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.
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PRODUCT DETAILS
| Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen |
| SoC: AMlogic S905X4 Quad Core 4x ARM-A55 @ 2GHz (64bit) / GPU Mali-G31 MP2 / 12nm. System: Google TV 11 (32bit). Memory and network: 2GB RAM LPDDR4 / 8GB eMMC / Wifi 5 + Bluetooth Ports: HDMI 2.1 / USB-A 2.0 / AV Jack + SPDIF (TOSLink adapter) Extras: BT Remote / Manual / HDMI Cable / Adapter DC 5.2V 2.1A (11W). Materials and dimensions: Plastic / Status LEDs / 95 x 95 x 19 mm / 85 gr. |
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 needs a mini TOSLink adapter) 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
| Formats | Result |
| h.264 / 1080i / 8bit | OK |
| h.264 / 1080p / 4K / 8bit | OK |
| h.264 / 1080p / 10bit (anime) | Frameskip (SW) |
| h.265 / 1080p / 8bit | OK |
| h.265 / 1080p / 10bit (anime) | OK |
| h.265 / 4K@24fps / 8bit | OK |
| h.265 / 4K@60fps / 10bit HDR | OK |
| VP9 P1 / 4K@24fps / 8bit | OK |
| VP9 P2 / 4K@60fps / 10bit HDR | OK |
| VP9 P2 / 8K@60fps / 10bit HDR | OK |
| AV1 / 4K@24fps / 10bit | Only in streaming apps such as Youtube and internal player. |
| Max. Bitrate | 100 Mbps = 12,5 MB/s. |
- 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.
| Audio Formats | Result |
| Dolby | 5.1 / Plus / True HD / Atmos = OK |
| DTS | 5.1 / MA = OK || HR / X = Core |
- 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
| Streaming service | Calidad / Audio |
| Youtube | 4K (2160p) / 5.1 |
| Google Play Movies | 4K (2160p) / 5.1 |
| Netflix | 4K (2160p) / 7.1 / Netflix Guide |
| HBO Max | 4K (2160p) / 7.1 / HBO Max Guide |
| Disney+ | 4K (2160p) / 7.1 / Disney+ Guide |
| Apple TV+ | 4K (2160p) / 7.1 / Apple TV+ Guide |
| Prime Video | 4K (2160p) /7.1 / Prime Video Guide |
| DAZN | HD (720p) / Stereo |
| IPTV | FullHD (1080i) / Stereo |
CONCLUSIONS AND BUY LINKS
Score
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
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Add-ons
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Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen
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Pros
- Google TV 11
- Fast response
- Dolby Vision + Atmos
- BT remote
- SPDIF
Cons
- Only Wifi 5
Hi, I’m very new to this technology, but got the box installed and working. I want to download IPTV for South Africa, but have seen so many scam sites. Which one would you recommend for thos device and how do I download?
For IPTV you need an app player such as IPTV streamers (use app store) and add an IPTV list.
Check for IPTV at aliexpress.
Thank you
TiviMate and IMPlayer are great players for this box (tested them). TiviMate has the UI with the most options, IMPlayer can be managed remotely (which is great when you have several boxes). The premium versions are not free but highly recommendable because the free versions are very limited. There are lifetime licenses.
The world of IPTV providers is a bit sketchy. Contact with sellers through Whatsapp/Telegram.
Playing from just player or kodi, DTS-HD MA or TrueHD is showing up as PCM 2.0 on the receiver, and not playing/playing only stero
Passthrough settings should be fine since DD+ is passing just fine with Atmos
I have the box connected directly to the receiver with a 2.1 cable, and the firmware is latest Android 11 ( no update pending )
How did you got lossless audio to work for you?
latest reply from xiaomi Hello, Greetings from Xiaomi USA Customer Support! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. We do hope we can do something to make you better. As much as we enjoy fulfilling our customers’ requests, first and foremost we would want to apologize for the inconvenience caused, as we know how it would be if things do not go as we anticipated. Despite that, we have come across the latest information given from the higher department by analyzing technically for the Xiaomi Box S Gen2 after the update of Android S and encountered such issues as the following:… Read more »
Is there a way I can access Play Store directly from the home screen? I can’t open it unless I go to settings – applications, and then find it under bunch of apps.
When I try to just search for apps in the search bar on the home page, it won’t search for anything, it just bugs. So, the only way for me to download apps is to look for Play Store manually inside settings…
Reset the box to factory settings, is not normal.
i bought Xioami tv box recently but some of the options i-e Xiaomi Tv, Prime TV and Netflex are not working. when i click the Xiaomi TV+ it shows that this is not supportive in your region. plz guide me
Xiaomi TV+ is not available in every region. Its content is not very good either. I often press the XiaomiTV button on the remote when I wanted to press ‘back’. Pressing ‘don’t agree’ brings me back where I was.
