Xiaomi MI Box S
8 GB, Android 8.1 (Oreo)
Product ratings
Pros
Cons
337 reviews
Not recommended for use with 4K TV
e/ 19.05.2019:
Must revise my review below:
I wrote this while running the box on a FullHD TV. Everything very smooth, no jerks.
Then I bought a new 4K TV in the digitec action and wanted to continue to run the box there: In 4K video playback, I unfortunately had to determine micro stutters (both Sky, Netflix and Youtube). Remedy has only managed to switch the resolution to 4K 50Hz instead of 60Hz. Google search also confirms that the hardware is simply too weak for 4K playback. Too bad! But not surprising for the price.
Further, the picture quality should not be as good as other boxes manage - or in my case, the app in the Samsung TV directly. Personally, such cutbacks do not bother me much, must look for the differences idR extremely. But still a pity...
Box went back and I now have the Nvidia SHIELD. Runs viiiiel faster and more responsive, Ruckler gibts nowhere, and in addition I can still use the many other features of the box. Great device, but not quite cheap.
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Unpack, plug in, log in - done!
The MI Box S works flawlessly, everything on the first try. I had ordered a USB Ethernet adapter because I was afraid of the WLAN problems - but then I set up the box and saw that an update is ready. There was explicitly mentioned that problems with the network will be fixed - so I had good hope and operated it once test with WLAN furthermore.
Never had any problems! No jerks, no hang-ups, nothing.... once the Sky app (for GoT, otherwise I don't know them much) crashed, but I think only because an update was installed in the background. After that, never anything.
So I can say with good cheer: the WLAN problems are fixed, don't worry about that anymore.Pro
- Setup
- Android TV very simple & intuitive
- Streaming quality very good (FHD, 4K not)
- WLAN did not cause any problems
Contra
- Not powerful enough for 4K
- OS runs smoothly, but jerks are present (now that I have the comparison)
- Picture quality is supposed to be worse compared to others
After comparing it with Chromecast, I decided to buy this box and have no regrets. If it had an Ethernet port, it would get 5 stars.
Good box
Pro
- Chromecast preinstalled
- Small and handy
Contra
- No Ethernet connection
Absolutely buy a new 4 k HDMI cable..do not change from 60 to 50 hz..has nothing to do with WLAN! Of course games etc limited. Only 8gb ..but totally enough. 4 points only because you can't
I also had the problem with jerks and hang-ups. Also the daily restart. Until I found out that the HDMI plugs supplied are NOT 4K compatible...not surprising at this price. The box itself is top.
Android TV I find good, but the problem with the WLAN is annoying.
So that video streaming, for example, with Netflix or Teleboy work smoothly, the box needs about every day a reboot. Without a restart, it takes a long time until the videos start and then they jerk without end. If you believe the reports that can be found via Google, then it somehow has to do with the WLAN driver that hangs up. After a reboot it works fine again though.
Pro
- much smaller than the first version of the Horizon Box
- no fans
Contra
- suspected WLAN problem that requires reboots
Super box for TV with Wilmaa etc.
Satisfied all round! Compared to Apple TV, I think it's great that there are buttons :) I mainly use the box to watch TV with my Wilmaa subscription and always record films with it.
Pro
- Price
- Reliable
- Keys
Contra
- Nothing so far
I would buy again! :-)
Inexpensive alternative to Apple TV without major compromises. VPN use is also an advantage. Good and cheap.
6 out of 337 reviews
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