Despite the fact that the majority modern TVs equipped with SmartTV systems that allow you to access various streaming services and play media content from devices connected to the TV, various kinds of separate TV set-top boxes and media players remain quite popular and in demand.
Why? Yes, because the functionality of all these SmartTVs, as a rule, is significantly inferior functionality specialized consoles, even very inexpensive ones.
operating system: Google Android TV 6.0
CPU: Quad-core Cortex-A53 2.0GHz
Graphic arts: MALI-450 750MHz
Memory: 2GB
Flash memory: 8GB eMMC
Protection: Widevine L1 + PlayReady 3.0
Wireless connection: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth 4.0/3.0
Video: VP9 Profile-2 up to 4K x 2K @ 60fps
H.265 HEVC MP-10 at L5.1, up to 4K x 2K at 60fps
H.264 AVC HPat L5.1, up to 4K x 2K at 30fps
H.264 MVC, up to 1080P at 60fps
Audio: DTS 2.0+ Digital Out, Dolby Digital Pl
Ports: HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0 x 1, AV: SPDIF Out / 3.5mm audio output
Dimensions: 101x101x20 mm
Weight: 176 g
What immediately catches your eye here? Lack of LAN port. Well, how can that be, guys?!! Every crap video player has a LAN. What prevented it from being installed? Saved 5 bucks and deprived your device of important functionality? This is all strange.
At first I thought that the LAN would work here via a USB port and an appropriate adapter - I've come across such solutions. This is what such adapters look like.
However, looking ahead, I will say that my hopes were not destined to be justified: only via Wi-Fi - that’s it! However, the device supports 802.11ac and two bands, so if you use an appropriate Wi-Fi router, then there should be no problems with playing HD content, but still.
Contents of delivery
A cheerful box with a picture of the device and the model name. Below are icons of supported services (not all, of course).
Delivery set: set-top box, HDMI cable, power adapter, remote control, user manual.
Appearance and features
The attachment is compared to a special comparison pen, also made in China.
On the belly there is a ring made of rubberized plastic: so that the attachment does not slide on the surface.
Ports on the back: power adapter port, USB 2.0, HDMI and audio out.
Control panel: power, four-button ring with central push button. Below - “Return”, “Home Screen”, “Voice Search”. Even lower are the “Plus” and “Minus” buttons.
In the comments when discussing this device, complaints were made that the remote control does not have “Play” and “Pause” buttons. Well, maybe there are no such designations, but all the necessary functionality is present here, and I would not say that I was missing any buttons when working with the set-top box via the remote control. Play/pause is worked by the central button of the ring.
Device operation
Android TV 6.0 is a special version of Android designed for set-top boxes. I looked at it in detail in my review of the game console.
When installing for the first time, the set-top box prompts you to select the interface language.
Next comes the connection to Wi-Fi networks: The password is entered via the on-screen keyboard and after connection, the initial setup is done. Also initial setup can be done from any Android smartphone/tablet - the set-top box itself will tell you how to do it.
Streaming services adapt to the country of residence (as far as I remember, Netflix started operating in Russia in January 2016, but there is still a problem with Russian-language content there).
All sorts of Google Play, Youtube and others work as expected, it was convenient to use the device’s remote control to order and watch movies.
But I was still more interested in how this set-top box works as a media player.
Google Play is natively present here, and through it you can search and install any Android applications that support Android TV.
I usually use ES File Explorer on Android - that's what I installed. By the way, it is very convenient to use to search for applications voice search: The microphone is built into the remote control of the set-top box.
I looked at how the device connected to my servers. It connects normally: it asks for a login and password, gives access to shared folders. (If you are not prompted for a login-password, then the username and password can be entered in the server settings or created new server, where all this can be written down.)
To play media content through Explorer, you first need to install your favorite audio and video players. I installed the traditional MX Player Pro to play video. Everything worked, you could use it.
I connected an external drive with media files via the USB port. The device saw him.
I played movies on MX Player with external storage. All functions - selecting an audio track and subtitles, scrolling through the timeline, and so on - work completely fine.
I ran various container codecs from a special test folder. Everything plays and doesn't falter at anything. H265 is also supported.
4K supports up to 60 fps (H265).
Sound - Dolby Digital Plus and DTS.
