Mi box 3 international review. Xiaomi Mi TV Box - TV set-top box and media player


I connected the TV to the Xiaomi home ecosystem and forgot about Apple TV. The coolest Smart TV you can find.

I absolutely did not like the shell of the new TV (). But such a purchase was expected - the body was waiting in advance in the box Xiaomi console.

I tried it and liked it - but you will have to read to the end to find out about the operation of the device.

Processor - 6-core 64-bit MT8693 (2 × Cortex-A72 + 4 × Cortex-A53)
GPU - Power VR GX6250
RAM - 2 GB LPDDR3
Storage - 8 GB eMMC 5.0
Interfaces - Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 4.1+EDR
Connectors - 1 × HDMI 2.0, 2 × USB 2.0, power interface
Output Resolution - 4K (3,840 × 2,160)
Available codecs - HD MPEG 1 / 2 / 4, H.264, H.265, Xvid / DivX 4 / 5 / 6
Playable video formats - 3GP, AVI, FLV, M2TS, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG, TS
Playable audio formats - AAC, APE, FLAC, MP3, OGG
Reproducible photo formats - BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG
Dimensions - 100 × 100 × 25 mm
Weight - 190 g

Beautiful, functional, not without questions


Unlike most TV set-top boxes, Xiaomi chose for the extended 3 version of its device White color. Stylish, but not suitable for every TV and interior in general.

All ports are located on one side, so that the viewer only gets the front part of the device. Beautiful, laconic, there is not even a power button - it works from the remote control.

But you can only reboot by turning off the power or using a complex combination on the remote control.


Since all the ports are on one side, hot-swapping flash drives in limited space is a pleasure. In my case, it’s completely impossible this moment(although what difference does it make if everything is viewed from the NAS?).


In addition, the engineers did not provide any mounting brackets. I don’t have a shelf for equipment, so I had to glue it to the TV with double-sided tape. Not the most technologically advanced solution for two rather hot surfaces. Peels off.

Incredible power. In reserve


Inside Mi Box 3 Enhanced hiding a special single-chip platform for media boxes from MediaTek MT8693. Powerful, with high heat dissipation. It’s hot, even if you’re baking pies, and the cooler doesn’t always help.

Of course, it contains two 2.0 GHz cores, four 1.6 GHz cores, and PowerVR GX6250 graphics. In “parrots”, many readers have weaker smartphones (and they are already very close to laptops, separated only by architecture).


The Shaitan Box can decode everything known formats. Plays 4K video H.265 / HEVC Main 10 (color depth - 10 bits) at 60 fps, H.264 / AVC High Profile (8-bit color depth) at 30 fps. There is support for Dolby (DTS) and 5.1 channel sound.

True, the absence of any audio output greatly limits the functionality of the system. HDMI only. This means that the speakers will have to be connected to the TV. Or use a signal splitter from the Mi TV Box, which will certainly degrade the signal.


There are no USB 3.0 ports, both interfaces are version 2. The maximum memory capacity for a flash drive is up to 128 GB (very handy, its only 8 GB is not enough even for high-quality FullHD). For external hard drive- is not limited. But without external power, only a 2.5-inch drive will drive.

Accessories - just like Apple


Kit wireless interfaces rich enough. Therefore, there are no restrictions when choosing additional accessories no: any manipulators, access points and wireless storages are automatically picked up.

It is important that the set-top box works adequately in each Wi-Fi range. And, perhaps, it has the most powerful antenna of all the home devices I have tested over several years. Squeezes all the speed out of the router.

There is support for managing connected via HDMI devices- HDMI CEC is available. Any TVs or receivers are supported.

AirPlay- works! With any devices, the connection is stable.

The cable, although it allows you to transmit a 4K stream with the maximum bitrate, will have to be changed. Short. Unless, of course, you hide the device right behind the TV.

And this arrangement may well be possible, since the remote control does not use a standard IR transmitter, but Bluetooth. You don’t have to point it at the set-top box and drive around the corner(even from behind the wall).

If it were not for software limitations, the remote control would make an excellent air mouse, fortunately it has an integrated gyroscope and accelerometer. There's even a microphone for voice control prefix. But software allows the use of sensors only in games, and is not recognized as a manipulator in all games.

