In the world of streaming devices, Xiaomi has made a name for itself by delivering exceptional quality at competitive prices. Their Xiaomi Mi Box S, released in 2018, was a resounding success, so much so that its demand drove up its price over the years. Now, Xiaomi is back with the second generation of their Mi TV Box S, aiming to not only replicate but surpass the success of its predecessor.
The question on many minds is whether the Xiaomi Mi TV Box S 2nd Gen is worth the upgrade or if we should stick with the tried-and-true Xiaomi Mi Box S. In this comprehensive review, we’ll put the new device through its paces, comparing it to its predecessor and delving into its features, performance, and overall user experience. So, buckle up, grab your popcorn, and let’s embark on a journey to discover if the Xiaomi Mi TV Box S 2nd Gen is the next streaming champion or a mere shadow of its predecessor.
In the Box
- Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen)
- Remote control
- User manual
- Power adapter
- HDMI cable
Design and Build: A Familiar Face with a Few Upgrades
Near identical Xiaomi Mi Box S sitting atop the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen
At first glance, the Xiaomi TV Box S might give you a case of deja vu. That’s because Xiaomi didn’t make any significant changes if any to the design compared to its predecessor, the Mi Box S. They’ve kept the same sleek, compact black square shape with rounded edges aka a squircle, making it easy to blend in with most other devices.
But don’t let the familiar appearance fool you; the Xiaomi TV Box S packs a few subtle upgrades under the hood. One notable improvement is the HDMI port, which has been upgraded from 2.0a to 2.1. This means you can now enjoy dynamic HDR, 8K resolution, and higher bandwidth (48Gbps) for a more immersive viewing experience.
While the USB 2.0 port remains the same, Xiaomi has maintained their reputation for quality by including a thick and sturdy 40-inch HDMI cable. That’s a small but appreciated touch that shows they care about the overall user experience.
Xiaomi Remote: Now with IR blaster
Xiaomi TV Box S remote control alongside Xiaomi Mi Box S remote control
Speaking of user experience, the remote control has received some minor tweaks including the addition of an IR blaster and an extra row of dedicated buttons. A dedicated YouTube button now commands some real estate along with buttons for Netflix and Prime Video. The former location of the Apps button has undergone a transformation as well, now featuring Xiaomi TV+ in its place, as the Apps now command a more sizable and prominent dedicated button.
The remote’s directional button has a black matte rubbery feel to it where the old remote was quite smooth. I am not opposed to the new change, but the longevity of my old remote won me over. Only time will tell if the new remote will last as long. The remote also now supports IR, which was missing from the original remote. This means you can control the TV box even when it’s tucked away behind your TV stand.
And if you’re looking for a seamless integration between your TV and the streaming device, you can set up CEC to use the remote to control both devices. It’s a small convenience that adds up to a more streamlined entertainment experience.
My sole complaint about Xiaomi is related to the absence of a screenshot feature on their Xiaomi TV Box S. Pressing the usual screenshot shortcuts on the Xiaomi remote yields no result. In contrast, the Mi Box S allows you to long-press the power key to access options such as restarting the Mi Box S or capturing a screenshot. Ironically, this feature is notably absent in the Xiaomi TV Box S.
Features & Performance: A Powerhouse Upgrade
Miracast on the Xiaomi TV Box S
Xiaomi has taken a significant leap forward in terms of hardware with the new Mi Box S. Under the hood, the upgraded Quad-Core Cortex-A55 CPU delivers a noticeable boost in performance, offering up to 18% faster speeds and 15% better power efficiency compared to the previous Quad-Core Cortex-A53 CPU in the Xiaomi Mi Box S. Even if you’re not a techie, you’ll appreciate the difference in performance. Apps load faster, streaming is smoother, and navigation feels more responsive.
