If you’re on the hunt for a top-notch streaming device that won’t break the bank, Xiaomi’s Mi Box series might be on your radar. In this blog post, we’re going to dive into the world of Xiaomi Mi Box and Mi Box S to help you decide which one is the better fit for your streaming needs.
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the key differences between the Xiaomi Mi Box and Mi Box S:
| Feature | Mi Box | Mi Box S |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Build Quality | Matte black, rounded | Glossy black, rectangular |
| edges, taller | design, slightly heavier | |
| Performance and Speed | Quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU, | Quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU, |
| 2GB RAM | 2GB RAM | |
| Software and Updates | Android TV with | Android TV with |
| occasional delays in | consistent updates | |
| updates | ||
| Price Tag | Budget-friendly | Slightly pricier, better |
| pricing | performance and support | |
| Audio Support | Dolby Digital, DTS | Dolby Digital, DTS, |
| sound | Dolby Atmos supported | |
| Ports and Connectivity | HDMI, USB 2.0, 3.5mm audio | HDMI, USB 2.0, 3.5mm audio, |
| output | Ethernet port included | |
| Remote Control | Basic functionality with | Enhanced remote with |
| voice search | dedicated buttons for | |
| streaming services and | ||
| Google Assistant | ||
| **Availability and | More budget-friendly, may | Likely to receive longer |
| Future-proofing** | become outdated sooner | updates and support |
1. Design and Build Quality
Let’s kick things off with the physical aspect. Both the Mi Box and Mi Box S look sleek and elegant.
They’re small, square, and will blend seamlessly with your home entertainment setup.
However, there are some subtle differences:
- Mi Box: This earlier model features a matte black finish and rounded edges. It’s a bit taller and slimmer, which may or may not fit into your aesthetic preferences.
- Mi Box S: The Mi Box S sports a more compact, rectangular design with a glossy black finish. It’s a bit heavier, but it also has a more premium feel.
Example: If you want your streaming device to be an inconspicuous addition to your TV setup, the Mi Box might be your choice. But if you prefer a slightly more premium design, the Mi Box S is the way to go.
2. Performance and Speed
When it comes to streaming devices, speed and performance are key. Let’s see how these two devices stack up:
- Mi Box: This device runs on a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor and has 2GB of RAM. It’s snappy and delivers smooth 4K content, but it can sometimes struggle with resource-intensive apps and multitasking.
- Mi Box S: The Mi Box S steps up the game with a faster quad-core Cortex-A53 processor and 2GB of RAM, ensuring a smoother experience. It’s less likely to stutter when you’re juggling apps.
Example: If you’re a heavy multitasker who loves to switch between apps while streaming, the Mi Box S is the better choice. But if you’re all about casual streaming and don’t mind an occasional hiccup, the Mi Box should suffice.
3. Software and Updates
Xiaomi has its own Android TV interface, and both devices run on it.
However, the software situation is where the Mi Box S really shines:
- Mi Box: While it runs Android TV, it hasn’t been as prompt with updates as its sibling. You might have to wait longer for the latest features and security patches.
- Mi Box S: Xiaomi has been more consistent with updates for the Mi Box S, keeping it up to date with the latest Android TV versions.
Example: If you crave the latest features and security updates, the Mi Box S is a safer bet. But if you can live with slightly older software for the price, the Mi Box might still be a great pick.
4. Price Tag
Last but not least, let’s talk dollars and cents:
- Mi Box: The Mi Box is generally the more budget-friendly option. It offers good performance for its price point, making it an attractive choice for frugal streamers.
- Mi Box S: The Mi Box S is a tad pricier than its predecessor, but it also brings better performance and more consistent updates to the table.
Example: If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly streaming device that gets the job done, the Mi Box is a steal. But if you can spare a few extra bucks for improved performance and software support, the Mi Box S is the way to go.
5. Audio Support
When it comes to the audio experience, these two devices have a few differences:
- Mi Box: It offers decent audio support, including Dolby Digital and DTS sound. It’s suitable for most users but lacks support for more advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos.
- Mi Box S: The Mi Box S steps up its game with support for more advanced audio formats, including Dolby Atmos. If you have a high-end sound system, this can make a noticeable difference in your audio quality.
