Smart TV set-top box for xiaomi TV. Review of Android box Xiaomi Mi Box S

Xiaomi Mi Box 3 (international version) is a Chinese video console of the third generation. It was created in collaboration with Google, which is involved in its promotion. The company introduced the set-top box in October 2016.

Models and their applications

Xiaomi Mi Box 3 global version is available in several modifications. All of them can be used to convert an LCD TV to Smart TV format. Most often, a console is purchased to play Android games, displaying them on the big screen. To do this, you need to separately order the Gamepad from Xiaomi.

Xiaomi Mi Box 3 models:

Xiaomi Mi Box RD
Xiaomi Mi Box 3 Enhanced Edition

The first 3 versions are intended only for the Chinese market. They don't have Google services. The Xiaomi Mi Box 3S version is called international, its review is below

Equipment

Along with the Xiaomi Mi Box 3 console, the box contains:

A remote control designed to control TV settings and games.
Adapter with Euro plug 1 m long
HDMI cable with short (90 cm) wire

The remote control has a microphone and works via Bluetooth, so there is no need to constantly keep the set-top box in sight. There is voice search in Russian. The function works without errors.

There are few buttons on the remote control:

Navigation with 5 positions,
“Home”, “Back”, “Menu”
Inclusion
Power supply 5V/2.1A

The body is made of black plastic. There is a place to attach a strap, although there are no straps themselves. There are also no additional sensors. AA batteries (not included) are inserted into regular connectors inside the case.

Design

The attachment on top is square in shape and small in size. Height about 2cm, side length 10cm 1mm. Weighs 178 g. The heavy weight is explained by the presence of a large iron ring installed for cooling through the thermal substrates of the internal filling of the device.

Technical characteristics

The technical characteristics of the Xiaomi Mi Box 3 (MDZ-19-AA) media player are collected in the table:

The letter H in the chipset model designation means that the model has received licenses for decoding DD 5.1 and DTS,

The review shows that the set-top box works quickly, a stripped-down version of Android, a special shell from Xiaomi, well suited for working on a large screen and convenient for Smart TV. Experienced customers complain that updates do not arrive. The boxing menu is set in Russian, but sometimes there are Chinese characters. Android TV Launcher was developed by Google employees.

Applications

The fact that the Xiaomi model is international means the ability to access all Google services. After connecting the set-top box and connecting it to the Internet, you can go to the store and select any of the applications provided there. On Google Play, choose paid or free games.

Users indicate that owners of the reduced version do not have access to some of the full applications. Only those programs that can be controlled using the remote control are installed there. There are also those that require a gamepad to use. It is purchased separately and connected to the console.

You can install other programs and applications through a PC browser or an archived APK file. But in this case, you need to connect a mouse to control the device. You cannot select an additional keyboard layout in the Android TV settings. You can install the Android TV remote control program on your smartphone.

The model supports 4k video. All declared formats can be launched easily. The image quality is high.

Network and information formats

Xiaomi Mi 3 supports IPTV technology and can work in Internet browser mode. Chromecast technology allows you to play any video from your phone or computer on your TV. Wireless interfaces installed:

Bluetooth1 +EDR is implemented on the Broadcom BCM4345 chip. There are complaints that sometimes it disconnects on its own and the connection to the Internet disappears. This happens after being unplugged, while the connection level for other devices remains normal. It connects easily, just press and hold two keys on the remote control.
Wi-Fi 11a/b/g/n/ac, operates in 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies, MIMO 1x1
USB 2.0 Type A

Do you dream of radically increasing the capabilities of your TV? Get access not only to the standard set of television channels, but also to all the possibilities of the Internet? Then set-top boxes have been developed for you - these are devices that allow you to turn a regular TV into a Smart TV.

One of the best brands that produces such products is the Xiaomi company. She presented the Xiaomi Mi Box 3 and Mi Box 4 consoles to the public. Which model is better to choose? This will be discussed in our review, dedicated to a comparative analysis of two modifications from Xiaomi.

What is included?

The package of the third version includes, in addition to the TV set-top box itself, a remote control with a strap for remote control, batteries, a charger, and an HDMI cable. Also included are instructions and a warranty card.

You will see similar contents in another cardboard box in which its competitor is packaged.

Design: are there any differences?

Both options are characterized by a minimalist appearance, in which there is not a single unnecessary detail. In order to ensure stability, the lower part has a rubberized round clasp.

The device is made in the shape of a square with rounded corners, making it look incredibly stylish and will suit any interior.

