the Mi Box S supports dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable internet connectivity. It also comes with 8GB of internal storage, which is adequate for most users but may feel limiting for those who like to install numerous apps. The Mi Box S stands out with its additional ports, including a USB port, which allows you to connect external storage devices, expanding your media options. This is a significant advantage over the Mi TV Stick 4K. Additionally, it supports Dolby Audio and DTS-HD, providing a rich and immersive audio experience. Overall, the Mi Box S offers a slightly more robust performance and greater flexibility compared to the Mi TV Stick 4K, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize stability and expandability.

Software and User Interface

Mi TV Stick 4K

The Mi TV Stick 4K runs on Android TV, offering a clean and intuitive user interface. The home screen is well-organized, with rows of recommended content from various streaming services, making it easy to discover new shows and movies. The Google Play Store provides access to a wide range of apps, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more. The built-in Chromecast functionality allows you to easily cast content from your smartphone or tablet to your TV. One of the standout features is the Google Assistant integration, which enables you to control your TV and other smart home devices with voice commands. The software experience is generally smooth, but occasional updates can sometimes introduce minor bugs or performance issues. However, Xiaomi is usually quick to address these issues with subsequent updates. Overall, the Mi TV Stick 4K offers a user-friendly and feature-rich software experience that caters to both casual and avid streamers.

Mi Box S

Like the Mi TV Stick 4K, the Mi Box S also runs on Android TV, providing a similar user experience. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, with a focus on content discovery. The home screen features rows of recommended shows and movies, making it simple to find something to watch. The Google Play Store offers a vast selection of apps, ensuring you have access to all your favorite streaming services. The built-in Chromecast functionality works seamlessly, allowing you to cast content from your mobile devices to your TV. The Google Assistant integration is another highlight, enabling voice control of your TV and smart home devices. One advantage of the Mi Box S is its more stable software performance, likely due to its better heat management and slightly more robust hardware. While both devices receive regular updates, the Mi Box S tends to experience fewer issues after updates. Overall, the Mi Box S delivers a reliable and user-friendly software experience that is well-suited for users who value stability and ease of use.

Remote Control

Mi TV Stick 4K

The remote for the Mi TV Stick 4K is compact and ergonomic, fitting comfortably in your hand. It features a minimalist design with essential buttons for navigation, volume control, and quick access to Google Assistant, Netflix, and Prime Video. The buttons are responsive and well-placed, making it easy to control the device. The remote connects via Bluetooth, ensuring a reliable connection and allowing you to control the device even when it's not in direct line of sight. The voice control functionality is a standout feature, enabling you to search for content, control playback, and interact with other smart home devices using voice commands. While the remote is functional and easy to use, some users may find the lack of a dedicated power button a minor inconvenience. Overall, the Mi TV Stick 4K remote provides a user-friendly and efficient way to control your streaming experience.

Mi Box S

The remote for the Mi Box S is similar in design and functionality to the Mi TV Stick 4K remote. It features the same minimalist layout with dedicated buttons for navigation, volume control, and quick access to Google Assistant, Netflix, and live TV. The buttons are responsive and well-placed, making it easy to control the device. The remote also connects via Bluetooth, ensuring a stable connection. The voice control functionality works seamlessly, allowing you to search for content and control playback using voice commands. One minor difference is the inclusion of a dedicated live TV button, which may be useful for users who subscribe to IPTV services. Like the Mi TV Stick 4K remote, it lacks a dedicated power button, which some users may miss. Overall, the Mi Box S remote offers a user-friendly and reliable control experience, making it easy to navigate and enjoy your favorite content.

Price

Mi TV Stick 4K

Generally, the Mi TV Stick 4K is positioned as the more affordable option of the two. The price may fluctuate depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions, but it typically falls in the range of $50 to $70. This makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers who want to enjoy 4K streaming without breaking the bank. The value proposition is strong, considering its compact size, 4K support, and access to a wide range of streaming services. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts, as you can often find it at even lower prices during sales events. Overall, the Mi TV Stick 4K offers excellent value for its price, making it a great entry-level 4K streaming device.

Mi Box S

The Mi Box S is usually priced slightly higher than the Mi TV Stick 4K. You can typically find it in the range of $60 to $80, depending on the retailer and any available discounts. While it's a bit more expensive, the Mi Box S offers some additional features and benefits that may justify the higher price for some users. These include a more robust build, better heat management, and the inclusion of a USB port for connecting external storage devices. The Mi Box S also tends to offer slightly more stable software performance. If you value these additional features and are willing to spend a bit more, the Mi Box S is a solid investment. Keep an eye out for promotions, as you may be able to find it at a discounted price during sales events. Overall, the Mi Box S provides a good balance of features and performance for its price, making it a worthwhile option for users looking for a reliable streaming device.

Final Verdict

So, which one should you choose, guys? It really boils down to what you value most in a streaming device.

If portability and affordability are your top priorities, the Mi TV Stick 4K is an excellent choice. Its compact size makes it perfect for travel, and its budget-friendly price makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers. Despite its small size, it delivers a solid 4K streaming experience and provides access to all your favorite apps and services.

On the other hand, if you prioritize stability, expandability, and a slightly more robust performance, the Mi Box S is the better option. Its larger form factor allows for better heat management, and the inclusion of a USB port provides greater flexibility. While it's a bit more expensive, the Mi Box S offers a more reliable and versatile streaming experience.

Ultimately, both devices are great options, and you really can't go wrong with either one. Consider your specific needs and priorities, and choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and budget. Happy streaming!