Example: If you’re an audiophile who craves the best sound quality, the Mi Box S is the winner here. But if you’re content with standard audio formats, the Mi Box should suffice.
6. Ports and Connectivity
Both devices come with a selection of ports, but there are some variations:
- Mi Box: It features an HDMI port, a USB 2.0 port, and a 3.5mm audio output. While this covers most basic connectivity needs, it doesn’t have an Ethernet port for wired internet.
- Mi Box S: The Mi Box S maintains these ports but adds an Ethernet port for wired connections, which can be a game-changer for those with slower Wi-Fi connections.
Example: If you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection, the Mi Box’s connectivity options should be enough. However, if you prefer the stability of a wired connection or have Wi-Fi dead spots, the Mi Box S is the better choice.
7. Remote Control
The remote control may seem like a minor detail, but it can greatly affect your day-to-day experience:
- Mi Box: The Mi Box’s remote is basic but functional. It has the essentials like voice search, dedicated buttons for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and an ergonomic design.
- Mi Box S: Xiaomi upgraded the remote for the Mi Box S. It now includes dedicated buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Assistant. This makes it more convenient for quick access to your favorite content.
Example: If you want a remote with extra convenience for voice commands and one-click access to streaming services, the Mi Box S remote is a nice bonus. But if you’re content with basic functionality, the Mi Box remote will do the job.
8. Availability and Future-proofing
Last but not least, it’s essential to consider the availability and future prospects of these devices:
- Mi Box: While it’s often available at an attractive price point, it might become outdated sooner, with fewer software updates and support in the long run.
- Mi Box S: The Mi Box S, being the newer model, is likely to receive updates and support for a longer time, making it a more future-proof investment.
Example: If you’re planning for the long term and want a device that will stay up-to-date, the Mi Box S is the safer bet. But if you’re on a tight budget and need something right now, the Mi Box can still serve you well.
FAQs
(FAQs) regarding the Xiaomi Mi Box and Mi Box S to help you make an informed decision:
1. What is the difference between Xiaomi Mi Box and Mi Box S?
- The main differences between the Xiaomi Mi Box and Mi Box S include design, performance, software updates, price, audio support, ports, remote control, and future-proofing. The Mi Box S generally offers a more compact design, better performance, and more consistent software updates.
2. Which one is better for gaming, Mi Box or Mi Box S?
- Both the Mi Box and Mi Box S are capable of casual gaming, but the Mi Box S, with its slightly better performance, may offer a smoother gaming experience. However, for serious gaming, you might want to consider a dedicated gaming console or streaming device.
3. Can I connect the Mi Box or Mi Box S to a wired internet connection?
- The Mi Box S has an Ethernet port, allowing you to connect it to a wired internet connection for a more stable and reliable network connection. The Mi Box, on the other hand, relies on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity.
4. Do both devices support 4K streaming?
- Yes, both the Mi Box and Mi Box S support 4K streaming, providing you with a high-resolution viewing experience. However, the Mi Box S may offer slightly smoother 4K playback due to its better performance.
5. Are there any differences in audio quality between the two devices?
- The Mi Box S supports more advanced audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, which can result in a better audio experience if you have a compatible sound system. The Mi Box offers good audio quality but doesn’t support Dolby Atmos.
6. Which remote control is more user-friendly, Mi Box or Mi Box S?
- The Mi Box S comes with an enhanced remote control that offers more convenience, with dedicated buttons for popular streaming services and Google Assistant. However, the remote for the Mi Box is also functional and serves its purpose.
7. How long will the Mi Box and Mi Box S receive software updates?
- The Mi Box S is likely to receive software updates and support for a longer period compared to the Mi Box. If you want a more future-proof device, the Mi Box S may be the better choice.
8. Can I install third-party apps on these devices?
- Both the Mi Box and Mi Box S run on Android TV, which allows you to install a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store. You can also sideload third-party apps if you choose to do so.
9. Do these devices support voice commands?
- Yes, both the Mi Box and Mi Box S support voice commands, allowing you to search for content and control your device using your voice.
10. Which device is best for a budget-conscious buyer?
- If you’re on a tight budget, the Mi Box is the more budget-friendly option. It offers good value for its price. However, the Mi Box S, despite being slightly pricier, offers better performance and support, making it a worthwhile investment.