The “Quartet” is distinguished by the fact that it is presented in white, while the previous modification was offered exclusively in black. The disadvantage of a black surface is that dust and traces of touch are very noticeable on it, but a white surface may not be combined with other interior items, including the TV itself. Matte plastic perfectly resists scratches and impacts; it does not develop chips or other defects during use.

Now let's compare the dimensions: 101x101x20 mm and 95x95x16 mm for Xiaomi Mi Tv Box 3 vs Xiaomi Mi Tv Box 4. As you can see, the fourth generation has slightly decreased in size and become more compact. The weight also decreased: from 176 grams to 140 grams.

The workmanship of both models is excellent: you won’t hear the slightest creak or feel any play. The parts are fitted as tightly as possible, they hold firmly, as in all models of Xiaomi consoles.

Interface: where are the connectors located?

The engineers made sure that nothing spoiled the appearance of the devices. To do this, they moved all the connectors to one side. Here you will find not only HDMI, USB ports, for the power supply, but also a 3.5 mm audio jack. On the front side there is an LED indicator and an infrared port.

Remote control

For this accessory, the designers chose the familiar shape of a rectangle, but thoroughly worked out its ergonomics.

In the “troika” the upper part is dedicated to the power button, and just below there is a circular joystick. The central part is given to the “Ok” button. Looking further down, you'll find the volume rocker, Home, voice input (microphone drawn), and Back.

In the fourth version, the set of buttons remains the same, only their location has changed.

Specifications

The Xiaomi Mi Box 3 smart TV set-top box operates on the Amlogic S905X processor. It is a 4-core chip operating on a 28 nm process technology with Cortex-A53 2 GHz cores. The Mali 450 video accelerator is responsible for the graphics. The RAM indicator is two gigabytes, but the ROM capacity reaches eight gigabytes.

This is quite enough to interact with all TV models. There will be no slowdowns, freezes, or other bugs. However, some difficulties may arise when launching video games that will be played primarily on minimum settings.

The second hero of our review became the owner of a slightly different modification of the processor - Amlogic S905L, but all other performance parameters remained the same.

Key Features

In addition to thoughtful and convenient controls, both devices also attract attention with solid video playback capabilities. To connect the third generation, you can use Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, and the fourth – Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ and Bluetooth 4.1 along with Low Energy mode.

Both gadgets support the main video formats: M2TS, MP4, 3GP, MPEG, RM, RMVB, FLV, MOV, AVI, MKV, TS. They can play video files of various formats, and also support HDR10. But you can watch in 3D format only if you buy Mi Box 4 Android TV.

What will be the conclusion?

By purchasing any of the models we study, you can comfortably enjoy watching your favorite video content at excellent speeds and in any format. The fourth generation differs from its competitor in its more compact size, as well as support for 3D format.

Price: RUB 4,143.15

I bought this set-top box on Aliexpress for my Xiaomi Mi TV Box 4, it’s probably the best TV set-top box for Android TV 6.0!

Advantages: Russian/Ukrainian interface, intuitive controls, convenient voice search in Russian, Ukrainian and other languages!

Possibility for Android 6.0 to expand memory using a USB flash drive or external screw! Further, a strong and productive filling makes it possible to work without errors and freezes! Bluetooth remote control with voice search on AAA batteries!

Small, neat, with a matte cover and a weighty attachment of 170 g! I have never seen such a cool and powerful device! very pleased! play market, google services out of the box.

Setup on power-on in 3 minutes! equipment: HDMI cable, remote control, manual, set-top box, power supply with European plug! you need to feel it! any formats, 4K, 3D, Dolby digital, 2 GB RAM, 2 GHz and 4 core processor, video accelerator! Simply a masterpiece product from Xiaomi, for such money! best of the best! Delivery to Kyiv in 2 weeks.

For clarity, I found a video review from YouTube of this console.

Video review

Here's her photo

Main characteristics

Manufacturer: Xiaomi
Packaging: Yes
Model size: Mi Box 3
Remote control: Included
OS: Android TV 6.0
RAM/ROM: Original 2GB DDR3/8GB eMMC Flash
CPU: ARM Cortex A53 up to 2GHz Quad-core 64-bits
HDR: 4K
GPU: Penta-core ARM Mali-450
Software Support: OTA update ,Youtube , Kodi , Hulu , Netflix etc

Well, that's all for me. Thank you all for your attention!!! I recommend this device.

How many stars would you give this product? Vote! Support the project!

Today's review looks at the Xiaomi Mi Box 3s, a TV set-top box based on Android OS. The device serves to expand the capabilities of a regular TV: it allows you to connect to the streaming services Netflix, iVi and Google Play Movies, can work with YouTube and install applications from the Google Play store, and plays music and video files.

