Technical specifications of Xiaomi Mi TV Box S 4K Global International Version
The main problem was that it was tailored to the Chinese market and, in this regard, the lack of the usual means of working with Android, in particular the pre-installed Google Play Market application store. I had to treat it long and hard with various firmware, but in the end I sold it and never thought about it again.
However, a lot has changed since then, the Chinese released a global version for the international market, and this became a key factor in the purchasing decision when I finally said to myself - “I'll take it!” And now the Xiaomi Mi TV Box 4 S in black from AliExpress lies in front of me on the table (bought here). Although it is not necessary to order from the Internet - today the global version is already available on the counter of any large digital store, same DNS.
- Processor – Amlogic S905X, 64-bit, 4 cores, Cortex-A53
- Graphics core - Mali-450, 750 MHz
- RAM – 2 GB DDR3
- Built-in memory – 8 GB
- Maximum resolution - 4K (3840x2160) HDR
- Video formats - MOV, VOB, AVI, MKV, TS, MP4
- Audio – MP3, FLAC, APE
- OS – Android 8.1 Oreo (Android TV)
- WiFi – 802.11ac, 2.4 and 5 GHz
- Bluetooth - 4.2
I want to start the review of the Xiaomi Mi Box 4 S with its technical characteristics. This Smart TV is one of the most advanced media players from this manufacturer at the moment. The main thing that interested me personally was support for 4K and, more importantly, the modern 5 GHz wifi standard, under which high-resolution video will work normally. Some might say that this is not very relevant today. But I will answer them that this kind of set-top box should be bought with a reserve for the future, so that it will last for at least a couple of years. Therefore, you need to take an expensive device with an eye to all modern technologies.
Android TV OS and how it works
Android TV does everything possible to ensure that the user watches content. Where can one find time for all this?
Now let's move on to the main thing - the system. It uses the purest Android TV shell from Google without the slightest trace of China. Looking ahead, I will say that it is very comfortable.
At the top there is a row of favorite applications that you can customize to your liking. This row, as far as I understand, is not limited at all, and there can be as many icons as you like.
Below are rows with offers from the services you use. In this way, you can remove a feed from YouTube with trends, recommendations and subscriptions. Netflix simply recommends the most suitable projects to watch.
I recently rewatched Breaking Bad. Who watched this series, what do you think about the sequel El Camino?
Other services in the OS work similarly. What I like most is the Favorites .
By default, it is located right under the row of favorite applications, and it collects all the movies and TV shows that you watch. By switching to it, you can quickly return to watching and continue it from where you left off.
Everything about the software is great. You can find anything on Google Play. Online cinemas have absolutely everything. And several dozen games, mostly arcade games, and countless different programs for advanced users.
All sorts of file managers for installing third-party APK files, and even browsers are available. In general, complete freedom, after all, we are dealing with Android.
Honestly, I practically never used such things. Mi TV Stick performs its main function for me - showing content.
But, as an Apple user, I was concerned about showing content from Apple TV, because I have a couple dozen movies purchased from iTunes and a subscription to TV+. In general, I didn’t have to worry.
Appearance and equipment
Unfortunately, the packaging of the AliExpress parcel was far from ideal, and the box was slightly dented. The packaging is made in a modern style for Xiaomi - cheerful orange with pictures. They abandoned white minimalism, which in my opinion was in vain - before, their gadgets in a box looked more premium.
But all its contents are made to the highest standard, to which Xiaomi devices have already accustomed us - laconic and stylish. The kit consists of a set necessary for working with the console, but at the same time it is not very poor. In addition to the media player itself, the power supply (with a European plug) and the control panel, they also included an HDMI cable, which some manufacturers skimp on. The seller also included a silicone case for the remote control as a gift - a very necessary thing, since the package in which it was originally packaged obviously will not last long as protection.
The set-top box itself looks very much like Apple TV or their AirPort router. Personally, I like this shape much more than the plump “soap” Xiaomi console of the 3rd generation. On the front panel is the company logo.
On the sides there are the following connectors, one of each: USB, HDMI, Audio and for the power cord.
Unfortunately, there is only one USB connector. I don’t know what prevented me from doing at least two. I’m already used to connecting a mouse and keyboard to other Smart TV set-top boxes in addition to a flash drive. Often, when using Android TV, these devices make entering the necessary characters much easier. However, looking ahead, I will say that even with the help of one remote control, it turned out to be quite comfortable to use. And this is achieved through two things. Firstly, a convenient on-screen keyboard that displays all the characters at once - Cyrillic, Latin, numbers and special characters. There is no need to switch between all these character sets.
What is your opinion: is WiFi harmful?
Yes
22.94%
No
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Voted: 33177
And secondly, the remote control connects to the Xiaomi set-top box via Bluetooth, not an IR port. And this significantly reduces the number of failures when pressing keys, since there is no need to hit the infrared beam from the remote control to the receiver in the media player body. Although, it was not so easy to break the habit of pointing the remote control towards the TV
The remote control is a separate issue altogether. It fits just perfectly in the hand - for this we probably still have to say thanks to Apple, who first found this convenient proportion. But we also thank Xiaomi for successfully repeating this and implementing it much cheaper. There are a minimal number of buttons on it, but there are more than enough of them for comfortable operation. If you noticed, there are no usual numbers on it - all input is done using the on-screen keyboard.
