The prefix Xiaomi Mi Box S: review, specifications

Of all the Chinese manufacturers of TV boxes on the market, the Xiaomi Mi Box S takes a leading position. Suppose, in terms of performance, it is inferior to competitors in the price category of $ 50-100 - UGOOS X3 Pro и Beelink GT-King. But in terms of ease of use and functionality, it is at a high level.

The prefix Xiaomi Mi Box S: specifications

Chip	Amlogic S905X
Processor	Cortex-A53 Quad-core (4 cores up to 1.5 GHz)
Video adapter	Mali 450 (up to 750 MHz)
RAM	2 GB (LPDDR3, 2400 MHz)
Built-in Memory	8 GB eMMC (NAND Flash)
Internal memory expansion	Yes, using USB flash drives
Operating system	Android 8.1
Wired connection	no
Wireless connection	Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac 2.4GHz / 5GHz
Bluetooth	Yes, version 4.2
Interfaces	1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI 2.0a, 1x3.5 jack / spdif
Smartphone control	Yes, iOS, Android
Other types of management	Remote control, voice, via HDMI, keyboard + mouse
dimensions	95.25 x 95.25 x 16.7
The weight	147 grams
Technologies	Miracast, WiDi, DLNA, 3D, Web, torrent, IPTV, PatchWall
4K support	Yes (Ultra HD 3840 × 2160 60 frames), HDR10
Video	4K @ 60fps, VP9, H.265, H.264, MPEG1 / 2 / 4, VC-1, Real 8 / 9 / 10 60fps / H.264 AVC
Audio	Digital Out, Dolby Digital, MP3, APE, Flac

 

A detailed review of the prefix on the Technozon channel (all the author’s links at the end of the article):

 

Xiaomi Mi Box S: advantages

The hardware of the console conceals abundant functionality, which is gradually revealed with the release of updates.

1. Auto Frame Rate. Initially, in the 2018 year, the Xiaomi Mi Box S TV box was not able to automatically recognize the correspondence of sound and video. After the upgrade, hardware and software processing (decoding) worked like clockwork.
2. Full-fledged information transfer according to the Wi-Fi standard 5 GHz. And this is 200 / 200 Megabits per second for loading and unloading. The question with network bandwidth immediately closes. In fact, a wired 1Gbit channel is not needed. The only caveat is the router. Network equipment must support stable data transmission over a given range.
3. Combined output for connecting speakers. By default, this is a classic Jack on 3.5mm. But, with the help of an adapter, you can make a connection via S / PDIF optics. A combined solution is great. Only the adapter itself is missing. And you can buy it only in Chinese stores.
4. Very high quality remote control. Both the case and the buttons. Everything works fine even after a year - out of the box.
5. The prefix Xiaomi Mi Box S is imprisoned for watching online videos from Netflix and Live resources. True, you have to register. But these are trifles. For fans of new movies in 4K format with HDR support, there are even buttons on the remote control that automatically launch the corresponding applications. After registering for resources and fine-tuning, it’s easy to get used to Netflix and Live TV.
6. Support HDMI CEC. A very convenient function that allows you to control the console with the remote control from the TV (or receiver). True, not all buttons work. But you can turn it on, off, and control playback. And nothing more is needed.

 

Xiaomi Mi Box S: disadvantages

A year later, after the release of the Xiaomi prefix, you can safely declare the flaws that were discovered during operation.

1. Poor Wi-Fi performance in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. The manufacturer's specifications for the 802.11n standard are not true. Moreover, testing was carried out both on cheap routers such as TP-Link with Tenda, and on Asus premium technology with Cisco. The prefix spontaneously breaks the channel, or fails the speed of work on Wi-Fi. There is only one conclusion - you need to raise the 5GHz channel and work only on it. Accordingly, purchase a modern Wi-Fi router.
2. Auto Frame Rate does not work in all applications. For users who understand the settings, this does not matter. I went into the menu - I chose the desired decoding format for video or sound. But for most owners of the console, far from IT technology, this flaw creates inconvenience.

In conclusion

 

Fans of cool sound (DTS-HD, Dolby Atmos and other codecs that require a license) Xiaomi Mi Box S will not work. It is better to look in the direction of newer and more expensive TV boxes. Should I buy the new 2018 of the year now? Better give preference to other devices. In the price range 60-70 $ it is easy to find a better solution. If we talk about the secondary market of consoles, then B. at. Xiaomi Mi Box S worth 20-30 dollars is a great investment.

In conclusion, we suggest you look at the reviews on this Technozon channel prefix. The guys drove the TV Box for a whole year and talk in great detail about the advantages and disadvantages of Xiaomi Mi Box S.