And speaking of upgrades, the addition of HDMI 2.1 will fix a major complaint from users of the previous model. The Xiaomi TV Box S now supports Dolby Vision Atmos, HDR10+, and DTS HD audio, which were all missing from the Mi Box S. Now, I can finally enjoy that stunning 4K Ultra HD content on Disney Plus and other streaming services without compromising on audio quality. I couldn’t have asked for more.
Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen)
$63.99
Xiaomi has also addressed the connectivity issue that plagued the Mi Box S by adding Miracast support in addition to Chromecast. This means I can seamlessly cast my content from any device, whether it’s my Android phone, tablet, or even your Windows PC. No more juggling different protocols or worrying about compatibility issues.
And let’s not forget about voice control. The integration of Google’s voice assistant remains as seamless and reliable as ever. I like the comfort of knowing all I need to know is hold the Google Assistant button down to request for my favorite shows, movies, and music.
- Xiaomi Mi Box S Review: Android TV on any TV for a decent price
- Top 5 new features of Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen
- Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen) Setup
The Good: Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen software with Google TV
If you’re upgrading from the Xiaomi Mi Box S with Android TV to the Xiaomi TV Box S with Google TV, prepare to be blown away. The software experience is a complete overhaul, and it’s about time. Even though the Mi Box S runs Android TV 12, it’s akin to having a watered-down version of Google TV.
Google TV is a breath of fresh air compared to Android TV. It’s smoother, more responsive, and just feels more polished overall. While Android TV 12 mostly focuses on cosmetic changes (the settings interface is still Android TV 9), the Xiaomi TV Box S with Google TV shares the same sleek interface as Chromecast with Google TV.
The Xiaomi TV Box S comes with some pre-installed software that I’ve grown quite fond of. The Media Player, and the Gallery apps are all incredibly lightweight compared to their Play Store counterparts, yet they perform just as well. The addition of Miracast personally sweetens the deal for me. I can confidently say that Miracast is one feature I use regularly to watch content without need for flash drives and whatnot.
One thing I found peculiar though, was the lack of easy access to the Google Play Store in Google TV. It’s so seamlessly integrated into the system that you rarely need to see the app itself. In Android TV, the Play Store is a separate app you open to update apps and browse for new ones. Well, you can do all that with Google TV from the apps tab, but it’s weird for me not to see the Play Store.
Let me say this straight-up. My experience with setting up the Xiaomi TV Box S Gen 2 using the Google Home app was less than stellar. And I tried it out more than once just for to see if it would work the next time. Either the device was invisible to the app or it stubbornly refused to connect to Wi-Fi. After spending over 30 minutes in a fruitless struggle, I threw in the towel and opted for the manual setup method.
The message I kept getting was a cryptic one: “ Your Google TV device was setup successfully but can’t be found. Make sure your mobile device and Google TV device are on the same Wi-Fi network .” I checked and rechecked, but everything seemed to be in order.
The setup process itself was also a bit of a drag, taking a whole ten minutes to complete. I’m not sure if it was due to my internet connection or just the overall setup process, but it was definitely a far cry from the speedy setup of the Mi Box S.
Price and Availability
The Competition: Chromecast with Google TV
Conclusion: A Streaming Device Worth Considering
The Xiaomi TV Box S makes a compelling case for upgrading from its predecessor, the Xiaomi Mi Box S. With support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, along with the inclusion of Miracast and an IR blaster remote, it’s a well-rounded streaming device that delivers exceptional value for money. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly streaming solution that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Xiaomi TV Box S is an excellent option. I highly recommend giving it a try.
Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen Specifications
Model: Xiaomi TV Box S Colors: Matte black OS Version: Google TV 11 Dimensions: 95.25mm x 95.25mm x 16.7mm Weight: 142g Max Display: 4K (3840 x 2160) 60FPS CPU/GPU: Quad-Core Cortex-A55 | ARM Mali G31 MP2 Memory: 2GB DDR4 RAM, 8GB eMMC ROM Connectivity: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth: 5.2 Decoder : Video decoder: 4K@60fps, Dolby Audio® and DTS-HD, Dolby Vision®, HDR10+
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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