Mi Android Tv Stick - Black

The Mi TV Stick is an Android TV OS-based video streaming dongle from Xiaomi that converts a non-smart TV into a smart TV, or for that matter, any TV into an Android TV. It runs the official Android 9 platform for TV and provides you with all the features available on certified Android TVs such as support for most OTT platforms, the Google Play Store to install more apps and Chromecast built-in to cast content from compatible apps on your phone or tablet to the TV. It is powered by a quad-core processor with Cortex A-53 cores and a Mali-450 GPU, and comes with 1 GB RAM and 8 GB of internal storage, of which 5 GB is available for your needs.It is a compact device, measuring just over 9 cm in length, and accompanied by a micro-USB charger to power it, user manual and a wireless Bluetooth remote control that accepts voice commands. The remote is minimalistic and very similar to the one you get on Xiaomi Smart TVs. It has hotkeys for Netflix and Prime Video in addition to the usual navigation keys and D-pad. The only difference being, the PatchWall key is replaced by a shortcut for the app library, which is a smart choice. There is no PatchWall UI here, and you only get the stock Android TV UI. You can use the MI TV Stick with any TV as long as it has a free HDMI port and you have a Wi-Fi internet connection at that location. The stick plugs into the HDMI port and is powered using a micro-USB charger. Alternatively, it can draw power from the USB port of the TV, if it can supply the necessary current. I suggest you stick to the charger/adapter.

The performance is fine. The official Android TV 9 OS with its stock UI is simple and easy to use. You have a row of your favourite installed apps, and you can add, remove or shuffle the shortcuts for more apps. Other rows display last played or suggested content from various OTT platforms. The Mi TV Stick comes preloaded with apps for Netflix, Prime Video and certain popular Google services. The Google Play Store gives you access to thousands of other popular apps that you can install as and when you need to.

The Mi TV Stick can stream videos up to 1080p Full HD resolution, and the content looks sharp with good colour production. The audio output is clean, and the stick is compliant with Dolby Audio and DTS. It has its own volume control and doesn’t sync with that of the TV’s master volume. The overall experience was lag-free across apps and services, with the exception of the Prime Video app. Navigating the app felt a tad sluggish, and videos take noticeably longer to start. Once started, however, there was absolutely no lag or stutter during playback.