Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen, review: with Google TV OS

Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen is the expected TV-Box of the Xiaomi brand that we present today in its analysis or review. A device that has Google TV system.

This new Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen) is an evolution of the popular Xiaomi Mi Box S. This time we have the AMlogic S905X4 SoC that we have seen in many other devices for years. As a novelty we now have by default the certified Google TV OS, maintains its bluetooth remote control with some new shortcuts and integrates microphone for the Google Assistant with which we can control the apps. In addition, we find Chromecast system to play content remotely, also compatible with all payment streaming systems with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos quality.

Let’s see in our review how this Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen behaves and what it offers us.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Unboxing

This new Google TV-Box Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen comes in a classic cardboard box with the product image in the upper area. Inside we find the TV-Box, remote control, HDMI cable, 5.2V 2.1A charger and a first steps manual.

Description

The new Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen offers a design similar to the previous Xiaomi Mi Box S. On the back we have an AV + SPDIF (optical) jack, HDMI 2.1, USB-A 2.0 and round power connector. On the front we have a white status LED that indicates when the system is working.

This Google TV-Box has a Wifi 5 + Bluetooth chip with internal wifi antenna. The set follows exactly the previous design and we do not notice any differences, only the information at the bottom tells us that we are facing a new version.

Included we have a Bluetooth remote control that has a microphone for Google Assistant, as a novelty we have the Xiaomi TV+ key and the Apps button. The system offers us HDMI-CEC control option, we also have an assistant to configure the volume and power keys with our Smart TV.  Some keys may be remapped for other functions.

• Remote: Remote control BT with microphone / Compatible with keyboard and mouse / Control App for Google TV.

SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE

Environment and Android system

After starting the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen we find the Android and remote control configuration wizard. We can also adjust the Wi-Fi connection, define which apps will be installed by default and select the type of content we want to see on the main screen. After these settings we get to the Google TV launcher designed to control with remote control. In general the overall performance is very fast, we can move quickly between menus and different apps.

• Launcher: We can change de the launcher / Android UI rendering at 1080p.
• Multitasking and access: Multitasking NOT available / Notifications the upper icon.
• Languages and Google Play: All the international Android languajes / Google Play for Google TV installed.
• Check our Google TV User Manual to install classic Android Apps, prevent screen rotation and much more.

In this Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen we have by default the Xiaomi TV+ app, accessing this free service we have plenty of free live channels. We have a large selection of broadcasts to choose from, some have classic advertising and others seem not to.

Another novelty of this system is the inclusion of Xiaomi’s PatchWall launcher. It is a western version of the launcher that this brand uses in China for its TV-Box. Something quite forgettable since we have Google TV as the main launcher and offers no advantages in this regard, we can only be interested in its aesthetics.

System

We check at the internal system data and the included options, we also observe what boot options this device allows us. This TV-Box will have updates via OTA to correct possible failures, security updates and bug fixes.

• On/Off Controls: Sleep mode / Shutdown settings available.
• System version and root: Google TV 11 (32 bit) / NO root / CPU r0p2 (S905X4) / Model MiTV-AFKR0 jaws
• Support: Xiaomi OTA support / IMG firmware NOT available, only OTA update.

Network, storage, RAM and ports

This Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen has a memory of 2 GB of RAM LPDDR4 and for storage we have 8 GB eMMC that we can expand with a USB memory. In the network section it has a Wifi 5 + Bluetooth wireless adapter that as we can see in the test the correct results, it is possible to use an Ethernet adapter via USB 2.0 but we will be limited to the speed of this port.

• Network: Internal Wifi antenna / Range -55 dBm / Link 5G 400 Mbps / Ethernet Gigabit / Bluetooth OK.

It has a USB 2.0 port for connecting external drives or compatible peripherals. We found that the internal storage performance is fast and moves the system smoothly, on the other hand the RAM memory also offers very positive data.

• Storage: Total 8GB  – Free3.5GB / Expandable with a USB external memory
• RAM: Total 2GB – Free 1GB / DDR
  
• Inputs: USB 2.0
• We recommend reading our Tutorial SAMBA on Android networks if we are going to use files from our network PC.

Power and performance

In terms of performance, the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen has the AMlogic S905X4 Quad Core SoC with ARM Cortex-A55 processors and in the graphics section a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU which is located in the mid-range. This SoC is very similar to the S905X3, as we can see, it only surpasses it in the AI aspect. As it is possible to appreciate in the results, it is well positioned matching Fire TV-Box 4K, the new Googlecast TV and far exceeds the previous Xiaomi Mi TV-Box S.

