Xiaomi TV Stick 4K First impressions: a smart upgrade to your regular TV?
Xiaomi has launched its Xiaomi TV Stick 4K streaming device this month in India, going up against the popular Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Realme 4K Smart Stick devices in the market. Xiaomi TV Stick 4K looks like a better option at Rs 4,999. Although Amazon has priced the Fire TV Stick 4K at Rs 5,999, you can often get it at a discounted price. However, the biggest difference is in the ecosystem that powers the devices.
Xiaomi uses the standard Android TV platform, while Amazon has its own Fire TV operating system built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). We’ve been using the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K for the past few days, and here’s what it offers in terms of features and performance for the price.
Xiaomi TV Stick 4K – What’s in the box
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K box contains a microUSB cable with an adapter to power the device. You also have an HDMI extender in case the TV sits tight on the wall. There is a Xiaomi Smart Remote and a TV Stick 4K unit.
Xiaomi TV Stick 4K – How it works
You need to connect the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K to the TV using the supplied adapter in the HDMI port of the TV. Now turn on the TV and change the source to Xiaomi TV Stick 4K. You will be greeted with a welcome screen asking you to sign in with your Google ID (requires Android TV). Now pair the supplied remote with the TV to become the TV’s default control device.
Android TV means you have the full archive of apps from the Google Play Store, which is always attractive. On top of that, you have Chromecast built-in and faster Android updates for your TV.
The included remote gives you quick access buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar, as well as a shortcut for Google Assistant, Google’s voice assistant rival to Amazon’s Alexa.
4K is supported on select platforms in their premium plans, but in the few hours we’ve been using the 4K Stick, performance has been smooth and apps launch quickly. Xiaomi has a PatchWall interface that powers the device, which allows you to display all OTT apps on the main screen. It also supports customizations that are useful based on your preferences. We’ll put the device to the test and share more details in a full review soon.
Read all the Latest Tech News here.
