Chromecast With Google Tv 4k Vs Xiaomi Tv Box S 2nd Gen

When it comes to choosing a top-notch streaming device with 4K capabilities and Google TV OS, the decision often boils down to picking between the Chromecast with Google TV 4K and the newer Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen. In this article, we’ll delve into a detailed comparison of these two devices, weighing the pros and cons of these two devices based on their features, performance, and pricing, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your streaming preferences.

But wait, there’s more! We’ve already reviewed each device individually (check out the links below!), so you can dive deeper before making your final call. And spoiler alert! Both deliver a stellar entertainment experience, so don’t overthink it!

At the end of the day, this isn’t about picking the “best” – it’s about finding the perfect fit for you . And we all have different tastes, after all. So then, let’s get ready to rumble!

• Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen Review: A worthy upgrade to the Mi Box S
• Chromecast with Google TV Review: Undoubtedly the best $50 Android TV Streaming player

Chromecast with Google TV 4K vs Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen: Specs

Remote Control

Both devices wield Google Assistant for voice control and have a dedicated remote control button for the same. Both remotes also have dedicated buttons for Netflix and YouTube, along with Infrared support for seamless control of your TV and other devices. The shape of the Chromecast with Google TV is contentious.

Personally, I like the small size of the Chromecast with Google TV, although it can be slippery especially when using the volume buttons. Speaking of volume control, the Chromecast with Google TV doesn’t really have volume support of its own, and will always use the TV volume. Where this backfires is when you’re using the smartphone Google TV remote. You won’t find any volume buttons on the app which means if you misplace the physical remote, you can’t adjust the volume at all. Might I add that the Xiaomi TV box S 2nd Gen does have its own volume control and you can control your streaming device just fine with or without the physical remote.

Google TV Streamer 4K

$99.99

Now here’s an odd thing about the Xiaomi TV box remote. The older Xiaomi Mi Box S remote supports taking screenshots, while the new one does not for some reason. We are hoping that it was simply an oversight during a Xiaomi update. That would have been a feature the Chromecast with Google TV remote doesn’t have, but alas.

Features

Both devices boast a familiar Google TV interface although the Chromecast with Google TV 4K now runs Android TV 12 while Xiaomi TV Box S is still languishing with Android TV 11. We will touch on the advantage this gives the Chromecast with Google TV later on in this writeup.

Feature-wise, the Chromecast with Google TV 4K goes big with support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG support, elevating your audio-visual experience. In addition, its USB Type-C port adds versatility for power delivery, Ethernet connectivity, and external storage through a compatible USB C hub if you have one lying around.

The Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen fall a little bit short in this regard. It doesn’t support Dolby Vision for starters. Its USB 2.0 port is limited to external storage which is quite handy regardless. The Xiaomi TV Box S throws its weight with AV1 video decoding, a modern codec that reduces bandwidth consumption and enhances video quality, something Chromecast with Google TV doesn’t support.

Secondly, the Xiaomi TV Box S supports both Chromecast and Miracast technologies in tandem whereas Chromecast with Google TV is stuck with its inhouse Chromecast technology when casting to the TV. I appreciate having both on the Xiaomi TV Box S4k 2nd Gen, something not even the Mi Box S has. For the significance of this, please refer to the link below.

A way the Chromecast with Google TV 4K one-ups the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen is that it has a hard reset button. This means that if the device freezes or malfunctions, you can easily restore it to its factory settings by pressing and holding the button for a few seconds. As for the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen, all you can do is navigate through the settings to get to the reset setting.

• How to Cast Windows 11 Desktop to Chromecast devices
• Chromecast vs Miracast: How the two wireless display technologies differ

Performance

Under the hood, both devices pack Quad-Core Cortex-A55 processors and 2GB of RAM, sufficient for most streaming tasks. Yet, the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen gains a slight edge with a faster GPU, featuring an ARM Mali G31 MP2 clocked at 850 MHz, compared to Chromecast with Google TV 4K’s 650 MHz.

Due to the fact that its running the latest Android TV 12, the Chromecast with Google TV 4K allows dynamic range matching, while Xiaomi TV Box S is stuck at always-on HDR, occasionally causing color accuracy issues. The picture will look washed out at times with this setting on and there is no turning it off at the moment. . My personal workaround is to knock down the color format from YCbCr 4:2:0 10-bit to YCbCr 4:2:0 8-bit on my Samsung CU7000.

Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen

$69.99

Other than that, the performance is quite evenly matched for the most part. I have both the Chromecast with Google TV and the Xiaomi TV Box 2nd Gen hooked up to my TV on the same account, and most times, I can’t tell which device I am using until I dig around in the settings.

Choose Xiaomi Mi Box if:

• You need a built-in USB-A port for easy peripheral connection
• Support for the AV1 codec or DTS-HD audio is important to you.
• You prefer a traditional set-top box form factor.

Choose Chromecast with Google TV if:

• Accurate HDR handling (dynamic range matching) is a priority for the best picture quality across different content types.
• You prefer a minimal dongle design that hides behind the TV.
• You plan to potentially expand functionality (like adding Ethernet or storage) via a USB-C hub.
• You want to save slightly on the purchase price.

Price

For many, the deciding factor boils down to the price tag. The Chromecast with Google TV 4K offers a tempting $50, while the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen demands a bit more at $62. The $12 difference might not sway those unswayed by extra features, but for a richer streaming experience, the Chromecast might just be worth the premium.

Conclusion

The Chromecast with Google TV 4K and the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen are both good streaming devices that can offer you access to a lot of content and apps on Google TV OS. However, they also have some differences that might make one of them more suitable for your needs than the other.

If you are looking for a device that can still stream 4K content and has AV1 video decoding, you might want to go for the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen. But if you are looking for a device that can support more audio and video formats, has a USB Type-C port for added functionality, you might want to go for the Chromecast with Google TV 4K.

Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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