Review of Android box Xiaomi Mi Box S. Xiaomi Mi TV Box - TV set-top box and media player Smart TV set-top box tv box xiaomi

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 both in Russian and Ukrainian and in other languages!

Possibility for Android 6.0 memory expansion due to USB flash drives, or an 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, console, 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!


The Xiaomi Mi Box Mini TV set-top box is a device familiar to most readers. Users remember its only drawback - the lack of Russian language. What are the positive aspects of the device and whether it is worth buying at all will be discussed below. The article presents a review of the Xiaomi Mi Box Mini TV box and step by step instructions change menu language.

Description of the console

Russian users bypass the Xiaomi Mi Box Mini console. The reason for this is the non-Russian menu. Today this problem can be easily solved, but not everyone knows about it.

Advantages of the model:

  • High quality image
  • High performance
  • No system braking

The list of advantages goes on. Let's move on to a more detailed review.



What is included

The package includes the following elements:

  • HDMI cable – for connecting to TV
  • Remote control – to control the device
  • Documentation - instructions and warranty
  • Coin battery - for the remote control

Additional accessories (such as headphones) are not included. The set-top box is of a budget class, so the remaining elements are purchased by the user.



What does the device look like?

The entire structure is made in the form of a small white cube with smoothed corners measuring 46x38x38 mm and weighing 38 g. This is convenient when you need to take the console with you.

Read also:

Review of Beelink Sea I TV set-top box

The power supply along with the plug is built directly into the case. It does not fit standard sockets. Buy an adapter to charge your device. Note that there is no USB connector. Buy wireless accessories.



Technical characteristics of the TV set-top box

Model features:

  • The average cost of the device is $35
  • The body is made of white plastic
  • The base is represented by the Android 4.4.2 operating system
  • Powered by quad-core MediaTek MT8685A (1.3 GHz) chip
  • RAM takes up 1 GB
  • Data storage is limited to 4 GB
  • Wireless modules include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Performance

The device operates on Android based 4.4.2. This is great operating system with a thoughtful interface. Plus, there is a powerful quad-core MediaTek MT8685A chip.

The performance of the device is characterized by a high level:

  • Instant response to remote control commands
  • No system freezes or crashes
  • Clear operation without image stuttering



Remote Control

The design of the remote control is simple:

  • Joystick with central "OK" button
  • Volume control "±"
  • Return arrow to previous menu
  • Home button, return to main menu

The remote control works with the set-top box via a Bluetooth wireless module. It is powered by the tablet included in the kit; there is no need to buy an additional battery.

How to connect Xiaomi Mi Box Mini to TV

To connect the device to your TV, follow these steps:

  1. Connect the TV and set-top box with the cable provided;
  2. Click on the “OK” button in the center of the remote control;
  3. Create and enter a password in the appropriate window;
  4. Confirm the IP address by clicking the button on the right;
  5. Wait until you reach the main menu.


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.

Read also:

Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3C: characteristics overview

The streamlined body attracts modern look. It is made of black plastic with a matte surface, on which the company logo is applied. The surface quickly collects dust. A rubberized foot in the form of a large diameter ring is installed at the bottom so that the box does not slide on the table surface. This form of fastening is more reliable than miniature legs at the edges, which quickly fall off.

The manufacturer placed all the ports and connectors of the Xiaomi Mi Box 3 2/8 Gb International Edition on the rear panel: power connectors, audio input for connecting headphones or speakers via a mini-jack, USB ports 2.0, HDMI 2.0a.



There is only an indicator at the front. It indicates the status of the device (on or offline). But there is also an infrared port, which is not indicated by the manufacturer in the documentation. Therefore, you can control it using an IR remote control with a set of codes that correspond to the codes of the set-top box.

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, but is stripped down Android version, a special shell from Xiaomi, well suited to work on big 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.

Read also:

Xiaomi mi box 3s review: Android TV set-top box

Internet search works well. When searching for movies via Google Play The results include a list of actors and a description of the plot. Setting up " Home screen", you can set recommendations third party programs, supporting the function.

Games run well, but modern heavy 3D games are best run on medium graphics settings. The built-in memory is not enough, so after filling the volume, install a flash drive, send all the contents there and use it as a memory card. You can immediately send installed programs to a flash drive, but this option does not work.



In the AnTuTu test, the mini-box scores 36 thousand points at a resolution of 1920x1080. At 4k it turns out significantly less, 27 thousand.

Applications

The fact that the Xiaomi model is international means the ability to access everyone 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 or archive browser APK file. But in this case, you need to connect a mouse to control the device. Additional keyboard layout in Android settings TV cannot be selected. 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

Recently, “smart” TVs have become extremely popular, which provide the opportunity not only to watch television channels, but also to completely immerse yourself in multimedia content - games, surfing the Internet and watching movies online. Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 is an Android set-top box that can give regular TV all Smart TV functions.

