Back in 2016, Xiaomi launched its first Android-based TV set-top box, and it made a big splash. There were solutions before that, but Xiaomi has outdone them in both looks and software. The big breakthrough came more with the global launch of Mi Box S which I have been the happy owner of for 5 years!
The second generation of the little TV box has been a long time coming, and judging by the specs, it doesn't bring anything new. The case is the same as ever, one to one, and so are the connectors. What's changed is the core, the CPU and GPU, with of course the associated performance boost and other new hardware.
Externally, only the remote control has changed. Not the shape, but the layout and function of the buttons. While the current Mi Box S has a dedicated button for the Netflix streaming service and Live streaming only. The new second generation now has 5 such buttons, Netflix, Prime video, YouTube, Xiaomi TV+ and APPS. I had the Xiaomi TV+ but now it's also in the Mi Box S with 2 Chinese channels! :D
What's new about the Xiaomi TV Box S (no longer Mi Box) is the processor. In the previous generation it was Cortex-A53 Quad-Core 64 Bit and Mali-450. The second generation is now Quad-Core Cortex-A55 and ARM Mali G31 MP2. It's not only better in performance, but also richer in features and functions. I'd include Dolby Audio® and DTS-HD, Dolby Vision® and HDR10+ video decoders, which improve picture and sound quality at 4K 60 FPS playback. Of course, you'll need a TV that can use them.
The new SOC also brings some new features, such as HDMI 2.1 and Bluetooth 5.1, which should result in better connectivity, whether it's a TV or a phone. Wi-Fi remains the same, and that's where the differences end. In terms of software, Google TV performs in the global version, but unfortunately, the domestic or European may not get that interface, but the usual endlessly simple Android TV.
Xiaomi TV Box S Gen 2 Specification
Length: 95,25 mm width: 95,25 mm thickness: 16,7 mm
142 g
Output resolution 4K (3840 x 2160)
CPU Quad-core Cortex-A55
GPU ARM Mali G31 MP2
RAM 2 GB
ROM 8 GB
Google TV
Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz/5 GHz
Bluetooth: 5.2
4K 60FPS, Dolby Audio® and DTS-HD, Dolby Vision®, HDR10+
Global language support
HDMI 2.1: 1 USB 2.0: 1 power supply interface: 1 sound output: 1
Package content: Xiaomi TV Box Gen 2: 1, Remote control: 1, User manual: 1, Power supply: 1, HDMI cable: 1
No information has yet been released on its release, nor on its price. Rural webshops you can buy it for 70€ ~ 26.500 Ft, but as we know, it only comes with Chinese warranty and support.