It does not reproduce the structure of Blu-ray as a disc (however, as far as I understand, it depends on the player), and the stream file from Blu-ray MX Player was reproduced normally, but rewinding did not work.
There are a lot of settings here. By the way, the set-top box itself can act as a Google Cast, that is, through it you can broadcast certain types of media content and streaming services to the TV screen.
The Xiaomi Remote works via Bluetooth. You can also connect other devices that work via Bluetooth here: keyboard, mouse, and so on.
There is also an IR receiver on the body of the set-top box, so you can use regular remote controls with it.
Features, observations during operation and conclusions
On Google Play, only those apps that are optimized for Android TV are displayed here. However, no one is stopping you from installing any apk application from a flash drive here (while allowing installation from unknown sources).
Of the 8 GB of internal memory, only 4 GB is available, but can be connected external device via USB and format it as internal memory: After this you can install applications on it.
When using a set-top box like Google Cast, you can either stream videos from any streaming services or do full duplication of video/audio from your smartphone, which allows you to transfer media from applications that do not support broadcasting to the TV screen.
The PCMark test rated the overall performance of the platform at 3895 “parrots” - this is quite good, although it is clear that the console will not be able to handle heavy games. Well, it’s not a game console, unlike , and it costs completely different money (it costs 18 thousand rubles).
What is the result? A convenient and functional device that allows you to play video content both from various streaming services on the Internet and from a file server home network or external drives connected to the set-top box.
The only thing is if you are going to play a video high resolution, then your Wi-Fi router must support the 802.11 ac protocol and be able to operate in the 5 GHz band - in this case there is a reserve bandwidth Enough for even the highest quality videos.
Work in Google mode Cast will allow you to save 2850 rubles, which would cost the corresponding device. (And its presence in the house is almost mandatory, because you often want to show funny videos, clips, photos from your smartphone during some meetings or parties.)
Google Chromecast
I mostly liked everything. The remote control, contrary to expectations, turned out to be convenient, the set-top box works stably and quickly. Yes, the lack of a LAN port is disappointing, but if there is one good wifi at 5 GHz within range (the 5 GHz channel has a noticeably shorter range than the 2.4 GHz channel), this is not a particular problem.
The answer to the question of whether you need to purchase this thing if you have a SmartTV is very simple. If your SmartTV does everything you need and plays whatever videos you use, well, in that case you obviously don't need such a set-top box.
But if some of the above-described features are not available on your SmartTV and it has problems playing some video formats (plus, you still don’t have Google Chromecast) - then such a set-top box can make your life much easier.
Upd: In the comments they wrote that it still knows how to work with the network via wired communication, but for this you need to use a compatible adapter - for example, like this one. I found it on Amazon, ordered it, it will arrive tomorrow - I'll check it and report back.
Upd2: Yes, it works with the adapter. Updated to 8th Android versions TV - even with my Asus adapter it worked with a wired network.
The line of Mi Box TV set-top boxes from Xiaomi has been replenished with another model, called Xiaomi Mi Box S 4K HDR. This is an improved version of the device fourth generation, which deservedly became one of the most popular in 2018.
We present to your attention a review of the new Xiaomi Mi Box, which the company plans to sell at similar prices as the younger modification.
Kit contents
The equipment is standard, since in addition to the TV box itself in the original packaging, the user will find a remote control remote control(we’ll talk about it in more detail below), a network adapter, unfortunately, with a Chinese plug, a user manual and an HDMI cable.
But AAA batteries are not included in the kit, so for the remote control to function, you will have to purchase them separately.
Minimalist design
Xiaomi Mi Box 4 of the latest modification, like previous devices, has a strict classic design. So, on the top panel in the center there is only a corporate logo.
The Xiaomi TV set-top box has a square shape (dimensions are 95.25x95.25x16.7 mm), but due to the rounded edges it looks quite stylish and attractive. Weight is only 147 grams.
To create the case, black matte plastic is used, which is quite pleasant to the touch. The assembly is of high quality, so there are no backlashes or squeaks during operation.
All technical connectors are located on the back of the device, so there is nothing on the side edges.
There is a round rubber foot at the bottom of the case, which ensures that Mi Box 4 is stable on any surface.
