UPDATED AUGUST 2026 · RESEARCHED GUIDE
The Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) is our current value benchmark for a mainstream Google TV box. Its biggest advantage is not an exotic feature: it simply combines a recognised platform, 32GB storage, Wi-Fi 6 and useful 4K/HDR support in a conventional box format without moving into Google’s premium tier.
If you are still deciding between ecosystems, see our Best Google TV Devices UK guide or use the Device Finder for a personalised shortlist.
Key specifications
- Google TV
- 2GB RAM and 32GB storage
- Up to 4K at 60fps
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Dolby Audio and DTS:X
- Wi-Fi 6 on 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth 5.2
- HDMI 2.1
- USB 2.0
- No built-in RJ45 Ethernet
Why 32GB matters more than it sounds
An 8GB device can be perfectly usable for a small app library, but the operating system, updates and cached data consume part of that figure before you install anything. Xiaomi’s 32GB allocation gives much more headroom and reduces the chance that storage pressure becomes the first reason you want to replace the device.
That is why we currently prefer this box to many cheaper sticks for a primary TV, provided you are comfortable with 2GB RAM. For more context, our 8GB vs 16GB vs 32GB streaming-device storage guide explains how those capacities affect everyday use.
Certification and mainstream app support
Xiaomi’s UK support material lists Google, Netflix HDR, Prime Video HDR and YouTube HDR among the device’s software certification tests. That is much more useful information than a generic marketplace listing that simply says “Android box” or quotes an Android version number.
The limitations
- 2GB RAM: adequate for streaming, but not a premium memory configuration.
- No built-in Ethernet: Xiaomi explicitly says RJ45 is not supported, so wired networking needs a different product or an accessory route.
- Only one USB 2.0 port: useful, but not a hub-like connectivity setup.
- Box rather than stick: less discreet than an HDMI stick behind the TV.
Who should buy it?
It makes the most sense for buyers who want a straightforward Google TV box, 4K HDR support and substantially more internal storage than an 8GB stick. If built-in Ethernet, 4GB RAM or smart-home hub features matter more, the Google TV Streamer is the stronger — but more premium — choice.
See our Google TV Streamer vs Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) comparison for the direct differences, or compare any two models on the ViewHarbour Compare page.