As a remote control Xiaomi control Mi TV Box 3 Enchanced can also work as a smartphone. To do this, you do not need an infrared port, but the proprietary Mi Home application (iOS, Android). In it, the prefix is ​​instantly detected without any unnecessary movements.

After connecting, when you click on the set-top box icon, the smartphone turns the screen into a copy of the remote control. It works the same way via Bluetooth, except that the connection with the native remote control is more stable. And the transmitter is more powerful.

Is there life without Russification?


Xiaomi Mi TV 3 Enchanced running MIUI 7 on Android based 5.1. This is not Android TV, which means any programs are available for installation. But according to the ancient Chinese tradition, Google services none.

And in order to install them, you need to get Ruth. But it’s almost impossible to navigate using hieroglyphs! You have to go to these Internets of yours and install from pictures from specialized resources English language. For settings only.


Accordingly, all applications are intended only for Chinese people. Instead, a selection is installed from a flash drive to view content in Russia and the CIS. And everything falls into place.

In order for the Russian language to appear in the search, you will still need to root the console. I have given up on this for now, fortunately there are still plenty of foreign films.


You can do without Russification, but it’s unlikely that your family will get used to it quickly. AND favorite soviet cartoons it will be difficult to find.

I have completely switched to fashion series, but I feel that in a couple of weeks I will still overcome myself and get root, Russian and Google services. Without them Android features stripped down to the minimum, and it is unlikely to feel its functionality.

Buy or wait?


Today Mi TV Box 3 Enchanted is one of the most powerful consoles on Android (it’s still stupid, but many people love it - and the remote control is like a joystick). It can handle any content and any Android games.

  • Advantages Doesn't glitch, either during use or after waking up. Fast and nimble.
    Excellent Bluetooth remote control. Can be glued to tape with reverse side TV. I bought it and forgot it.
    In the absence of other sources:
    - no black TV welcome screen "no signal, cable not connected."
    - digging in Smart apps which was wildly annoying
    - waiting for the TV to finally connect to Wi-fi
    - let's think about something else, spin the wheel
    When you turn on the TV, you are immediately greeted by IPTV autostart with the appropriate settings.
    The branded console gives a feeling of “not being abandoned”; on Android 8.0 there is no longer a feeling of dampness.
    Voice search in Russian is an indispensable tool for quick search on YouTube
    Technically perfect for 2018 and for years to come. For those who need more, there is NVIDIA SHIELD TV, which is 2.5 times more expensive.
    Possibility of connecting other Bluetooth devices including remote control with gyroscope.
    Friendly with Panasonic Viera Link. Understands the remote control from Panasonic (2013) when configured with each other.
    Allows you to forget about HMS, DNLA, DNS spoofing, and other idiosyncrasies of viewing content
    You can install a third-party application store, for example AptoideTV 5.0.2 (and higher) with an expanded set of applications, in most cases, without installation third party applications from a flash drive.
    4K 60fps videos on YouTube run perfectly, without lags, but with noticeable overload, noticeable for example on voice search. The resolution is higher, the set-top box is not able to display. I also do not recommend disabling HDR>SDR if the TV does not support HDR. The picture will be faded.
    A good anti-greed pill
  • Flaws He who looks for flaws will find them. All shortcomings can be solved.
    The “dish” shape of the base without clear support points makes it difficult to mount on a vertical surface.
    The flash drive heats up due to heat exchange - even when not in use. Plus use it as a radiator.
    Not suitable for out-of-the-box fans, like any other media player. This is a tool - you will have to grind the software yourself.
    I don’t recommend it to people who, before purchasing, don’t understand exactly what they want or how to implement it, and especially don’t want to delve into it.
    The standard launcher is a perfectionist's nightmare.
    It won’t replace a multicooker, doesn’t write comments on YouTube, doesn’t heat the room well, and generally doesn’t do anything it’s not designed for.
  • A comment Security: Zyxel Keenetic Extra II, 5Hz (802.11r), 100 Mbit/s (speedtest 92)
    I bought it for three main purposes:
    - moving from RT to IPTV from Eden
    - quick search and launching cartoons for children on YouTube
    - XSMART (FHD, 3D, 4K, 60fps, 120fps)
    Having gone through the journey from '13 to Smart Panasonic Viera, it turned out:
    - TV hardware filling Smart plan becomes outdated faster than TV, none of the developers will optimize them for your TV.
    - currently in use SMART functions tantamount to perversion squeezing out push-button telephone smartphone capabilities
    - lack of flexibility to install third-party applications if you do not have the “right” Samsung
    After the purchase, I expected that the device would immediately be forced to update to 8.0, but the device did this out of the box only a week later.
    There was one significant problem with 6.0:
    - YouTube on it tries to hang in the background and this cannot be changed in standard ways, which is accompanied after 3-4 calls to it by going “out” with freezing and forced termination work.
    Regarding 8.0:
    - the problem of Wi-Fi falling off is being solved DHCP settings: Rental time 84600 sec.
    - voice search from the remote control when YouTube is running can be resolved by disabling permission to use the YouTube microphone.
    - I observed the remote control only falling off when the children start hitting all the buttons, a conflict with the connected smartphone is possible.
    - sleeplessness when HDMI-CEC is enabled is possible when forced shutdown TV power button and simple, it also does not work correctly with a number of TVs.

