Today's review looks at the Xiaomi Mi Box 3s, a TV set-top box based on Android OS. The device serves to expand the capabilities of a regular TV: it allows you to connect to the streaming services Netflix, iVi and Google Play Movies, can work with YouTube and install applications from the Google Play store, and plays music and video files.
The Xiaomi Mi Box 3s has the following characteristics:
- OS – Android TV 6.
- The central processor is quad-core Amlogic S905X-H with a clock frequency of 2 GHz.
- Graphics Processing – ARM MALI-450
- Device memory – 2 GB of RAM, 8 GB of built-in flash memory.
- Network connections – Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz/5 GHz, Bluetooth 4.0.
- Dimensions and weight of the device – 100x100x20 mm, 175 grams.
Supported compression formats are H.264 (AVC/MVC), H.265 HEVC, VP9 Profile-2 in resolutions from 1080p to 4K and frame rates from 30 to 60. The manufacturer also claims support for HDR 10 and HLG HDR.
Design
We start our Xiaomi Mi Box 3 review with its appearance and immediately note that the console looks very impressive. It pleasantly surprises with its compact size and smooth shapes. This once again shows that it was not for nothing that Xiaomi designers were awarded several awards for the design of TV set-top boxes.
At the bottom there is a rubberized round clamp, thanks to which the device practically does not slip on the surface.
The Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 review informs you that on sale you can only find a black version made of semi-matte plastic. The solution is not the most practical - fingerprints are very visible. The Mi series logo was placed closer to the front side of the case.
Regarding the build quality, everything is perfect - the case is strong and reliable, has no gaps and does not creak if you press hard on it.
Mi Box 3 pro review showed that an infrared port and an LED indicator were placed on the front side.
Space for other functional elements is allocated at the back - an HDMI port, a USB port, a connector for connecting a network adapter and a 3.5 mm audio input.
Installing games with gamepad support
"Play Market" includes programs and games that are controlled using a remote control or gamepad. There are few of them, it is possible to install an external APK file from a flash drive or download it through a browser. You can play with a Xiaomi Mi Gamepad or another gamepad that supports Bluetooth connection.
To connect it you need:
- Go to system settings.
- Select the “Device & Bluetooth” section.
- Click on the “Gamepad” inscription.
You can connect a gamepad to the TV set-top box.
After successful connection, the joystick will vibrate.
Xiaomi Mi Box 3 remote control
The remote control weighs 65 grams and has a very compact size, especially considering that its design contains two AAA batteries. The lower left corner of the front side of the remote control is occupied by the power button for the console, and a circular joystick divided into 4 buttons is installed almost in the center. In the center is the “OK” key.
Under the joystick there is a row consisting of three buttons - “Back”, “Home” and “Voice input”. Just below we see a swing designed to adjust the volume. The Xiaomi Mi Box 3 TV set-top box review showed that the microphone is built into the upper edge of the remote control, and only a hole was left at the bottom for attaching the strap.
Video support and output
The device provides video display with a resolution of up to 3840×2160 at 60 Hz with support for dynamic HDR mode. Output is via HDMI 2.0 connector. Playback of files with extensions MOV, MKV, AVI, WMV, RM, RMVB is available. The system has MJPEG, H.265, VC-1, H.264, WMV9, MPEG2, MPEG4, Xvid, H.263 codecs installed.
The set-top box supports the most popular video formats.
In all cases, the test videos played without delay. The Judder effect can be eliminated by enabling the HDMI Self Adaptation option in the set-top box settings.
Technical specifications of Xiaomi Mi Box 3
The model runs on an AMlogic S905 chip with 4 cores up to 2 GHz, built using a 28 Nm process technology. In addition to it, there is a Mali 450 graphics accelerator. The set-top box is designed for use exclusively with TV, so there is plenty of performance reserve. All functions and interface work quickly and without a hint of brakes. In Antutu we managed to score 61,000 points, which is not much by modern standards, but quite enough for a TV.
There is not much RAM - only 2 GB. Built-in - 8 GB, but you need to remember that part of the volume is eaten up by the system, so no more than 5 GB is left for installing applications.
Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 pro review showed that when connecting for the first time, you need to check for new firmware updates. After this, you can begin to study the basic functions of the console. If you want to play games, you shouldn’t expect much. The console can only handle not too demanding games, and even then not with above-average graphics.
Performance testing
The main purpose of the set-top box is to play media files. Therefore, one should not expect top values in testing. The entire process was carried out at a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. For the 4K format, the test results will be much lower.
The following results were obtained:
- AnTuTu Benchmark v5 - 30243;
- AnTuTu Benchmark v7 - 23052;
- 3DMark Ice Storm Extreme - 3917;
- GFXBench T-Rex 1080p - 560;
- Geekbench 4 Single-Core - 630;
- Geekbench 4 Multi-Core - 1737.
Functionality of Xiaomi Mi Box 3
A review of the international version of Xiaomi Mi Box 3 informs you that when you connect for the first time, synchronization with the remote control is performed. Then you can perform the initial setup manually or using your smartphone.
Mi Box 3 enhanced edition review showed that the main interface screen is a window in which there is a Google search, quick inclusion of applications specified by the user and recommended by the client based on previous requests. To move elements, you need to select them, and then press “Ok” on the remote control. At the bottom of the home screen, you can access your system settings and Wi-Fi connection.
Our Xiaomi Mi Box 3 enhanced edition review showed that all settings are conveniently divided into sections: device, settings, remote control, owner information. You can install Google Play and compatible content on the console, so the choice is not so great. The rest can be stored on a flash drive and run directly from it.
When working with the set-top box, remember that it does not support minimizing applications. When you exit to the home screen and return to a previously opened application, it loads first. Xiaomi Mi Box 3 s review showed that the set-top box supports almost all codecs and formats, but it is recommended to install an additional player. The system does not have a pre-installed player. You can even run videos in 4K and 60 frames per second.
Conclusion
Xiaomi Mi Box 3 is a universal TV set-top box that is ideal for playing multimedia content. It can completely replace a computer or laptop when watching your favorite films, while it has a compact body. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that Root access is required to disable forced recommendations. The set-top box is an ideal solution if the TV does not have smart functions, but you want to get them.
Where can I buy?
You can buy a TV set-top box at the best possible prices using the following links:
Aliexpress GearBest Banggood
Review of the Xiaomi Redmi Pro smartphone - an excellent representative of the mid-price category
Review of Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2
Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro is the main contender for the title of the best smartphone of 2022 in the budget category
Xiaomi Mi Max is a truly huge phablet with good hardware and price
Xiaomi Mi A1 is a smartphone that turned out to be almost perfect for its price
Xiaomi Mi 5X - average with a good camera and characteristics
Xiaomi Redmi 4A is one of the cheapest smartphones from the manufacturer, which is worthy of the title of the best among smartphones with a price tag within $100
Xiaomi Mi Max 2 - meet the review of one of the most long-awaited phablets
What is the speed of the network interfaces
The set-top box operates in 2 bands via Wi-Fi with frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz, in the 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, MIMO 1×1 standards. There is no Ethernet port.
When measuring the speed of the Internet connection via Wi-Fi at a frequency of 5 GHz, the following results were obtained:
- transmission - 108 Mbps;
- reception - 80 Mbps.
The connection speed within the local network was 111 Mbps. The measurement was carried out using the Iperf program.
For a wired connection, you can use a USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet adapter. The Ethernet connection speed is 200 Mbps.
Equipment
Let's start the review with the configuration. Together with the device, the kit includes:
- Remote control;
- Cable;
- Power unit;
- Instructions for use;
- Guarantee.
The package does not include batteries for the remote control. It requires 2 AAA batteries.
Advantages and disadvantages
The positive aspects of the console include:
- comfortable remote control;
- sophisticated voice search;
- high connection speed via Wi-Fi and USB port;
- support for video with 4K resolution and audio in Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby ATMOS (pass-through) formats;
- stylish design;
- low price.
Negative points:
- the built-in keyboard does not have a Russian layout;
- there is only 1 USB port;
- there is no built-in browser, there are no messengers and social networks in the Play Market;
- HDMI CEC function works poorly or does not work at all.