The Xiaomi Mi Box 3s has the following characteristics:

OS – Android TV 6.
The central processor is quad-core Amlogic S905X-H with a clock frequency of 2 GHz.
Graphics Processing – ARM MALI-450
Device memory – 2 GB of RAM, 8 GB of built-in flash memory.
Network connections – Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz/5 GHz, Bluetooth 4.0.
Dimensions and weight of the device – 100x100x20 mm, 175 grams.

Supported compression formats are H.264 (AVC/MVC), H.265 HEVC, VP9 Profile-2 in resolutions from 1080p to 4K and frame rates from 30 to 60. The manufacturer also claims support for HDR 10 and HLG HDR.

Equipment and filling

The set-top box comes complete with a remote control that works via Bluetooth, an HDMI cable for connecting to a TV, monitor or projector, a power supply, instructions and a warranty card. Mi Box 3s is sealed in a bright orange box.

The box has been updated and is now bright orange.

In appearance, the device stands out with its smooth corners and matte black color. Dust and hand marks are clearly visible on the material. The base is rubberized for greater stability; the set-top box is difficult to drop even when connecting cables and large flash drives. The design as a whole is minimalist, without frills.

The front panel of the device is almost empty, there is only an IR signal receiver from the remote control and a status indicator. On the back you can find four connectors: power, HDMI, USB 3.0 and audio jack 3.5 mm.

The remote control is small: 15 centimeters in length, weight about 60 grams. Thanks to the shape and connection of the edges, it is comfortable and does not slip in the hand; it runs on two AAA batteries. On the remote control you can find a circular joystick, volume control, function buttons “OK”, “Home”, “Back”, “Voice input”.

The Mi TV box control panel is not cluttered with unnecessary buttons

We can say about the hardware of the console itself that it is sufficient to use the main functionality. During the tests, no microlags or freezes were detected, Xiaomi Mi Box works like a clock. According to the Antutu benchmark, the hardware of the device is approximately the same as the Xiaomi Redmi 3, so we do not recommend overloading the console with heavy applications. Most games will work, but on minimum settings.

Using the Xiaomi Mi Box TV set-top box

When you first start, you need to connect the remote control to the set-top box by turning on the device and bringing it closer to 20 centimeters. After connection, the device is configured using the remote control or smartphone. You will be asked to select a working language, enter a password for the Wi-Fi connection and connect to your Google account. The main screen includes:

search from the same Google, with the ability to use the remote control as a microphone for voice input;
Google recommendations based on previously viewed content;
Undeletable Netflix and Redbull TV tabs;
system settings at the bottom of the screen.

The functionality of the applications is the same as on a smartphone, except in a more simplified form under the remote control. Among the shortcomings, we can note the lack of native support for a number of games and applications on Google Play and the inability to minimize the application by launching it later from the same place. Xiaomi Mi Box does not save the program state when exiting to the main screen, so when you launch Youtube you will again find yourself on the start page, and not on the last launched video.

Android TV interface

By default, the Xiaomi Mi Box 3s Android set-top box does not have its own video player, so you will have to install it separately. Works great with all file formats, declared support for MKV, AVI, WMV, MOV, RM, RMVB. There are also no complaints about the operation of the network; it catches perfectly both in the interference-clogged 2.4 GHz and in the more free 5 GHz.

In general, Mi Box, like the vast majority of similar set-top boxes, can be used as:

media player with the ability to stream video from a PC or smartphone;
a device for surfing the Internet, showing presentations and making video calls;
extension for the Smart TV function on any regular TV;
IPTV set-top box with a subscription to any content provider you are interested in.

If desired, the Mi Box can be reflashed for use in other systems or to obtain additional functions.

Features of Android TV and Mi Box 3 marked S

For those who use an Android console for the first time, it is important to understand that the system is different from what can be seen on smartphones. The interface is primarily made for remote control and voice, and half of the applications from the Play Market will not work due to incompatibility. There is also a plus: in the store you can find special applications for Android TV, which are not available from a regular phone.

The interface cannot be changed by the user, unlike the Android smartphone OS. Also, you will have moderate to serious problems when trying to gain Root access to the system; this cannot be done using standard methods (although, of course, there are loopholes).

