Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen review: For a steal, you get 4K streaming, Dolby Vision, and 32GB storage

Streaming boxes are a category where Xiaomi operates with the confidence of a veteran. For years, it has provided affordable solutions for those who wanted Android TV without unnecessary spending. Now, the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen is on the market and sells for 1,490 CZK in the Czech Republic. That’s a sum where one would expect compromises at every turn. But this time, it seems Xiaomi has taken past shortcomings seriously.

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

The reality is, of course, more complex. Beneath the surface lie compromises that you inevitably get for that price – from just 2 GB RAM and USB 2.0 to occasional software issues that Xiaomi has not yet resolved with updates. Let’s see if the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen is truly the best “cheap” box, or if a few extra hundred crowns will buy you a more peaceful sleep.

Design and Build: Plastic Modesty with Purpose

This time, Xiaomi opted for a matte black plastic box with rounded edges, reminiscent of the first Mi Box’s design. The dimensions are compact, the weight low – the box easily hides behind the TV or on a shelf. On the top, you’ll find a subtle Xiaomi logo, and on the front, a small LED indicator light that signals operation.

The rear side offers a round port for the power adapter, an HDMI 2.1 output, and one USB 2.0 port. However, the 3.5mm audio jack, which older generations had, is missing, so if you have old speakers, you’ll need a USB DAC adapter. You also won’t find an Ethernet port – wired connection can only be achieved via a USB adapter, which, given the USB 2.0 limitation, means a maximum speed of around 300-350 Mb/s.

The plastic body feels solid, but it’s certainly not a premium build. Nor is it a cheap toy that falls apart at the first touch. Xiaomi simply saved where it made sense – for a product costing 1,490 CZK, there’s no point expecting an aluminum monolith. It’s a functional box that gets the job done and doesn’t take up much space.

Hardware: Decent Performance and Improved GPU

Under the hood runs the Amlogic S905X5M, manufactured with a more advanced 6nm process, and according to Xiaomi, it offers 25% higher CPU performance compared to its predecessor. The Mali G310 V2 GPU is even said to be 130% more powerful, which is an impressive number on paper. In tests, this is indeed evident – the Google TV interface runs smoothly, applications launch faster than on the second generation, and generally, the box feels snappier.

The problem, however, starts with RAM. Xiaomi stuck with 2 GB RAM, which is on the edge of usability in 2025. For regular streaming of Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+, it’s sufficient, but when switching between multiple applications or using more demanding players (Kodi, Plex), minor stutters occasionally appear. Storage has increased to 32 GB, which is a significant improvement – after deducting the system, you’ll have around 25 GB left for applications and other content.

Wi-Fi 6 support is a nice bonus, although I’ve come across users online reporting weaker performance than competitors. In editorial tests on a Xiaomi BE3600 Pro mesh network, however, the box worked reliably with speeds sufficient for 4K streaming. The USB 2.0 port is versatile – it can handle NTFS drives and USB-to-Ethernet adapters, but speeds will logically not be breathtaking.

Streaming and Formats: Promising Support

The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen handles 4K Ultra HD at 60 fps without issues, supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and automatic frame rate switching (AFR), which you’ll appreciate especially on Netflix. AI Super Resolution for upscaling HD content to 4K is also present, although in practice, it’s no miracle – more of a cosmetic enhancement.

YouTube plays 4K/60fps with HDR using the AV1 codec, Netflix certification ensures full Dolby Vision and Atmos support. In tests, the box managed to play even very demanding 4K files with a bitrate over 140 Mb/s, which is a decent result. However, the problem arises with audio codecs.

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

Software and User Experience: Google TV

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

Xiaomi adds its own service, Xiaomi TV+, with free channels in various languages, including English and Spanish. It’s a bonus, but it’s nothing you couldn’t do without (especially in the Czech Republic). The remote is standard Bluetooth with buttons for Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Xiaomi TV+, which, by the way, I accidentally pressed several times, for example, in the middle of an important football match, which is a frustrating experience, but that’s more due to my clumsiness. It has an IR transmitter for TV control, but no dedicated back button – instead, you’ll find the one for Xiaomi TV+.

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

The problem arises with updates. Xiaomi historically isn’t the fastest at releasing fixes and new Android versions. It can be expected that the box will receive a few major updates during its lifecycle, but it certainly won’t be at the pace of Google Chromecast or Streamer.

Problems in Practice

Working with local files via USB or network is complicated. While basic MP4 and MKV files run without issues, for very demanding 4K videos with high bitrate (50+ GB files), some users report buffering or stuttering in Kodi, which I unfortunately agree with. Switching to alternative players like Just Player or Nova Video Player helped, but even they are not perfect. VLC on Android TV still doesn’t support AV1 and has issues with subtitles.

The last inconvenience is the behavior during Chromecast with the TV turned off. The box seems to “sleep” along with the TV due to HDMI CEC and then is not available for remote playback from the phone.

Verdict: Great Price with Visible Limitations

The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen is the best budget streaming box you can 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 the average user who wants Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ in 4K with HDR, it’s an excellent choice.

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

If you stream regular content from services, an upgrade from a TV without smart features or an old box will be noticeable. However, if you are a demanding user with a NAS full of 4K videos and a soundbar worth tens of thousands, you will likely encounter limitations.

For 1,490 CZK, the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen is a reasonable choice, provided you know what you’re getting into. It’s not a perfect box, but at that price, it can’t be.

Editor’s Rating: 85 %

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We thank Xiaomi for providing the product.