4K Streaming & Dolby Vision: New Packer Features + 32GB Storage

Streaming boxes are a category where Xiaomi It moves with the certainty of the veteran. For years, it has been affordable for those who wanted Android TV without unnecessary spending. Now he’s on the market Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen and sells in the Czech Republic for CZK 1,490. This is a sum in which one would expect compromises at every step. But this time, Xiaomi seems to have taken past shortcomings seriously.

Inside a newer chip Amlogic S905X5M with GPU Mali G310 V2, storage has grown to finally usable 32 GB and the support was added Wi-Fi 6. The software stands on the latest Google TV (Android 14) and paper supports all modern video formats including Dolby Vision a HDR10+. Sound? Dolby Atmos and New I DTS:X. On paper it looks like a dream for a packer.

Of course, reality is more complicated. There are compromises under the surface that you will inevitably take away at that price – from only 2 GB RAM over USB 2.0 Only after occasional software problems that Xiaomi has not yet solved with updates. Let’s see if the Xiaomi TV box with 3RD Gen is really the best “cheap” box, or if you get more and more hundreds of crowns in a few hundred crowns.

Design and Processing: Plastic modesty with the purpose

Xiaomi this time bet on matt black plastic box With rounded edges that resemble the design of the first Mi Box. The dimensions are compact, the weight is low – the box is easy to hide behind a television or in a shelf. On the top you will find an inconspicuous Xiaomi logo and a small in front LED controllingthat signals traffic.

The back side offers a round port for a power adapter, HDMI 2.1 output and one USB 2.0 port. However, missing 3,5mm audio jackwhich had older generations, so if you have old speakers, you will need a USB DAC adapter. Also, you will not find the Ethernet port – you can only solve the cable connections via USB adapter, which due to USB 2.0 limits means maximum speed around 300-350 Mb/s.

The plastic body looks solid, but it is definitely not a premium construction. But it is not even a cheap toy that breaks down at the first touch. Xiaomi here simply saved where it makes sense – For a product for CZK 1,490, it is not worth expecting aluminum monolith. It is a functional box that does its work and does not take up much space.

Hardware: decent performance and improved GPU

Under the hood is running Amlogic S905X5Mthat is made by a more advanced 6nm process and, according to Xiaomi 25 % higher CPU power compared to its predecessor. GPU Mali G310 v2 should even be about 130 % more powerfulwhich is an impressive number on paper. The tests are really reflected – the Google TV interface is running smoothly, the app runs faster than the second generation, and the box generally looks more brisk.

But the problem begins u memory. Xiaomi remained u 2 GB RAMwhich is in 2025 on the edge of usability. For routine streaming Netflix, YouTube or Disney+ it is enough, but when switching between more applications or when using more demanding players (Kodi, Plex), there are sometimes minor jamming. The repository has grown to 32 GBwhich is a significant improvement – after deducting the system you will be left around 25 GB For applications and other content.

Support Wi-Fi 6 It is a pleasant bonus, even though I have come across users on the Internet who reports weaker performance than the competition. In editorial tests on the Xiaomi Be3600 Pro Mesh network, however, the box worked reliably with speeds sufficient for 4K streaming. The USB 2.0 port is universal-it can handle NTFS discs and USB-to-Ethernet adapters, but the speeds will not logically be dizzying.

Streaming and Formats: promising support

Xiaomi TV Box with 3rd gene handles 4K Ultra HD at 60 fps without any problems, supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ And automatic switch frequency switching (AFR), which you will appreciate mainly on Netflix. AI Super Resolution It is also present for UPSCALING HD content at 4K, although it is not a miracle in practice – rather a cosmetic improvement.

YouTube plays 4K/60fps with HDR using Av1 codecNetflix Certification ensures full support of Dolby Vision and Atmos. In the tests, the box managed to play even very demanding 4K files with bitrate over 140 MB/s, which is a decent result. But the problem arises with sound codecs.

Support Dolby Atmos and the newly added DTS:X It works reliably. Hybrid Dolby Vision Profile 7 The videos switch correctly to the HDR10/HDR10+, a feature that the more expensive Google TV Streamer does not manage. This is a positive surprise.

Software and User Experience: Google TV

The box runs on Google TV built on Android 14which is the latest version available for streaming devices. The interface is clear, visually pleasant and offers centralized recommendations from various services. You have access to Google Play Store with thousands of applications, works Chromecast i Google Assistant for voice control.

Xiaomi adds its own service Xiaomi TV+ With free channels in different languages, including English and Spanish. It is a bonus, but it is nothing you could not do without (especially in the Czech Republic). The driver is a standard Bluetooth with buttons for Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and Xiaomi TV+, which I have been accidentally pressing a few times, for example, in the middle of important football, it is a frustrating experience, but it is rather my awkwardness. It has an IR transmitter to control the TV, but does not have a dedicated button back – instead you will find just for Xiaomi TV+.

Sideloading APK files works as standard – just activate the development mode (tap the build seven times) and you can install apps outside the Play Store. Google Home panel It allows you to control a smart home directly from the TV, which is useful if you have Google ecosystem or compatible devices.

The problem occurs u by updating. Xiaomi is historically not the fastest with the release of repairs and new versions of Android. It can be expected that the box will get a few big updates during their life cycle, but it will definitely not the pace of Google Chromecast or Streamer.

Problems in practice

Complication is work with by local files via USB or network. While basic MP4 and MKV files run without problems, for very demanding 4K videos with high bitrate (50+ GB files) some users report buffering Or mowing in Kodi, which unfortunately I agree. Helped to switch to alternative players as Just Player or Nova Video Playerbut they’re not perfect either. VLC on Android TV still does not support AV1 and has problems with subtitles.

The last inconvenience is the behavior at Chromecast with off the tv. The box seems to “fall asleep” together with the TV for HDMI CEC and then not available for remote playback from the phone.

Verdict: Great price with visible limits

Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen je best budget streaming boxwhich you currently buy for less than two thousand. It offers solid performance, support for modern video and audio formats, 32GB storage and the latest Google TV. For an ordinary user who wants Netflix, YouTube and Disney+ in 4K with HDR, it’s a great choice.

But compromises are visible. 2 GB RAM It is at 2025 at the lower limit of usability and in a few years it will start to hurt significantly. USB 2.0 And the absence of Ethernet limits connection speed for more demanding scenarios.

If you stream common content from services, upgrading from TV without smart functions or old boxing will be noticeable. But if you are a demanding user with a full 4K videos and a soundbar for tens of thousands, you will probably find limits.

For 1 490 kč is the Xiaomi TV Box with 3rd gene reasonable choice With the fact that you know what you are going into. It’s not a perfect box, but it can’t even be at that price.

Editors’ ranking: 85 %

How do you like Xiaomi TV Box 3rd Gen?

We thank Xiaomi for providing the product.