Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen (A Comprehensive Review)
Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen (A Comprehensive Review)
The Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen is a sleek streaming device that has caught the attention of many. With its promise of 4K streaming and support for popular platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu, let’s explore whether this box lives up to the hype.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
Upon unboxing, you’ll find the essentials: a user manual, an HDMI cable, a power supply, and a Bluetooth remote control (two AAA batteries not included). The remote is user-friendly, featuring shortcuts for Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube, along with a Google Assistant button for voice searches.
The TV box sports a minimalist design with a mat finish and a subtle Xiaomi logo. On the back, you’ll find an audio jack, HDMI 2.1, a USB 2.0 port, and a power socket. The design is familiar, mirroring previous Xiaomi models.
Specifications Overview
The Xiaomi TV Box S is powered by a quad-core Cortex A55 processor and the Mali G31 GPU. It features 2GB of DDR3 RAM and 8GB of eMMC storage, with support for 4K video at 60fps, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. It runs on official Google TV, complete with built-in Chromecast and Google Voice Assistant, and offers connectivity through 5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2.
Setting Up and User Interface
Booting up the box takes just over 35 seconds, bringing you to the Google TV UI. While it offers a wealth of content recommendations, the layout can feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of options available. The app page displays a variety of downloadable apps, and you can easily sideload missing apps thanks to the available USB port.
In the settings, it’s noted that only 4.6GB of the 8GB internal storage is usable, which is quite limited. However, it does run Android TV OS 11 with Google TV on top.
Streaming Performance
Streaming performance is where the Xiaomi TV Box S truly shines. The box successfully handles 4K HDR content from major platforms without issues. Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube all support 4K playback with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos when connected to compatible TVs. The streaming experience is smooth, with no buffering or stuttering.
4K Video Playback Tests
Using VLC, I tested various 4K video samples. The box performed excellently up to 180 Mbps but struggled with a 400 Mbps test, highlighting some limitations in processing power. However, standard 4K content played back flawlessly.
Additional Features and Connectivity
The box also features Miracast for screen mirroring and supports various audio formats through advanced sound settings. Testing the Chromecast functionality was seamless; casting videos from a smartphone was quick and efficient.
Gaming and Performance
While gaming isn’t the primary focus, The box manages casual games well, but with limited storage, you won’t be running many titles simultaneously. The internal storage speed tests showed decent read and write speeds, but there’s room for improvement.
Benchmark Results
In terms of performance metrics, the Xiaomi TV Box S scored 153 in single-core and 457 in multi-core tests on Geekbench, and achieved an AnTuTu score of 84k. In the context of other devices, it ranks moderately, making it suitable for most casual users.