Xiaomi has unveiled the 2nd generation of the Mi Box S media box which now features Google TV instead of Android TV. It boasts HDMI 2.1 but does not have HDMI 2.1 bandwidth.

The Mi Box S (2nd Gen) is an alternative to media streaming boxes from Amazon, Roku, Nvidia and others, with more capable hardware and ports than the cheap streaming sticks.

The box can be connected to any TV screen with HDMI to upgrade the TV platform and offer access to streaming apps.


 The 2nd gen Mi Box S now has Google TV. Photo: Xiaomi

Compared to the first generation of the Mi Box S, the new box runs Google TV (Android 11) with content curation and apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max, and Netflix. The remote control has sponsored buttons for some of these streaming services, too. It also now features Bluetooth 5.2.

 The new remote control
Like other recent streaming boxes, Xiaomi's box supports HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision in up to 4K resolution. On the audio side, there is support for Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD.


HDMI 2.1, but not really
The box will not match the hardware of Apple TV 4K or Nvidia Shield, as it is powered by the Amlogic S905X4 SoC with 2GB of RAM and only 8GB of storage. However, it still supports video decoding in up to 4K60 for AV1, VP9 and HEVC.

Xiaomi advertises it as an HDMI 2.1 device but fails to specify any HDMI 2.1 features. Be aware that the port supports conventional HDMI 2.0 bandwidth only, maximum 4K 60Hz – the same as the first generation of the box.

Xiaomi has not said how much the Mi Box S (2nd Gen) will cost in international markets but it should appear in online stores soon.

Xiaomi Mi Box S (2nd Gen) – specifications


Dimensions
Length: 95.25mm
Width: 95.25mm
Thickness: 16.7mm
Weight: 142g
Color: Black

Specification
Output Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
CPU: Quad-Core Cortex-A55
GPU: ARM Mali G31 MP2
RAM: 2GB
ROM: 8GB
Operating system: Google TV

Wireless connectivity
Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz/ 5GHz
Bluetooth: 5.2

Decoder
Video decoder:Up to 4K 60FPS
Supports Dolby Audio® and DTS-HD
Supports Dolby Vision®
Supports HDR10+
Support language: Global

Socket
HDMI 2.1: 1
USB 2.0: 1
Power interface: 1
Audio output: 1
 FlatpanelsHD