Android TV Box Recommendations

Extremme

Master Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2002
Messages
3,327
Reaction score
42
I read mibox allows us to side load app, is that still valid?
I don't know if it's a box issue or an router issue.

I have been using a particular box for about 4 year plus connecting with direct Lan. Of late, the shows kept "spinning". Am thinking if it's a box issue due to aged specs. Tried a few data points also the same. Think the ram is 4
 

xiaofan

High Supremacy Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2018
Messages
32,649
Reaction score
10,197
I read mibox allows us to side load app, is that still valid?
I don't know if it's a box issue or an router issue.

I have been using a particular box for about 4 year plus connecting with direct Lan. Of late, the shows kept "spinning". Am thinking if it's a box issue due to aged specs. Tried a few data points also the same. Think the ram is 4

Yes, you can side load apps on Mi Box S Gen1/2/3. I have Gen 1 and Gen 2 myself.

All three versions have 2GB RAM. But 2GB RAM is okay for official Android TV OS devices for streaming purposes.

Mi Box S Gen 1, available in 2018, Amlogic S905X-H CPU (detected as S905L), 2GB RAM, 8GB Storage. Official Android TV OS 8 (32 bit) and can be upgraded to Android TV OS 9 (32 bit).

https://androidpctv.com/review-xiaomi-mi-box-s/

Mi Box S Gen 2, available in 2023, Amlogic S905X4 CPU, 2GB RAM, 8GB Storage. Android TV OS /Google TV 11 (32 bit). Some users in other part of the world started to get Android TV 14 upgrade.
https://androidpctv.com/xiaomi-tv-box-s-2nd-gen-review/

Mi Box S Gen 3, available in 2025, Amlogic S905X5M CPU, 2GB RAM, 32GB Storage. Android TV OS /Google TV 14 (32 bit)
https://androidpctv.com/xiaomi-tv-box-s-3rd-gen-review/
 

xiaofan

High Supremacy Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2018
Messages
32,649
Reaction score
10,197
Thanks Xiaofan. The issue I am seeing, do you think changing to a newer box helps?

If you make sure your router LAN ports are okay, check the Ethernet Cable as well.

Then check the app -- it could be the app problem. What kind of app you are using?

You may try to factory rest the box as well if that is an option.
 

RyanJ

Great Supremacy Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2015
Messages
70,287
Reaction score
68,873
Bought a 3rd party shield tv remote for about 10 sgd shipped from AliExpress.

Very satisfied. Pairs via "Shield accessories" -> "Pair an accessory"

( press "back" and "stop" buttons simultaneously to pair )

54887817279_46153102ac_h.jpg


54887795943_25d7f4d8cb_h.jpg


Night backlight brighter, find remote alarm louder than the triangular shield remote.
 

eS.KuKu

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2009
Messages
1,677
Reaction score
63
It is great that Mi Box S Gen 3 is now official in Singapore. Thanks for the update.

The price of S$79 from Xiaomi Singapore is very reasonable to me.

super reasonable price! i go lazada see all still trying to sell $90. LOL
 

xiaofan

High Supremacy Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2018
Messages
32,649
Reaction score
10,197
super reasonable price! i go lazada see all still trying to sell $90. LOL

I just ordered one Mi Box S Gen 3 from Xiaomi Official Store in Shopee at S$68 (S$5 store voucher and S$6 Shopee voucher).

I want to collect different generations of Mi Box S. :ROFLMAO:

I ordered Mi Box S Gen 1 on 11.11.2019 from Lazada Xiaomi Online store (no longer exist) at S$60.99.

My Mi Box S Gen 2 was bought from local official Xiaomi Store but I forgot the price.
 

eS.KuKu

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2009
Messages
1,677
Reaction score
63
I just ordered one Mi Box S Gen 3 from Xiaomi Official Store in Shopee at S$68 (S$5 store voucher and S$6 Shopee voucher).

I want to collect different generations of Mi Box S. :ROFLMAO:
wah good price, gonna go check it out, heng i haven't buy.

i also got gen 1 and 2. LOL
 

Mecisteus

Great Supremacy Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2002
Messages
53,885
Reaction score
11,167
I just ordered one Mi Box S Gen 3 from Xiaomi Official Store in Shopee at S$68 (S$5 store voucher and S$6 Shopee voucher).

I want to collect different generations of Mi Box S. :ROFLMAO:

I ordered Mi Box S Gen 1 on 11.11.2019 from Lazada Xiaomi Online store (no longer exist) at S$60.99.

My Mi Box S Gen 2 was bought from local official Xiaomi Store but I forgot the price.
Long time no use Android box.

What's the pros of buying 1 if already has latest Google TV ?
 

xiaofan

High Supremacy Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2018
Messages
32,649
Reaction score
10,197
Long time no use Android box.

What's the pros of buying 1 if already has latest Google TV ?

No need in general.

1) Good for those who use a monitor and not a smart TV.

2) Good for those LG TV or Samsung TV owners if they find some missing apps.

3) Good for people who have older Android TV but feel lagging.

4) Good for those who have generic Android TV boxes without proper certification to run things like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Singtel Cast and StarHub TV+.
 

Askonforum

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2025
Messages
202
Reaction score
27
Are these 4k media players plug and play and easy-to-use without subscription?

I need a replacement Minix Ultra to pair with my just arrived C5. Any best recommendation or I should stick to MINIX U8K ULTRA box? MINIX Ultra was not bad... easy-to-use for IT noobs but mine up lorry... the 4k graphics and easy-to-use plug and play not bad for MINIX U8K ULTRA. It has a lot of TW dramas

Also, are there any best recommendation easy-to-use plug and play 4k media player that can watch Chinese and English drama/ movies like Marvels?

I like TW and HK Chinese/ Mandarin dramas and Marvels! I cannot understand Cantonese =( which box will you be your best recommendation? And where you got your media box?
 
Last edited:

purplesnow

Junior Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2022
Messages
21
Reaction score
8
Hi please advise which is good between Mi box S Gen 3 and Mi Box 5 Max. Saw many recommending Mi box S Gen 3 but Mi Box 5 max have 4gb ram which should be better? I am buying tv box to play my usb video files in hdr format.
Thank you.
 

Askonforum

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2025
Messages
202
Reaction score
27
Guys, help needed...

Where can I get Minix Neo TV 4k android box urgently?

Also, any better alternative to this TV box?

Kind of urgent...
 
Important Forum Advisory Note
This forum is moderated by volunteer moderators who will react only to members' feedback on posts. Moderators are not employees or representatives of HWZ Forums. Forum members and moderators are responsible for their own posts. Please refer to our Community Guidelines and Standards and Terms and Conditions for more information.
Top