I use SmarTubeNext (installed with apk) which is a youtube player for AndroidTV/GoogleTV without ads.
Hello, I bought this Mibox S but in the Disney+ app does not transmit audio 5.1.
The situation is curious because I have the Realme Stick 4K that I connected to the same HDMI and I with Audio 5.1. Disney has put this store audio limitation on this Mibox S!?
Hi. Curious, yes… maybe mi box S 2 need some updates in the audio section to improve compatibility in the audio.
No this issue for all Xiaomi devices like Mi Box 1st gen, Mi Stick 4K. Disney+ has only stereo, no 5.1.
Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen Google TvStrange that 5,1 works fine with a PHILIPS A/R FR994 but not with a YAMAHA RXV640RDS using an optical cable. Same issues with the NOKIA TV Box 8000 No issues with Xiaomi TV box gen1. On gen1 you can choose spidf in audio. The other boxes do not have this option. Surround sound is a pain in the @ss!
Hi,
i just want to know if audio output resolution was upgraded to 24bit/192khz when connecting the box to a DAC via USB, or it still 16bit/96khz?
thank u you for this excellent revue
i dont see the SPDIF port, what do i miss?
Is inside the audio jack, you need an adapter:
https://amzn.to/3NNWpo0
The new Xiaomi box is the next disappointment for me after the Nokia box.
Auto framerate switch does not work in Kodi (although enabled) and HDR switch does not work either (everything is played in SDR).
Even my old Mi Box 3 can do that better.
Does anyone have an idea what this could be?
I’m slowly giving up on finding a decent Kodi player with a USB port. Apparently the Nvidia Shield is really uncompetitive.
Because they don’t have this feature now.
You need to wait for an update, Xiaomi Mi Box 1 had the same evolution.
Kodi is not a priority application for a certified streaming player.
Hey Kim, thanks for the answer! Sure Kodi is not the no. 1 app for those streaming boxes. But i believe that Xiaomi adds the firmware improvements that come from their older boxes – wrong thinking 🙁
Did you have a hint for me? Which android box with usb port playes HDR content correct, have Dolby Vision and auto framerate works? Is there only the Shield in the market?
thanks!!
Hi.
If you are looking for this kind of video/audio quality for local content, the only option is a Zidoo player or similar… but don’t have streaming certification.
https://androidpctv.com/zidoo-z2000-pro/
Otherwise, you need to wait for Xiaomi…. but sometimes auto framerate only works with streaming services and not with Kodi.
Another option is to use a mini PC, but only have HDR10 not Dolby Vision.
It seems that there is no cheaper device with my wanted features than the Nvidia Shield 🙁 Thank you!
Right.
AFR works in Netflix and Prime Video with Fire Stick 4K Max. Plex also can play local files with AFR with this Amazon stick.
Hi, I’ve bought a Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen and I Have a Dolby Atmos capable AV Receiver and I can get Dolby Atmos in Netflix but can’t get Dolby Atmos in Disney+ and Prime Video or Youtube. I’ve tried to change the hdmi sound options between the 3 available without success.
Can you please tell me what configs are you using to get Dolby Atmos in Prime Video and Disney+
Wait till these services/xiaomi active the Atmos sound for your region.
Send feedback to Xiaomi to pressure.
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre los SoC Allwinner H6, H616 y H618?
Me gustaría saber porque me gustaría tener unos tvbox con SoC Allwinner, uno Amlogic y otro Rockchip
Leí que con Amlogic A311D2 va a salir el gt king II también un board Khadas
Con el Rockchip 3588 hay un tvbox H95 MAX V58 y también está el board Orange Pi 5
Ahora me gustaría saber cuál sería el mejor SoC en Allwinner pero leí que el board Orange Pi 3 LTS tiene el h6 pero sin card reader
H618 is the best Allwinner now.
Leí que el H6 va a 1.8Ghz con Mali T720 MP2 a 668Mhz y el H618 va a 1.5Ghz con Mali G31 MP2 a 650Mhz además de que ambos tienen la misma litografía
Vi estas dos posibilidades, según leí dejan llegar el procesador a su máxima velocidad de 1.8Ghz
Dispositivo de TV inteligente T95 MAX, decodificador con Android 9, Allwinner H6, cuatro núcleos, 4GB de RAM, 32GB, 64GB de ROM, WiFi 2,4 GHz, 6K, H.265, USB3.0
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLSjvg
Dispositivo de Tv inteligente H96 Mini Allwinner H6, decodificador con android 2023, 6K, 2,4G, 5G, Wifi, RAM, 4GB de ROM, 32GB, 128GB
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMyIh3iG
Hi,
Does the Xiaomi Box 2 have an HDMI ARC or eARC port?
Hi. Can work with ARC.
Does the sound of the TV’s native app gets relayed back to the MI Box audio ports with either the TV (preferred) remote or Mi Box remote being able to control its volume?