Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K review compact streaming device with Android TV 11

Description

Compact Yet Feature-Packed Design

The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K (Model Mi TV Stick 4K) impressed me right out of the box with its portable and lightweight design. Measuring just 1.16 x 0.6 x 4.2 inches and weighing a mere 0.176 ounces, this streaming device is perfect for those who love to move their entertainment setup around or travel often. I found the small form factor ideal for use in a smaller bedroom TV, but it worked just as seamlessly in a larger living room setup. The sleek black exterior blends in with most home entertainment systems, and it doesn’t feel out of place even in a modern minimalist setup.

What really caught my attention was the intuitive design of the remote control. Featuring Bluetooth connectivity and IR blasters, it allowed me to control not just the stick but also my TV and soundbar with one remote. The convenience of having fewer remotes cluttering my coffee table was a big win for me.

Immersive 4K Ultra HD Performance

The 4K ultra-high-resolution output is undoubtedly one of the product’s main highlights. Streaming my favorite shows and movies on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video felt like a visual treat. Colors appeared vibrant, and the HDR support added remarkable depth to the picture quality. Even motion-heavy scenes in action movies appeared incredibly smooth without any noticeable lag.

During my time testing this, I paired it with a mid-range 4K TV, and the performance was buttery smooth. Whether it was streaming high-resolution content or playing games, the quad-core processor ensured that everything ran without hiccups. The AV1 codec support also made me feel future-proof, as more streaming platforms are beginning to adopt this efficient format.

Android TV 11: Smart Features for a Smarter Experience

The Android TV 11 operating system is a game-changer on this stick. With access to 400,000+ movies and shows and over 7,000 apps via Google Play, I never ran out of options for entertainment. I particularly loved how easy it was to set up my favorite apps and switch between them.

The inclusion of Google Assistant provided added convenience. I simply pressed the button on the remote and used voice commands to search for shows, adjust the volume, and even control my smart home devices. It’s worth noting that this feature worked seamlessly, even in a noisy living room environment.

Surround Sound and Audio Quality

The surround sound capabilities of this device genuinely surprised me. Paired with my soundbar, the richness and clarity of audio made me feel like I was sitting in a small-scale theater. Whether it was the booming bass of an action movie or the subtle background score of a drama series, the audio output felt well-balanced and immersive.

During a weekend gaming session with friends, the audio kept up with the fast-paced action, delivering crisp sound effects and clear dialogue. It’s hard to believe something so compact could pack such a punch when it comes to sound quality.

Key Benefits

• Compact and portable design ensures easy setup and versatility.
• 4K resolution with HDR offers stunning visuals.
• Google Assistant integration makes searching, controlling, and multitasking effortless.
• Chromecast built-in allows seamless streaming from smartphones and laptops.
• Bluetooth + IR remote control combines functionality with ease of use.

Areas of Concern

While this streaming device has a lot going for it, there are a few things to be mindful of:

• Limited storage capacity of 8GB might feel restrictive for those who install several apps or games.
• Wi-Fi performance can be inconsistent at times, particularly in areas with weaker signals.
• The lack of an Ethernet port might be a dealbreaker for users who prefer wired connections for stable streaming.

Product Contenders

Compared to other popular streaming devices like the Amazon Fire Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K holds its own in several areas. Its Android TV 11 system gives it a slight edge over the Fire Stick’s Fire OS, especially for users who are heavily invested in Google’s ecosystem. The voice control functionality with Google Assistant felt more natural and responsive compared to the Alexa integration in Amazon’s offering.

However, I did find that the Roku Streaming Stick has a better user interface for beginners and a more stable Wi-Fi performance. Additionally, Roku’s app library extends to some niche streaming services that I couldn’t find on the Xiaomi stick.

When it comes to price-to-performance, this device offers excellent features for its price point, but it may not suit hardcore gamers or those needing extensive storage.

Quality for Price

Given its performance and features, I’d call this device a value-packed option for anyone looking to upgrade their TV into a smart TV. The 4K streaming capabilities, compact design, and Google Assistant support make it worth considering for most households. If you’re someone who values portability and seamless integration with the Google ecosystem, this device is an excellent pick. However, if you rely heavily on Ethernet or require extensive app storage, you might want to explore alternatives.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for casual streaming and entertainment, delivering features and performance that punch well above its compact size.

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