Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen Review: Does It Really Work?
The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen might just be the game changer you need. This compact streaming powerhouse delivers incredible 4K quality, massive storage, and the latest Google TV interface at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives.
In this detailed review, we explore everything this device offers, from its powerful processor to its stunning audio capabilities, helping you decide if this is the right streaming solution for your home entertainment setup.
Whether you stream Netflix daily, play casual games, or want to turn your regular TV into a smart entertainment hub, this review covers all aspects of the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen.
Key Takeaways:
- Massive 32GB Storage: Unlike most competitors that offer 8GB or 16GB, this box provides generous space for all your apps, games, and downloads without constant storage warnings.
- Latest Google TV 14: Enjoy the newest Android TV interface with better organization, personalized recommendations, and seamless integration with your favorite streaming services.
- True 4K Experience: Supports 4K UHD resolution with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and DTS:X audio for cinema quality visuals and sound right in your living room.
- WiFi 6 Connectivity: Experience faster streaming speeds and more stable connections, especially important if you have multiple devices connected to your home network.
- Budget Friendly Price: At around $77.99, you get premium features without the premium price tag that other brands charge for similar specifications.
- Powerful Processor Performance: The quad core A55 CPU running at 2.5GHz handles multitasking, 4K streaming, and casual gaming without lag or buffering issues.
Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen Unboxing and First Impressions
Opening the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen reveals a sleek, compact package that immediately impresses with its minimalist design. The box itself measures just a few inches across, making it incredibly easy to place near your TV without taking up valuable space. The matte black finish looks premium and blends seamlessly with modern home entertainment setups.
Inside the package, you find everything needed to get started. The device comes with an HDMI 2.1 cable, ensuring you can enjoy the full 4K experience right out of the box. The power adapter is compact and efficient. The included remote control features a 360 degree Bluetooth connection, meaning you do not need to point it directly at the box like traditional infrared remotes.
The build quality feels solid despite the lightweight construction. Xiaomi clearly focused on creating a device that looks good and functions well. The rounded edges and smooth surface give it a modern aesthetic that complements any TV setup. Heat dissipation seems well designed, with proper ventilation to keep the device cool during extended streaming sessions.
Technical Specifications That Matter
The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen packs impressive hardware under its compact exterior. At its heart sits the AMLogic S905X5M processor, a 64 bit chip built on 6nm technology. This processor features a quad core ARM Cortex A55 CPU that reaches speeds up to 2.5GHz, providing smooth performance for demanding tasks.
Graphics are handled by the ARM Mali G310 V2 GPU, which delivers excellent video processing and can handle 4K content with ease. The device includes 2GB of DDR4 RAM, which proves sufficient for multitasking between apps and streaming services. While some power users might prefer more RAM, this amount handles typical streaming needs perfectly.
The standout feature is the 32GB of eMMC storage. This is four times what many competitors offer at similar price points. You can install numerous apps, download content for offline viewing, and never worry about running out of space. The storage speed is also impressive, making app launches and content loading noticeably faster.
Top 3 Alternatives for Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen
Performance and Streaming Quality
Real world performance is where the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen truly shines. Streaming 4K content from Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube happens without buffering or quality drops. The device handles HDR content beautifully, displaying rich colors and deep blacks that bring movies and shows to life.
Navigation through the Google TV interface feels smooth and responsive. Apps open quickly, and switching between different streaming services happens without delay. The 2GB of RAM manages background processes well, ensuring that returning to previously used apps is instant.
Gaming performance surprises positively. While this is not a dedicated gaming device, it handles casual and mid level games from the Google Play Store admirably. Simple puzzle games run flawlessly, and even more demanding titles like racing games and platformers maintain playable frame rates. The GPU manages graphics rendering without noticeable lag.
The WiFi 6 support makes a significant difference in streaming quality. If you have a WiFi 6 router, you will experience faster download speeds and more stable connections. Even in homes with multiple devices streaming simultaneously, the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen maintains consistent performance without stuttering or quality degradation.
Google TV Interface and User Experience
The Google TV 14 platform represents a major upgrade from older Android TV versions. The interface organizes content intelligently, showing personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits across all installed apps. Instead of jumping between different apps to find something to watch, you can browse content from multiple services in one unified interface.
Voice control through Google Assistant works exceptionally well. You can search for movies, control playback, adjust volume, and even manage compatible smart home devices using voice commands. The remote includes a dedicated Google Assistant button for quick access.