Remote control
Unlike the Mi Box 3 and other models of the fourth series, the remote control has undergone major changes in the 4S modification. Among the innovations is the appearance of buttons to launch Netflix and live TV services.
Another button has been added under the power key, which is responsible for accessing voice assistant Google Assistant, so now users will be able to control the Xiaomi TV set-top box by issuing voice commands.
In terms of other parameters, the remote control has not undergone any changes and is used for control using a standard circle, in the middle of which there is an Ok button. To adjust the volume, there is a separate vertical regulator with “+” and “–” icons.
Hardware filling
The Xiaomi Mi Box S 4K is powered by an Amlogic S905X processor, which is equipped with four Cortex-A53 cores. Mali-450 is used as a video accelerator. Volume random access memory DDR3 of 2 gigabytes is confidently enough to solve any user tasks. Dimensions internal storage equal to 8 gigabytes.
The smart box is controlled using the Android 8.1 Oreo OS, on top of which the proprietary Android TV shell is installed.
Among the bonuses of the product is the ability to play 4K HDR video at 60 fps. Available audio formats are Dolby and DTS.
Technical connectors
The Xiaomi TV set-top box boasts a wide selection of technical outputs, so the user can easily connect any equipment.
In particular, on the rear panel there are:
- USB port 2.0;
- HDMI 2.0A connector;
- audio output;
- power interface.
There are also modules wireless communication– Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi, capable of operating in two frequencies 2.4/5 GHz.
Main technical characteristics
Is it worth buying a Xiaomi Mi Box S 4K console?
The smart Xiaomi TV set-top box will be an excellent solution for those who want to get the most out of smart TV and watch high-quality and affordable video content. The advantages of the device are not only high performance characteristics, but also its price, which is much more pleasant in comparison with devices from Xiaomi’s main competitors.
Xiaomi and its partners produce almost everything for China. Only the most popular devices come to us, but the company has worthy little-known gadgets in its arsenal. Take, for example, the Mi TV Box line of media players. These little boxes are the best among their counterparts. For just $90, the lucky buyer of the Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Enchanced gets all the possible features (even a branded joystick) and access to one of the most thoughtful ecosystems on the market.
Specifications
| CPU | 6-core 64-bit MT8693 (2 × Cortex-A72 + 4 × Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | Power VR GX6250 |
| RAM | 2 GB LPDDR3 |
| Storage device | 8 GB eMMC 5.0 |
| Interfaces | Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 4.1+EDR |
| Connectors | 1 × HDMI 2.0, 2 × USB 2.0, power interface |
| Output Resolution | 4K (3,840 × 2,160) |
| Available codecs | HD MPEG 1 / 2 / 4, H.264, H.265, Xvid / DivX 4 / 5 / 6 |
| Playable video formats | 3GP, AVI, FLV, M2TS, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG, TS |
| Playable audio formats | AAC, APE, FLAC, MP3, OGG |
| Playable photo formats | BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG |
| Dimensions | 100 × 100 × 25 mm |
| Weight | 190 g |
Appearance
Majority Xiaomi devices their design can be compared with Apple technology. Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Enhanced is no exception.
The delivery set, as always, is very simple: only the essentials. The recycled cardboard packaging contains a small set-top box, a branded remote control, a power supply and an HDMI cable. The cable is short - most likely you will have to buy a longer one. But the remote control is beyond praise. Firstly, it works via Bluetooth. And secondly, it has a gyroscope and an accelerometer, with the help of which the usual control device turns into a rather convenient joystick.
Interestingly, Xiaomi has chosen white for most of its multimedia players. Analogues are predominantly made in black.
The stylish white box will fit well into any interior. It's a pity that you can't attach it to the wall - in some cases it would be useful. We'll have to come up with something additional. And this is a serious task for everyone who has a TV mounted to the wall, because after purchasing the Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Enchanced, most other TV companions can be thrown away. This means you won’t need any stands for the equipment.
The lack of wall mounting is perhaps the only drawback. The device looks stylish, has an indicator with a pleasant matte light and generally evokes an extremely pleasant feeling.
Connection is easy: plug the power into a power outlet and the HDMI cable into the TV. Everything is ready to go.
Performance
Hidden inside Mi Box 3 Enhanced is a special single-chip platform for media boxes from MediaTek MT8693. Powerful, with high heat dissipation. So hot that the developers had to equip the console with active cooling - a cooler.
