Mi Box 4K: This affordable device adds smart experience to boring screens



The Xiaomi Mi Box 4K is a peripheral device that adds smart capabilities — like internet connectivity, voice assistant and access to over-the-top (OTT) content — to non-smart televisions or monitors, when connected with high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port. Though there are several other devices offering a similar experience, such as smart set-top boxes and Amazon Fire Stick 4K, the Mi Box 4K is the only no-frills device that promises nothing more than adding smart utilities to supported non-smart screens.

How does the Mi Box 4K fare in comparison to other such devices, and which one is the best pick among? Let’s find out:

 Design
The Mi Box 4K is neither too big like set-top boxes, nor too little like the Amazon Fire Stick 4K. It is a palm-sized device with a squarish (rounded from corners) form factor. It has a dim-lit LED on the front that is hard to notice in good light conditions. Its back accommodates all its ports — HDMI port, full size USB port, power port and a 3.5mm audio out port. The ports at the back are placed far wide apart, making it possible to use all of them simultaneously. Overall, the Mi Box 4K has a minimal profile, which is good in a peripheral device. Though it is best suited for a table-top set-up, you can also put it on the television’s back like the Fire Stick 4K.



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