Xiaomi Android TV Box discussion II [consolidated]

[gregory_choo]

On Mibox global version. Prompted for software OS update, but it’s always stuck at ‘installing system update’.

I manually off/on the system, nothing happens. Somehow the installation is never able to fully start or even complete.

do you have sufficient free space?

try backing up all your apps, do factory reset, then update os and reinstall back the apps

 

[RockStar9238]

no.

mibox s is unique.

Why is it unique?

 

[xiaofan]

Why is it unique?

He means there is only one version of Mi Box S.

No such thing as Global ROM or EU ROM or China ROM for Mi Box S, unlike Mi Mobile Phones running MIUI flavor of Android OS.

Mi Box S runs certified Google Android TV OS and is meant for global market and kind of useless in China as Google services are blocked in China.

Chinese version of Mi TV Boxes like Mi Box 4, 4c and 3 Enhanced are popular in Taobao and they are meant for mainland China market, do not buy them.

Posted using iOS/Android HardwareZone Forums app

 

[xiaofan]

https://youtu.be/uzjC64FKzWo

The above is a good summary why Mi Box S is often recommended as the streaming device to go.

1) It is a streaming device which makes your TV smart or smarter than it is now. This is true for TVs like those Samsung Frozen OS based smart TV, LG Webos based smart TV and even Xiaomi TV running Patchwall Android based OS.

2) It runs official Google Certified Android TV OS which is easy to use.

3) Very good streaming support due to running Certified Android TV OS, Netflix 4K and YouTube 4K are supported.

4) Good voice remote with Google Assistant

5) Chromecast 4k function built-in. This is one of the best feature of Mi Box S. You can use apps like Netflix, YouTube, Starhub Go, SingTel TV Go, Singtel Cast, Toggle, HBO Go, Viu Premium, etc, on the phone (iOS or Android) and then cast to your TV with this function. Basically this covers most of the popular Streaming services here in Singapore. Take note you can still use your phone for other things after the shows started on the TV. You can run Netflix, YouTube, SingTel TV Go and Singapore Cast on Mi Box S itself as well.

In terms of cost, typical cost in Lazada/Qoo10/Shopee is around S$70-90, depending on offer and coupon. Take note Chromecast Ultra (4k support) itself cost more than S$100. Even the cheaper Chromecast (1080p) costs more than S$50.

The main disadvantages of Mi Box S are the following.
1) The author mentions relatively weak CPU and occasionally lag or skip frame if you set the interface resolution as 4k. Still it is actually very good for streaming and even casual gaming due to good software optimization.
2) Relatively limited interface, only one USB 2.0 port and no Ethernet interface. Still take note the Dual Band AC WiFi works well.
3) Relatively small 8GB storage but you can add a fast USB Flash Drive to expand the storage

In the end if you want better performance then you may want to consider Nvidia Shield TV which cost more than S$200.

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[xiaofan]

https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-show-central-show-2019-394/android-tv-box-5678618-94.html

More info in the above page if you want to know more about other Android TV boxes.

Safe to say Mi Box S is the king of boxes below S$100.

BTW, better to buy Mi Box S now which comes with Android TV OS Oreo 8.1 and not the older Mi Box Global version for new purchase because there are still reports of OREO upgrade troubles with the older Mi Box Global version.

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[jungle_sg]

Hi, I bought my Mi Box S from US, Netflix was working fine before but now I seem to have problem watching Netflix, anyone facing the same problem?

 

[qualcom]

https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-show-central-show-2019-394/android-tv-box-5678618-94.html

More info in the above page if you want to know more about other Android TV boxes.

Safe to say Mi Box S is the king of boxes below S$100.

BTW, better to buy Mi Box S now which comes with Android TV OS Oreo 8.1 and not the older Mi Box Global version for new purchase because there are still reports of OREO upgrade troubles with the older Mi Box Global version.

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your posts are really informative. thanks.

i'm going to buy a new android box soon (currently have an old sky media hub android box i bought 2 years ago).

is there an official Mi store/agent in Singapore which has mi box s?

also the price difference between mi box s vs shield tv is like $80 vs $250+. Is there something in the middle, i.e a better box than mi box s for $150 budget?