The chip includes two Cortex-A72 cores with clock frequency 2.0 GHz, quad 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and PowerVR GX6250 GPU. Productivity with this combination is very high.
This non-standard solution gives 61,000 points in AnTuTu and can compete even with a mid-range smartphone. Of course, the real performance of such devices is not measured by clock speed and number of cores, but by the availability of hardware support for decoding the necessary audio and video formats. See for yourself: not every flagship smartphone can cope with this test.
Plays 4K video H.265 / HEVC Main 10 (color depth - 10 bits) at 60 fps, H.264 / AVC High Profile (color depth - 8 bits) at 30 fps. There is support for Dolby (DTS) and 5.1-channel audio.
The volume of LPDDR3 RAM is 2 GB, the flash drive is 8 GB. Peripheral USB ports 2.0 and HDMI 2.0 with 4K support allow you to connect flash drives up to 128 GB in NTFS and 2.5-inch drives without additional power.
Wireless interfaces allow you to connect to any type of device without restrictions, including a variety of manipulators (joysticks, mice, keyboards) and access points (including NAS systems and routers with external storage). There is support for AirPlay.
Software shell
Xiaomi Mi TV 3 Enchanced runs MIUI 7 based on Android 5.1. With full functionality, you can install a browser or an office suite.
Playback streaming video- within the limits of hardware support, but depends on the type of browser selected. It can slow down or, conversely, work very well. For specific formats, you can install separate codecs.
However, no one is stopping you from using branded applications from online cinemas, YouTube and other similar resources. It's Android! There is everything your heart desires here. You can install Google Play if needed.
A set-top box arrives with a completely Chinese OS, but specialized resources will suggest a quick way to Russify it.
After this, it turns out that almost any TV series, films and TV shows in any required language are already available in the stock firmware. You don’t even need to download anything - just a stable Wi-Fi connection and an Internet channel of suitable speed.
Among the pleasant bonuses is the ability to configure playback of content from your home Wi-Fi network. Not necessarily from a router or NAS - even from smartphones, computers or any device connected via a USB port. FAT, NTFS and Linux formats are supported.
If the file is not readable, you can go to the application store and find a suitable one. In fact, this player can replace home computer, since Android has everything you need for modern user. The games work, and how!
conclusions
The Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Enchanced turns any TV into a smart one. You only need an HDMI port. Connected, set up the network, set the Russian language - ready.
The functionality is very wide. Only the most expensive Smart TVs have this, and the Mi TV Box 3 Enchanced costs only $90.
The only direct competition for the console can be new line similar Xiaomi devices on Android TV: Mi 3C for $63 and Mi 3S for $80. But that's a completely different story.
Recently, Xiaomi Mi Box 3 has been very popular, which is due to the widespread use of smart TVs. They allow you to watch not only your favorite television programs, but also discover a whole world of virtual entertainment - games, Internet browsing, watching your favorite films online. Xiaomi Mi Box 3 review will introduce you to the capabilities of the Android set-top box, which provides a regular TV with Smart TV functions.
The device is delivered in an unremarkable package, inside which you can find only all the essentials: the TV set-top box itself, the remote control, its strap, batteries, an HDMI cable, a network adapter and documentation.
Design
Xiaomi Mi Box 3 review we start with it appearance and let’s immediately note that the console looks very impressive. It pleasantly surprises with its compact size and smooth shapes. This once again shows that it was not for nothing that Xiaomi designers were awarded several awards for the design of TV set-top boxes.
At the bottom there is a rubberized round clamp, thanks to which the device practically does not slip on the surface.
The Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 review informs you that on sale you can only find a black version made of semi-matte plastic. The solution is not the most practical - fingerprints are very visible. The Mi series logo was placed closer to the front side of the case.
Regarding the build quality, everything is perfect - the case is strong and reliable, has no gaps and does not creak if you press hard on it.
Mi Box 3 pro review showed that an infrared port and an LED indicator were placed on the front side.
Space for other functional elements is allocated at the back - HDMI port, USB port, connection connector network adapter and 3.5 mm audio input.
Xiaomi Mi Box 3 remote control
The remote control weighs 65 grams and has a very compact size, especially considering that its design contains two AAA batteries. The lower left corner of the front side of the remote control is occupied by the power button for the console, and a circular joystick divided into 4 buttons is installed almost in the center. In the center is the “OK” key.
