Xiaomi X Pro 55-inch Smart TV: Elevating Affordable Home Entertainment with Google TV and Premium Features

Though Xiaomi presents a variety of TVs under different models and sub-brands that can create some confusion, the lineup is straightforward once you get a grasp on it. Generally, Redmi TVs focus on budget-friendly options and compact sizes, whereas the ‘Xiaomi’ label is associated with larger, feature-rich models across various price ranges. Excluding the pricier QLED and OLED varieties for now, Xiaomi is refining its LED TV lineup with slight upgrades that come with marginally higher costs. The new X Pro series arrives with enhanced offerings compared to the X Series from late 2022.

Starting at Rs. 32,999 (Rs. 47,999 for the 55-inch variant featured here), the Xiaomi X Pro series introduces a significant software update compared to previous Xiaomi models — it includes the Google TV interface layered on Android TV 11. Additionally, features such as Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos support, along with a 40W speaker system and dual-band Wi-Fi, are available. While the specifications sound promising, how does this affordable TV actually perform? Read on for the insights in this review.

The Xiaomi X Pro TV accommodates Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ among other high dynamic range formats, including HDR10 and HLG

 

Xiaomi X Pro 55-inch Smart TV Design and Specifications

The Xiaomi X Pro series comes in three sizes ranging from 43 to 55 inches, and we received the 55-inch version (priced at Rs. 47,999) for our review. This model is about Rs. 10,000 more than the equivalent one from the X Series, but it offers improved specifications and features to justify the increased cost. All models in this series are Ultra-HD (4K) TVs with comparable specifications; the distinctions lie in their sizes and a lower 30W sound output on the 43-inch model compared to the 40W on the 50-inch and 55-inch versions.

The Pro series boasts a few design enhancements compared to the X Series. The silver bezels around the screen and the silver feet stand out, offering a more premium look than traditional black. As with many modern TVs, the borders are narrow, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio to keep the viewer engaged with the display.

The section just beneath the Xiaomi logo on the X Pro is larger than on the X Series models, housing the hands-free microphone system, hardware mute switch, and indicator lights for the microphone and television. This feature is beneficial for those used to voice commands, but can easily be disabled if preferred.

Regarding connectivity, the back of the TV features three HDMI ports (one with eARC capability), two USB ports, Digital Optical Out and 3.5mm audio connections for external devices, as well as RCA connectors for older devices. Additionally, an Ethernet port complements the dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 support. All connections face the left and bottom of the TV, and the power cable is fixed on the right.

If mounting the TV on the wall, as was done for this review, accessing the ports may be difficult, so it’s wise to secure those connections before placing the TV in position. For tabletop use, sturdy stands are provided and attach near the corners, necessitating a sufficiently wide table for the 55-inch Xiaomi X Pro.

The remote control for the Xiaomi X Pro TV is familiar, featuring shortcut buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and YouTube

 

Noteworthy features in the X Pro series include 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage for apps and data, a standard 60Hz refresh rate, and support for high dynamic range formats including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ, and HLG.

Xiaomi X Pro 55-inch Smart TV Remote and Features

Xiaomi has maintained its conventional remote design, allowing for easy replacement or pairing with other Xiaomi devices. Even newcomers to the brand will find the remote lightweight and straightforward, while firmware updates over time have compensated for the reduced number of dedicated buttons (e.g., for muting sound or quick access to settings).

As per usual, the remote operates on two AAA batteries and connects via Bluetooth, meaning it doesn’t need to be aimed directly at the TV after the initial pairing process upon setup. There are dedicated buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and YouTube, along with a Google Assistant button that activates the built-in microphone. If preferred, hands-free Google Assistant can also be used directly on the TV.

Additional noteworthy features for the Xiaomi X Pro TV consist of Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), integrated Chromecast supporting Ultra-HD and HDR streaming, and a built-in ambient light sensor for automatic screen brightness adjustments suited to surrounding conditions.

Xiaomi X Pro 55-inch Smart TV Software and Interface

The majority of Xiaomi’s televisions (excluding the new Redmi Fire TV) operate on the Android TV platform, and the X Pro adheres to this. Running on Android TV 11, this television grants access to the Google Play Store and its plethora of applications, alongside features like Google Assistant and Google account integration for linking with other services.

The significant distinction, which perhaps truly validates the ‘Pro’ title, is that the Xiaomi X Pro 55-inch Smart TV incorporates the Google TV interface rather than the standard Android TV layout seen on prior Xiaomi models. As expected, the PatchWall user interface is available for those who prefer it, yet the more organized content-focused design of Google TV is likely to resonate with a broader audience.

The TV features hands-free Google Assistant, complete with a physical switch to activate or deactivate the microphone

 

PatchWall is tailored with a more regional focus, offering enhanced recommendations and content suggestions for users invested in Indian streaming services. In contrast, Google TV generally excels with global content and services like Netflix and Prime Video, although Disney+ Hotstar performs equally well. Switching between PatchWall and Google TV is seamless with a dedicated button on the remote.