 

[xiaofan]

your posts are really informative. thanks.

i'm going to buy a new android box soon (currently have an old sky media hub android box i bought 2 years ago).

is there an official Mi store/agent in Singapore which has mi box s?

also the price difference between mi box s vs shield tv is like $80 vs $250+. Is there something in the middle, i.e a better box than mi box s for $150 budget?

No official agent from Xiaomi for Mi Box. But you should be fine to buy from Lazada and Qoo10 -- just need to check the reviews of the shop. Mi Box S build quality looks pretty good and no reports of hardware problem from what I read here and elsewhere even though I myself do not have a Mi Box S.

As for something in between Mi Box S and Nvidia Shield TV, unfortunately no if you need the Chromecast feature. You can say that apps like Starhub Go, Viu Premium, SingTel Cast, SingTel TV Go, Toggle and HBO Go, are the most popular streaming apps in Singapore. They are all designed for phone and the best way to get them on TV is to use Chromecast. Only devices like Chromecast Dongles and Official Android TV OS device support Chromecast function. Other than smart TVs like those from Sony, the only commonly available Android TV OS devices are Mi Box S and Nvidia Shield TV and Starhub Go Streaming box.

Starhub Go streaming box does not support Netflix and it is more meant for users who want to subscribe to various Go packs.

On the Netflix front, cheapest device to support Netflix 4k is basically Mi Box S or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k. The other devices like Apple TV 4k, Nvidia Shield TV and Xbox One, Play Station 4, are all much more expensive.

So in the end if you need either the Chromecast or the Netflix 4k feature, you do not have many choices. Mi Box S is the cheapest with these two features and the other is Nvidia Shield. Nothing in between.

If you do not need these two features, you have many choices.

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[xiaofan]

So in the end if you need either the Chromecast or the Netflix 4k feature, you do not have many choices. Mi Box S is the cheapest with these two features and the other is Nvidia Shield. Nothing in between.

If you do not need these two features, you have many choices.

BTW, no official agent for Nvidia Shield TV either so people usually buy from Amazon USA. Same for Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k.

You can say Google Android TV OS has a problem, not many Smart TVs are using it, and almost no TV boxes are using it except a few like Mi Box S and Nvidia Shield TV.

On the other hand you can say Mi Box S is a great value if you do not already have things like Google Chromecast dongles or Sony Android TV. It costs less than Chromecast Ultra dongle but yet have the features of Chromecast Ultra.

That being said there is one more option between Mi Box S and Nvidia Shield TV, that is to buy a Mi Box S first, see if you hit the limitations or not ( small 8G storage, only one USB interface and no Ethernet). If yes buy a Amlogic S905X2 based box as the supplement.

I just got the Tanix TX5 Max S905X2 box with 4GB/32GB configuration which costs around S$63 from Taobao and adding GST plus sea shipment will cost less than S$75, its performance is great based on my initial test.

For those who want to subscribe to Starhub Go packs (but not Starhub Fibre TV), Starhub Go Streaming box is a great value since the S$199 cost includes 6 months of Go Family and 6 Months of Go Select. It does not support Netflix yet but you can use its Chromecast feature to cast from phone, not so sure if that will be 4k or 1080p though. So you can consider it as somewhat in between Mi Box S and Nvidia Shield TV as well, not saying it is better than Mi Box S though.

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[qualcom]

No official agent from Xiaomi for Mi Box. But you should be fine to buy from Lazada and Qoo10 -- just need to check the reviews of the shop. Mi Box S build quality looks pretty good and no reports of hardware problem from what I read here and elsewhere even though I myself do not have a Mi Box S.

