TV sticks and TV boxes with the Android operating system are a great upgrade for older TVs or even those that have their own and closed system with few available applications. This time we tested the latest version of this smart device from the Chinese giant, Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen.
This is the second generation of the Xiaomi TV Box S model, which, unlike the older generation, brings the Google TV system, a newer processor and several other changes. We will test it in detail in the review.
Where to buy Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen?
Xiaomi Mi TV Box S 2nd Generation was on sale at the time of writing this review at the best price at our partner DHgate. The seller there was offering it from a European warehouse with a discount coupon. You can find the current coupons by clicking on the button below.
Current coupons for Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen
Technical specifications
| Model | Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen |
|---|---|
| dimensions | 95.25 x 95.25 x 16.7 mm |
| Weight | 142 g |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| repository | 8 GB |
| CPU | 4-core Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | ARM Mali G31 MP2 |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
| Video | 4k@60fps / Dolby Vision / HDR10+ |
| Audio | Dolby Audio® and DTS-HD |
| Ports | HDMI 2.1 / USB 2.0 / AV |
Contents of the package
The new TV box from Xiaomi comes in a compact box, traditionally orange in color. The dimensions of the box are 17 x 10 x 5.2 cm and its weight is 392 g.
Inside we find the TV box itself in silicone film, a power adapter, a remote control and an HDMI cable. Only two AAA batteries for the remote control are missing, which are not included in the package. The same is true for most TV boxes and TV sticks.
The seller packed this TV box in a silicone envelope with reinforcement in the form of bubble wrap, so it is standard packaging for smaller products. The package was brought to us by the courier without any damage.
Design and layout of elements
Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen is a really compact and unobtrusive TV box with dimensions of 95.25 x 95.25 x 16.7 mm and a weight of only 142 g. It is made of matte plastic and overall has a very minimalistic and simple design. The quality is at a high level, so the plastics do not bend, and overall we have no reservations about the quality.
On the contrary, we appreciate that Xiaomi still keeps this simple yet modern design unlike some other Chinese manufacturers of similar TV boxes.
As for the individual elements on the TV box, it does not contain any display or buttons. There is only a signal LED in the front part and several ports in the back part. Specifically, it is HDMI 2.1, USB 2.0, an audio connector for a classic 3.5 mm jack and a power port.
Unfortunately, in this regard, it is not the best equipped box. We won't find an optical port for connecting a soundbar, nor a faster USB or slot for a memory card.
Excellent remote control
The remote control is a problem with many cheap TV boxes. It is often of poor quality, which leads to the purchase of a new one and, at the same time, an increase in total costs. However, Xiaomi bundles an excellent remote control with its Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen.
It has dimensions of 3.6 x 16.2 x 1.3 cm, is made of matte plastic and feels very comfortable in the hand. The buttons are rubberized, they have a great response, so overall we rate the remote control as excellent.
As for the buttons, there aren't many of them, but they are quite enough. In the upper part there is a button for turning on / off the TV box, below it a button for voice control and then four-way buttons with confirmation in the middle.
Below them we also have a button for the Xiaomi TV+ service, return back, home screen and separate buttons for Netflix, prime video, YouTube and call up the menu with all applications. Finally, there are also "+" and "-" buttons for volume control.
It is important to note that the remote control works via Bluetooth, so we do not need to point it at the TV box while using it.
First power on and initial settings
When you turn on the TV box for the first time, you will be greeted by the initial settings wizard. The Slovak language is not missing here, so anyone can really handle the setting. We have the option of making settings on the TV or using the Google Home application on a smartphone.
We chose the second option, which is always faster, since we don't have to enter any passwords using the remote control. Here we read the QR code from the TV screen, chose our Google account with which we want to log in and selected our WiFi network.
The system familiarized us with some of the functions of the new TV box and also offered us the possibility of controlling the TV and its volume using the remote control from the TV box. The whole process took less than 5 minutes and went completely smoothly.
The new Google TV system
As we mentioned above, unlike the older version of the TV box, the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen comes with Google TV, not Android TV as it used to be.
These systems are very similar to each other and at first glance differ only in minor design differences and the location of some elements. For comparison, you can see the start screen of the Android TV system from the Mi TV 4S and the Google TV system from the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen below.
The Google TV home screen has shortcuts at the top for quick access to the home screen, all apps, and libraries.
