Xiaomi TV Stick?

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sailedpeep

83 posts

Master Geek

#306170 2-Jul-2023 19:29

Anyone have experience with this little Android TV stick? I'm looking to get one.

Down to $65 at PB at the moment, though you'll need your own power adapter.

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/DVAMIX26930/Xiaomi-TV-Stick-4K-Streaming-Media-Player-Android

Notably, any benefits of getting the Chromecast 4K over this? The only benefits seem to be the software updates and Google TV interface, and I'm thinking the latter will probably be useless since no Netflix/TVNZ(?)/Three(?) integrations anyways.

robjg63

4098 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#3098804 3-Jul-2023 07:32

Just to put it out there...

Have you considered the Amazon Fire TV Stick (there is an HD and a 4K version)?

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/DVAAMZ87311/Amazon-Fire-TV-Stick-4K-Max

Comes with the power supply. Has Sky sports app and Neon, TVNZ Threenow and the other regular streaming platforms.

If you ever watch overseas content and have an 'unblocker', you can switch countries and download apps for that location.

They were down to half price a couple of weeks ago. But even at normal price they are pretty good.

Amazon seem to be very good at keeping them updated (unlike Google - Xiaomi I presume even less).

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

timmmay

20578 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#3098823 3-Jul-2023 09:01

I've used the Xiaomi Mi Box S for a few years, which is probably the larger version of the same thing. It works well.

Rickles

2933 posts

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#3100659 6-Jul-2023 16:13

Tick for Firestick 4K ... even runs off TV's USB for power so tucked in on TV rear with no cables showing.

Uncle Noel had them for $59 couple weeks ago.

FWIW I have a Xiaomi-like brand new 4K Android TV box (MXQ Pro) available (unused) ... $30 delivered.

sailedpeep

83 posts

Master Geek

#3109758 30-Jul-2023 13:54

Thanks for the replies.

Have bought the 4K stick. A few thoughts for anyone from google who has landed here.

Turns out after an update that this thing gets the Google TV interface too. I don't like it at all. It would be a lot nicer if Netflix were supported, as then the space on the home screen would be useful. Much prefer the Android TV home screen, but not a huge issue.

It performs perfectly fine playing video and navigating, but there are stutters here and there when it's under load or switching apps.

Biggest niggle for me is the remote. It feels a big cheap, and notably a lot of the buttons on it are not very useful. There's buttons for Xiaomi TV, which isn't supported here, and Amazon Prime Video - neither of which are useful to me. Chromecast goes with Netflix/YouTube which seems more reasonable.

Works fine if you just need something to watch Netflix or TVNZ with, but other than that, it's nothing to write home about particularly.

Rickles

2933 posts

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#3109759 30-Jul-2023 14:07

Main reason I plumped for Firestick is that the additional dongle allows ethernet connection, so a reliable 100mbps now.

sailedpeep

83 posts

Master Geek

#3109771 30-Jul-2023 15:34

Rickles:

Main reason I plumped for Firestick is that the additional dongle allows ethernet connection, so a reliable 100mbps now.

I'm on pretty good WiFi, so didn't have any need for hardline ethernet. Pretty sure the Chromecast can also support ethernet over a dongle - though it costs a bit more.

How's UI/performance of the Fire Stick? I find the Xiaomi stick occasionally has a very Android-lag feel. Nothing that actually hinders use, but it's pretty far from something like an Apple TV in terms of slickness/smoothness.

Wombat1

586 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#3109824 30-Jul-2023 15:59

timmmay:

I've used the Xiaomi Mi Box S for a few years, which is probably the larger version of the same thing. It works well.

I use one of these too, great device with build in chromecast. The TV stick should be a simular experience.

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farcus

1554 posts

Uber Geek

#3109882 30-Jul-2023 20:07

I have both the Mi Box S and the (non 4k) mi TV stick.
In comparison, the TV stick is underpowered vs the mi box s. Runs exactly the same version of android TV - but menu is slightly sluggish vs the Mi Box S.
However, as the 4k TV stick is considered the replacement for the mi box s I'd think performance has been addressed.

Rickles

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#3109901 30-Jul-2023 21:51

>How's UI/performance of the Fire Stick? I find the Xiaomi stick occasionally has a very Android-lag feel. Nothing that actually hinders use, but it's pretty far from something like an Apple TV in terms of slickness/smoothness.<

Virtually instantaneous ... very similar to DishTV devices.