  • TV set-top box;
  • remote control;
  • remote control strap;
  • batteries;
  • HDMI cable;
  • power unit;
  • warranty card and instructions.

Design

The Xiaomi TV set-top box looks stylish, attracting attention with its compact size and smooth shape. It’s not for nothing that Xiaomi designers received several awards for the design of the console.

At the bottom of the Xiaomi Mi Box 3 there is a rubberized round clamp, which is used to reduce sliding on the surface.

Mi TV Box 3 weight – 176 g, dimensions – 101x101x20 mm.

The device is available in black and made of semi-matte plastic. Unfortunately, traces of fingerprints or dust are still visible on such a surface. The Mi logo is engraved closer to the front of the case.

As usual, we have no complaints about the quality of materials and build quality. The box of the console is durable, without any backlashes, creaks, cracks or burrs.


IR port and led indicator installed on the front side of Mi TV Box 3. Everything else and the main thing is visible on the back side of the device: HDMI port, USB, connector for the power supply and 3.5 mm audio jack.

In terms of design, there is nothing more to say about the console. Let's move on to the control panel.

The dimensions of the rectangular remote control are 150x38x15 mm, weight - 65g, and this includes two AAA batteries. The shape of the case is reminiscent of the iPod Nano, but let's not go into that point.
On the front of the remote control on the left top corner there is a power button for the Mi TV Box, closer to the center there is a circular joystick divided into 4 buttons, in the center there is an “Ok” button. Below the joystick there is a row of three buttons - the Back button (left arrow), the Home button (with a circle), the voice input(with a picture of a microphone), and even lower is a volume rocker. The microphone is installed on the top edge of the remote control; at the bottom there is only a hole for the strap loop.

Specifications Mi Box 3

The set-top box is powered by an AMlogic S905 processor - a quad-core chip with 2GHz Cortex-A53 cores, produced using a 28 nm process technology. It is paired with the Mali 450 accelerator.

Since the set-top box is designed exclusively for working with TV, the hardware performance is sufficient with a huge margin. The interface and all options work smoothly and quickly. But in AnTuTu the device gets only 25315 points.


Mi TV Box 3 received only 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal memory. About 5GB available for installing applications.

When connecting for the first time, be sure to check for operating system updates. After this, you can test the functions of the set-top box, since previously there were problems with recognizing USB flash drives and in the operation of some applications.

If you suddenly want to play Android games, then don't expect much. At most you can play something simple, and even then on minimal graphics settings.

Functionality

When you turn it on for the first time, you also need to synchronize the operation of the remote control with the Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3. After that, using a smartphone or manually, you need to configure the operation of the set-top box.

Video - setting up Mi Box 3

The main screen of the set-top box interface is a window with a Google search, quick launch of selected programs, and recommended content depending on your previous queries. After selecting the icon, you can hold down the Ok button and you can move it left/right, or remove it from the screen. The only thing that cannot be deleted and will be on your screen are recommendations from Red Bull TV and Netflix.

At the bottom of the main screen are system settings and Wi-Fi connections. Settings are divided into sections:

  • device;
  • settings;
  • remote control and accessories;
  • personal data.

You can install only content that is compatible from Google Play on the console, so the choice will be very limited. Everything else can be installed directly from the flash drive.

Eat important point– the set-top box does not know how to “minimize” applications. When exiting main screen and restarting we simply re-opens the application.

Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 is an almost “omnivorous” TV set-top box that recognizes most codecs and formats, but you will still have to install an additional player that is convenient for you. By default, the player is not even installed on the system.

Videos can be played up to 4k resolution at 60 fps. There is also support for DTS, Dolby Digital Plus and HDR. Mi TV Box 3 can also be connected like Google Cast.

Results

pros

  • universal, suitable for any multimedia content;
  • completely replaces a PC and laptop when watching movies or TV series;
  • compact, with high-quality assembly.
  • initial setup required;
  • To disable forced recommendations, you need root.

Such a set-top box will be necessary only for those TV panels and televisions that do not have smart functions. After purchasing and connecting to TV, you will be able to watch videos from flash drives or online. Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 is an ideal set-top box for comfortable spending time in front of the TV while watching your favorite movies or TV series without having to download everything in advance.

Read in the review which Mi Box Android TV set-top box is worth buying. The fact is that there are many modifications; they differ in the name only by one or two letters. But the characteristics are very different. And we categorically do not recommend purchasing most of them!

