I found the two best-selling TV boxes: the Xiaomi Mi Box (3rd Generation) in first place, and the Nextstar Pro (2nd Generation) in second.
In this video, I’ll compare these two TV boxes for you, looking at:
- App launch speeds and general performance
- Design and technical specifications
- Whether the more expensive model is worth twice the price
- The advantages each one has over the other
This video is not sponsored by any brand, so your support is important. If you’re considering buying any of these products, using the links in the video description helps me create objective, comparison-based content like this.
Let’s get straight into the review.
Unboxing and Design
While the contents are similar, the Nextstar’s box is noticeably larger. Both devices come with an HDMI cable.
From a design perspective, the Xiaomi is clearly much thinner and has a slimmer profile.
- Xiaomi Weight: 92g
- Nextstar Weight: 106g
In terms of material quality, the Xiaomi feels a slight bit more premium.
Ports and Connectivity:
- Xiaomi: Power input, HDMI, USB 2.0.
- Nextstar: Power input, HDMI, Optical audio out, Ethernet port (100 Mbps), USB 2.0, and a Type-C port.
Verdict: The Nextstar has a clear advantage in port variety and connectivity. Neither device showed significant heating issues during 24-hour tests.
Hardware and Technical Specifications
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi Box | Nextstar Pro |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz |
| Android Version | Android 14 | Android 12 |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, Dolby Vision | HDR10+ |
| Audio Support | Dolby Atmos, DTS | Dolby Atmos, DTS |
| GPU | Newer architecture (Better for gaming) | Older architecture |
Key Takeaways:
- The Xiaomi has a more modern CPU and GPU. I estimate its processing power is nearly 1.5x to 2x that of the Nextstar, which is beneficial for gaming and demanding apps.
- The Xiaomi runs a newer version of Android.
- A significant advantage for the Xiaomi is Dolby Vision support, provided your TV also supports it.
Performance & Speed Tests
General Navigation:
The Xiaomi booted slightly faster. In menu navigation, the Xiaomi feels a bit smoother and more fluid, but the difference is not dramatic. A standard user might not even notice, but an advanced user would see the Xiaomi is more responsive.