• CPU performance: Min 0.5 GHz / Working  1.2 GHz / Max 2 GHz
• Check our Amlogic S905X4 SoC Comparison against all SoCs in the sector for more details.

For the games area we can run demanding titles at medium/low quality and also cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GForce Now or using the APK to install it. In the emulators section we can get at most run some Wii games, but we will not have problems with 2D games of classic consoles with emulators like Retroarch or using KODI, the full OS EmuELEC is not compatible.

• Games and emulators: YES Vulkan support / Basic emulators in RetroArch.
• Controls: Compatible with Bluetooth or USB Gamepads.

This SoC Amlogic S905X4 is manufactured in 12nm, has a very contained consumption, the cooling system of the case works perfectly and temperatures are low in normal use. The SoC manages the speeds correctly.

• Thermals: Min. 40ºC / Working 42 ºC / Max. 63ºC / Maintains performance up to 85% / Heat zone on the top / Noise 0db
• Consumption: Off 0.9W / Min 3W / Working 3.8W / Max. 7W

VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST

Video playback test

In terms of video playback the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen supports most modern formats such as h.265, VP9 and AV1 codec with native 4K@60fps HDR resolution support. We have good performance with 10bit color formats with Dolby Vision support in one layer.

It is possible to use players like KODI or PLEX without the slightest problem by installing them directly from the Google TV store. In terms of audio we can play Dolby Atmos and DTS sound up to 7.1 via its HDMI port and 5.1 via SPDIF (not compatible with streaming apps). The Chromecast system works perfectly with all services.

• Video Settings:  NO image quality settings / HDMI-CEC available, see manual / Automatic refresh rate not available.
• Audio Settings: Dolby Atmos / HDMI  7.1 / SPDIF 5.1 / NO USB audio settings.
• Color and HDR: 10Bit / RGB / Dolby Vision, HDR 10+.
• Media sharing: GoogleCast YES / Miracast NO / DLNA with BlubblePnP / Airplay NO.
• LibreELEC: This model is NOT compatible with LibreELEC or CoreELEC.
• Tutorials: Install add-on in KODI / Judder effect, how to fix it / Multi-channel audio guide / Correct dark video playback
• We recommend reading the Setup Guide of our TV to get the best picture quality.

Video and audio results

• The maximum bitrate depends on the port used to connect or the limitations of SAMBA Networks.
• SW = does not have hardware acceleration and may have have some frameskip in very heavy files.

• PCM – Stereo only with downmix from DD or DTS
• Core – Only the core of the format is played back with what we passed to the Dolby or DTS base system / More info

Streaming services

We ran several tests on streaming services to check how the most popular services work. The Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen has some compatibility with all current streaming services. We have full compatibility in 4K Dolby Vision quality and Dolby Atmos sound for all services such as Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+. Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime video among other international as well as national ones.

• DRM: Google Widevine L1 / Playready.
• Audio/Video certification: Dolby Atmos / Dolby Vision / HDR10.
• Tutorials: Change the size of the captions and the mouse pointer on Android / Install Addons in KODI in a simple way

CONCLUSIONS AND BUY LINKS

Score

Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen

0.00

7.2

Hardware

6.5/10

System

8.5/10

Connectivity

6.5/10

Design

7.5/10

Price

7.0/10

Pros

• Google TV 11
• Fast response
• Dolby Vision + Atmos
• BT remote
• SPDIF

Cons

• Only Wifi 5

Opinion

After testing the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen we found that we are facing a very continuist system. This new version thanks to the SoC S905X4 offers a better user experience. It is possible to run IPTV apps or use KODI and play 4K HDR video efficiently. It also supports all streaming apps in 4K Dolby Vision quality and Dolby Atmos surround sound via HDMI.

In terms of connectivity the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen has a Wifi 5 + Bluetooth adapter, a pity not to have skipped Wifi 6. As a system we have Google TV 11 Certificate, which is very stable and moves smoothly using apps, also has integrated Chromecast. It also offers its Bluetooth remote control and integrated microphone. As a novelty we have the Xiaomi TV+ app with free live channels and PatchWall as an alternative launcher.

As we see the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen is a TV-Box fast and efficient but very continuist. A hardware that at an adequate price is interesting but does not stand out as did the Mi Box S.

Where to buy

Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen

0.00

7.2

Hardware

6.5/10

System

8.5/10

Connectivity

6.5/10

Design

7.5/10

Price

7.0/10

Pros

• Google TV 11
• Fast response
• Dolby Vision + Atmos
• BT remote
• SPDIF

Cons

• Only Wifi 5