Why buying a Xiaomi Mi Box is a controversial choice

Xiaomi TV set-top boxes cause an ambivalent impression. On the one hand, they look good and the build quality is excellent. On the other hand, the Android TV operating system installed on most, instead of simple Android, spoils the impression. It seems that Xiaomi and Google engineers take their users for idiots. And that’s why we installed Android TV on the Mi Box – a stripped-down and “optimized” version of Android for TVs with a minimum of settings and a lot of inconveniences.

Plus there is confusion with names. All these Mi Box S, 4, 4c, 3, 3S, 3C look like spy secret codes.

This is not to mention the lack of an Ethernet port, a slot for microSD cards. And it’s not worth mentioning that you won’t find many applications on Google Play for Android TV. Only those that are 100% adapted for TV are shown there.

Of course, there are also advantages. For example, in the form of an integrated voice search that searches by the content of applications out of the box. Simply press the microphone button on the remote control and say what you are looking for. Maybe that’s why the price of a Xiaomi Mi Box of any modification will be higher than the average for the Android TV set-top box market?

Still, if you're an Android TV fan and a fan Chinese brand Xiaomi, then read which media player from this company is worth buying.

Xiaomi Mi Box S TV Box (MDZ-22-AB)

The Xiaomi Mi Box S set-top box is, in fact, the international version of the Android TV set-top box Mi Box 4, which, in turn, is not far from the Mi Box 3 (such a Chinese sandwich 🤯).

There is an operating room installed on it Android system TV 8.1. This is a new product and came out quite recently.

Characteristics:

  • System (OS): Android TV 8.1,
  • Permanent memory (ROM): 8GB,
  • microSD card slot: no,
  • Wireless: 2.4-5G WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2,
  • Ethernet: no,
  • Voice control: yes,
  • HDMI CEC support is available.

For a considerable price, you get a new OS, smooth operation, convenient voice search, and excellent 4K support in the Xiaomi Mi Box S. The downside is that it is inconvenient, not all applications are included, the Android TV launcher is tightly wired, which is not a fact that everyone will like.

The performance of the console is average. In AnTuTu it scores approximately 34,000 points.

If you are not a fan of tinkering with settings and you have stable Wi-FI at home, then you can safely buy Xiaomi Mi Box S.

The lack of an Ethernet port really spoils the experience. After all, providers often provide the cheapest routers, even without an antenna. And the signal quality suffers.

Xiaomi Mi Box 4 and MI Box 4C – Chinese dances with a tambourine are guaranteed

The Android TV set-top box Xiaomi Mi Box 4 was introduced in January 2018. Still on sale on Aliexpress and others Chinese online stores. We don’t even know why you would want to buy one. It is produced for the Chinese market. There is no Russian language support.

  • System (OS): Android 5,
  • Processor (CPU): Amlogic S905L, 4 cores,
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Mali 450,
  • Random access memory (RAM): 2GB DDR3,
  • Permanent memory (ROM): 8GB,
  • microSD card slot: no,
  • Wireless: 2.4 GHz WiFi Bluetooth 4.1
  • Ethernet: no,
  • Voice control: yes,
  • HDMI CEC support is available.

The console is externally distinguished by its white color. Inside, as you may have noticed, it has the Android operating system installed (Attention, not Android TV!) with proprietary AI PatchWal and other Chinese features. For example, there is no Google Play.

It is absolutely impossible to install the Russian language, but English can be installed using the startsetting.apk application. On Google Play Market he can't be found. Search on the Internet.

The performance of Xiaomi Mi Box 4 is at the level of budget Android TV set-top boxes – only 24,101 points in AntTuTu. In general, we read about it and okay. Do not buy under any circumstances!

Well, the Xiaomi MI TV Box 4C model is even simpler, since it has only 1GB on board random access memory and all the same shortcomings as the older version.

There are several Xiaomi Mi Box models with the number 3

We'll look at everything:

  1. Mi box 3,
  2. Mi box 3 International,
  3. Mi box 3S, Mi box 3C,
  4. Mi box 3 Enhanced.

Xiaomi Mi box 3 (MDZ-16-AB)

But let's start with the basic Xiaomi Mi box 3. The performance of the set-top box is average - 36,000 points in AnTuTu. All this “thanks” to the average characteristics:

  • System (OS): Android TV 6.0,
  • Processor (CPU): Amlogic S905X-H, 4 cores,
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Mali 450,
  • Random access memory (RAM): 2GB DDR3,
  • Permanent memory (ROM): 8GB,
  • microSD card slot: no,
  • Ethernet: no,
  • Voice control: yes,
  • HDMI CEC support is available.

You may have noticed that the specifications are the same as the Xiaomi Mi Box S. They are. This is the same prefix, but only in Chinese. Russian cannot be installed. Therefore, we finish considering it and move on to the next one.

