Mi Box S should be okay, you can Install Kodi or VLC player. If you are buying Mi Box S, you can buy from Mi Stores, like in JEM, Vivo City, Funan and Bedok Mall, usually at S$99 and occasionally on offer at S$89. Online shops may be cheaper though down to S$70.
Review
https://androidpctv.com/review-xiaomi-mi-box-s/
But if you are purely playing local media files and do not need Netflix HD, then Minix NEO T5 may be a better choice as it has a faster CPU, gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 port. Probably online only to get the good price of S$99.
Ref: https://shopee.sg/product/2015845/5637539?smtt=0.0.9
Review
https://androidpctv.com/review-minix-neo-t5-opinion/
mibox s is not budget box
it is a very capable box.
surprised to hear that some articles said it doesn't support srt substitle. -- these must be **** articles -- all andriod boxes, even the cheap $20 box, can support srt subtitle.
Thank you for the prompt replies! Looks like I may settle for the Mi Box S, Xiaomi has an official agent bringing in the products here. Would greatly prefer to buy locally retail set, than risk parallel import set.
As for the Minix NEO T5, are there any local shops / agent bringing it in? Their website seems to not have Singapore in it. Nearest is Thailand.
Otherwise I think I may stick to Mi Box S.