    In 8.0, full support for controlling the set-top box remote control for turning on/off the set-top box and HDMI-CEC TV together
    If for anyone there is no LAN significant drawback, the problem can be easily solved by purchasing a USB-LAN-4USB hub. The price issue is about a thousand, but for myself I did not see any advantages.
    Theoretically studied the issue using Skype on the device - you can launch, call, see, hear the interlocutor, install a Web camera, but Skype will not see this camera. As an option for using TrueConf.

    The device copes with all three purposes perfectly, there are no blockages (lags or freezes).
    - for 120fps the HW decoder works correctly
    - in other cases, HW+ works correctly

    The video was not launched due to inappropriateness:
    - from other sources (storages)
    - test, demo videos, not common formats for geeks
    The smartphone has not been rooted or paired!

    After 3 weeks of use, I can identify a number of applications for this device that immediately make life easier:
    Perfect Player - best program for IPTV. The advantage is the presence of a built-in player that allows you to instantly switch channels
    MX Player is a player for watching video content.
    ATV launcher - shell. Best for perfectionists. But only full version.
    TV Bro - working browser with voice search
    XSMART - video content service
    ES conductor - you can’t go anywhere without it.
    AptoideTV - alternative to PlayMarket

I watch most films while sitting in a chair or on the sofa in front of big TV. Therefore my constant search the ideal solution that would allow me to sit with the remote control in my hand and watch what I want recently ended successfully with the advent of the Xiaomi Mi Box - an Android TV set-top box.

Android TV set-top box Xiaomi Mi Box - Reviews

I found out about Mi Box quite by accident. I did not follow the announcement of this equipment and was not interested in new Xiaomi products. I recently came across a review of this device and decided to compare how the existing platforms used as media players in my home (including Apple TV) are inferior or superior to this Android TV device.

From concept to implementation the road was short. On the Chinese website Aliexpress chose a supplier who sends goods to my country, not very slow Chinese mail, and bought a set-top box, paying just under 70 $ (4,300 rubles) for a Xiaomi Mi Box. Thus, after a couple of weeks, I was already holding an aesthetic device in my hands.

The packaging made a good impression - it reminded me of a box of equipment from brands like Amazon or Link, which had nicely arranged elements inside.

The device has a durable and aesthetic case and remote control remote control, which works with radio waves - we don't need to point it directly at the device, we can use it behind obstacles. The remote control has one unusual feature - a built-in microphone. What can we do with it?

  1. We can search media files: if you use it on the home screen, the search is carried out across all applications that support search. So we can search for a music album, for example in Google Music, Spotify and YouTube.
  2. We can use our voice to launch applications and commands. Pressing the microphone button and saying “Netflix” actually works—no need to look for icons on the home screen to turn it on.
  3. IN specific application, the microphone can replace the keyboard, specifying what you want to find. For example, in the same Netflix, we say the desired title of the film, the name of the actor or the name of the genre that interests us.

