Quick Overview
- The Mi Box 4K’s remote is larger and more feature-rich, with dedicated buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Assistant, as well as a built-in microphone for voice commands.
- Both the Fire TV Stick and Mi Box 4K are powered by quad-core processors, but the Mi Box 4K has a slightly faster processor (2.
- The Mi Box 4K, on the other hand, has a built-in Chromecast, which allows you to cast content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV.
In the realm of streaming devices, two contenders stand out: the Amazon Fire TV Stick and the Xiaomi Mi Box 4K. Both offer a wide range of features and capabilities, making them popular choices for cord-cutters and entertainment enthusiasts alike. But which one is the better choice for you? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison of the Fire TV Stick vs Mi Box 4K to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Fire TV Stick is a compact and lightweight device, measuring just 3.4 x 1.7 x 0.5 inches and weighing a mere 1.3 ounces. It comes in a sleek black finish and features a minimalist design that blends seamlessly into any home entertainment setup.
The Mi Box 4K, on the other hand, is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 3.9 x 3.9 x 0.7 inches and weighing 5.1 ounces. It also has a more traditional set-top box design, with a matte black finish and a prominent LED light on the front.
Both devices come with a remote control, but there are some notable differences. The Fire TV Stick’s remote is smaller and more streamlined, featuring dedicated buttons for power, volume, navigation, and voice control. The Mi Box 4K’s remote is larger and more feature-rich, with dedicated buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Assistant, as well as a built-in microphone for voice commands.
Performance and Features
Both the Fire TV Stick and Mi Box 4K are powered by quad-core processors, but the Mi Box 4K has a slightly faster processor (2.0 GHz vs 1.7 GHz) and more RAM (2GB vs 1GB). This gives it a slight edge in terms of performance, especially when running demanding apps or games.
In terms of features, both devices offer a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. They also support 4K HDR video and Dolby Atmos audio, ensuring a premium viewing experience.
However, there are some key differences in the features offered by each device. The Fire TV Stick has a built-in Alexa voice assistant, which allows you to control the device, search for content, and even control smart home devices using your voice. The Mi Box 4K, on the other hand, has a built-in Chromecast, which allows you to cast content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV.
User Interface
The Fire TV Stick and Mi Box 4K both have user-friendly interfaces, but they have different designs and navigation styles.
The Fire TV Stick’s interface is based on Amazon’s Fire TV platform, which is known for its simplicity and ease of use. The home screen is divided into several rows, with the top row featuring recommended content and the bottom rows featuring categories such as apps, movies, TV shows, and live TV.
The Mi Box 4K’s interface is based on Android TV, which is known for its customization options and wide range of apps. The home screen is divided into three main sections: the top section features recommended content, the middle section features a list of apps, and the bottom section features a row of customizable shortcuts.
App Selection
Both the Fire TV Stick and Mi Box 4K have access to a wide range of apps, including popular streaming services, games, and productivity tools. However, there are some differences in the app selection between the two devices.
The Fire TV Stick has a wider selection of Amazon-exclusive apps, such as Amazon Prime Video, IMDb TV, and Amazon Music. It also has a larger selection of games, thanks to its integration with the Amazon Appstore.
The Mi Box 4K, on the other hand, has a wider selection of Android apps, including popular apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. It also has access to the Google Play Store, which offers a vast selection of apps, games, and other content.
Price
The Fire TV Stick is available in two variants: the basic model and the 4K Max model. The basic model retails for around $39.99, while the 4K Max model retails for around $54.99.
The Mi Box 4K is available in a single variant, which retails for around $49.99.
Pros and Cons
Fire TV Stick:
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Sleek and minimalist design
- Built-in Alexa voice assistant
- Wide selection of Amazon-exclusive apps
- Larger selection of games
Cons:
- Limited app selection compared to Android TV
- No built-in Chromecast
Mi Box 4K:
Pros:
- Larger and more feature-rich remote control
- Built-in Chromecast
- Wider selection of Android apps
- Access to the Google Play Store
Cons:
- Slightly larger and heavier design
- More traditional set-top box design
- No built-in Alexa voice assistant
The Verdict
Both the Fire TV Stick and Mi Box 4K are excellent streaming devices that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. The Fire TV Stick is a great choice for those who want a compact and affordable device with a wide selection of Amazon-exclusive apps and games. The Mi Box 4K is a great choice for those who want a more feature-rich device with a wider selection of Android apps and access to the Google Play Store.
Ultimately, the best streaming device for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as design, performance, features, user interface, app selection, and price to make an informed decision.
Top Questions Asked
1. Which streaming device has a better remote control?
The Mi Box 4K’s remote control is larger and more feature-rich, with dedicated buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Assistant, as well as a built-in microphone for voice commands.
2. Which streaming device has a wider selection of apps?
The Mi Box 4K has a wider selection of Android apps, including popular apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. It also has access to the Google Play Store, which offers a vast selection of apps, games, and other content.
3. Which streaming device is more affordable?
The Fire TV Stick is more affordable than the Mi Box 4K. The basic model of the Fire TV Stick retails for around $39.99, while the 4K Max model retails for around $54.99. The Mi Box 4K retails for around $49.99.