Xiaomi Mi Box 3S differs from the version without the letter S in the following upgrades:

the graphical interface (GUI) has been redesigned, now using a system based on artificial intelligence Patchwall;
an updated model of the Amlogic S905X-H processor with hardware audio decoding is used, which seriously increases the speed of processing audio files and reduces the load on the system;
Flash memory has been updated from eMMC 5.0 to eMMC 5.1, and therefore the maximum read speed has been increased from 400 to 600 MB/s;
A touch joystick has been added to the remote control.

In general, in online stores you can find a whole zoo of Android consoles from Xiaomi.

Xiaomi Mi Box International Version - an original device developed in conjunction with Google, can be found using the words “international version” or “international version”. Almost no different from 3S

Mi Box mini is a small set-top box based on Android 4.4.2 in Chinese and without support for Google services. A weak processor with 4 cores and a frequency of 1.3 GHz, 1 GB of RAM and 4 GB of ROM, connected only via HDMI 1.4.

Xiaomi Mi Box 3c is also a model for the Chinese market with reduced memory (1 GB RAM, 4 GB ROM) and an older version of the processor. The software and services are Chinese, do not confuse them.

Xiaomi Mi Box 3 Enhanced Edition is a top model with a combination of 2- and 4-core Cortex processors, an improved GPU and a large number of sensors in the remote control (gyroscope, accelerometer) for linking gestures to the control of the set-top box. In Europe it is also known as Xiaomi Mi Box Pro.

For most systems there are both official and unofficial Russian and European firmware. Xiaomi Mi Box 3s is officially localized in the CIS and fully supports the Russian language.

Video review

You can buy Mi Box 3s in the AliExpress store for $55.

Would you like to buy such a console for yourself? Write your answer in the comments.

The previous one, as they say, went well: it has more than sixty thousand reads, which proves the clear interest of users in this topic. Therefore, when I saw that Xiaomi had a new version of this console called Xiaomi Mi Box S(this is the international version of Xiaomi Mi TV Box 4), I immediately ordered it to study. I’ll say right away that the difference between these two models (Mi TV Box 3 and Mi TV Box 4) in terms of hardware is insignificant, but this version is sold with the Android TV 8.1 operating system, so if you are just planning to purchase something like this , then it’s better to take the new version, not the old one. But there is definitely no rush to change Mi Box 3 to Mi Box 4, if there is already a third model.

Specifications

Model: Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB)
Operating system: Google Android TV 8.1
CPU: Amlogic S905Х-H, Quad-core Cortex-A53 2.0GHz
Graphic arts: MALI-450 750 MHz
Memory: 2 GB
Flash memory: 8GB eMMC
Wireless connection: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz, Bluetooth 4.0/3.0
Video: VP9 Profile-2 up to 4K x 2K @ 60 fps
H.265 HEVC MP-10 at L5.1, up to 4K x 2K @ 60 fps
H.264 AVC HPat L5.1, up to 4K x 2K @ 30 fps
H.264 MVC, up to 1080P @ 60 fps
Audio: DTS 2.0+ Digital Out, Dolby Digital Pl
Ports: HDMI 2.0, 1 × USB 2.0, AV: SPDIF Out / 3.5mm audio output
Additionally: AirPlay and Miracast support
Dimensions: 95 × 17 × 95 mm
Weight: 147 g
Prices:

*"Yandex Market"*	~ 4500-5500 rub.
*Aliexpress*	~ 4000 rub.
*European Amazon*	~ €59 link

By the way, as far as I know, against the background of a bunch of all sorts of seemingly similar devices in this price category, the Mi TV Box line is the only one that is certified by Netflix and in which a certified Android TV system is installed.

Regarding this model: it is sold with Android TV 8.1, but the manufacturer promises that with the release of Android TV 9 there will be an over-the-air update for this set-top box.

Contents of delivery

Package.

Delivery set: set-top box, power adapter, HDMI cable, instructions, control panel.

Appearance and features

Small and light box.

The set of ports, as before, is minimal: power adapter, USB 2.0, HDMI, universal audio output: SPDIF, also known as 3.5 mm audio output.

Like last time, I’m surprised at this desire for minimalism for a device that just sits on a shelf and doesn’t need this super-minimal size at all. That's why it was worth making the case a little larger and adding an honest LAN port there, huh? For users who have their media library stored on their home NAS, this port is more than relevant.

The problem, of course, can be solved by purchasing such an adapter, which is also a USB hub, which is important for this device, which has only one USB port.

However, a regular USB-LAN adapter from an old ASUS ultrabook easily coped with this task for me - everything worked without problems (on Android TV 8, there were problems with this adapter on the previous version).

The control panel is about the same minimalistic as before, but has received three additional buttons: menu, Netflix, Live. By the way, I’ll say right away that, despite its minimalism, it’s quite convenient to control the console.

