Xiaomi has announced the launch of the Mi TV Stick.
The Mi TV Stick is priced at Euro 39.99 (Rs 3500 approx. directly converted).
The Fire TV Stick is priced at Rs 3,999
Xiaomi has launched the Mi TV stick globally. There is no India launch date and the price is a conversion of its Euro price tag. Nonetheless, it is an interesting device and is a direct competitor to the Fire TV Stick in India. With the launch of the Mi Box4K in India (review) we aren’t sure if and when the Mi TV Stick will launch. If you are looking for a comparison between the Mi Box 4K and the Fire TV Stick 4K you can check it out here. This is a comparison between the Mi TV Stick and the Fire TV stick to tell you which is the right 1080p streaming stick for you. This is a comparison based on the specifications and features the two devices bring.
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick vs Fire TV Stick: Price
The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is priced at Euro 39.99 (Rs 3500 approx. directly converted) whereas the Fire TV Stick is available at Rs 3,999 in India. The Fire TV stick is Rs 500 more expensive in India and we think that when Xiaomi brings the Mi TV Stick to India, it will be even cheaper than its global price. Why you ask? Because the Mi box 4K capable of outputting in 4K and HDR is priced at Rs 3499. So pricing the 1080p variant makes no sense. We think if and when the Mi TV stick comes to India, it will be at a disruptive price.
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick vs Fire TV Stick: Specifications
The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick has a Quad-core Cortex A53 CPU, Mali 450 GPU, 1GB RAM, and 8GB storage. The Fire TV Stick, on the other hand, has a Quad-Core 1.3GHz CPU and 8 GB storage. There is no mention of RAM on the official website. The Fire TV Stick comes with Bluetooth 4.1 + LE whereas the Mi TV Stick has Bluetooth 4.2.
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick vs Fire TV Stick: Apps Support
The Mi TV Stick has access to the Google Play Store while the Fire TV Stick has access to its own app store. Both the streaming sticks have all the popular OTT platforms including Netflix, Prime Video and many many more. For the popular OTT platforms, it is clear that they are on par. However, the Fire TV Stick supports Apple TV+ whereas there is no word on whether the Mi TV Stick supports it. It is one app, but if it is one you are looking at subscribing to or have a subscription off, then this is something you should know. The Google Play Store may have a larger catalogue of apps but sticking with the apps that one used with such a device including, Plex, internet browser, etc. both are at par.
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick vs Fire TV Stick: Smart Assistant
The Mi TV Stick comes with a voice-enabled remote control and so does the Fire TV Stick. The Mi TV Stick supports the Google Assistant and the Fire TV Stick supports Alexa. Based on your smartphone compatibility with each assistant, both of them can control your smart home devices.
Xiaomi Mi Tv Stick vs Fire TV Stick: Remote control
Both the devices bring with them minimalist remote controls. The Mi TV Stick has the same remote control found on the Mi Box 4K with hotkeys for Netflix and Prime Videos, whereas the Fire TV Stick has a mute button, something the former lacks.
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick vs Fire TV Stick: Formfactor and connectivity
Both devices have similar form factors. They fit in the HDMI port of the TV and hide behind the TV. It looks like the Mi TV Stick is slightly smaller than the Fire TV stick, but we reserve our judgement till we have the Mi TV Stick in our hands. On the Mi Global website, it doesn’t say if the device comes with an HDMI extender. You do get one with the Fire TV stick and it is handy as it leaves enough room for you to connect other devices to your TV. by itself, the Fire TV stick is thick enough to block an adjacent HDMI port. How the Mi TV Sticks fairs in this department is yet to be seen. Both devices have a MicroUSB port for power.
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick vs Fire TV Stick: Casting
The Mi TV Stick comes built-in with Chromecast support and the Fire TV Stick supports screen mirroring as well.
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick vs Fire TV Stick: Conclusion
On the specifications, there is no clear winner. The Fire TV is better integrated into the Alexa ecosystem whereas the Mi Box is more of a Google Assistant device. On paper, they both give each other tough competition. Both have the ability to stream content in 1080p and both have a robust OTT solution along with an easy to use UI.
If you are looking for a streaming device for a 1080p TV, on the specifications front, you can’t go wrong with either. We will take a closer look at the Mi TV Stick if and when it launches in India.
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Sameer Mitha
Sameer Mitha lives for gaming and technology is his muse. When he isn’t busy playing with gadgets or video games he delves into the world of fantasy novels. View Full Profile
