There are plenty of hardware choices out there, making it challenging for an average consumer to know which one they should add to their shopping cart. Two of the much-anticipated options which we’ll be going to compare today are none other than the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Mi Box TV.
Both of them have created hype since the moment they stepped into the market. These are equipped with tons of features, hence giving a cut-throat competition to each other.
Trying to figure out whether you should invest in the stick or a box? This comprehensive guide will surely help you to make an informed decision. Our experts have compared all of their pros and cons, and additional features to give you a rounded view. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
A Quick Overview Of Amazon Fire TV Stick and Mi Box TV
Before we get into the final comparison, let’s find a quick description of these media devices to get a better understanding.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
It is a small yet powerful media streaming plug-in device, that turns any screen into digital signage. Amazon Fire TV Stick is fast and easy to set up; hence doesn’t require any expertise or external help. It plugs directly into your screen’s HDMI port, thus accessible to anyone with a TV screen and internet connection.
Mi Box TV
Powered by Android TV, this box makes for an affordable and robust device to fulfill your streaming needs. It makes it easy to cast to your device with Chromecast built-in. Mi Box TV is a powerful streaming device that can be connected to any television with an HDMI port. It allows users to access various apps and streaming services and watch content at up to 4K resolution.
Which One is Better For Streaming - A Detailed Comparison
While both streaming devices are packed with tons of features, there are certain differences between the two that might influence your buying decision. So, if you are still thinking about which media device is worth spending on, then scroll down the page and find the detailed comparison that will help you make the appropriate choice.
Set-up
Speaking of the set-up, both devices fall into the plug-and-play category, which makes them pretty easy to install. However, there’s a slight difference between their set-up that should be kept into account. Amazon Fire TV Stick can accept power directly from your TV’s USB port whereas Mi Box can be supported only via its standard charger.
Moreover, Firestick comes with a built-in Alexa, which makes it a great addition if you are into voice control. On the contrary, Mi Box TV has a built-in Chromecast, that allows you to issue commands using Google Assistant.
Hardware & Software
One must be well-acquainted with the hardware and software specifications of these media devices before making a final choice.
The Mi Box TV features an Amlogic 2.0 quad-core processor, paired with 8GB internal storage and 2GB RAM. On the contrary, Amazon Fire Stick 4K is powered by a quad-core 1.7Ghz processor, coupled with an 8GB internal storage for apps and 1.5GB RAM.
The Mi Box runs on Android TV 9 Pie Mi stick vs fire stick and enables access to over 5,000 apps and games whereas the Fire Stick uses Fire TV OS, which gives access to apps and services available on the dedicated app store for Fire TV, including the Apple TV app.
But since Firestick and Mi Box support 4K HDR, the hardware differences are not a serious matter of concern, when it comes to choosing between the two. However, their software specifications might influence your choice. Although both streaming devices are capable of handling HDR content, the Fire Stick has a slight advantage in this area. It comes with Dolby Vision Support, which can make a difference if you have a high-end TV that supports Dolby Vision.
Additionally, the smart home ecosystem that you are committed to can be the deciding factor. While Mi Box TV is associated with Google’s ecosystem and runs the Android interface, fire stick has built-in Alexa that seamlessly connects to Amazon’s Echo devices.
Usage
If you have space constraints and a limited digital signage setup, then perhaps Amazon Fire TV Stick might be the better option. As mentioned earlier, you can simply power your stick through your TV’s USB port, whereas you would need a separate outlet to power the Mi Box TV.
However, the Fire Stick is not capable of handling proxy networks, which in turn impacts your decision.
Price
It’s no wonder that price is the major differentiating element that can influence your purchase decision. As far as the price is concerned, Xi Box TV is clearly a much more affordable option compared to the Fire Stick, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious buyers.
However, the fire stick comes with several additional perks, like Dolby Support, easy usage, and access to more apps, which makes it worthy of a price.
Choose the best device for you
That’s it, folks!! Whether you are investing in the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Mi Box TV, make sure that your chosen media device perfectly caters to your streaming needs and fits your budget well.