The device is minimalist and has only one front led indicator working condition, and on the back there is an HDMI port integrated into a standard SPDIF optical connector, one USB port and a power connector. Yes, the lack of Ethernet makes it convenient to have efficient network Wi-Fi, especially when viewing content in high definition, especially since Xiaomi Mi Box supports resolutions up to 4K.

Installing and setting up Mi Box

Setting up the device is well thought out and very simple. if you have Android device(eg telephone), you can do everything with just one click of a button. If we don’t have such a device at hand, you can “connect” Mi Box to our Google account.

Accounting Google entry this is the key – Xiaomi Mi Box is one of standard devices with Android TV, and therefore must take every step into account. This has its advantages, such as the fact that Netflix data is stored in your Google account. This saves time on entering a password using the keyboard or remote control.

Many applications that require account(such as YouTube or Vimeo) can be easily configured, it allows us to enter a short URL or a code displayed on the TV screen.

Meeting Android TV

This was my first encounter with Android TV. Unlike many other set-top boxes with regular Android, with which I had previously had to deal, Xiaomi interface Mi Box can be conveniently controlled using a simple remote control. All elements interact with the user and are adapted to each other.

For Android TV yes special version store Google Play, which contains applications for this platform, there you will find everything you need for this type of device. All applications are well suited for remote control. There is also the possibility of adding applications using USB flash drive, if the ability to install applications outside the store is enabled.

We start watching on Mi Box

Unfortunately, there are discrepancies with the pictures of the Xiaomi Mi Box and what I saw on the TV screen, since many applications are not supported.

Despite this, before installing several programs, you will have something to watch. In addition to applications that provide content (eg YouTube, Netflix, etc.) we have applications used to watch TV. Whether it's Internet TV or traditional TV channels, some of these programs have interesting feature. If Android TV detects that an app is providing television programs, integrates them into the TV Channels application, which allows you to watch channels from various sources in one, similar to cable TV,interface.

This includes moving between channels by pressing up and down, and displaying EPG programs. Unfortunately, not all programs are available - for example, the live channels available in IPLA do not integrate with the TV Channels program.

Media transfer

Android TV supports Chromecast. Using this feature is very easy on your phone or computer with open Chrome browser, with one click on the Chromecast icon and selecting Mi Box as the device, start watching a movie from HBO (despite the lack of an official dedicated application).

I even checked AirPlay payment support using Advanced installed applications. Thanks to this, I can send, for example, music from iTunes to the device - and from there to the amplifier via the audio output. One note here: you need to select devices connected via HDMI interface, otherwise, when you turn off the TV, the music on the speakers stops playing.

Something for the players

You can also play with Xiaomi Mi Box. The store has games, from fairly simple ones that we can control with a remote control, to more demanding ones - for these it is better to connect a USB or bluetooth controller. To a large extent, the Mi Box processor copes well with games, but for games the console and PC serve me well.

Characteristics of Xiaomi Mi Box

The device has a quad-core Amlogic Cortex-A53 processor with clock frequency 2 GHz, Mali 450 GPU 750 GHz and support for movies up to 60 fps in 4K resolution. RAM 2 GB, built-in flash memory for programs and data 8 GB. Android version TV built into the system is 6.0, it is not yet known about the possibility of updating.

Network connections supported are dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11a/B/G/N/ac from 2.4 to 5 GHz. To connect external devices(remote control, keyboard, speakers and keyboard) uses Bluetooth 4.0. You can also connect a keyboard or headphones via the USB port.

Is it worth buying Mi Box?

The Xiaomi Mi Box very quickly became part of my multimedia set-up, I’m already thinking about buying the next one for another room. This device combined functionality that replaces Apple TV and Android TV box, with the ability to play games and control the remote control using your voice (there were problems).

Aesthetically, the Mi Box is satisfying and doesn't stand out from other devices in the living room. Gone are the days when we connected Xbox One just to run Netflix or YouTube - we now use this by default with Xiaomi's Mi Box.