We also find notifications, search and settings here. The largest part of the home screen area is covered by selected applications and subscriptions from channels such as YouTube or Netflix. They are displayed in a kind of tiles below each other.
Applications and Xiaomi TV+
New in the TV box from Xiaomi is their own Xiaomi TV+ service, which provides the possibility of watching online TV programs for free. However, the catch is that these are only foreign programs that are completely unknown to us. There are, for example, Smurf TV, World Billiards TV, KoZoom TV, DocuBay or Rakuten Viki.
As for the pre-installed applications, in addition to the aforementioned Xiaomi TV+, there are also Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, prime video, Apple TV, HBO Max, YouTube Kids, YouTube Music, Media Player, Gallery and Miracast applications.
In the application menu, which is accessible from the home screen, there is also an integrated Google Play store, which displays selected applications. You can easily install them, but the link to the entire Google Play is somehow missing here. We managed to open it only through the voice command "Open Google Play Store".
Here we find a number of applications adapted for televisions, where there are various services for watching or playing content such as Magio Go, VOYO, SkyShowTime, Skylink, Orange TV, Kodi, VLC and many others.
We personally watch TV programs through the Antik TV application, which worked without any problems.
Performance and storage
The Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen is powered by a Cortex-A55 quad-core processor, complemented by an ARM Mali G31 MP2 graphics chip. It has 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage. We personally do not need much internal storage, but for those who would like to use it, 8 GB may not be enough.
The TV box can decode a maximum of 4K video at 60 fps and supports Dolby Audio, DTS-HD, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ technologies. It also handles the latest HEVC / H.265 codec, but it's not ideal. Videos with this codec are not quite smooth when playing.
However, the operation of the system is almost completely trouble-free and smooth. We noticed minor hesitation when installing apps if we wanted to go back to the main menu or do something else during the installation.
The second problem occurred occasionally while searching the app store, where several times the search failed to find the app even though it was on the menu.
Settings and connectivity
In the settings, we can find adjustment of the resolution (maximum 4K 60 Hz), setting of accounts, applications, system information or even setting the keyboard or ambient mode (screen saver).
If we look at connectivity, we already mentioned the physical ports. Specifically, it is HDMI 2.1, USB 2.0 and an audio port for a classic 3,5 mm jack. In terms of wireless connectivity, the TV box from Xiaomi has Bluetooth technology in version 5.2 and WiFi in both bands - 2.4 and 5 GHz.
There is a built-in Chromecast function, so we can easily transfer content from our smartphone to the TV box.
Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen: Final evaluation
Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen is a small compact device that will add new options to your TV without Android. It has the Google TV system, which offers a number of applications adapted for televisions. There are also popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+ or VOYO or applications for watching TV content such as Magio Go, Skylink or Antik TV.
The second generation TV box from Xiaomi has a Cortex-A55 processor, 2 GB RAM and 8 GB ROM, support for Bluetooth 5.2 or 2.4 / 5 GHz WiFi. In terms of cable connectivity, we have HDMI 2.1, USB 2.0 and an audio jack. There is no RJ45 port for a stable connection directly to a router or switch.
Overall, it is a modern and unobtrusive device with a minimalist design. The Google TV system is smooth, clear, and we also praise the high-quality remote control.
Can I find a box owner here? I need to try something.
Attention, both versions have an optical port... I personally use it...
I would be interested in how dolby atmos and especially earc handles it in connection with an amplifier
Dear Address!
Érdeklődni szsretnék, hogy a TV okosító ságás-e kivetítőnél (projector OPTOMA HD141X-M) is?
I have a Telekom TV Magio and an older TV from 10 years old. i need an app for Voyo. It will go?
It has Google TV, so you'll be able to download the Voyo app there too.
well thank you
I had this box.
Above 20GB, the film started cutting the image after half an hour.
It will be the fault of the android, there are discussions about it on the forums.
It is not for the demanding user.
With the connection to LG C2 problem with hdmi finally hama hdmi 2.1 worked.
Only the hdmi cec turned off.
It doesn't work well with LG TV.
Disappointment
Hi, I use it at home on Kodi, 4K movies and series just fine. What I have noticed is that sometimes Kodi crashes or when we rewind/forward the image/sound can drop out, then Kodi needs to be restarted. But I see it as a software bug rather than a hardware problem, I'm personally satisfied.
Hello
How could go to recovery mode by remote control for this device?
Xiaomi TV box with 2nd gen