Xiaomi has officially unveiled the TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) in the UK, bringing a refreshed streaming experience to homes looking for affordable yet powerful entertainment devices. Compact in size but loaded with significant upgrades, this streaming stick promises faster performance, smoother connectivity, and better picture and sound quality. Priced at £45.99, the device enters a competitive streaming market where it challenges Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Roku, and Google Chromecast.
The 2nd Gen version is not just a minor refresh—it represents a major leap in both hardware efficiency and software ecosystem, offering features like Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Google TV integration.
Sleek Design and Compact Build
The design of the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) reflects a minimalistic approach. Slightly larger than its predecessor, it still maintains a compact, portable form factor. Measuring about 107 mm in length and weighing only 44 grams, the stick discreetly fits behind your TV or monitor without drawing attention.
The matte black finish and subtle curves give it a premium look, while the device remains practical for frequent travelers who want to carry entertainment in their pockets. A Bluetooth-enabled remote accompanies the stick, featuring dedicated buttons, a built-in microphone for voice control, and a clean button layout for ease of navigation.
Hardware and Performance Upgrades
The biggest upgrade lies under the hood. Xiaomi has replaced the older processor with a 6nm quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU paired with an ARM G310 V2 GPU. This combination delivers around 80% more CPU power and an impressive 150% improvement in graphics performance compared to the first-generation model.
Although RAM (2 GB) and internal storage (8 GB) remain unchanged, the improved chipset ensures faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. While heavy gamers may find the limited storage restrictive, the performance leap is evident for everyday streaming and navigation.
Smarter Connectivity with Wi-Fi 6
Another standout feature is the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 support, a first for Xiaomi’s streaming sticks. This upgrade ensures stronger connections, reduced latency, and smoother playback—even in households with multiple devices connected to the same network. Whether streaming in 4K Ultra HD or switching between apps, Wi-Fi 6 minimizes buffering issues.
Alongside Wi-Fi, the stick comes with Bluetooth 5.2, allowing easy pairing with wireless headphones, speakers, game controllers, or even keyboards for added versatility.
Visual and Audio Experience
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) excels in delivering a cinematic experience. It supports 4K Ultra HD resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and AV1 decoding. This ensures that viewers enjoy richer colors, sharper contrast, and enhanced brightness for modern 4K TVs.
On the audio side, it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, enabling immersive soundscapes. From subtle background effects to booming action sequences, the stick delivers surround sound that rivals dedicated home theatre setups—provided users connect it to compatible audio systems.
Software: The Shift to Google TV
Perhaps the most significant software change is the transition from Android TV to Google TV. This marks the first time Xiaomi has integrated Google TV into its streaming sticks. The interface is cleaner, more intuitive, and designed to focus on content discovery rather than just apps.
Google TV organizes recommendations across multiple streaming services, curating them based on viewing habits. Pre-installed apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Prime Video ensure instant access to popular platforms, while thousands of other apps are available via the Google Play Store.
Users also benefit from Google Assistant integration, enabling voice commands for searching shows, adjusting settings, or even controlling smart home devices. Built-in Chromecast support makes it easy to cast content directly from smartphones, tablets, or laptops.
Installation and Ease of Use
Setting up the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) is quick and user-friendly. Simply plug it into a TV’s HDMI port, connect the included USB power cable, and follow on-screen instructions. Within minutes, the device is ready to stream.
The Bluetooth remote pairs instantly, and its dedicated buttons for voice commands and popular apps enhance navigation. For tech novices or those upgrading from older streaming devices, the process is seamless.
Price and Market Positioning
At £45.99, Xiaomi has priced the TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) slightly higher than its predecessor, which launched at around £33. However, the added performance boosts, Wi-Fi 6, and Dolby Vision support justify the price increase.
This pricing puts Xiaomi’s offering in direct competition with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which also features Wi-Fi 6 and Dolby Vision. However, Xiaomi’s stick stands out with its lightweight portability and integration of Google TV, making it a compelling option for users already invested in Google’s ecosystem.
Comparison with the Previous Generation
When compared to the first-gen Xiaomi TV Stick 4K, the improvements are clear:
- Processor: From older Amlogic CPU to a modern 6nm Cortex-A55 chip.
- Graphics: 150% faster GPU performance for smoother visuals.
- Connectivity: Upgrade from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6.
- Operating System: Switch from Android TV to Google TV.
- Video Quality: Addition of Dolby Vision for improved HDR.
While storage and RAM remain unchanged, the overall performance and user experience represent a noticeable upgrade.
Ideal Use Cases
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) is tailored for:
- Secondary TVs: Perfect for bedrooms or guest rooms where a full set-top box may not be necessary.
- Travel Enthusiasts: Its pocket-sized design makes it ideal for carrying on trips.
- Budget Streamers: Those looking for high-quality visuals and sound without spending on premium streaming boxes.
- Google Ecosystem Users: Individuals using Google Assistant and Chromecast will find it seamlessly integrates with their smart homes.
Community Reception
Early impressions from tech enthusiasts highlight the improved responsiveness, smoother playback, and more polished interface. The switch to Google TV has been particularly well-received, with users praising the content-first design.
However, some note that 8 GB of storage is modest, especially for users who download multiple apps or large games. Despite this, most agree that the combination of performance and affordability makes it one of the best budget-friendly streaming sticks currently available.
Summary of Key Specifications
| Feature | Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|
| Price (UK) | £45.99 |
| CPU | Quad-core Cortex-A55 (6nm) |
| GPU | ARM G310 V2 |
| RAM / Storage | 2 GB / 8 GB |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Video Support | 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, AV1 |
| Audio Support | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| OS | Google TV with Chromecast |
| Remote | Bluetooth with voice control |
Conclusion
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) is a major step forward in Xiaomi’s streaming lineup. With Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Google TV, it delivers a premium experience at a budget-friendly price. While its limited storage might hold back heavy app users, for the majority of households, it offers a near-perfect balance of performance, features, and value.
Compact, powerful, and user-friendly, it is set to become a popular choice in the UK for those seeking a reliable 4K streaming upgrade.