Don't buy this console! You will be tortured with translation into English, but there will be no Russian.

Its characteristics are the same as the previous one. Supports HDR10, DTS 2.0+, Dolby Digital Plus, plays 4K video at 60 frames per second.

  • System (OS): Android TV 6.0,
  • Processor (CPU): Amlogic S905X-H, 4 cores,
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Mali 450,
  • Random access memory (RAM): 2GB DDR3,
  • Permanent memory (ROM): 8GB,
  • microSD card slot: no,
  • Wireless: 2.4GHz – 5GHz WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0,
  • Ethernet: no,
  • Voice control: yes,
  • HDMI CEC support is available.

But the main difference is that you can install any language, including Russian. As always, Mi box 3 International has a limited set of applications on Google Play, and there is no Ethernet port. So you won’t connect it to the modem via cable. But the Wi-Fi reception quality is excellent.

Suitable for those who want to command the console with their voice, do not like unnecessary settings and have an extra 20 dollars. It is exactly that much more expensive than its competitors. Well, you also have to pay for the Xiaomi brand).

Xiaomi Mi Box 3S – if you like Mi Box, but want pure Android

Now this is an interesting TV BOX. Having the same characteristics as the base model with the number 3, this media player runs on Android (not Android TV!). And here all the advantages are obvious:

  • Full set of programs on Google Play,
  • Standard YouTube,
  • Standard settings

Characteristics:

  • System (OS): Android 6.0,
  • Processor (CPU): Amlogic S905X-H, 4 cores,
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Mali 450,
  • Random access memory (RAM): 2GB DDR3,
  • Permanent memory (ROM): 8GB,
  • microSD card slot: no,
  • Wireless: 2.4GHz – 5GHz WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0,
  • Ethernet: no,
  • Voice control: no,
  • HDMI CEC support is available.

The set-top box itself on Aliexpress is presented with both global firmware, in which you can install the Russian language, and Chinese. Search only with the word Global in the title. The branded AI PatchWall is used as a launcher. But it can be replaced with any one in the play market. And here voice control not in this console.

Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Enhanced (MDZ-18-AA) is a dinosaur among set-top boxes without Russian language support

This Android TV set-top box was released back in 2016. You understand that the characteristics of the Mi TV Box 3 Enhanced (Chinese sellers often write the name of the media player like this: Xiaomi Mi Box 3 Enhanced Pro) are not the most impressive. But at the same time, they cannot be called completely outdated:

  • System (OS): Android 5.1 (MIUI TV),
  • Processor (CPU): Mediatek MT8693, 6 cores,
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): PowerVR GX6250,
  • Random access memory (RAM): 2GB DDR3,
  • Permanent memory (ROM): 8GB,
  • microSD card slot: no,
  • Wireless: 2.4GHz – 5GHz WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1,
  • Ethernet: no,
  • Voice control: no,
  • HDMI CEC support is available.

A distinctive feature of this media player is the presence inside... of a fan. And that's not a bad thing! Many cheap Android TV set-top boxes suffer from overheating. Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Enhanced is not in danger!

However, age is showing itself; this TM box and its remote control do not support voice control. But this is a feature of Xiaomi Mi Box, which Chinese competitors began to develop only at the end of 2018 - beginning of 2019.

Do you want a fly in the ointment in this far from ointment? Mi TV Box 3 Enhance only supports Chinese, there is no Russian language. As always, you can also try installing English using the magic program startSettings.apk. But do you need it?

Our verdict: do not buy under any circumstances!

Xiaomi Mi 3C TV Box – “what the…”!

Looking at this TV Box I want to swear. Do you want to suffer with 1GB of RAM and only 4GB of ROM? Then feel free to buy Xiaomi Mi 3C TV BOX. Well, learn Chinese at the same time. The set-top box is produced only for residents of China. There is no Google Play there, it does not support the Russian language. Let's not even give its characteristics, to be safe.

Verdict - don't buy!

Conclusion – there are many Mi TV Box models, but you can only buy a couple

The purpose of this review was not so much to compare all models, but to give you full information, which Xiaomi TV set-top boxes you can buy and which ones you absolutely cannot. What do we have? But the fact that Russian speaking users You can only buy these models with Russian language support:

  • Xiaomi Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB)

You already understand the pros and cons of these consoles. The first two have Android TV with all its advantages and disadvantages. There is voice search. The latter does not have the new Android. All consoles are missing Ethernet port, but there is a good one Wi-Fi reception. At the same time, all these consoles work smoothly, are well balanced, even with not very powerful processor. They cope well with Full HD and decently with 4K.