After weeks of using the Mi Box S (2nd Gen) 2023 (MDZ-28-AA), I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This little box promises a lot: 4K Ultra HD streaming, Dolby Vision, and Google TV integration. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s dive in.

The Mi Box S boasts an impressive array of features. The most prominent is its support for 4K Ultra HD streaming with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for vibrant, detailed images. Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD audio support ensures a cinematic audio experience. The inclusion of Google TV provides a seamless and intuitive interface, making navigation and content discovery a breeze. The built-in Chromecast functionality allows for easy screen mirroring from your mobile devices.

The voice control via Google Assistant is surprisingly accurate and responsive, enabling hands-free control over various functions, from searching for content to adjusting the volume. The remote is comfortable to hold and features dedicated buttons for common actions, making navigation straightforward.

In terms of performance, the Mi Box S (2nd Gen) 2023 generally runs smoothly. The quad-core CPU handles most tasks without noticeable lag. Navigation through the Google TV interface is fluid, and app loading times are generally acceptable. 4K content streamed from various platforms, including Netflix and YouTube, looked stunning, with vibrant colors and sharp details. The Dolby Vision implementation noticeably enhances the viewing experience in darker scenes.

However, I did encounter some minor occasional buffering during peak streaming hours, particularly with higher bitrate 4K content. This wasn’t a consistent issue, but something to be aware of. Also, while the Google Assistant is generally reliable, it occasionally misinterprets voice commands.

Pros:

• Stunning 4K Ultra HD picture quality with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
• Immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD audio
• User-friendly Google TV interface
• Built-in Chromecast for easy screen mirroring
• Responsive voice control via Google Assistant
• Good value for the price

Cons:

• Occasional buffering with high-bitrate 4K content
• Google Assistant can sometimes misinterpret voice commands
• Storage space might be limiting for some users

Overall, the Mi Box S (2nd Gen) 2023 (MDZ-28-AA) is an excellent streaming media player, offering a compelling blend of features and performance at a competitive price. The 4K picture quality is exceptional, and the Google TV interface is intuitive and easy to use. While there are minor drawbacks such as occasional buffering and the occasional Google Assistant hiccup, these are outweighed by its many strengths. I highly recommend this device to anyone looking for an affordable upgrade to their home theater setup.