Android TV set-top box Xiaomi Mi Box Pro 3 – video review

If you find an error, the video does not work, please select a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

Good day, dear friends, acquaintances, readers, admirers and other individuals.

And again, as they say, on our wavelength, a series of summer reviews of all kinds of devices. Today we don’t have any trivialities like routers and phones, but a whole box (by the way, again from Xiaomi), which is nothing more than TV Box"ohm.

In fact, judging by surveys of colleagues, acquaintances and friends, not everyone and do not always imagine in detail what this very TV Box, why it might be needed (and whether it is needed at all), who, why and how to use it. Therefore, we suspect that this material will be of interest not only to those who want to learn specifically about this model, but also to those who are interested in understanding what kind of device it is in principle.

Let's get started.

Photos, packaging and unboxing (unboxing)

Before we begin, the so-called unboxing, that is, unpacking, I would like to say a few words about what it is all about.

TV Box, is a device that, if you have a TV and Internet connection at home, WiFi, in fact, will allow you to turn this very TV into pure, uncomplicated happiness.

That is, to put it simply, you no longer need, for example, to connect a separate cable cable, listen to the radio on your phone, insert flash drives with movies, or download your favorite TV series from torrents. All this will be on your TV right away, without extra payments, overpayments, contracts or gestures, or, more simply, at the click of the remote control.

I hope that in general outline this definition at least interested you somewhat and gave you some understanding of why it is needed, but more... You will learn more from the review :) So, let's see what has come to us here.

The device arrived in traditional Xiaomi cardboard box: logo, barcode sticker and... that's it. Nothing extra. Nice, simple, economical.

Under the lid we are immediately greeted by himself TV Box(that is, the box, as we affectionately call it here), and the accompanying equipment is hidden. Well, let's try to get to her.

Inside awaits us a remote control, a power cord, HDMI-cable (which is nice), simple instructions (of course not in our language) and, directly, the Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Enhanced.

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Myself TV Box made of nice plastic, has two USB-port, HDMI-input and, logically, a hole for power supply.

The dimensions cannot be called large (there will be a photo below in comparison with a coin) and even the remote control is larger in size than the device itself. This is quite surprising in the sense that the filling TV Box“and, frankly speaking, it’s not weak, and even a cooling system fits inside... But first things first (don’t pay attention to the green backlight, this is how our computer desk is illuminated).

Myself Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Enhanced It looks stylish, has a pleasant (soft matte light) indicator and generally evokes an exceptionally warm feeling. The only pity is that it is not mounted on the wall (although I’m not sure that this might be necessary).

Above, in fact, is the promised photo of the device in comparison with a 5 ruble coin, so that you can roughly imagine the dimensions (which, however, will be described below).

However, here is another cute photo with a duck :)

Connection is not difficult even for a child: plug the power into the outlet and HDMI- cable to the TV and.. That's it, you can work. Right away, yes. We take the remote control in our hands and go ahead.

In general, with what is fashionable nowadays unboxing" Once we've figured it out, let's move on to the technical details, use, impressions and other nuances.

Specifications, usage and impressions

As is customary in our reviews now, let’s move on to technical specifications devices. Here they are:

  • CPU: dual-core Cortex-A72 + quad-core Cortex-A53;
  • operating system: Android 5.1;
  • Memory: 2Gb RAM + 8Gb ROM;
  • Supported Formats:
    • Decoder: HD MPEG1/2/4,H.264,H.265,Xvid/DivX4/5/6
    • Video: 3GP,AVI,FLV,M2TS,MKV,MOV,MP4,MPEG,TS
    • Audio: AAC,APE,FLAC,MP3,OGG
    • Photo: BMP,GIF,JPG,jpg
  • Wireless technologies: bluetooth 4.1+ EDR (enhanced data rate), dual Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11a b/g/n/ac standards;
  • Connectors: one HDMI, two USB 2.0 and power input;
  • Dimensions: 10.00 x 10.00 x 2.50 cm.

We’ve sorted out the combat data, so to speak, and therefore let’s now move on directly to use, impressions, and so on.

As I said above, the device can be used immediately after switching on. More precisely, I would like it to be so, but in fact the problem is that everything is in Chinese.

