New Transform Your TV Experience: Xiaomi TV Stick 4K Combines Compact Design with Ultimate Streaming Power

Xiaomi would likely prefer that you purchase its televisions initially, but if you believe your current TV still has potential — at least in terms of its display — the brand has alternatives available. Xiaomi offers a compact yet practical selection of streaming devices designed to connect via the HDMI port of your television, enhancing its smart features and capabilities. The most recent addition to this lineup is the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K, which is the most compact and powerful device of its kind released by the company to date.

With a price tag of Rs. 4,999 in India, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K is equipped with Ultra-HD streaming capabilities, supporting high dynamic range (HDR) content up to the Dolby Vision format and delivering Dolby Atmos audio. Notably, it is significantly smaller than the Mi Box 4K, allowing you to plug it directly into your TV’s HDMI port where it remains discreetly out of view. Is this currently the best streaming device for your money? Read on to find out in this review.

The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K utilizes Android TV 11, featuring a new Google TV-style user interface as shown here

Design and Specifications of the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K

Similar to the original Mi TV Stick, and fortunately unlike the Mi Box 4K, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K is compact and lightweight. It stays securely attached to the back of your TV when plugged into the HDMI port. Of course, it does need a power source, and in many cases, connecting it to your TV’s USB-A port should suffice.

If that presents any challenges, a power adapter is included in the package, allowing you to plug it directly into a wall outlet for a more stable power supply. Also, you’ll find an HDMI extender accessory and a remote control in the box. The ‘stick’ itself has a simple design, featuring only a single logo on its black exterior, which is perfectly fine since you probably won’t notice it in regular use.

On the specifications front, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K generally aligns with what most Android TV-based streaming devices provide. As indicated by its name, it supports streaming up to Ultra-HD (3840×2160 pixels), with compatibility for high dynamic range content up to the Dolby Vision format, and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS HD audio as well.

The device is equipped with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage and is powered by a quad-core processor, featuring Bluetooth 5 and dual-band Wi-Fi for connectivity. The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K operates on Android TV 11, layering both the standard Android TV interface and Xiaomi’s PatchWall UI on top.

Remote and Features of the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K

PatchWall, along with other buttons for essential functions such as power, navigation, volume control, and launching Google Assistant.

There are also shortcuts for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and the app drawer. The remote connects to the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K via Bluetooth, which additionally allows for voice data transmission to Google Assistant through the built-in microphone. As is customary, the remote is powered by two AAA batteries.

The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K features 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage

In addition to what has been mentioned, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K supports Google Chromecast with Ultra-HD casting capability, and Google Assistant can be utilized for content searches, answering simple questions, and controlling connected IoT devices tied to your account. While the feature set isn’t overly complex, the device’s stand-alone functionality is quite sufficient in itself.

You can use either Android TV or PatchWall on the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K based on your preference, and switching between them is very straightforward. The former is more focused on apps, while the latter emphasizes content curation and suggestions to highlight content and guide you to the relevant streaming platforms based on your preferences.

Performance of the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K

Essentially, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K is akin to a Xiaomi television without the screen. Its size is surprisingly appealing; it is significantly smaller than the popular Ultra-HD streaming devices from the Fire TV series, and its design is arguably more user-friendly compared to the Chromecast with Google TV.

These similarities extend to the operating system and functionality, as the hardware effectively runs Android TV 11 and PatchWall with ease. Throughout my experience with the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K, I did not encounter any performance issues; the device functioned well, fetching content in the highest resolution and settings suited to my TV configuration.

Access Xiaomi’s PatchWall UI on the TV Stick 4K by pressing the PatchWall button on the remote

Unlike some more sophisticated (and consequently, more complicated) streaming devices, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K is user-friendly. There was no need for excessive adjustments, and the device typically operated flawlessly with the right resolution and formats, especially when connected solely to a TV without additional components like soundbars or speakers.

The remote occasionally responded a moment later than expected, but it wasn’t an annoyance for me. While the option to install games from the Google Play Store exists, and consideration can be given to playing on the TV, this device is primarily optimized for streaming audio and video from well-known services.

Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support are beneficial if you possess a compatible TV or audio system and subscribe to services that utilize these formats, such as Netflix and Apple TV+. It should be noted that HDR10+ support is unfortunately absent on the Xiaomi TV Stick, so it’s best paired with a TV that supports Dolby Vision. On a television supporting HDR10+, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K could only stream using the HDR10 format with Ultra-HD content.

Although most streaming devices operate efficiently on stable Wi-Fi networks, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K performed adequately even when connected to a relatively unstable mobile hotspot. That said, 5G connectivity generally provided fast speeds suitable for buffer-free Ultra-HD streaming. This device remains a viable option for those relying on mobile Internet connections at home.

Conclusion

Much like numerous Xiaomi offerings, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K excels due to its pricing. At Rs. 4,999, it is significantly more accessible than competing options like the Chromecast with Google TV and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, while providing a dependable and straightforward Ultra-HD and HDR streaming experience.

The absence of HDR10+ content support may pose an issue for some, depending on the television you intend to use it with, yet there is little else to criticize about the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K. Its compact size and design further enhance its status as a recommendation for anyone on the hunt for a practical and reliable Ultra-HD streaming device, particularly if your main intent is to watch content.

Price: Rs. 4,999

Pros:

  • Compact size and design
  • Ultra-HD streaming; support for Dolby Vision and Atmos
  • Dependable and straightforward functionality
  • Excellent value for the price

Cons:

  • No support for HDR10+ format

Ratings:

Design and specifications: 8
Features: 8
Value for money: 9
Overall: 8


The Xiaomi 13 Pro comes with a hefty price tag compared to the company’s flagship model from 2022. How does it measure up against other high-end smartphones released in 2023? We discuss this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and on all your favorite podcast platforms.
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