When it comes to choosing a top-notch streaming device with 4K capabilities and Google TV OS, the decision often boils down to picking between the Chromecast with Google TV 4K and the newer Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen. In this article, we’ll delve into a detailed comparison of these two devices, weighing the pros and cons of these two devices based on their features, performance, and pricing, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your streaming preferences.
But wait, there’s more! We’ve already reviewed each device individually (check out the links below!), so you can dive deeper before making your final call. And spoiler alert! Both deliver a stellar entertainment experience, so don’t overthink it!
At the end of the day, this isn’t about picking the “best” – it’s about finding the perfect fit for you. And we all have different tastes, after all. So then, let’s get ready to rumble!
- Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen Review: A worthy upgrade to the Mi Box S
- Chromecast with Google TV Review: Undoubtedly the best $50 Android TV Streaming player
Chromecast with Google TV 4K vs Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen: Specs
| Model | Xiaomi TV Box S | Chromecast with Google TV (4K) |
| Colors | Matte black | Snow | Sunrise | Sky |
| OS Version | Google TV 11 | Google TV 12 |
| Dimensions | 95.25mm x 95.25mm x 16.7mm | 162mm x 61mm x 12.5mm |
| Weight | 142g | 56.7 g |
| Max Display | 4K (3840 x 2160) 60FPS | 4K (3840 x 2160) 60FPS |
| CPU/GPU | Quad-Core Cortex-A55 | ARM Mali G31 MP2 | Amlogic S905X3 SoC (Quad-Core Cortex-A55) | Mali-G31 MP2 |
| Memory | 2GB DDR4 RAM, 8GB eMMC ROM | 2GB DDR4 RAM, 8GB eMMC ROM |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth: 5.2 | Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth: 4.2 |
| Decoder | 4K@60fps, Dolby Audio® and DTS-HD, HDR10+, AV1 | Dolby Vision, VP9, HLG decode, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby audio pass-through mode |
Remote Control
Both devices wield Google Assistant for voice control and have a dedicated remote control button for the same. Both remotes also have dedicated buttons for Netflix and YouTube, along with Infrared support for seamless control of your TV and other devices. The shape of the Chromecast with Google TV is contentious.
Personally, I like the small size of the Chromecast with Google TV, although it can be slippery especially when using the volume buttons. Speaking of volume control, the Chromecast with Google TV doesn’t really have volume support of its own, and will always use the TV volume. Where this backfires is when you’re using the smartphone Google TV remote. You won’t find any volume buttons on the app which means if you misplace the physical remote, you can’t adjust the volume at all. Might I add that the Xiaomi TV box S 2nd Gen does have its own volume control and you can control your streaming device just fine with or without the physical remote.
Now here’s an odd thing about the Xiaomi TV box remote. The older Xiaomi Mi Box S remote supports taking screenshots, while the new one does not for some reason. We are hoping that it was simply an oversight during a Xiaomi update. That would have been a feature the Chromecast with Google TV remote doesn’t have, but alas.
Features
Both devices boast a familiar Google TV interface although the Chromecast with Google TV 4K now runs Android TV 12 while Xiaomi TV Box S is still languishing with Android TV 11. We will touch on the advantage this gives the Chromecast with Google TV later on in this writeup.
Feature-wise, the Chromecast with Google TV 4K goes big with support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG support, elevating your audio-visual experience. In addition, its USB Type-C port adds versatility for power delivery, Ethernet connectivity, and external storage through a compatible USB C hub if you have one lying around.
The Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen fall a little bit short in this regard. It doesn’t support Dolby Vision for starters. Its USB 2.0 port is limited to external storage which is quite handy regardless. The Xiaomi TV Box S throws its weight with AV1 video decoding, a modern codec that reduces bandwidth consumption and enhances video quality, something Chromecast with Google TV doesn’t support.
Secondly, the Xiaomi TV Box S supports both Chromecast and Miracast technologies in tandem whereas Chromecast with Google TV is stuck with its inhouse Chromecast technology when casting to the TV. I appreciate having both on the Xiaomi TV Box S4k 2nd Gen, something not even the Mi Box S has. For the significance of this, please refer to the link below.
A way the Chromecast with Google TV 4K one-ups the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen is that it has a hard reset button. This means that if the device freezes or malfunctions, you can easily restore it to its factory settings by pressing and holding the button for a few seconds. As for the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen, all you can do is navigate through the settings to get to the reset setting.
Read more
- How to Cast Windows 11 Desktop to Chromecast devices
- Chromecast vs Miracast: How the two wireless display technologies differ
Performance
Under the hood, both devices pack Quad-Core Cortex-A55 processors and 2GB of RAM, sufficient for most streaming tasks. Yet, the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen gains a slight edge with a faster GPU, featuring an ARM Mali G31 MP2 clocked at 850 MHz, compared to Chromecast with Google TV 4K’s 650 MHz.
Due to the fact that its running the latest Android TV 12, the Chromecast with Google TV 4K allows dynamic range matching, while Xiaomi TV Box S is stuck at always-on HDR, occasionally causing color accuracy issues. The picture will look washed out at times with this setting on and there is no turning it off at the moment. . My personal workaround is to knock down the color format from YCbCr 4:2:0 10-bit to YCbCr 4:2:0 8-bit on my Samsung CU7000.
Other than that, the performance is quite evenly matched for the most part. I have both the Chromecast with Google TV and the Xiaomi TV Box 2nd Gen hooked up to my TV on the same account, and most times, I can’t tell which device I am using until I dig around in the settings.
Price
For many, the deciding factor boils down to the price tag. The Chromecast with Google TV 4K offers a tempting $50, while the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen demands a bit more at $62. The $12 difference might not sway those unswayed by extra features, but for a richer streaming experience, the Chromecast might just be worth the premium.
Conclusion
The Chromecast with Google TV 4K and the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen are both good streaming devices that can offer you access to a lot of content and apps on Google TV OS. However, they also have some differences that might make one of them more suitable for your needs than the other.
If you are looking for a device that can still stream 4K content and has AV1 video decoding, you might want to go for the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen. But if you are looking for a device that can support more audio and video formats, has a USB Type-C port for added functionality, you might want to go for the Chromecast with Google TV 4K.