Under the joystick there is a row consisting of three buttons - “Back”, “Home” and “ Voice input" Just below we see a swing designed to adjust the volume. The Xiaomi Mi Box 3 TV set-top box review showed that the microphone is built into the upper edge of the remote control, and only a hole was left at the bottom for attaching the strap.
Technical specifications of Xiaomi Mi Box 3
The model runs on an AMlogic S905 chip with 4 cores up to 2 GHz, built using a 28 Nm process technology. In addition to it, there is a Mali 450 graphics accelerator. The set-top box is designed for use exclusively with TV, so there is plenty of performance reserve. All functions and interface work quickly and without a hint of brakes. In Antutu we managed to score 61,000 points, which is not much by modern standards, but quite enough for a TV.
There is not much RAM - only 2 GB. Built-in - 8 GB, but you need to remember that part of the volume is eaten up by the system, so no more than 5 GB remains for installing applications.
Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 pro review showed that when connecting for the first time, you need to check for new firmware updates. After this, you can begin to study the basic functions of the console. If you want to play games, you shouldn’t expect much. The console can only handle not too demanding games, and even then not with above-average graphics.
Functionality of Xiaomi Mi Box 3
A review of the international version of Xiaomi Mi Box 3 informs you that when you connect for the first time, synchronization with the remote control is performed. Then you can perform the initial setup manually or using your smartphone.
Mi Box 3 enhanced edition review showed that main screen The interface is a window in which there is a Google search, quick inclusion of applications specified by the user and recommended by the client based on previous requests. To move elements, you need to select them, and then press “Ok” on the remote control. At the bottom of the home screen, you can access your system settings and Wi-Fi connection.
Our Xiaomi Mi Box 3 enhanced edition review showed that all settings are conveniently divided into sections: device, settings, remote control, owner information. You can install Google Play and compatible content on the console, so the choice is not so great. The rest can be stored on a flash drive and run directly from it.
When working with the set-top box, remember that it does not support minimizing applications. When to exit to the main screen and return to earlier open application, it is loaded first. Xiaomi Mi Box 3 s review showed that the set-top box supports almost all codecs and formats, but it is recommended to install an additional player. The system does not have a pre-installed player. You can even run videos in 4K and 60 frames per second.
Conclusion
Xiaomi Mi Box 3 is a universal TV set-top box that is ideal for playing multimedia content. It can completely replace a computer or laptop when watching your favorite films, and it also has compact body. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that Root access is required to disable forced recommendations. The set-top box is an ideal solution if the TV does not have smart functions, but you want to get them.
Where can I buy?
You can buy a TV set-top box at the best possible prices using the following links:
Your rating for the smartphone:
I connected the TV to the Xiaomi home ecosystem and forgot about Apple TV. The coolest Smart TV you can find.
I absolutely did not like the shell of the new TV (). But such a purchase was expected - a Xiaomi set-top box was already waiting in the box.
I tried it and liked it - but you will have to read to the end to find out about the operation of the device.
Processor - 6-core 64-bit MT8693 (2 × Cortex-A72 + 4 × Cortex-A53)
GPU - Power VR GX6250
RAM - 2 GB LPDDR3
Storage - 8 GB eMMC 5.0
Interfaces - Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 4.1+EDR
Connectors - 1 × HDMI 2.0, 2 × USB 2.0, power interface
Output Resolution - 4K (3,840 × 2,160)
Available codecs - HD MPEG 1 / 2 / 4, H.264, H.265, Xvid / DivX 4 / 5 / 6
Playable video formats - 3GP, AVI, FLV, M2TS, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG, TS
Playable audio formats - AAC, APE, FLAC, MP3, OGG
Reproducible photo formats - BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG
Dimensions - 100 × 100 × 25 mm
Weight - 190 g
Beautiful, functional, not without questions
Unlike most TV set-top boxes, Xiaomi chose white for the extended version 3 of its device. Stylish, but not suitable for every TV and interior in general.
All ports are located on one side, so that the viewer only gets the front part of the device. Beautiful, laconic, there is not even a power button - it works from the remote control.
But you can only reboot by turning off the power or using a complex combination on the remote control.