This is where the difficulties begin, because even in the settings, not everything is clear and with great difficulty, and you have to navigate solely by pictures.

A quick Google helped me find the English language (after all, the box is on Android, which means he can do almost everything that he can do), which means we can install an application that will help us at least somehow change the interface and language. True, this required at least some configuration WiFi on the device, but it's not difficult even in Chinese.

First, enable the installation of programs from unknown sources as follows (watch your hands, maybe it will help someone):



Buy Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Enhanced now you can right there. By the way, the price is still summer, that is, very tasty and, in general, quite low, but here’s a discount coupon for you - GBMI3E(it is valid until 31.07.2016 ). And in general they have everything there.

As always, if you have any questions, thoughts, additions, etc., then welcome to comment on this post. As they say, hot on your trail and hands free;)

Introduction.
The TV has now ceased to be just a TV and without the functions of smart TV or simple analogue It’s quite difficult to find a media player now, but there are still such ones. I determined for myself a long time ago that smart TV is a rather ambiguous function and is not of particular interest to me personally, it’s just an overpayment.

My media player plays the role of smart TV - it’s more convenient and practical in all respects. Perhaps I’m not a fan of 10-in-1 combines, which have a lot of functions and don’t always work as expected.

The first media player I had Egreat R1 on a chip Realtek 1176DD+, then several others, also on a Realtek chip, only newer. But it’s almost 2018 and I wanted something for Android based. I looked, chose, thought that it could replace my main media player, namely 3Q F375HW, aka iNext HD1, IconBit 1003D, Digma and several more players on the Realtek 1186 chip. In the end, I got tired of thinking and took what caught my eye.
Did you come across a media player, TV Box or just a TV set-top box? Xiaomi Mi Box 3 international version (MDZ-16-AB), but essentially for the US market, it apparently won me over with voice search. I bought it on a well-known Chinese site for about 3900.

Start.
Mi Box arrived quite quickly. Their recycled cardboard packaging is standard for Xiaomi. By the way, as the manufacturers claim, it really can withstand the weight of a person. There is also a version in colored packaging, but there are no differences other than the packaging. There are several Mi Box models, Xiaomi Mi Box mini(MDZ-15-AA), Xiaomi Mi Box 3c(MDZ-16-AA), Xiaomi Mi Box 3s(MDZ-19-AA), Xiaomi Mi Box 3 Enhanced(MDZ- 18-AA) and the MDZ-16-AB model - this is the international one.



Equipment.
IN included A Bluetooth remote control with a microphone for voice search and in some games it acts as a gamepad. The Xiaomi Mi Box itself. Quite suitable HDMI cable 1 meter long, the presence of which is a plus. Power supply with European plug and brief instructions.

Specifications.
Operating system: Google Android TV 6.0
Processor: Amlogic S905X, 4 cores Cortex-A53, 2 GHz
Graphics: MALI-450
Video support: VP9 Profile-2 up to 4K x 2K @ 60fps
H.265 HEVC MP-10 L5.1, up to 4K x 2K at 60fps
H.264 AVC HPat L5.1, up to 4K x 2K at 30fps
H.264 MVC, up to 1080P@60fps
HDR10/HLG HDR
Memory: 2 GB RAM, 8 GB internal eMMC
Network: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth 4.0
Dimensions: 101x101x20 mm
Weight: 176 grams

Appearance.
Xiaomi's design, as usual, is minimalist and looks modest, but beautiful. Small box made of matte black plastic. Externally, Mi Box is somewhat similar to a sea pebble... a pebble like this or previous ones Apple versions TV. Despite the simplicity of design, some Xiaomi products have received international awards. Mi Box also did not stand aside and received its own ticks - Reddot design award and Good design award.

Only the Mi logo is located at the top. Front power indicator, infrared port. All the main connectors are located on the back, of which there are very few - HDMI for connecting to a TV, Jack 3.5 mm combined with optics for sound, USB for connecting peripherals or expanding the device’s memory. There is a rubber ring on the bottom of the attachment for stability. There are no complaints about the assembly or quality of materials; Xiaomi has this in order.