Device operation

The certified Android TV 8.1 system is installed here - the latest at the moment. (The Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 can also be updated to Android TV 8.0.)

How everything connects. First, the set-top box asks you to bring the remote control to it at a distance of about 20 centimeters. (Of course, you need to remember to insert two AAA batteries into the remote control, which are not included.)

The console saw the remote control and connected.

Now language settings. This global version supports a wide variety of languages, including Russian.

Select and connect our Wi-Fi network. (Well, or we connect via an adapter to a wired network, then you don’t need to choose anything here.)

The Wi-Fi password is specified via the on-screen keyboard.

At the setup stage, you can immediately connect your Google account, or you can do this later.

Well, that’s it, the set-top box is configured, here is the main desktop - Android TV Launcher. Purely theoretically, it can be replaced with any other launcher, but practically it’s not very clear why to do this: it is designed specifically for use with such set-top boxes.

The device immediately offered to update the system, and downloaded 500-odd megabytes.

On the main desktop: voice search, settings, applications (by default, the Android TV desktop displays only those applications that are optimized for Android TV), streaming services, "Play Movies", Youtube. You can customize the appearance of the home screen and applications on it.

A lock screen that reminds you that there is a built-in Chromecast: that is, you can use this set-top box to broadcast media content from your smartphone/tablet to a TV/projector, and you can also do full mirroring of what is happening on the screen of your smartphone/tablet.

Menu button. All sorts of settings. It shows that the set-top box is now working via a Wi-Fi network (I first connected it to Wi-Fi to test it).

"Applications" button. The top icon “More applications” displays programs optimized for Android TV. From Google Play, you can download any Android apps that are compatible with Android TV. (Incompatible ones can also be installed, but manually - through APK installation.) Any installed application can be added to favorites and placed in the place on the desktop that you need.

Setting up channels.

I installed MX Player, which I usually use on my tablet. I checked it - it works as expected.

I connected via local network - this was immediately reflected in the settings.

Installed VLC player. In my opinion, this is the most convenient and most omnivorous player for such set-top boxes, which also works without any problems with any network storage devices. Here are the folders of my home NAS (the first time I connected, of course, the application asked for a login and password to access the corresponding sections).

I streamed movies in 4K. They play quite normally: smoothly, without jerking. It jumps across different time stamps without any problems.

VLC Control Panel.

Selecting subtitles.

Selecting an audio track.

Netflix is generally called up with a separate button.

Various Russian services are easily installed and working: IVI, TNT, NTV Plus, Kartina TV - and so on and so forth.

Also, streaming services from television channels - "STS-Telekanal", "First on Android TV" and others - work quite normally.

Movies from Google Play.

Well, YouTube - any videos, including 4K resolution. I read on the forums that some users of the previous console had some problems with playing YouTube videos - I didn’t notice anything like that. I think this is most likely a Wi-Fi connection issue (especially when the channels are clogged) and is not a specific problem with the YouTube app.

Additionally

Can I connect a keyboard and mouse to this console? Yes, there is Bluetooth here, the keyboard and mouse connect and work, but, however, I don’t see much point in this. Is it possible to use this set-top box with a TV for Internet surfing? But it's still not very convenient.

From various external storage devices - external drives, flash drives - media content is played as expected. From them, external drives, you can install an apk application if you suddenly need it.

Well, I note that with the help of this (and similar Android) set-top boxes you can connect an Ambilight system to your TV, like Philips TVs. (I talked about this system. I haven’t tested it myself yet, a friend told me about it, but I’ve already ordered it for myself - it’s interesting to try.) There you’ll just need to install the appropriate application for everything to work properly.

Observations during operation and conclusions

Like the previous model, this is a simple and inexpensive device that requires virtually no settings and right out of the box gives you the opportunity to conveniently use all kinds of streaming services and play video content from your own drives, including network ones.

Chromecast is also built in, thanks to which you can play media content from your smartphone/tablet on the TV/projector screen. (The corresponding one costs about 3,000 rubles.)

You can install any applications you need from Google Play on this console (for example, your favorite video player).

The console’s performance is enough for simple games, but it won’t handle “heavy” 3D games.

Well, of course, such a set-top box turns any TV, even an old one, into a Smart TV.

Is this device useful for those who do not have such a set-top box? Yes, it can be very useful. Do I need to change Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 to this Xiaomi Mi TV Box 4? I think not, because in terms of hardware they differ very little, and the eighth Android TV can easily be installed on the Mi TV Box 3, I checked.