While the Google TV available on the Chromecast can integrate Netflix into its recommendations, third-party devices, including the Xiaomi X Pro, currently do not provide this feature. Nevertheless, Netflix is accessible via the search option, allowing users to directly discover Netflix content from the Google TV interface.

Among the applications installed on the Xiaomi X Pro TV, services like Prime Video, Hotstar, Apple TV, Sony Liv, and Zee5 were compatible with Google TV’s curation system, providing excellent categorization by genre, showing content similar to your previous views or searches, and highlighting popular titles or new releases.

Xiaomi X Pro 55-inch Smart TV Performance

Xiaomi is relatively new in the television arena compared to many competitors, yet the brand has made impressive strides in closing performance gaps in a short timeframe. The Xiaomi X Pro 55-inch Smart TV demonstrates marked performance improvements over its predecessors, aided by access to new formats such as Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos.

The user interface performance shows enhancements in comparison to the X Series TVs, delivering a largely smooth experience with the Xiaomi X Pro 55-inch Smart TV. Although I did experience minor issues with HDMI-CEC when quickly switching to my Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) upon powering on the TV, overall it performed admirably with external devices.

During this review, my viewing primarily consisted of Ultra-HD high dynamic range content from various platforms, particularly focusing on Ted Lasso season 3 (available in Dolby Vision HDR) and Air (offered in HDR10+). Other titles I watched included Fall, Dahaad, and clips from the F1 TV app.

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The Xiaomi X Pro 55-inch TV performs competently across all format types and resolutions, including full-HD SDR content

 

While pricier models usually excel at upscaling, most 55-inch televisions are optimized for high-resolution material. “Ted Lasso” is one of the more technically adept and visually impressive series currently available, and it looked fantastic, showcasing the TV’s Dolby Vision prowess. Although there were occasional slight sepia tints, the overall color, sharpness, and contrast were commendable for a television within this price bracket.

The TV adeptly handled the quick shifts in the series. Locker room sequences with minimal movement were naturally easier to manage, and the high resolution allowed for a detailed observation of nuances in expressions, even those of the usually reserved Roy Kent and Trent Crimm. Fast-paced scenes like football games and training sections appeared impressive, with smoother transitions and better motion handling than many other TVs at this price range.

Most televisions tend to exhibit noticeable differences between Dolby Vision and HDR10+/HDR10 formats, or may struggle with both, but the Xiaomi X Pro 55-inch Smart TV adequately manages all supported high dynamic range formats. Both “Air” and “Dahaad” (available on Prime Video) looked almost on par with similarly resolved Dolby Vision content from Netflix and Apple TV+, albeit displayed slightly softer and less vivid than even some entry-level quantum-dot models I have reviewed.

Though the Xiaomi X Pro TV can achieve reasonable brightness, the overall visual impact is not as striking as a good QLED TV; therefore, a darker room will yield the best viewing experience. While LED TVs have risen in price significantly compared to a couple of years ago, the Xiaomi X Pro significantly reduces the gap with superior display technologies and ranks among the premier options available for under Rs. 50,000 currently. Upscaling has also seen enhancements, and the TV showcases marked improvements over the X Series in handling lower resolution content across its larger display.

The survival thriller “Fall” on Prime Video streamed in HD/full-HD, and differences in sharpness and detail were detectable but not overly pronounced. While the picture quality was indeed softer and less impactful, it remained completely watchable and enjoyable, with the Xiaomi X Pro managing well overall. Colors were slightly overstated compared to HDR content, yet nothing felt out of place or odd.

Sound quality in televisions has improved significantly over recent years, and Xiaomi stands out as one of the brands in India dedicated to enhancing the audio experience of its TVs. With a sound output rated at 40W, the Xiaomi X Pro 55-inch Smart TV can reach substantial volume without sudden spikes. Voices, music, and action sequences are delivered with clarity and finesse. While a soundbar would undeniably enhance the auditory experience, it isn’t strictly necessary for the Xiaomi X Pro 55-inch TV.

Conclusion

Xiaomi’s LED TV line has seen remarkable growth over time, and the X Pro elevates the bar for value for money even higher. At Rs. 47,999, the 55-inch X Pro TV delivers dependable performance, satisfactory visual and audio quality, and the perks of premium features including hands-free Google Assistant and dual-band Wi-Fi. Most importantly, the software experience, enhanced by the Google TV interface and Android TV 11, sets this apart from other alternatives in this pricing category.

If your budget is capped at Rs. 50,000 for a 55-inch television, this should definitely make your shortlist; it represents a reliable, straightforward large-screen option with no significant shortcomings other than potentially playing it a bit too conservatively with overall picture quality. Alternatively, the slightly older X Series from Xiaomi is also worth considering, being nearly as good but significantly cheaper due to recent discounts.

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