Xiaomi’s Mi TV Stick and Mi Box S are two affordable Android TV streaming devices, each with its own strengths. The Mi TV Stick, priced at $49 globally and INR 2,799 in India, is designed for portability and simplicity. Meanwhile, the Mi Box S, priced higher, offers more advanced features, including 4K streaming and enhanced performance. But which one should you pick? Let’s break down the key differences between these two devices.
Key Differences Between Mi TV Stick and Mi Box S
1. Portability and Form Factor
The Mi TV Stick is significantly smaller and more portable than the Mi Box S. With its slim design, you can easily carry the Mi TV Stick in your backpack and plug it into any TV with an HDMI port, making it an ideal travel companion. In contrast, the Mi Box S is larger, roughly the size of a wireless charger, and requires more space around the TV setup.
2. Power Source
The Mi TV Stick uses a micro-USB port for power, which can be supplied by your TV’s USB port or a power bank, adding versatility to the device. The Mi Box S, however, uses a proprietary AC adapter, limiting its portability.
3. Streaming Quality: 1080p vs. 4K
One of the biggest differences is in the streaming resolution. The Mi TV Stick can stream content up to 1080p, which is suitable for most users with Full HD TVs. However, the Mi Box S supports 4K streaming, making it a better choice for users with 4K TVs who want to experience superior video quality.
4. Ports and Connectivity
The Mi Box S comes with additional ports, including a USB port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for more options like connecting external storage devices or audio systems. The Mi TV Stick, on the other hand, has a micro-USB port for power only and lacks support for connecting external devices.
5. Performance
With a more powerful processor and 2 GB of RAM, the Mi Box S delivers better performance, especially for multitasking and gaming. It can handle apps, games, and streaming more smoothly. The Mi TV Stick has 1 GB of RAM and a slower CPU, which makes it better suited for simple tasks like video streaming but less ideal for gaming or heavy multitasking.
6. Overall Power and Gaming
For casual streaming, both devices perform well. However, the Mi Box S is far superior for multitasking and gaming, handling more complex tasks like playing games such as Asphalt without significant lag. The Mi TV Stick, with its lower specs, struggles in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How does Mi TV Stick compare to Mi Box S in terms of portability? The Mi TV Stick is more portable due to its smaller size and ability to power via a USB port, making it easy to carry around and use anywhere.
- Can I stream 4K content with the Mi TV Stick? No, the Mi TV Stick supports only up to 1080p resolution. If you need 4K streaming, the Mi Box S is the better option.
- Is there a significant difference in performance between the Mi TV Stick and Mi Box S? Yes, the Mi Box S offers better performance with more RAM (2GB) and a faster processor, making it better for gaming and multitasking.
- Can I connect external devices to the Mi TV Stick? No, the Mi TV Stick does not have support for external devices via USB or 3.5mm audio jack. The Mi Box S, however, has a USB port for storage devices and a headphone jack for audio output.
- Is the Mi TV Stick a good option for casual streaming? Yes, if you primarily use streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video and don’t need 4K or high-performance gaming, the Mi TV Stick is a solid choice.
Conclusion:
If portability and convenience are your primary considerations, the Mi TV Stick is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for travelers or anyone who needs a compact, easy-to-use streaming device. However, if you’re looking for higher performance, 4K streaming, and a more versatile device for gaming and multitasking, the Mi Box S is the better option, despite its larger size and higher price.