We’re already after testing the first TV Dongle from Xiaomi called Mi TV Stick, so today, we would like to show you the Mi TV Stick review.
Xiaomi in its portfolio has video streaming devices such as Mi Box and Mi Box S, so we were looking forward to devices in the HDMI Stick format, as well as alternatives to the current competition Fire TV Stick, Roku, etc.
Is the Mi TV Stick device worth buying? better to choose Mi Box S? Is it better to hold off with the purchase of the current version of Mi TV Stick Full HD (1080p) and wait for Mi TV Stick 4K? We will answer these questions later in the review.
One thing is for sure, with the Mi TV Stick you can easily and inexpensively transform your old TV into a Smart TV and enjoy your favorite streaming services in Full HD resolution. We invite you to read the Mi TV Stick (Global Version) review.
Availability and price
I want to say thanks to the Banggood store for sending us a Xiaomi Mi TV Stick to review.
Now Mi TV Stick is available at Banggood store for $37.99
[tie_index]Product details[/tie_index]
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick Review: Product details
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick specifications:
- SoC- Amlogic S805Y quad-core Cortex-A53 processor @ 1.2 GHz with Arm Mali-450MP GPU
- System Memory – 1GB RAM DDR3
- Storage – 8GB eMMC
- Video Output – HDMI up to 1080p60
- Video Codecs – VP9-10, H.265, H.264, VC-1, MPEG1/2/4, real 8/9/10
- Audio – Via HDMI, Dolby and DTS support
- Connectivity – Dual-band 802.11b/g/n/ac WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
- Power Supply – 5V via Micro USB port (no OTG)
- Dimensions – 9.50 x 3.50 x 2.00 cm
- Weight – 28.5g
The box included everything that you need to get started:
- Xiaomi Mi TV Stick
- Bluetooth Voice Remote Control
- micro USB cable
- USB Power plug
- User Manual
The following video from our YouTube channel where you can take a look at more Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and bundled accessories.
[tie_index]First impressions, settings, an overview of features[/tie_index]
Mi TV Stick Review: First impressions, settings, an overview of features
TV Stick from Xiaomi is a small device (measures 9.50 x 3.50 x 2.00 cm) that you can easily hide in your shirt or pants pocket and take it everywhere with you. Of course, the quality of workmanship and design are flawless. Of course, we lack an additional USB port. The device only has a micro USB (not OTG) for power supply. On the front, there is a LED that lights up when the device is turned on. To connect the device, all you need is an HDMI port on the TV.
The device comes with a Bluetooth remote controller in an aesthetic and minimalist style that supports voice commands via Google Assistant and, at first glance, two dedicated buttons, for Netflix and Prime Video streaming services. Pictures below.
Impressions from the use
Mi TV Stick runs on Android TV OS, and thus working with the device is a child’s play, from the moment of commissioning and configuration, through everyday use. Android TV launcher is based on recommendations from many external sources, Youtube, Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Go, Google Movies, Google Play Games, Google Play Music, etc. The recommended content is displayed in rows.
As you could see the specification, the device has only 1GB RAM and 8GB eMMC. It seems a little small and for greater satisfaction would require 2GB of RAM. Sometimes you get the feeling that your device is too slow. However, correct operation and video streaming are enough. Mi TV Stick works with a resolution of 1920x1080p @ 60Hz and this is enough to enjoy Full HD streaming.
WiFi connection works fast and stable, but Wifi connection (802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz) could be faster (Download – 19.36Mbps Upload – 30.93Mbps). Chromecast built-in works fine.
In addition to the Bluetooth remote control with voice features, we used a gamepad from an iPega called iPega PG-9076. That’s right, through the Mi TV Stick you can play simple games (Beach Buggy Racing, Asphalt 8, etc) available on Google Play Store for Android TV (but the number of applications for Android TV OS is limited). In addition to the gamepad, you can pair headphones and speakers via Bluetooth. If you want to control Mi TV Stick via smartphone, just install it Android TV Remote Control app or Mi Remote controller app.
As we mentioned at the beginning of the Mi TV Dongle is equipped with Bluetooth remote control with a voice assistant button, so by pressing the button you can output voice commands. You do not have to navigate the remote control, just tell what you are looking for. Using the Google Assistant this way is easy and convenient.
We also installed the latest Kodi 18.7, but due to the lack of additional USB ports to use Kodi via SAMBA sharing on Windows 10. Below some screenshots.
[tie_index]Operating system and components[/tie_index]
Operating system and components
The Mi TV Stick (MDZ-24-AA/MiTV-AESP0 model) runs on the Android TV 9.0, Kernel version 4.9.113. The device supports also OTA update firmware. TV Stick is equipped with Amlogic S805Y quad-core Cortex-A53 processor @ 1.2 GHz, and ARM Mali-450MP GPU. CPU speed between 100MHz and 1.20GHz. Below screenshots from the AIDA64 app and DRM info app.
Mi TV Stick Review: Performance tests and benchmarks
[tie_index]Video Tests[/tie_index]
Video Tests
Despite the fact that the Mi TV Stick does not have a strong specification, it can easily handle video streaming from popular services. Streaming is smooth and stable. Mi TV Dongle is certified by Google, Netflix, and other global streaming services, and thus supports the display of video content in Full HD resolution. Youtube, Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Go, Disney+ works fine and without issues.
We played only 1080p samples on Kodi 18.7 via SMB. Dolby Digital 5.1 passthrough worked fine via HDMI.
Typical 1080p | Kodi 18.7 |
MPEG2 / MP2 2.0 – 6.6Mbps | OK |
MPEG4 / MP3 2.0 – 7.6Mbps | OK |
H264 / AAC 2.0 – 7.2Mbps | OK |
VC1 / WMA3 2.0 – 25Mbps | OK |
VP8 / VORBIS 2.0 – 7.8Mbs | OK |
Jellyfish 1080p HEVC 10bit – 90Mbps | OK |
[tie_index]Benchmarks[/tie_index]
Benchmarks
Despite trying to make the Antutu Benchmark, no results were obtained. Given the specifications of the device and the fact that it correctly plays a streaming video, it would be pointless to publish any performance benchmark results. These results would not bring anything, in other words, the Mi TV Stick is a device in which the benchmark results are not interesting. The most important thing is the operation and its main function, i.e. video streaming.
Internal memory benchmarks (via A1SD Bench app): Read 84.44MB/s – Write 23.29MB/s. RAM copy speed was 1748.55MB/s.
[tie_index]Conclusions[/tie_index]
Mi TV Stick Review: Conclusions
TV Stick from Xiaomi is worth recommending. Even though he is not a speed demon, and you can feel he is not keeping up at times, it works stably and with no problem. Its most important function, such as HD video streaming, works flawlessly. If you are looking for an inexpensive device for streaming video from services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Youtube, etc. then TV Stick from Xiaomi will satisfy you.
If you need a more efficient device and 4K streaming, then you should buy Mi TV Box S (now for $59.99) or wait for Mi TV Stick 4K. If you are looking for a device that will transform your old TV (an HDMI port is enough) into a Smart TV, a device for another room, or a device that you will always have at hand, the Mi TV Stick is enough for that. Mi TV Dongle is also an alternative to currently available devices also in the HDMI Stick format.
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