As for something in between Mi Box S and Nvidia Shield TV, unfortunately no if you need the Chromecast feature. You can say that apps like Starhub Go, Viu Premium, SingTel Cast, SingTel TV Go, Toggle and HBO Go, are the most popular streaming apps in Singapore. They are all designed for phone and the best way to get them on TV is to use Chromecast. Only devices like Chromecast Dongles and Official Android TV OS device support Chromecast function. Other than smart TVs like those from Sony, the only commonly available Android TV OS devices are Mi Box S and Nvidia Shield TV and Starhub Go Streaming box.

Starhub Go streaming box does not support Netflix and it is more meant for users who want to subscribe to various Go packs.

On the Netflix front, cheapest device to support Netflix 4k is basically Mi Box S or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k. The other devices like Apple TV 4k, Nvidia Shield TV and Xbox One, Play Station 4, are all much more expensive.

So in the end if you need either the Chromecast or the Netflix 4k feature, you do not have many choices. Mi Box S is the cheapest with these two features and the other is Nvidia Shield. Nothing in between.

If you do not need these two features, you have many choices.

Posted using iOS/Android HardwareZone Forums app

BTW, no official agent for Nvidia Shield TV either so people usually buy from Amazon USA. Same for Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k.

You can say Google Android TV OS has a problem, not many Smart TVs are using it, and almost no TV boxes are using it except a few like Mi Box S and Nvidia Shield TV.

On the other hand you can say Mi Box S is a great value if you do not already have things like Google Chromecast dongles or Sony Android TV. It costs less than Chromecast Ultra dongle but yet have the features of Chromecast Ultra.

That being said there is one more option between Mi Box S and Nvidia Shield TV, that is to buy a Mi Box S first, see if you hit the limitations or not ( small 8G storage, only one USB interface and no Ethernet). If yes buy a Amlogic S905X2 based box as the supplement.

I just got the Tanix TX5 Max S905X2 box with 4GB/32GB configuration which costs around S$63 from Taobao and adding GST plus sea shipment will cost less than S$75, its performance is great based on my initial test.

For those who want to subscribe to Starhub Go packs (but not Starhub Fibre TV), Starhub Go Streaming box is a great value since the S$199 cost includes 6 months of Go Family and 6 Months of Go Select. It does not support Netflix yet but you can use its Chromecast feature to cast from phone, not so sure if that will be 4k or 1080p though. So you can consider it as somewhat in between Mi Box S and Nvidia Shield TV as well, not saying it is better than Mi Box S though.

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i see. i've never used chromecast but we heavily use netflix and viu at home, so mi box s seems to be a more sensible option now

thanks for your response.

 

[xiaofan]

i see. i've never used chromecast but we heavily use netflix and viu at home, so mi box s seems to be a more sensible option now

thanks for your response.

How do you watch Netflix and Viu on TV now? Take note Samsung and LG smart TV do support Netflix.

For Viu you need Viu Premium in order to cast to TV, either through Chromecast or Apple TV or Samsung Smart TV.

So if you have the Samsung Smart TV already, you may not need Mi Box S for Netflix and Viu.

From Viu FAQ.

https://www.viu.com/ott/sg/en-us/copyright-statement/tips

Can I watch the shows on TV?

Yes, only Viu Premium members would be able to enjoy their favourite Asian entertainment in full HD on their TV. However, do note that TV rights are only applicable for selected shows on:

- Selected Samsung Smart TV or;

- Casting via Google Chromecast for Android devices & via AirPlay on Apple TV for iOS devices only. Laptop/PC to TV is not supported.

===

Samsung Smart TV does support Netflix, YouTube, Toggle, SingTel Cast.
https://www.samsung.com/sg/tvapps/

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[ibrahimovic]

How do you watch Netflix and Viu on TV now? Take note Samsung and LG smart TV do support Netflix.

For Viu you need Viu Premium in order to cast to TV, either through Chromecast or Apple TV or Samsung Smart TV.

So if you have the Samsung Smart TV already, you may not need Mi Box S for Netflix and Viu.

From Viu FAQ.

https://www.viu.com/ott/sg/en-us/copyright-statement/tips

Can I watch the shows on TV?

