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Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) Review: Tiny Box, Big 4K Upgrade with Google TV & Dolby Magic

Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)

The Brain Your Old TV Deserves

Let’s be honest. Your old TV deserves better. Not a funeral, but a second life—smarter, sharper, and louder. That’s where Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) comes in. A sleek 4K streaming box powered by Google TV, packed with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and the latest Wi-Fi 6—all in a device small enough to fit in your pocket.

Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)

Full Specifications

Operating System: Google TV™

Processor: Quad-core Cortex-A55 (up to 2.5GHz)

GPU: Mali G31 MP2

RAM: 2GB DDR4

Storage: 32GB eMMC

Video Output Resolution: Up to 4K @ 60fps

Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)

Video Decoding Support:

• Dolby Vision®, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

• AV1, VP9, H.265, H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-1

• Audio Decoding Support: Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X

Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)

Connectivity:

• Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz/5GHz)

• Bluetooth 5.2

Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)

Ports:

• HDMI 2.1

• USB 2.0

• 3.5mm Audio Out

• Dimensions: 95.25 × 95.25 × 16.7mm

• Weight: 142g

Remote: Bluetooth voice remote with dedicated buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube

Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)

Design & Build: Minimalism That Disappears Into Your Setup

The Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) is delightfully invisible—in the best possible way. Matte black plastic shell, ultra-slim profile, no flashy logos. It’s about as “plug and disappear” as tech gets. At just 142g, you could toss it in your backpack and never notice it’s there—perfect for travel or minimalist setups.

The remote is where the magic continues: light, ergonomic, responsive, and thoughtfully laid out. Google Assistant button front and center, plus instant access to your go-to apps. It’s a remote that actually feels smart.

Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)

Functionality & Interface: Google TV, the Smartest Interface Yet

Let’s talk interface—because Google TV is a big deal. It’s smarter than Android TV, curating recommendations across platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Prime Video into one clean home screen.

Here’s what you get out of the box:

Chromecast built-in: Cast videos from any device.

Google Assistant: Ask, search, or control with your voice.

Multiple profiles: Including dedicated kids’ profiles.

Content-first UI: No more jumping between apps.

You can even pair Bluetooth headphones or game controllers. And yes, it supports sideloading apps if you like to tinker.

Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)

Performance: Small Box, Surprisingly Mighty Brain

With a 2.5GHz quad-core Cortex-A55, the Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) handles 4K streaming with ease. From navigating the UI to switching apps, the experience is smooth and snappy. The Mali G31 GPU keeps visuals crisp and fluid—especially when you’re watching Dolby Vision content.

Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)

The real kicker? AV1 hardware decoding. That means better compression, less bandwidth use, and crisper quality—especially on platforms like YouTube and Netflix.

And let’s not forget the sound: Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X mean your living room just got a serious audio upgrade.

Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)

Why You Need It: One Box to Rule All Screens

This isn’t just for people with “dumb” TVs. I use it in my studio, where the smart TV’s UI is sluggish. Plug in the Xiaomi TV Box S, and suddenly everything is faster, cleaner, and more intuitive.

It’s perfect for:

Travelers: lightweight, portable, plug-and-play anywhere.

Home theater fans: full Dolby stack without the cost.

Minimalist setups: one remote, no clutter.

Students or Airbnb owners: an instant smart upgrade for any screen.

Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)

Price & Availability

• Retail Price: ~$69.99 USD

Availability: Global (Xiaomi.com, Amazon, AliExpress, major electronics retailers)

Included in Box: TV Box, Remote Control, HDMI Cable, Power Adapter, User Manual

Buy now on Xiaomi →

Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)

Final Verdict: Budget Streaming Royalty

The Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) is the streaming box I recommend to friends without hesitation. It’s a rare case of premium experience at a budget price, with none of the usual compromises. Whether you’re watching 4K HDR films, casting TikToks, or just bingeing Netflix, this box keeps up effortlessly.

Score: 9.2/10

Editor’s Pick — Best Google TV Box Under $100

Gadget Geek Says:

“It’s like giving your TV a software facelift, soundbar-grade audio, and a PhD in content discovery—without spending more than 70 bucks.”