But due to the presence of built-in Bluetooth on board, you can also connect other wireless peripherals via it - mice, keyboards, etc. The only complaint is that there are two buttons that are programmed for fixed functions that are not very necessary in everyday use. We are talking about calling the Netflix application and antenna TV. I don’t know yet, maybe they can be changed using some alternative firmware.
Another feature of the control panel is the presence of a built-in microphone in the upper part of the case for using a voice assistant. This generally solves almost all problems with entering information into search windows in applications on Android TV. For example, you can ask to launch any application, find a particular movie or channel.
Where's the catch?
I would like to see a similar dongle from Apple someday.
I’m ashamed to call this a catch, but the speed of operation reminds me of the cost of the device. There were no freezes, crashes or anything like that in a month and a half of use. It's just that navigation through the interface is sometimes jerky.
This mainly applies to heavy applications like Google Play. When calling Google Assistant, you feel a fairly decent delay after pressing the button, the hardware frankly thinks about it.
In general, this can all be solved by disabling animations in the settings. You can live with this, but it does not affect the search for films and their viewing.
There is also no LAN connector on the case for connecting wired Internet. Our reader once faced the problem of watching live broadcasts due to his absence. Keep this in mind!
Review of using Xiaomi Mi Smart TV Box (4K)
I have no complaints about the operation of the Xiaomi Mi Box S (4) Smart TV set-top box itself. At first I was confused by the amount of RAM - only 2 GB. However, in practice, when working with Android TV, there are more than enough of them. An 8 GB drive is enough to install all the necessary programs. As it turned out, there is absolutely no need to download videos when there are a huge number of applications for watching movies and TV channels online.
At the same time, Smart TV copes with video playback in 4K just fine - both from a connected removable storage device and in real time from the Internet. As I already said, 5 GHz WiFi rules!
Good things again
I'm not sure about AAC codec support, but AirPods with Mi Stick sound decent.
The dongle has a Bluetooth module. This means you can connect any wireless headphones, speaker, soundbar, or anything else to it.
Even AirPods work great! Accordingly, the sound from the movies you watch on TV will go to your headphones.
This is the ultimate thing, and for this reason the MI TV Stick can already be seriously considered for purchase. Almost all TVs, even those with smart functions, do not have the ability to connect Bluetooth accessories.
You can also connect third-party remote controls, gamepads, etc.
If you don’t live alone in the house so as not to disturb others while you watch a movie, then the MI TV Stick is a must-have.
To connect headphones to the set-top box, you need to open “Settings”, go to the “Remotes and Accessories” section and select the desired headset.
The gadget also supports 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. This gives a huge increase in the speed of turning on content and the stability of its viewing, because the frequency is not overloaded by neighbors’ routers and supports high Internet speeds. For a device in this price segment, this is a reason for praise!
Another interesting use that I found for the dongle is broadcasting some documents, notes or plans to the TV.
I believe that for offices and some corporate events, such functionality with broadcasting documents from any computer with Chrome can be useful.
I have a project I'm working on and a logic map for it. In order not to take up useful space on the computer screen, I simply turn it on on the TV so that I can always keep it in front of my eyes, and on the laptop I already do everything necessary.
This makes it possible to work much more efficiently! Please note that the broadcast only works in the Chrome browser.
What to do if Xiaomi Mi Box is slow
Judging by the communication on the forums, many users complain about incorrect recovery from sleep mode when the Xiaomi Mi Box slows down. This problem is corrected by enabling the CEC mode - that is, simultaneous control of turning on and off the set-top box and the TV from one remote control. We press the power button on the remote control of the media player and it transmits the same command to the TV via HDMI - it’s very convenient and you can forget about the TV remote control itself.
Just like any gadget with a limited amount of RAM, when running many applications at once, the Xiaomi Mi Box 4 S may begin to slow down a little. This can be treated in the same way as on any Android - with a regular reboot.
Setting up IPTV
What is IPTV? — Without delving into the terms, this is Internet television that allows you to watch TV channels live.
There are two ways to configure the technology:
- Using regular Android programs, where the main 100-300 channels of Russia, Ukraine and the CIS are already preinstalled.
- Use the Kodi player, in which you can add and edit your playlists, watch movies, TV series, and in general - much more functionality.
In this article we will talk about the first method, since it will be sufficient for most users.
Installation will take literally 2-3 minutes.
So, let's look at 3 applications for IPTV (They are all available on Aptoide):
- Peers.TV;
- Lazy IPTV;
- IPTV Pro;
You can install them like everyone else. No additional configuration is required.
In Piers TV, for example, hundreds of channels, both Russian and Ukrainian, are available.
You can create your own collections and even add playlists, but only provide a link to a file located on a third-party site.
For example, insert a link to one of our playlists - https://iptvmaster.ru/m3u-channels-2019/
The TV program is available 1-2 days in advance for all sources, even for such as Discovery and National Geographic.
By the way, they are free.
The other two programs have similar functionality, the only differences are in the list of TV channels. Therefore, try all three options and choose according to your taste.
Remote control for set-top box
To remotely control the functions of the set-top box, a remote control with a Bluetooth radio frequency transmitter is used, borrowed from the previous model Mi Box 3. The device has a rectangular configuration 150 mm long with rubberized buttons. Due to the use of impact-resistant plastic, the weight is reduced to 65 g while maintaining strength. To power the electronic elements, 2 AAA batteries are used, located in a separate compartment with a lid.
Remote control for Mi Box 4C.
On the front of the remote control there is a power control button, highlighted with a red icon. In the center there is a joystick with a central key. Below there are additional buttons for switching menu sections and adjusting the volume.
