The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) is aimed at buyers who want Google TV in the smallest practical form factor. It supports the important mainstream 4K and HDR formats, moves to Wi-Fi 6 and is easy to hide behind a television. The compromise is straightforward: Xiaomi gives it only 8GB of storage.
Key specifications
- Google TV
- 2GB RAM and 8GB storage
- 4K output
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding support
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.2
- HDMI plus Micro USB power
- Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube listed as pre-installed
The real question is storage
Eight gigabytes is not automatically unusable. A buyer who mainly runs a handful of major streaming apps may be perfectly happy. But the operating system and updates consume part of the nominal figure, so people who install many apps have less breathing room than on a 16GB or 32GB device.
That is why ViewHarbour treats this as the compact option rather than the default value winner. The Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) and STRONG LEAP NOVA UK both offer 32GB, which is a meaningful difference for a primary TV.
Where it makes sense
- A secondary television with a fairly small app set
- A tidy setup where a box and HDMI cable would be inconvenient
- Travel or portable use where the stick form factor matters
- A buyer who specifically wants Google TV rather than Fire TV
Where we would spend more
For a main living-room TV, especially if you install many services, we would usually prefer a 32GB option. If you want the same stick-like idea but more storage, the STRONG LEAP NOVA UK is particularly interesting. If you do not mind a small box, Xiaomi’s own TV Box S (3rd Gen) gives you 32GB and a full-size USB port.
Setup details that matter
A stick is convenient because it can sit behind the television, but check the physical space around neighbouring HDMI sockets and allow for its power cable. Wi-Fi quality at the back of the TV also matters: Wi-Fi 6 is useful with compatible equipment, but the stick still depends on the router’s position, interference and the broadband connection. There is no built-in Ethernet, so buyers with a difficult wireless room should consider a box with wired networking.
How to decide between the Xiaomi stick and box
Choose the stick when the smallest installation is the priority and your app list is stable. Choose Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) when 32GB storage and a full-size USB port are more valuable than hiding the device. Both use Google TV, so the decision is mainly about capacity, connections and placement rather than learning a completely different interface.
Before you buy
- Check that every UK service you use supports the exact model.
- Confirm that 8GB is realistic for your current and future app list.
- Test or estimate Wi-Fi strength at the television.
- Allow space for HDMI and power connections behind the screen.
- Compare the current price with 32GB alternatives before deciding.
Where to buy
For current buying options, see our Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) device page. Check the exact model, availability and price with the retailer before ordering.
Official research sources
Compare before buying
Read the full Xiaomi TV Stick 4K device verdict, browse our best streaming sticks shortlist, or use the side-by-side comparison tool.
