When Google presented its Google TV Streamer, two completely opposite realities emerged: it fulfilled my expectations and desires as a demanding and intensive user on the one hand and on the other hand it was a cold water jet for the general public, since it comes from the hand of the Chromecast goodbye, the good, nice and cheap TV device that I have recommended the most in my life.
So when someone asked me for a device to convert a TV into a Smart TV, had problems with the interface of their smart TV or lacked applications, my recommendation was clear: buy a Chromecast with Google TV, 4K if you have a TV with this resolution or HD if your TV is older or compact. Now and considering that the days of the Chromecast are numbered, What I will recommend will be the Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen): these are my reasons.
The good, nice and good device for television is now the Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen)
The first reason is clear: because I think Google TV is undoubtedly the best OS for television, which immediately leaves behind other candidates like Fire TV. I like it for its fluidity, options and intuitive interface, extras like the Chromecast function and it has the Google Play Store and a long list of apps.
The Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen) has features to satisfy competent TV watchers: it is capable of playing content in 4K resolution, it is compatible with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ content, as well as Dolby Atmos sound. So If you have a relatively current and decent model, you will be able to take advantage of its virtues.. But if you have an entry-level TV like mine, a 2020 TCL 4K 55″ Smart TV at 299 dollars is more than enough. And it’s not a bad idea: if I had to buy another TV next year, it would still be up to par.
It also has a good controller and the set top box format like Google’s streamer: I admit I would prefer it to be a dongle, but there is nothing better than better. This way it can accommodate more ports, such as a useful USB to connect a hard drive or an Ethernet adapter for a cable internet connection. In this sense, it improves the Chromecast with Google TV.
But back to the key issue: money. When someone asks for a device to improve their smart experience on their TV, it’s probably because they have an old or underpowered TV, but they don’t want to change it. Here money is an important issue and the reality is that Google’s new Streamer costs more than 100 dollars, an amount that few people will pay simply because the majority do not need more powerful hardware or more space and can do without Matter.
However, the Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd generation) has a recommended retail price of 69.99 dollars (like the old Chromecast with Google TV 4K) but is usually on sale for around 50 dollars. and that’s a very attractive price to renew your TV by spending just what you need and compete with Amazon’s bestsellers. Previously, it opted for minimalism and the Google experience, but the Menlo Park company has moved away from the average user with this strategy: now, the Xiaomi device has everything it needs to succeed in this segment.
Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen), 4K Ultra HD Streaming Media Player, 2GB RAM 8GB ROM Smart TV Box, Support Google TV, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD, Wireless Projection, Dual-Band-WLAN, Black
*Some prices may have changed since last review
Cover | Enrique Pérez (analysis of the original model in Xataka)
In Xataka Android | Chromecast is more than meets the eye: seven unusual uses