Since all the ports are on one side, hot-swapping flash drives in limited space is a pleasure. In my case, it’s completely impossible this moment(although what difference does it make if everything is viewed from the NAS?). 
In addition, the engineers did not provide any mounting brackets. I don’t have a shelf for equipment, so I had to glue it to the TV with double-sided tape. Not the most technologically advanced solution for two rather hot surfaces. Peels off.
Incredible power. In reserve
Inside Mi Box 3 Enhanced hiding a special single-chip platform for media boxes from MediaTek MT8693. Powerful, with high heat dissipation. It’s hot, even if you’re baking pies, and the cooler doesn’t always help.
Of course, it contains two 2.0 GHz cores, four 1.6 GHz cores, and PowerVR GX6250 graphics. In “parrots”, many readers have weaker smartphones (and they are already very close to laptops, separated only by architecture). 
The shaitan box can decode all known formats. Plays 4K video H.265 / HEVC Main 10 (color depth - 10 bits) at 60 fps, H.264 / AVC High Profile (8-bit color depth) at 30 fps. There is support for Dolby (DTS) and 5.1 channel audio.
True, the absence of any audio output greatly limits the functionality of the system. HDMI only. This means that the speakers will have to be connected to the TV. Or use a signal splitter from the Mi TV Box, which will certainly degrade the signal. 
There are no USB 3.0 ports, both interfaces are version 2. The maximum memory capacity for a flash drive is up to 128 GB (very handy, its only 8 GB is not enough even for high-quality FullHD). For an external hard drive - unlimited. But without external power, only a 2.5-inch drive will drive.
Accessories - just like Apple
Kit wireless interfaces rich enough. Therefore, there are no restrictions when choosing additional accessories: any manipulators, access points and wireless storages are automatically picked up.
It is important that the set-top box works adequately in each Wi-Fi range. And, perhaps, it has the most powerful antenna of all the home devices I have tested over several years. Squeezes all the speed out of the router.
There is support for controlling devices connected via HDMI - HDMI CEC is available. Any TVs or receivers are supported.
AirPlay- works! With any devices, the connection is stable.
The cable, although it allows you to transmit a 4K stream with the maximum bitrate, will have to be changed. Short. Unless, of course, you hide the device right behind the TV.
And this arrangement may well be possible, since the remote control does not use a standard IR transmitter, but Bluetooth. You don’t have to point it at the set-top box and drive around the corner(even from behind the wall).
If it were not for software limitations, the remote control would make an excellent air mouse, fortunately it has an integrated gyroscope and accelerometer. There's even a microphone for voice control prefix. But software allows the use of sensors only in games, and is not recognized as a manipulator in all games.
A smartphone can also serve as a remote control for the Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Enchanced. To do this, you do not need an infrared port, but the proprietary Mi Home application (iOS, Android). In it, the prefix is instantly detected without any unnecessary movements.
After connecting, when you click on the set-top box icon, the smartphone turns the screen into a copy of the remote control. It works the same way via Bluetooth, except that the connection with the native remote control is more stable. And the transmitter is more powerful.
Is there life without Russification?
Xiaomi Mi TV 3 Enchanced running MIUI 7 based on Android 5.1. This is not Android TV, which means any programs are available for installation. But according to the ancient Chinese tradition, Google services none.
And in order to install them, you need to get Ruth. But it’s almost impossible to navigate using hieroglyphs! You have to go to these Internets of yours and install from pictures from specialized resources English language. For settings only. 
Accordingly, all applications are intended only for Chinese people. Instead, a selection is installed from a flash drive to view content in Russia and the CIS. And everything falls into place.
In order for the Russian language to appear in the search, you will still need to root the console. I have given up on this for now, fortunately there are still plenty of foreign films. 
You can do without Russification, but it’s unlikely that your family will get used to it quickly. AND favorite soviet cartoons it will be difficult to find.
I have completely switched to fashion series, but I feel that in a couple of weeks I will still overcome myself and get root, Russian and Google services. Without them Android features stripped down to the minimum, and it is unlikely to feel its functionality.
Buy or wait?
Today Mi TV Box 3 Enchanted is one of the most powerful consoles on Android (it’s still stupid, but many people love it - and the remote control is like a joystick). It can handle any content and any Android games.