The second generation of Xiaomi’s Mi Box S video streaming box will go on sale soon, with one of the biggest upgrades being that it now runs Google TV instead of Android. It also features an HDMI 2.1 slot, though it does not support HDMI 2.1 bandwidth.
The Xiaomi Mi Box S (2nd Gen) is a more affordable alternative to streaming devices sold by the likes of Nvidia, Roku and Amazon, and it comes with a considerable advantage as its hardware is actually more powerful than many of its competitor’s cheapest streaming sticks.
It can connect to any regular TV via HDMI, upgrading it to a smart TV platform with access to numerous streaming applications, including Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. It comes with a remote control that offers convenient sponsored buttons for many of those services, and it also has Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
It also boasts extensive support for high dynamic range, with formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and more in up to 4K resolution. It supports surround sound too with Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD.
Unfortunately, the Xiaomi Mi Box S (2nd Gen)’s HDMI 2.1 connection doesn’t match the sheer power of the latest Apple TV 4K or Nvidia Shield. That’s because it’s powered by an Amlogic S905X4 system-on-chip with 2GB of RAM and just 8GB of storage space. Even so, it does support 4K60Hz decoding for AV1, VP9 and HEVC.
Its HDMI 2.1 capabilities are also somewhat questionable. While Xiaomi advertises the device as supporting HDMI 2.1, it doesn’t specify any features. In fact, most reports claim that it only supports conventional HDMI 2.0 bandwidth, meaning a maximum of 4K at 60Hz, which is the same as the first generation Xiaomi Mi Box S.
The device is available to buy now via AliExpress in the U.K. and Europe, priced at £62.11 and €70.42 respectively. There's no word yet on availability in the U.S.
