The Mi Box 2 (MDZ-22-AG) promises a seamless 4K HDR streaming experience, and after spending several weeks putting it through its paces, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This compact black set-top box aims to deliver high-quality video and audio at an accessible price point. Let’s delve into the details and see if it lives up to the hype.

The Mi Box 2 boasts a range of features designed to enhance your viewing experience. The built-in Google Cast functionality allows for effortless streaming from your smartphone or laptop. The innovative voice-enabled remote is a real highlight, simplifying navigation and allowing for hands-free control. The inclusion of an HDMI 2.0a input port ensures compatibility with the latest display technologies, delivering crisp visuals and vibrant colors. The 18Gbps speed offers a notable improvement over older models, resulting in a more fluid and responsive viewing experience. The 4K decoding at up to 60 frames per second further contributes to this smooth performance. The device also comes with a surprisingly powerful CPU and GPU, hinting at surprising gaming potential.

In terms of performance, the Mi Box 2 generally delivered on its promises. 4K streaming was consistently smooth and sharp, with minimal buffering even during peak times. The voice commands on the remote worked accurately for most tasks, though there were occasional misinterpretations. Navigating the Android TV interface was intuitive and easy, with quick loading times for apps. I tested a variety of streaming services, including Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, and each performed admirably. While the device handled most tasks with grace, more demanding games occasionally resulted in slight lag. However, for casual gaming, it proved perfectly adequate.

The audio quality was also commendable, producing clear and well-balanced sound through my home theatre system. The upgrade to HDMI 2.0a is noticeable, resulting in a marked improvement in both image and sound clarity.

Pros:

• Excellent 4K HDR streaming performance
• Intuitive and responsive voice-enabled remote
• Smooth and user-friendly Android TV interface
• HDMI 2.0a for superior picture and sound quality
• Good value for money

Cons:

• Occasional voice command misinterpretations
• Slight lag in demanding games
• Internal storage might be limiting for heavy app users.

Overall, the Mi Box 2 (MDZ-22-AG) is a solid 4K HDR streaming device that offers excellent performance and value. While it has a few minor shortcomings, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The smooth streaming, user-friendly interface, and voice-enabled remote make it a joy to use. If you’re looking for an affordable way to upgrade your TV viewing experience, the Mi Box 2 is a highly recommended choice.