Yes, only Viu Premium members would be able to enjoy their favourite Asian entertainment in full HD on their TV. However, do note that TV rights are only applicable for selected shows on:

- Selected Samsung Smart TV or;

- Casting via Google Chromecast for Android devices & via AirPlay on Apple TV for iOS devices only. Laptop/PC to TV is not supported.

===

Samsung Smart TV does support Netflix, YouTube, Toggle, SingTel Cast.
https://www.samsung.com/sg/tvapps/

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I am not that knowledgable but does it mean I cant install Viu on the box but require my smartphone to cast through the box instead? Pretty problematic as my old parent might have problem with it. Anyone have experience of Viu directly on Mi Box?

Btw, do Singtel Cast can be install on the Mi Box S? I cant find anything on the internet

 

[xiaofan]

I am not that knowledgable but does it mean I cant install Viu on the box but require my smartphone to cast through the box instead? Pretty problematic as my old parent might have problem with it. Anyone have experience of Viu directly on Mi Box?

Btw, do Singtel Cast can be install on the Mi Box S? I cant find anything on the internet

You can install SingTel Cast and SingTel TV Go on Mi Box S. These two apps have been confirmed to work on Mi Box S based on report here and in a Facebook group. Not for Toggle and Starhub Go but you can cast from phone.

For Viu Premium, you have to use phone to cast based on the FAQ. Still some people have reported running Phone and Tablet version of Viu on other generic Android TV boxes. Not so sure about Mi Box S. Hopefully some users here can help you test out.

On the other hand, casting from phone should not be too difficult.

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[Ultraman881]

Plan to buy mibox S . any speacial function other than Youtube netflix? I wish to watch chinese or taiwan shows. Is it possible? Those shows cant show by using handphone .

 

[ibrahimovic]

You can install SingTel Cast and SingTel TV Go on Mi Box S. These two apps have been confirmed to work on Mi Box S based on report here and in a Facebook group. Not for Toggle and Starhub Go but you can cast from phone.

For Viu Premium, you have to use phone to cast based on the FAQ. Still some people have reported running Phone and Tablet version of Viu on other generic Android TV boxes. Not so sure about Mi Box S. Hopefully some users here can help you test out.

On the other hand, casting from phone should not be too difficult.

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Thank you so much for replying. This definitely guides me on purchasing the Mi Box

 

[xiaofan]

Plan to buy mibox S . any speacial function other than Youtube netflix? I wish to watch chinese or taiwan shows. Is it possible? Those shows cant show by using handphone .

Other than special function of Netflix 4k and Chromecast, it is not much different from your Android mobile phone with a few exceptions like Starhub TV Go and Toggle.

Your mobile phone can watch Mainland China and Taiwan shows with the right apps, same for Mi Box S.

For a start, take a look at the apps here. They are for Chinese Entertainment on iPhone but can be a start for Android as well.

https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...phone-chinese-entertainment-apps-5929935.html

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[Ultraman881]

Thanks bro... but andriod box, is like watch FREE movie, HK, China, Korean drama for free... so this box cant?

 

[xiaofan]

Thanks bro... but andriod box, is like watch FREE movie, HK, China, Korean drama for free... so this box cant?

This notion of Android TV boxes equals FREE content is actually problematic but I can understand why it is perceived this way. The preloaded boxes sold in Sim Lim Square, shopping centres, Facebooks, give people this perception.

Read here for some overview of the boxes in the market.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-show-central-show-2019-394/android-tv-box-5678618-94.html

Anyway, I am not going to talk about apps here. You have to Google yourself if you want FREE stuff.

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[Ultraman881]

Ok .. then i will buy mibox S ... just hope kodi apps can watch free Movie haha... besides that can watch NBA live right?

My father in law use EVpad 3 .. he can stream all channels worldwide. But quite ex.. so i think i wont go for it.

 

[jungle_sg]

Hi, I bought my Mi Box S from US, Netflix was working fine before but now I seem to have problem watching Netflix, anyone facing the same problem?

Nobody here has problem with Netflix????

Internet is littered with ppl posting issue on Netflix. When I first used the box, could not access, then for some unknown reason U can access, now back to square one