The home screen displays content in organized rows. Trending shows, continue watching options, and recommendations appear prominently. You can customize the interface by rearranging apps and hiding content you do not want to see. The parental controls are robust, allowing you to restrict content based on ratings and create kid friendly profiles.
App compatibility is excellent. All major streaming services work perfectly, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, YouTube, HBO Max, and countless others. The Google Play Store provides access to thousands of apps beyond just video streaming, including music services, games, and productivity tools.
Audio and Video Capabilities
The Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen supports an impressive array of video formats and quality standards. 4K UHD resolution at 3840 x 2160 pixels ensures sharp, detailed images. The device supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10 plus, providing superior color accuracy and dynamic range compared to standard HDR.
Audio capabilities match the video quality. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support creates immersive surround sound experiences when connected to compatible audio systems. Even when using regular TV speakers, the audio processing delivers clear dialogue and balanced sound. The HDMI 2.1 port ensures you can take full advantage of your TV’s capabilities without bottlenecks.
Frame rate support includes common standards up to 60fps, perfect for sports and fast action content. The device handles various codecs efficiently, playing back most video files without requiring transcoding. Local media playback from USB drives or network storage works smoothly for users who maintain their own media libraries.
Storage and Memory Management
The 32GB internal storage changes the game compared to competing devices. Most streaming boxes offer 8GB or 16GB, which fills up quickly after installing a few apps and games. With 32GB, you have room to install everything you want without constantly deleting apps to make space.
The system reserves some storage for the operating system and cached data, leaving approximately 24GB available for user installations. This proves more than adequate for most users. You can install dozens of streaming apps, several games, and still have plenty of room left.
Memory management with 2GB RAM handles typical usage scenarios well. The system keeps recently used apps in memory, allowing quick switching without reloading. While intensive multitasking might occasionally cause apps to refresh, normal streaming and app usage remains smooth and responsive.
Connectivity Options and Setup
Setting up the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen takes just minutes. Connect the HDMI cable to your TV, plug in the power adapter, and turn on your TV. The initial setup wizard guides you through connecting to WiFi, signing into your Google account, and customizing your preferences.
The device includes WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity. WiFi performance is excellent, maintaining strong signals even at a distance from your router. Bluetooth connects easily to headphones, speakers, and game controllers without pairing issues.
Physical connections include the HDMI 2.1 port, power input, and a USB port for connecting external storage or peripherals. The USB port accepts flash drives and external hard drives, expanding your storage options for local media playback. Network performance stays consistent, with minimal buffering even during peak usage times.
Remote Control and Voice Features
The included Bluetooth remote represents a significant improvement over basic infrared remotes. The 360 degree connection means you do not need line of sight to the box. You can point the remote in any direction, and it still works perfectly. This convenience becomes apparent when the box sits behind your TV or inside a cabinet.
Button layout is intuitive and ergonomic. Dedicated buttons for Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Google Assistant provide one touch access to popular services. Volume and power buttons control your TV through HDMI CEC, eliminating the need for multiple remotes.
The Google Assistant integration works impressively well. Press the microphone button and speak naturally to search for content, get information, control playback, or manage smart home devices. Voice recognition accuracy is high, understanding various accents and speech patterns reliably.
Gaming and Entertainment Apps
While primarily designed for streaming, the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen handles gaming surprisingly well. The Mali G310 V2 GPU provides enough power for casual and medium complexity games. Popular titles from the Google Play Store run smoothly with good frame rates.
Simple games like puzzle, card, and board games run flawlessly. More demanding games including racing simulators, platformers, and adventure games perform well, though you might notice occasional frame drops in the most graphically intensive moments. The device is not meant to replace dedicated gaming consoles but offers enjoyable casual gaming experiences.
Beyond streaming and gaming, the platform supports fitness apps, educational content, music streaming, and productivity tools. You can use it for YouTube workouts, language learning apps, or displaying photo slideshows from cloud storage. The versatility extends beyond just watching movies and shows.
Comparison with Fire TV Stick and Roku
Compared to the Fire TV Stick 4K, the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen offers several advantages. The most significant is storage – 32GB versus 8GB provides substantially more room for apps. The Google TV interface also feels more open and less pushy about Amazon content compared to Fire TV’s heavy Amazon integration.
Performance feels comparable between the two devices for basic streaming, but the Xiaomi handles more demanding tasks better thanks to its processor and additional storage. WiFi 6 support also gives it an edge in homes with modern routers.