The remote control also looks very stylish and also looks like Apple... coincidence? I don’t think so... The remote control fits perfectly in the hand, there are no complaints about its appearance or functionality, it runs on two AAA batteries. Its dimensions are 150x38x15 mm, weight 65 grams including batteries. The number of buttons is minimal, but sufficient for full control of the console. There is a microphone on top for voice search that turns on separate button. The remote control works via Bluetooth, which is very convenient and eliminates the need to point it at the “box”.

Filling.
The Xiaomi Mi Box 3 is powered by the AMlogic S905X chip; it is a 64-bit 4-core Cortex-A53 processor with a frequency of 2 GHz and a 28 nm workflow; Mali-450 is responsible for graphics. Random access memory 2 GB, internal memory 8 GB, of which about 5 GB available. The interface of the console is smooth and fast, without lags. In Antutu there are approximately 36,000 “parrots” - which is comparable to budget MTK.

Job.
When you first turned it on, Mi Box offered to connect the remote control and set up an account via your smartphone or manually. It was not possible to connect via a smartphone, Xiaomi, what else can I say, I had to write the account information manually. As a result, connection and initial setup does not cause any difficulties at all - everything is as simple as possible.
After switching on, we are presented with main screen almost bare shell of Android TV. Not to be confused with regular Android OS. These are slightly different OSes. Android TV is a very simplified Android and is specially tailored to the remote control. There are only a few set-top boxes for Android TV. I got a little distracted. On the main screen you are greeted with content recommendations from YouTube, NetFlix, Google Film and other installed programs. More recommendations follow NetFlix programs and Red Bull TV, which cannot be removed by default, but there are ways if you wish. Below is a general list of installed programs and at the very bottom there are settings and an indicator Wi-Fi connections. Moving icons or deleting an application is done by holding the OK button on the remote control. Reboot the device - hold the power button.

In the settings, everything is also very “cut” compared to regular android. There are only items “Device”, “Settings”, “Remote and accessories”, “Personal data”.

The set-top box is focused only on online content and works perfectly with its standard applications, although YouTube was glitchy before the update. Control and navigation thanks to the remote control is very convenient.

Third-party programs or games are installed from Play Market, which is also completely stripped down and you can only download applications adapted for this OS from there, and there are very few of them. You can also install any program manually by downloading the “apk” file, but it is not a fact that it will work. Another disadvantage is the lack of switching between applications and only 8 gigabytes of memory, and even less available. There is a solution to take the only one USB flash drive for expansion, but here, too, everything is not always simple. I digress a little - more on the shortcomings later.

Mi Box supports up to 4K at 60 FPS, HDR supported, sound Dolby Digital Plus and DTS. Google Cast available. Quality Wi-Fi reception stable, but not all routers can achieve this.

What I liked.
Essentially as a simple device and without the Smart TV function on the TV, it is perfect solution. Xiaomi Mi Box has a lot of possibilities, both for online viewing, and for local. The remote control is a separate PLUS. Voice search is also very convenient and works well. You can play games, some even with the remote control. Google Cast available.

What I didn't like.
There will be a larger list here. Android TV itself, but for many this may be a plus. Many people have problems with Wi-Fi, 5Hz dropped out several times - this can be fixed by resetting it to factory settings, but there is no classic LAN. Marriage is common. When you click on voice search several times, the set-top box often hangs up - reboot. There is no stable and universal player, that is, to watch a movie you need to select a player and it is advisable to install several of them. Support for 4K video for show, just maybe. Not enough memory and connectors for connections, only one USB. For local video viewing, this is not very good decision. Video in good quality- “freezing” due to the lack of automatic frame rate adjustment; in addition, the picture turns out a little unclear. This is not noticeable until you start comparing it with other devices. No 3D support.

Bottom line.
If there is no Smart TV function for watching online content or for watching IP TV, this is good decision. The rest comes in addition. Its main advantage is simplicity.
To view quality content from local sources or 3D, and also from high-quality sound— it’s better to look towards other devices. Of course, everything can be done on Mi Box, but I think it will not be as convenient, simple and not worth the money spent. I didn't intend to do it full review, there are so many of them.


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