This review of the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K was done by Troy after using it regularly for a week. The product was bought from Amazon and this post is not a promotional endorsement for the device. The review covers both the advantages and disadvantages.
If you’re a TROYPOINT Patron or Founding Member, you can watch Troy’s First Impressions Video here.
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K is a compact streaming stick that easily connects to your TV through an HDMI port. These sticks are popular for their ability to be discreetly placed behind the TV and their affordability.
Xiaomi TV Stick 4K Review
This review of the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K will focus on its key features and address common questions from TROYPOINT fans. I won’t delve into every detail, as the highlighted features below should cover most aspects of the device.
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K is an Android TV streaming device that provides a good user experience with up to 4K HD resolution. It includes a Bluetooth remote for TV power and volume control.
Currently, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K is available on Amazon for $59.99. Interestingly, the price has risen from $53.99 in the past week. This device is globally available, and Xiaomi has recently started selling it in the United States.
Xiaomi TV Stick 4K Remote Control
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K remote control comes with basic buttons that get the job done. You will find the directional D-Pad, power button, Google Assistant button, Xiaomi TV+ launch button, back button, home button, volume up/down, Netflix, and Prime Video shortcuts.
This is a Bluetooth remote that works well and is very responsive.
When picking it up for the first time, it seems extremely cheap due to its light weight. However, it does perform as it should.
I’m not a big fan of the Xiaomi TV+ launch button on the remote due to the fact that this service is only available in certain regions of the world. Xiaomi TV+ appears to be duplicating the Pluto TV idea, but the quality of the app isn’t as good.
Soon I will provide a video that shows how to get this service working even if you aren’t located in an approved area. I will also provide instructions on how to remap the Xiaomi TV+ button so you can use it to open a different app on your device. I will update fans through my TROYPOINT Advisor once these two videos are ready.
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Google Voice Assistant on Xiaomi TV Stick 4K
Google Voice Assistant comes built into the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K and it works as it should.
Users can easily speak into the remote after clicking the Google Assistant at the top of the remote.
Google Assistant seems quick on this streaming stick and works well for querying applications in Google Play Store or asking questions that can be retrieved from the Internet.
The great thing about Google Voice Assistant is that it also works with most side-loaded apps, a nice feature we don’t see on Amazon Fire TV systems.
Xiaomi TV Stick 4K Available on Amazon
Included Xiaomi Apps
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K includes some apps specifically developer by Xiaomi.
Don’t get too excited as there’s not much here.
Mi Wallpaper
This basic application allows you to choose a different background for the user interface. Nothing special here in my opinion. It would be nice to have the option of uploading our own backgrounds.
Xiaomi TV+ Service
This is a free IPTV application that offers some off-brand channels. There’s not much to choose from here and shouldn’t be a selling point for the device by any means.
PatchWall
This is an application that aggregates your paid streaming services into one page. You can then browse through all of your services within one interface. I tried getting this to work with VPN and changing region, but it says it is not available in my country. There are other applications that allow for this, so not a big deal.
Xiaomi TV Stick 4K Download/Upload Speeds
I used the Analiti Speed test app for the following tests.
I have one GB Fiber download speed plan through my Internet Service Provider.
During the WiFi tests, I’m connected to the 5GHz band on my Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Router. This router resides in the same room as my Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (approximately 20 feet away from the wireless router).
I’m using Surfshark VPN as my VPN on Chicago Server.
VPN Off: Download = 226 Mbps & Upload = 110 Mbps
VPN On: Download = 72 Mbps & Upload = 43 Mbps
Running a VPN always slows down both download/upload speeds due to encryption and tunneling traffic through an outside server.
I would rate the download/upload speeds as good but they certainly aren’t great when compared to other streaming devices.This shouldn’t be a deal-breaker because you only need 20 Mbps to stream 4K content in reality. Anything above that is overkill and won’t help you stream smoothly. Many Android TV users prefer using a 3rd party launcher to eliminate the clunky ad-ridden user interface. It’s great to know that the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K supports 3rd party launchers through the Launcher Manager app.
Various 3rd party launchers and the Launcher Manager App can be easily installed via the free TROYPOINT Toolbox. Expanding storage on the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K seems to be possible, but some users may face issues with certain USB drives. It is recommended to avoid this if possible, as the power output may not effectively support expanding internal storage on these more affordable streaming sticks.