Against Roku devices, the Xiaomi offers more flexibility. Roku’s interface is simpler and might appeal to less tech savvy users, but the Android TV platform provides access to far more apps and customization options. Side loading apps and advanced features are easier on the Xiaomi platform.
The price point sits between basic sticks and premium boxes. At $77.99, it costs more than basic Fire TV Stick HD models but less than Fire TV Cube or premium Roku options. The value proposition is strong considering the specifications you receive.
Pros and Cons Based on Real Usage
After extensive testing, several clear advantages emerge. The massive 32GB storage eliminates frustration with running out of space. Performance stays smooth even with multiple apps installed. The latest Google TV interface looks modern and organizes content well. Audio and video quality match or exceed premium streaming devices.
WiFi 6 connectivity provides future proofing as more homes upgrade their routers. The compact size fits anywhere without cluttering your entertainment center. Third party app installation flexibility appeals to advanced users who want customization options.
Some minor drawbacks exist. The 2GB RAM occasionally shows limitations when running many apps simultaneously. While sufficient for most users, power users might prefer 4GB. The remote, while functional, uses basic plastic construction that feels less premium than higher end alternatives.
The device generates minimal heat and noise during operation. Fan noise is essentially nonexistent during normal use. Long gaming sessions or intensive 4K streaming cause slight warmth but nothing concerning. Overall reliability seems solid based on extended testing periods.
Is the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen Worth Buying?
For most users seeking an affordable way to upgrade their TV, the answer is absolutely yes. The combination of 4K quality, generous storage, modern interface, and reasonable price makes this one of the best value streaming devices available in 2026.
The device particularly excels for cord cutters who rely entirely on streaming services. Having all major apps in one place with a unified interface simplifies content discovery. The voice search across multiple services saves time compared to searching each app individually.
Budget conscious shoppers will appreciate getting premium features without premium pricing. You get capabilities found in devices costing twice as much. The 32GB storage alone justifies the price compared to alternatives offering a quarter of that space.
Tech enthusiasts who enjoy customization and tweaking will find the Android TV platform accommodating. Side loading apps, installing alternative launchers, and accessing developer options provide flexibility that locked down platforms cannot match.
Families benefit from robust parental controls and multiple user profiles. Each family member can have personalized recommendations and watch history. Kid modes restrict access to age appropriate content only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen support Netflix in 4K?
Yes, the device fully supports Netflix in 4K with HDR and Dolby Atmos when you have the appropriate Netflix subscription plan. The certification from Netflix ensures you get the highest quality streaming experience available.
Can I install apps from outside the Google Play Store?
Yes, the Android TV 14 platform allows side loading APK files through apps like Downloader or Send Files to TV. You can install third party streaming apps, alternative app stores, or other Android applications not available in the Google Play Store.
What is the difference between the 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen TV Box S?
The 3rd Gen features a more powerful processor, increases storage from 8GB to 32GB, upgrades to WiFi 6 from WiFi 5, includes the latest Google TV 14 interface, and offers improved audio processing with enhanced DTS support. Overall performance and future proofing are significantly better.
Will this work with any TV?
Yes, any TV with an HDMI port works with the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen. You do not need a smart TV. The box essentially turns any TV into a smart TV with all streaming capabilities. Older TVs without 4K support will still work, displaying content at their maximum resolution.
How is the WiFi range and stability?
WiFi performance is excellent thanks to WiFi 6 support and quality antenna design. Users report strong signals even several rooms away from routers. Connection stability remains consistent during extended streaming sessions without drops or buffering issues.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones with this device?
Yes, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity allows pairing wireless headphones, speakers, and other Bluetooth audio devices. This feature is perfect for late night viewing without disturbing others or for private listening in shared spaces.
Does it come with all streaming apps pre installed?
The device comes with YouTube and some basic Google apps pre installed. You need to download and install other streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and HBO Max from the Google Play Store. Installation is simple and takes just a few minutes.
How much power does the device consume?
Power consumption is minimal, typically drawing under 10 watts during active use and less than 1 watt in standby mode. This makes it extremely energy efficient compared to leaving a smart TV powered on for streaming features.
Can I connect external hard drives for media playback?
Yes, the USB port accepts external storage devices including flash drives and external hard drives. The media player apps can access your personal media libraries, supporting most common video, audio, and image formats for local playback.
Is there a monthly subscription fee for the device?
No, the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen requires no monthly subscription fees. You only pay for individual streaming service subscriptions you choose to use. The device itself and the Google TV platform are free to use after the initial purchase.
